Blog Posts

Message from the Race Office

17/12/2024

It is clear that the racing on Thursday nights has become closer as the SailSys handicap system has evolved. This has led to greater intensity at the finish. There have been a number of rule breaches in recent weeks that are not only a display of poor sportsmanship but could be quite dangerous.

We have a mixed fleet of sailors with varying degrees of skill, so it is very important that all boats keep a proper lookout for other competitors.

Be aware that the speed differential between boats can be significant.
Obey the rules at all costs, and if that means you lose multiple places or even leads to you missing the finish line SO BE IT.
Keep well clear of all boats after you finish.
Lodge a PROTEST if you are infringed.

Our new cameras will help us make decisions accordingly.
Regards, Race Committee

MYC Members take on Sydney to Hobart

10/12/2024

Stuart Hutchison and Tim Donnellan are racing in the Sydney to Hobart. Both are members of Mornington Yacht Club. Stuart has sailed on Antipodes for the past 9 years and Tim for 5, they have a crew of 18 and are very pleased to be selected again for this year's Hobart. They have trained and done many lead up races for the selection - Tim is helm and trim & Stuart is foredeck.

Antipodes is a Hong Kong based yacht now sailing in Australia for the last 2 years. She normally races in Asia and does very well for an older boat, weighing 15 tonne and is 72 foot long.

Stuart and Tim are a great team and will hopefully do well this year - they have asked for as many of you to follow & cheer them on! Tim and Stuart are both there for the same reason; to race hard and enjoy the sea. They would like to thank Mornington Yacht Club for supporting all types of yacht racing.

Tune in here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-R__B766Vc

And on the race tracker Live Tracker: https://bwps.cycaracing.com/tracker/

Info on Antipodes....

Antipodes Geoff Hill’s Santa Cruz 72
This is the third time Antipodes will compete in the 2024 Rolex Sydney to Hobart, following its debut in 2022.
Compared to current 72-footers, Antipodes is significantly heavier, having been designed in the 90s as an offshore racer-cruiser.
Since rebuilding the boat in 2019, we have sailed over 250,000 miles, competing in iconic races such as Antigua Race Week and the Rolex China Sea Regatta.
We campaigned Antipodes in Asia from 2012 to 2020, as well as in Northern Australia, where we hold the race records for both the Darwin to Ambon and Darwin to Dili races. More recently, we competed in the inaugural Sydney to Auckland race, taking line honours and setting the race record..
We really enjoy racing out of the CYCA and find it much more competitive than in Asia. Our success is almost solely due to our crew of ‘Antipodeans,’ who have built a strong bond. Our long-standing crew includes Alan Tillyer, Angel Balladares II, Roger Segovia, and Cornelios Olis from the Philippines, who have been with the boat for over ten years.
This year, we competed in the Sydney to Gold Coast Race, Gold Coast to Mackay Race, and Airlie Beach Race Week Regatta before returning to Sydney for the iconic Blue Water Series.
Geoff Hill was recently awarded the 2023 Australian Ocean Racing Championship for the most miles sailed in 2023.
Below are some recent articles on Antipodes:
Sydney to Hobart | Investment banker Geoff Hill’s 20th race aboard Antipodes II
Chasing titles and records in Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025 - MySailing
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2024
Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race 2023 (cycaracing.com)
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2023

Sail4Stroke Update!

27/11/2024

Tomorrow night is looking to be a fantastic evening, please see below for an update.....

Sausages and burgers will be available before sailing and for this week only the BBQ will be running AFTER sailing for sausages $3 each. So, follow your nose & grab a snag for a good cause!

Choc Tops will be available to purchase from the BBQ tomorrow for $4 - yey!

Skippers! Just a friendly reminder for your crew to please bring along some cash/card to contribute towards your boat's donation. This is greatly appreciated.

Lady Soul - Ash & Leigh, The Lady Soul acoustic duo have DONATED their time to this event and will be performing into the evening.

Jessica Watson, the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop around the world at 16, will be here for a Q&A session. Starting after Sailing - around 7.30pm.

We have some great silent auction items thanks to those of you who generously donated. CLICK HERE for the full listing and see below for a bit more info. on some of them:

**Regatta** Painting on recycled sailcloth 150cm x 100cm.
Value $1,550 (reserve price $600) DONATED by Andrew Young

**Bathroom Package** Posh Solus Freestanding Bath + Mizu Soothe taps.
Value $2,200 (reserve price $300) DONATED by Scott Doughty

**Expresso Coffee Machine with grinder** Sunbeam Barista Max.
Value $550 (reserve price $80) DONATED by Harvey Norman, Mornington

**Painting** "Blue Gratitude" 150cm x 100cm
Value $2,000 (reserve price $750) DONATED by Catherine Lawlor, a local Mornington Peninsula abstract expressionist artist who produces large scale bold, bright works! She is represented in many private and public collections in Victoria, across Australia and in Ireland!

**4wD/Car Mats** (can be exchanged for a different size)
Value $250 (reserve price $50) DONATED by Mudtamer

We also have some great Raffle Prizes to be won - CLICK HERE for the list.
TICKETS are available to purchase from the office or on the night $5 for 1, $10 for 3 & $50 for 7. If you can't make it tomorrow night & would like to be part of the raffle, no problem - just let the office know by 5pm tomorrow and pay over the phone!

A thank you goes to our generous members; Andrew Young, Scott Doughty, Andy Parker, Maurie Edgington, and Catherine Lawlor for their contributions. We'd also like to extend our gratitude to Tim Dawson from Harvey Norman Mornington, Paul Wittwer from Balnarring Foreshore Parks and Reserve, Four Pillars Distillery, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, and Mudtamer for their gifts.

A shout-out goes to our sponsor, Brett from Belle Property, who'll be lending a hand with the Silent Auction, and to Ash & Leigh from Lady Soul for kindly donating their performance.

Thank you to Jessica Watson for her support to Glenn and the Stroke Foundation through her commitment to engage in a Q&A session at the club, adding a special touch to our event!

Finally, congratulations to Glenn for his amazing efforts in making this event bigger & better each year. Your efforts are appreciated, Glenn!

We are looking forward to tomorrow, however if you can't make it to the club, please show your support and donate to the Sail4Stroke event via the below link - thank you!

Donate to the Sail4Stroke NOW!

Sail4Stroke Event!

27/11/2024

We have some FANTASTIC silent auction items and raffle prizes for this event! If you can't make the 28th November, but would like to purchase raffle tickets or put on a bid for an item, please let us know!

Kick off your Christmas Celebrations with us!!

22/11/2024

Just a quick update about our upcoming Christmas Party at the Yacht Club / Rocks. To ensure we have enough food for everyone, we're asking for your meal choices by Tuesday, 26 November, 3pm.

**Please note, this will be the only food served during the event**.

While ticket bookings will continue until Friday, securing your spot as early as possible will be a big help in our planning.

A huge thank you to those who've already confirmed their attendance - we can't wait to share a fun-filled evening with you!

Let's spread the joy - remind your friends to book their tickets and join us for a fun evening.

Let's kick off our Christmas Celebrations together!
BOOK HERE>

Sail to Empower Little Hearts - Children's Bioethics Centre Charity Sail 2024

15/11/2024

Everyone is invited, whether you are an experienced sailor or a newbie, this event is for you! Get ready to set sail for a great cause!

WHEN : Fri 29 Nov, 10am - 4pm
WHERE: Sandringham Yacht Club

Set Sail for a day of excitement and heart-felt giving at the "Children's Bioethics Centre - Charity Sail"

For a special price, please use the special promo code ; FRIENDS10 when booking via the below link :)

INFO + BOOK TICKETS HERE

Capel Sound Aviso Speciality Long Distance Race!

13/11/2024

**Long Distance Race Series Sponsor!**
With the first of our Long Distance races this Saturday to Capel Sound we would like to thank Aviso Speciality for their ongoing support to the club by sponsoring this series.

Remember to contact Tom for all your insurance needs, and be sure to mention that you are a MYC member!

Bon Voyage!

Little Library @ MYC

13/11/2024

We now have our own "Little Library"! Members can come along and swap or share a book to read. You're encouraged to take a book, and in return, you can leave one in its place, but you don’t have to, and you don’t have to return it!
Little Libraries are a window into the mind of a community; books come and go; no-one needs to check them in or out. People can simply reach in and take what interests them; when they are done, they can return them, or they can pass them on to friends.
The Little Library is located in the downstairs trophy cupboard at the entrance to the club.
Thanks Mary Young

Tuesday Steak Night!

13/11/2024

We'd love to have you join us after a sail (or just for the meal if you don't sail!).
To ensure we have enough steaks for everyone, kindly make your booking through the office. Thank you :)

Sail 4 Stroke Event_with Jessica Watson_28 November 2024!!

13/11/2024

It is not long until we have our Sail 4 Stroke event here at MYC with special guest Jessica Watson, and we need your support to make this a fantastic event.

There is no charge for our members, and just $15 for any guests. For staffing purposes please can you book in VIA THIS LINK.

Glenn has been a great support to the club, consistently running our Friday night raffles for a while now. Let's show him our gratitude by getting together and help raise funds and awareness for the Stroke Foundation.

ALL funds on this night will go towards the Stroke Foundation, and if you can't make it on the 28th, donations made directly to the Stroke Foundation are very much appreciated. CLICK HERE TO DONATE - Sail4Stroke.

Please pass this email on to anyone that would be interested in coming along - the more the merrier!!

Thank you for your support :)

Capel Sound Race Special Sailing Instructions released

12/11/2024

The Special Sailing Instructions for the 2024/25 Season Capel Sound Race are now available for viewing and download via the Club Racing Season Headquarters page on the MYC Website.

The HQ page can be found by clicking 'Club Racing' from the the 'Sailing' menu on our website or by clicking here

ORCV NEWS

12/11/2024

West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint (Saturday 23 November)
The West Offshore Coastal Sprint races kick-off in just a couple of weeks! The second of three coastal sprints on the ORCV calendar, the race on Saturday 23 November will see crews start at Queenscliff and compete over a 55nm course that will have you home before dark. The Coastal Sprint races have been designed as short-distance ocean sprints to provide a crew development pathway for longer ocean races and as a stand-alone coastal racing program. Enter here:
www.orcv.org.au/coastal-sprints

Ronstan Cock of the Bay (Thursday 26 December)
What better way to spend your Boxing Day than competing in one of the most iconic events on the Australian sailing calendar! The traditional course of approx 21nm starts near Station Pier in Port Melbourne and is designed to sail past major bayside locations for sailors and spectators alike to view. Some say there is no better way to work off the excesses of Christmas the day before! Enter here:
www.orcv.org.au/cock-of-the-bay

Melbourne to Hobart ‘Westcoaster’ (Friday 27 December)
The ORCV ‘Westcoaster’ is a legendary yacht race where tactics and sailing well can crown you as the race champion, regardless of boat size. Across the 435nm passage, yachts contend first with Bass Strait before taking on the wilderness and ruggedness of the West Coast of Tasmania and the long ocean swell of the Southern Ocean before turning towards the finish line and the shifting winds of the Derwent. For more than 50 years, the Westcoaster has provided sailors with a unique race full of tactical challenges. Early-bird entries close on 10 November! Enter here:
www.orcv.org.au/hobart

Melbourne to Port Fairy (Friday 14 February)
For 2025, the ORCV’s traditional race to the historic and picturesque port of Port Fairy has been rescheduled to mid-February, taking advantage of more favourable weather conditions and providing a feeder race for yachts planning participate in the 75th Adelaide to Port Lincoln race.
The 135 mile course runs SW from Queenscliff past the coastal resorts of Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, before rounding Cape Otway and entering the southern ocean. It’s also Valentines Day, so what better what better way to celebrate your one true love – sailing! Enter here:
www.orcv.org.au/port-fairy

Safety and Sea Survival Courses (Sunday 1 December)
Register for ORCV’s Safety and Sea Survival Courses on Sunday 1 December! As well as ensuring your boat has the required number of certified crew, these courses allow you to confidently support your Skipper and other crew members by gaining a deeper understanding of safety and survival. December’s course is your last chance to obtain certification before the Melbourne to Hobart race, so check your currency, and register for the refresher or full course below.
www.orcv.org.au/calendar

Congratulations Wayne

7/11/2024

From Wayne:

I have two pieces of amazing news to share.

Firstly, I am humbled to be one of four finalists for the 2025 Australian of the Year - Victoria. The awards ceremony is being live streamed tomorrow night at 7.15pm and you can view it here.

Secondly, today the news has broken that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce that he is raising the age of access to social media to 16 in Australia.

Premiers across the country will convene for a special meeting tomorrow to give it national sign off.

I lost my beautiful boy Mac to suicide following sexual extortion a year ago when he was just 17.

The raising of the age is a change that I have joined NewsCorp to fight for through their #letkidsbekids campaign over the past few months.

Some people are unsure if it will work. While it is not a silver bullet, it will make a significant difference and if it saves even one life, it’s worth it.

Education at schools will be extremely important too and this is something that S mackTalk will continue to champion and provide.

Thank you for ongoing support of S mackTalk.

Together we can save lives.

With love and gratitude
Wayne (Mac’s Dad)

Notice to Competitors #1 for Tuesday Twilight Series has been published

23/10/2024

Notice to Competitors #1 for the Tuesday Twilight Series has been published.

The Notice is available on the Tuesday Twilight Series Official Notice Board - accessed via the Season's Racing HQ page...bit.ly/47CtUBt

Petersville Regatta

22/10/2024

Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron is happy to announce entries are open for the annual Petersville Regatta, December 27-30 in the pristine waters off Blairgowrie and surrounds.

Free marina berthing for the event with option to stay on.
Join us for this family friendly event.
Limited to 39 visiting boats and will fill fast.
NoR and more info at petersvilleregatta.com.au. or call Race Director Phil Beattie on 0408 502 698

Chatty Cafe need your help!

22/10/2024

The Chatty Café Scheme Australia relies on donations and partnership funding to continue its vital work in reducing loneliness and social isolation across the country. Without adequate funding, we risk leaving many people without the opportunity to engage, share, and combat loneliness. Your support can make a real difference in helping us sustain and grow this important initiative.
Donations above $2 are tax deductible.
Every dollar makes a difference! https://chattycafeaustralia.org.au/donate/

MYC Season 2024/25 Sailing Instructions now released

11/10/2024

The Sailing Instructions for MYC Season 2024/25 have now been released.

Head over to Season racing HQ by clicking here to view these items and more...

Season 2024/25 NoR released & Season Entry now open

4/10/2024

The Notice of Race for MYC Season 2024/25 has been released.
Online entry for the season has now opened.
Head over to Season racing HQ by clicking here to view these items and more...

Compulsory briefing on the upcoming season!

1/10/2024

ATTENTION SKIPPERS & BOAT OWNERS

Compulsory briefing on the upcoming season will take place next Friday 4th October 2024 at 1800 hours.

For Keelboats and Trailable Yacht fleets, MYC will conduct (1) briefing at 1800 hours on Friday 4th October
2024. It is compulsory for the skipper or the person in charge of each boat entered to attend this briefing and register their attendance on the night by signing the attendance sheet.

Exciting News: Australian Sailing Award Winners!

25/9/2024

The Victorian Sailing Awards Night was held on Friday night. This event celebrates the sailing community and all the amazing people who make it so special, from inspiring sailors to the dedicated volunteers and passionate coaches.

MYC is so proud to have had an amazing 3 award winners!!
Very deserved Congratulations goes to:
Graeme Taylor, 2024 Male Sailor of the Year Winner
Team Ginan, 2024 Team of the Year Winner
Rhett Gowans, 2024 Coach of the Year Winner

Graeme has had an extraordinary 2023-24 season, clinching the coveted Etchell World Championship and dominating several international Etchell events. His remarkable skills extend beyond one design fleet racing, making him a key member of the Andoo Comanche team in offshore racing.

Team Ginan has dominated the ocean racing circuit this season, securing top placements in major events like the Melbourne to Hobart, King Island Race, and Sovereign Series. Their commitment to youth sailing and fostering the next generation of sailors makes them a standout team both on and off the water.

Rhett Gowans has been a driving force behind the success of Victorian ILCA sailors, coaching athletes to top finishes at national and international championships. His dedication to coaching youth and master sailors across Victoria makes him a standout leader in sailing development.