Winning Appliances 56th Sabot Nationals

3rd - 7th January saw 65 Sabots and family supporters descend on VA12SC for the Winning Appliances Sabot National Championships and Shipway Sabot Week.

With teams travelling from as far away as Townsville the pressure was on to deliver. And deliver the club did!

From the moment the regatta started there was something special in the air. The energy, excitement and quite frankly almost ludicrous levels of commitment from the volunteers was amazing! The club had it’s mojo and it was rockin’!

Mother nature rose to the challenge, delivering every kind of condition from fickle five knots to 20+ knot southerlies, testing the mettle of the competitors and ensuring that only the worthy won.

The new kitchen was given a serious run for it’s money, producing vast volumes of food for the perpetually hungry competitors. And the boat parks at Gibsons and Kutti beaches were a whirlwind of energy. The daily war cries from the different zone teams kept reminding us this was serious business with no prisoners for the taking!

After four days of epic racing (and eating), the whole regatta community descended on the Watsons Bay Hotel for the prize giving. With the Sunset Room bursting at the seams, yet more food was devoured, the trophies were awarded, speeches were made and the regatta was officially, and very successfully, concluded.

To all those that donated time, money or resources, on behalf of the club a very heartfelt thank you. You all made it amazing.

A very special thank you must go to the Regatta Director, Kate O’Loughlin, who along with husband David, worked incredibly hard for most of 2019 to make the regatta the success it was. Their commitment was phenomenal. As was the regatta they delivered.

Sarah Silverton’s fabulous regatta photos can be viewed here

Regatta results available here

Term 1 - Sunday Morning Sailing School

The Sunday Sailing School kicks off again on Sunday 2nd February.

If you would like your child to participate please register them by 15th January 2020.

For all those that sailed in Term 4, you will need to re-register for Term 1 coaching, unless your child was in the race fleet (race fleet coaching fees cover Terms 1 & 4).

If you have any questions about the Sailing School courses please contact Jules Hall on sailingschool@va12sc.org.au.

Otherwise, please book here

January Holiday Camps

We already have quite a few kids registered for the January holiday camps (13 - 17 Jan & 20 - 24 Jan)

If you’d like your kids to participate please book them in ASAP.

Camp details and link to booking here

Dick Winning Fun Day

Last Sunday was the annual Dick Winning Fun Day. A day of many highlights, but perhaps most importantly, the one day you are allowed to swim from the deck.

There were swimming races, tug of war challenges, slippery poles. treasure hunts, sailing races and a cheeky visit from the big man, Santa.

All in all a lot of fun and a fitting conclusion to the Term 4 Sunday sailing program.

Holiday Camps

With the Christmas holidays practically upon us, it’s time to lock in for the holiday camps.

We have camps running on the following dates:

16th - 20th Dec 2019 (choose 5,4 or 3 day camp)

13th Jan - 17th Jan 2020 (choose 5,4 or 3 day camp)

20th Jan - 24th Jan 2020 (choose 5,4 or 3 day camp)

For members the camps at $100/day (bargain!!).

We also welcome non-members - holiday camps are a great way for kids to have a first go at sailing before committing to a full term of lessons

Full details and booking links here.

Social media - we'd love your support...

We are gearing up to promote our holiday camps and sailing school this year and we’re looking for your help. If you (your kids) have participated in previous holiday camps and sailing school programs we would love for you to provide a review of your experience on our Facebook page. Even if it was a little while ago, we would really appreciate you leaving your review as this will help give others a better view of our club.

To leave your review on Facebook simply click here. Select ‘yes’ in the Do you recommend Vaucluse Amateur 12ft Sailing Club? And then you will be prompted to leave your recommendation.

If you haven’t already, we’d like to invite you and any socially connected kids to follow us on our socials! We’ll have regular updates about the club and activities.

Instagram: @VA12_SailingClub

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/va12sc/

Head of the Harbour Sabot Regatta

This Sunday VA12SC is hosting the annual Head of the Harbour Sabot Regatta.

Regatta details and online entry can be found here.

We expect a reasonable turn out from other clubs, heading over to test our waters ahead of the Winning Appliances Sabot Nationals in January. If your kids sail a Sabot - sign ‘em up!

Sailing School activities will be going ahead as normal.

Sabot Week vs Sabot Nationals. What's the difference?

You may have noticed reference to the Shipway Sabot Week as well as the Winning Appliances Sabot Nationals. Why? Well, they’re different events, but they run at the same time. Kate O’Loughlin explains the difference:

What is Sabot Week?

The Sabot Week Regatta is great for kids just starting out, as they can compete against other sailors of similar ability.

They race for prizes and trophies, just like in the Nationals Championship, but without the pressure of an experienced fleet bearing down on them.

It is not only rewarding for the newcomers to the sport, but also for the families and coaches who are encouraging them to enjoy sailing.

The Shipway Sabot Week will be held during the mornings from 2nd-7th January.  Races are due to commence at 10am with up to 2 races per day.  You can then either choose to have the afternoon off or hang out & watch & get some tips from the National fleet who will sail in the afternoons.

Prizes will be awarded daily for winners and sportsmanship.

What are the Sabot Nationals?

The Sabot Nationals are for more experienced sailors both 1 up and 2 ups.  If you are planning on competing in the Nationals it is preferable you have competed at least at State level & have experience sailing in larger fleets.

Racing will be held in the afternoons from 2nd-7th January.  Races are due to commence at 1.30pm with up to 3 races per day. 

Each day various off water activities are held to enable the young sailors to not only build their sailing skills but also their social skills. Sailors represent their state team and there is friendly rivalry between the states with each team regularly singing their ‘war cry’ during the event. There is an inclusive atmosphere which is enjoyed by all.

Dates & Details

Sabot Week and the 56th Sabot National Championships are being held at VA12SC from 2nd - 7th January 2020. Enter here

Xmas Holiday Camps

Yes, it’s that time of year already!

This year we have holiday camps running the following weeks:

16th - 20th Dec 2019

13th Jan - 17th Jan 2020

20th Jan - 24th Jan 2020

Courses are open to members and non-members alike, so please pass the details onto friends outside the club who might be interested in registering their kids.

Course fees

Participants can choose to attend either 5, 4 or 3 days of each camp.

5 day camp (member with own boat) - $500

5 day camp (member using club boat) - $600

5 day camp (non-member) - $680

4 day camp (member with own boat) - $400

4 day camp (member using club boat) - $480

4 day camp (non-member) - $560

3 day camp (member with own boat) - $300

3 day camp (member using club boat) - $360

3 day camp (non-member) - $440

Book here

Sabot Nationals - we need volunteers!

2019/20 Sabot Nationals - 2nd-7th January 2020

This event is fast approaching and we can’t run it without your assistance

VA12SC have been awarded the honour of organising and running the Sabot Nationals & showcasing our club and our gorgeous patch of Sydney Harbour to competitors and families travelling from all around Australia.  We are expecting 60-80 sabots competing & hope to see more.  

Encourage your kids to enter & compete either in Sabot Week or in the Nationals themselves. You will have the time of your life’s.

We need club members to volunteer to fill roles both out on the water and on the shore.

Positions include:  registration desk, canteen, on water roles including the start boat, rescue boats, mark laying boats, beach & parking marshals and a whole lot more.

Please contact Kate O’Loughlin ASAP on 0407 109 760 or kate@wattlesong.com.au and let her know if you are keen to be involved. 

These regattas are always great fun, a fabulous atmosphere and great way to support a local community event.

Power Boat Handling Course

VA12SC are planning on running a Power Boat Handling course before the end of year and in preparation for the club running the Sabot Nationals in January. 

The course includes theory to get your boat license and a practical session on power boat handling. Cost per person is $88. Maximum 6 people can attend each course.

Dates
Friday 6th December (evening) - theory course
Saturday 7th December (daytime) - practical course
and
Friday 13th December (evening) - theory course
Saturday 14th December (daytime) - practical course

Once you receive certification you can show this over the counter at the RMS and gain your boat license (at an additional cost).

Please email Simon Bando (simonbando@gmail.com) if you are interested in participating and let him know your preferred dates.  Kids need to be 12 years or older to be eligible for the course.

Dick Winning Fun Day - 8th December

The Dick Winning Fun Day is being held on Sunday 8th December this year.

We’ll share details of the day nearer the time, but know this…

Santa is booked. The greasy pole is being prepared. The games are being crafted.

Fun will be had!

And yes, it’s the one day you’re allowed to swim off the deck. For reals.

Sunday 10th November

Sailing School is on as normal this Sunday (all levels).

There will be sprint racing for Sabots at 11am.

Flying 11’s are racing at Manly in the afternoon, leaving the club at approx 1pm.

No Cherub racing this week.

Forecast is looking good for light southerly winds and sunshine. See you all down there!