Marseille is the capital of Provence, second city in France and the main
European port based on the Mediterranean.

Each year, between 30-40 wooden boats compete in the Classic Wooden
Boat Regatta which runs from the Old Port in Marseille around the islands
and along the coast in the beautiful Mediterranean waters – for 4 single
days competition (no offshore). All yachts competing in this Regatta must
have been built before 1949 in order to qualify. They are a sight to be
seen, and being a crew member is like being on a movie set!

See attached PDF for further info.

Classic Wooden Boat Regatta 2012

Dear Skippers and Crews of the Classics 2011 Summer Series Race 1.

Attached are the results, including the Back Calculated Handicaps, for Race 1. The record of the current series points and Presidents Trophy point’s status is also attached

Finally our sailing weather favoured us. A warm 10-15 knot northerly with no burning sun. Not often these conditions happen, particularly for our Classics racing.

To see Classics appearing from all points around the top end of the bay to start in the race is one of the rewarding sights of the day. There was Ellida and Galatea coming out to battle with Zephyr and Dingo. Pastime stretching herself like a greyhound before a race. Bungoona pacing herself with Jean and Serifa. Behind the fleet’s race preparations was Sayonara, that definition of power and elegance preparing to hit that line hard. Amongst all this were those two perennial no holds barred performers, Cyan and Marie Louise III. Who’s day was it to be between these two?

The effort taken by all those skippers and crews who started on Sunday was rewarded with a day where our boats had an opportunity to show us their thanks for looking after them. I suspect our boats comments about some of their skippers and crews racing them best not be heard.

When the racing was all over, congratulations went to Martini’s skipper and crew for their top performance of the day. With Ross Clark on the helm and calling the starting shots, Martini hit the line on the gun, with clear air and a drama free beat to the top mark and giving Marie Louise III a scare, she never looked back. Clean shy kite handling, kite gybing and minimal digs to the finish on the right side of the course gave her handicap honours. Martini definitely found her slot and kept it. Ross and his crew were the guns of the day.

Consistency is the word for Dingo with Jim Hutchinson on the helm. With a second on corrected time, she has maintained the pattern that in every race since returning to the water part way through the previous winter series, she has always improved on her previous result.

Martin Ryan on the helm of Mercedes III took out line honours and a third on corrected time. His call for a wind shift 10 seconds before the start put him into clean air. Rounding the top mark a full two minutes + ahead of the fleet and his crews shy kite handling allowed him to pull away to lead the fleet home.

The corrected times of Wanita and Boambille indicted how tight the racing was between them. After a kite handling battle, George Fisscher on Boambille’s helm finally shook off Richard Gates on the helm of Wanita on the final beat. The fleet behind Wanita owe her some thanks for pointing them in the right direction to the mark after the run.

Matilda with Richard Hart bought some Couta Boat competition to the fleet. His 4th on corrected time performance reminded us to never underestimate the Couta’s. His beat back to the finish line was text book sailing.

There was one Classic performance that stood far above the fleet’s performance on the day. This was the race performance by Lily Guy with Bil Johnstone on her helm. The spirit of Bils grandmother had to be onboard. I watched Lily Guy for most of the race. Never a foot wrong with her handling. The most stirring sight was to see her beating across from the channel, a faultless tack and then to the line. The definition of Classic Yachting was the sight of Lily Guy coming to line to greet the race committee for a fifth on corrected time. The Hobsons Bay Yacht Club Race Director, Tony Dawson, and his committee made a special mention to me of Lily Guy’s performance. I was requested to pass their applause to Bil Johnstone and his 1895 Corio Net Boat, Lily Guy.

When looking over the corrected times and comparing them with the 47 minutes difference between elapsed times that varied from 97 to 144 minutes, the allocated handicaps for the fleet that has a wide performance diversity seem to be working. Discounting the 1st two and the last three the corrected times are in multiple groups of boats with close corrected times over a corrected time variation of 6 minutes for 12 boats.

The tender mercies of the handicapper will revise allocated handicaps of the first 3 corrected time placing getters. Maybe the last on corrected time too.

So that’s one race of our Summer Series finally in the can. We can only ask for a repeat of the Sundays sailing conditions on November 27.

Some house keeping comments

There’s a small number of additional items we need to start work on now that our Cup Regatta is put away.

We have to work out how the Association can support those skippers that decide to enter the Classic Division of the RGYC Festival of Sails Regatta held over the 2012 Australia Day weekend. Geelong are anxious for Classic Yachts from the Association to be part of their Festival. Those skippers that are considering going to Geelong for the Australia Day Regatta, let me know if they want crew support to / from or during the regatta. This process of Association based crew support is the what we are considering for the Classic support for 2012 Queencliffe Weekend.

The Association has committed to supporting the 2012 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival over the Labour Day Weekend. The Assoc. exec. wish to set up a specific group of Classic people to look after all aspects of the Associations participation at this Festival. Classic people wanting to be involved creating our onshore presence at the GWBF let me know.

The guide to our presentation at the GWBF is found in the Objects of the Association as described in the Associations Rules.

1. To promote and encourage the restoration, preservation, research, knowledge and ownership of Classic Yachts.

2. To organise, promote and hold events of any and all descriptions for Classic Yachts or their owners, former owners, crews or former crews and their families.

3. To promote and increase public awareness of Classic Yachts and their history.

4. To do anything necessary or desirable in the opinion of the Executive Committee that may advance the interests of Classic Yachts, their owners, former owners, crews or former crews or Members of the Association.

5. To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects powers of the Association

Last be not least, our AGM is on at 6.30 pm Friday Nov 25 at RYCV.

Any apologies pass them on to me.

Enough for now. Next race is Nov 27

Regards to all

Peter Costolloe

CYAA (Vic) Handicapper

Link to Results

Photos

Dear 2011/2012 Summer Series Skippers and Crews

Attached are the entries, allocated handicaps and Sailing Instructions for our Nov 13 Re-sail of Race 1 of the 2011/2012 Summer Series.

This race is officially race 1. When our first attempt to conduct Race 1 on Oct 16 was postponed due to high winds, the signals flown from the Royals Signal mast by the Race Director indicated a race postponement to be sailed another day.

Sunday’s race will be conducted by Hobsons Bay YC.

Weather wise, present forecasts indicate decent racing conditions for once.

To those Classics members in Victoria that wish to participate in our Associations racing action on the Bay, let me know.  With some early warning we can arrange a sail for you. The deal will be to be ready to go aboard about 9.00 am with a return of about 1.00pm. You need to equip yourself with wet weather gear.

To stop ourselves going stale, we need to keep sailing.

So it’s hit the line time again

Regards to all

Peter Costolloe

CYAA (Vic) Handicapper

Entries and Handicaps

Sailing Instructions

I specialise in redrawing classic yachts and ships so if you have any friends or clients with old drawings they would like to have updated, crisp and clear, re-drawn to scale, I will be happy to help. I am able to redraw on AutoCAD from any old drawing, or even a photograph of the drawing, and supply new on AutoCAD or PDF files. I have just re-drawn the construction drawings for the 8m ‘Snarken’. Designed by Johan Anker and built 1919 by Anker & Jensen.  Please let me know if you hear of anyone interested in having their old design drawings re-drawn.

Yours Sincerely
Andy J. J. Pitt  MRINA

Tel: +66 (0) 89748 2285
Tel/Fax:+ 66 38 238 110
Mail: Andy@apcustomyachts.com
www.theclassicyacht.com

Dear Regatta Skippers and Crews                                           Weds Nov 2 2011

Congratulations to all participants in the classic 2011 Cup Regatta.

The number of boats and people that competed in this Regatta event provides stimulation to all of us for sustaining that committed effort we put in our Classic Boats.

Regatta highlights were never ending.

In fact, they started from the previous Classic Cup Regatta of 2010 when our kindred Classic people from New Zealand made accommodation bookings for a return to this regatta. Their presence and participation would have to be the first of the many notable events in the 2011 Regatta.

With the CYA flag from New Zealand flying from the Royals signal mast port cross arm we were constantly reminded of our close Trans Tasman friends and affiliations.

The Regatta happenings actually started on the Wednesday with the arrival of Mark Bergins Couta Boat “Blondie” from Blairgowrie assisted by that well known supernumerary, Roger Dundas.

Next day our Regatta fleet from Mornington arrived. First Was “Athena” with Martin and Anne Bryan and then followed by our Regatta Beauty Queen from Greek Mythology “Oenone” . “Renene” with Kent Bacon arrived in the afternoon of Friday and Tim Phillips with “Storm Bay” arrived late Friday night after battle with the Bays northerly storm. On the Total Commitment Index, Tim is at 1. The TCI for rest of us will always be at a fraction of that number. A special thanks must go to Peter Lloyd, “Marie Louise” for the early liaising with Steve Ioniades, the Royals Yard Manager, and Martin Bryan, “Athena”, on the Thursday to make the tie up of our Classics a drama free event.

With the Classic/Couta Guineas Challenge abandoned due to adverse Bay conditions the sensation of “Oh No” not again for the Regatta passage race after the cancellation of the previous Regatta passage race was quickly put the bed. From that previous experience, the Regatta Race Committee modified the Sailing Instructions to allow the Royals Race Director, David LeRoy, to assign suitable Regatta courses based on prevailing conditions. A wise move it turned out to be.

Our Friday night Classics cocktail session and follow on dinner was a big numbers event. At the time it was not understood, in hindsight though, the enthusiasm at this Regatta cocktail event was an indicator as to how the Regatta was to be.

That Friday night enthusiasm carried over for our Saturday morning Regatta passage race. With the visiting Kiwi crews, assigned by Roger Dundas to their allocated boat, our Classic fleet hit that start line for a short windward beat before settling down to the race.

Weather, sun and sea conditions turned in our favour to produce those wished for sailing conditions.

All the fleet from “Oenone” to “Acrospire”, “Storm Bay” and “Sayonara” with their finish line tacking duel, stirring stuff, and Jim Hutchisons “Dingo” showing who was the top Tumlaren of the day, revelled if these Port Phillip Bay champagne sailing conditions. Producing those Admirals Cup winning ways, race line honours were taken by “Mercedes III”. “Oenone took Classic Yacht division handicap honours after a wind seeking battle with Kent Bacon’s “Renene”.

Inside the Couta Boat division another consistent performance by the “Loama” threesome led by Joe Tuck gave her a corrected time 1^st for her division with Jean pushing hard. Hayden Warszewski with “Scoundrel” showed how it’s done with his line honours attack.

The Ann Street puff added its share to the racing evolutions of the day by delivering a knockdown puff to Alwyn. With lee gun’ell under and her cockpit coaming taking in the overflow, those 1923 Classic lines, of her designer Alfred Blore of Hobart, kicked in. Under a balanced helm, she went higher and faster as she used to in her prime Hobart racing days.

Subsequent discussions with Beaconsfield Parade foreshore spectators confirmed the St. Kilda to Port Melbourne Classics windward beat, to be a people and car stopper show of Classic Yachting at its best.

To remind the fleet whose really in charge, the Bay provided conditions that caused the two round the sticks Sunday races to be Cancelled.

For the fleets Monday Pursuit race the Bay slightly relented. Race Director, David Leroy provided a fair course for the sea and weather conditions and a distance that would provide a close pursuit race finish for the majority of the fleet. Scratch boat Col Andersons “Acrospire III”, having a dream race with topsail flying and lee gun’ell down, ran the fleet down to take out lines honours. Between the 2^nd placer of Richard Gates “Wanita” and the 10^Th placer of Cameron Dorroughs “Bungoona” 6 mins and 50 secs seperated them after a elapsed time of 2½ hours. Helen Lovett and her crew held their nerve to keep “Oenone” sailing in her slot and not be run down by the chasing fleet of “Dingo”. “Athena”, “Zephyr” and “Mercedes III” .

Taking a combination of Pursuit Race line honours and a 1^st on corrected time was John Raff’s net boat“Jean” for the Couta Boat division. Joe Tuck’s “Loama” and Mark Bergins “Blondie” were done in by the fading breeze.

Bring up the respectable Pursuit Race tail end was Peter Costolloe’s “Alwyn” of the Classics and Richard MacRae’s “Claire” of the Couta’s

In addition to the pursuit race action there was action a plenty inboard on Sayonara. Doug Shields with Dave Allen on the helm had no worries, they had the Kiwis. With the usual Kiwi resourcefulness and inventiveness the problem was resolved. Although she missed the racing action Sayonara’s presence provided a visual spectacle to the fleet.

After all Regatta racing evolutions were completed it was time to relax at the Classic BBQ and discuss with the skippers and crews of competing Classic yachts those memorable moments. Moments that provide our Classic yachts the opportunity to show their love of their owners and skippers.

Our exceptional Classic BBQ didn’t happen by itself. Providore activity by Col Anderson and Richard Gates and the cooking implement skills of Roger Dundas and Mark Bergin assisted by the Royals catering staff provided the finishing touch with variety of salads. I’m happy to report justice was done to the effort of our BBQ people by a complete demolishment of all the presented sustenance.

Overseeing and managing all the Regatta social activities was Pip Todd. On top of managing the financial aspects of our annual subscription renewal program, Pip handled the financial and ticketing process of both the Regatta social events, the Classics Cocktail and Classics BBQ.  A performance handled with Pip’s usual skill and grace.  Assisted by Mark Bergin, Pip handled the arrangements to provide the BBQ with a great live music background. The Regatta is indebted to Pip.

An introduction to Regatta Trophy presentation was provided by the pipes of David McKenzie from Mercedes III with a rendition of the Skye Song to remind us of those dreams the skippers and crew have of our beloved Classic yachts. “Speed, bonny boat like a bird on the wing”

CYAA President Doug Shields provided words of solace to all those that participated as sailors or spectators and presented the various trophies.

2011 Cup Regatta Trophies  were awarded as follows.

Couta Boat Division

1st on corrected time

Race 1 Loama with Joe Tuck and Mathew Fewster

Race 2 Jean with John Raff

1^st Overall Couta Boat Division was Jean with John Raff

Classic Yacht Division

1^st on corrected time

Race 1 Oenone with Helen Lovett

Race 2 Acrospire III with Col Anderson

The Col Bandy Trophy for 1^st Overall Classic Yacht Division was Oenone with Helen Lovett.

Stradbroke II Trophy for best performing yacht across combined divisions.

Awarded to the Classic Beauty Queen of the Regatta, the 1901 Linton Hope designed

Oenone with Helen Lovett. (Loud and generous acclamation when result announced)

To complete Regatta trophy award ceremonies the Trans Tasman trophy, awarded to the visiting Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand member based on the performances of each yacht crewed during the Regatta.

The Trans Tasman trophy for the 2011 Regatta

Larry Paul of Waitangi for his crewing performance on Oenone. (Riotious Kiwi and Aussie acclamation when result announced)

Trophy winners were each presented with a 2009 vintage generously provided to the Classic Yacht Association by Portsea Estate Vineyards, through the good offices of Martin Ryan of Mercedes III. For those that wish to have a better acquaintance to this vintage from Portsea Estate Vineyards. Their vineyard is a few moments down the road from Tim Phillips Wooden Boat Shop in Hotham Rd. Portsea. Take a look at their web site to for their story and sales outlets. http://www.portseaestate.com/

The 2011Classic Cup Regatta had a significant Australian Maritime History flavour. 5 yachts in the 2011 Regatta fleet are listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels. Storm Bay, Alwyn, Avian, Sayonara and Windward II. Unfortunately for Jim Woods “Windward II”, mast stepping logistics took over and prevented her from starting. A top drawer 1929 Classic Yacht from our fleet that was sadly missed.

One other historic aspect of the 2011 Cup Regatta was the presence of Storm Bay and Alwyn sailing together. Both yachts participated in the Hobart Regatta’s of 1920’s. This 2011 Cup Regatta was the first time they had sailed together since those days.

Now we say goodbye to our 2011 Classic Yacht Cup Regatta and farewell to our kindred classic yachts men from New Zealand.

On water photos of boat in both races snapped by Scott McDonald of Pastime can be viewed at

Passage Race

Pursuit Race

So with dreams of our bonny boats speeding like a bird on the wing we can bide awhile. Our next CYAA regatta event will be our on shore and on water participation with the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival March 10/11^th 2012.

There’s an open invite to all our members to reciprocate and participate in the CYANZ Regatta in Feb 2012.

Peter Costolloe

CYAA (Vic) Handicapper

CLASSIC YACHT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

To be held at

ROYAL YACHT CLUB OF VICTORIA
6:30pm Dining Room

FRIDAY 25th NOVEMBER 2011

ORDINARY BUSINESS

• Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting 2010 and
  Financial Report for year ended 30th June 2011
• To Elect Office Bearers
• Membership / Yacht Register Report
• Interstate Representatives Report
• Sailing Program and Handicapping Report
• Sponsorship Report
• Newsletter Report
• General Business

Please support your Association by attending and considering joining the executive team.
We are growing for the benefit of members, fine yachts and great classic activities.

Please note the Guineas Cup has been postponed today (28.10.11) due to high wind strength.

Dear Skippers and Crew,

Attached are the Sailing Instructions and entries for the 3 2011 Cup Regatta events.

The instructions have been posted on the Royals web site.

Prior to the passage race a briefing session will be held on Royals concourse at 9.00am

Vessel allocations of the visiting NZ Classic Yacht Association will be announced.

The passage race course has been modified. RBYC are conducting Etchell Selection Trial for their World Cup team.

We’ve been requested to keep clear of their club sailing area.

I received a message from Jim Woods that Windward II is in need of additional sailing hands for the Regatta.

Here’s an opportunity to experience how sailing on a Classic Yacht was done 80 years ago.

Jim can be contacted at jwoods@ecollect.com.au

The present weather forecast looks to be in a favour for once.

Regards to all

Peter Costolloe

Please see Cup Regatta page for sailing instructions.

A short status note to skippers and crew of Cup Regatta entries.

Below are the current entries and handicaps.

The Sailing Instructions for the races have been prepared. They are presently being reviewed by Royals race director.

Unlike previous Cup Regattas, the 2011 SI’s allow the Royals race director flexibility to use Royals courses for the passage and pursuit races if wind conditions deem this necessary.

Expect SI’s publication this coming Thursday am.

Regards

Peter

Dear CYAA Vic Members

Our Cup Regatta Cocktail Session at Royals on Friday Oct 28 has to be a ticketed social event.

Pip Todd is our Royals contact for this event.

To help Pip make our Cup Regatta welcoming and opening event a well run show we need to provide Pip with intending numbers.

Take a look at the attached form from Pip, fill out the requested numbers and payment details and fire it off pronto to Pip at piptodd@excite.com

At the after Series Seafood BBQ, apart from lashing of prawns and calamari and so on with salad, those brilliant sausages provided by Richard Gates for our end of Winter Series BBQ will again be served up. Pip has indicated in the attachment the BBQ is a pay on the weekend process.

Regards

Peter Costolloe

CYAA (Vic) Handicapper

Cup Regatta Cocktail Party Request