HBYC has a new Website

PLEASE NOTE: 

Hout Bay Yacht Club has a new website as of June 2018. This blogspot is no longer updated but is being retained for archival purposes.

If Google has brought you here, please click on www.hbyc.co.za for the new website. 


Thank you!

Summer Sailing School

Our Summer Sailing School for children between the ages of 10-15 will be held on the 3-5 January 2018. Please see attached poster.

This has always proved most popular and is restricted to 10 children so please tell your friends and family if any of their children or grandchildren would like to participate to please email Anne at hbyc@iafrica.com or phone 021 790 3110.

Taffy Bowen Celebration of Life

A Church Service will be held for family and close friends at St Peter’s the Fisherman Church, Main Road Hout Bay on Friday 11^th August. Time not yet confirmed.

A Celebration of Taffy’s Life will be held at Hout Bay Yacht Club

at 11 a m on Saturday 12^th August 2017.

Shirley and Family welcome you all to join them on Saturday.

Taffy Bowen, R.I.P.

It is with great regret that we wish to inform you that Taffy Bowen, our Vice Commodore, passed away last night.

Taffy has served on our committee since shortly after his worldwide travels on ‘The Road’ and  was well known in the Club, he will be sorely missed by all.

Our sincere condolences to his wife Shirley and their family.

H.B.Y.C. Committee

Taffy at the helm of SV FlyingCloud.
Photo credit to Roy McBride.

Taffy and Shirley on their yacht "The Road",
returning to Hout Bay after their circumnavigation.
Photo credit Roy McBride.

HBYC Youth Development

S.A.S. Safety Boat Course May 2017

Pictured (left to right): Greg Townes (Rear Commodore - Youth Sailing), Robyn Patrick (Youth Sailor), Lorenzo Yon (Youth Sailor) and Theo Yon (Youth Instructor)

The SAS Safety Boat Course was attended this past weekend (27/28 May 2017) and took place took place at Theewater Sailing Academy​. Delegates enjoyed near perfect but cold conditions on a 2 day program where theory and practical on-water sessions are covered for power boat handing and safety when working in close quarters with small boats/craft in a training or racing environment.

The Ten Commandments of Club Racing!

Thanks to Pierre who received this from Scuttlebut. It's as funny as it's true! Many HBYC sailors will have chuckle at some of these!

Rob Moore was only 58 years old when he succumbed to lung cancer on Jan. 6, 2012. He was among the 20% of lung cancer victims with no history of smoking. During Rob’s short tenure on the planet, he covered a lot of ground, and was both active in the sport and a popular contributor at the Latitude 38 publication. Rob believed strongly that sailboat racing should be competitive and fun, and to encourage participation at all levels. He was discouraged by the downturn in participation in San Francisco Bay racing, and he was constantly trying to find ways to increase the number of boats on the water. As a tribute to Rob, we annually share his “Ten Commandments of Beercan Racing” which he penned to help tune our focus… 


I) Thou shalt not take anything other than safety too seriously. If you can only remember one commandment, this is the one. Relax, have fun, and keep it light. Late to the start? So what. Over early? Big deal. No instructions? Improvise. Too windy? Quit. Not enough wind? Break out the beer. The point is to have fun, but stay safe. Like the ad says, “Safe boating is no accident.” 

II) Thou shalt honor the racing rules if thou knowest them. The Racing Rules of Sailing, unless specifically stated elsewhere in the Sailing Instructions, is the current rules bible. Few sailors we know have actually studied it cover to cover: it’s about as interesting as reading tax code or the phone book. For beer can racing, just remember some of the biggies (port tack boats shall avoid starboard ones; windward boats shall avoid leeward ones; and outside boats shall give room at the mark). Stay out of the way of bigger boats, pay your insurance premiums and keep a low profile unless you’re sure you know what you’re doing. Like most things, it boils down to common sense. 

III) Thou shalt not run out of beer. Beer (a.k.a., brewskis, chill pills, thought cylinders) is the beverage that lends its name to ‘beer can’ racing; obviously, you don’t want to run out of the frothy nectar. Of course, you can drink whatever you want out there, but there’s a reason these things aren’t called milk bottle races, Coca-Cola can races, hot chocolate races or something else. Just why beer is so closely associated with this kind of racing escapes us at the moment, but it’s a tradition we’re happy to go along with.

IV) Thou shalt not covet thy competitor’s boat, sails, equipment, crew or PHRF rating. No excuses or whining; if you’re lucky enough to have a sailboat, just go use it! You don’t need the latest in zircon-encrusted widgetry or unobtanium sailcloth to have a great time out on the water with your friends. Even if your boat’s a heaving pig, make modest goals and work toward improving on them from week to week. Or don’t – it’s only beer can racing.

V) Thou shalt not amp out. No screaming, swearing, or overly aggressive tactics. Save that stuff for the office or, if you must, for Saturday’s ‘real’ race. If you lose it in a Friday nighter, you’re going to run out of crew – not to mention friends – in a big hurry. Downing a quick chill pill on the way to the starting line has been medically proven to have a calming influence on the nerves.

VI) Thou shalt not protest thy neighbor. This is extremely tacky at this level of competition and should be avoided at all costs. Perhaps it’s justifiable if one’s boat is damaged and blame needs to be established, but on the whole, tossing a red flag is the height of bad taste in something as relatively inconsequential as a beer canner. Besides proving that you’re unclear on the concept of beer can racing, it screws up everybody’s evening, including yours. Don’t do it – it’s bad karma.

VII) Thou shalt not mess up thy boat. Everybody knows some hardcore weekend warrior who ripped his sails up in a Friday night race and had to sit out the championship race on Saturday. The point is that it’s not worth risking your boat and gear in such casual competition: like the song says, you got to know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em. Avoid other boats at all costs, not to mention buoys and other hard objects. If you have the luxury of two sets of sails, use the old ones.

VIII) Thou shalt always go to the yacht club afterwards. Part of the gestalt of beer can races is bellying up to the yacht club bar after the race. Etiquette demands that you congratulate the winners, as well as buy a round of drinks for your crew. Besides, the bar is a logical place to see old friends and make new ones. However, when meeting new sailors, avoid the gung-ho, overly serious types who rehash the evening in such gory detail that the post mortem (yawn) takes longer than the race. As much as we enjoy a quick romp around the cans, there’s more to life.

IX) Thou shalt bring thy spouse, kids, friends and whoever else wants to go. Twilight races are great forums for introducing new folks to sailing, such as your neighbors, out-of-town visitors, co-workers or maybe even the family dog. Always bring your significant other along, too – coed crews are happy crews. And don’t just make the newcomers watch – give them a job on the boat. Get everyone involved.

X) Thou shalt not worry; thou shalt be happy. Leave the cell phone in the car, bring the ghetto blaster. Lighten up, it’s not the Big Boat Series. Have fun, and we’ll see you out there!

Failure to live by these laws could exclude you from Beercan Heaven!

HBYC Youth Sailing kicks off again!

Freedom day was the first in a series of initiatives to develop youth sailing in Hout Bay, with almost perfect conditions in the bay for learning and improving sailing skills.

R.I.P. - Tony Neil

Thanks to Alasdair McArthur, former HBYC commodore, for writing this piece:

Tony Neil

I have just learned over the weekend of the passing away of Tony Neil - a past flag officer in our club. Tony was a personality, with great presence, and one who attracted many sponsors and new members to the beach sailing side of our club. He undoubtedly helped build our club in to one of the best in the Cape at the time.

A great pal of the water and competitor on, he was greatly missed when he decided to return to Perth Australia in the late eighty’s, where he still indulged in his golf and sailing a Hobbie 18.

It is sad that we wont hear the voice of Australia again. Fair winds Tony.

Alasdair Mc Arthur

HBYC New Committee

The AGM was held last week, and a new committee inaugurated. 

President: Chris Sutton
Commodore: Paul Dalton
Vice Commodore: Taffy Bowen
Treasurer: Mark Hainsworth
RC Keelboats: Paul Tomes
RC Youth Sailing: Greg Townes
Social: Dee Wallace
Safety: Athol Allenby
Marina: Peter Roeloffze

Its a great complement, and I think the first time in some years we have had every position filled, and with great candidates at that.

Many thanks to all who have made themselves available to serve the club another year or two!

The contact details have been updated here.

Admiral's Regatta - 25, 26 March 2017

 Admiral's Regatta - 25, 26 March. 

Admiral's Regatta Website.

Follow the Facebook Page!

Forthcoming Club Events

Sat October 29 - Dick's Wine Tasting

How does it work? – Each person participating in the tasting is required to bring  one bottle of any type of wine of less than R80 in value – (the club must be paid R20 corkage for each bottle brought onto the premises.)These bottles will all be placed on a tasting table together.

Each person/couple to bring enough snacks for themselves. These will all be placed on a communal table for everyone to enjoy

At exactly plus or minus 17h30??? Upon command ---ALLTHE WINE will be opened at the same time

Whereupon everyone is then entitled to taste ANY wine they like until it is all gone!!!!!!!

Any further drinks must be bought from the HBYC pub

When ? –    Saturday afternoon   29 October 2016

Where ? –    In the pub (wif music)

Time?-          17h00 for 17h30???--- For all corks/caps off ----may the tasting begin!!!!!!!

5,6 November - HBYC Keelboat Champs 

12,13 November - Dinghy Regatta

18 November - Keelboat Prizegiving Dinner @ 18h30

Venue: Hout Bay Yacht Club

Dress: Smart Casual/Team Gear

Yacht crews are advised to book tables.

R150pp.

• Booking Essential:
• Email bookings and proof of payment to hbyc@iafrica.com
• Please indicate if you would like to book a table or be seated on the “large table” as well as the number in your
• party.
• Payment can be made to:
• Account Holder: Hout Bay Yacht Club Bank Standard Bank Constantia
• Branch code 025309 Account 271601574
• Reference: “PG2016[your surname]”

Big Screen

SAT 5^TH       - BARBARIANS vs S A at 17h00

SAT 12^TH     - ENGLAND vs S A AT 17h00

SAT 19^TH     - ITALY vs S A AT 16h00

SAT 26^TH     - WALES vs S A AT 19h30

Galley will be open

Sunday Race Results

Following are the detailed race results for Sunday 28 August:

1. Race 1 
2. Race 2
3. Race 3

(For some reason the results show the races numbered as 4,5,6. If this matters, and if anyone can explain it, please let me know!)

HBYC Entry second overall in Lipton 2016!

We are very very proud of Theo Yon and his team for coming second in Lipton this year! As often the case, the event was won by Greg Davis driving for RCYC, a long time veteran winner of this race. We are equally proud of Lorenzo Yon, driving the old JML-3, for coming in at 11th! You guys have done us proud, and it is a very rewarding result to the years of work that have gone into the HBYC Junior Sailing Programme, starting about 12 years ago. Well done to all who sailed, all those who raised the money, and many thanks to our sponsors.

The full results can be seen here.

Regrettably I don't have photos of the Hout Bay entry at time of writing - however there are many of the regatta on Trevor Wilkins site. 

Cancelled: Lipton Cup Auction Friday 1 July 2016

UPDATE: Due to unforseen circumstances this auction has been cancelled for 2016.
-----
Venue: Hout Bay Yacht Club

Time: 6:30 onwards

Great Food at great prices!

All proceeds to fund the HBYC 2016 Lipton Cup Campaign

All goods donated for auction very gratefully received.

Be there and bring your wallet please!

Sunday Race Results, 5th June 2016

A light but steady Southerly, very calm sea and pleasant conditions. Nice to see "Reaction" back on the water, complete with fishing line in tow etc!

1. Megafreight (pipped Faraway by a few seconds!)
2. Faraway
3. Aquamaniac
4. Reaction

Sunday Race Results, 29 May 2016

A very pleasant race around Vulcan, in light but steady conditions. Welcome to a new L34 "Windrush"!

1. Megafreight
2. Faraway
3. Windrush
4. Aquamaniac

Hout Bay Dinghy Regatta, 14-15 May 2016

HOUT BAY YACHT CLUB DINGHY REGATTA

Hout Bay Yacht Club is holding a dinghy regatta this coming weekend, 14-15 May 2016. Participants invited to contact Theo Yon on 072 448 3235 or email him at theoyon@gmail.com.

The prize-giving will be on the Sunday at 5 p.m. Last Race will be held at 4 p.m. weather permitting. Queries to the club at 021 790 3110.

Attache below are the Poster, Nor, Registration form and Sailing Instructions.

All invited to come down and watch!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

Poster
Notice of Race
Registration
Sailing Instructions

First 40 takes the sword!

RCYC Entry "First 40" wins LTI Admiral's Regatta 2016!
A beautiful boat, well campaigned, with great people!

Regatta Series Results Overall:
1. First 40
2. LTC Phoenix
3. Faraway
4. Hot Ice
5. JML 3
6. Megafreight
7. JML 2
8. Skebenga

John Coles Sprint: ahem - you guessed it, First 40 as well!

Full Results follow here.

Despite very challenging weather conditions, LTI Admirals Regatta 2016 was very successfully held over the past weekend, with good tight racing right inside Hout Bay. The fleet was significantly smaller than previous years due to the extreme weather and storm that was predicted about a week earlier. This storm in fact materialised on the Friday before with winds exceeding 60 knots, uprooting trees and the like. Even the skippers briefing on the Friday was hard to get to. And then suddenly it was gone  -  leaving absolutely no wind for 36 hours and a *huge* lumpy sea, with swells of seven metres on the Saturday morning. Sailors all duly arrived, and spent a pleasant but frustrating day on the marina waiting for any trace of wind. Beer drinking started quite early if I say so myself. I managed to go out and watch the big wave surfing at Dungeons which was absolutely spectacular. In the afternoon we fortuitously had the benefit of Super Series Rugby to watch, with a nice win for the local Stormers against the Reds. The organisers produced some very nice Prego rolls and salad which were very popular and kept the crowd going for a good festive evening at the club. I must commend the sailors for surprising good humour in the frustrating conditions.

Local yacht Faraway chasing up to the start.

Sunday started with very light airs again, but a small bit of pressure started building in the entrance to the bay from the west. Race officer Tom Ambrose set a course from under Chapmans Peak out towards a mark in the direction of Tafelberg reef, and by 11:30 we managed to start the first race  in about 8 knots of wind. The second attempt at this race had to be abandoned because the wind simply died again. However, as is often the case in Hout Bay Westerlies, the direction swang a bit North and soon we had a useful draft coming through the bay right near the beach. We were able to set a decent Windward-Leeward right under Chapmans Peak drive and were able to run a good series of tight races there for the remainder of the afternoon. In my opinion this was really good racing, with the fleet sailing in close quarters, good sea conditions, steady breeze, and the beautiful backdrop of Chapmanspeak and Hout Bay! Certainly great for the spectators. And so we managed a total of five good races, including even the customary John Coles Sprint. It really was a case of "all's well that ends well"! - and the mood was very buoyant as the crews packed up and went to the clubhouse for the prizegiving. 

Well done Richard and team!

Following is a link to a selection of pics snapped from the committee boat:

Admiral's Regatta 2016

Admiral's Regatta 2016 Flyer

Admiral's Regatta 2016 Feeder Race NoR
Admiral's Regatta 2016 Registration Form
Admiral's Regatta 2016 NoR

Results, Admiral's Warmup Series

Click here for the series results.