The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron’s 2007-2008 summer sailing season for Division 1 is again enjoying exceptionally close racing on Sydney Harbour between cruiser/racers type yachts ranging in size from SYDNEY, the 60 foot Iain Murray design, and the Jutson 50 BRAVEHEART to the high performance Mumm 30s, OPTIMUMM, YANDOO, DON’T TELL MUMM, AWARUA and BITTER N TWISTED.
Currently, Division 1 racing attracts an average of a dozen or so boats, up to 16 on the SIS race days. Entries are expected to increase during the Summer Series (starting on January 19) as the number of Mumm 30s increases in preparation for their Australian Championship in early March.
Other yachts in the Division include popular production yachts from the Bavaria, Beneteau, Cavalier, J Boats, North Shore Yachts and Sydney Yachts ranges as well as one-off designs. With excellent work by the handicapper just seconds often separate the top performers on corrected time.
The normal course for Division 1 incorporates two good long beats and spinnaker runs between Point Piper and Manly over a 16 to 18 mile course. The races commence at 12.55 and are usually completed by 15.30, proving a great alternative to ocean racing.
When the summer nor’easters are in full swing the adrenaline is pumping from the pre-start and through the charge across to Bradley’s Head for the first tack and then for the short tacking up the western shore of the Harbour past Clifton Gardens and Obelisk Bay towards Manly.
The Squadron welcomes competitors from other clubs to compete in its Saturday inshore fleet races in all its divisions during the season, in particular from those clubs that do not provide regular Saturday summer competition.
Over the season of 2007-2008, boats race on Saturdays for the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron’s Main Season, Spring and Summer Point scores, the Short Inshore Series and the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, which will include special Trophy races.
For further information on sailing with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron Division 1 in 2007-2008 please contact the Sailing Office on 9017 0150 or sailing@rsys.com.au. .
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