INVESTIGATOR 563

Hi all:

The annual Queenscliff to Geelong Yacht Race is on again: Saturday 27 October 2012 starting at 10am.

You can download the NOR at http://www.gtyc.com.au

I'm planning to sail Qumbu for the first time in this event, and hope to see perhaps Peter down from Yarrawonga, and any other Victorian boats!

Last year we had 30 entries; this year we're hoping to perhaps double that. Small steps in rejuvenating one of the last great passage races in Victoria (after the MPON I suppose).

And once again, we have some great trophies and prizes on offer, particularly from our major sponsors Harken and Club Marine.

Cheers,

Sorry Geoff but a Saturday departure from 'Queenscliff' at 10:00am is just too hard from where I live. Last year it took a good part of Saturday to be ready for a Sunday start. I can't just take a Friday afternoon off. So - good luck.

YYC will have too many skippers away away. We have two sailing from Vanuatu.

Thanks Peter

That's a pity you can't join us on the Saturday.

Ironically, we changed it from Sunday last year to Saturday because we had many saying they couldn't sail and pack up in time on a Sunday night to get back home for work on Monday - so we can't win either way.

I suppose the ideal would be a long weekend, but there are none that suit all around that time.

Cheers,

Its too hard to please everyone - especially if there's a bit of travel involved. Although I would have though most Melbourne/Geelong sailers will be OK with either day.

For us, 3-4 hours out of town, Sunday is better for a "Queenscliff to Geelong" race. Last year we put in at Queenscliff on Saturday (mast down) got ourselves from the ramp to the Marina where we had booked a berth. Put the mast up then drove cars and trailers to St. Helens and then used public transport to get back. We did the race, pulled out packed up and went home. We arrived home weary but in time for a normal night's sleep. Work on Monday was no problem.

For me, a Saturday start would suit a "Geelong to Queenscliff" race. Geelong is an hour closer than Queenscliff and we can launch mast-up at St. Helens. Ready to go sailing almost straight away. That night a mooring at Queenscliff would be a good option with no real pressure on us for Sunday. We could either go get our car and trailer or sail back to St. Helens.

Of course this takes no account of the tide.

Maybe you alternate between Saturdays and Sundays as you have, but also alternate the direction of the race.

My two bob!

Peter:

Thanks again for your feedback.

The tides have been the biggest factor in planning the race day this year, especially so close to the Rip.

We may vary the race day each year as you suggest, but we'll never please everyone!

Cheers,