Sailing report 23 January
The first day of the year turned into a wet one. Sailing got away OK and it looked good till about 11:00, then the heavens opened up. With all that we had a very good volunteer turn out and had approximately 40 clients, some whom got very wet, but still seemed to enjoy the day. My thanks to the work done in very average conditions by all involved, you never cease to amaze me with your dedication.
Cheers
President Rick.
Local artist – Robyn Gaudion
Bayside volunteer, local business owner and artist, Robyn Gaudion, started painting ten years ago whilst living at Donnybrook. It was here she developed a passion for landscapes and seascapes with oils, her preferred medium.
Now a resident of Wynnum, Robyn was instrumental in organising the inaugural Bayside PCYC Fundraising Art Show in May 2011. The show was a great success and planning is now underway for another show this year.
For those who might be interested, some of Robyn’s painting are on display at Robyn Gaudion Hair at Manly on Cambridge Parade.
Start of sailing for 2012 and maintenance day
Welcome to Sailability Bayside for 2012. Sailing will commence on Monday the 23rd January 2012 and bookings are now open. Please phone the Registrar on mobile 0432152310 between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Bookings are essential each term as numbers are limited. There will be no sailing on Thursday 26th January due to the Australia Day Public Holiday.
There is a maintenance day for volunteers to clean and check equipment on Thursday 19t January, starting at 9.00am. A light lunch will be provided.
Ian Reid’s Adventure
Well, I’ve come back more experienced, and confident, than when I left, but not via Sydney.
Plan ” A ‘ had been to leave with the two 12 Metre Boats, K5 Australia and K14 Steak ‘N Kidney, yesterday morning at 4 am, to round the top of Moreton Island and head south direct to Sydney. They had been hoping to arrive for the New Year celebrations on the Harbour.
We actually left at 10 pm the night before (Tuesday night) and motored out towards Moreton Island. At 4 am when myself and another took over the helm and lookout, and the Skipper then hoped to be able to take it easy for a while, we were still approaching the western side of Moreton and then had the long, long trip up to the North Cardinal Mark. Turning there the wind was full on but the waves were manageable, but building. At this point the wind was from the South, we had only the headsail up, and the Skipper must have gotten me confused with someone else as I was given the helm. Our plan was then to go 5 miles out to sea and head south. The further we headed out the larger the waves became, steering the boat not a problem as we were just on a perfect reach; however the waves must have been 6 metres high and as soon as we were over one there was only time to turn slightly left or right to meet the next one. At almost 20 metres long, Australia was the perfect length for what we were doing, but not what she was built for, despite feeling very good underfoot. It was obvious that we were not going to be able to turn south in those seas and nature is boundless in it’s energies. Taking advantage of a short break the Skipper took the helm, turned us around and sailed us back, very skilfully, back from whence we’d come.
Even once on the protected (western side) of Moreton Island it was not an easy business to make any headway to the South. Much tacking was involved, however we made it and once able to make it back across the Bay, on a reach, I was again given the helm and sailed her right down the Brisbane River, luckily almost free of any other traffic, and all the way down to the Gateway Bridge. Back at 4 pm and 18 hours without any result was a bit heartbreaking.
Through all of this I managed to stay free of sea-sickness, but got a badly sunburned face (never allow your hat to below deck when you are above deck) and recognised that I was already suffering from sleep deprivation. I know I made the right choice for all when I bowed out.
The two boats and remaining crew were to have another go this morning, and things appear to be a lot better out there. Sunburnt face aside, I had a terrific, confidence building experience and being at the helm of an Americas Cup challenger is not something that everyone gets to do.
Wanted to let you all know that I’m back on dry land, and only a little worse for wear.
Photographs were taken and I’ll hope that they weren’t to miffed with me to send me one. I’ll give them till later today will then SMS them and see how they got on; hopefully much better.
Kindest regards
Ian
Photographs by Bob Jackson
2011 Volunteers Christmas party
Here are a few photos from the Christmas party – what a great night. A safe and Merry Christmas to you all.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Last sailing report for 2011
Thursday the 8th of December was a wet and miserable day but we had 10 clients and 20 odd volunteers and ended up having a great day. We had to stop about 11am due to the conditions however this gave us time to enjoy a BBQ lunch with all the great volunteers.
It has been a great year, we sailed 60 days and cancelled on 19 times. We put through about 3090 clients, that’s about 50 clients a day. The pontoon has been a great success and Sailability Bayside is going along very well. To all who read these posts, have a safe and happy break and come back next year and we will do it all again.
December Despatches
The December 2011 edition of Sailability Bayside’s ‘DESPATCHES’ is now available online. Thank you again to John and Rosemary Were for another excellent production.
Sailing report 28 November
It was hectic today as the news that Santa was visiting resulted in a huge turnout of carers and clients. Santa and Mrs Claus gave presents to all the clients and there were some extra food treats for everyone. The weather was hot with 10 kt east to southeasterly winds and choppy seas late morning. We probably had a record for the year with 67 sailors enjoying the day . Santa will also be visiting again this coming Thursday. There are only three sailing days until the end of the year.
- Mr and Mrs S Claus
- Santa arriving
- Carol and Jan preparing a fruit platter
- Karen and Robert
- First sail of the morning for Warren
- Testing the new tiller
November 2011 News Bulletin
1. The white RIB that was donated to Sailability Bayside has been sold at auction to Ian Reid for a donation to club funds of $200.00 – thanks Ian.
2. “Faith’s” hull was cleaned again by our generous diver- thanks Maurie Vierow- again
3. Dulcie, Carole, and Bev and Bob Service attended the Darling Point Special School Art Show on 26th October 2011. Bev and Bob donated a calender from the show to Sailability Bayside – thanks Bev and Bob.
4. Carole and Dulcie attended the opening of “16 Central” – a special disability centre – on 18th October2011 on our behalf – thanks Carole and Dulcie.
5. With the hot summer weather upon us, the provision of further sun protection is being investigated by Ian Reid. To that end – Bunnings of Cannon Hill and Capalaba have combined to provide us with another 6 metre by 3 metre sun shade at no cost. A lovely Christmas present for our volunteers, clients and carers – thank you Bunnings.
6. A quantity of new business cards and brochures have been received and are now in use. Thanks heaps Carole for your efforts in the supply of these items.
7. Rick Carroll has been approved by the committee as a Certification Officer for the Rescue Boat and Ian Reid has been approved as Certification Officer for the dinghies. Congratulations Rick and Ian.
8. The membership fee of the princely sum of $1.00 has been collected from our volunteers to ensure that we now comply with our constitution.
9. Mooring line clips have been purchased for the Safety Boat to allow dinghies to be clipped to the side of the boat when more than two boats are under tow.
10. Unfortunately Carole Hovey has had to tender her resignation from Sailability Bayside due to deteriorating health. Carole, you will be sorely missed and we all hope your health improves in the near future to allow you to once again join your friends at Sailability Bayside. At the recent committee meeting a vote of thanks was proposed to Carole for the time and effort she has put in to this organisation. This proposal was seconded by Dulcie and carried by acclamation.
11. Geoff Pease and Bill Vowles have been confirmed as OOD’s and will join the roster in the New Year. Congratulations Geoff and Bill.
12. Bev Service has agreed to take over Carole’s duties of Assistant Treasurer in the New Year. Thank you Bev.
13. Big News – Santa will visit Sailability Bayside on Monday 28th November 2011 and Thursday 1st December 2011 so make sure you are here for the big event.
14. The “Sail for Free” days are to be Monday 5th December2011 and Thursday 8th December 2011 so we can expect a lot of clients on those days.
15. Carole has a Christmas Hamper organised and anyone who would like to donate to this hamper should bring along suitable items on the next few sailing days.
16. We have a number of old style foam lifejackets that are not needed but are perfectly serviceable and these are being sold off – see Dulcie at the Reception Desk.
17. It has been brought to the committee’s notice that the dinghy booms are getting quite corroded and the sheets and lines getting quite stiff. A “Boom Bath” was proposed but the committee thought that this was a bit cumbersome and it was decided that the OOD should ensure that all the booms are washed with fresh water at days end.
Sailing report 21 November
We had 59 clients sail today in a 8-12kt northerly wind. The sea was a little lumpy however there was nothing but smiles from all involved as the sailing was was just great. The year is nearly over and the last sailing day is Thursday the 8th of December.
Cheers from President Rick.














