Volume 157 - 1 - March 2008

1996 Tigger Too – Hugh Tait and Tara McCall – National Champions 2007-08

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 2 - March 2008

President’s Message

A number of exciting things are happening in the class at the moment which bode well for the future. We have a new hull (Moondance) being produced and two different carbon masts being actively pursued which means development is still alive and kicking. Being aware that there is nothing so constant as change is the nectar of a development class. Experimentation which might or might not lead to something is vital in the class’ future – look at Russell’s upside-down sail; nothing ventured nothing gained.

Another thing of note is passing the 2000 mark in sail numbers – properly this time. Also the revitalisation of the Victorian association is great news for the class. Five boats have gone into the state over the last twelve months with three competing in the Nationals. We should give every support we can to help their efforts to rebuild the class there.

And yet another bit of action is the potential introduction of the class into the UK and other parts of Europe. Toby Peacock in England is being very active in creating interest in the class in UK and has created a website for the class there –www.sailns14.org. The plan is to create the means to allow the class to expand internationally in a coherent manner.

Despite the lower than ideal numbers, the Nationals at Black Rock were great fun with some spectacular rides. This was the first regatta since the removal of reference to age in the rules allowing a young teenage crew to compete. Various State titles and other regattas are on now and I encourage everyone to get along to support your class and have fun.

And at the end of the season you have a chance to see all the experts display their skills. The Champions’ Trophy, to be held in May at Concord Ryde and the brain child of Russell Moore, invites all winners of State and National Championships to compete in a regatta with our best youth acting as crew. This will be a great challenge and a lot of fun with plenty of war stories being told at the social event. Watch the website for further details but if you are a previous champion, contact Russell. Likewise if you can offer a boat for use in the regatta by people who know what they are doing let Russell know.

Have a great second half of the season.

Michael TaitJanuary 2008

See you at the States!

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 3 - March 2008

The Editor

This edition is a mix of pre and mid-season material due to a number of imbalances in the editor’s work/life balance, plus the usual excuses! Originally this section was drafted to say “no technology problems” but alas this was not to be the case. The NS14 Bulletin seems to carry some voodoo hex for my computer, in preparing this issue I have experienced automatic reformatting of fonts, including “hidden text” that won’t print, a bug that caused the computer to crash without saving, one hard disk crash and one CPU failure. Yes, I now have an external hard disk with everything backed up! On top of this work problems and jury duty have conspired to keeping me off the water, so 1940 is now renamed Invisible for the obvious reasons.

So as this edition goes to press I’ve just had my first sail for 3 months, which was very exciting.

See you at the States ….

…. if I can find a crew!

Notices of Race

These are now published on the website as soon as they are available, together with relevant news and pre-race material.

NORs will be included with printed copies of the Bulletin.

Currently available NORs include:Tasmanian States Lindisfarne 8-10 MarchNSW States St.George 21-24 MarchQLD State Championships Mooloolaba 25-27 April

Results of Races

These are now published on the website as soon as they are available, often before the weekend is over. Far too quick to make it into the Bulletin, so keep up to date via www.ns14.org.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 4 - March 2008

Mark Thorpe Boats

Mark Thorpe Boats1st, 2nd 3rd 5th 2006~07 & 1st 2007~2008 NS14

National Champions sailed Tiger hulls

Phone # (02) 9982 3537 web www.thorpeboats.comemail thorpeyboats@bigpond.com

Thorpe Boats also sailed by National Champions in

Flying 11, 13’ Skiff and MG14 Classes

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 5 - March 2008

Sail numbers

We’ve passed the 2nd millennium, with recent activity being:

1999 Jet Lagged Ian Ritchie2000 Diabolical David Johnson2001 Road Runner Colin Wylie2002 ? Andrew O’Brien2003 Bandit Phil Scott

Will we reach 2008 in 2008? Place your bets now!

All Champions Regatta

This is very early notice – and more details will follow. Russell Moore had the idea and it is receiving a lot of interest.

Date 17-18 May 2008Place Concord Ryde Sailing Club

Basically, the “All Champions” regatta will pit former state and national champions against each other, using borrowed boats and junior (under age 21) crews from local clubs. So far 9 acceptances have been received – so it is much more than pie in the sky. Russell has a long list of others to trace, contact and do some arm-twisting on.

Not only will it be great racing, it should also be great spectator sport as well, given CRSC’s vantage point and newly covered deck.

Watch this space – and the website - for more information as it comes to hand.

Weather

Not sure whether to sail on Sunday or not? www.bom.gov.au not very helpful? I’ve already pointed out the very useful wind forecast on www.seabreeze.com.au but this is seriously weak in telling you the level of precipitation.

Have a look at www.freemeteo.com (currently in beta testing), which offers the weather in 1 million locations around the world, with a 7 day forecast - and - 3 hourly forecasts for the selected forecast day. Watch out for the ads, and the annoying pop ups, but it's quite a useful forecast. And you can tell how cold it will be after the southerly change has passed through, so you’ll know how many woollies to take with you.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 6 - March 2008

Nationals – 2007~08

Black Rock Yacht Club, Melbourne, Victoria; 27th December 2007 – 3rd January 2008

The NS14 Nationals held at Black Rock Yacht Club in Victoria had a bit of everything that Port Phillip Bay had to offer. During the full nine race series the fleet initially encountered light winds that almost died out to then be faced with a South Westerly exceeding 27 knots causing one race postponement that was caught up later. Then came the hot gusting northerlies, which were replaced after a couple of days by the classic southerlies that gave some great rides down the swell. The last day saw a building easterly.

With boats from all six states and territories that the NS has fleets, the competition throughout the fleet was intense. In the end Hugh Tait and Tara McCall on Tigger Too were too consistent for Scott Day and Holly Norris on Salty Lips and Steve Jones and Sharyn Calwell on Pawnstar. The competition for the youth and female prizes was fierce with Henry Kernot with Nathan Warner on Captain Planet prevailing as the leading youth skipper and Karen Davis with Katherine Davis on Go with the Flow the first female skipper. Michael Tait and Jack Breislin on Tigger took out the Handicap prize followed by David Aylward and Charlotte Holliday on Beach 25 and Tim Dunstan and Christina Stewart on Uproar.

The regatta saw a number of firsts with the first carbon masts being used, the first time there was no age restriction on crews and the first time for sail number 2000. That boat, Diabolical, was also the first of the Moondance hulls and was completed only two days before the regatta. Black Rock did a superb job of race organisation, the social events were great and sponsorship from Zhik, Anchor Marine and Banana Boat made it a fantastic event leading to the revitalisation of the class in Victoria. And there are lots of photos of the action at www.ns14.org.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 7 - March 2008

Results

1 Tigger Too (H. Tait, T. McCall, NSW), (3)-1-1-2-(3)-1-1-1-1, 8; 2. Salty Lips (S. Day, H. Norris, NSW), 1-2-2-(3)-2-2-2-2-(28C), 13; 3. Pawnstar (S. Jones, S. Calwell, NSW), 4-3-8-1-1-5-3-(28C)-(28C), 25; 4. Wildfire (C. Gardner, D. McGhee, NSW), 7-4-3-5-4-3-7-(28C)-(28C), 33; 5. Spinifex (P. Davis, M.Davis, TAS), (9)-(10)-6-8-5-4-6-3-2, 34; 6. Bohica (P. Williams, M. Williams, NSW), 5-9-(12)-4-7-8-(16)-9-5, 47; 7. Enigma (P.Stephinson, A. Stephinson, NSW), 2-8-10-6-(12)-(13)-8-8-6, 48; 8. Captain Planet (H. Kernot, N. Warner, NSW), 6-6-7-(18)-9-(17)-9-5-10, 52; 9. Beach 25 (D. Aylward, C. Holliday, NSW), (15)-5-13-7-6-(18)-13-7-4, 55; 10. Tigger (M. Tait, J. Breislin, NSW), (20)-13-9-14-8-6-(15)-4-3, 57

Nationals Photos Slideshow

Thanks to the many photographers that submitted photographs on the website –there are literally hundreds to look at!

The best to way to see them is to:1.log onto the website2.Click On photographs3.Select a gallery4.Then click slideshow (top right

hand corner)5.Set “delay” to 1 second, if the

default of 3 seconds is too slow6. Sit back and watch the action!

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 8 - March 2008

Salty Lips / Scott & Holly Day

Pawnstar / Steve Jones & Sharyn Calwell

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 9 - March 2008

Rob Brewer Sails

Rob Brewer Sails gives you …

- Quality. Sails that last must be made from only the best sailcloth, carefully assembled by a qualified sailmaker. Personally made for you by Rob.

- Speed. Don’t miss shifts while you pull strings! Racing sails must be user friendly. An on going research and development program ensures you of easy speed in all conditions.

- Service. 15 years experience in the NS14 class is at your disposal. No nonsense advice on tuning your NS tosuit your needs.

- Raceaway. All aspects of your NS14 can be dealt with, with a minimum of fuss. Have your boat race tuned by the man that does it for a living.

- Coaching. Available to all. In groups or individually. AYF certified coach.

Call Rob today for friendly service.

Phone (02) 9986 1055Mobile 0411 357 470

Email rob@raceaway.com.au

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 10 - March 2008

New South Wales

The Boat Show has been and gone, and sailing boats didn’t get much of a look-in. But as the following pictures show we did our best to get the NS14 out in front.

We also arranged for a number of videos to be played promoting the class. Importantly the videos were playing during the YA Awards, where Northbridge Sailing Club won the Training Facility of the Year. Most of the NSC training instructors are NS14 sailors, and head of the sailing school is Hugh Tait, who is well known to all of you who sail at the pointy end of the fleet. So, we hope some subliminal advertising influenced those present.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 11 - March 2008

Training Day

Saturday15th September dawned sunny, warm and slight in wind –perfect for training. Michael Nash (well known NS14 sailor and designer of the Aero series of boats) was there to share his knowledge of NS14 sailing, and with 8 or 9 boats from Northbridge and Concord Ryde, there was plenty of one-on-one training.

Taking advantage of the early (and light) westerly, all the boats were quickly on the water sailing around a short triangle course, which provided lots of tacking and gybing. Michael Nash went out on Retriever (the Club’s high speed rescue boat), and David Bentley (camera in hand) took out a tinny to photograph proceedings.

It quickly transpired than Retriever, due to a shortage of hydraulic fluid in the steering, was not manoeuvrable enough to get in close, so Michael hopped into the tinny and David spent the rest of the day with camera in one hand and outboard throttle in the other!

On the water it was quickly apparent that the newer sailors (no names!) were most in need of help, so Michael got in close to shout instructions. One by one everyone going around the triangle found the tinny a few feet to leeward, or astern, with Michael’s keen eye missing nothing. In the light wind no one could escape the tinny!

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 12 - March 2008

By midday a dying wind had us all ashore for lunch and some theory. Michael’s demonstration of pressure theory – an upside down glass of water holding up a plate – worked well until the plate was knocked, and the trapped water was persuaded by gravity to fall to the floor. Despite HSC physics, some of the members attending were really not aware of the effects of air pressure, and so the key point, that (a) air pressure is very strong and (b) that changes in pressure is all that makes sailing boats work, was cleverly made: skinny NS14s with small sail areas and efficient rigs are very sensitive to correct sail setting!

Down on the deck there were lessons on tell tail use, and quite a few jib set ups were found to be wanting. With no spinnaker, the NS14 is very dependent on maximising the power from the jib.

Back on the water again, in the afternoon south-easterly, there was more triangle work, then a series of short handicap races. Trying to get everyone stopped (but still in control) on the start line was interesting. And the short racingconfirmed that while some boats had good straight-line speed, the corners were the problem. Boat handling is a key skill missing from our junior sailors, especially those moving into the NS14s from junior classes. Memo to their parents: More time on the water please!

Key lessons learned:1. Keep the boat FLAT. Anticipate gusts, play the mainsheet, lean out. It’s

been said before, but the crew works harder than the skipper in keeping the boat flat. The NS14 needs crew who are fit and strong, being narrow on the waterline and carrying tall rigs

NOT FLAT FLAT

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 13 - March 2008

2. Weight forward in light airs, don’t drag the stern. With self-draining cockpits, it’s easy to see the bubbles coming out the back, so skippers, don’t forget to look over your shoulder occasionally. The NS14 has a wide stern and the added drag will really slow you down. Also noticeable on the water was the Tiger hulls, with fuller, more powerful bows, were more prone to dragging their sterns than some of the narrower bowed Aero boats.

WATCH FOR BUBBLES AND MOVE FORWARD – THE CREW CAN GO FORWARD OF THE SIDE STAYS

3. Watch the tell tails, don’t over or under sheet the sails, don’t cleat the sails in light winds, they must be continuously adjusted. Reasons there are 3 or 4 sets of tell tales on the sails are to provide several reference points, or an alternate set if another get snagged, and to show airflow over the whole sail. Leech tell tales are there to tell you that you do have flow over the whole sail, and that the leech tension is correct (on both mains and jibs).

LOOK UP AT YOUR SAILS REGULARLY, CHECK THE TELL TAILS, SLOT AND SHEETING ANGLES. NEVER CLEAT THE SAILS DOWNWIND, WHERE THEY

NEED CONTINUOUS ADJUSTMENT.

4. Don’t forget the jib outhaul (tweaker) when reaching, it’s needed to keep the leech tight as you ease out the jib. Remember the NS14 does not have a spinnaker, so the jib is very important downwind (unlike a spinnaker boat where the jib often gets in the way).

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 14 - March 2008

5. Use the rotator, and over-rotate on runs. The rotating mast is used to encourage airflow around the leeward side of the sail, while minimising drag. The faster the air moves, the lower the pressure. The lower the pressure, the more pressure difference between the windward side of the sail. The bigger the difference, the more forward push you get. Upwind set the rotator to the best angle for the sail above the jib, since there is no job there to affect the airflow. Downwind, including running, you can loosen the rotator some more to encourage wind around the back of the main. Don’t forget to reset it when changing from downwind to upwind, and especially don’t forget it when tacking – that oval shape creates big drag if turned to leeward.

ROTATOR SET OK TWEAKER SET CORRECTLY

6. Make sure the jib is rigged properly, with the correct sheeting angle. On the deck many boats needed adjustment. To windward, the line of the jib sheet should, if extended, cross the luff of the jib about 2/3 to ¾ of the way up, or roughly in proportion to the foot and leech dimensions. This creates the right leech tension and sail shape of the jib. Too low and the jib leech is too loose, reducing power; too tight and the slot is jammed, stalling the jib and the mainsail. See the dotted line above. If in doubt, see how the fast boats are rigged.

Feedback after the day suggested the younger members gained a lot of benefit from the training. Certainly by the end of the day everyone was sailing better and the slower boats had improved appreciably.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 15 - March 2008

Callala Bay - NSW Travellers Trophy

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 16 - March 2008

On the October long weekend 4 of the Northbridge NS14 crowd travelled to Callala Bay on Jervis bay for the annual October Long Weekend regatta. With the regatta included as the NS14 Traveller’s Trophy there were 13 NS14s, most of which were quite competitive sailors. With a forecast for heavy wind the shoreline was brimming with nerves and excitement plus a few reluctant crews. The fleet was split into 4 divisions: Catamarans, yardstick<109, Tasars, yardstick>109. The NS14s came in under the 2nd division along with B14s, MG14s, Cherubs, Sharpies and foiler moths.

The first race was a tough one with the wind seemingly not knowing where to go and large knocks were common. The odd gust made conditions a little hairy at times and many skippers crossed the line with a mix of relief and frustration. Hugh Tait and Tara McCall on Finger Licking Good crossed the line first out of the NS14s, in front of Scott Day and Holly Norris on Salty Lips from Teralba Amateur Sailing Club, who were going to be their main rivals during the regatta. Henry Kernot and Nathan Warner were 8th on Captain Planet, Dave Aylward and Evan Andrews were 7th on Beach 25 and Mike Tait and Jack Breislin were 9th on Tigger.

The second race presented a more consistent breeze but strength increased with some gusts pushing above the 25 knot mark. The first lap went without major incident but all sailors felt “the burn” upwind. Captain Planet ran into some trouble on the sausage leg to leeward, a large gust came at just the wrong time, making pulling the whisker pole down extremely difficult. With Nathan trying to pull it down the boat went into a nosedive and capsized, during which the forestay snapped. Henry, being paranoid about flogging his brand new jib, removed it straight away, completely oblivious to the now sinking whisker pole. Minus a whisker pole, forestay and with hull and foredeck damage they returned to shore to begin repair. However, the brand new jib was still in quite immaculate condition, well looked after by the rescue boat crew. Finger Licking Good continued on its winning ways, again beating Salty Lips to the finish line and Beach 25 and Tigger finished 8th and 10th respectively.

After a buffet dinner at the Callala Bay RSL and a good sleep plus some repairs on Captain Planet, the Northbridge crew were ready to go. Sunday looked to be even tougher than Saturday in terms of wind strength. The chaos continued straight away with a general recall and a course change saving Captain Planet from an extremely poor start. When the race did start it wasn’t long before Beach 25 ran into trouble when there hiking strap snapped sending them into a capsize, poor fortune resulted in their mast going over onto Pete Harney’s moth, leaving Pete to sail tentatively back to shore with snapped spreaders. Dave also made the decision to retire. The race heated up quickly with Finger Licking Good having another battle with Salty Lips. Salty Lips had the advantage this time however, with Hugh sailing to the wrong side on one of the upwind legs and losing a previously large lead. Salty Lips got out ahead and went on to win relatively comfortably. Tigger had a good battle with Captain Planet and looked to have it wrapped up before having trouble on the

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 17 - March 2008

bottom mark the last time round, they capsized through a gybe and Captain Planet did a safer granny gybe, rounding the mark in front. They sailed to the line to finish in 5th, Tigger finished 6th. Quite a solid achievement for all as only 6 NS14s finished. The boats came in for lunch and a well-earned nap in the sun. Much time was spent debating over whether the regatta should continue, with many of the crews being sceptical and most of the skippers keen/ don’t mind either way. When the decision finally came to abandon all further racing the general consensus was that the racing committee made the right decision, mainly due to some of the gusts that roared through the supposably “sheltered” rigging area. At a short presentation Hugh and Tara# accepted the prize for first in division 2 and Nathan received a prize for hanging on downwind in the blow, quite a performance according to some spectator boats. Everyone packed up for an earlier than expected trip home, with all satisfied by a thoroughly enjoyable regatta.

Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 SeriesFinger Licking Good 1 1 2 1Tigger 9 10 6 =6Captain Planet 8 DNF 5 8Beach 25 7 8 DNF 9NB: All results are for (Northbridge) NS14 only, full results elsewhere in the Bulletin.

Henry KernotCaptain Planet / NSC

Nathan Warner, Scott & Holly, and Hugh Tait collect their prizes:

# Actually, my spies tell me that Tara was in the shower at the actual time of the presentation, which explains her absence from the pictures - Ed

Scot carries his personal trainer!

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 18 - March 2008

NSW States – Easter 2007 – Notice of Race

The 2008 NSW State Championships will be hosted by St George Sailing Club from

21st to 24th March 2008 and will be sailed on Botany Bay.

Every entry will benefit from a major sponsorship by Zhik. Each

entry will get genuine Zhik rash vests worth 67% of your entry

fee. How can you resist?! Fill the form in now!! It’s on the

website:

NOR Entry Form Accommodation options (thank you Cathy Johnson)

Rob Brewer will again be supporting the class with a great prize of a new jib for the

Handicap Winner. You have to be in it to win it!!

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 19 - March 2008

Northbridge Sailing Club

Not a lot to report. The Higher School Certificate, or “HSC” to those in the know, has taken its toll amongst teenage skippers and crews in Years 11 and 12. early in the season. And even some of last year’s participants are still burnt out and spend Sunday afternoons on the deck - but then they have spent all morning training 50+ pre-teens in the NSC Sailing School. Recently heard on the deck from one father was a comment that his daughter was too busy studying to go sailing, but could – at short notice - find the time for the movies!

The crew shortage is widely felt, with many changes and a lot of skippers engaged in mid-week lobbying for the available crews. Mike Tait found a temporary solution by going to Yorkshire for whole of October, and Hugh, with a new partly finished Tiger in the garage, borrowed Tigger back from dad, or, more cheekily, borrows Finger Licking Good from Tara, and makes her crew for him! And then, after finishing Tigger Too and winning the Nationals has still been seen skippering Tara’s boat (while flying his own sails). Can’t wait to see the end-of season results! David Bentley recruited his 9-year-old son Sam, who promptly decided he liked sailing but this racing business was too much hard work when the boys in street wanted to play Nintendo with him on Sundays. Ah, the fickleness of youth. Then his boat, in the absence of a regular crew, and a total work/life imbalance, became Invisible for a few months but promises to make a start in the States.

Peter Warner in Samba Pati has also OOD duty interference, though with his family seems to have a choice of 4 crews of differing weights available according to the conditions. Didn’t stop him capsizing in the summer series while the editor, stopping on his way to the office, found the camera was in the car in time to record the event.

David Aylward (Beach 25) was also crew picking each week early in the season, then enjoyed success with new crew Charlotte, who has recently had an ankle injury from netball, leaving him crewless again. Fair punishment for spending money on a new Alfa over winter rather than a new set of sails.

With light winds early in the season, racing has been close, and though 4 or 5 boats were fighting early for the top 3, the rest of the fleet also enjoy close racing, with 4th to 10th places not guaranteed either. Thanks to the training day, the back markers cannot be relied upon to stay at the back, and recent racing has seen places change regularly right up to the finish line. Handicap results have not been published, but rumour is that there are some surprises in store.

Henry (Captain Planet) Kernot’s report of Callala Bay appears earlier in the Bulletin, and more boats are planning to visit the Northern Rivers for scheduled inter-club racing. And Peter Warner, who was to run training up there, was taken ill and rescheduled his Northern Rivers visit to later in the season. A report appears elsewhere in this Bulletin.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 20 - March 2008

Richmond River Sailing & Rowing Club

The 2007-2008 Richmond River Sailing &Rowing Club (RRS&RC) season commenced with an even larger ns14 fleet than last season here on The Richmond River (Ballina, NSW), thanks to skipper Chris Larsen who recently purchased #1997 “Don’t Panic”, the first Tiger Hull at the RRS&RC and his fourth ns14/MG purchase in 3 years, and all boats re-sold within our club! You boys with your toys hey! We currently have a very healthy fleet of 15 ns14’s here at the RRS&RC, most of which weekly race.

Travelling and inter club competing has already furiously started, with Mark Goltz #1857 “Aphrodite” and new chief crew tart Jodie Boicos and Chris Larsen and crew Darcy Woodward, travelling north to join The South Brisbane Sailing Club for Race 1 of The Queensland Travellers Trophy (TT), “Aphrodite” getting a 3rd position. Chris and Darcy were also at Lake Cootharabah, The Queensland MG Titles, last weekend. Great effort both. The 20th/21st October sees Race 1&2 of The Mid North Coast TT at Grafton and 3 boats from The RRS&RC will be in attendance. We have also already enjoyed visitors from The SBSC down to compete at the RRS&RC this season. You can’t Reach on The Brisbane River, so you can’t blame their sailors for being keen to join us!

The talents of Graeme Flemming (former club and ns14 champion at the RRS&RC) have returned with a vengeance. He was saved from the brink of going to the dark side, a trailer sailor, spare the thought! I did a bit of winter sailing with the old boy, had a lot of fun, and asked him if I bought my own ns14 would he be my crew tart? Amazingly, within the week “Poppy Flemming” as I now fondly refer to him, had purchased #1920 “Dr Who” (from Chris Larsen)! And e-mailed me promptly to inform me that HE now had a crew tart vacancy and did I want the position? Having been retired from Team “Whatever…”#1783 at the end of last season, I was eagerly looking for a new skipper, and what a blessing…someone was looking out for me because I got one that doesn’t yell at last! I was also quite stoked with the new hull…dry and comfortable! Hiking is a joy and pain free!!!!

Over 6 weeks into our racing season already, check out our all new and “Flash as… “Website. www.richmondriver.yachting.org.au Race results are available to see just how close our ns14 fleet has been. Duncan Dey #1783 “Whatever…” (Still with a crew tart vacancy I believe…) has yet to be beaten, but Poppy Flemming and Mark Goltz are hot on his stern! The season is proving highly competitive and highly charged with emotion. We have had over a month of Northerly conditions and some quite challenging at that! Poppy and I had a huge swim 2 weeks ago for a good half an hour, with 10 knots of outgoing tide and a 25 knot NE breeze blowing us onto our infamous southern rock wall. Our capsize was purely crew tart error, an unintentional cleated jib sheet on tacking…oops, and I took full responsibility for my mistake. Skipper, crew tart and new boat were all nearly shredded.

Sadly, our ns14 training weekend scheduled for last month was cancelled due to trainer “Peter Warner” of Northbridge Sailing Club, getting sick; but has been rescheduled for the weekend 24th/25th November 2007. ALL WELCOME to join us. Registration forms can be downloaded from our website or contact Mark Goltz on 0431 022705. We hope to host a 2nd training weekend also in the New Year. Dates and trainer to be announced.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 21 - March 2008

Club Membership is healthy and growing at The RRS&RC, especially in the crew tart department! I now have serious competition as we have an abundance of 55-65kg chicks hanging around the club! Sadly we struggle to attract youth sailors and even when we do, we then struggle to hold on to them. Ballina is a pensioner retirement heaven hence the abundance of poppy skippers! We do however have two new flying 11”s this season and potentially more junior ns14 skippers in the making, when they are a bit heavier and older. Our learn to sail weekend this month attracted almost 20 enrolments which was encouraging. We also celebrated our 70th Anniversary of The club in August with a “Ball” posh dinner dance and presentation at The Ballina Beach resort. I met “The Princess of The Richmond” from 1952! With the greatest of respect, a real life geriatric crew tart and a sweetheart! Quite an honour for me. A great time was had. This season we hope to improve club facilities with the help of a sports and recreational grant, fingers crossed.

So that’s an update from The Northern Rivers who have a thriving ns14 community. I am now transitional sailing weekly in an attempt to ascend to skipper status myself! It could be a while, and god help the class when I do get at the helm! Watch out for us avid ns14 nuts of the RRS&RC and expect to see us represented at Taree, Lake Macquarie, Lake Cootharabah and Black Rock at Christmas/New Year. We are a pretty keen bunch. Anybody visiting Ballina or even just passing through, we race weekly Sunday’s at 1.00pm. Visitors always made most welcome, we have an idyllic spot to sink a beer at the end of an arvo after sailing on quite a pristine river. Tempted? I am looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones this season on the ns14 circuit.

Janet Allured Publicity Officer (RRS&RC)

Carbon Mast News

CST has developed a brand new carbon mast section for the NS14 and MG14. The mast is an elliptical profile measuring 80 x 40mm and is manufactured in one piece complete with woven carbon reinforcing at the hounds and base. When fully rigged the new carbon mast will weigh around 1.5kg less than the current alloy/carbon mast.

The first prototype rig has been stepped in a boat and will be on the water later this week. Following a short period of development and optimisation they expect masts to be available

to the fleet in the very near future. For more information see http://www.cstcomposites.com/MG14_and_NS14.htm

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 22 - March 2008

Ns14 TRAINING WEEKENDWith PETER WARNER

At The RRS&RC

The Richmond River Sailing & Rowing Club (Ballina, Northern NSW) were fortunate to enjoy a two day ns14 training camp on the 24th/25th November 2007. Peter Warner of Northbridge Sailing Club flew up to spend an intense weekend of ns14 sailing theory, on the water training, and rigging tips. The camp was attended by 5 skippers and crew from the RRS&RC and a visiting skipper and crew from the South Brisbane Sailing Club.

Peter’s relaxed and approachable style proved a positive learning environment for all. The aim of the weekend included covering topics such as boat tuning, tacking techniques, race tactics, starting tactics, rigging tips, rounding marks, communication, and the role of the skipper and crew. The weekend was a combination of on and off the water training and we were blessed with NE breezes of 15 knots on Saturday and 8-10 knots on Sunday on our beautiful river in Ballina. The Sunday posed a challenge with a raging outgoing tide for sailors to contend with. We enjoyed a series of sprint races including works to windward, windward returns, and reaches, with good starting practice for all. Debriefing sessions proved invaluable and it was evident that individually we had all gained knowledge and experience. Even Duncan Dey!

Noticeable improvements for David Gale and crew Bernard #1636 Hornet, also for newly formed partnership Graeme Flemming and Janet Allured #1920 Dr Who and Brendan and daughter Riley #1874 El Nino (who are actually beating Duncan occasionally now!!!!! Not that it’s about the winning of course…) what is evident within our club in The Northern Rivers, is the willingness of ns14 sailors to impart and share their knowledge of how to optimise boat speed and performance. The momentum of the developing class seems huge at the moment, as we sport 15 ns14’s at our club. Peter Warner also reinforced this, for which we were all truly grateful. We were all fortunate to put our newly learnt skills and tactics into practice at the monomasters Championships (and heat 2 of The Northern Rivers ns14 traveller’s trophy) at Lake Cootharabah 1st/2nd December 2007.

A huge Thank You to Peter Warner for his time and efforts, and The RRS&RC plan to host a third ns14 training weekend early in 2008. Trainer to be announced. All welcome. Details available on our website. www.richmonrrivver.yachting.org great photographs too.

Janet Allured Publicity Officer RRS&RC

Single Handers Championships / Kogarah Bay

Darryl Mannix managed to cajole five boats into sailing the annual single-handed championship including one from Queensland (lost on the way back from Black Rock!). This highly physical but educational way of sailing an NS is quite challenging especially when the wind gets up. And the wind was up for the first race (held on Friday evening) which proved quite testing for newcomers. Luckily things eased off a bit the next day enabling some good racing with the finishing order changing in each race. Despite extensive training for the Laser Masters Peter Stephinson on Enigma was not able to hold off David Johnson on Diabolical in the last race. Darryl on Emu came third followed by Michael Tait on Tigger and Chris Larsen on Don't Panic.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 23 - March 2008

Concord Ryde Sailing Club

Greetings from our small but very keen and enthusiastic bunch on the upper reaches of the beautiful Parramatta River. Over the winter months there has been a lot of changing of boats, both within the class in the Club and otherwise. Two of our boats have been sold to Victoria, good for the prospects of the class south of the border, but not good for us. We have one new Tiger yet to hit the water and we are waiting with abated breath. Two heats of the Club Championship have already been sailed and last year’s champion TWISTED SISTER (Sandra Donovan & Laura Glynn) have got off to a flyer. However Phil & Georgina Scott might have something to say about that when they get their new Tiger on the water.

This season is a milestone at CRSC. It marks 40 years of NS14 sailing at our Club. It was a visit to the Boat Show in 1967 by Club Member, Graeme Thompson, that set him on a path which was to see many members follow him. He obtained a set of plans from the Association and by Christmas the first NS14 was sailing on the waters at Concord & Ryde. All the early boats were home built, although Club Member, Bernie Milner, would provide hulls to order made by the inmates of the Gladesville Mental Hospital, in his woodworking shop. Graeme Thompson went on to hold various positions in the NSW Association and was honoured with Life Membership for his contribution to the class.

We are looking forward to 40 more years of NS14 sailing.

Sandra Donovan

And a report from the wilds of Port Phillip Bay, VIC

One lone representative from the Club braved the wilds of Port Phillip Bay to compete in the NS14 National Championships sailed from Black Rock Yacht Club, Melbourne, Victoria during the Christmas/New Year period. Sandra Donovan and Laura Glynn sailing "Twisted Sister" looked on the series as a challenge -and an adventure and they were not disappointed.

Port Phillip Bay lived up to its reputation, providing winds from every direction over the week, with strengths from 5 knots to 30 knots and waves to match. Fortunately for our intrepid crew the series started with moderate offshore winds which kept the waves down and gave everyone time to get used to the conditions. The temperature for Heat 1 was in the mid 30s and it was sizzling hot out on the water. A long race was scheduled and our crew shook the cobwebs out and finished a respectable 19th.

The first change came on day 2. Back to back races were scheduled in the afternoon and the fleet set off knowing that a cool change was forecast for sometime in the afternoon. The wind kept shifting to the south throughout the race and everyone was keeping an eye on the band of cloud slowly heading in the fleet's direction. Our crew finished the first race (Heat 2) in the shifty conditions in 15th place before the change arrived. The race officials wisely held off the start of the second race (Heat 3) until the change had come through. The cool wind was gratefully received at first but it kept increasing in intensity. The Bay was whipped up into frenzy. The waves increased almost instantly and everyone was feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Typical Melbourne weather - one minute you are melting and the next you are freezing! After about half an hour of trying to come to grips with the conditions (and it was past 4pm) our intrepid crew decided to bail out and head for home. They were the first to piker out but as they reached the sheltered waters behind the reef off the Club, a few more decided that

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Volume 157 - 24 - March 2008

discretion was the better part of valour and followed. The wind kept building and the race was eventually abandoned to be rescheduled.

The cool change was short lived and the heat returned on day 3. Back to back races were again scheduled for the afternoon. Our crew finished in 19th place in the first race (Heat 4) after another very ordinary start so in Heat 5 decided that it was time to be aggressive. A little too aggressive as it turned out and they received the hooter for a premature start. (They say you are not trying unless you get recalled at least once in a regatta!) The fleet was gone by the time they could return to restart but did manage to pull back a few places to finish in 21st place.

The relentless heat kept increasing. On day 4 (New Years Eve) the forecast was 42 degrees. The abandoned Race 3 was rescheduled for the morning with a long race (Heat 6) in the afternoon. By this time the burning sun was beginning to take its toll. The usual methods were not working and competitors were taking extreme measures to protect themselves. Heads, faces and bodies were covered in anything that was available. Sailing is such a glamorous sport! Those fierce hot northerly winds that herald bushfires (the same as our hot westerlies) were blowing straight out of Central Australia and had increased in intensity for the morning race. Unfortunately a gust knocked down our intrepid crew on the first work. The fleet was around the top mark before they could get themselves going again. They were never going to catch up so they decided to pull the plug and save what strength they had for the afternoon race. Laura did however get some practice of her swimming technique in full sailing regalia when her skipper drifted off valiantly clinging to the boat.

The temperature soared and reached above the forecast. The locals flocked to the beach at the Club and avoiding swimmers was becoming difficult. One enterprising family even set up their picnic table and chairs complete with umbrella in the water! Heat 6 was raced in the hottest conditions I have ever experienced in a regatta. It was like sailing in a blast furnace. The spray from the waves gave some relief but dried instantly on the face. Even the water in the drink bottle became too hot to drink. Ourcrew survived to finish in 20th place.

New Year's Day was a welcomed lay day and our crew took the opportunity for some well earned R&R in the comfort of air conditioned accommodation. It was a chance to put the sailing gear through the washing machine as it was noted that some items were almost leaping out of the bag. Some respite from the heat was also needed and a lot of lounging about watching the Hopman Cup Tennis was done.

Heats 7 and 8 were raced back to back on Jan 2. The wind had swung towards the south west and by the start of Heat 7 was up around 15 knots. The waves were up and all were in for an exciting race. The wind gradually increased as the afternoon wore on and the waves reached around 1.5 to 2m. Our intrepid crew took on the challenge and battled their way around the course. Surfing down a 2m wave with the jib poled out certainly was exciting. The trick was how to get off, get the pole down and go around the mark! Gybing for our crew was not an option and to granny in seas was not a picnic either. Reaching across the face of breaking waves was also very interesting. However the aim of this race was to survive. They did just that, although they did suffer the indignity of finishing last (in 21st place) as one by one all the boats behind them pulled out! Exhausted they headed for home and left Race 8 for the young and fearless.

Race 9 was scheduled for the next morning. There was a gale warning for Port Phillip Bay and the wind had swung to the south east. The PRO confessed that this was the most dangerous wind and wave direction and there was talk of the race being cancelled. The Bay was a sea of white water and our River sailors decided very early that they had nothing to gain. The first four places in the series had been decided but the points were very close around the middle of the fleet and they were keen to go. The PRO decided to set a smaller course close to the shore and attempt to race. The time came to rig and there was activity on only a handful of boats As starting time approached the winds seem to

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Volume 157 - 25 - March 2008

drop down and there was a flurry of activity as boats were hastily put together. In all 20 boats faced the starter for the final race.

The series was won by Hugh Tait and Tara McCall from Northbridge Club in "Tigger Too': They revelled in the fresh conditions, winning 6 of the 9 races. Scott and a pregnant Holly Day from Teralba Club in "Salty Lips" were a very consistent 2nd, with a heat win in race 1. Current State Champions Steve Jones and Sharyn Calwell from Wangi Club in "Pawnstar" were 3rd, winning heats 4 and 5. Although the fleet was smaller than usual (27 starters), there were representatives from Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, NSW, ACT as well as 3 boats from the fledgling Victorian fleet. The Victorian Association was reformed in December and they are keen to promote the class in their State.

The conditions were trying at times and there were some gear breakages, mostly masts and rudders. Chris Larsen from Queensland did a PB and broke two masts. I don't know who was game enough to lend him his third mast. However, all competitors, no matter what the damage, were able to get back on the water the next day.

Black Rock Yacht Club put on a great series. Although all volunteers, they are a very experienced crew and the NS14 Nationals was the first of a number of National and International regattas they were hosting during the summer. This regatta was being followed by the International Finn Gold Cup and a number of international boats were training on the waters during the Nationals as well as local and international Moth sailors before heading off to their Nationals in Wallaroo in South Australia. This certainly added to the atmosphere at the Club.

Both on and off the water it was a great regatta. The Club was very friendly and competitors of all ages and from all States as well as their families mixed together and enjoyed the social events after the racing. Everyone was looking forward to the next Nationals at the Brighton-Seacliff Club in Adelaide next Christmas.

Sandra Donovan

Callala Bay Results

NAME CREW NAME BOAT NAME SAIL No. CLUB Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 SERIES PLACEHugh Tait Tara McCall Finger Licking Good 1986 Northbridge SC 1 1 2 4 1

Scott Day Holly Norris Salty Lips 1933 TeralbaSC 2 2 1 5 2

Ian Dixon Ken Porter Whitewash 1805 CPSC 4 6 3 13 3

Tim Dunstan Christina Stewart Uproar 1850 Connell’s Point SC 3 5 DNF 22 4

Eric Wiseman Louis Wiseman Blue Moon 1900 Connell’s Point SC 6 3 DNF 23 5

Michael Tait Jack Breislin Tigger 1994 Northbridge SC 9 10 6 25 6

Gary Bellamy Lisa Skelton Hooters 1899 TeralbaSC DNF 7 4 25 6

Henry Kernot Nathan Warner Captain Planet 1849 Northbridge SC 8 DNF 5 27 8

David Aylward Evan Andrews Beach 25 1985 Northbridge SC 7 8 DNF 29 9

Trent Wiggins Jessica Wiers Without a Trace 1982 CPSC 12 4 DNF 30 10

Mitchell Hitchens Ben Spencer Crosstown Traffic 1763 YMCASC 5 DNS DNF 33 11

Warren Almond Nicholas Hobson Must be nuts 1992 Connell’s Point SC 10 9 DNF 33 11

Ian Ritchie Susan Ritchie Jetlagged 1999 Connell’s Point SC 11 DNS DNF 39 13

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 26 - March 2008

From the archives

We often wonder how things come about. Where did the Traveller’s Trophy Series come from, where did the Metropolitan Trophy Series come from, why do we do things a certain way. I know that the Traveller’s Trophy Series emanated from the very earliest days when members of the class travelled around to as many different Clubs as they could to promote the class and this tradition continues.

What about the Metropolitan Trophy Series?. A document headed “INTERCLUB INVITATION RACES being some thoughts, observations and ideas of a frustrated NS14 Club Captain” (circa 1970) has been unearthed and it reads:

“Having just organised an invitation race for NS14’s which attracted a fleet of thirteen starters, I was tempted to analyse the interclub situation. In the current racing programme there is a total of eighteen events spread over a period of six and a half months. If we subtract from this total the six T.T. events and the State and National Titles, we are still left with ten events sponsored by Clubs, and while it is very nice for a club to hold a successful race with a large fleet, this result is far from guaranteed, especially this season. Even the traditional interclub races are not attracting the fleets of past years. Without expending too much brainpower, it can be seen that there are too many races spread over too few weekends for any but the most fanatical pothunter.

“While most would agree that the Title series and T.T.’s are indispensable, a reduction in the number of other events would result in better attendances at those remaining and, incidentally, make the compilation of Club championship and Pointscore programmes much less of a headache. But, can this be done? Each club will still want to retain its traditional interclub event(s) at the expense of another’s.

“The solution lies, I think, in co-operation between Clubs. If we examine the Sydney Metropolitan Area, we find that NS14’s are sailed in four areas, Pittwater, Middle Harbour, the upper Parramatta River and the St. George Botany Bay area. Would it be possible for the Clubs in each area to be allotted a six or eight week period during the season in which they may select, by mutual agreement, a date for an invitation race to be run by one, or all, of those clubs on any course in that area, to which a representative fleet from the whole metropolitan area could come? This arrangement would result in four good races in eight months plus T.T.’s and Titles and a very much neater programme.

You can wonder no more. This format was adopted and the Metropolitan Trophy Series was born.

Graeme ThompsonConcord Ryde S.C.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 27 - March 2008

MEB Marine

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 28 - March 2008

South Australia

EARLY SEASON REPORTSo the season is underway (finally). It’s been a long winter in SA with effectively no sailing at Brighton Seacliff, where the majority of NS14s are based. But we are raring to go. Opening day was Saturday 6th October. The fine sunny day saw a small but committed fleet of NS’s, most of whom spent the rigging time whinging about the temperature of the wind. At least there was wind, but not too much. Last year’s opener was blown out! The photo below is a view of club from the rigging area by the boat ramp, before things really got going.

This photo is looking the other way, though the rigging of the extensive Sabre fleet. There’s as NS and an MG in there somewhere.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 29 - March 2008

The next day saw a milestone in the construction of our new boat. The first fibreglass was laid. Two layers of fibreglass were laid into the hull mould on Sunday 7th. Now, at last, it’s a boat (sort of), a year and 2 weeks since the mould construction began!

MID SEASON REPORT

Recent events in SA include our annual crews race, the yacht club’s come ‘n’ try sailing day and a jaunt across the gulf to Port Vincent for State titles Heat 4. First the crew’s race. There were many NS14’s out that day, some new comers to the class came out to participate in the glorious January weather as well as most of the regulars. Four of us crews ventured to the back of our boats, some of us for the first time!!. The brave souls were Christine in Sweet Little R’n’R, Lisa in Alternative Pathway, Tom in Liquid Insanity and myself in SteamRoller. Lisa was refusing to take the helm until the very last minute, but with encouragement from us all and permission (with some ridicule) from Dave she eventually decided to give it a go. Lisa was an early leader off the start line. I was a bit late for the gun and I’m not sure how everyone else went! I struggled up the first work, again not sure where anyone else was, just looking at those wools! The rest of the race is a bit of a blur. Christine made her way to front of the fleet and stayed there. The rest of us swapped positions a few times. I almost took out Tom at some mark or other, but he managed to dodge me. Thanks Tom. In the end, no-one fell over and everyone was smiling at the end. Joker crossed the line first, fresh back from the Black Rock Nationals, but of the crew helmsmen/women, the day was taken out by Christine.

A few weeks ago saw the annual BSYC “Come and Try Sailing Day”. Several NS14 sailors and their boats were in attendance, so thank you to everyone who made the effort in the extreme heat of the day to promote our class and sailing in general. An upshot of the day is that we now have a list of people potentially interested in crewing or buying boats.

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Volume 157 - 30 - March 2008

No official State Heat reports have been received by the editor recently. So this is State Heat 4 from my perspective, on the beach. The race started well with Angus going down for a sleep in his portacot. He was rudely awoken after only an hour by raucous children in the caravan park. We made our way back to the beach and played happily in the playground and on the sand. Clare (one of Adrian’s Clan) encouraged Angus into the water,so I got his swimmers on and great fun was had by all until he fell over and dunked his face under. The water was really quite cold. Just as everyone was getting calmed down, Andrew and Chris arrived back at the beach after finishing second. Deb and Ashley took first spot and are now almost unbeatable in the series with four from four. Heat 5 will be sailed this weekend (weather permitting) at Somerton Yacht Club.

Until next time….Kathryn

AND an update on the Construction of Andrew’s new boatProgress, progress, progress. Its amazing what some time off work can do for a project like this. Much has happened since the last update. As was begun in November, the entire inside of the hull has received a layer of foam. This process involved the time consuming drawing of the correct shapes onto foam, then cutting it out and gluing it on with elaborate cross bracing to hold it all in place. The number of pieces that could be glued on any one day was limited by the number of cross members and clamps available, so this stage took several weeks. The joins in the foam were filled, sanded, filled, sanded etc then a layer of fibreglass was applied over the whole lot. I think at least 2 sets of clothes have now been sacrificed to the fibreglass god, so hopefully he is smiling on us now! Next step was the internal frame structure. It has been easy to see the progress being made lately… the main bulkhead, the X frames, the transverse frames, the stern (I’ve got all the lingo down). Each has been cut from foam, fibreglassed on both sides, glued and then fibreglassed into position. The centreboard casing has been made (using SteamRoller’s board as a mould) and next is to cut a hole (eeek !!!!) in the hull for it go in. The deck construction will begin soon and then we’ll almost have a boat.

Drought affects sailors!

Goolwa to Meningie

Just to let you know that we have decided to cancel The Goolwa to Meningie Sailing Classic 2007, as the water levels in the Narrows and lake Albert are so low due to the drought.

It is with a great sense of regret that as a committee we have had to do this, but Lake Albert water levels are nearly as low now, as they were at the end of the hot weather last summer.

We have amended our website to reflect this, could you please update your events calendar to reflect this.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 31 - March 2008

2008~09 Nationals

Advance Notice

Plan now to attend the

Brighton & Seacliff Yacht Club Adelaide

South Australia

27th December 2008 to 3rd January 2009

B&SYC is located on the beachfront 1.5km south of Brighton Jetty and is close to coastal walks, cliff face reserve, right next door to a caravan park and local amenities. Our large premises are positioned

on a sheltered bay (The Gulf of St. Vincent) with panoramic sea views and sunsets.

We look forward to seeing you there

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 32 - March 2008

Dixon Boats

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 33 - March 2008

South Brisbane Sailing Club

Last season’s club championship wasn't decided until the last mark of the last heat (all 26 of them). Brendan & Riley McKeown finally winning out over Neil Murray & Jessica Higgs when their mainsail shredded 50 metres from the last windward mark.

With the drought continuing, good north-easters are guaranteed.

The season has started exactly how it finished with Brendan & Neil battling it out again. They haven't had it all their own way though; Nev & Brittaney Murray taking out the first heat of the Queensland Traveller's Trophy & Steve Fletcher & Anita Leahy taking out the Opening Day race. However, Neil's biggest problem is his own relations; beating Uncle Bob & brother Nev is almost as important as winning the championship. Bragging rights in the Murray clan count for a lot!

So the signs are there for another great season of racing.

With the potential of fourteen (14) NS14s turning up to race on the same day, the decision was taken to split the fleet into two divisions. Seventy + year old Max Poole has drawn the line in the sand with his upgraded boat that he intends to be top of the fleet in division 2. In fact, he is frequently getting in the way of the division 1 boats. Drug tests have been suggested.

Steve Fletcher

Ahh, another Saturday, another CityCat to dodge in Sunny Brisbane.

This photo headlines the SBSC website – notice most of the NS14s have nicked off already!

LIGHT READING?And if you have nothing to do at night, and fancy a little light reading, try the SBSC scuttlebutt site: http://www.sbsc.org.au/scuttlebutt.htm

Updated weekly, it has a lengthy ramble about the previous Sunday’s adventures – far too much material to cut and paste into this Bulletin, slightly humorous and tongue in cheek, with perhaps a little wisdom thrown if for good luck.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 34 - March 2008

Up Close and personal (1)

Who are you?Michael Babbage, 26 years old. Reside in Coal Point Lake Macquarie. Been making sails since I was 16.

How long have you been sailing NS14s?Started sailing NS14's when I was 12, with Sid Bellamy, at Marmong Point Sailing Club.

Do you still sail NS14s?No, stopped sailing after we won the states in 2005. However, still continue to be involved in the NS14 sail & rig development.

What do you like about the NS14?It's a simple very efficient boat. It’s nice to sail in all wind strengths and most angles to the wind, especially reaching & upwind. The most attractive thing to me was the competition.

Any favourite sailing moments/memories?Winning the states in 2005 would be the favourite moment. I have some very fond memories of sailing in the early days with Sid.

What services are you offering to NS14 sailors?Sails, covers, rigging, coaching, consultancy.

You're based at Lake Macquarie - can you help sailors further afield? Absolutely, I have clients all over Australia.

How do we contact you? Email- michael@mebsailing.com Ph- 0425 244 008Website (coming soon)- www.mebsailing.com

Editor: – The MEB advertisements are updated for new contact information

Well, hardly movie of the month since it’s been there for most of the season!

But if you haven’t seen it take a look at the SA website, which has a rather neat video of a very fast racing yacht ……

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 35 - March 2008

MEB Marine Sailmakers

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 36 - March 2008

Up Close and personal (2)

Who are you?Rob Brewer. I’m really just like most NS14 sailors that love the sport of sailing.

How long have you been sailing NS14s?My wife Joanne and I launched our first NS14 in 1982. Boy that makes it a pretty long time!So many changes have been made to the class over those years and so many talented sailors have contributed to the development of the boats.

Do you still sail NS14s?When I can. I do a lot of coaching on weekends and my children are keen sailors now, so finding time to sail myself is a challenge.Sailing with my son Tom in the 2004 and 2006 states was great fun. I would like to get back to sailing the NS regularly again once I don’t have to take the kids to their events.

What do you like about the NS14?There is no mistaking they are race boats. A walk along the beach at the states or nationals and you see a line of well turned out boats. Also the people involved in the class have always had a well-balanced approach to the sport. It’s competitive but friendly.

Technically the boats are very advanced and so challenge the sailors to understand how things work. Being underpowered, the boats themselves are demanding of good technique so as to get good speed from the boat. The racing is tough! The class has so many top-level sailors any mistake you make can cost you dearly.There are so many boxes you need to tick to be successful in the class. It is really hard to jump into the NS and sail in the front of the fleet because if you have any weakness it will be exposed.

Any favourite sailing moments/memories?Joanne and I look back at the great times we had travelling to all the events in the early times of our NS sailing. MT’s, TT’s, States and Nationals. Camping at the events. A barbeque at the club. Lots of good company, fun sailing and interesting people to meet.

We always had some interesting places to sail, like under the bridge at Grafton,curled into tiny balls in the front of the cockpit in Canberra or rigging ankle deep on the bank of the flooding Manning River at Taree. We even sailed a TT heat at Fitzroy Falls, trying to find the marks in a thick fog with the sound of water cascading over the falls as your main reference point.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 37 - March 2008

I remember Joanne and I driving to Adelaide for the Nationals in our old Corolla panel van. No air conditioning, the boat behind on a borrowed box trailer. We were so light (108 kg) and it was so windy, and we all used wooden wing masts that were so heavy! I still can’t believe she still married me a week after that regatta.

What services are you offering to NS14 sailors?I started my Sail making business in 1985 and the NS has been a big part of that since then. In the early 90’s my own boats were being snapped up to the point that they started to be bought before I had even built them. Thus the boat fitout business of Raceaway was born. Working together with Paul Kulmar we produced 12 Raceaway NS14’s in one season.

In the Aero 8 to Aero 10 years we developed lighter and stronger construction methods in the hulls while I developed the high roach mainsails and more active rigs we see on the boats today and at the 2007 Nationals, Raceaway boats were placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

The Sailmaking business has grown but the NS14 class is still a major part of it and I am always looking for ways to make the boats faster and the sails more durable.

You're based in Sydney - can you help sailors further afield?My sails are being used on many of the top boats interstate and outside Sydney. Rob Brewer Sails are used in every state of Australia to win regattas. The current NS14 sails have evolved over many years and changes are not made without careful consideration and testing. This gives the interstate customer confidence that they will get the same sails as others in the class. Particularly with the NS14, my experience in the class, together with my own experience as a sailor gives me a powerful insight to each individual’s requirement. I will be the person you talk to and I will be the person that builds your sails.

The same class knowledge is often called on by my customers seeking advise on all aspects of equipment for their NS14’s. Tuning data for your boat, be it an Aero 6 or the latest Tiger design, is available so you can get the best from my sails. I also feel that my involvement with other dinghy classes has helped me contribute to many new ideas in the class.

How do we contact you?Telephone in working hours is best, 02 9986 1055 or Email at rob@raceaway.com.auI now have the luxury of having my business at home in Terrey Hills as this allows me to have the contact I want with my kids and no downtime in the Sydney traffic.

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 38 - March 2008

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Why pay $715 extra for carbon tips when you can use our Mast Mk 3

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 39 - March 2008

Age Rule Debate

This has been emailed to all State Associations, and has now been resolved

14/12/07 - Change to Rule 11.8.1The proposal to amend Rule 11.8.1 has been accepted by the National Council. The new rule will read “The crew shall consist of two (2) or more persons.”The effect of this change is that there is no reference to age in the class rules.

The arguments, for the record and as appeared on the National Website, were as follows:

“It’s Time”Should the NS14 Class Abolish the Age Rule?

An Opportunity not to be MissedWhys and Wherefores

The rationale for change

The major intent and benefit of this proposal is to encourage more sailors into NSs and members into the association. Youth tend to herd and once some of them start sailing many more will want to join them and they will want to sail together.

What do we stand for?

• We have the ideal boat for all ages to sail yet we prohibit this• We have the ideal training boat yet we prohibit this• We cannot afford to forego potential members yet we are• We are not adhering to the Constitution of the class

o “Should appeal to crews who are not attracted to existing large-sail area classes” yet we prohibit many in this category

o “Should be reasonably suitable for family use” yet we ban half the familyo “Should be reasonably suitable for training” yet we ban the major recipientso “Should be easily handled by two adults” but doesn’t say only adults should sail them

• We are the class with the highest restriction and the least need for one

Why Youth?

• youth are growing bigger more quickly these days and outgrow FAs and F11s sooner and need somewhere to go

• the NS can provide a great stepping stone from the junior classes to the high performance classes• even if youth move through the class, they may well come back to it later• if kids have nowhere to go they may well leave sailing altogether• for those that don't want to do battle with High Performance spinnaker classes, the NS can be a

lifetime class• it allows kids who grow up crewing for their parents to move into sailing with their mates as they get

bigger rather than leave the class• why would you want them to do anything else?

Some other reasons why

• We are limiting the one area where we have a competitive advantage – not being overpowered/easy to handle

o We are the one boat that should be available to all ages• Weight issue controlled by age is proven to be irrelevant (eg Kylie)• We have the opportunity to be recognised as a youth training boat by the YA• By restricting the age we are admitting the boat is limited or dangerous

o This has to be one of the most forgiving and easy to handle boats• The idea that this is somehow a ‘senior class’ is not identified in the Intention of the class

o It is merely in the historical foundations at Northbridge before the Association was foundedo People still alive who were involved in its development can’t believe we still have an age restriction

• There has been no case put forward for retaining the age rule in the current environment.

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• If we have a limit with safety in mind, we are not qualified to make that judgemento We risk being suedo If we are silent it is up to the crew (and parents)

• There seems to be no more risk in having young fit teenagers on the course than 55+ year olds who could have a heart attack or stroke exposing themselves, their crews and rescuers to danger.

What do other classes do?

• Investigations of the rules of other classes reveal the following (see table in appendix):o The only two major classes with age restrictions are the 18’ skiff (>14) and the 16’skiff

(>12).o The 125 is the only other class with restrictions (>8)o Ie - two 8 year olds can sail a 125, three 12 year olds a 16’skiff, three 14 year olds an 18’

skiff but two 15 year olds can’t sail an NS14 – qué?o The MG14 has no age restriction

What other issues are there?

• There is an implication that we are saying that the boat is safe for people over the respective ages to sail. This is blatantly untrue as it depends on skill. Any state or national association committee member is unfairly exposed to legal action because of this.

• We encourage kids to participate in the class by crewing yet, when they want to sail on their own, they are told to go away. They do and are often lost to the class and to sailing generally.

• The class has to keep regenerating itself. Many members have been sailing in the class for many years and we need to encourage new members to come in behind them. What better group than those that have already been exposed to the class.

• Competition – as other classes don’t have restrictions, there is nothing to stop teenagers going to those classes. They will go to the class that provides fun as well as good sailing. The high achievers will go to the Olympic and International classes, but most go to where the social scene is. Creating camaraderie creates a critical mass and attracts others.

• Case study: Lindisfarne in a few years has expanded from zero to a forecast 32 boats this season. While based on many factors, not least energy, the club has attracted many young people who are now fundamental to its success. They too want to socialise and sail together not bound by archaic restraints.

• Case study: Northbridge has increased its numbers from 2 to 20 in recent years with 60% being teenagers. Both sexes enjoy being involved together and the scene is now pulling in the next wave of youth consolidating and expanding the group. And they all like going to regattas – together; all ages. Prior to introducing them to the NS14 we used to lose at least 15 to 20 teenagers a year to sailing altogether.

What are the problems?

• The NS14 is a ‘senior’ classo This concept came about over 40 years ago when Northbridge differentiated the Northbridge

Senior from the Northbridge Junioro There was even another version called the Senior 14 which had a bigger rig – it didn’t work

and the Tasar took its potential positiono It was in the days when there was a high demand for sailing and all sailing clubs had waiting

lists and could pick and choose who they had. Age was a way of dividing people up between the classes. In 1964 there were 60 NS14s sailing out of Northbridge alone.

o In the modern day there is no room for a small group to selfishly attempt to own a class by excluding others.

o The concept of a ‘senior’ class is nowhere supported in the objectives as described in the class constitution.

• Youth may not be able to handle the boat:o the NS is underpowered and hence easy to handleo the 29er has no age restriction at all; that boat is way more powerful, faster and difficult to

handleo kids are much bigger nowadays and most are sailing from an early age gaining experience

earliero as Kylie shows, it is skill rather than weight that counts; kids coming off the feeder classes

are used to handling complicated boatso anyone under 18 has to have their parents' permission to sail; they take the responsibilityo clubs and regattas provide significant support craft

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• A demographic to preserveo There is a feeling that the NS14 fits a specific demographic that can’t necessarily be

accommodated by other classeso Some feel that allowing youth might encroach on this demographico Over the years it is proven that winners of championships require experience as well as

energy. Most NS winners are aged 25 to 35. The average age of Olympic sailors is 35. Youth aren’t going to trouble the starters until they have been around a bit – preferably in NS14s.

AppendixDinghy Classes Age Limits

Class Crew Limit Age Source Comment

NS14 2 Y Both >8 one>16 Const'n, website

MG14 2 N Const'n, website

Tasar 2 N Const'n, website Minimum weight 130kg

Mirror 2 N Const'n, website

Heron 2 N Const'n, website

29er 2 N Const'n, website

49er 2 N Const'n, website

B14 2 N Const'n, website

125 2 Y Both > 8 Const'n, website Last reviewed 1996

Cherub 2 N Const'n, website

National E 2 N Website

12' skiff 2 N Const'n, website

13' skiff 2 N Const'n, website Male Maximum 21. Female nil

14'skiff 2 N Const'n, website

16' skiff 3 Y All >12 Const'n, website

18' skiff 3 Y All >14 Const'n, website

505 2 N Const'n, website

FFI 2 N Const'n, website

Fireball 2 N Const'n, website

420 2 N Const'n, website

470 2 N Const'n, website

Moth 1 N Const'n, website

Laser 1or 2 N Const'n, website

Laser Radial 1 or 2 N Const'n, website

Laser 4.7 1 or 2 N Const'n, website

Contender 1 N Const'n, website

OK 1 N Const'n, website

Pacer 2 N Const'n, website

F11 2 N Const'n, website

Flying Ant 2 Y Both >9 Const'n, website Can ask for >8, also <18

Cadet 2 N Const'n, website Maximum 17

Sabot Senior 1 or 2 Y >12 Const'n, website Also <16

Sabot Junior 2 N Const'n, website Must be <12

Optimist 1 N Const'n, website

Many classes have maximum weight on the clothing that can be worn

NS14 Bulletin

Volume 157 - 42 - March 2008

PS

Subliminal advertising?

NS14 Bulletin - Contents

Volume 157 - 43 - March 2008

President’s Message ........................................................................................ 2

The Editor ............................................................................................................... 3

Notices of Race...................................................................................................3

Results of Races .................................................................................................3

Mark Thorpe Boats...........................................................................................4

Sail numbers.......................................................................................................... 5

All Champions Regatta.................................................................................. 5

Weather......................................................................................................................5

Nationals – 2007~08.........................................................................................6

Nationals Photos Slideshow ........................................................................ 7

Rob Brewer Sails ............................................................................................... 9

New South Wales ............................................................................................10

Training Day....................................................................................................... 11

Callala Bay - NSW Travellers Trophy ............................................ 15

NSW States – Easter 2007 – Notice of Race................................ 18

Northbridge Sailing Club........................................................................... 19

Richmond River Sailing & Rowing Club .......................................20

Carbon Mast News .........................................................................................21

Single Handers Championships / Kogarah Bay.......................... 22

Concord Ryde Sailing Club...................................................................... 23

From the archives ............................................................................................26

MEB Marine ....................................................................................................... 27

South Australia.................................................................................................. 28

Drought affects sailors! ............................................................................... 30

2008~09 Nationals.......................................................................................... 31

Dixon Boats.........................................................................................................32

South Brisbane Sailing Club....................................................................33

Up Close and personal (1) ......................................................................... 34

MEB Marine Sailmakers ............................................................................35

Up Close and personal (2) ......................................................................... 36

Flightspar ..............................................................................................................38

Age Rule Debate ............................................................................................... 39

PS ............................................................................................................................... 42