2009 Articles

22nd December 2009

There are now only 2 weeks left to make applications for the 2010 World Laser Radial, Laser Standard and Laser Masters Championships.

Please can all National Associations ask any of their sailors who may be interested in attending any of these championships to complete the relevant application form on the ILCA website urgently.  If possible, please publish this information on your website and send an email to any sailors from your country that meet the age criteria for each championship.

Sailors who do not apply by 5th January 2010 have very little chance of attending these championships, except if the district requests a late ranking date and reserves the necessary places and/or requests extra places.

The deadline for receiving applications for entry is 5th January 2010.

Special Resolutions 2009/10 AGM

For more information about the NSW & ACT District Laser AssociationSpecial Resolutions for Annual General Meeting please click on the following link http://lasersdownunder.com/special-resolutions-200910-agm

Brad Taylor reports on the NSW Masters

RQYS master laser sailors Geoff Kirk, Alan Moffat and Brad Taylor travelled down to Forster for the 2009 NSW masters championships. Forster is just north of Port Stephens and has a very large salt water lake approximately 1 km inland from the surf beach. Overall there were around 100 lasers sailing in different age groups and rig configurations (standard and radial). The lake provided very close racing as the breeze was light and steady and there were no waves to contend with. There were many black flag starts which resulted in an unusually large amount of disqualifications in all races. It seemed that the majority of older NSW sailors were very twitchy at the starts. The Queenslanders took a couple of races to settle into the aggressiveness at the short starting lines.

Overall Brad Taylor won the Masters division from Victorian sailor Steve Gunther. In the apprentice division Alan Moffat finished 5^th with Geoff Kirk 7^th.

World Apprentice champion and professional sailor Brett Beyer dominated all races with the exception of a black flag disqualification. Mark Bethwaite cleaned up the Grand MASTERS. Most sailors were able to camp in good conditions at the sailing club and enjoyed a BBQ and a few drinks on Saturday night. The next NSW MASTERS event will be held in conjunction with the Australian Masters Championship in February 2011.

http://www.laser.asn.au/newsreport2.htm

http://www.laser.asn.au/regattas/results/09statemasters/Std_M.HTML

http://www.laser.asn.au/regattas/results/09statemasters/Std_App.HTML

Australian Sailing Team Program Presentation

A short note and offer - if you are in the vicinity of RQYS this Saturday 28th November at 5:30pm in the Olympic Room.

Mr Peter Conde High Performance Director of the Australian Sailing Team will be presenting to all present the Australian Sailing Team Program and the way forward to London and Beyond.

Mooloolaba Offshore series

Dates: 21 November - 5th December
6 Feb - 20 Feb - 6 Mar - 20 Mar

Format: 11.30 start
6 races
- 4 short courses of 10 to 12 minutes
- 2 long courses of 30 to 40 minutes

Race Officer: Warren Myles (Etchells)

Contact: John Pearce 0404 03 1789

Rigging Location: Off Mooloolaba Beach at the end of Parkyn Pde
or
Mooloolaba marina

Briefing: Pilot Station road Park at the end of Parkyn Pde, Moooloolaba

Regatta cost: $5.00 must hold a silver card

IC277 - December LaserWorld Now Available to Download and View Online

18th November 2009

The December 2009 edition of LaserWorld is now available for all Sailors and National Associations to download and view online.

You can view the LaserWorld web page at:
http://www.laserinternational.org/info/laserworld

Hard copies of the December issue of LaserWorld are due to be dispatched by the end of November 2009.  If you wish to change the way you receive LaserWorld or have any other questions please contact the ILCA office.

YQ Training Courses

Positions are still available in the following courses. Places are running out fast though. Please contact Ben at Yachting Queensland to secure your position to up skill and gain further qualifications.

YA Safety Boat Course – 21^st – 22^nd November. This course is designed to inform people on how to correctly handle and manoeuvre a safety or coach boat. The course is  strongly recommended for race committee members, safety boat drivers, coaches and instructors and any interested parties. The Safety Boat Certificate is a pre-requisite for the YA Instructors Qualification.

YA Race Officer Seminar – 5^th – 6^th December. This seminar provides you with all the current information required to gain a Race Officer Qualification under the new YA National Officiating Program. The course is recommended for all interested race officers, course layers, safety boat drivers, starters and finishers. The course is also very useful for sailors wanting to gain an understanding on what and how the race officers are doing and for protest committee members.

YA Instructors Course – 12^th – 13^th December. This course is for all interested Sailing Instructors and Coaches. The course will provide you with all the theory component knowledge and prepare you for your practical assessment. The course is recommended for all interested coaches and instructors who volunteer/work at clubs, parents who want to help their children, sailors who want to get involved in returning to the sport or just to help their own sailing and people interested in working as a sailing coach.

For more information please read and distribute the attached posters, look on our website www.qldyachting.org.au or feel free to call me.

GGM’s Sailing Standard Rigs

Hi to all District Secretaries,

It would be much appreciated if you would forward this email to all Grand & Great Grand Masters in your district.;-

BACKGROUND

At the recent AGM of the NZ Laser Assn, it was decided to conduct a survey among Grand & Great Grand Masters throughout Australia & New Zealand, for the purpose of determining whether to submit a formal remit to the next meeting of the World Council.

REASON

For many years all Laser sailors over 65 years have had to compete in the radial rig at world and regional championships irrespective of their body weight.

This has meant that many heavier GGMs have become uncompetitive, disillusioned, and some have given up Lasers altogether. Some have taken the option of sailing “down” a division among the much younger Grand Masters, where they are again uncompetitive. Their chances of ever winning a cube again are gone, unless there is a championship in a wind range where racing is likely to be cancelled.

Over the years the matter has been brought up at the World Council on behalf of several competitors requesting a vote on the establishment of a division for Standard rig GGMs, or at least, a GGM division within the GM division if there are 5 or more GGMs. The remits have never been accepted, as the majority of the World Council did not want to encourage GGMs in Standard rigs because of safety issues.

Many of the heavier GGMs consider this is unfair and discriminatory. Adults who have been around 90kg all their lives don’t suddenly lose 10 - 20 kg when they turn 65. Older people are healthier and living longer now than in the past.

WHAT WE”D LIKE YOU TO DO

Please take a moment to email me at bobblakey@ihug.co.nz and answer “yes” or “no” to the following question:-

“Do you think that Great Grand Masters racing in standard rigs in the Grand Masters Division should qualify for awards and trophies if there are sufficient entries, as prescribed in ILCA By-Law 5 para 3 ?”

Please note that this survey does not intend to undermine the existing GGM radial fleet. It is being conducted purely to attempt to give senior sailors a democratic choice.

Thanks for your interest,

Bob Blakey,

Vice Chairman, Asia Pacific Region.

Boat Transport to Nationals

Looking to get your boat to the Downunder Series and Laser Nationals / Youth Nationals this year?

There is one spot left. For further information and cost please contact either The Stoddart Family – office@stoddartelectrical.com.au or Ken Hurling – kenhurling@hotmail.com

Entries now open for the 2010 Australian Laser Championships

The Adelaide Sailing Club and the South Australian Laser Association is pleased to announce the opening of entries for the 2010 Australian Laser Championships, to be held at the Adelaide Sailing Club from the 27th December 2009 to the 4th January 2010.

Entry is via our online system only and can be found by clicking the link HERE.

The NOR is also available via the event website by clicking HERE.

The South Australian Laser Association is looking forward to seeing you all in Adelaide for this exciting event. Anticipation has been growing and we expect to see large numbers making the long trip across to Adelaide to sail on the beautiful warm waters of St Vincent’s Gulf. The Adelaide Sailing Club is perfectly set-up for such an event. The large rigging area in immediately adjacent to the water, the start line is only 5 minutes from the beach, and there will be a race committee second to none. Kevin Wilson will be the over-seeing Race Officer for the event, with the racing being conducted on the water by Malcolm Hughes and Ross Wilson, who have an extensive record of conducting major World and National Titles.

With demand for entry expected to be high, get in early to beat the deadline for entries which is 1700hrs on 1st December 2009.

Entries now open For 2010 Masters Worlds

Entry applications have opened for next year’s Masters Worlds – see http://events.laserinternational.org/en/events/overview/100z51 for details.

IC275 - 2010 World Laser Radial, Laser Standard & Laser Masters Championships now open

5th November 2009

ILCA has now published the Allocation numbers, opened the Application Lists and published the Notices of Race and Application Forms for the 2010 Laser World Championships listed below. Each event site also has a link to the venue website, where you will find detailed information about transport to the venue, accommodation at the venue, historical weather reports and other useful information for all competitors.

Sailors who may be interested in attending any of these championships must complete the relevant online application form and pay the £20 GBP application fee through the ILCA website. For further information about the changes made to the application process, please see International Circular IC271 - Change to ILCA Entry System for ILCA World Championships, which was circulated on 1st September 2009.

The deadline for receiving applications for entry is 5th January 2010.

Sailors who do not complete an application form and pay the application fee, will not be able to attend the championship.

2010 World Laser Radial Women’s Championship
Tuesday 6th July - Wednesday 14th July 2010
UK, Largs

2010 World Laser Radial Men’s Championship
Tuesday 6th July - Wednesday 14th July 2010
UK, Largs

2010 World Laser Radial Youth Championship
Saturday 17th July - Sunday 25th July 2010
UK, Largs

2010 World Laser Standard Senior Championship
Friday 27th August - Sunday 5th September 2010
UK, Hayling Island

2010 World Laser Standard Junior Championship
Friday 27th August - Sunday 5th September 2010
UK, Hayling Island

2010 World Laser Masters Championship
Friday 10th September - Saturday 19th September 2010
UK, Hayling Island

Please select the links above to access information about each championship.

Information about the 2010 World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship was circulated in International Circular IC269 - World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 Allocations Announced, on 26th August 2009. You can find more information about this event on our website at: http://events.laserinternational.org/en/events/overview/100z52.

2010 QLD Laser Championships

3rd-5th April 2010
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

Perth 2001 ISAF Sailing World Championships

To keep up to date with the latest Perth 2011 news, please visit
www.perth2011.com

IC274 - 2013 World Championships Bid Deadline - 1st December 2009

3rd November 2009

The deadline for bids for the 2013 World Championships is Tuesday 1st December.

Clubs interested in hosting a Laser World championship in 2013 should make an expression of interest to ILCA as soon as possible.

The bid groupings are as follows:

Grouping 1: Laser Standard Senior & Laser Masters
Preferred Region: Asia
Preferred Time: Dependent on weather

Grouping 2: Laser Standard Juniors & Laser 4.7 Youth
Preferred Region: Europe
Preferred Time: July / August

Grouping 3: Laser Radial Men, Women & Youth
Preferred Region: North America
Preferred Time: July / August

Applications for bids for the 2013 World Championships must be received by 1st December 2009.

The bidding and approval process will be:

1. Bid documents are published on the ILCA web site. These all follow a common format and will not change from year to year except when policy or operational changes are considered necessary.
2. Preferred continents and dates are announced together with bid closing dates.
3. Host clubs are requested to advise the ILCA Office that they are preparing a bid at the earliest opportunity before they make a formal bid.
4. Potential host clubs are requested to work in conjunction with their national Laser class association. All bids received will be sent to the national class association for comment.
5. Following the bid closing dates ILCA will review all bids and follow up with questions and a site visit if necessary. During this process the builders will be consulted on the supply of charter boats.
6. A list of recommended host clubs will be approved by the World Council.
7. A site visit will be made following World Council approval.
8. The host club will be invited to sign a contract for the hosting of events.

Full information is available on the ILCA web site:
http://events.laserinternational.org/en/championship/bids

If you would like to discuss what is involved, have some initial questions before submitting a bid or would like to discuss the requirements further, please do not hesitate to contact ILCA by emailing office@laserinternational.org or by telephoning +44 1326 315064.

Charter Boats Needed for Sail Brisbane

If anyone wants to charter their boat for Sail Brisbane, please contact Greg Kemp on 0400 721 103.

2009-2010 Metropolitan Traveler Series

Notice of Race now available - See the Events page

Future of Australian Olympic sailing bright with establishment of National Dinghy Training Centre

For more information click here.

CORRECTION: World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 - Application Deadline 13th October

06th October 2009

The reminder sent 24th September 2009 regarding the application deadline for the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship wrongly stated the championship year as 2009, instead of 2010.

The deadline for making applications to the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 is now only 1 week away.

Sailors wishing to attend the championship must apply by Tuesday 13th October 2009.

Sailors who do not apply by 13th October 2009 have very little chance of attending the championship.

Please can you email this information to all Laser 4.7 sailors in your District, post it on your website and publicise the deadline by any means possible.

For more information about the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010, please see IC269 below which was sent 26th August 2009.

QLA Update

Dear Members,

Please find attached a couple of updates for your information. Please remember to keep an eye on the QLA website for updates and news.

Please note that on the 7^th of November the first of the Metropolitan Traveller Series will be held at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. This will be followed by our AGM at 6pm, all members are welcome to attend. The remainder of the Traveller Series will be held at Brisbane Sailing Squadron and then the final day at Humpybong Yacht Club. Further details on the QLA website. NOR out shortly,

Finally just a reminder that all QLA memberships became due on the 1^st of July – thank you to all of those that have renewed their memberships already. For anyone wanting to renew their membership, this form can be located on the QLA website. Please remember that to compete in any QLA event or if you intend to go to Nationals etc this is a requirement.

Yachting Queensland Courses

Yachting Queensland would like to inform all members that the following courses are scheduled:

-Yachting Australia Safety Boat Course 21^st - 22^nd November
- Yachting Australian Race Officers Seminar 21^st – 22^nd November OR 5^th – 6^th December (Dates will be confirmed ASAP)

For these course to go ahead and for YQ to organise the event efficiently we ask that all interested parties register with YQ as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or require more information please contact me.

Ben Callard

Training Officer
Yachting Queensland
Postal: PO Box 5426 Manly Q 4179
578 Royal Esplanade Manly Q 4179

P- 07 3393 6788 F- 073393 6799
E- ben@qldyachting.org.au
W- www.qldyachting.org.au

Metropolitan Traveler Series

The QLA metropolitan series for 4.7,radials and standard rigs will be run over the following dates and venues.
The races will be in conjunction with normal club races and the competitors pay casual sign on / entries to each club for racing. Notice of Race to follow shortly

RQYS Sat 7^th November, 2009 1330 start.
Brisbane Sailing Squadron Sat 13^th Feb 2010.
Humpybong Sailing Club Sunday 21^st March 2010

All QLA members invited to attend. If not a member can join on the day

REMINDER: World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2009 - Application Deadline 13th October

24th September 2009

This is a reminder that the deadline for making applications to attend the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 is approaching.

Sailors wishing to attend the championship must apply by 13th October 2009.

Sailors who do not apply by 13th October 2009 have very little chance of attending the championship.

Please can you email this information to all Laser 4.7 sailors in your District, post it on your website and publicise the deadline by any means possible.

For more information about the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010, please see IC269 below which was sent 26th August 2009.

IC269 - World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 Allocations Announced

26th August 2009

World Youth Laser 4.7 Championship 2010
Wednesday 31st March - Tuesday 8th April 2010
THAILAND, Pattaya
Entry Fee £150 (GBP)

The allocated places for the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 are now available on the event web site at:
http://events.laserinternational.org/en/events/allocations/100z52

Allocations for this championship have been issued in three categories: Boys - Under 18; Girls - Under 18; and Under 16 Boys & Girls.

The Notice of Race for this championship has also been published on the event website:
http://events.laserinternational.org/incs/cnst/wrtbl/sites/52/NoticeOfRace.pdf

The World Youth Laser 4.7 Championship 2010 is an allocated event available to entrants who will be 12 years old but not 18 years old in 2010. To enter sailors must first complete an application for entry. Applications for entry will be accepted from 2nd September 2009 until 23:59 GMT, 13th October 2009 with payment of the £20 (GBP) application fee which may be deducted from the entry fee or will be refunded under certain circumstances as detailed in 3.10 of the Notice of Race.

National Laser Associations must rank their sailors after 13th October 2009. All sailors who are ranked within the country allocation limit will receive a place offer with charter boat, except for sailors from Thailand who will not receive a charter boat with their place offer. Applications ranked lower than the country allocation limit will be added to the waiting list.

Extra places will be offered to sailors on the waiting list as available from the 8th December 2009. The applicants offered a place will have 2 weeks to complete entry. If the sailor fails to enter, the application fee will be lost and the place will be offered to the next ranked sailor. Each country has a maximum limit of extra places available. Once this limit has been reached, no more extra places can be offered to sailors from that country.

The application and entry timeline is as follows:
Application for Entry period: 2 September - 13 October
Applications replied to by: 3 November
Extra Places Issued from: 8 December - 4 February

Charter boats at this event cost £450 (GBP) plus a refundable £150 (GBP) damage deposit and are available from 31st March. Competitors must provide their own ropes, boom vang, mainsheet block, traveller blocks, tiller and tiller extension, sail and battens.

Three pre-charter options are available: seven days starting 24th March 2010 costing £150 (GBP), five days starting 26th March 2010 costing £110 (GBP) and three days starting 28th March 2010 costing £65 (GBP). Pre-charters should be booked when completing entry by emailing office@laserinternational.org

Big River Laser Regatta

Big River Laser Regatta is on 31 Oct - 1 Nov 2009

IC272 - World Laser Radial Men’s Championship 2010 - Date Change

Please note that the dates for the World Laser Radial Men’s Championship 2010 have changed from 18th -  25th July 2010 to 6th - 14th July 2010.

The championship will now run alongside the World Laser Radial Women’s Championship on a separate course area. For your information, please find the revised 2010 calendar attached.

If you have any questions about this email or the 2010 Laser World Championships, please do not hesitate to contact us.

IC271 - Change to ILCA Entry System for ILCA Laser World Championships

Please note that there has been a change to the Entry process for ILCA Laser World Championships.

Starting from championships in 2010, sailors will be asked to pay a £20 application fee when applying for a place at an ILCA Laser World Championship.

ILCA decided to introduce an application fee to speed up the entry process by encouraging sailors to properly consider which championships they would like to attend.
In the past, sailors have made applications for more championships than they would ever attend, even championships which were overlapping. This resulted in an unfair delay in offering places to sailors who were genuinely interested in attending these championships. Often, place offers reached those sailors very late in the entry process, affecting travel and accommodation costs.

What happens with this application fee?

There are 3 possible scenarios:

1.) The application fee will be deducted from the entry fee, if a place is offered and the sailor completes entry within the 2 week time limit.

2.) The application fee will be refunded in full if:

• the District declines the sailor’s application
• the sailor applied for a place within the initial allocation period and decides to cancel his application before the end of the initial application period (exact dates to be found in Notice Race Section 3 “ENTRY APPLICATION & ENTRY PROCESS”, point 3.1)
• the sailor was not offered an allocated place in the initial place round,  the application has been automatically added to the waiting list and the sailor decides to cancel via the ILCA web site before the date stated in the Notice of Race Section 3  “CANCELLATION & REFUND”, point 3.10.c.
• the sailor is not offered a place by the entry closing dateWhen a sailor is eligible for a refund of the application fee, he will receive an automatic email confirming the refund within 24 hours. If a confirmation email is not received the ILCA office must be contacted immediately, if no confirmation email is received the sailor may lose the application fee.

3.) The application fee will not be refunded if:

• the sailor is offered a place but declines it. The application fee will not be refunded.
• the sailor is offered a place, but does not react to his place offer. After 2 weeks, the place offer will be cancelled and offered to another district waiting for a place. The application fee will not be refunded.

For a visual representation of the ILCA entry process for Laser World Championships, please follow the links below:

ILCA Entry System - Explanation for Sailors
ILCA Entry System - Explanation for Districts

Please pass this information to sailors in your District.

For any questions about the ILCA entry system, please contact the ILCA office.

IC270 - Technical Issues Section Available on ILCA Website

A Technical Issues section has been added to the ILCA website - http://www.laserinternational.org/info/technicalissues.

This new section is for sailors who wish to contact ILCA with any proposed rule changes and provides an opportunity for them to request assistance with quality complaints.

Rule or Equipment Changes

If a sailor would like to propose a change to the rules or a technical change to the Laser, they must first check their idea with as many other sailors as possible. ILCA recommends including a varied audience to review all ideas in order to get consideration from all different group who sail Lasers.  If there is a favourable response, the sailor is then directed to download and complete the online form:
http://www.laserinternational.org/sites/default/files/laser_propose_change.doc

The completed form, and all necessary photographs, must then be emailed to the Laser Class Technical Officer at technical@laserinternational.org.

Quality Complaints

This section of the website is for members who require assistance with a quality complaint. Sailors are asked to complete this form, but only if they have first spoken with their local dealer and the manufacturer and have not had a satisfactory response. Sailors must show if they have attempted to resolve the issue with their dealer and the Laser manufacturer. To register a quality complaint, sailors are directed to download the Quality Complaint form:
http://www.laserinternational.org/sites/default/files/quality_complaints.doc

The completed form, and all necessary photographs, must then be emailed to the Laser Class Technical Officer at technical@laserinternational.org.
The ILCA Technical Officer will review the form in the first instance before passing it for discussion with the Technical Measurement Committee.  If necessary, a course of action is then recommended to the builder.  Any unresolvable cases will be reviewed at World Council meetings.

If you have any questions regarding the Technical Issues pages of the website, please contact the ILCA office.

IC269 - World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 Allocations Announced

World Youth Laser 4.7 Championship 2010
Wednesday 31st March - Tuesday 8th April 2010
THAILAND, Pattaya
Entry Fee £150 (GBP)

The allocated places for the World Laser 4.7 Youth Championship 2010 are now available on the event web site at:
http://events.laserinternational.org/en/events/allocation/actual/52/100z52

Allocations for this championship have been issued in three categories: Boys - Under 18; Girls - Under 18; and Under 16 Boys & Girls.

The Notice of Race for this championship has also been published on the event website:
http://events.laserinternational.org/incs/cnst/wrtbl/sites/52/NoticeOfRace.pdf

The World Youth Laser 4.7 Championship 2010 is an allocated event available to entrants who will be 12 years old but not 18 years old in 2010.  To enter sailors must first complete an application for entry.  Applications for entry will be accepted from 2nd September 2009 until 23:59 GMT, 13th October 2009 with payment of the £20 (GBP) application fee which may be deducted from the entry fee or will be refunded under certain circumstances as detailed in 3.10 of the Notice of Race.

National Laser Associations must rank their sailors after 13th October 2009. All sailors who are ranked within the country allocation limit will receive a place offer with charter boat, except for sailors from Thailand who will not receive a charter boat with their place offer. Applications ranked lower than the country allocation limit will be added to the waiting list.

Extra places will be offered to sailors on the waiting list as available from the 8th December 2009.  The applicants offered a place will have 2 weeks to complete entry.  If the sailor fails to enter, the application fee will be lost and the place will be offered to the next ranked sailor.  Each country has a maximum limit of extra places available.  Once this limit has been reached, no more extra places can be offered to sailors from that country.

The application and entry timeline is as follows:
Application for Entry period:    2 September - 13 October
Applications replied to by:    3 November
Extra Places Issued from:    8 December - 4 February

Charter boats at this event cost £450 (GBP) plus a refundable £150 (GBP) damage deposit and are available from 31st March. Competitors must provide their own ropes, boom vang, mainsheet block, traveller blocks, tiller and tiller extension, sail and battens.

Three pre-charter options are available: seven days starting 24th March 2010 costing £150 (GBP), five days starting 26th March 2010 costing £110 (GBP) and three days starting 28th March 2010 costing £65 (GBP).  Pre-charters should be booked when completing entry by emailing office@laserinternational.org

Please pass this information to all sailors in your District.

For further information about this championship, please contact the ILCA office.

2009 Women’s & Youth World Championship Report by Ashley Stoddart

Well Japan took a little more time to warm to in comparison to the ISAF Youth World’s in Brazil, I guess the weather was a lot warmer however there were a few more differences in terms of the culture. In Karatsu less people spoke English, and even less could read and interpret a map.  Although once we got used to these differences Karatsu became a very comfortable place to be, we got into a rhythm of riding our bikes to the club and the hospitality of the local people was amazing.

We arrived on the 24^th of July in Karatsu, after being home for 2 days to quickly catch my breath and get things together after returning from Brazil. It was good we had some time to get sorted and comfortable before the Womens Radial Worlds started. I got my boat on the 25^th, set it up and then went sailing with the other Australian Laser girls-Gabrielle King and Sarah Paterson, as well as our coach Sarah Blanck. They had already been in Karatsu for a week or so before my arrival and were able to fill me in on details about the sailing area and other off water things-like places to eat etc. Knowing that is was going to be a big 2 ½ weeks following the ISAF Youth Worlds, Sarah made it a priority to try and conserve as much energy as possible-to give me my best opportunity, especially for the Youth Worlds.

The 2 weeks and 2 regattas in Karatsu were sailed in unusual conditions for the time of year. It was most people’s expectations that we were to have a very light regatta. Apart from maybe 4 races out of 24 and the training days, the winds were at least 10-12 knots. The wave conditions were perfect, especially when the wind was stronger this was when the last reach before the finish was rather good fun! I can say Karatsu-based on the breeze and waves that I experienced, is one of the best places I have sailed.

After being in Japan for a few weeks I can now throw a few more phrases together, although nothing too impressive. The only problem I see now is that by the time you catch up on the culture and the traditions of the place you are staying, it is sadly time to go!

The last 3 regattas have been a great learning period for me, with numerous areas- like fleet and regatta management and tactics. After many races, each day, one after another, the situations begin to cement in your mind and can be easily recalled when they reoccur.

While being a very intense schedule with a lot to take in, my time abroad was also a wonderful opportunity to meet a great bunch of people and reunite with a few people I had met before.

The closing ceremony was pretty special. I was awarded 2^nd Youth Girl and also Under 17 World Champion (backing this up from my previous year’s win). With receiving both places, I got to stand on the podium twice. When standing as number one, it was a lovely feeling as the Australian Flag was raised while the anthem was played.

The regattas have taught me that every position gained in each individual race will make a huge contribution to the overall standings. The Women’s Worlds was a great regatta for my overall development as well as a preparatory tool for the Youth Worlds which followed. The Qualifying and Final Series were very different-with different intensities. During the Qualifying it was nearly about surviving and gaining any inch possible. Whereas the finals- with still a very competitive bunch of sailors in the Silver Fleet, was more about managing the leading pack and position, which became very relevant for racing in the Youth Worlds. In the Youth Worlds I don’t think I could have asked for a better regatta. I was solely focused on the sailing and doing it well from the start to the finish, the rest fell into place and resulted in a consistent 12 races.

In finishing I would like to send a big thank you for all the people who have made it possible-financially, technically and with organising, it has been a great few weeks!

Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad
Laser Radial

ILCA Update

ILCA today launched their new web site, please go on-line and check it out at:
http://www.laserinternational.org/
If you have any thoughts or feedback please let them know by clicking the “Feedback” tab on the right of the page.

Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF Youth World Championship 2009-Ashley Stoddart- Report

Both on and off the water, the experience of the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship was amazing. The team-Australia, had a very positive feeling about it and each member attributed their personality to obtain a very happy and bubbly environment. I felt both encouraged and apart of the team throughout the whole experience.

We arrived as a team with 2 days to recover and for 3 days some of the team chartered boats at a nearby club where the 4.7 Youth Worlds are to be held shortly. This was a great chance to check out the race area and help loosen any nerves or doubt. It was around our 4th day of being in Brazil that teams slowly began to arrive, which made it more and more exciting.  Registration and boat allocation was on the 8th of July which made it feel even more real, we actually had the boats and were finally able to set things up and get comfortable. We also had our first opportunity to sail from the club hosting the Youth Worlds, however unlike other regattas that I have been to, boats were only allowed to leave the shore when the ‘D flag’ with their class flag was hoisted and boats had to be in before 4:30pm. This was another element that made the event very structured and a little different to normal. ISAF tries to make the whole experience a level playing field by also keeping all coaches on one boat on each race course, this meant access was limited. Although this was no problem for Curtis Skinner-the Australian Laser Radial Representative and myself because unlike other years both the boys and girls single handed class was in the Laser Radial, meaning we could easily tune up and help each other with information before and between each race. This was easy for us because we not only come from the same country or even state, but also the same club, so have worked a lot with each other.

Well and truly before the start of racing the whole team had built up a routine which worked for everyone. We woke and had breakfast at the same time, I rigged next to Curtis each day and we would have a team briefing after Kristen Kosmala had been to the team leaders briefing- so she was able to pass on any information; including the approximate time the race committee were going to hoist the ‘D flags’ for each class. To avoid any rush Curtis and I were ready to leave as soon as we were permitted by the flag. Like usual we had time to tune up and look at the wind and conditions on the course before the warning signal sounded. We kept within a very similar routine each day which helped to feel comfortable in the foreign surroundings and also leave nothing to be forgotten.

The racing was a lot of fun, and is now an addition to my race experience. The more and more I race, the more I become equipped with tools for next time, to use for similar situations.

I went to Brazil for the ISAF Youth Worlds with no particular expectation on results. I raced everyday as each race took place, and looked at the conditions as they were presented. I knew that with my skills and preparation that the main achievement I wanted was to enjoy the competition and the racing. With my focus being drawn to the process, my mind didn’t need to worry about the results. This helped when I did well in a race and also when I made a few mistakes and had a tough race, I was able to bounce back the next race with a positive attitude because I was looking for enjoyment more than the result at the end of the regatta. Every race I just pushed to do my best with what conditions and energy I had at the time, realising that any place gained during each race could help when points were finalised at the end. This way, looking back at the regatta I don’t have regrets with any situation, having taken every opportunity to do my best.

I am stoked with 6th place and after watching the closing ceremony, where the medals were presented it has really given me inspiration for a podium finish hopefully next time around. It was lovely to see my teammates-Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin receive the Gold Medal and to  see their joy of winning. Without a doubt they deserved this glory.

It was so lovely to share this experience with a great bunch of people, including my teammates and coaches Kristen Kosmala, Adrian Finglas and David Mann. They were organised and a lot of fun.  I also met a lot of lovely people from around the world, who I am sure I will meet again in the future. All the Youth Sailors had a chance to listen to Torben Grael, who had just came back from winning the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race and who is a multi-time Olympic Medallist. After dinner one day, there was a question and answer time which was a great insight into his life. He is such a versatile sailor, who has sailed and achieved in many different classes and aspects of sailing. This in itself was an amazing experience.

So now tomorrow (23rd July) I leave for Japan, for the 2009 Radial Women’s Worlds and 2009 Radial Youth Worlds. I am very excited for these events and believe these 2 months have been a valuable learning time and a great opportunity for experience and fun.

Thank you so much for your support and I extend my appreciation to the wider sailing community.

See you all when I return,

Ashley Stoddart

QLA 4.7 rigs for loan

QLA have two 4.7 Rigs (Bottom Section and Sail) available for Members for a short term loan

Cost is $100 for 3 months

For details and a copy of the Loan Agreement please contact Ken Hurling on 0417 644 086 or email kenhurling@hotmail.com

SPLM results now available

http://results.rqys.com.au/09-splm/series.htm

A Letter to the QLA from Ashley Stoddart

Hi Lyndall,

I was wondering if you could pass this information on to the Queensland Laser Association, it is just an update of what I have been up to, and what I am going to be doing.

A week out from leaving for Brazil, to attend the ISAF Youth Worlds is a very exciting time for me. I am currently doing final preparatory measures to make sure I have everything sorted and not leave anything to the last minute before jumping on the plan next Wednesday. The whole team will gather in Sydney for a farewell dinner with YA and sponsor OAMPS Wednesday evening, before finally departing on Thursday. I have been making a few final checklists to follow before leaving and also for arrival over in Brazil, as well as both on and off water training which continues until we leave. Looking back at my training and preparation over the last few months gives me a great deal of confidence and comfort so close to the regatta. I have been able to go down to Sydney numerous times to train with the bunch of laser sailors lead by Erik Stibbe and Sarah Blanck (who will be the coach at the Radial Worlds in Japan), raced in a few practice regattas- including the QLD State Laser Titles and have also done training with both Stewart Casey and Adrian Finglas- who will be accompanying Curtis Skinner and I, as coach in Brazil. I am very eager to have a sail over there and begin racing, it will be a great feeling. Before leaving I cannot forget to thank you, the Queensland Laser Association for the programs that you support and the encouragement you give to the Queensland Laser sailors. I appreciate the work of the association, thank you very much.

Kind Regards,

Ashley

IC263 - LaserWorld Now Available to Download and View Online

The June 2009 edition of LaserWorld is now available for all Sailors
and National Associations to download and view online.

You can view the LaserWorld web page at:
http://www.laserinternational.org/laserworld.htm

Boom Block Update

Attention all blockheads - New boom blocks are on the way.

RQYS News

RQYS has requested mid-week sailors to not leave their trolleys on the ramp and that all trolleys to be clearly marked with the boats sail number.

A new ‘six pack’ regatta entry for non-members from other clubs to come and compete will be introduced. This will allow other fleets to visit more regularly.

Metros - Final Results Posted

Here are the results for the Metropolitan Championships. Congratulations to all winners, particularly the Radial winner.

Rig for slim, attractive men and women of all ages
Rig for old fat guys
Rig for midgets

Pictures from Round 1
Pictures from Round 3

State Championship Results

Well, nobody can say we didn’t get varied conditions over the 3 days of racing.
We had a race in 3 knots, we had races in 5 knots and at times we had races with gusts up to 7 knots. So really, something for everyone!
Congratulations to the 4.7 rig winner Daniel Smith, the Classic rig winner Ashley Brunning, and even though it pains me to say it, congratulations to Klade Hauschildt the Radial rig winner, again.

Results:

Rig for those who eat too little porridge
Rig for those who eat way too much porridge
Rig for those who eat nutritionally balanced meals with just the right amount of porridge

Metros Round One
Results and Pictures - Now Available through the Events and Results pages.

See the Events page

NOTE : all entrants MUST be a YA Silver Card Holder to compete..

QLA Membership Renewals

Notice to all QLA Members - Memberships due for renewal
Please note that membership is due for renewal from 1 July 2008. The new membership form is now available for download from the link in the left hand panel. The membership fee is $75. Note that it is also a requirement that any person wanting to enter a QLA event must be a financial member of the Association.