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Access Classes at Sail Auckland - NZL
Kristine Lederis as amended by IACA, Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Saturday, 4 February 2012
Sail Auckland is now underway at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Sail Auckland 2012 has begun in near perfect conditions for 237 sailors in the Olympic, Paralympic and other invited classes. The Royal Akarana Yacht Club and a team of over seventy volunteers put on three races for all classes (and four for the skiffs) on four courses scattered off the shores of Tamaki Drive with moderate easterly breezes.
Sail Auckland this year is also home to the Flying Fifteen and Access Liberty National Championships. John Buchanan of Auckland leads the Access Liberty fleet after the first three races. There are nine entries in the Access Liberty fleet, sailed by athletes with a disability.
“To have nine liberties is excellent, that’s a good sized fleet”. Tim Dempsey is campaigning toward the 2012 Paralympic games in the SKUD 18, but is also involved as racing coordinator for the Access Class Association.
“There were some pretty exciting finishes there!”, said Tim. Sailing in the faster SKUD 18 Skiff which finished a few minutes ahead of the Liberties, Dempsey was able to study the other boats as they crossed the finish line in close competition.
“The upwind finish is always more exciting because there’s one more chance to pass rather than just following the downwind”, he said.
This weekend Tim and sailing partner Jan Apel are only racing against one other pairing as there are only two boats in the country.
“Last year we had five SKUDS at Sail Auckland because we had a sponsored container from Australia”, he said.
Getting in behind Sail Auckland is a team of dedicated sponsors including The Orakei Marina, Auckland Council, The Lion Foundation, Te Waihou Reserve New Zealand Spring Water and DB Breweries. The new venue for Sail Auckland at Royal Akarana Yacht Club enables competitors of all abilities to sail from the one accessible venue. The event continues until Tuesday February 7.
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John Buchanan leads the Liberties after Day One at Sail Auckland 2012 |
Sail Auckland 2012 Day One |
Sail Auckland 2012 Day One | |
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Strong Fleet at NSW Access Class Championships - AUS
David Staley, Tuesday, 31 January 2012
The 2012 Access Class New South Wales Championships were held over the weekend of January 28 & 29 at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, attracting 31 sailors from 4 Australian States & Territories.
With the Club preparing to host the Combined Access Class World & International Championships in April, this was an important warm-up event for both the Australian competitors and the organisers.
A coaching clinic with past Access 303 World Champion Michael Leydon was held on the Friday, enabling more than 20 sailors to update their update their racing strategy and tactics, and get on the water to practice technique the day before competition.
The race management team from Manly Yacht Club completed a full program of 6 races for each division over a mix of trapezoid and windward-leeward courses. Breezes were East to North-East, moderate on the Saturday and freshening for the finale on Sunday.
Organisers were disappointed with the low entry numbers in the 2.3 division this year but Gerard Meli (Callala Bay) showed his ability to sail the boat quickly. Gerard will race in a strong fleet at the World Championships on Middle Harbour in April, including two past World Champions and the European Champion.
The Access 303 Single Person division attracted 13 entries with Stephen Churm (Rushcutters Bay) recording an almost perfect scorecard to post a clear win by 4 points from Bob Hamilton (Pittwater). Mark Durnan (Nowra) was third, another 7 points behind.
Close racing was expected in the Access 303 Two Person division and the sailors did not disappoint. Race wins were shared around, but Alyse Saxby and Bob Hamilton (Pittwater) posted enough top three placings to claim a 2 point victory over Lachlan and Tony Clear (Middle Harbour). The Queensland pair of Belinda Hill and Sonja Gilmour (Southport) were 4 points further adrift.
On his first regatta in the Access Liberty, experienced local sailor Greg Hyde (Clontarf) showed that he could control the start line and find the breeze and boat speed to dominate a regatta. Hyde posted 6 straight wins to claim the trophy leaving Victorian David Staley (Docklands) and Queenslander Barry Coates (Southport) to fight it out for the minor placings. Coates and Staley have both been sailing the Liberty for many years and are looking forward to Hyde’s ongoing involvement in the class.
“Greg is very familiar with the conditions on Middle Harbour, but he just sailed faster and better than the rest of us”, said Coates. “Having someone of Greg’s calibre sailing in the Liberty fleet will help lift the standard of competition to a new level”.
According to Tony Clear, Vice-President Championships for the Australian Access Class Association, the weekend was a real success.
“The sailors really enjoyed the racing and the magnificent venue, along with the benefits of participating in a formal coaching program”, he said.
“This event also enabled the Class Association and Middle Harbour Yacht Club to identify any aspects that could be improved for the World Championships. Physical access around the venue is crucial as many of the competitors in the Access Classes are wheelchair users or have limited mobility, so we were pleased to witness the official opening of the new lift recently installed in the clubhouse”, said Mr Clear.
The lift, funded by member donations and a grant from the NSW Government, was formally opened by Commodore Julie Hodder on Sunday morning.
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Access 303 Two Person start at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Alyse Saxby and Bob Hamilton at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Alyse Saxby - Best Female overall at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Gerard Meli at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Greg Hyde with David Staley at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Lachlan & Tony Clear at the 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour |
Official Opening of the MHYC Lift - 2012 NSW Access Class Championships at Middle Harbour | |
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Fitzgibbon & Tesch Win in Miami - USA
David Staley, Monday, 30 January 2012
The Australian team of Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch have overcome the reigning SKUD 18 World Champions to claim Gold at the ISAF Sailing World Cup round in Miami, Florida.
Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) started the day tied on points with the top Australians. It could not have been closer, with just two races left to complete on Biscayne Bay.
Fitzgibbon/Tesch were fourth in the first race of the day, putting them one point behind Rickham/Birrell. In the final heat, the Australians delivered, winning the race to take their second Rolex Miami OCR title by a single point.
“It has been a week of us just chipping away, coming back, coming back, until we were third, second and then last night we got up to first, and today we were able to win in the last race,” said Fitzgibbon.
“We were in second going into the final race and we had to beat the British team to win the regatta, I’m really happy about how it worked out.”
Rickham insists they were still happy with their performance at a venue which has proved tough for them in the past.
“We’re happy with everything – this is pretty much the worst venue for us! We seem to suffer here every year so to come away with a Silver is quite a big step forwards,” she explained.
“We’ve learnt tons here and at the Worlds as well – it was a much closer Worlds for us than it has been in the last few years, so I think all in all it’s more about what we’ve learnt from these events than the actual winning, though we always like to win!” Rickham concluded.
Miami was the final event in the US Paralympic Team Trials. Jen French and JP Creignou secured the Bronze and secured the right to represent the USA in the Paralympic Sailing competition later in the year.
French said dockside after racing, “We’ve had a tough week. Most of the boats have been close together, and all of the boats here will give us an idea of what the Paralympics will be like.”
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2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
2012 Rolex Miami OCR |
2012 Rolex Miami OCR | |
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SKUD 18s racing in Miami - USA
David Staley, Wednesday, 25 January 2012
The 2012 Rolex Miami OCR is now underway with a fleet of 6 SKUD 18s competing. For event updates and latest results, visit http://rmocr.ussailing.org/
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News from the Macquarie 2012 Access Worlds Organisers
David Staley, Thursday, 19 January 2012
Middle Harbour Yacht Club has posted a number of new items on the event website. Click on the links below or visit http://www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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Rickham & Birrell Win IFDS Worlds in Florida - USA
Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) have won the 2012 IFDS Worlds
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David Staley, Monday, 16 January 2012
The 2012 IFDS Worlds have concluded at Charlotte Harbour in Florida, with Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) making it four in a row after winning in Athens in 2009, Medemblik in 2010 and Weymouth last year.
Just two points behind, second place was decided by a tie-break in favour of Jennifer French & JP Creignou (USA) who won the last race to displace Dan Fitzgibbon & Liesl Tesch (AUS).
Five boats scored race wins throughout the series, so racing was extremely competitive.
Final results are posted below. For more information, videos and photos, visit the event website.
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SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds |
SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds |
SKUD 18s racing at the 2012 IFDS Worlds | |
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Australian Access Class Events Update - AUS
David Staley, Monday, 16 January 2012
Australian Masters Games, Adelaide Sailing Club, 9-14 October 2011
A fleet of 14 Access 303 & Liberties competed in Adelaide at the Masters Games Regatta conducted by the Adelaide Sailing Club. The Access division had the most States & Territories represented and the largest number of women participating. Results are posted at http://www.yachting.org.au/site/yachting/results/adelaidesc/2011/events/masters/SGrp4.htm
ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne International Regatta, Sandringham Yacht Club, 6-12 November 2011
In addition to the SKUD 18 fleet that has been participating in Sail Melbourne since 2007, this year the Access Liberty was also invited. 7 SKUD teams, from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, competed along with 10 Liberty sailors from the Netherlands and 5 Australian States. Both of the Access classes sailed a program of 10 races from November 7-12. Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) won the SKUDs and Bob Schahinger won the Liberty competition. See a summary and the results at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30795
Tasmanian Access Class Championship, Derwent Sailing Squadron, 15-16 January 2012
Access 2.3 and 303 classes were included in this inaugural Tasmanian Championships. A regatta report from Russell Phillips, final results and photographs are available from www.accessclass.org/?Page=30784
New South Wales Access Class State Championships
This event was conducted on January 28 & 29 by Middle Harbour Yacht Club in conjunction with Sailability Manly and was preceded by the Manly Yacht Club Australia Day Regatta (January 26) and an AACA Coaching Clinic (January 27). Results photographs are available at /?Page=30839
South Australian Sailability Championships, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, 3-4 March 2012
Access 2.3, 303 & Liberty sailors will be welcomed in Goolwa for the Sailability Championships. For more information, visit www.gryc.com.au
‘Be Active’ West Australian Access Class Championship, Royal Perth Yacht Club, 11 March 2012
The championship will be contested in the Access 303 and Liberty classes. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be available from www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69
Victorian Access Class Championships, Lysterfield Sailing Club, 17-18 March 2012
The Victorian Championships will be held over two days at Lysterfield Lake at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s east. There will be divisions for Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes. A Coaching Clinic will be held on Friday March 16 to enable competitors to prepare for the Victorian and World Championships. The Notice of Race, Entry Form and information about the AACA Coaching Clinic is available at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30815
AACA National Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 4-5 April 2012
A two-day National Coaching Clinic will be held for Australian competitors in the Worlds. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants. For more information, visit www.accessclass.org/?Page=30816.
Access Class Worlds, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 7-13 April 2012
Middle Harbour Yacht Club are busy preparing for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships for the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18. 120 sailors from 12 nations are expected to be in Sydney for the event. An informative website has been established and online entries are now open. For all the event information, visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
Book Accommodation for the Access Class Worlds
Low cost group Accommodation has been secured by the AACA at Lands Edge Sydney Harbour for sailors, family members and volunteers who will be attending the regatta. To secure your place, book early. Information is available at www.accessclass.org/?Page=30818.
Charter Boats, Safety Boats and Volunteers Wanted
For the Access Worlds and the Coaching programs that precede the racing program in April next year, the AACA and MHYC are looking for boats and people.
A significant number of charter boats – Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes, with and without servo equipment – are required to meet the needs of an expected large group of international competitors. Owners will be paid $200 for a 2.3, $300 for a 303 or $400 for a Liberty chartered for the Worlds plus an additional 50% if the boat is also chartered for the coaching program. Competitors chartering boats will supply their own sails, but the charter boats must be in good racing condition. A number of coaches and support teams will also be looking to charter RIBs. For information about making a boat or boats available for charter, visit www.accessclass.org/?Page=30817.
MHYC have a large and enthusiastic group of volunteers already working on the 2012 Worlds, but they will need support and assistance to deliver such a large event. Volunteers are sought in a variety of areas that are outlined at http://www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=72. If you are able to assist, please contact Commodore Julie Hodder commodore@mhyc.com.au.
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Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
Inaugural Access Class Tasmanian Championships at Derwent Sailing Squadron, January 2012 |
Barnbrook & Mason (AUS) were fourth at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
SKUD 18 Podium at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
Liberty Podium at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
SKUD 18 and Liberties raced at Sail Melbourne 2011 |
SKUD 18 Podium at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Sail Melbourne 2011 |
Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) have won the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
Mike Cull (AUS/WA) was third in the Liberty fleet at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
Bob Hamilton (AUS/NSW) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
Ame Branbrook & Lindsay Mason (AUS) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
Jamie Dunross & Rachael Cox (AUS) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta |
Bob Schahinger (AUS/SA) at the 2011 Sail Melbourne International Regatta | |
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SKUD 18s on day two of the IFDS Worlds - USA
IFDS Worlds Event Media as amended by the IACA, Wednesday, 11 January 2012
It was a blustery Day Two of the 2012 International Association for Disabled Sailing World Championships at Charlotte Harbour in Florida. A front brought steady 14-knot winds that gusted past 20 knots at times.
The SKUD did not have any racing on Tuesday, but Jennifer French / Jean-Paul Creignou (USA) and Alexandra Rickham / Niki Birrell (GBR) battled for the top two spots all day, sharing the top 2 places in all three races. The Americans claimed a one-point lead by bookending two wins around the Brits win in the middle one.
Hagar Zehavi / Shimon Ben Yakov (ISR) took third with Scott Whitman / Julia Dorsett (USA) in fourth and Daniel Fitzgibbon / Liesl Tesch (AUS) fifth after a disqualification in the first race cost them the third-place spot.
Eleven races are scheduled in total for each class. Racing is set to resume Thursday, with the first warning sounded at 10:25 a.m. Results are available on the event website at www.IFDSWorlds2012.com.
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SKUD 18 Tuning Guide Published
David Staley, Sunday, 1 January 2012
Version 1 of the SKUD 18 Tuning Guide has been prepared by the IACA SKUD 18 Committee to assist new sailors in the class to prepare their MkI or MkII boat to a competitive level as quickly and easily as possible. The Tuning Guide can be downloaded via the link below. Please note these are guidelines and recommendations only. To help us improve this guide, please forward any comments or suggestions to info@accessclass.org.
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2012 Pre-Worlds Coaching Clinics for Access Class sailors
David Staley, Wednesday, 21 December 2011
International Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 2-3 April 2012
A two-day International Coaching Clinic will be held for overseas competitors in the Worlds. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants. Coaching fees are $120 for the two-day clinic. Additional information and an application form can be downloaded below.
National Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 4-5 April 2012
A two-day National Coaching Clinic will be held at Middle Harbour Yacht Club on April 4 & 5 - with support from Jim Brown’s ‘Kitty’. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants and coaching fees are $40 for the two-day clinic. Participation is limited to financial AACA Members only with preference given to sailors who have participated in the State Coaching Clinics. Additional information and an application form can be downloaded below.
State & Territory Coaching Clinics
Again with support from the late Jim Brown’s ‘Kitty’ , the AACA is aiming to conduct a one-day State/Territory Coaching Clinic in each of ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC & WA before the end of March 2012. Designed to help Australian sailors prepare for the 2012 Worlds, these would be held in conjunction with State/Territory Access Class Championships, another regatta that includes the Access Classes or as a stand-alone activity. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants and coaching fees are $20 for the one-day clinic. Participation is limited to financial AACA Members only. For more information, contact your State / Territory Delegate:
ACT – Allister / Terry Peek (terrypeek@bigpond.com.au)
NSW – Lachlan / Tony Clear (Tony_J_Clear@yahoo.com.au)
QLD – Chris Ruston (chrisruston@hotmail.com)
SA – Deirdre Schahinger (sahobie@bigpond.net.au)
TAS – Robert Eadie (robert.eadie8@bigpond.com)
VIC – David Staley (david@accessclass.org)
WA – Mike Cull (mikecull@bigpond.net.au)
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Macquarie Group Foundation to support 2012 Access Worlds
There will be a strong Liberty fleet in Sydney for the Macquarie 2012 Access Worlds
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Di Pearson (as amended by IACA), Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Middle Harbour Yacht Club, host of the 2012 International Access Class World and International Championships, today announced that the Macquarie Group Foundation will be the event’s naming rights supporter.
Macquarie Group Foundation Chairman, Richard Sheppard, said: "The Macquarie Group Foundation is proud to support the 2012 International Access Class World and International Championships. It’s wonderful to see that these championships provide the opportunity for sailors of all abilities to compete on equal terms. “
“Macquarie Group staff will also be contributing their skills and expertise as volunteers leading up to and during the event as part of Macquarie's ongoing contribution to the community."
Julie Hodder, Middle Harbour Yacht Club Commodore and Chairperson of the 2012 Access Worlds, said: “Securing the wonderful support of the Macquarie Group Foundation, along with a grant from the NSW Government International Sporting Events Program and other generous contributions has enabled us to plan for this event.
“To run this event successfully, we need both monetary contributions and the assistance of many volunteers. The Macquarie Group Foundation has not only donated to this event, they are also deeply involved with their staff, providing valuable volunteer support.”
“These staff will be able to undertake some training prior to the event, particularly in the areas of Disability Awareness, and Access Boats and their equipment.” said Commodore Hodder.
Bronze sponsors who have come out in support of the Macquarie 2012 Access Worlds are Estate Master and the Freemasons.
“I'm honoured to not only have a long history with Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), but also be part of Access Worlds 2012, Estate Master’s managing director Martin Hill said. “It's exciting to see the Club hosting this event and to see its members excelling both on the water and in supporting Access.”
Malcolm Stradwick from the Freemasons, said they were committed to raising $5,000 towards the event, commenting: “The Freemasons have been supporting Sailability for many years in many locations and are now proud to sponsor this event and, at the same time, support the Foundation Honorary Member of our Lodge; Lodge Sir James Hardy.”
Top contenders
Some of the world’s most highly decorated sailors, among them Paralympians and world, national and European champions, are expected to compete in the Championships, to be held at MHYC on Sydney Harbour from 7-13 April, 2012.
Open to competitors of all abilities, making it a rare opportunity for athletes with a disability to compete alongside able-bodied athletes, the Club welcomes spectators to come and view what is sure to be sailing competition at its best.
At the top of those heading Down Under for the event is 53 year-old Zoltan Pegan. An Australian, Pegan now lives in Hungary with his Hungarian wife and sailing partner Eva.
Pegan, who competed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, has a target on his back, his most recent successes being two titles at the 2011 Access Class European Championships on Lake Garda.
Six wins made Pegan the undisputed European champion in the Access 303 single-person competition, adding to his world title in that class. With wife Eva, he also won the Access 303 two-person title at the same event.
Born and raised in Sydney, the former pilot, who knows Sydney Harbour like the back of his hand and can’t wait to be ‘home’ again, is definitely the man to beat in both single and double-handed classes.
At the other end of the age spectrum is 16 year-old Angus MacGregor, a finalist in the 2009 Australian Yachting Awards who went on to win the 2010 Sailor of the Year with a Disability award for his outstanding victory at the 2010 Access 2.3 World Championship in the UK, where he won seven out of the eight race series.
The Queenslander’s sailing career moved into top gear when Angus won the 2008 Australian Access Class Championship and went on to claim victory in the 2009 International Access Class Regatta in Japan. Sailing regularly against able-bodied sailors has made the youngster a force to be reckoned with.
First entry
The distinction of being the first to enter the event goes to Vera Voorbach from The Netherlands. Although she has mucked around in boats for a while, the 35 year old has only raced an Access Dinghy for three years and has taken to it like a duck to water.
“Because of my spinal cord injury, which occurred during my birth, I haven't got much strength in my legs, arms and hands,” Vera tells. “My parents always had a sailing boat and my disability wasn't a problem on the boat - and that is how I learnt to sail - not only on my parent’s boat, but also in a small dinghy which I sailed with my father.”
Voorbach discovered the Access Dinghy four years ago at a Sailability Club, and although initially sailing for fun, the Dutchwoman got hooked on racing in 2009.
“To discover how good (or bad) I was, I went to the French and European Access Championships and achieved second in the Access 2.3 in France and third at the Europeans,” remembers Voorbach, whose eighth overall and third in the Full Servo results at the 2011 Worlds has piqued her appetite for better results.
“I expect the competition at the Worlds in Sydney will be hard; there are very good (Access) Liberty sailors from Australia, New Zealand and the UK. My training mate, Wilma (van den Broek) who is also coming, is also very good,” Voorbach added.
More inspiration on hand
In September, MHYC member and Access Class delegate Lachlan Clear, travelled to Gosford to help volunteers from the Gosford Sailing Club relaunch Sailability Gosford after an absence of five years.
Since then, a solid band of volunteers has been hard at work, training an enthusiastic group of sailors in Access 303’s, some of whom will compete at the 2012 Access Worlds.
Clear, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, took his boat ‘Deafender’ to Brisbane Waters for the day hoping to inspire other people with disability to ‘have a go’. “I hope to see some Gosford sailors competing next year,” says Clear, who is currently working hard to promote sailing to the Deaf Community.
Designing Times
Access designer, Chris Mitchell will also be attending the Worlds. A fixture at major events involving his designs, the Victorian is always on hand to tweak boats, make repairs, and generally help out, both on and off the water.
To follow the Macquarie 2012 Access Worlds, go to the official website: www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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Angus MacGregor (AUS) 2010 Access 2.3 Open World Champion |
Zoltan Pegan (HUN) won the Access 303 Single Person European Championships without a blemish on the scorecard |
Vera Voorbach (NED) will sail full servo at the 2012 Worlds in Sydney |
The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House made a great background to the SKUD competition at the 2010 Sail Sydney Regatta | |
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Sail Auckland to include SKUD 18, Liberty & Access 303 - NZL
SKUD 18s at Sail Auckland 2011
Photograph:David Staley
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David Staley, Saturday, 26 November 2011
For the first time, the Sail Auckland regatta will include Access Liberty and 303 classes along with the SKUD 18 that has been part of this event for the past few years. The regatta will also be the 2012 New Zealand Access Class Championships.
Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Auckland will host the event from Friday 3 to Tuesday 7 February 2012. The Notice of Race is available below and further information is at www.sailauckland.org.nz
Marina space adjacent to the Yacht Club and C-Cranes will be provided specifically for the Access classes.
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SKUD 18 Class Rules Updated
David Staley, Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Following the review of the SKUD 18 Class Rules this year by the SKUD 18 Committee, assisted by members of the IACA Technical Committee, RYA Technical Manager Bas Edmonds and feedback from sailors, the draft was approved by IFDS and SKUD 18 Owners have now agreed by a clear majority of the votes received to adopt the revised rules from November 1, 2011.
A copy of the updated rules can be downloaded below.
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Australian Access Class Regatta Program - AUS
David Staley, Tuesday, 16 August 2011
There are a number of high quality regattas for the Access classes coming up, providing plenty of opportunity for sailors to prepare for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships……
Australian Masters Games, Adelaide Sailing Club, 9-14 October 2011
There will be a good fleet of Access 303 & Liberty sailors competing in Adelaide. Late entries are still being accepted. For more information or to enter, visit http://australianmastersgames.com.au/Extra.asp?id=122
Sail Sydney International Regatta, Sailability Rushcutters Bay, 1-4 November 2011
A strong fleet of SKUD 18s from at least 4 nations is expected for SIRS in November. Last year was the first time the SKUDs had participated and 7 teams enjoyed the competition and hospitality of Sailability Rushcutters Bay. This event is for Olympic and Paralympic classes only. The Notice of Race has just been published and is available on the event website www.sailsydney.org.au
ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sail Melbourne International Regatta, Sandringham Yacht Club, 6-12 November 2011
In addition to the SKUD 18 fleet that has been participating in Sail Melbourne since 2007, this year the Access Liberty has also been invited. Both of the Access classes will have a program of 10 races from November 7-12. For Liberty sailors, this is an outstanding opportunity to participate in an ISAF Sailing World Cup event with world class race management and an ideal venue. The Notice of Race and online entry is now available at www.sailmelbourne.com.au
Sail Sydney Regatta, 15-18 December 2011
All of the Access classes are invited to participate in the second part of Sail Sydney this year. Details of the host venue are still being finalised (either Sydney Harbour or Botany Bay), so keep an eye on the event website www.sailsydney.org.au
Tasmanian Access Class Championship, Derwent Sailing Squadron, 15-16 January 2012
All the Access classes are invited to participate in this inaugural Tasmanian Championships.
New South Wales Access Class State Championships
It is anticipated this event will be conducted on January 28 & 29 by Middle Harbour Yacht Club in conjunction with Sailability Manly. Keep an eye on the Access Class website for more information.
South Australian Sailability Championships, Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, 3-4 March 2012
Access 2.3, 303 & Liberty sailors will be welcomed in Goolwa for the Sailability Championships. For more information, visit www.gryc.com.au
‘Be Active’ West Australian Access Class Championship, Royal Perth Yacht Club, 11 March 2012
The championship will be contested in the Access 303 and Liberty classes. The Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions will be available from www.rpyc.com.au/index.php?id=69
Victorian Access Class Championships, Lysterfield Sailing Club, 17-18 March 2012
The Victorian Championships will be held over two days at Lysterfield Lake at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges in Melbourne’s east. There will be divisions for Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes. A Coaching Clinic will be held on Friday March 16 to enable competitors to prepare for the Victorian and World Championships. For additional information, email david@accessclass.org
IACA International Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 2-3 April 2012
A two-day International Coaching Clinic will be held for overseas competitors in the Worlds. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants. Coaching fees are to be confirmed. Enquiries to David Staley david@accessclass.org.
AACA National Coaching Clinic, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 4-5 April 2012
A two-day National Coaching Clinic will be held for AACA members at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Boats and PFDs must be provided by the participants and coaching fees are $40 for the two-day clinic. Enquiries to David Staley david@accessclass.org.
Access Class Worlds, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, 7-13 April 2012
Middle Harbour Yacht Club are busy preparing for the 2012 Combined Access Class World & International Championships for the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18. 120 sailors from 12 nations are expected to be in Sydney for the event. An informative website has been established and expressions of interest / entries are now invited. For all the event information, visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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2012 Access Class Worlds to be held in Sydney
Middle Harbour Yacht Club - Venue for the 2012 Worlds
Photograph:David Staley
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David Staley, Wednesday, 30 March 2011
The Access Class 2012 Combined World & International Championships will be hosted by Australia’s Middle Harbour Yacht Club from April 7-13 next year. The event is expected to attract over 120 sailors from 12 countries.
The event is open to competitors of all agres and abilities, providing one of the few sporting arenas where athletes with a disability compete on equal terms with able bodied athletes.
The selected venue, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, is located at the Spit Mosman, just 7 kilometres north of Sydney's CBD.
The Club was established in 1939 and boasts an outstanding track record of hosting numerous high profile sailing events including the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta which brings together over 300 boats each March and the Premier Short Ocean Racing Championship – which is the lead up event to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.
With a membership of 1600 and the largest active sailing membership in Sydney, MHYC is one of Australia's most respected yacht clubs with numerous Olympians and National Champions amongst its members. Recognised as a national leader in sail training and aquatic education programs, the Club premises is also the home of the Australian Sailing Team.
Its facilities also include a 75-berth, fully-serviced, floating marina; 700m2 rigging area; bar and dining facilities and a tranquil, shore-side beach which makes MHYC unique.
The Club’s highly-qualified race management team, who managed key course areas for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, will manage the event
MHYC Commodore Julie Hodder said, “We are delighted MHYC has been chosen to stage the prestigious Access Class 2012 Combined World and International Championships. We have the facilities and team to make it the Best Access Regatta Ever.”
“It is important athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to compete internationally. We propose to build on the excellent work undertaken by the Club’s Sailability program which is held every second Sunday at the Club,” she said.
Over the past 15 years, the Class has gained a strong following in Australia with very active support being provided by Sailability programs nationally working in close alliance with established sailing clubs. MHYC has joined with the local branch of Rotary to provide a strong team of volunteers and the resources necessary to support its Sailability program.
International Access Class Association President, Terry Peek said, “The IACA is delighted that Middle Harbour Yacht Club will be hosting the 2012 Worlds. The venue is outstanding and overseas visitors will really enjoy the club facilities, the beautiful Middle Harbour waterway, the local area and all that Sydney has to offer”.
“The Club has an excellent reputation for conducting high standard events and is approaching our 2012 Worlds with enthusiasm and professionalism. They will be well supported by the Class Association and Sailability in Australia. We encourage Access sailors from around the world to start planning their trip to Sydney in April 2012 – it will be an event not to be missed”, Mr Peek said.
About the Boats.....
The Access classes are universal design sailing boats sailed by people of all abilities right around the world. There are now more than 1800 boats sailing world-wide. The Access 2.3 is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) International Class keelboat. The 303 and Liberty are ISAF Recognised Classes. Access fleets throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America continue to grow, with the majority of boats being used weekly in Sailability programs.
The SKUD 18, at 5.8 metres, is the largest of the Access classes and is the two person boat selected for the 2008 and 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competitions. With its asymmetric gennaker and high tech rig, the boat is an exciting challenge for able-bodied and disabled sailors alike. The SKUD has been designed to offer exciting high performance sailing for racing sailors regardless of their mobility
Competition Divisions.....
The Combined World & International Championships will incorporate the following divisions, each sailing 10 heats over 5 days of racing:
• Access 2.3 Single Person Open World Championship
• Access 2.3 Single Person Servo International Championship
• Access 303 Single Person Open World Championship
• Access 303 Two Person Open World Championship
• Access Liberty Single Person Open World Championship
• Access Liberty Single Person Servo International Championship
• SKUD 18 Two Person International Championship
For more information about the event visit www.2012accessworlds.mhyc.com.au
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Middle Harbour Yacht Club - Venue for the 2012 Worlds |
Members of the 2012 Worlds Organising Committee at MHYC | |
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