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Aussies change Association name and launch facebook page - AUS
Russell Phillips (as amended by IHCA), Wednesday, 22 May 2013
A resolution was discussed at the 2013 AGM with regards to changing the name of the Association from Australian Access Class Association to Australian Hansa Class Association to bring the association in line with the manufacturer of the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18 and the International Class Association. The resolution was put to the members and passed unanimously.
In order to keep people informed about the Australian Hansa Class Association, we have launched a Facebook page. Please ‘like’ this page to receive updates on events, boats and people throughout the year. You will find the page at: https://www.facebook.com/AustralianHansaClassAssociation
We look forward to featuring stories and photos of Australian sailors and events.
You can also keep up with your fellow international sailors and overseas regattas at a new Facebook page launched for the International Hansa Class Association (the original IACA page will remain for reference purposes, but will no longer be updated). You will find the page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Hansa-Class-Association/223792414316660
Russell Phillips was elected President of the Australian Hansa Class Association in March. His partner Shauna is kindly and skilfully maintaining the IHCA and AHCA Facebook pages.
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New Name for International Class Association
David Staley, Wednesday, 22 May 2013
The International Access Class Association is now the International Hansa Class Association.
The manufacturer of the Access 2.3, 303, Liberty and SKUD 18, Access Sailing Systems Pty Ltd, advised the International Class Association in 2012 that it would be changing its name to Hansa Sailing Systems Pty Ltd and adopting the Hansa Sailing brand internationally for its range of small keelboats and accessories.
The company aims to focus on the mainstream sailing market and promote awareness of the suitability of the boats for inclusive mainstream participation and training programs, and for widespread use by people of all abilities.
2013 was seen as an ideal opportunity for this change as the word “Access” has over the past decade become almost synonymous with disabled access whereas the company and its craft are of universal appeal and value. Through the widespread adoption of Access Sailing’s products by Sailability and other disabled sailing organisations internationally, the Access brand has become closely associated with disability and the boats have been largely seen as “boats for the disabled” within the mainstream sailing community.
According to company principal and designer Chris Mitchell, “The boats were never designed specifically for people with a disability - they were conceived as an entry level craft for Asia where participation was low, and to provide a confidence-building feeling of safety and ease of use.”
“Based upon the boats’ inclusive “sailing for everyone” potential, I chose the name “Access” in the early 90’s for its broader meaning that seemed appropriate at the time.”
Over the years however, the “Access” branding was seen as restricting the market sectors that the boats could be successfully promoted to, and limiting the growth potential of the class. More importantly, this was viewed as contributing to the perpetuation of segregated sport. This is in stark contrast to the company’s aims of growing inclusive participation in sailing as a recreation and sport, and enabling people with a disability to share in mainstream sporting and social activities.
Access Sailing Systems Pty Ltd has therefore changed its trading name to Hansa Sailing Systems Pty Ltd and its primary branding to Hansa Sailing in 2013. The “Hansa” is the well recognised swan motif that has served as the Access Class insignia since 1994.
The mythical Hansa Swan is derived from the philosophy of ancient Sanskrit. It represents perfect union and balance – a vehicle for the harmony of wind, sea and sailor. The flight of the Hansa also symbolizes an escape from a repetitive cycle – changing the established pattern or taking a different approach.
“These boats bearing the Hansa insignia are products of universal design and a philosophy of inclusion, aiming to make sailing more accessible and appealing”, said Mitchell.
At its 2012 Annual General Meeting, the International Access Class Association resolved to change its name to the International Hansa Class Association.
The names of three of the individual classes will also change.
The Hansa 2.3 is an ISAF Class including the 2.3 Wide and 2.3 Single (previously known as the Access 2.3), along with the new 2.3 Breeze model.
The Hansa 303 is an ISAF Class including the 303 Wide (previously known as the Access 303) and 303 Breeze.
The Liberty is an ISAF Class previously known as the Access Liberty.
The SKUD 18 is an IFDS Class.
The International Hansa Class Association website is having some new graphics to reflect the new name and documentation will be progressively updated. It is anticipated that many of the National Class Associations will also change their names to align with the International Hansa Class Association and the new international brand for the family of Hansa classes.
International Class Association President, Brendan Tourelle, believes the name change is a step in the right direction.
“As a class association, we need to support any initiatives by the manufacturer to grow the number of boats around the world. This seems a great opportunity to promote the four classes to people of all abilities to begin and develop in sailing”, said Tourelle.
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Hansa Sailing personnel in Nowra, March 2013 | |
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Access Class European Championships - Latest News
SKUD 18 Start at the European Championships
Photograph:Sailability.ch
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Icarus Media / Sailability.ch (as amended by IACA), Arbon, Switzerland, Sunday, 12 May 2013
Final Day of Racing - May 12
Today the 2013 Access European Championship comes to an end. On this last racing day of an exciting so far event in Switzerland, sailors from 12 countries arrived early at the Arbon Marina, ready to start with their preparations.
Everybody was excited and ready to leave Lake Constance with an excellent performance. Once again, the rain would make things difficult, yet the winds were certainly much stronger than the rest of the days.
The two-person Access boats would be the first to start racing. Skippers and crew had prepared their boats from early on and headed out to the race area.
Starting from the port side of the starting line, The French team of Gilles Guyon and Marie-Joe Besson placed themselves at the top of the fleet.
Behind them, the Swiss team of Dominik Stäger and Julian Müller were giving chase, and trying their best to position themselves in first place today.
It proved a difficult task because Hungary’s Zoltan Pegan and Eva Mircev were the first to reach the weather mark and, deservedly so, enjoyed a flawless performance in this first upwind leg.
The team of Joshua Rothenhäusler and Dominique Scheller from Switzerland were following them closely, managing to be almost as fast as their Hungarian rivals. And so we’d have another Swiss presence in third spot, with the slimmest of margins separating this performance from those at the top. Nevertheless, victory belonged to the Hungarians, Pegan and Mircsev.
When the start of the SKUD 18 race was finally given, the crews of Vera Voorbach and Jan-Rein Van Esseveld from Holland, and that of Andrea Stella and Elisabetta Baradella from Italy, looked set to complete some fine performance as they left the port side of the starting line.
But another Italian team, that of Marco Gualandris and Marta Zanetti would lead the SKUD 18 fleet for the most part of the race, successfully dealing with the challenge posed by their British rivals, Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell.
Yet after a fierce battle in the downwind leg of the race, the Britons tenacity paid off and they finally managed to overtake the Italians and dominate the race, eventually winning it by a comfortable margin.
The Access European Championship promised exciting moments until the very final day, and so it was. Another exceptionally successful event reached its climax, and all sailors that gathered here in Switzerland and the Arbon Marina, will remember fondly those races in Lake Constance. An impressive awards ceremony at the end of an action-packed day ensured that many of these athletes would be quite eager to return here. Thanks for following!
Racing Day Three - May 11
The third racing day in lake Constance, in Switzerland, for the 2013 AccessEuropeans consisted of light winds and rain. Nevertheless, sailors couldn’t be more excited to be here. And so they descended on the Arbon Marina, ready for an action-packed day. The boats always need some further attention. Due to the weather conditions, trimming and of course, emptying out any water on board was necessary. Despite the light winds today, before too long the sailors headed to the race course area, unfazed, on time. Quickly enough, the start was given for the 303 Single Person Access Class, where Britons Monique Foster and Paul Foster managed to place themselves at the top of the fleet, with Spain’s Tolo Gelabert following them closely. After an upwind leg that featured some quite shifty winds, the Spaniard managed to round the weather mark, as well as the second mark in first place. Always with a safe lead from Switzerland’s Carlos Araujo in second place, who was trying to get closer. Eventually, the Swiss won the race, after some really smart tactics in the upwind leg, with his compatriot, Joao Pinto, in second place. At the Access 2,3 race, Lindsay Burns from Great Britain dominated from the start of the race, with not one but two athletes from Portugal on her heels, chasing up the best possible outcome. Fernando Pinto and Luisa Gracia both gave a spectacular performance towards that goal, all the way to the finish line. At the end, the light wind and some unexpected gusts, worked to the benefit of the British athlete. In the Liberty fleet, the committee boat side was clearly the most favorable one, and it was no surprise that all the boats headed there once the start was given. After some excellent tactics and skillfully executed maneuvers, Gérard Eychenne remained unbeatable today also, despite the tricky weather over the lake today. This way, the distance from his rivals increased. Victory belonged, at last, to the Frenchman. Things promise to get even more exciting tomorrow. Not only because Sunday’s the very last racing day of the Access Club European Championship here in Switzerland, but also because the weather’s saving the best for last. Stronger winds have been forecasted! So stay tuned!
Racing Day Two - May 10
The second day of racing of the Access Class European Championships 2013 was a rainy one. Today’s weather wasn’t exactly favorable to sailing and the race committee was left with no choice than postpone racing for a few hours.
Around midday, it was time for the boats to hit the water and make their way to the race course. But the conditions were still light and the sailors had to wait under the heavy rain. A tough task for them, especially with the temperature dropping dramatically in comparison to the two previous days.
After about an hour’s wait at the race area, the start was finally given in the access 303 two person class. Ivo Stohler and Willi Lutz from Switzerland, after a great performance in the 1st upwind managed to round the 1st mark well ahead of their opponents. The teams of Roger Lieberherr and Christian Hiller and that of Joshua Rothenhausler and Dominique Scheller, also from Switzerland, did not give up the chase until the very end of the race.
In the SKUD 18 category, it was the British crew of Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell that took the lead early on, and dominated the race. They were followed by Marko Gualandris and Marta Zanetti from Italy, and Diana Cantalejo and Francisco Villa from Spain. The Spanish crew was making every possible effort to overtake the Italians but without any result.
After a rainy, yet successful day overall, with the races completed, competitors and spectators are looking forward to an even more exciting racing day tomorrow. Be sure to join us
Racing Day One - May 9
The weather forecasting really light winds for the first racing day at the Access Class European Championships. Only the one person classes could sail their first races in the morning. Due to the lack of wind, racing for the two person classes, were postponed for tomorrow.
The Liberty fleet were up on the race track first with Gérard EYCHENNE taking the lead from early on in the race and leading over Cristina RUBKE from the USA. EYCHENNE held tight onto his lead, not making an error, to claim a motivating opening win. Holland’s Wilma VAN DEN BROEK overtook the American RUBKE to finish 2nd, with RUBKE in 3rd. In the 303 one person class, Hungary’s Zoltan PEGAN, the 2010 World Champion, led the race from early on and clearly demonstrated his superiority in the fleet by securing a safe lead and sailed cleverly and with smart tactics to easily take the win. Damien PEYSSON finished 2nd in the race followed by Gilles GUYON close behind - no doubt these two French skippers will have some fierce battles throughout the series.
Immediately after, the wind dropped to zero and there was no other choice for the race committee than to postpone racing, and send the sailors ashore to wait for the breeze. On a positive note, the forecast is for more breeze over the coming days.
The breeze finally built up to 5-7 knots and the skud18 and access 303 two person fleets went out to the race course – but only for the wind to disappear, forcing racing to be abandoned for the day. Stay tuned for more wind and more racing action tomorrow!
Practice Day - May 8
The Access Class European Championships and SKUD 18 Europeans are taking place in Arbon, on the waters of Lake Constance, Switzerland’s biggest lake and the natural border between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The Championships are organized by the Yacht Club Arbon in cooperation with Sailiability.ch. The 71 boats competing here will fight for the Championship titles over the next 4 days. 2013 marks the largest level of participation compared to any previous Championships and the number of nations competing has doubled since last year – with 71 boats representing 12 nations. So a great event is set to unfold.
On the first two days the athletes have to pass their boats through measurement inspection to ensure all boats comply with the Class Rules and everyone will be competing on an equitable basis; sails and boats have to comply under the same rules, so hulls are also weighed and have to be within the official limit.
There are 5 different classes competing at the Europeans, offering a range of sailing styles and disciplines. The Access 2.3 is the only class with one sail and thus the smallest of all, then there is the Access 303 that is sailed by one or two persons – with these events attracting a high level of entries. The last of the access classes is the Liberty that can also be sailed by persons with serious disabilities, using servos to help them sail and control the sails. Last but not least is the SKUD18 class, the only Paralympic event here and the most exciting one sailed by a two person crew and with a large gennaker, the boat can achieve some impressive speeds.
After registration and equipment inspection the practice race was scheduled for today. After a long wait for the wind to show up, the start was finally given for the three first classes under very light conditions. But the lack of consistency in wind strength forced the Race Committee to abandon the practice race and hope for a better start tomorrow when the Championships gets underway. Enjoy some impressions from the first days of the championship.
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Access Traveller Trophy Continues - GBR
The TT Series continued at Wealden
Photograph:Richard Gibbons
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Bob Mac Cormick (as amended by IACA), Sunday, 5 May 2013
On Monday 29th April, Wealden Sailability hosted the second Access Traveller Trophy Event of the year at Chipstead Sailing Club.
The weather was kind and the day turned out to be sunny, windy, and not too cold, which resulted in a turnout of twenty competing craft on the water.
All classes were contested, with three Liberties, two 2.3s and a posse of 303s, both singles and doubles. The finishes in the 303 divisions were satisfyingly close and the winners hotly pursued by the rest of the fleet.
Despite the close finishes on some races, Frensham Pond dominated the event, taking 1st (Lindsay Burns) and 2nd (Christine David) in the 2.3s; 1st (Paul Philips), 2nd (Margaret Foreman) and 3rd (James Woosnam) in the 303 solos; and 1st (Peter and Peta Etherton) and 3rd (Andy Sheath and Kate Lintott) in the 303 doubles. Chris Atkin and John Aldridge of the Wolverstone Project denied Frensham a total walkover in the 303 classes and took a well-deserved 2nd place in the doubles.
Thank goodness Frensham had no entrants in the Liberty class, but I guess they knew that they would be easily seen off by David Durstan of Rutland, who took 1st place, closely followed by Vince Barton of New Forest and Peter Wagner of Wealden.
Bewl Water and Tideway also competed but, on this occasion, didn't quite manage to make the "Trophy List".
Prizes were awarded by Barbara Ide, of Chevening Parish Council, who was present throughout the day, assisting with all the documentation.
See the links below for results and photographs.
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Traveller Series Underway - GBR
The UK Racing Program has kicked off at Whitefriars
Photograph:Chris Stout
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Chris Stout as amended by IACA, Friday, 19 April 2013
The Access Classes enable the widest range of people to enjoy sailing regardless of age, culture or level of physical or other disabilities. Whitefriars Sailability run dedicated sailing sessions throughout the summer and encourage disabled sailors to participate in all club activities, including training and racing.
The first Access Traveller Trophy Event of the year was held at Whitefriars Sailing Club on Wednesday 10th April. Although this venue is one of the best in the country, with good facilities and open water for sailing, the late spring and colder weather earlier in the month put some groups off from bringing their sailors. However on the day all three boat classes were contested.
The weather conditions for racing were perfect, with lighter winds for the first two morning races, and a medium breeze for the 3rd and 4th races in the afternoon.
The Liberty class had some good competition with Dave Durston from the home club winning the first two races despite a mainsheet winch failure. Vince Barton (New Forest Sailability) hustled him but could only finish 2nd in these two races. In the 3rd and 4th races Vince got his own back by winning both races and Dave trailing him in. Vince finished overall 1st and Dave finished a creditable 2nd.
The 2.3 class was dominated by Lindsay Burns (Frensham) who won the first three races by significant margins. Christine David (Frensham) finished second in these heats. By mutual consent the scheduled 4th race for this Class was not run as the overall position could not be changed ie Lindsay 1st and Christine 2nd.
The 303 class (single person) was very closely contested with races being dominated by Frensham sailors with Tessa Watkiss winning the first race, Monique Foster 2nd and Paul Phillips 3rd. The second, third and fourth races were all won by Paul, with Monique and Tessa challenging for places. The overall position was Paul 1st, Tessa 2nd and Monique 3rd. The 303 class (two person) racing was won by Leslie Philip and Hugh Lansdowne (Tideway).
Alistair Baird, Whitefriars Sailing Club Vice-Commodore awarded the prizes.
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Masters Games Sailing in October - AUS
David Staley, Sunday, 7 April 2013
The Australian Masters Games will be held in Geelong from 5-12 October 2013. The Sailing Masters Competition will be held at Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
Open to a wide range of classes, the 303 and Liberty have a division of their own (Division 4). SKUD 18s would also be eligible as small keelboats / trailable for Division 1. The program includes an invitation race and four days of on-water competition. Games Entry Fee is $115.00 per person plus a Sport Entry Fee for the 303 and Liberty of $80.00.
The 2011 event in Adelaide was a great success. The Access Classes were the second biggest fleet (15 boats) and saw some great racing and a lot of fun.
For more information, go to www.australianmastersgames.com. To enter the Sailing Masters Competition, go to http://14amgregistration.fusesport.com/extra.asp?ID=148.
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60+ Podium at the Australian Masters Games - Adelaide 2011 |
Liberty class racing at the Australian Masters Games - Adelaide 2011 | |
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Access Class Asia-Pacific Championships in Canberra - AUS
David Staley, Monday, 1 April 2013
Final Day Report.......
The 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships have concluded with a full program of eight races for each division conducted by Phil Yeomans and his race management team.
As it has for the past three days, a light and variable morning breeze was replaced by a moderate westerly in the early afternoon, providing excellent race conditions to finish off the regatta. The single person divisions were first on the water after the obligatory AP flag was lowered at 10:30.
Chris Ruston (QLD) completed a perfect scorecard in the Access 2.3 competition with Allister Peek (ACT) taking second place and Doug Monk (NSW) in third.
Tristan Nuemueller (SA) scored another two first places today to increase his margin over Stephen Churm (NSW) and Kazuhisa Takeda (JPN) in the Access 303 fleet.
In the Liberties, Bob Schahinger (SA) had a third and a first placing today to claim the overall win by a comfortable margin. There was much shuffling of places further down the fleet however, including a 1-2 score on the final day for Chris Riordan (VIC) enabling him to swap positions with Cadeyrn Gaskin (VIC) who finished the regatta in third.
The two person divisions enjoyed the building breeze in the early afternoon.
Jocelyn & Tristan Nuemueller (SA) did not sail the final race, but had built an 11 point lead to secure the championship trophy. Alyse Saxby & Bob Hamilton (NSW) had some placings they would rather forget, dropping them from second place yesterday to fourth. John Price & Lindsay Mason (NSW) moved up to second with 3-4 finishes and two race wins today by Nicholas Dukes & Bruce James (VIC) moved them up to third.
In the SKUD 18s, Ame Barnbrook & Matt Crawford (NSW) posted a 4-1 this afternoon to finish their championship with a two point advantage over Rob & Peter Crawford (NSW). Paralympic Gold Medalist Liesl Tesch sailing with Mark Thomson were third.
Regatta organiser Terry Peek emceed the presentation ceremony on the lawns of the Canberra Yacht Club, with trophies presented by Race Officer Phil Yeomans (NSW) and Jury Chairman John Grace (NZL).
Prizes were also awarded for Special Olympics sailors competing in the open event, with Allister Peek (ACT) winning the 2.3 division, Bronwyn Ibbotson (ACT) the 303 single person division, and Nicholas Dukes the 303 two person prize.
The 2014 Australian Championships will be held in South Australia.
Day Two Report.............
The second day of racing in the 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships saw some experienced campaigners reinforcing their accustomed places and some young talent rising to the top of their divisions.
A light westerly this morning enabled racing to proceed after a short delay for the SKUD 18 and 303 two-person fleets. Three races were conducted for the 303s and four for the SKUD 18s.
After a perfect start yesterday, Ame Barnbrook & Matt Crawford (NSW) scored 1-3-2 today to maintain a three point lead in the SKUD 18 but there has been very close racing within the fleet.
Jocelyn & Tristan Nuemueller, from Victor Harbour SA, continued their consistent approach with a 1-2-2 in the 303 fleet. They have built a nine point margin over Alyse Saxby & Bob Hamilton (NSW) and John Price & Lindsay Mason (NSW) who are third on countback.
Courses were moved and rotated for every one of the single person races sailed in the second session.
Chris Ruston (QLD) has commanded the 2.3 competition with another series of race wins although local sailor Allister Peek (ACT) has shown some real speed.
Bob Schahinger (SA) scored 2-1-1 today, confirming his place at the top of the leader board. Cadeyrn Gaskin (VIC) took one race off Schahinger and has risen to second ahead of Chris Riordan (VIC).
In the 303, Tristan Nuemueller (SA) scored 2-1-1 this afternoon and has an advantage of four points over Stephen Churm (NSW). Kazuhisa Takeda (JPN) is third overall.
Two more races are scheduled for each division tomorrow ahead of the presentation ceremony at the Canberra Yacht Club.
Day One Report.............
Racing in the 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships got underway on Canberra's picturesque Lake Burley Griffin today.
A beautiful sunny morning was lacking breeze, forcing Race Officer Phil Yeomans to delay the start of racing for the single person divisions. By late morning, a gentle north westerly filled in to enable three races to be completed for each of the 2.3, 303 and Liberty fleets.
Chris Ruston (QLD) and Bob Schahinger (SA) took command of their fleets with 1-1-1 finishes in the 2.3 and Liberty respectively. In the 303, Tristan Nuemueller (SA) had some close racing with Stephen Churm (NSW), with Nuemueller coming out ahead with two wins from three starts. Churm's 2-1-2 scoreline leaves him only one point adrift, so there is plenty of good sailing to look forward to.
The breeze continued to fill in during the afternoon, building to around 10 knots and providing good conditions for the two person divisions racing in the afternoon session. Four races were completed for the 303s and three for the SKUDs.
Jocelyn & Tristan Nuemueller (SA) were the most consistent in the 21 strong 303 fleet, coming away with two wins, a second and a third. Other race winners were unable to back-up with podium places in this competitive group.
Ame Barnbrook & Matt Crawford (NSW) made a perfect start to their regatta with three wins in the SKUD 18. The six SKUDs include a mix of seasoned campaigners and a group of new talent in the class. They are being supported as a group by Yachting Australia coaches Larry Cargill and Tim Lowe, aiming to build a strong squad to prepare for the Rio Paralympics.
Practice Day Report.............
The 2013 Australian Access Class Championships commence at Canberra Yacht Club today and will be held concurrently with the Asia-Pacific Championships. The combined events have racing scheduled from Saturday through Monday.
Part of the celebration of Canberra's Centenary, the Championships were officially opened yesterday by Federal Sports Minister Kate Lundy.
Competitors have travelled to Canberra from all over Australia, along with competitors New Zealand and Japan. Single-person racing is being held in the Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes. Two-person competition will be in the Access 303 and SKUD 18.
Whilst conducted as an open event, the majority of sailors competing in the Access Championships have some form of disability, many using wheelchairs for mobility ashore. But once afloat, their speed and tactics match any able-bodied competitor. 2012 Paralympic Gold Medalists Dan Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch are competing - and inspiring the next generation of developing sailors in the process.
In the practice racing today, light and shifting winds provided a challenge for the sailors - something they expect more of during the three days of championships races to follow.
Race Officer Phil Yeomans is leading a race management team of volunteers from Canberra Yacht Club and a variety of New South Wales clubs.
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2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on the final day |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championship Presentations |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day two |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
2013 Asia Pacific Access Class Championships - Day One |
Chris Ruston (QLD) leads the 2.3 fleet - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Two bullets for Jocelyn & Tristan Neumueller (SA) today - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Stephen Churm (NSW) placed 2-1-2 today - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Ame barnbrook & Matt Crawford lead the SKUD 18s - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
cadeyrn Gaskin (VIC) racing in the Liberty fleet - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Light breezes to start the day - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Fresher breezes to finish - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
SKUD 18 Start - 2013 Australian & Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships racing on day one |
Senator Kate Lundy opens the 2013 Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships |
SKUD 18 Practice Racing - 2013 Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships |
Practice Day - 303 Two Person racing at the 2013 Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships |
Practice Day - 303 Single Person racing at the 2013 Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships | |
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2013 North American Combined Access Class Championships - USA
David Staley, Saturday, 16 March 2013
The 2013 North American Combined Access Class Championships will be hosted by San Francisco's South Beach Yacht Club (SBYC) and the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) from 3-6 September.
Scheduled in between the Louis Vuitton Cup, which concludes on August 30, and the Americas Cup Finals that commence on September 7, the event puts Access Class sailors right amongst the Americas Cup excitement.
This will also be the venue for the 2014 Combined World & International Access Class Championships the following September, so this is a great opportunity to try out the great sailing conditions on San Francisco Bay.
The Notice of Race has just been posted along with Online Registration, event contacts and additional information.
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First Scottish Access Class Regatta - GBR
303 at Castle Semple Centre
Photograph:David Hill
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ACA(UK), Friday, 15 March 2013
Castle Semple Centre, part of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, is inviting Access Class Sailors to the first Scottish Access Class Regatta on 15th & 16th June 2013.
"We became Scotland’s first RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence in 2011 and have been steadily building the numbers of active sailors in the area over the past year", said Castle Semple's David Hill.
"Along with our resident sailing club we are looking forward to a fun filled weekend of racing on Castle Semple Loch".
The Centre is only 15 minutes’ drive from Glasgow Airport and has great train links to the centre of Glasgow only 20 minutes away.
Boats are welcome to arrive on the Friday before the event and have free storage in our locked compound for the duration of the event. Practice sailing will be on offer with free race coaching for those that want it from the centre instructors on the Friday.
The Centre is making 6 Access 303’s available for the regatta. A pontoon hoist is available along with a range of other equipment to help everyone access the water safely.
For the Notice of Race, Contact Information and more details, see the link below.
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2013 Italian Championships on Lake Garda - ITA
Sandro Pelligrini (as amended by IACA), Circolo Vela Gargnano, Tuesday, 5 March 2013
The logo of the Italian Championship Class Access has just been released.
The symbol was unveiled by the Circolo Vela Gargnano in collaboration with Brescia Tourism, Unique Garda, Lombardy Region and the Province of Brescia on the occasion of an exhibition dedicated to tourism, leisure and sports.
It's the third time that the Access fleets will sail at Gargnano. In 2011 the European Championship attracted sailors from 11 countries. Last year was the inaugural Italian Championship.
This year, from 24 to 26 May, more than 20 teams representing the Italian national fleet will be joined by entries from Australia, France and Switzerland.
The event will be co-organized by the Circolo Vela Gargnano, Garda Rowing Club and the Project Hyak.
Access the Championship will be part of a week dedicated to eco-environmental compatibility and accessibility which will start at Lake Iseo.
During the week there will be seminars on Paralympic sailing, the relationship between media and disability, and a number of other projects.
For more information about the championships, visit www.centomiglia.it
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Australasian Regatta program almost concluded - AUS/NZL
David Staley, Monday, 25 February 2013
The busy season of events for the Access Classes in Australia and New Zealand is drawing to a close with only the Tasmanian Championships to be sailed before the Asia-Pacific and Australian Championships concludes the events season at Canberra Sailing Club in the Australian Capital Territory over Easter.
For more information about the individual championships and events, see the links below.
2013 Australian State & National Championships
New South Wales Access Class Championships - Gosford Sailing Club on February 9-10. For more information, CLICK HERE
Western Australian Access Class Championships - Royal Perth Yacht Club on February 9-10. For more information, CLICK HERE
South Australian Sailability Championships - Port Adelaide Sailing Club on February 16-17. CLICK HERE
Victorian Access Class Championships -Ballarat Yacht Club on February 22-24. For more information, CLICK HERE
Tasmanian Access Class Championships - Derwent Sailing Squadron on March 3. For more information, CLICK HERE
Australian and Asia-Pacific Access Class Championships - Canberra Sailing Club on March 29 - April 1, CLICK HERE
New Zealand Access Class Events
Auckland had a busy program of events in January and February at Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
Sail Auckland Regatta - February 1-5
To read the event report, click here
Kiwi Ability Regatta - January 29-30
To read the event report, click here
The Kiwi Cup/ Access Class Nationals - January 24-27
To read the event report, click here
Sail Melbourne ISAF Sailing World Cup - December 2-8, 2012
To read the event report, click here
For further information please see the web site www.sailmelbourne.com.au
Sail Sydney - December 13-16, 2012
To read the event report, click here
For more information , visit www.sailsydney.org.au
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SKUD 18 in EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup
SKUD 18s racing in Medemblik
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EUROSAF (as amended by IACA), Tuesday, 12 February 2013
EUROSAF has announced the launch of the Champions Sailing Cup website and published the Notice of Series.
With the start of the first EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup regattas now less than 90 days away, EUROSAF have launched the series website, which will link all five regattas in the series and publish results for each event, and the series. At the same time the Notice of Series has been published. Individual regattas will publish their Notice of Race on each of the event websites, along with information concerning entry, and more.
The series commences on 8th May, in Italy, just ten days after the conclusion of the ISAF Sailing World Cup regatta in Hyères on 27th April. Each of the regattas are based on well-established events, Garda Trentino Olympic Week, Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik, Sail for Gold in Weymouth & Portland and Kieler Woche, one of the oldest regattas in Europe, plus the Semaine Olympique Française, which from 2013 takes place in La Rochelle. The dates for each of the regattas in 2013 and 2014 were announced on 1st November, 2012. (see appended schedule).
The SKUD 18 has been included in the Notice of Race for the events in Italy, the Netherlands and Great Britain. It is hoped that SKUD teams will compete in Medemblik and Weymouth this year and an increased number of events in 2014.
EUROSAF are very excited at being able to offer sailors and sailing this new series starting this year, and are delighted to have brought together five major regatta organisers in order to do so. Dan Ibsen, a Vice-President of EUROSAF and Chairman of the EUROSAF Events Committee, said, “When ISAF announced their plans for the new Sailing World Cup Regattas, we in EUROSAF saw an opportunity to fill the gap left in Europe with a new series of top level regattas, but in order to do so we needed the willing cooperation of the organisers. Some hard work and detailed planning was necessary, but everyone saw the strength and benefit to sailing of working together, so the new series was formed. 2013 will be our first year, so we are only at the beginning, but our objective is to develop the series to be seen as one event, sailed at five different locations, and for it to become a premier series for Olympic sailors. We want sailors from around the world to come back every year, knowing they will be competing against top competition, at expertly run and organised regattas”.
The EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup website will be found at http://championscup.eurosaf.org/
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French Championships at Maubuisson in June - FRA
The French Nationals will be held in June
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Nicole Crozet, Sunday, 10 February 2013
The French Access Class Championships will be held at Maubuisson from 21 to 23 June. The venue is a coastal lake (Lac d’Hourtin) near Bordeaux.
See the links below to download the Notice of Race and Entry Form
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Access Class Regattas in Holland - NED
Liberty racing in the Netherlands
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Wilma van den Broek, Friday, 21 December 2012
The Sailing Centre at Grou, in the north of Holland, will be hosting the Voorjaarswedstrijden (Spring Regatta) on 27 and 28 April 2013. Access 2.3, 303 and Liberty classes are invited.
The Centre’s vision is that "Anyone can Sail", so they teach children and adults sailing, but also organize sailing experiences for the elderly and people with disabilities. Royal Watersportvereniging Frisia has strived for many years to enable children, young people and adults with disabilities to enjoy the water sports and specifically sailing. The Sailing Centre is fully accessible inside and outside and accommodation is available.
WV Zeewolde are conducting races for the Access classes on June 1 & 2 as part of the "Randmeren Combi".
September 28 & 29 will see more racing on the " Nieuwe meer" in Amsterdam run by WV de Schinkel. The races are calleld "Seizoensafsluitingswedstrijden” – part of the season closing program.
So the Access Klasse Nederland (currently in formation) will have at least 3 race weekends in 2013 and is hoping to grow its program in future years.
Access Klasse Nederland Email Contact - wilmavandenbroek228@gmail.com
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UK Access Class Racing Programme for 2013 announced - GBR
Access 303 fleet start at at Frensham Pond
Photograph:Peter Etherton
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ACA(UK), Wednesday, 19 December 2012
The UK Access Class Association has announced its 2013 Racing Programme which is made up of 12 events. Places for the full Travellers Trophy are taken across all 12 events with 6 to count. There is also a Northern Series and Southern Series, each comprising 6 events with 3 to count.
The Racing Programme includes……
Wed 10th April – Whitefriars Sailability – TT 1 - Southern Series 1
Mon 29th April - Wealden Sailability- TT 2 - Southern Series 2
May 7th to 12th – European Access Class Championships
Wed 22nd May - Carsington Sailability - TT 3 - Northern Series 1
Wed 5th June - New Forest Sailability - TT 4 - Southern Series 3
June 21st to 23rd – French Access Nationals
Wed July 3rd – Frampton Sailability - TT 5 - Northern Series 2
Mon 15th July - Burghfield Sailability - TT 6 - Southern Series 4
Wed 31st July - Notts County SC – TT 7 - Northern Series 3
August 9th to 11th – RYA Multi-Class- Rutland SC Please note this is not a TT this year
Wed 21st August - Woolverstone Project - TT 8 - Northern Series 4
Sat 31st August (to be confirmed) - Bristol Sailability – TT 9- Southern Series 5
7th or 10th or 11th Sept (to be confirmed) - Northampton Sailability - TT 10 - Northern Series 5
Fri 20th, Sat 21st and Sun 22nd Sept - Rutland Sailing Club - UK Access Class Championships
Wed 2nd October (to be confirmed) - Oxford Sailability – TT 11 - Northern Series 6
Wed 16th Oct - Frensham Pond Sailability- TT 12- Southern Series 6
Additional information is available at the link below.
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SKUD 18 Selected as Paralympic Equipment until 2020 during ISAF & IFDS Meetings
ISAF Classes Committee Meeting in Dublin
Photograph:David Staley
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David Staley, Sunday, 11 November 2012
A series of ISAF and IFDS meetings were held in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, recently as part of the ISAF Annual Conference.
Gene Hinkel (USA), John Figgures (GBR) and David Staley (AUS) attended the International Measurement Seminar on Nov 1 & 2 that included presentations from a wide variety of one-design, manufacturer controlled and measurement classes, outlining their measurement procedures and ways they have addressed the various challenges for their class.
ISAF Classes Committee
David Staley attended the ISAF Classes Committee meeting on Nov 3 representing the Access 2.3, 303 & Liberty Classes. Also the Class Rules Sub-Committee meeting on Nov 4 to answer questions regarding their review of the SKUD 18 Class Rules as part of evaluating the Submission for ISAF Class status.
Equipment Committee
This meeting on November 6 was the crucial meeting for the SKUD 18 ISAF Class submission. David was invited to provide some background information to the meeting before being asked a series of questions by various members. As the IFDS AGM was in progress at the same time, and was to decide if the SKUD 18 would be the selected Paralympic equipment through to 2020, the Equipment Committee deferred its decision until after that information was available. Later in the day, the SKUD was back on the agenda at the Equipment Committee and a series of additional questions were posed about the mixed use of the boat and the MkI / MkII equipment and measurement issues highlighted at the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition.
After protracted discussion, the committee resolved to “Recommend rejection of the submission but recognise the need of the class for ISAF assistance in the technical aspects of the class and recommend that the ISAF, IFDS and the SKUD 18 Class enter into an appropriate Paralympic Class Agreement with ISAF control of the Class Rules and Building Specification”. While not providing the ISAF imprimatur to the SKUD 18 class, and not enabling an open World Championship to be held, it does provide an enhanced level of technical support.
The submissions regarding inclusion of the Breeze 303, Breeze 2.3 and Access 2.3 Single models within their respective Access 303 and 2.3 Classes were then considered by the Committee. After another lengthy question and answer session, the Equipment Committee resolved to approve the submissions and noted that these did not require ISAF Council approval and the Class Rule revisions could be sent directly to the Class Rules Sub Committee for review and approval.
All the ISAF Conference Papers are available from http://www.sailing.org/meetings/2012-conference.php
IFDS Annual General Meeting - SKUD 18 selection and seating recommendations
This meeting was also held on November 6 and included 15 IFDS Recognised National Authorities. Following the resignation of IFDS President Linda Merkle (USA) and the conclusion of term for two Vide-Presidents, three Vice-Presidents were elected – Wilfried Klein (GER) and Brian Todd (CAN) were elected for four year terms and Betsy Allison (USA) was elected for a two year term. John Twomey (IRL) was subsequently elected President by the Executive Board.
Prior to the AGM, the IFDS Equipment Evaluation Commission recommended to the IFDS Executive Committee that the Equipment to be used for 2016 /2020 be the SKUD18. The Commission further recommended “that the IFDS Executive Committee review the current seating rules on the SKUD18 so that the crew may sit out to the edge of the gunnels. The new rules regarding crew seating to be framed in consultation with the IFDS Technical Committee and the IFDS Medical Committee”. These were taken as separate items for voting at the AGM. USA moved that the SKUD be adopted through 2020, this was seconded by Finland and supported unanimously. Germany moved that the seating rules be reviewed, this was seconded by Greece and was passed with dissent only from Italy.
So the SKUD 18 is now confirmed as Paralympic Equipment through the 2016 and 2020 Games, however the seating situation for Paralympic configuration is to be reviewed. This will need to be done and finalised within the next 12 months to remain in accordance with IFDS’ wishes that there be no equipment changes after the end of 2013, so input from owners, sailors and coaches will need to be sought fairly quickly and IFDS will need to outline how they wish to proceed with the review. This will be an important agenda item at the SKUD Committee Teleconference being held next week.
All the IFDS AGM Papers are available from http://www.sailing.org/sailors/disabled/meetings/2012-ifds-agm.php
ISAF MNA Forum
For the first time in 2012, ISAF provided an opportunity for classes to promote their boats to Member National Authorities. This was held on the same day as the Equipment Committee and IFDS AGM - Nov 6, so I am grateful for the support of Akko van der Veen (NED) who set up a small display, handed out flyers and spoke to a large number of MNA representatives. Some interesting connections were made with a number of countries and the Access Classes were visible alongside many of the long-established classes such as 470, 420, Optimist, Topper etc. Hopefully this will be repeated in the future.
Summary
With three submissions being considered by ISAF Committees and the Two-Person Paralympic Sailing Equipment Selection being announced by IFDS, it was a very busy and important conference for the Access Classes. Overall it was very successful, with the only disappointment being the failure to achieve full ISAF Class status for the SKUD.
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Australia, USA and Great Britain claim SKUD 18 Paralympic Medals
Medal Presentations at the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition
Photograph:David Staley / IFDS
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IFDS as amended by IACA, Saturday, 8 September 2012
No racing was possible on the final day of sailing at the London 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition meaning that the results from the day prior confirmed the silver and bronze medals in the SKUD 18.
A gripping three way battle had been on-going all week and with no final day racing Jen French and JP Creignou (USA) pick up silver medals whilst Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell (GBR) had to settle for bronze.
Of the tight competition all week French said, "It makes the regatta more fun when it's tight at the top. Everybody said Weymouth and Portland would have strong winds but we got the lot. All credit to the Australians for their superb sailing. A lot of it has to do with consistency. Our lowest place in the series was fifth - we can't complain about that. Every day on the water is a learning day."
The medals ceremony was held at 6pm local time overlooking Weymouth harbour.
Australia's Dan Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch had won SKUD18 gold on the penultimate day of racing at the Paralympic Sailing Competition with a race to spare.
With a six point leading heading into the final race the Australians are discarding their worst finish of third from Race 4. And with only race wins and second place finishes on the scoreboard after their discard they could not be beaten on 14 points.
Fitzgibbon and Tesch revelled in the stronger breezes on what was to be the final day of racing on the Wednesday. They left their rivals in their wake in the first race, leading at every mark to record their fourth victory of the series so far.
John Mcroberts and Stacie Louttit (CAN) led off the start line and crossed ahead of the fleet on the first upwind leg but had to give way to the Australians while rounding the first mark. As the Canadian challenge faded during the race, dropping them to sixth at the finish, the Americans powered through to take second. The British duo had the most work to do to lift themselves from sixth at the first mark to third at the finish.
The second race of the day was sailed in lower winds of around 12 knots, conditions that clearly suited the Italian crew of Marco Gualandris and Marta Zanetti (ITA) who shot off the start line into a lead they held to the finish.
Behind them, the Australians and Brits slugged it out on the first two legs of the course for second place before the British pair faded away, eventually finishing fifth. Unable to catch the Italians, Fitzgibbon and Tesch had only to keep a cover on French and Creignou who had climbed up to third.
SKUD 18 Paralympic Medallists
1. Dan Fitzgibbon & Liesl Tesch (AUS) - 14pts
2. Jen French & JP Creignou (USA) - 20pts
3. Alex Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) - 22pts
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Gold for Dan Fitzgibbon & Liesl Tesch (AUS) - Medal Presentations at the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition |
Silver for Jen French & JP Creignou (USA) - Medal Presentations at the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition |
Bronze for Alexandra Rickham & Niki Birrell (GBR) - Medal Presentations at the 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition | |
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Venue for 2014 Combined Worlds Announced - USA
Access Sailing on San Francisco Bay
Photograph:David Staley
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David Staley, Friday, 11 May 2012
The next Access Class Combined World & International Championships will be hosted by San Francisco’s South Beach Yacht Club (SBYC) and the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) from 15-19 September, 2014.
Planned lead-up events include a three day North American Championships ahead of 2013 Americas Cup Finals and other smaller regattas.
The organising committee has much work to do to confirm onshore facilities, accommodation information, charter boat availability and volunteers but the class will actively support their preparation for the 2014 Worlds.
It is also hoped that hosting the Worlds in San Francisco will promote a stronger Class Association and increased activity around the USA.
More news as it becomes available.
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