Dear members, friends and supporters of Blues Point Yacht Club,

It’s not over yet, but the fat lady has begun to sing her swan-song as we approach the end of the 2024 calendar year.

Therefore, with much excitement, the day will start with the Sue Heyder Christmas Race west of the Harbour Bridge, with a 10:30 start. Post race, members are urged to return boats to their mooring and head to the Blues Point Hotel for the Christmas Lunch. Details and on line bookings for the lunch will be shared closer to the date.

The traditional BPYC Christmas lunch will be held in the clubhouse, aka Blues Point Hotel, on Saturday 14th December to be enjoyed by the skippers, crew, members, supporters and friends of the BPYC. This is a heavily subsidised event for financial members and therefore yet another reason to join up!

Actually, if you have experienced a BPYC social event before then there is not much to be added here, you get the picture. It will be another great social occasion, with yarn, laughter, delicious food and perhaps a glass of wine or two surplus to requirements for some of the punters. Here are some some of last year's photos of this outstanding celebration.

Our Christmas race, the Sue Heyder Christmas Trophy, will be run on Saturday, 14th December, as follows:

Race start

Start time is scheduled for 1030am, with countdown signals over the radio at 10 minutes, 5 minutes and then the starting signal.

The start is a fleet start - i.e. all yachts will start at the same time - with the attached yacht handicaps applied to the finishing time.

Course

The Committee will choose between the two attached courses, Course A (longer) and Course B (shorter) - both of which are west of the Harbour Bridge and involve Cockatoo Island. 
*****Other boats must stay clear of the starting line and clear of those on their ultimate approach to the starting line (RRS 2 and 24.1)******

The course will be selected p.m. Friday and communicated to skippers.

If you have any questions, you can contact me directly on the number below.

Tides: 
High tide (Fort Denison) 0 hours: 0m
Low tide  (Fort Denison)  0 hours: 0m
High tide (Fort Denison) 0 hours: 0m

At this stage there are no wind warnings for Sydney enclosed waters during our race window.

SYDNEY LOCAL Forecast

• not available at this time

MARINE Forecast (Sydney Enclosed Waters):

• not available at this time

The Committee will review the forecast closer to the race (particularly if any warnings are issued) and communicate any changes in arrangements ahead of the race.

Shipping on Sydney Harbour:
At this stage, there are no listed shipping movements advised west of the Harbour Bridge. Information may change without notice from BPYC.  
For the latest information, go to https://www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/sydney-harbour/pilotage-navigation/daily-vessel-movements/

Considering all the above information, skippers and crew are reminded that an Australian Sailing number is required to race, so it is the perfect time to ensure you and your crew's BPYC membership is renewed to gain or retain your Australian Sailing number. Note that the club is still one of the most cost effective clubs to join on the harbour and has waived the ‘joining fee’ for new members.

Safety audits
One of the conditions of entering a BPYC race series, as either a series entrant or a casual entrant, is to have a current Category 7 Safety Audit, as well as comply with the BPYC Addendum in relation to equipment for the category of race they are entering. (The Spring and Autumn Series are in enclosed waters - Cat 7 races).

As mentioned in previous correspondence, the Cat 7 or CAT 4 Equipment Audit and Additional BPYC Safety Amendment forms and actual audits must be completed and lodged with the club prior to racing.  They will then be current (valid for 12 months from your previous Audit). Please book your Equipment Audit inspection for the 2024-2025 season. 

If you have any queries, please contact me on 0416 093 215 or by email. A Safety Audit can be booked by sending an email to bluespointyc@gmail.com attention to the Commodore..