Newsletter - 29 August 2007

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eRhumb Lines
(A conga dance/ a line crossing all meridians at the same angle) Explanation Requested...

In navigation, a rhumb line (or loxodrome) is a line crossing all meridians at the same angle, i.e. a path of constant bearing. The idea of a loxodrome was invented by a Portuguese mathematician Pedro Nunes in the 1500s.

Thank you to one of our tender drivers (ex pilot) for clarifying the precise meaning of Rhumb Lines.  We will tell you about the Conga dance next time!

1. Gosford J24 Classic Racing Weekend
2. C3 - Short Spinnaker Course for Gosford
3. Inter Club J24 Mini Championships
4. New Fun Event - only $20
5. Crew Wanted
6. Welcome Carla
7. Course Dates

1. Gosford J24 Classic Racing Weekend
28 September - 1 October
It's getting closer - the biggest weekend in the Pacific Sailing School diary is the long weekend in October, when the Gosford International J24 Racing weekend takes place.  We take our J24's to Gosford and stay the weekend in Terrigal with lots of racing and partying.  There is also the opportunity for you to help deliver our J24's to Gosford and experience some coastal sailing on the way!

This weekend always sells out early so call the office to secure your spot.

You will need to be Spinnaker qualified so if you haven't yet done your C3 Spinnaker Course get booked in.

2. C3 - Short Spinnaker Course for Gosford
9, 15 or 16 September

If you are really keen to join us in Gosford, and you are short of time, we have a short 1 day course to qualify you for the position of Pit or mast crew person in the Gosford J24  Classic Racing Weekend over the long weekend, or the Inter Club Mini J24 Championships.

The course is a 6 hour practical lesson covering Pit, Mast and rotation at the helm.  This course is available to anyone also coming to Gosford with us, and you may upgrade to a full Spinnaker course at a later date.

3. Inter Club J24 Mini Championships
8 Sep, 6 Oct and 27 Oct

This mini championship is 3 races in a day and is hosted by different clubs around the harbour.  It's a great opportunity to meet the J24 crews, see other clubs and increase your racing knowledge. Again, mast and pit positions are available to C3 Short Course graduates and foredeck and Trimming positions for full C3 graduates. In these events, we take off our training sails and put on our racing gear.

4. New Fun Event - only $20???
Once a month, starting Saturday 20 October at 4pm we will be racing all our boats in a friendly and fun social twilight evening.  For just $20, come and join us...and keep the rest of your evening free for fun and festivities in the club bar.

5. Crew Wanted
Do you live on the north shore and are you keen to be a J24 foredeckie or mast person? If you have completed C3 Spinnaker course send us your details and we will pass them to the skipper.

Are you available for Wednesday afternoon racing, starting around 1pm?  C2 graduates are  welcome to send their details and we will pass to the skipper.

6. Welcome Carla
Carla has joined the office team.  You'll meet her around the office, and feel free to buy her an 'after hours' wine in the club.  Carla is also learning to sail so you may share a lesson with her.

Carla is originally from England and comes from the fitness and leisure industry.  Carla will be on the phone ringing many of you to say 'hi' and to organise your next lessons and courses.

7. Course Dates

http://www.pacificsailingschool.com.au/15815.htm

Try Sailing Events
Try Flying Spinnaker 6 October
Try J24 Racing 27 October
Try Helming on a Sunset Sail 9 September Try Night Sailing 15 September Try Overnight on the Harbour 6 October Try Pittwater Dash 7 September

Course Dates
C1 L5 Tuesday 18 September
C2 L5 Tuesday 25 September
C3 L5 Tuesday 30 October
C3 - Short Spinnaker 9, 15 or 16 September
C5 - Small Craft Safety 8 September
C5 - Practical 8 September, 15 September
C6 - Bareboat Charter Skipper 6 & 7 October, 13 & 14 October
C7 - Offshore Crew 19 - 22 October
C8 - Coastal Skipper 16 - 19 November
C9- Coastal Navigation Starts 4 October
C12 - Marine Radio 29 Nov, 6 & 13 November
C14 - Safety & Sea Survival 7 & 14 October, 18 & 25 November
C14 - SSSC Update 14 October, 25 November

J24 Racing
RSYS Mini Series Racing -3 races Sat 8 Sep, Sat 6 Oct, Sat 27 Oct
Gosford Classic Racing Weekend - 8 races Fri 28 Sep to Mon 1 Oct
RSYS Mini Series Racing - 3 races 27 Oct
Racing Course C4 - 4 races Sat 3 Nov & Sun 4 Nov
State Championships Sydney - 8 races Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov
RSYS Mini Series Racing - 3 races Sat 1 Dec
National Championships Perth - 8 races 5 to 11 January 2008
World Championship, Italy - 10 races 12 June to 20 June 2008

Sailing Holidays
Thailand 17 - 27 January 2008
Tonga 9 - 19 June 2008
Croatia 11 - 19 September 2008

We teach Sailing . Safety.  and FUN!
From Vickie, Amy (for the last time), Paula & Terry -
and the best team of Instructors in town!