Next Get Checked Day Saturday 23rd October
MHYC holds two annual Get Checked Days for Equipment Audits, which allows Club Members the perfect opportunity to have their boats audited prior to the new sailing season commencing free of charge. For PFD checks contact Matt Pyne at the Marina Office or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The last Get Checked Day for the 2021-2022 season is Saturday 23rd October 2021.
Bookings for an equipment audit are to be arranged directly through the MHYC Sailing Office or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Presentation of a Boat for Inspection process
• Boat owners are to complete an Equipment Compliance form prior to the inspection. Audit form can be downloaded here
• The owner or his representative should carry out an initial inspection and tick/sign the appropriate box - making sure to check expiry dates and quality of equipment, as well as identifying the location of equipment that may be asked to be presented during the inspection.
• Necessary equipment should be laid out ready for inspection, including copies of service certificates and any additional safety documentation; ie stowage plans, Epirb registration, Life Raft Service Certificates, PFD Service Certificates. (Cat 1 and 2 inspections - owners should have a copy of these certificates on hand to submit to the auditor as a part of the inspection paperwork.)
• The skipper and knowledgeable crew member should be on board during the inspection.
• The owner's Australian Sailing number and vessel registration details and insurance document shall be made available to the Auditor or the Equipment Compliance form cannot be completed.
Equipment Layout for Inspection
All items required for safety inspection should be laid out prior to the Auditor coming on board. Prior preparation will significantly reduce the time taken to complete the inspection.
• Storm boards ready to be put in place.
• Sea cocks and plugs exposed, not hidden by equipment.
• Know the water and fuel capacity of your tanks
• Fire extinguishers taken from brackets so date tags can be sighted.
• First Aid kits open and items with use by dates on the top so that expiry date can be checked.
• Publications and charts on chart table.
• Emergency navigation lights with batteries fitted.
• PFD's, harnesses, tethers and flares laid out.
• Radio installation inspection certificate.
• Life Raft Certificate
• Jackstays rigged.
• Lifelines tightened.
Sailing to resume at MHYC on 27 October
In anticipation of NSW Public Health Orders being relaxed and Community Sport permitted from 25 October 2021, MHYC intends to resume racing in all series from Wednesday 27 October. While we are all looking forward to getting back on the water and catching up with our sailing friends again, please note that:
- Until further notice (expected to be December 1), any persons over the age of 16 years entering indoor facilities at MHYC are required by NSW Public Health Orders to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. All staff and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated. MHYC may request evidence of vaccination from members or visitors.
- Each yacht is required to register all members of it’s crew participanting in any MHYC race. Registration opens on the Monday prior to each event and refreshes every Monday, so it is not possible to register for races for subsequent weeks. Failure to register a crew list before the yachts start time will result in a DSQ score. Go to Crew Registration
- Until further notice, please observe social distancing limits tof 2m2 outdoors and 4m2 indoors. Masks are required indoors when not eating or drinking.
- All people attending MHYC are required by NSW Public Health Orders to sign in using the QR Code displayed at a number of prominent locations.
All of the races that were scheduled between 4 September and 25 October 2021 are abandoned, with the exception of two Adams 10 Inshore Races re-scheduled to 30 October 2021 – see NTC 2021-10-06-1
Online Entry for all Race Series has now opened with race fees adjusted including an allowance for the reduction of race numbers. To enter, go to Online Entry
Inspirational Women in Sailing - View the Interviews
From conquering the southern ocean to competing at the top levels of elite sailing and everything in between, these four women are blazing trails and setting new records in the world of sailing.
The MHYC Steering the Course Women's Sailing Festival Virtual Breakfast was held on Friday 8 October and heard from Nina Curtis, Lisa Blair, Alice Tarnawski and Bryony Gregory.
Nina Curtis: Olympic silver medallist Nina Curtis has previously competed in the Ocean Race (previously called the Volvo Ocean Race) and is currently representing Australia in SailGP.
Lisa Blair: With three world records already under her belt, Lisa Blair is preparing to set off again in December with the aim to set the solo and unassisted record to sail around Antarctica.
Alice Tarnawski & Bryony Gregory: Alice and Bryony are the first-ever all-female double-handed entry in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The pair are planning to tackle the notoriously challenging race with the added difficulty of trying to prepare during COVID lockdowns.
If you weren't able to attend the virtual breakfast or would like to watch the interviews again, you can view the recordings here.
A huge thankyou to MHYC Women's Sailing Representative Deborah Dalziel for organising and hosting this great event.
Read more: Inspirational Women in Sailing - View the Interviews
Women’s Keelboat Series to start on October 31
The Notice of Race for the 2021-2022 Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series has now been published.
The first of five races in the new series will be conducted by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on Sunday 31 October. If NSW Public Health Orders prevent this, a four race series will commence on Sunday 21 November with Middle Harbour Yacht Club as the host.
The inaugural series last year attracted 20 entries from 5 clubs. MHYC's Tracy Richardson (No Friends) and Liz Charles (Kayimai) finished 2nd and 3rd in Division 1.
Crews will again be able to compete in full female crew or female helm divisions, as well as nominate spinnaker or non-spinnaker racing. The first warning signal is scheduled for 12.30 each race day. Other clubs which will also conduct a race of the series are Manly Yacht Club, Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club and Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.
To download the Notice of Race – click here
To enter online – click here
September eSailing at MHYC
Following our eSailing Forum on Zoom this week, the September eSailing program has now been decided…
Monday 6 September at 7.30pm – Training Session
A Virtual Regatta training session will be held using zoom videoconference to enable discussion prior, during and after practice racing over approx. 1 hour. Get some tips from some of MHYC’s experienced eSailors. To register your interest and get the links, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Wednesday 8, 15 & 22 September at 7.30pm – Racing
Five short races each day, using the Barcolana 50, Far East 28R, and J/70 classes respectively on each race day. Results will be calculated on PHS and One-Design.
Thursday 9, 16 & 23 September at 2.00pm – Racing
Five short races each day, using the Barcolana 50, Far East 28R, and Offshore Racer classes respectively on each race day.
Results will be calculated on PHS and One-Design.
Thursday 9 September at 7.30pm – Teams Racing
A round robin series of short races for teams of 3 sailors in the Star Keelboat. Entrants will be allocated to a team and be required to purchase the team colour for their boat.
To participate in any of these activities, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Race documentation and further information is on the MHYC eSailing page
A light on the horizon - SSORC 2021
Sydney sailors are anxiously awaiting news of Sydney’s lockdown coming to an end. After an enforced four-month hiatus from yacht racing, there is now a light on the horizon.
Middle Harbour Yacht Club has announced the first major keelboat regatta for the season - the Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC) on 27 and 28 November.
This will be the 44th running of the event which each year attracts Sydney’s best IRC racing yachts. Results are calculated on IRC, ORC and PHS handicaps, with the addition of TPR for the TP52 fleet.
In 2021, the Sydney 38 Class are looking to kick their season off with a strong fleet at SSORC.
David Hudson and Peter Byford’s Conspiracy from RPAYC is the 2020 Australian Champion and won the Sydney 38 division of Sydney Harbour Regatta last year. Chris Heraghty’s Risk, Lisa Callaghan’s Mondo, Mike Logan’s Thirlmere, Phil Herscovics’ Shine On and Peter Sorensen’s Advanced Philosophy are among the crews that would like to end Conspiracy’s dominance.
Unable to compete last year, MHYC’s Bob Cox is looking forward to the Division 1 IRC racing with his DK46 Nine Dragons.
“We have a tremendous group of people that contest the SSORC and Sydney Harbour Regatta each year,” said Cox.
“Soozal and Bushranger from Pittwater are quick and really challenge the Harbour boats like Nine Dragons, Khaleesi and Victoire. Great racing offshore and getting together back at the club makes for very enjoyable regatta,” he said.
In 2020, Kieran Mulcahy’s Soozal took the regatta win from Bushranger (Gerry Hatton), with the other MHYC DK46 Khaleesi (Rob Aldis & Sandy Farquharson) finishing third. In 2019, Darryl Hodgkinson’s Carkeek 40 Victoire was fighting it out with Bushranger and Nine Dragons, with Bushranger coming out on top.
IRC Division 2 also provides some keen competition, with Jack Stening and Colin Gunn’s Sydney 36 Stormaway always on the podium. In 2020, Stormaway won the division ahead of Mark Hellyer’s Italia 11.98 Cicero from RPAYC and Michael Rowe’s Corum, the Mumm 36 from Manly.
The TP52s are also looking to get their crews back into competitive form after an inactive winter and spring. Gordon Ketelbey’s Zen took the win at last year’s SSORC from Andy Kearnan’s Koa and Sebastian Bohm’s Smuggler. For these crews in particular, it is a perfect start to preparations for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
The SSORC is held in conjunction with a Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Ocean Pointscore race on the Saturday – either to Lion Island or Cape Baily. CYCA support race management for the event with the coastal passage race followed by three windward-leeward races offshore on the Sunday. Principal Race Officer for the event is Denis Thompson.
On the Saturday of the SSORC, the popular Seven Islands Race is also held for mixed keelboats with a novel course around the harbour islands east and west of the Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship Notice of Race is now published and online entry will soon open.
For all information, including the Notice of Race and Online Entry, visit www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au
Annual Skipper’s Briefing via Zoom Teleconference Thursday 16 September at 7pm.
The Annual Skipper’s Briefing will be held via Zoom Teleconference this year on Thursday evening 16 September at 7pm. 
It is mandatory for at least one representative from each boat to attend, but being held via teleconference enables multiple people to take part.
This important session will include an online briefing from NSW Roads & Maritime Services, cover on-water emergency procedures and changes to the racing program for the coming season. It is a must-attend event for the skippers (or a representative) of all MHYC yachts.
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your intention to attend or if you have any questions.
MHYC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: MHYC Annual Skippers Briefing
Time: Sep 16, 2021 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
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Meeting ID: 890 2712 0571
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Read more: Annual Skipper’s Briefing via Zoom Teleconference Thursday 16 September at 7pm.
eSailing Teams Racing at MHYC
Last week MHYC conducted is first Team Racing eSailing event with a round robin series of short races with two teams of three sailors in the Star Keelboat. Rob Armstrong, David West and Brendan Smid made up the yellow team and Graham Brown, Adam Mowser and Pete Wilson made up the Blue Team. The Blue Team were the stronger of the two, earning a solid win of four out of the five races. However the results do not reflect the competitiveness of the races with boats hunting down each other to gain control. With strategy and team work communicated via an open zoom session it made for exciting viewing.
The September Series also started last week with seven boats competing on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Wednesday evening boats competed in the Barcolana 50. Rob Armstrong had a sensational start to the series winning 3 of the 5 races over the line for a score of 5 closely followed by Adam Mowser on 6 points and Graham Brown on 12. A PHS result has been introduced for the September Series, resulting in a very close series score with Rob Armstrong on 8.5 points, followed by Pete Wilson in second on count back and Graham Brown in third both on 11 points.
Racing continued on Thursday with a solid fleet of ten boats in the Barcolana 50. Adam Mowser proved too strong on the night winning 3 out of the 5 races over the line for a score of 5 points ahead of Jervis Tilly on 8 points, closely followed by David West on 10 points. In the PHS series scores were tight with Rob Armstrong on 13 closely followed by Neil Padden on 14 and Graham Brown on 14.5.
For full results and registartion information click here.
Racing continues this week.
Suspension of Keelboat Racing extended until 30 September
Keelboat and Centreboard Racing at MHYC is suspended in line with the NSW Government Public Health Orders announced on August 20 further extending the Covid-19 Lockdown in Greater Sydney until at least Thursday 30 September 2021. Please remember that all persons attending at MHYC during the lockdown period must sign-in using the QR code, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
To view the Notice to Competitors - click here
Important Reminder - All persons attending at MHYC at any time must sign-in using the QR code.
Read more: Suspension of Keelboat Racing extended until 30 September
Inspirational Women in Sailing - Virtual Breakfast with MHYC
From conquering the southern ocean to competing at the top levels of elite sailing and everything in between, these four women are blazing trails and setting new records in the world of sailing.
Join us for the MHYC Steering the Course Women's Sailing Festival Virtual Breakfast to hear from Nina Curtis, Lisa Blair, Alice Tarnawski and Bryony Gregory.
Nina Curtis: Olympic silver medallist Nina Curtis has previously competed in the Ocean Race (previously called the Volvo Ocean Race) and is currently representing Australia in SailGP.
Lisa Blair: With three world records already under her belt, Lisa Blair is preparing to set off again in December with the aim to set the solo and unassisted record to sail around Antarctica.
Alice Tarnawski & Bryony Gregory: Alice and Bryony are the first-ever all-female double-handed entry in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Hear how the pair are planning to tackle the notoriously challenging race with the added difficulty of trying to prepare during COVID lockdowns.
Date: Friday 8 October
Time: 8:00 - 9:15am
Cost: Free, all welcome
Registration: For more information and to register for this event click here
Nina's session will be pre-recorded as she will be in Spain competing in SailGP at the time of the event, but if you have any questions for Nina, send these to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Friday 24 September and we'll aim to get these answered in the pre-recorded session.
Read more: Inspirational Women in Sailing - Virtual Breakfast with MHYC
Changes to Racing Schedule and Safety Audit Validity
Two Notices to MHYC Competitors have been posted to advise the suspension of racing and the extension of keelboat safety audit validity.
Keelboat and Centreboard racing at MHYC is suspended until at least Friday 9 July 2021 due to the updated NSW Government Public Health Orders which apply from June 26th.
The following races are abandoned or postponed:
- Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series 4 Races 4 & 5 on June 30th & July 7th (abandoned).
- Winter Pursuit Series Race 3 on July 3rd (abandoned).
- Centreboard Winter Series Races on July 4th (postponed).
To view the Notice to Competitors - click here
Current safety audits expire on the 30th June 2021, but due the current and changing COVID-19 restrictions, MHYC will recognise 2020-2021 audits for Categories 4-7 until 31st August 2021. Yachts must maintain compliance with the Australian Sailing Special Regulations.
To view the Notice to Competitors - click here
Important Reminder - All persons attending at MHYC at any time must sign-in using the QR code.
Read more: Changes to Racing Schedule and Safety Audit Validity