MHYC News - MHYC | Middle Harbour Yacht Club

The Optimist National Championship

1st Day of the Optimist National Championship
Report by Ben Crafoord

Over 90 Optimists from all over Australia arrived at the Adelaide Sailing Club for the start of the 4 day Opti Nationals this week. MHYC has 10 representatives that braved the 2 m swell with Optis capsizing, filling up with water and surfing down monster waves in the 15-18kt breeze on day one. The intermediates completed 1 race and the Open Fleet completed 2 races.

Day 2 & 3 of the Optimist National Championship

There was a huge shift in conditions for the 2nd day of the Optimist Nationals at Adelaide Sailing Club. It looked like a completely different race track with much less breeze and waves.

This favored the lighter sailors and the Green Fleet were able to have some fun. Day 3 the wind dropped even more to around 5-10 knots with cloud coverage which sucked wind out of pockets of the course. It was a challenging day.

Thank you to the Race committee and many volunteers who have put on a great event so far and to Rob & Tom Brewer for their Coaching. Tomorrow (Sunday) will be the last day of the Championships and I wish all the MHYC youth sailors a great hit out.

Ben Crafoord Signing off “UnderDog”

To check out the results click here

Update from the CEO

Dear Members,

It gives me great pleasure to be able to provide you with an update that is not Covid related, so I will take this as my first official Club update.

Over the past 12 months the Club’s Board & Management have committed to a programme of regenerating the Club’s assets and facilities, from upgrades to the Club’s entrance and gardens and other essential repair works. The commitment to improving the members amenities will continue over the next six months with key projects such as the refurbishment of the Marina A-Arm due to commence in May, structural repairs to the rigging deck ramp and walkway, and the long-awaited Sandbar refresh.

FIRST LOOK AT THE SANDBAR CONCEPT

Here it is, the first glimpse of the Sandbar concept design. By capturing one of our greatest assets, the surrounding beaches and harbour, we plan to open our dining area to the surrounding environment and provide a comfortable waterfront venue that will rival Sydney’s best.

The project will be developed through three stages, with the first stage requiring the relocation of commercial tenants from the Sandbar deck. Construction works will commence within stage two on the Sandbar deck creating a larger entertaining space opened to take in “The Spit” and beach to the North, this stage will include structural upgrades to the subfloor. Enhancing the capability of the Sandbar kitchen in stage three is critical and will enable us to offer members an improved and expanded menu.

Stage one is expected to commence in April, with construction works on stage two beginning shortly after with an expected project timeline of 7-8 weeks to complete. Stage three is currently going through design concepts and regulatory planning.

The Sandbar Cafe will continue to offer its current menu through stages one and two with the Harbourview Room open for beverage service to support members sailing on Wednesday and Saturday.

Regular project updates will be provided to members as we progress through the works via our weekly E-News.

MEMBERS Q&A NIGHT

Members are invited to a Q&A night with the Commodore and Club CEO on Tuesday 30 March from 6pm in the Harbourview Room (bar service will be available). Space is limited due to current Covid restrictions, so bookings are essential, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We thank you for your continued patience and look forward to working together with you to build a stronger and vibrant Club.

Mark Maybury | CEO

Wednesday Non Spinnaker Series Looking for Smaller or Slower Cruising Boats

Wednesday racing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets in Sydney Harbour. Whilst we have quite a big fleet, we are looking for smaller or slower cruising type boats to form a Division 3.

The Wednesday Sailing Instructions have already been modified to incorporate this division, with shorter course ranging from 6.6nm to 12nm for more windy days.

Racing occurs all year round, except for Public Holidays, race start is at 1pm in Winter and 1:30pm in Summer off the clubhouse. A very sociable group turns up each week to participate in this more relaxed, fun series.

There are prizes each week for each division and our handicap system ensures that during a series everyone is a winner. Very shortly we will begin our sausage sizzle, meat raffle and yachting quiz, after we beat this COVID nuisance. The money that we raise from the raffle goes towards our huge end of year Seafood Extravaganza which is always a great hit.

So if you would love to break up your week and come racing with us, please let the sailing office know and we will help you get started. Remember, Wednesday racing is all about getting out on the water with great mates and enjoying our beautiful Harbour.

Julie Hodder
Wednesday Sailing Representative