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Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Association

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25.01.2022 After a longer than desired break (due to rain and theft of our safety boat), our juniors got together yesterday for their first sail of 2020. We had 15 kids of all abilities for the morning session and everyone enjoyed the 6-8 knots breezes with a couple of kids having their first solo sail - a significant milestone for them. We all enjoyed seeing the Lake with a LOT more water in it than we before Xmas too!!! Over lunch the breeze picked up to about 12-14 knots which tho...se in the Advanced group enjoyed. The young fellas were zipping around on their cats and a number of other new members were also trying out their Nacra 5.8s. Hopefully members start receiving their gate keys in the coming days and the ingress/egress issues will be resolved. Many thanks to those that made yesterday such an enjoyable experience for the kids - special mention to Club President Phillip Jackson and his son Timothy who spent their Saturday morning mowing the metre high grass at the Lake so the juniors didn't get lost!!! Many thanks also to Mark Oakden, Billy Williams, and Peter Duffy, and Kate Lys for all of their assistance yesterday. A great way to open the season and the best thing is that we get to do it all again in two weeks time ;-) Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey. See more

24.01.2022 A good number of sailors braved the forecast blustery conditions to continue racing in the B Series Handicap Series. Whilst there was some strong gusts it was up and down and also very shifty which made for challenging conditions. Most sailors managed to keep their boats upright but some had their swims captured by our photographers Paul Rowell and Ralph Davey. All in all, a very satisfying day.

23.01.2022 It doesn't matter whether you are male or female, whether you are young or old, whether you sail dinghies, catamarans, yachts, or windsurf - sailing is just fun!!! Listen to one of Australia's top female sailors tell her sailing story. See you at the Lake ;-)

22.01.2022 Well the Winter series is complete - well sort of. Last Sunday was the re-sail of the heats that were abandoned due to a lack of wind last month. A lack of wind was certainly not a problem this time around, in fact, quite the opposite!!! Only a couple of sailors managed to get through the first race without a swim and a number of sailors had multiple capsizes. Both rescue boats were kept busy monitoring upturned boats and checking on the welfare of sailors. It was subseq...uently decided to abandon the second race, pack up the boats, eat popcorn, chips and dips, and then enjoy an impromptu performance by some of the more experienced junior sailors in the Club Bics and James Fraser on his Nacra F16. We had a number of our emerging junior kids keen for a sail but it was decided the gusts were just beyond their limits and that we might wait for summer before tackling such conditions. Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey. See more

21.01.2022 The Club's latest additions to the junior fleet to replace the two boats that have been purchased by Club members. These two are very lightly used demo boats purchased from Rosscoe and Warren Guinea at the Brisbane Catamaran Centre. The BCC have been long-time supporters of our Club and Junior Program and have always given us a great deal on our Bics. Many thanks to the Management Committee of LSWSA who are always supportive in ensuring our junior sailors are adequately resourced. We look forward to seeing our kids getting many years use out of these boats.

21.01.2022 Post race sundowners after a great day sailing!

21.01.2022 The Summer Sailing Season opened yesterday and although the skies were blue and the air warm, one vital ingredient eluded us come start time - wind!!! A decision was made to start the race and hope that the predicted nor'easter came through and thankfully, it did - just as the PRO was about to shorten the course!! A good number of cats including 3 x Nacra 5.8s, 6 x Nacra 4.5s, 3 x F16s along with the 4 Open Skiffs (Bics) and a variety of other craft made for a colourful start line. The 8-12 knot breeze also made for a very pleasant afternoon as the photos will attest to. Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey.

21.01.2022 After our real first day had to be cancelled due to strong winds/fire danger we were able to get our first Junior Session for the new season done last Sunday. We had 15-18 young skippers for our morning session and about 6-7 for the Advanced afternoon session. The breeze built to a perfect 12-15 knots and was enjoyed by everyone. It would appear that our kids have picked up where they left off last summer as can be seen by the photos which are provided courtesy of Ralph Davey. Let's do it all again in two weeks time ;-)

18.01.2022 Thieves broke into our club last night (05/02/2020) and stole the safety boat in the attached photo. If you have seen the boat, or have information as to its whereabouts please contact the police. Thank you

17.01.2022 Last weekend saw 8 of our junior and youth sailors and attend the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club 'All Boats Regatta'. Conditions were absolutely perfect with 6-12 knot breezes across both days with the kids getting in 3 races on both days including a marathon style race on the Sunday. Our kids acquitted themselves well with Byron Bennett coming second and James Oakden coming third in the Open Skiff class (fleet of 9 boats). Luke Oakden came second in the Division 3 Catamara...n fleet with Oliver Davey coming in 6th (in a fleet of 22). For many families it was their first time at an 'away' regatta and they very quickly understood how much fun these events can be not just for the kids, but for the adults as well. There were some very proud coaches and parents watching from the shore as the kids put on a terrific display barely 100 metres from our prime viewing position (see the photo). The improvement with every race was clearly visible and sets the scene for what is going to be an exciting summer season - which incidentally starts this Sunday. Hope to see everyone there. See more

17.01.2022 LSWSA (Or PRAWS as we were known back then) some 31 years ago. Hydras were a very big class at the Lake back then with a number of our sailors such as Tony and Simon Borg placing at National Championships. At this stage the Club sailed every week with Race Control operated by Jan Rowell who ran a very tight ship - any sailor that was late registering could attest to that!!!. Jan's husband Dudley was very active on the Club Committee and sailed a Hydra with his son Paul - P...aul Rowell continues to race his Nacra 16sq regularly at the Lake. During this era, Peter and Colleen Hilber ran the canteen and ensured the sailors were well-fed and watered before and after their sailing. Results were calculated straight after racing by Jan and we all shared some drinks as the results were read out in the Clubhouse area (which was a far cry from the deck we currently enjoy!!) The Mirror class also proved popular at the Lake at this time with several State Titles being sailed between our Club and Oxley Sailing Club. Indeed the rivalry between OSC and LSWSA became so great there was an inter-club challenge that ran for many years. Mirror stalwarts John and Moira Green were recently at the Club and are both enjoying retirement and the changes/improvements that are happening at LSWSA. Life Members Dudley and Jan also regularly visit the Club. It is due to the efforts of people like this that we are able to enjoy the facilties we have at the Lake today. See more

16.01.2022 Today marked our last Junior sailing session for the Summer season and once again the wind Gods were not exactly smiling upon us - but that won't stop us having a good time on the water with the 22 kids we had on deck this morning!!! The conditions were ideal to practice towing so we managed to connect 3 BIcs in series and tow them around the Lake!! Each of the 9 boats had a turn and all sailors displayed good techniques and understanding of what is required. Some very lig...ht and shift breezes had started to develop so we went ashore and the kids were briefed as to the rules of Bic Soccer (Rugby??) - and the rules are, there are none... The pictures speak for themselves and this game gave the kids to learn about handling the boats in close (very close) quarters with other boats. After our sausage sizzle, 6 kids were ready for the Advanced Bic group and 3 of our Nacra 4.5 kids were ready for the Kidz on Catz. During the theory session we were able to watch the building easterly come down the Lake. On the water, the BIc sailors built on their starting techniques and learnt some racing rules as the navigated a our short windward-return course. The cat sailors also raced across some short courses and appeared to be enjoying the 6-8 knot easterly that had built. Thanks to our volunteer instructors, Mums and Dads, and of course the kids for another great juniors day at LSWSA. See more

15.01.2022 EDIT: 2 new photos added of the pre=start and just after the start. Six of our junior skippers braved potential wet weather and shifty breezes to compete in the first heats of the winter series last Sunday (there would have ben another two but for skateboarding incidents). Some sailed in Club 'Open Skiffs' whilst some sailed in their (recently purchased from the Club) own boats. For five of them it was their first time racing. Whilst the fleet did spread out over the cours...e of the race, this was largely due to the breeze dropping out. We didn't sail the second race as the breeze just become too fickle, but that didn't spot three of the kids getting on the water and practising some more!!!! All the kids did their coaches proud and it was great to see the kids becoming part of the broader sailing community. Similarly, it was good for those regular racers to see what has being going on with the juniors program. The results have been posted on the LSWSA website www.lswsa.org.au Look forward to seeing more of the Advanced Group joining the racing in the coming weeks and months. Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey. See more

15.01.2022 Winter... What Winter?? We are very fortunate in Queensland to have beautiful sailing conditions all year round. So don't think that because the temps are dropping a little you can't get your boat out on the water. The LSWSA MId-Winter Marathon (incorporating the Graham Heath Memorial Trophy) is on the 16th June and is an ideal opportunity to snap the sailing drought and renew acquaintances with your boat. If conditions are anything like last year the racing will be exciting, eventful, and maybe a little bit cool ;-). Look forward to seeing you all on the water!!!

15.01.2022 They say a picture tells a thousand words... We attempted to sail heats 3 and 4 of the Winter Series but Mother Nature conspired against us. There was barely a breath of breeze but the boats took to the water and we got a start. It became clear after about 45 minutes that things were not going to get any better so racing was abandoned. Nick and Pauline had made good progress and were 'leading' at the time - that meant they had further to come back and gratefully accepted the offer of a tow. The Open Skiffs (formerly known as Open Bics) started 5 minutes after the cats and ended up passing a few before proceedings were called to a halt. Apart from the wind, it was a picture-perfect day. Thanks to Ralph Davey for the photos.

14.01.2022 COVID-19 Impact Overnight the Management Committee has reviewed the advice of the State and Commonwealth government as well as the latest information from the various sports governing bodies.... Reluctantly we have decided to suspend all organised activities at LSWSA until further notice. This suspension is immediate and until further notice. Our membership has a very broad age range and it is therefore important and responsible to protect our entire membership. In these challenging times it is important that we have as much opportunity as permitted and advised to relax and exercise. To that end LSWSA will remain open to members to sail or paddle as individuals. It is very possible this option may also be withdrawn in the near future. I do ask those who will continue to sail and paddle to practice wise social distancing guidelines and exemplary personal hygiene. Stay safe and well. Philip Jackson PRESIDENT

14.01.2022 Yesterday wrapped up the racing for 2019 at LSWSA. A nice easterly came through at about midday and gradually settled at a steady 10-12knots. The breeze was able to move on some of the smoke haze that greeted the sailors in the morning. Some very good racing throughout the fleet which made all the more enjoyable to watch. Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey.

12.01.2022 Some very useful information for our junior kids. This is why using the tiller extension is so important!!!!

11.01.2022 Come and join us at Lake Samsonvale for our New Year's Regatta on the 18 & 19 January, 2020. Be in the running for some great prizes from our sponsors Catcover...s.com.au and the Brisbane Catamaran Centre. Look forward to seeing everyone there. For further information click on the link below to go to the regatta info page http://www.lswsa.org.au/website1/regatta/regattapage.htm

11.01.2022 Another great days sailing yesterday at Lake Samsonvale. A light breeze with a lot of north (sometimes north-west) in it greeted sailors but that was forecast to swing a little more easterly and freshen - and swing and freshen it did with some pretty significant wind-shifts thrown into the mix. Rescue boat crews were kept busy with a number of sailors having an unplanned swim but the vast majority of sailors negotiated the course and enjoyed the challenging conditions. It ...was great to see young James and Lachie doing so well on the Queensland Nacra Association's Nacra 350 which has been loaned to the Club to give young sailors a taste of sailing catamarans. James and Lachie are trying to get as much time on the water as they can prior to travelling to South Australia for the Nacra National Titles over the Xmas/New Year period. I'm sure all LSWSA members will join me in wishing them the best of luck in that regatta. Our last race for 2019 will be on the 8th December so we hope to see a large fleet on the water then :-). Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey. See more

11.01.2022 Today was always going to be an interesting day for our junior sailors. Two of them were at Lake Cootharaba for their annual Halloween Regatta and two were at Humpybong Yacht Club for their annual Humpybash Regatta. The forecast for today was a stiff southerly coming through at about 20-30knots in the late morning so there was lots of uncertainty about how much sailing would actually get done!!! In any case, 15 of our juniors had a great sail in about 6-10 knots of wind. The others faced significantly more wind and the challenges that go along with that. Our older kids took great care of their younger crews and some of the little ones had their first crack at helming - so much improvement so quickly is very gratifying for our volunteer coaches (and of course the mums and dads on the shore). Photos credit to Ralph Davey.

10.01.2022 The wind did not co-operate yesterday so our coaches had to come up with some ideas to keep the kids amused. Relay races and tennis ball hunts on the water proved a real hit with the kids and a great way to keep cool too :-). The afternoon session saw 5 students learn about starting protocols and transits on the start line. This was put to good effect by our young sailors as the breeze slowly freshened. Another very successful day - thanks to all involved. The article below highlights some really valuable positive attributes of getting young girls (and boys as well in our experience!!!) sailing. https://thriveglobal.com//what-your-daughter-learns-when/

09.01.2022 Yesterday saw the last heat of the LSWSA Marathon Series. Our sailors, two of whom had travelled from Maryborough and Hervey Bay, had near perfect conditions of 12-18knt easterlies when racing started. By the finish it had dropped to about 10-14knts. Final results should be on the website www.lswsa.org.au in coming days. Thanks to all our volunteers who assisted in making yesterday such a great day and keeping our sailors safe. Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey.

09.01.2022 A good variety of boats sailed in the latest instalment of our Winter Series last Sunday, including six juniors. The first race was conducted in about 4-5 knots and the second race about 6-8 knots. The final heats (a re-sail of the abandoned heats) are this Sunday and we hope to see as many boats on the water as possible. This is a great way to start preparing for the Summer Season which starts in the coming weeks!! Photos courtesy of Ralph Davey.

08.01.2022 Some more photos of the New Years Regatta. Thanks to Ralph Davey for the photos. There may be more forthcoming in the future so stay tuned to the site.

07.01.2022 Lock Percy took a heap of great photos of the New Year Regatta, click on the link below to check them out. https://www.flickr.com//lox/collections/72157705962288205/

06.01.2022 Day 1 of the LSWSA Regatta saw the fleet faced with a gentle 5-6 knot breeze that gradually built to a very pleasant 10 knots by the afternoon. Great to see so many boats on the water despite the reduced dam levels. Just a small selection of photos from yesterday courtesy of Ralph Davey. Day 2 continues today and we are hoping for similar conditions.

06.01.2022 Day 2 of the LSWSA New Year's Regatta saw very challenging conditions. A light northerly sprung up early which everyone hoped would build during the day but alas, all of the atmospheric instability made it impossible for a sea-breeze to develop. Rain squalls were followed by massive (often 180 degree) wind-shifts and the rain at times was torrential. Two races were completed to conclude the regatta. Many thanks to those who travelled from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, the Sunshi...ne Coast, and elsewhere to sail with us. Many Thanks to our very generous sponsors Catcovers, Brisbane Catamaran Centre, and Shannons Auto Insurance. Also, a big thank you to our volunteers who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Lake this time next year with hopefully a little more water. There will be more photos being posted here over the coming days - thanks to Ralph Davey for capturing some great images of the weekend. See more

04.01.2022 JUNIOR SAILING CANCELLED TOMORROW 9TH FEBRUARY Due to the already sodden grounds and the likelihood of more rain today and tomorrow, the Learn to Sail session tomorrow has been cancelled. The dam level currently sits at 59% so lets hope we can get a some wet stuff into the catchment and get that well over 60%. Regards,... Chris Davey. See more

03.01.2022 A number of LSWSA sailors attended the Humpybong Yacht Club WInterbash Regatta - we were not alone as about 100 others had the same idea! Significantly for the Club, we had 5 of our juniors attend in the Club Bics and for 3 of them, it was their first regatta. We were blessed with beautiful blue skies and fair breezes (5-10 knots) over the weekend. It was very gratifying for the parents and coaches to watch the kids grow in confidence and learn new skills whilst sailing on... the picturesque Bramble Bay. Congratulations to Club Commodore Nick Drapes and Pauline Brookman for winning Division 1 and also to Luke Oakden for winning Division 2. Oliver Davey learnt some valuable sailing lessons today and finished a close second to Luke. Many thanks to Chris Bennett and Jimmy Raw for transporting the Open Skiffs to and from the Club. Another big thank you to all of the members that came down and watched our sailors compete. All the kids are very much looking forward to the next regatta!!! See more

03.01.2022 The Ä Class RC Yacht State Titles were held at Lake Samsonvale yesterday. Competitors were faced with 4-8 knot easterlies for the afternoon after some challenging northerlies in the morning. Today will see the Marblehead Class competing for their State crown - so if you are looking for an outdoor activity for the family, why not come out to the Lake and watch these fascinating craft and their skilful skippers!!

02.01.2022 We did get some rain over the weekend - some footage from the safety boat taken by Pauline Brookman.

02.01.2022 https://asa.com//10/03/5-reasons-why-all-kids-should-sail/ This is why our instructors do what they do for all of our young (and young at heart) participants :-)