NSW O’pen Cup sailing regatta coming to Avalon Sailing Club

by Bevan McKavanagh on 31 Aug 2012 The 2012/13 NSW O’pen Cup Sailing Regatta will be coming to the Avalon Sailing Club on October 13-14th.
This will be the first round of a two round series with the second round taking part at the Great Lakes Sailing Club, Forster Jan 26th next year. The regatta is open to any sailor of an O’pen BIC junior skiff, and around 30-50 entries are expected from all over the state. The two days are split into a mix of regular points score sail boat racing, fun freestyle and adventure racing activities.

The weekend caters for a wide range of young sailors, with the fleet split into two categories: Gold – for the experienced series racers and Silver - for the new-comers to sail boat racing.

Local Avalon Sailing Club sailor, Annika Mason, will be back this year to hopefully take a spot on the podium after coming in just outside with a fourth place in the 2011/12 series. 2012/13 will be Annika’s second full season in an O’pen BIC. For any sailor that wants to take part, and does not own an O’pen BIC, charter boats are available.

For further info you can check out the Avalon Sailing Club website

About the O’pen BIC sailing boat:
The O’pen BIC is a relatively new junior sailing skiff that is becoming popular all over Australia. It’s a 9ft skiff that made from durable polyethylene plastic, it has a maximum recommended weight capacity of 90kgs and is generally sailed by children and teenagers from 10-16 years of age. It is an International Class with a strong following that originated in France five years ago. For more info check out www.openbic.com.au

About Avalon Sailing Club:
Avalon Sailing Club is a family oriented sailing club, sited at Clareville, on Pittwater. Founded in 1938, with the clubhouse built in 1958, the Club has a proud history of offering a small, friendly environment for people of all ages and sailing interests. The Club promotes all aspects of sailing: - racing, cruising and just have fun in boats.
The Centreboard division includes training and racing, with the current classes being the Manly Junior, O’pen BIC, Flying 11, Spiral, Laser and 29er. Children around the age of 7~8 often start in the 'blue' 'learn to sail' group – on boats such as the Nippa before progressing onto the Red & Gold groups.

The Club has over 50 yachts ranging in size from 20ft to 40ft...not all race, but there is a very healthy fleet each Sunday competing fiercely for various trophies. The club also has an organised cruising Division and club moorings are available for members, tucked away in delightful spots around Pittwater and Broken Bay. For more information check out their website: www.avalonsailingclub.com.au