Golden jubilee for Sydney 38 One Design

by Rob Kothe on 9 Apr 2002 Sydney 38 Class association President Michael Jones ordered his Sydney 38 'Obsession' off the plan. It was hull number three.

In July he will take delivery of hull number fifty, his new Golden Jubilee Sydney 38, with a metallic gold hull and black mast and boom. celebrating the outstanding success of the class.

Michael Jones explained 'I'm back from a short break sailing Stars. I was pleased that the resale value of my first boat has held so well and am now keen to get back into '38 racing. The ongoing growth in our class has been magnificent and I'm really looking forward to getting out and mixing it with all the new guys as well as my old mates.

It's very pleasing to think that we've built such a strong and successful One Design Class in such a short time. With five offshore fleets in Australia there is a lot of close racing Sydney 38 action'.

The new boat launches keep strengthening fleets everywhere. In the last month, three more Sydney 38's have shipped to San Francisco and more are joining the Australian fleets.

One addition to the ranks, Dennis O'Neil's stealth fighter, the much-photographed 'Pitch Black', has been creating a stir amongst the Sydney Harbour twilighters.

Two past Commodores' of the CYCA, Hugo Van Kretschmar and David Fuller, immediately sailed to victory in the Sydney Combined Club Championship round 2, with their new yacht 'Bashful'. Barry Moore's Sydney 38 'Blowfly' won the overall series for the second year in a row.

New owners Tony and Alison Pickering celebrated the arrival of their new boat 'Love Byte' last month, by sailing it in the 463 mile Sydney to Mooloolaba race. They immediately backed up the following day for the 308-mile Brisbane to Gladstone race. In both races, they closely followed their strongly campaigned rival and sistership 'Next'.

The next outing for the One Design fleet will be in Teamsail Sydney 38 NSW Titles on Pittwater on the weekend of April 20th and 21st. On Sunday the 6o ft floating restaurant 'Skippers Afloat' out on to the race course, the race committee actively encourage the vessel to get right in there to spice up the racing.

Not only do you get to view the racing but you will be treated to Rod's fantastic non stop gourmet finger food - legendary to all those who have experienced it - there is also a licensed bar on board to
quench your thirst. Cost is $50 per person. Skippers Afloat will leave the dock at RPAYC at 10am sharp Sunday April 21. For bookings call Rod on 0414 997 131

For more news on the regatta http://www.sail-world.com/teamsail