Shorthanded Sailing Association of Australia - Next Key Event June Long weekend---join in the fun
by Rob Drury President SSAA on 2 May 2002
Sayernara - 2002 Tranz Tasman race entrant shortly after the start Andrea Francolini Photography
http://www.afrancolini.com/
The Shorthanded Sailing Association of Australia (SSAA) was formed in 1983, by a renowned group of yachtsmen interested in developing this dimension of offshore yachting in Australia. As well as limiting the crew to two, shorthanded racing allows the use of auto-pilot and water ballast, these being the key differences to crewed racing.
The SSAA has recently become 'club' affiliated with the AYF/YA. This means SSAA members now meet new Rule 46 of the RRS and can participate in other AYF/YA affiliated club events.
The SSAA not only work with other clubs to promote and advance shorthanded sailing but also run their own racing program. The program includes a short course and a long course series, March to October, with a Cat One race to Lord Howe Island in October every year. The biennial Sydney-Auckland Tranz Tasman race is the premier race on their calendar.
The most popular event in the SSAA program is the Pittwater to Port Stephens race held over the June long weekend. This attracts those looking for a fun weekend commencing with an overnight shorthanded race to Port Stephens starting Friday afternoon.
On the Sunday a luncheon and a skipper's v's crew cricket match is held at SSAA member Jim Davern's Wandin Valley vineyard. This is a weekend not to be missed and all are invited to participate.
For further information visit the SSAA web site www.ssaa.com.au or phone Peter McCorquordale on 0414 344 914
While the SSAA has seen its members climb to the top of single-handed circumnavigation events, members with all type and size of craft are welcome.
The current SSAA Tranz Tasman typifies the SSAA fleet which includes an Open 60, to two Minis' and a variety of cruiser racers in between.
Past and present members include; David Adams, Kanga Birtles, Kay Cottee, Don McIntyre, Jon Sanders, Tony Mowbray, Vinny Lauwers and Ian Kiernan for example, these people having achieved notoriety for their various yachting achievements.
This reflects the nature and challenge of shorthanded sailing and the character of yachtsmen and women it attracts. Should you be looking for another dimension to your sailing experiences, consider shorthanded sailing and the SSAA program.
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