Flash #1 2006

Upcoming Events

2006 Calendar Now Available!

We will not be sending out the laminated calendars this year as we find that there are frequent changes to the schedule and it is better if we all refer to the web site as the latest version. Please print out the one from the web if you’d like a hard copy to hang on your notice board. We’ll let you know of major changes as they occur.

Dog Series 1, 2, 3 – January 15

The first series of the year kicks off on the 15th. Take advantage of the wind while we’ve got it! Leave the beach at 1:00.

Lloyds Cup 2006 – February 19

Lloyds TSB, a principal sponsor of the Discovery Bay Asian Open Regatta, has graciously agreed to extend their involvement with the Lantau Boat Club by sponsoring events throughout the year. In an effort to promote both racing skills and social opportunities within our club, Lloyds will sponsor a series of race days. This sponsorship will take the form of free food and drink for competitors, as well as end-of-year prizes for various categories of over- or under- achievement!

These race days may include around-the-cans races, long-distance races and special tests, such as man overboard and capsize drills. All in the name of good fun and fair competition, the Lloyds TSB series will offer something a bit different this year, guaranteed to present a new challenge to everyone. The series is planned for February 19, April 16, and September 17.

Cheung Chau Challenge, March 18-19
Mark it in your diary and dust off your wetsuit! The annual team competition with the Hobie Club will be played out in Cheung Chau in March. This year’s races will be opened up to all classes of beach catamarans (not only Darts 18 and Hobie 16s), but will still be a club versus club scoring format. Use the upcoming weekend races and Lloyds Cup to work out the kinks and hone those skills!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

News

Beach Updates

New Blocks Arriving! — The new rectangular boat blocks are arriving next Wednesday. If you are around and can lend a hand, we can use your help to remove tires and insert the 4 non-mosquito breeding blocks.

Blue Hut Clean-up! -- Please remove all your property such as sails, covers, poles, shoes, life vests, tool boxes, etc. from the Blue Hut and put it with your boat until further notice. We intend to make better use of the space available and need to see what should be kept and what should be thrown away. This process will begin immediately. If you have items in the hut you are worried about and cannot get down to the club, please contact the beach masters to ensure it is not thrown away by mistake! Contact: beachmaster@lantauboatclub.com

Membership Fees Due

If you have not already sent your check to Steve Wallace, please do so quickly. You will want your boat covered by insurance for 2006 as soon as possible and definitely before your next sail!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sailing Report

January 1 – Outriggers vs Catamarans – The Peng Chau Challenge

Sunday saw 8 catamarans, 2 outriggers, and a kayak turn up on the beach for a fun race around Peng Chau to welcome the New Year. There were no handicaps, few rules, and light winds. The paddlers (all three boats) won by a long way and the catamarans are already calling for a re-match! For the record, boat #1 was lead by Andrew Osbourne, boat #2 by Peter Austin, and the kayak, paddled by Iain, coming in third.

For the sailors, single-handed Tom Nunan was first to the beach, with Henrik and Marianne Kolding in 2nd, and new LBC member Henry de Beer, also single-handed, in 3rd. Mulled wine and snacks organized by Grace and Marianne greeted the sailors and paddlers on their arrival back to the beach and kept people socializing until well after dark.

Detailed results are posted here:

Photos are posted here:

Michele Felder
Secretary, Lantau Boat Club