Greetings.

 

"Finnfriends Occasional News" is an informal letter to all Australian Finn sailors, past and present.   It is not an "official correspondence" from the International Finn Association of Australia, but is published with the encouragement of the Association.   And do note the operative word "Occasional"!   (The previous edition [07-1] went out on 5th February, but you can expect several more over the next few months.)

 

In writing to such a broad spectrum of current and ex Finners, there is also the practical issue that some people do consult the Internet regularly and therefore may well be-up-to date with all the news.   If you are one of these, then please do bear with those who are not regular net-surfers or who don't have a connection or even a computer.   This letter is going to try to be of interest to all.   Yes it will have references to Web sites, but for the "Snail-mailers", I'll make, and have available, hard copies of any particularly relevant documents.

 

Undoubtedly the most important Finn event in the next three months is the Finn Gold Cup 2008 - to be held at Black Rock Yacht Club.   Also included in the lead-up to it, is the "Go For Gold Regatta 2007" incorporating the Finn Australian Championships, also to be held at BRYC.   But there's more, so let's have some details:-

 

GO FOR GOLD REGATTA 2007.

 

To be held on the waters of Port Phillip Bay in the vicinity of Black Rock Yacht Club from 30th November to 2nd December 2007.  (10 races scheduled over three days.)   The Notice-of-Race is available now on Yachting Victoria's Web site - also linked from the Australian Finn Association's Web site.   Snail-mailers note - I have downloaded it and can post you a copy upon request.   (My phone number and postal address are at the foot of this letter).   Entries close at 17.00 on 28th November.

 

SAIL BRISBANE at Royal Qld Yacht Squadron - 8th to 12th December (The Sail Brisbane Web Site will lead you to the Notice-of-Race).

 

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA ("SIR") on Sydney Harbour - 15th to 18th December (The Yachting NSW Web Site will lead you to the Notice-of-Race).

 

FINN COACHING CLINIC at Black Rock YC - 10th to 14th January.

 

FINN GOLD CUP 2008.

 

To be held on the waters of Port Phillip Bay in the vicinity of Black Rock Yacht Club from 20th to 29th January 2008.   Measurement and Inspection are on 20th to 22nd January (more on this - see "Volunteers Needed..." below).   There's a practice race on 22nd January, then 9 races are scheduled from 23rd to 29th January.   The Notice-of-Race is available now on the Sail Melbourne Web site - also linked from the Australian Finn Association's Web site.   Yes Snail-mailers, I have downloaded it and can post you a copy on request.   Entries close at 17.00 on 10th January.

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST DURING MEASURING FOR GOLD CUP.

 

Many of you will recall some words in Occasional News 07-1:  "Official Measuring [for the Gold Cup] will take place on 20-22 January.   As normal, the International Measurer will be in charge, but [the Association] is calling for volunteers to assist handle sails, spars and hulls along with coordinating paperwork.   This is a great opportunity for past Finners to meet the current top internationals, so anyone who can be in Melbourne for the event, please put up your hand if you'd like to commit some time and physical effort to help."  Well, this first call resulted in our ever-loyal Peter Takle being the first to volunteer.   And of course, you won't be able to keep me away!

 

However, it's now time to get serious.   Organizer and Association President John Shallvey's words:  "It is considered that there will be a requirement for 4 “assistants” to help Juri with measurement.   The team will be Juri, Andre Blasse and 4 assistants. ............... my want was very much to have older or not-competing Finn sailors help with this." 

 

Now, from my own experience at previous Gold Cups, I think it would pay to have a few more to relieve the physical load, especially as some of us are, shall we say, not quite in the fitness range we were ten years ago!

 

RIGHT, so can you help?   Please reply to me by e-mail or phone or even Snail-mail, but do it now while the salt surges anew in the veins and the pain-memory is rampant.

 

SPONSORSHIP FOR THE GOLD CUP.

 

John Shallvey notes that any companies that have an interest in discussing sponsorship opportunities for the event are very welcome. We have many ex Finn friends who have gone on to head up some large companies - here's a chance to be of real help.   Contact John at e-mail  johnshallvey@currico.com.au .

 

WEB SITES.

 

OFFICIAL ADDRESS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

 

Since Occasional News 07-1, we have had elections (ie really important ones as compared with the current media hysteria!) and a change of address for official correspondence.   Sure YOU knew that, but some didn't, so here are the details -

 

The new Exec Committee is as follows:

 

PRESIDENT - John Shallvey

SECRETARY - Brian Reynolds

TREASURER - Andrew Pollard

 

Official Address is:

 

Hon Secretary

International Finn Association of Australia

146 Palm Beach Drive

PATTERSON LAKES

Victoria 3197

 

That's it for the moment - more soon, including the Finn results from the recent "Adelaide Masters Games Regatta".   (If impatient, see Adelaide Sailing Club Web Site!) 

 

MEANWHILE REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR HAND UP TO VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST WITH MEASURING AT THE GOLD CUP.

 

Regards from Graham Lewis

"GOLDFINNGER" - KA 110

 

Phone:    03 9592 7937

Snail-mail:   2 Hartley Street Brighton Vic 3186