Australian Moth Class Association

With 4 strong mothing clubs in Sydney maybe it is time to re-start the old Gypsy Bowl teams racing trophy again? I think we last raced for it about 15 years ago, when skinny boats were entering the scene and guys like Phil Hebbo, Tim Webster, a couple of aging Thorpe boys and Emmett Lazich were the class stalwarts.

For those that don't know, or are too young to remember, the Gypsy Bowl is open to teams of 4 moths from any club. Each team races each other one on one with standard teams race scoring system in place. Also, there was no limit on the number of teams a club could enter.

Anyone keen to get it going again?

Les

Sounds good. Was it done as a one day event or over the season at different clubs? If you wanted to do it as a one day event this season, we could do it almost any saturday at NSC, and have the place to ourselves just let me know.

Always raced as a one day event.

Last raced at Seaforth (prior to the merger with Northbridge) in 1997 on a Saturday.

Most memorable aspects of the day, a scow slicing the roach of Stormin Normin's lastest acquisition Wreckair Hire (first $10,000.00 moth) built just prior to Sunshine World's for Lance Macey. Stormin was capsized between heats and a female scow sailor sliced into his 'partially submerged' sail. (where did she think the rig went just because you couldn't see it!!)

Year prior to that at BYRA on a Sat, and once or twice in the previous years (as we hadn't held it and were running out of time), we tried to conduct it as a 'mini regatta' on Easter Sunday morning at the States. (Marmong in 1990 is an example). Part of it fizziling out coinicided with low class numbers at that time (just look at the 96/97 Nats entries), and plaugued by bad luck and bad weather. Ie: 1991 at Balmoral being abandoned 70% of the way through as a 50 knot front hit.

Pretty Sure that the actual 'Bowl' is in the trophy cabinet at Balmoral. Chris Dey would know it's whereabouts.

Date's Up.

Sounds like a great idea.

Given we're the smallest and newest fleet at Woollahra, we might struggle to field a team.

But then we are the most loyal sailors money can buy and might be happy to assist another club if needed.

sounds awesome i would do it if i had a boat.
would be interesting with all the different designs of boats and foils around.

Making excuses already 'eh Scott?

As my old BYRA 2 (the fat boats) team is now a distant memory, I would hope to sail for Balmoral - I might even join the club this year! If they'll have me that is. I will always be a member of BYRA too though. Loyalties run deep.

Seems we have at least a bit of interest. The event only works if it is run all on one day. We could even look to provide handicaps for scows, such as 1 less lap etc. Lots of short races. Heaps of fun.

Lets make it happen. And lets start the the healthy banter between clubs

Now ya talking... By the way, you Thorpe boy's ain't that old... yet! It would be fitting that we do this at the last place it was sailed, SMSC/NSC. They have parking, decking and people that may help if things get serious. Handicaps, a junior in the team or anything otherwise can be worked out once we give this a go. I'm up for it, even if I don't sail I can supply and man the starter boat and help rescue the few that come amok.

While I'm beating this up,and with the resurgence of interest in Moths, why shouldn't we revive one of the truly great races like the Miflin's Marathon. For those of you that aren't old enough to remember, the 'Miflin's Marathon was a sensational test of endurance and sailing ability. A handicap start off Seaforth bluff around Fort Denison and back.

The Spit Bridge, the Sydney harbour ferries, tides, etc...

Just a thought, however, why not? The BBQ back at the club would be fantastic.

What Saturday would suit the Saturday clubs if we held this at NSC/SMSC this season? There is only one Saturday when we couldn't hold it, will have to check but think its early feb, when the Flying Ants are doing heats of their states here. If you give me a date, I will run with the idea.

For interest, the actual trophy for the Miflin Marathon, is now presented to the first junior in the NSC/SMSC club championship. It seemed a goodway to carry some of the history from SMSC, accross into the merged clubs and stop all the trophies from SMSC just collecting dust.

Pete

Les, sounds like a great idea, I'm in as long as it's held later in the season,

It sounds as though you've already given up on BYRA before it's even underway? With Wardy your half way there already?

I think we could get two teams from balmoral, one could be all BR's with matching boats!

Al.

hmm.... not quite all matching Bladeriders.

Count me in, perhaps you can collect our team an eastern european assistant while you're there Alan?

Ali.

"....perhaps you can collect our team an eastern european assistant while you're there Alan?"

Bags NOT applying the sunscreen......

Sounds like enough people are keen. Lets talk dates. Maybe a good tune up regatta before the Nats or states? November (sorry Al)

November 15th Balmoral Interclub
December 6th St-George Interclub

So guess its up to the Saturday clubs, If they want another saturday event in around that time. What ever date we choose it will be two saturdays in a row. Another option is: December 20-21, If its not to close to Christmas for everyone. Northbridge has no club racing on that sunday, so can be saturday or sunday or both. Maybe with a moth christmas party thrown in too.

If not early feb after nationals maybe. If we are going to have it at NSC, wouldn't go to late in the season to maximize our chances of having wind.

To put a date on the table, either 20th or 21st December, weekend before christmas.

21st- If Balmoral and St George have racing on the 20th, or
20th- If Scott/John etc have 18s on Sunday

Are people able to do it that weekend? If so pick saturday or sunday.

If not pick another date

Pete

Gypsy Bowl

Northbridge Sunday 21st December
Cost $10 per team
Teams 4 boats per team ( we could make it 3 boats per team if struggling for team numbers)

With short courses, we should be able to run 2 course areas if needed.
BYO bbq afterwards.

Email teams, ie Club and boats to

vicecomm 'at' nsc.asn.au

Will let you know if I get enough teams wanting to do it.

Pete

Great work Pete

I am sure you will get at least 3 or 4 teams. Now, does anyone know the whereabouts of the actual trophy?

Les