Touring Trophy Coming Up 14/15 Feb At Sunshine

After the tremendous participation and success of the Toronto Nationals, we have two more big chances to get together this season, the NSW States on Lake Illawarra at Easter, and the Touring Trophy at South Lake Macquarie (Sunshine) on the weekend of 14/15 February.

Unfortunately the wind blowout cut our opportunity to experience Balmoral’s hospitality for the first weekend of the Touring Trophy in November. However, we still get to experience Sunshine, one of the most hospitable clubs in Australia (going there for the food they provide at the presentation on Sunday afternoon is worth the trip!). It is also an ideal sailing track for those summer nor-easters and sou-easters.

Remember, the Touring Trophy is primarily a handicap event. As was shown at the Nationals, the middle to higher handicappers mainly scooped the awards, both daily and overall. It is all about participation and fun, and testing yourself relative to the low markers. For the front end of the fleet it is another chance to test against the best.

To compensate for the first weekend blowout, we are running three heats at Sunshine, one on Saturday afternoon, and two on Sunday (morning and afternoon). We are trying to see if we can arrange a handicap start for the Sunday morning race, which should add some excitement to the programme!

Rigging and club facilities at Sunshine are excellent. You can camp near the club with a permit provided through them. Alternatively, accommodation is available around the western side of the lake, similar to that used by many sailors during the Nationals. There are plenty of dining options at Morisset, or up at Toronto, if you decide to stay overnight. The area around the club is a great picnic spot and very scenic, with plenty of shade.

For those who are not sure how to get there, Sunshine is part of what is called the Morisset Peninsula. Whether heading north from Sydney or south from, say, Taree, take the Morisset exit off the F3. Drive through Morisset township, across the railway bridge, hit the straight and take the first major right-hand signposted Bonnells Bay, Balcolyn, etc. Approx. 2-3kms down that road, take a left-hand turn that angles off, signposted Bonnells Bay, Balcolyn and Sunshine, etc. About 2kms on you will pass a local shopping centre on your right. Proceed through the roundabout straight ahead, and another 1km be on the lookout for another right-hand signposted Sunshine. Head down the hill to the bottom, look to your left and you will see the club!

All up the club is no more than 15 minutes’ drive from the F3 exit, approximately an hour’s drive north from the F3 entrance at Wahroonga, and just over 2 hours’ drive south of Taree.

We hope to see everyone with a boat there!!