Author: Melissa Yeomans

Melissa Yeomans

Perfect evening for a Twilight Sail

Nights like last night remind me why I work so hard to show others how amazing Sailing can be.  A Thursday night sail on Sydney Harbour = magic. A couple of friends, a nice breeze and a great boat. It does not get much better than that!

I am lucky to be in the position that I can borrow a friends boat to go for a sail.  I know I am biased but the Adams 10 class really is something special. Easy to sail, enjoyable to drive and perfect for a twilight.  Since selling my Adams 10 whenever I have wanted to get out sailing I have been able to borrow Sirius and I am very thankful for that. Sirius beat me overall the year we tied for the Gunboat Trophy so it is nice to sail a boat that is quick and set up a little different to how Animus was.  Even if the pole setup did confuse my bow for a moment haha.

Enjoy the photos and remember how lucky we are to be able to go Twilight sailing on Sydney Harbour.  If you haven’t done it I recommend you do! It is easy as all you need to do is head down to a Yacht Club on their twilight racing night and put your name down for a sail.  MHYC where I sailed last night often have Phil C manning the whiteboard hooking people up with a boat to sail on.  Why not head down and give it a try one Thursday night during the Summer Season?

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Melissa Yeomans

Sailing Season has taken over

The 2015 Sailing Season has certainly taken over my world.  With Match Racing and Youth Events taking over my weekends and some weekdays! It certainly is all keeping me extremely busy as well as meaning I get to enjoy the great outdoors that we have to offer here in Sydney. I just worked on my Calendar up to Christmas and realized at one point I am doing three events back to back! That is not even at the peak Regatta time over Christmas!

Last weekend was the Australian Women’s Match Racing Championships and this weekend the NSW Youth Champs just as an example of how busy it is.  Then throw in the fact there has been a big announcement in my life –  Global sailing charity establishes new committee in Australia! The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation now has a committee and ambassadors set up in Australia.

The Australian Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation Team: I will chair the committee alongside Anthony Nossiter, Freddy Blencke, Marita Wilmot and Beau Outteridge. Ambassadors are Olympic Gold Medalists, Nathan Outteridge, Iain Jensen, Tom Slingsby and Nathan Wilmot and Sailors Lisa Darmanin, Luke Parkinson, Haylee Outteridge, Joel Turner, Dave Gimour, Laura Baldwin and writer Blue Robinson. With more names yet to be added.

Those who have followed my blog for some time will note that Anthony Nossiter a good friend of Bart’s is on the committee with me and that I have mentioned that surname before when talking about my sailing and sailing on Sirius the Adams 10m. I have often said Sailing is one big family and a lifestyle we live. Putting together the team for Australia certainly showed this. Besides the fact that there are two families with more than one person involved, many of us have known each other for 20+ years and have a strong connection with Bart who was from another country that is a Long – Haul flight away. Sailing can be pretty special at times and being involved in something like this reminds me how much so.

I might be busy but it certainly is an enjoyable busy.  Here are some photos from Bart’s Bash that happened a few weeks ago around the world. I spent the day at Woollahra Sailing Club having a fantastic time with great people.

Harry Price attempting a tack in an Opti
Briefing underway with special guest Lisa Darmanin from the Australian Sailing Team
The bigger Opti Sailors at WSC for Bart’s Bash
Melissa Yeomans

Is it that time already?

Over the last few days whilst out walking I noticed a little change. I started to see more colours! This was just the kickstart I needed from mother nature to help me get back on track.  With so much going on and a few injuries it has not been the greatest winter for my fitness routine.  What better way to find the motivation to get going again then the signs that Spring is on the way! Although as I type this I hear it is snowing in Canberra so it might be delayed a little haha.

It is still certainly cool in the mornings. The view however makes it all worth while as well as the great feeling a walk gives to clear the mind and start the day fresh.  Seeing the touches of purple and yellow are just a reminder that warmer weather is on its way. My muscles and joints will be far happier!

 

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Melissa Yeomans

Plenty of thinking time on a road trip north

IMG_1255I recently spent some time at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the Australian Schools Teams Racing Championships and Queensland Youth Week. I decided after looking at Flight Options and talking to the DeckHardware customers that I would drive up instead of flying. No packing restrictions and I could take extra product should it be needed. Of course there is also the fact that I enjoy a road trip and had not done the Journey to Brisbane and back for some time. Talk about some road work changes particularly south of Coffs!

I must say one of the biggest debates I had was where to stop along the way. I love stopping by some of the smaller towns and even saw a poster for the Nabiac Caravan, Boat and Fishing Show. I think that might have to be something we check out some time. It is great to see some of the smaller regions supporting the outdoor lifestyle and putting on a community event.

IMG_1269Two of us were talking on one of the days at RQYS about how successful these events were and how great it was to see so many types of boats heading out in decent numbers at Youth Week!

We started talking about how perhaps the sport is changing to be more focused on events rather than club racing? Are you seeing this in your area? If people are more focused on events where does that leave our clubs and how do the youth in particular learn and improve and get the social side to play a big part in the sailing culture they grow up with?

IMG_1264Is it because a days sailing literally does take up the majority of the day compared with other sports?

It feels like Teams Racing in Schools is growing in Sydney as well, school sailing in general which is fantastic especially with what Yachting Australia has been able to be involved in. Passed around at the presentation night for the Teams Racing was a flyer for School Match Racing! What a great idea! It is fantastic to watch the boat handling and skills in these formats of sailing as well as the knowledge of our sport these young sailors have.

There certainly is a lot happening in our sport at the moment. Let’s hope we can keep up the momentum and continue to receive growing media coverage for the success of Australian Sailing. With this will come increased interest and participation in our sport. It is up to all of us to help spread the word about how good sailing is!  After all, what better way to spend a day than out on the water.

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Melissa Yeomans

Keep on learning

For something different I have had a bit on recently. With the juggling act I have been doing I wanted to increase my knowledge to be able to do it better and more efficiently! In the past few weeks I have attended a 2 day Umpire Seminar, Website and Marketing workshop, Child Safe Seminar, plus the usual work and conference calls that go on.

Big thanks to the Warringah Chamber of Commerce who put together some great training sessions.   Being part of the Chamber has certainly been worthwhile especially when it comes to growing knowledge for small businesses. It sometimes isn’t easy to find the money or funds to further your education so their support is very worthwhile!

It is great to stretch the mind and learn new things. The Child Safe Seminar was something I wanted to do with everything going on at the moment in my life.  It certainly was an eye opener and we are lucky to have a government department taking such great care to do these seminars.  It was emotionally draining as you can imagine but I am glad I have now done it.  If you are in a position that is responsible for the care of children I highly recommend taking the time to do this.

Yesterday after the Child Safe Seminar I had a meeting in the city for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation’s Australian Committee.  I decided after the slightly emotional morning that a ferry into the city would be the best option to destress and relax a little. How lucky are we in Sydney to have that option! Even though it was raining and South Head was barely visible as we came out of Manly it put me at ease. Being on the water does that.

Winter is certainly now here so this weekend I am going to try to relax and catch up on some cleaning and sorting myself out with work.  As next weekend I will be heading to QLD for the Australian School Teams Racing Championships followed by Queensland Youth Week! Time to get a bit more organised so I can keep up with everything going on. Lots of opportunities that have been amazing have crossed my path this past year and despite getting busier I just could not say no to such moments.


  

Melissa Yeomans

Taking time to breathe

When times get busy it can sometimes be hard to make time for some stress relief. Especially when there is so much to get done! Yesterday I forced myself to go on one of my walks. I know I have mentioned them before but yesterday truly was magic. I wasn’t feeling great, the joints were a little cranky and it had been a while since I had done the lap of the lake. So at first it was a little bit of slow going to convince myself to keep going. I think the lake must have known, check out what it turned on for me! Not great conditions for sailing but certainly stunning to look at.

Of course I knew I would feel better afterwards and I do. Some magnesium powder when I got home and the muscles now feel a little better but still not happy. Colder weather can certainly be harder on the Hyper Mobility. With everything that has been happening my Pilates routine has slipped down the priority list and it is showing. Time to get back on schedule. Pilates, Aqua, Walking and anything without impact to avoid cranky joints.  Damn you I would love a good boxing session right now!

Next weekend will be spent indoors with an Umpire seminar on. There is always more to learn in our sport!

 

          

Melissa Yeomans

A weekend to get away

IMG_0964On the weekend I headed to Canberra for a bit of a break to recharge the batteries.  Why Canberra a few of my friends said especially given the time of year? Well there was a little fun to be had.  It has been a very busy year and it was time to take a break and enjoy myself a little.

Friday evening I arrived just in time to stop by the Canberra International Music Festival and the National Carillon. It was FREEZING but well worth stopping by to listen to.

It was the first time I had heard the Carillon and it certainly was remarkable to listen too in such a setting.

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Saturday morning was the start of the Shitbox Rally and coming from a family that loves cars it was a bit of fun to see the effort put into the event.  Not only by the organisers but participants too!

So what is the Shitbox Rally? Here is an excerpt from their Facebook page “It’s a rally, but what is different about this one is that we take shitty cars and see if we can drive them across Australia. During this time we will truly experience the Australian outback and have a hell of a laugh along the way.

This rally is for those that want to have an adventure, that crave something different, something memorable, but most importantly, it’s for those who want to raise much needed money for charity.

Many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether it be parents, family, close friends, people we know or ourselves that have battled or are battling cancer, this all too common disease has touched us all. We not only want to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council, but we want to be able to offer support and a friendly ear to those that have suffered or are suffering.”

IMG_1057I had a great time wandering around checking out the different vehicles chosen by those taking part!

Once I left the cars I headed to the Australian War Memorial. It was as you can imagine an experience I won’t forget with their latest exhibits telling so many stories of our past. What did however catch me off guard was the photo of my Great Uncle Jim in one of the galleries.  Larger than life on the wall the photo of him sitting at the ABC news desk.  No one in the family knew it was there!

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I then headed back to my hotel for a simply amazing late lunch/dinner before heading out to a Canberra International Music Festival Concert.  A double quartet which was so nice to sit back and enjoy! Such varying styles of music played as well which was fascinating the skill shown by the musicians.

Sunday Morning I headed to the National Museum of Australia for a stroll around to see what is currently on exhibit. I wish I had a full day to spend here to take it all in.  Sadly outside was closed due to strong winds that were causing some branches to fall in the surrounding areas! Talk about windy and cold! What a way to spend the morning, History, Old Cars, musical instruments and boats! After hearing the conditions I of course as a sailor had to go have a look for myself.  Great short chop and a big breeze in cold weather and rain.  NOT sailing conditions!

IMG_1078Before heading home to Sydney I stopped via the Old Bus Depot Markets to get my mum a few Mother’s day treats and a bit of lunch before heading home.  Fudge, Three flavours of honey and some stone baked bread! YUM!

It may have been just a short weekend away but it was so good to do something different and not work related for a change! I really should remember to do that more often…

The question is where to next time? Sailing, Music, Cars, Good Food, is a good way to spend a weekend.

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Melissa Yeomans

Life has got a little hectic

Nocka and Iain Percy on hand at the Sydney Sailboat Expo to promote the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation in Australia.

The very first Sydney Sailboat Expo has been and gone.  Check out the news story on the very first Expo!  I still can not believe how fast this time has gone.  It is several weeks since the Expo and I am now looking toward next year!  The highlight for me was the support from friends and the industry for the event.  To have a surprise visit from Iain Percy to help spread the word of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation in Australia was fantastic.  I am looking forward to the impact the Foundation will have not only on world wide sailing but Australian Sailing and am proud to be involved in this.

Now that the Expo has happened life has semi returned to normal! Well I am on catch up and recovery mode.  I managed to spend three days umpiring at the NSW Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championships this past week.  Always great to get out there and see the up and coming generation of sailors!  I love the tactics and rules in Teams Racing and Match Racing.  The thinking game of our sport is something I really enjoy.

Now don’t be too shocked.   I am actually thinking of taking a couple of days off to really recover from the hectic few months that have passed.  I am extremely lucky to have some amazing supporters behind the scenes.  Now it is time to recharge the batteries a little and stop to think about what has been achieved and is still yet to be achieved.

NSW Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championships

 

Women in Sailing talk at the Sydney Sailboat Expo

 

Melissa Yeomans

What an exciting time. 

10 days to go! Who would have thought this time would go so fast and that so much would happen!  There has been so much to do to make this what we had envisaged.  The seminars in particular are something we worked had on as we felt it a great benefit to all those who give back to the sport in particular!  We love all those volunteers! We see so many people at regattas and often it is familiar faces there each morning early and when the sun goes down.

Seminars at the Sydney Sailboat Expo:

Topics include: Yachting Australia Questions and Answers, Association Master Classes, School Sailing with Martin Pryor, Racing Rules with Jeremey Atkinson, Safety around Small Boats with Kingsley Forbes-Smith, Are you or your offspring Olympian Sailing Material with Ian Brown? Plus Using electronics / Internet / GPS / simulators to go the right way faster and learn on and off the water.

Saturday Timetable now available!

Sunday Timetable now available!

 Seminars by Sports Community

Social Media- Learn how to create effective social media strategies using the most appropriate social media tools to achieve club goals and objectives

Fundraising – Attendees will be introduced to the latest fundraising ideas for clubs, covering traditional fundraising favourites while looking at new and easy ways to raise significant funds for your club

The Importance of Goal Setting – In this session, participants will learn why planning and goal setting is important for clubs, how to assist clubs with simple goal setting processes and how to help clubs to ensure they deliver on their objectives

Club Culture – Learn about the power of a positive club culture and how to create the culture of volunteering at your club

Saturday

Sunday

Topic

10:30

10:00

Social Media

11:30

10:30

Fundraising

12:30

11:00

The Importance of Goal Setting

1:30

11:30

Club Culture

For more on Sports Community visit their website: sportscommunity.com.au

Workshops:

  • Visit the H2O Academy to get some feedback on your hiking style and wave technique. For the kids, jump in an Optimist and learn the basics of sailing on the H2O Optimist Sailing Simulator.
  • Splicing Workshop – brought to you byDeckHardware the Australian Distributor of Liros Ropes.
  • Middle Harbour Yacht Club Sailing Simulator will be in action throughout the Sydney Sailboat Expo.  Jump aboard and give it a go!
  • North Sails Clinic – Details coming soon!

I am so grateful to all those who have sent me messages of support and helped me out on this journey.  My mum Robyn and I have been working so hard to get to this point and we could not have done it without your encouragement particularly when it gets tough to balance the Sydney Sailboat Expo whilst still running DeckHardware.

Thank you to all those who have posed with the signs too!

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I have been trying hard to make sure despite being so busy that I still get out and go for a walk or do some pilates to recharge.  So important to keep the momentum going!  Views like this make it even better:

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Now let’s hope for some kind weather and a great time at the very first Sydney Sailboat Expo!  Don’t forget if you want to volunteer at the Sydney Sailboat Expo please let me know!

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Melissa Yeomans

Such exciting times

A HUGE thank you to Lisa for taking a moment out of her busy schedule to help promote the Sydney Sailboat Expo!

It certainly is becoming very real as we count down the days to the Sydney Sailboat Expo.  There is so much work to be done and it is amazing the support we are getting behind the scenes.

During the week for a little break I checked out the new trail at Narrabeen.  I did 10km walking around the entire lake, what a view! It was great to walk on the different surfaces as well for my joints. It was a great way to switch off the mind for a little and refresh to keep going with so much going on at the moment!

I managed to take a little time out yesterday to do some Umpiring.  It was so good to put the laptop, iPad, iPhone down for a few hours and play on the water! But now it is back to work as we look at the 30 day mark approaching to the very first Sydney Sailboat Expo.  I am so lucky to be able to spend my spare time having fun on Sydney Harbour.  It was a fantastic day with a great team of Volunteers who love our sport!

I have a MASSIVE week ahead with more meetings to do with the Sydney Sailboat Expo.  So watch this space!  I am so excited and yes a little exhausted but loving it!