February 25 - March 3, 2018: Issue 349

Last Weekend Of Summer 2017-2018; A Glance Back At Another Glorious Season

Although it won't start to get really cold for weeks yet that scent and taste of Autumn is already in the air. Before we turn to what cooler weather brings a few reminders of our favourites among what we have seen this Summer - in and by and from Pittwater!

Commencing with last night and that warm sultry humid air - courtesy of Selena Griffith:


'Only a night swim beats that February humid heat — in North Narrabeen.' February 24th, 2018

Summer In Pittwater

Neil Evers Welcome to Country and Julie Janson, Smoking Ceremony - Mick Glasheen Exhibition at Newport

Avalon Beach SLSC Carnival Sunday, 18th Of November, 1956 - March Past - Whale Beach, leads visiting American team (courtesy the Imisons)

Australian Water Dragon Sunbaking at Careel Creek edge - Saturday, December 9th
Hail blasts across the end of a humid day  - Thursday December 7th

Polo By The Sea 2018: Over A Hundred Years Of Loving This Game In Pittwater

Angus Campbell - NSW Team, Polo by the Sea 2018
For everyone who loves horses, which is most of us here in Pittwater, the annual Polo by the Sea has become a Summer treat and feast for the eyes where glorious ponies with skilled riders showcase an ancient game in spectacular fashion - albeit on a reduced sized field.

In between games visitors stomp on divots, take part in fashion parades and dashes for prizes on field or listen to great live music by some of the best contemporary songsters. There was even a wedding this year!



The first Polo by the Sea, run in 2015, gave added insight in the team behind Polo by the Sea letting us know the first polo game in New South Wales was played at Moore Park in July 1874, where the then 14th Governor of New South Wales,  Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, 1st Baron Rosmead, GCMG, PC, was a player.

Polo by the Sea isn't the first instance of a polo field and players and games in Pittwater as G S Brock, the owner and builder of The Oaks at Mona Vale, soon to be known as La Corniche, was a passionate player as was the father of W.D.M. and Australian aviation legend and Bayview resident Sir P. G. 'Bill' Taylor -  P. T. Taylor. 


Don Taylor (son of W D M Taylor) I can tell you who most of them are:  it’s the Taylor family without their mother. From the right is W. D.M., my father, sitting on the fence is Patrick Gordon, who preferred to be called ‘Bill’, that’s an unknown, the girl is Norah, their sister, who looks like she’s about 13 or 14 there, the man in the white cap is P. T. Taylor their father, he was keen on polo, then another unknown and the one on the extreme left is probably Ken. Photo courtesy Taylor family.


The Oaks, Mona Vale - view over Polo Field and north towards Newport. Also visit: Mona Vale Training Grounds - From Lancers on Horses to Lasses on Transport Courses. 

The dream came to an end for Mr. Brock when the slated tramway to Narrabeen came a few years too late to make his grand premises accessible during the early era of Pittwater when this place was still considered rural - although there is reason to dream a few polo pratices took place just over a hundred years prior to this year's games:

MILITARY. LANCERS' STAFF RIDE. 

On Monday last the Sydney Squadron of Lancers returned from a three days' staff ride in the vicinity of Pittwater. The work was undertaken on a tactical scheme connected with the landing of an enemy, the whole being under the command and supervision of Lieutenant M'Mahon. Organised as a complete regiment, the squadron left Sydney about 9 a.m. on Saturday, on a rapid march on Bay View, two squadrons travelling via Gordon and Tumbledown Dick Mountain, and two via Manly and Narrabeen, the advanced parties, by means of signalling communication, coming simultaneously Into touch with each other in the scrub behind Rocklily. All ranks had duties of a higher nature than their existing rank, particular attention being paid to the issue of written orders, the forwarding of reports, and sketches In the field. Tents were not taken, the intention being to camp in the open, but owing to the wet weather, the men were billeted in one of Mr. Brock, of Mona Vale's, buildings, the 90 horses being picketed in the rear. MILITARY. (1906, October 4). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14828169


POLO PONIES AND JERSEYS.
SALE OF MR. BROCK'S STUDS.
The polo ponies and Jersey cattle, forming the studs at "The Oaks," Mona Vale, Pitt-water, were dispersed yesterday afternoon under the hammer by Messrs. Maccabe and Dodds, Sydney. The sale took place along-side the polo ground of the picturesque residence of Mr. G. S. Brock, and attracted a fair number of buyers from Sydney, as well as a good sprinkling of local residents. The polo ponies catalogued comprised upwards of 37 head, and the Jerseys-including four steers-17 head. Although the ponies figured first In the catalogue they were sold last. The Jerseys were all run into a paddock, and a start was made with the bull Duke of Melbourne, a five-year-old son of the Government-imported bull Melbourne-Kitty, g d, by Favourite-Baronne, Effingham Duke, imported by the late Hon. James White. Buyers' ideas of values wore not high, and bidding was not too brisk, except on odd lots. The noble Duke-a real fine Jersey bull-was started at five guineas, and knocked down at ten guineas. A son of the Duke's, out of Rosy, Rosy Dawn III., Boatswain, Bessie Black, Pomonas Dally, imp., realised half the price of his sire. The top price of the cows was nine and a half guineas, and the top price for heifers was eight and a half guineas; while the four young steers went to the local butcher at 39s per head.

The polo ponies were led out in a ring, and the first to appear was Queenie, a bay mare, very good in harness, and all she fetched was six guineas. Another bay mare, Reckless, an excellent polo pony, was knocked down for eight guineas. Pony, foaled a year later than Reckless, namely 1899, also a good polo pony, realised 10 guineas. Carblnesso, a brown mare, with colt at foot, by Souvenir, was passed in at 20 guineas. That grand polo pony stallion Souvenir, out of Annie, by imported Arab, out at Manaroo, Arab mare, was started at 20 guineas, and went trotting along up to 40 guineas. While at that figure Mr. Mackellar remarked that quite recently he sold a sister to Souvenir at 60 guineas. However, as no additional bid was forthcoming the crack pony stallion was passed in. 
POLO PONIES AND JERSEYS. (1907, April 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14835512 

The 2016 event was cancelled due to Summer deluges. Polo by the Sea 2017 was fantastic - as was this year's, the third successful Polo by the Sea - where once again residents and visitors enjoyed spectacular action on glorious equines; but then, we've been doing so for a very long time now.

More HERE

First four back to the beach in the new 400m Swim of the Newport Pool to Peak series of swims: Nick McCouat, Logan Bartlem (10-12 yrs.) Pascal Blanquer and Dominique Melbourn (10-12yrs.).

Gary Cook, Event Referee, Richard (Alphabet) Andjelkovic, Emergency Services Officer and Tom Kellaway, Announcer - Newport Pool to Peak Swim Series 2018. 

Elvina Bay's KIALOA II, FROM 1964, PASSES TASMAN ISLAND ON THE WAY TO THE FINISH OFF HOBART @Rolex/Studio Borlenghi

Paddy Broughton Describes The Rolex Sydney Hobart On Kialoa II

RSHYR News: 29 December, 2017:  8:02 PM
In 1971, American sailor Jim Kilroy sailed his 23-metre yawl Kialoa II to line honours victory in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

For Hobartians, it added an exotic element to one of the key calendar events of their lives: an American boat had come here and, in their eyes, won the race and lifted its status to a world event.

Six years later, Kilroy returned with Kialoa III and took line honours in a race record time of three days, 13 hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds.

Today, the original boat, Kialoa II, made an emotional return to Hobart, 46 years later, and beat her own time and that of her later namesake.

For brothers Paddy and Keith Broughton it wasn't the point. It was a matter of bringing her back to a place where she is still held in special regard.

They bought the boat in 2016 with a view to retracing her former glories, of which the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race is but one.

But it nearly didn’t happen.

Entering Bass Strait, their boom snapped during a gybe and the same thought went through everybody’s mind on board. Would they not be able to bring her home?

More HERE

Paddle To North Avalon Beach Headland: Warren Young OAM (WazzaAbout)

Warren Young OAM, sent us through a few photos he'd taken on his old Fuji waterproof camera that has survived a few mishaps but still working. Still getting great snaps and sharing them as WazzaAbout, these images show there has been a little more headland rock fall prey to gravity since last year's more dramatic rockfall. The photos were taken earlier this week.




Out And About January 2018: Adriaan Van Der Wallen

Another regular contributor to community and sharing visions that celebrate the beauty of this place is Adriaan van der Wallen. A small selection of what's his eyes have seen and shared so far this January:

 

North Narrabeen Surfers Carving It Up At 2018 Carve Pro At Maroubra Beach

North Narrabeen's Sophia Chapman on her way to a Round One victory at Maroubra. Sophia eliminated the Women's top seed  in Saturday's quarterfinals and will surf on semifinals and Finals day - today, Sunday January 21st. The Carve Pro runs at Maroubra Beach from January 18 - 21 and will be broadcast live on the 20th and 21st at www.worldsurfleague.com and on the WSL App. Head there for more information, highlights and images. Photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW.
Maroubra Beach is currently hosting the 2018 Carve Pro World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 event.

The elite four-day competition – which is the first of four stops on the Vissla NSW Pro Surf Series –  takes place from 18 – 21 January, 2018.
200 of Australia’s and the world’s most promising male and female surfers are competing in the event.

Jacinta Greenup (Cabarita, NSW), Hinata Aizawa (Burleigh Heads, Qld), Jordan Winstrom (Cronulla, NSW), Tye Koolis (Maroubra, NSW) Sophia Chapman (North Narrabeen, NSW) and Shira Arakawa (Maroubra, NSW) were all awarded wildcard entries into the event and will make an appearance in the seeded rounds.

Carve Director Matt Whyte said the event had gone from strength to strength over the last few years.

“The Carve Pro has grown exponentially since it went from a Pro Junior to a Qualifying Series event in 2016,” said Whyte. “Since then, we’ve seen competitors who were junior stars grow into genuine QS warriors and we can’t wait to see who emerges through the ranks when the event kicks off.”

What's happened so far, Thursday to Saturday, HERE
Jordy Lawler, also a North Narrabeen surfer, progresses through Round 3 at the 2018 Carve Pro. Photo by Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW.

Sydney Art Space (Mona Vale) 2018 Exhibition of Sculpture, Drawing and Painting

Birdwoman, Tina Henry - Acrylic resin, oxides, sandstone base - Not For Sale.
The Sydney Art Space yearly exhibition kicked off on Thursday this week at Avalon Recreation Centre with some great artworks, including 51 Sculptures and 35 Drawing and Painting exhibits. The Exhibition's final day is today, Sunday January 20th - open until 4 p.m.

Celebrating another year of fabulous creativity at Sydney Art Space with students and tutors, the Exhibition shows what can be done with skilled creatives to show you ‘how to’.

Sydney Art Space, at Mona Vale, is the inspiration of multi-form artist and educator Christine Simpson who had the dream of creating an art’s environment that provided quality art courses, quality art tutors and diverse and interesting open forums and workshops for the broader community.

Being principal educator at Ingleside’s The Shed Sculpture Studio for the past 12 years, with a Diploma in Education, and the completion of a Master of Fine Art and Master of Studio Art at Sydney University’s Sydney College of the Arts, Christine’s arts practice-education knowledge led to the opening and delivering of a quality arts teaching facility.

Councillor Penny Philpott opened the exhibition, stating she was overwhelmed by the range of talent and works displayed. 

“I know there’s so much talent on the northern beaches, but wow, look at what is here in this room. Congratulations to all of you Artists, you have done an amazing job. Congratulations to all the teachers present too, I’m sure the results reflect what you have given too.

Christine tells me what we see here tonight is the work of 40 pupils. 

I went to university with Christine at the Sydney College of the Arts and she was fun and inspirational, just like all the works shown here. The mixture of mediums here is just great; Paper Mache, clay, bronzes, the Life Drawing works are fantastic.

Michael Regan, Mayor for the Northern Breaches, in a rash moment called me the ‘Minister for the Arts’. I think he was joking but I said ‘I’m running with it’.

For years and years I pushed for funding for the Arts and we got 4 million dollars which we’re in the process of spending. A million dollars of that is going to a new creative space somewhere in this area.

I had a walk around in the Pittwater area with Councillor Alex McTaggart and we had a look at several places that may be suitable for this new creative space. I saw the Avalon Golf Course clubhouse and I think that would be wonderful. I’m not sure if it’s up for grabs, but it would be wonderful because we could do Residencies there.

I’d also urge you to look forward to the walkway that is going in from Manly to Palm Beach as we will be putting some form of sculpture into there. All you Sculptors should keep an eye out for this as it will present a great opportunity for you.

More HERE

Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA): For Fair Winds Sailing In Pittwater's Estuary

King Tide at BYRA, Summer 2017-2018 in Pittwater - photo courtesy Ian Urban of the NS14 fleet
Our Profile of the week is the wonderful  Bayview Yacht Racing Association (BYRA), a Pittwater institution to many. 

Rob Warnes, Commodore of BYRA, has a passion for sharing the great waters of Pittwater and a love of sailing with everyone aged 8 to 80 or over!

"This year rather than having a particular day or morning for TRY A SAIL it has been decided that every Sunday is a TRY A SAIL Day and we welcome newcomers." Rob told us this week.

"At this time of year, new members can join for the second half of the season at a 50% discount. So, if you have friends interested let them know."

BYRA, Pittwater’s Family orientated Sailing Club, is holding a Learn to Sail course in the sheltered waters off the Clubhouse in Bayview this week. Youngsters from 8 and 14 years are welcome. Over the three days the course their Australia Sailing qualified coaches will introduce the sport of Sailing, regulations and safety, with lots of educational activities for the kids to learn in a safe environment.

Boats and life jackets are provided by the club. 
BYRA'S SUMMER HOLIDAY SAILING PROGRAM 
23 TO 25 JANUARY 2018 FROM 9:30 TO 3:30PM
For more information please visit www.byra.org.au/products.php… 

On Friday, January 26th, members will be volunteers helping out at Avalon Sailing Club's 2018 Australia Day Regatta - the two clubs have been sailing against each other, and enjoying sailing together, since the earliest years of both of these on the Pittwater estuary based clubs.

This week a small insight into one of Pittwater's GREAT Sailing Clubs - jump aboard, you won't be sorry getting involved in sailing here - these are great people making sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the best waterway in the world!

More HERE

Temperatures Soared As New South Wales Won The 2018 Interstate Championships

January 19th, 2018
Report and photos by Surf Life Saving Australia
The racing was as heated as the temperature at the 2018 Interstate Championships today where the star studded New South Wales (NSW) team secured the title.

With just nine points on second place it was a fight to the finish for the winning team who finished on 280, followed closely by Queensland Cyclones with 271. West Australia wrapped up the third place with a total point score of 192.



It may very well have been the strategic power play used in the men’s and women’s open flag’s that paid dividends for NSW, with wins from Jake Lynch and Bree Masters earning a solid 26 points for the team.

“We stacked the beach time this year and call it a power play, but it did mean we had to make our water people step up” said NSW Coach Jim Walker.

“All the young kids coming into the team, Nicola Owen, Naomi Scott, Lizzie Welborn, Jemma Smith, Hayden White, Mitchell Trim, they all had to step up and they did.”

Walker beamed with pride at what he called a truly united team effort by every member of the 24-strong team.

“We didn’t have an individual performance, we didn’t have an individual person we had a team performance. That’s what got us home.”

The red wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)

Australia Day Awards 2018 Recognise Outstanding Community Support In Ken Hughes AFSM, OAM


Ken Hughes AFSM, OAM - Photo by Michael Mannington, Volunteer Photograhy
In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service.

The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens. Except for Knights and Dames, nominations for awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia come directly from the community.

Once a nomination is submitted, the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat at Government House in Canberra conducts further research and
contacts referees. Nominations are considered by the Council of the Order of Australia which makes recommendations direct to the Governor-General. 

On Friday morning, around 10.30, Pittwater Online News posted on its Facebook platform one of the recipients of a Medal (OAM) in the General Division was Ken Hughes - the news quickly spread, has been seen by 1,835 people as we got to publication, with 28 on-shares, so a fair amount more than that. 

Many have posted 'Congratulations Ken!' or 'Congratulations Ken!! An asset to all the organisations you are involved with - and there are lots!!!' and 'Proud of you Kenny! Well deserved and well done!' even at 2a.m. this morning. The man is a Pittwater Legend - and has been so for decades.

The citation for Ken's OAM is a long list of volunteer service stretching back to 1979 in many areas and organisations and through some of the tough battles residents have had to take on as formed groups because if these individuals hadn't stood up something irreplaceable would have been lost.

Pittwater Online News spoke to Ken, in between volunteer work that's still ongoing for this Bilgola Plateau gentleman.

Interview HERE - Page includes Australia Day Awards 2018: Pittwater And Surrounds, one of whom was Angus Gordon OAM

Woody Point Yacht Club's 2018 Putt-Putt Regatta And Gentleman's Launch Race


Aboard The Elvina - photo by Penny Gleen
On Saturday January 27th, and hosted by the Pittwater yacht club renowned for focusing on fun (the WPYC) the annual Putt Putt Regatta and Gentleman's Launch race takes place on the day after Australia Day, shifted from that date due to traffic on the estuary.

Afterwards there is always a barbecue on the beach with cooling drinks available and some fun - such as tug-of-war and other games. There are prizes for the best dressed boat, many dressed up to a theme, and best dressed crews on these, as well as other prizes and the trophy for 2018.

The WPYC Putt Putt Regatta is known statewide, with members receiving an invitation in 2017 to be part of the Davistown Putt Putt Regatta, one of the early (1900) and reintroduced regattas that takes place on Brisbane Water as part of Gosford Regattas. Putt-putt boats usually range in length from 14-18 feet and are powered by either single or twin cylinder 2 to 10 hp Blaxland/Chapman, Simplex or Clay inboard petrol driven engines all of which make the vary familiar 'putt-putt' exhaust sound.

The WPYC prides itself on its fleet of wooden classics in all forms of vessels from the small to the bigger than that, many with a history linked with Pittwater and the still undeveloped offshore areas.

Jools Farrell and Penny both kindly shared some photos they took, which run in this week's Issue. 

One image caught by Penny reminds of one found and run on purpose because it reminded us of a younger Pittwater and the Elvina, and even looked like Pittwater may have looked then when a page on the Elvina was shared a few Issues back. There's something about that Samuel Hood picture, a man who was a regular visitor to Pittwater, which makes you think you're looking at our offshore areas in that background - it captures the 'feel' of then, and now - a certain something that's been retained by our offshore idylls and ideals.

Just goes to show this place is a vision and getting to be part of such fun, while keeping it laid-back and among great people, is what the WPYC Putt Putt Regatta is about - every year!
It's a Classic!

More HERE
One man's and two women's legs as they sit on the roof of a ferry. Hood, Sam, 1872-1953, from Album Hood Collection part II : [Postcards: Australian and overseas] Date of Work ca.1905-ca.1925. Image No. a342015. Courtesy State Library of NSW.
Paradise Beach, Pittwater - January 27th, 2018 (A Long Weekend ON Pittwater)  - Photo by Neil Johnston

Avalon Sailing Club Hosts Pittwater Leg Of Australia Day Regatta 2018

Left to right: Brett Stapleton ASC Australia Day Regatta 2018 organiser, Kelly Holder (Couta Boat Club  Pittwater Chapter – now at ASC), Jane Durham, Commodore of Avalon Sailing Club and David Hyde, on starter boat etc, one of the many volunteers that make this great club work.

Local Sailors Excell At 2018 World Cup Series Miami: More Medals For Olympians

2018 World Cup Series Miami - Nacra 17, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin have a positive 2018 start - photo © Tomas Moya/Sailing Energy/World Sailing
Australia sent a small but strong team to the 2018 World Cup Series Miami,  with sailors many have seen flying over the waters of Pittwater among those competing. 

Rio Olympics gold medallist Tom Burton headed the Laser contingent, which also features Australia’s 2017 Laser World Championship bronze medallist Matt Wearn and former Laser Radial Youth World Champion Finn Alexander. Rio silver medallists in the Nacra 17, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin, were first to arrive in Miami to prepare and were be joined in the class by Olympic hopefuls, Tayla Rietman and Lachlan White.

Talented duo Natasha Bryant and Annie Wilmot, the 2017 Australian Sailing female sailors of the year, arrived in Miami early in January 2018 and spent two days rigging up their chartered boat before competing in local warm up regattas. Tash and Annie were the 2016 Youth World Champions in the 29er but elected to move into the 49er instead of defend their title. The transition has been challenging but they believe they are on the right trajectory.
Tash and Annie did their best in challenging conditions but with with day four cancelled they missed the medal race by a small 3 points. 

Pittwater sailing local heroes and Olympic silver medallists Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin have set the foundation for a big 2018 after capturing gold in the Nacra 17 class at the World Cup Series in Miami. The cousins held their nerve against the world elite, asserting dominance over Rio gold medallists Argentina’s Santiago Lange and Cecilia Carranza Saroli to win the series by a sizeable 23 points.

More HERE

Marcus Blackmore's Ammonite Wins The 2018 New Zealand Millennium Cup

Australian Sailing Team members Mat Belcher, right of trophy-holder Marcus Blackmore, and Will Ryan, bottom right, celebrate the win - Caroline Blackmore holding the champagne! Photo by and courtesy Jeff Brown, Breed Media

With four line honours in six races, the Southern Wind Shipyard built SW82 Ammonite captured the victory at the New Zealand Millennium Cup on Australia Day, January 26th.

The New Zealand Millennium Cup features three days of racing in one of the most picturesque cruising destinations in the world.  With courses that thread through more than 140 sub-tropical islands. beautiful scenery and challenging navigation are assured at this popular and challenging regatta.

An innovative handicap system (ISYR) ensured for spectacular racing in the Bay of Islands, with competitors finishing within minutes of each other.

Even though it was her first time competing at the NZ Millennium Cup, there was no stopping Ammonite, who was representing the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club of Tonga. The SW82’s tightly knit crew included Olympic sailors Mathew Belcher and Will Ryan in addition to her owner, Marcus Blackmore, a sailing force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Sailing strong in all of the six races that make up this three-day event, Ammonite was confirmed as the overall winner with four wins out of six races.

“There’s no better place in the world to sail,” said Ammonite’s owner Marcus Blackmore at the prize giving ceremony. “Thanks go to all the sponsors and in particular Doyle Sails New Zealand’s Mike Sanderson who helped us understand local conditions,” he continued adding that Ammonite would enjoy defending the title next year if possible.



The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club of Tonga posted "AMAZING!... Ammonite sw82 with a world class crew representing the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club won the New Zealand Millennium Cup creating history for the Club and all the crew have now officially joined the RNYC and paid their membership fees 100% going into the Vaka Sailing trust! 

Thanks so much owners and Life Members Marcus and Caroline Blackmore for giving us such an amazing time here in NZ. Will post a story later, but to the crew of Olympic Gold Medallists, multiple America's Cup sailors, multiple Volvo sailors, skippers and winners including the worlds BEST navigator and some crazy inspiring sailors and beautiful Italians...WOW!! THANKS...your all an inspiration!!!"

The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club of Tonga Charter…To reintroduce the lost art and traditions of Vaka sailing to the youth (15-25) of Tonga and then the Greater Pacific thought the establishment of a “Vaka” and “Vaka Voyaging Canoe” One Design class and implementation of Vaka training programs and sailing events. To support the formation of a Tonga Sailing Federation and to introduce the INTERNATIONAL OPTIMIST dingy to Tongans 9-15 years of age using a mobile training package of five optimist yachts to share with Tongan sailors throughout the island groups.

More HERE

A Riverview View of the Pittwater Estuary - January 2018

Warriewood Angels 

January 29, 2018: Warriewood SLSC
Our under 19 girls, the Angels were invited to take part in an exhibition race on Australia Day at Circular Quay in front of a massive audience.

A lot has been happening with the boaties over the last few weeks.
 
We had 2 crews, the Rustys and Crustys, complete the world’s longest surf boat marathon of 190kms from Batemans Bay to Eden.
 
Our Open Womens crew, the Wahines, has been competing in Ocean Thunder, the premier surf boat competition in Australia. 

Our 2 new younger crews, the Devils in the under 23 males and the Angels in the under 19 females, had their first carnivals in January. The Devils won a race in only their second carnival at Manly on Australia Day. We had all 5 crews competing at Manly and Freshwater over the long weekend.
 
Our under 19 girls, the Angels were invited to take part in an exhibition race on Australia Day at Circular Quay in front of a massive audience.
 
We will be starting learn to row and social rowing in the next week or so. 
Keep up to date on the Warriewood SLSC website or Facebook page



Photo courtesy Warriewood SLSC

Saturday February 3rd, the Palmy ladies became Overall series winners - the crew, also known as the Patriots; Lucy Day, Verity Boulton, Peter Spence (sweep), Papa Hipango and Elly Reynolds. The Palm Beach SLSC Boat Division excelled at Aussies in 2016 and will be looking forward to the 2018 Aussies after rows were cancelled last year due to safety concerns. The Palmy crew didn't get that Event 4 win but they did take out the series!
Go PALMY!


Overall winners at the 2017/18 Ocean Thunder Pro Surf Boat Series 

Hy-Brasil: Avalon Beach 

Pittwater's Summer Houses

If the heat and humidity has been a bit much for you this Summer dream of being in a place that catches all those breezes and is made from local sandstone - a stone known to be cool during hot months and cosy, once heated, during cold months.

Set atop Chisholm Avenue, with a vista to live for, this wonderful stone cottage seems to hug the top of the hill and yet, when inside, the windows show they have been placed to keep the outside part of the home's overall flow - it is a place designed to meet and keep the natural world, and not just in its use of local building materials such as sandstone and wood.

The site "Hy-Brasil", is part of lands acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Ted Herman and held over many years with the intention of protecting the hill-top setting of the Alexander Jolly designed house at its centre. 

Ted Herman was the son of the important 20th century Australian painter Sali Herman, and his daughter Nada is also a successful painter, whom we have run a Profile on and seen at numerous Pittwater Artists Trail Exhibitions. Nada is still creating her glorious paintings, many inspired by this location.
Nada will be having an Exhibition  in Autumn as a Member of the Pittwater Artists Trail. Their next open weekend (March 10 and 11, 2018.  All studios are open from 10am - 5pm) will be the first for 2018. Visitors who wish to see these beautiful works are welcome by appointment outside of PAT Open Weekends - Contact Nada on 0414 849 580.


Edward (Ted) Herman (b.1936) Headland, Bungan Beach - Oil on board; 44 x 59 cm.


Nada with recent work - Red hot pokers Over Pittwater. 

”In the 1950s my father, Ted, who was also an artist, bought this three-acre property,” Nada says. ”He and my mother, Dawn, lived in a historic sandstone house called Hy-Brasil; it was built by the renowned architect Alexander Jolly.

”In 1977 my parents were granted a permanent conservation order from the Minister of Planning and Environment to have the house and grounds heritage listed. They wanted to ensure that this unique bushland property could never get subdivided.”

Consequently, when building a new residence close by to Hy-Brasil for herself and her daughters, it was mandatory that no footprint be left on the land should the building ever be removed.

The land on which Hy-Brasil is located was originally part of 1200 acres of land granted to John Joseph Therry on August 31st 1833. It was subdivided as part of the Pittwater Estate, a subdivision for villa sites. The first owners of the land (Lot 8A of the Pittwater estate subdivision - main part of the site where Hy-Brasil now stands ) were Joseph Dalton and Daniel Claney who transferred the land to George Holland in December 1882. Holland held the possession of the land until July 1927 when he sold it to Redway Thomas Pawley and Arthur George Potter. 

The ownership of the land passed on to Albert Travers Black after just two months. Mr. Black was a Mining Engineer who would apply for a patent, served in WWI in mine-sweeping, and would be applying for mining lease at Uralla soon after purchasing the bush blocks atop Avalon Beach, and later to dredge at Kincumber, for shells. He also worked in real estate. A few notes about him under Extras.

A year later Kathleen Wilhelmina Jolly wife of the Alexander Stewart Jolly purchased it from Albert Travers Black, becoming the registered proprietor of the land;

Primary Application - Kathleen Wilhelmina Jolly 18 acres 1 rood 33 perches at Pittwater in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 4472 Folio 138 Date range: 17/10/1929 to 10/03/1931 - NSW State Records

This is the Hy-Brasil site:

Primary Application - Kathleen Wilhelmina Jolly 6 acres 2 roods 35 1/2 perches on Hilltop Road at Pittwater in Parish Narrabeen County Cumberland Shire Warringah Volume 4624 Folio 141 Date Range: 30/6/1933 to 14/5/1934 NSW State Records

2017-18 NSW Hobie States Titles Hosted By Palm Beach Sailing Club: Day 1

There were a grandmother and mother crew in the Kerry Waterhouse - Bridget Bolewski (nee Waterhouse) World Champions, an Australian Sailing Women Sailor of the Year and just those who love getting a day on the water sailing in the 2017/18 Hobie 14, Hobie 16 Women, Youth Hobie State Titles on beautiful Pittwater yesterday. Today, Sunday the 11th, is the last day for these titles.

Crews from all over the state, Vincentia, Toukley, Jervis Bay and more, and including fast on the water PBSC members, made the trip to Palm Beach to launch off Sand Point and race around a course that started off Mackerel Beach, swung east to a mark off Station Beach and down the estuary in light breezes that didn't seem to slow too many competitors down that much.

Last night members of PBSC and their guests were treated to an inspirational talk by Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin that included a few insights on the Rio Olympians ethos and plans to become even better at what they're already excelling at.

Natasha Bryant, sailing with her brother Nathan, is in among the mix and told Pittwater Online News she's looking forward to a great weekend's racing and to a month's training out of the RPAYC before she and Annie Wilmot head over to Spain for the next World Cup event.

What stands out most with every Palm Beach Sailing Club event, whether hosting State Titles or just having a Fish and Chip run to Patonga, is how it's an all-in family effort. Bridget's husband, baby and father Rod were on beach duty, David Renouf, a stalwart of the club, was organising the boats, which including three safety boats and the start boat for this regatta, Andrew Nelson, who has again undertaken the Commodore's helm, seemed to know all of the competitors by name, Richard Lacey, Commodore last Season was back and forth helping out visitors, and these gentlemen were backed up by Trevor Gourlay, Beau White, Upu Kila, Regina Renfree, Michael Henman, Maria Nelson, Alicia Rhoda  and a host of other PBSC members.

It may have been the State Titles but with smiles everywhere, even when racing, you can understand why people love the Hobie and love coming back to Pittwater. With classic original boats like Banana Split, once owned by Stuart Appleby, as well as the fast modern fliers among the fleet, those not in the races had a Hobie spectacular unfolding before their eyes.

Final Results and Wrap in next week's Issue - Day 1 Results and some of Day 1's Action HERE 

Vissla Great Lakes Pro 2018 Goes Off!

Holy Wawn WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holly Wawn took control of the final day to claim impressive wins and go into the up and coming QS6,000 events in red-hot form. Photos by  Ethan Smith / Surfing NSW

Clare Costanzo WINS Hardy Cup 2018: 

First Female Skipper - First All Female Team To Take Out Prestigious Match Racing Event

Hardy Cup 2018 Winners!  Photo by Darcie Cottington, Darcie C Photography

Clare Costanzo and her team of Jess Angus, Ruby Scholten, Celia Willison and Hannah Lanz have won the 2018 Hardy Cup!

This is a historic win as not only has Clare become the first female skipper to get her name on the trophy, in addition the team is also the first all female team to do so since since its inauguration in 2001.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) was represented by two teams at the Hardy Cup 2018 this week, both skippered by the Costanzo sisters Clare and Juliet. 

On Clare’s team was Jess Angus, Ruby Scholten, Celia Willison and Hannah Lanz. On Juliet’s team was James Farquharson, Annalise Scholten, Sam Thomas and Rachel Bower.

Hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, and considered one of Australia's most prestigious match racing events, the Hardy Cup, is an Under 25 World Sailing Grade 3 International Event. The Hardy Cup was donated by Sir James Hardy (Event Patron), the America's Cup, World Champion and Olympic Yachtsman, and prominent RSYS member to promote the match racing helming skills and tactical skills of young sailors.

Last year Clare Costanzo and her Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club teammates finished bridesmaids at the same event. On Thursday February 8, 2018 the RPAYC’s five-strong youth team beat George Anyon’s Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron team 3-0 in the finals, sailed in 20+ knot nor’easters off the host club at Kirribilli.

In doing so Costanzo broke an 18-year run of gun male skippers taking out the grade 3 youth event, and with an all-female crew.

Costanzo, Jess Angus, Hannah Lanz, Ruby Scholten and Celia Willison celebrated with a swim and some champagne then official photos before three of the five dashed to the airport for a 7.30pm flight to New Zealand, where training for the final youth match racing regatta in the series of three begins today, Friday 9 February.

“We’ll have to celebrate our win at the end of the next regatta, the Nespresso Cup,” the 21-year-old winning skipper said from the airport, flanked by Angus and Lanz and a change of teammates for New Zealand’s premier youth match racing event.

More HERE

Warringah Pittwater District RFS Brigades Volunteers: A Busy Spring And Summer Serving The Community Over 2017/2018

Royal National Park Fire, January 21, 2018 - photo courtesy Ingleside RFB
As we reach the middle of the last month of Summer, traditionally a high hazard month for bushfires as our parks dry out and on ground fuel may have increased, or be more available around the home garden and in our house gutters, a timely reminder of what can occur is seen in what has been done by Warringah Pittwater RFS Brigades during recent months.

Over the past few months Warringah Pittwater District RFS Brigades have been putting in the hard yards looking after residents here and further afield.

On Thursday evening, while most of us slept, Ingleside NSWRFS attended Kimbriki Tip in Ingleside about 11.30pm for a General Waste fire about 3000m² in size. The RFS were on site until 2.45am. 7 heavy tankers from five volunteer Brigades were in attendance with RFS crews using Breathing Apparatus in the toxic smoke. 

At midnight on Saturday January 20th, Warringah Pittwater RFS crews were activated as part of a Northern Beaches Rural Fire District strike team to assist NSW Rural Fire Service Sutherland Shire with a large bushfire burning within the Royal National Park in Sydney’s South. 

The Warringah Pittwater Rural Fire Brigades have conducted hazard reductions throughout Spring, checked fire trails were clear, responded to vehicle accidents on Mona Vale road and McCarrs creek road as well as cleaned up oil spills at these, cleared storm damage like large branches that have fallen on homes and roads, and responded to numerous Fire Alarms.

All brigades have attended or hosted numerous community events over the Spring-Summer of 2017-2018.

Warringah Pittwater District RFB volunteers also provide community education in everything ranging from their annual Open Days to familiarisation with local hazards and equipment as we headed into bushfire season.

The longevity of the local Rural Fire Service as a vital component in our community is also demonstrated through Long Service Awards for volunteer members and for brigades. In December 2017 Tumbledown Dick Rural Fire Brigade made a visit to Cottage Point Rural Fire Brigade to present a commemorative plaque from Tumble to Cottage Point RFB recognising the 60 years of community service Cottage Point RFB have provided to the community. A great achievement.

More HERE

Whale Beach Patrol Honoured For Top Rescue: SLS NSW Rescue Of The Month 

Whale Beach Patrol Honoured For Top Rescue: SLS NSW Rescue Of The Month 

A team of surf lifesavers from Whale Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches who prevented a double drowning just days before Christmas last year have been honoured with the prestigious NSW Rescue of the Month Award for December.

At approximately 3:00pm on Saturday December 23, two swimmers were swept off a sandbank into a powerful rip current.

It was immediately apparent that the men, aged in their 20s and visitors to the area, couldn’t swim as they were struggling to stay afloat.

Fortunately for the stranded duo Patrol Team 9 was on duty.

A number of lifesavers immediately raced into the water with rescue equipment at the ready.

While one patient had managed to regain his footing on the sandbank, the second could not be seen. As a result of this escalating situation the IRB was launched to assist.

While searching for the patient, Angus Bownes, observed bubbles coming up from below the water and saw a faint silhouette, dove down to retrieve the unconscious patient from the ocean floor, approximately two to three metres below and pushed him back to the surface.

The five rescuers and a member of the public got the patient onto a board and began the journey back to the safety of the shore.

When Patrol Captain Suzy Bownes saw the condition of the patient she immediately called for an ambulance and directed her team to clear the water and close the beach.

While this was happening, CPR treatment was commenced with four rounds being performed before the patient was stable enough to be moved further up the beach and handed over to the care of the paramedics.

During this time the condition of the second man who had managed to get himself to shore rapidly deteriorated and a second ambulance was called.

The rescue and resuscitation effort was particularly impressive considering that most of the lifesavers involved in the incident were aged under 25 with Captain Bownes saying the award was a fantastic achievement for one of the smaller clubs on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

“It’s huge for the club and hopefully puts Whale Beach on the map but what it really brought home for us is the importance of lifesavers on the beach and how we need to have the skills because you never know when they can be called upon,” said Suzy Bownes.

“We have a very young team on this patrol but that is what makes it so enjoyable as there is a lot of energy. What was most pleasing is during the rescue everyone acted with skill and professionalism and this was even commented on by others at the scene.

“It’s a special time of year and this incident did shake us all up, but we’re absolutely ecstatic with the outcome and the fact we were able to do our job by saving lives,” she said.

The SLSNSW Rescue of the Month is a prestigious award that recognises excellence in Surf Life Saving. Each month a ‘Rescue of the Month’ is awarded at State level for the most outstanding rescue performance for that period. Monthly winners are eligible for the National Rescue of the Month, and are also in line to be named the NSW Rescue of the Year which is announced at the season-ending Awards of Excellence.

The following lifesavers were involved in the incident; 

Suzy Bownes, Iain Bownes, Angus Bownes, Oliver Bownes, Sophie Rothery, Liam George, Jack Bregenhoj, Lachlan Williams, Sydney Robertson, Sally Collier, Tom Sanderson, Nicholas Dijohn, Lara Boyle, Alexander Burchett, Max Zagorski, Archie Elliott, Angus Kellaway, Dylan Gay, Oscar Press, Edward Harrison, William Harte, Ben Rothery, Barney Allen, Harrison Penn, Maddie Zagorski.

From Surf Life Saving New South Wales

In January WBSLSC were announced the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beach Branch winners of the December Rescue of the Month. 

Avalon Beach Avocados Win Their Trans Tasman Test Debut

Avalon Beach SLSC's Avocados - U23 Women - Sweep Nathan Wellings, Bow Ellie Di Biagio, 2nd Bow Lauren Petersen, 2nd Stroke Chloe Scott, Stroke Amelia Barber. 
You can't run a Carnival without Officials - just three of the great volunteers at this year's Branch Championships - photo by Bill Sheridan
Summer In Pittwater photos Issue 347 by  A J Guesdon.
Summer Dawn in Pittwater, Monday February 19th, 2018- photo by Jo Longhurst
Photos by those attributed, 2018