It seems that the general trend toward short course racing may be about to be reversed. I note in one of our Australian sailing magazines that a Tasar from South Australia recently competed in the Adelaide to Port Lincoln offshore keelboat race (a distance of 160 nautical miles).

Planning for the International Regatta in Melbourne is progressing well. There have been a few hassles behind the scenes but we certainly have all the basic ingredients arranged - in particular, a good Race Committee and some good sailing water to race on - all we need now is some sunny Melbourne summer weather, good breezes and lots of entries. Mix them all together and you have a recipe for lots of fun and good sailing. I would urge everybody to enter as soon as possible and to arrange your accommodation before it's too late.

There have been major changes in membership of the State Association Committees all over Australia in the last few months. I look forward to meeting representatives from all Divisions at the ATC/World Council meeting to be held in Melbourne during the International Regatta. To date, no new major issues have arisen. I suspect that most Australian sailors are still trying to come to grips with the new rules which came into force in the southern hemisphere this July.

See you on the water Downunder '98

Rob Gilpin
President, Australia Tasar Council and World Council
October 23, 1997