Frostbite series is starting at RQYS this Saturday afternoon 26th of May.

I'll be there barring last-minute disasters (always possible at my place)

If I want to come along, what's the deal with the RQYS races? Does one need to be a member and do you need sail number? I presume racing typically starts about 1pm? Thanks.

Sorry to hear that they didn't let you in Jaime. I supose you asked if you would be allowed without a silver card. DarkHorse entered and raced. perhaps he has a club membership from somewhere. He said he hadn't raced for ten years.

ABM, you may have the same problem unless one of the RQ members can talk to someone to make some special arangement. there were some sailors without sail numbers there today but it could be like the silver card,don't ask don't tell.
You can be a member of any other YA associated club. The next RQYS race is on the 23rd of June. Races do start at 1.00pm.

The silver cards will expire at the end of september if you join now.
If you want to do it, I can get it for you through Lake Cootharaba Sailing club for the cost of the card, 66 dollars.
I noticed today that some people were paying their RQYS memberships for next year so they may overlook the silver card for now if you become a member there.

Yeah I did ask about the silver card. Don't ask don't tell doesn't sit well with me, especially when the requirement is printed in red on the form and they go as far as to state that they will actively cross-check the records for made-up card numbers. If they state something that strongly and then don't enforce it, as far as I'm concerned they're just yanking our chains. Not that I'm criticizing anybody who did enter without YA membership, more power to you.

Anyway, leaving aside the high fees and enthusiastic bureaucracy, RQ does seem to make the most sense as a club to join. Darling Point and Cleveland are the other local options - anyone know much about them?

I have sailed at Darling point and Cleveland.
Darling point is the same location so sea conditions are the same. Parking is a bit harder but not too much of a problem. They have plenty of riging space for their fleet size. The biggest difference is that you would be the only sailboard there. They have nice clubhouse and bar. The people are very friendly. They are an all volunteer club so it is likely you would get asked to take a turn at rescue boat duty and other club management duties.

its been a few years since I was at Cleveland. They are more tide dependent. It is a very long walk out at low tide. The boats use trolleys and don't seem to mind so much. I found it a real hassle having to do two long trips out to launch with a big rig on a windy day. the low tide also restricts the course setting options for them. The club yard space is a bit restricted and the parking not so great. They dont have a sailboard fleet.

As long as the RSX and Techno are at RQYS, it will be the best place to sail in Brisbane. They have a big team of volunteers and officials and full time race management office, so you can always go sailing. It would be nice to solve those hospitality issues so as not to discourage newcomers. Maybe if someone is coming for the first time they should arange to meet a member at the gate to safely negotiate the bureaucracy.

For anyone interested, There is still plenty of racing to come this winter.
Paradise point autumn series 3 and 17th of June.
RQYS 23 June
Paradise Point Winter Series(to be confirmed) 8,15,22,29 July,5,12,19,26 August
RQYS 28 July, 18 August
LCSC all boats Regatta 18th and 19th of August.

Paradise Point and LCSC will not insist on YA membership for their winter series.
The regular season will start for all clubs in September.

its never too late to find a raceboad and join in.

The silver card is only going to be of interest to those interested in course racing, which Bayside does very little of. All of us who have decided to race on a regular basis are members of other clubs (in addition to Bayside) because those clubs have course racing every week.
It would be simple enough for Bayside to affiliate with WQ and be able to provide silvercards if the members decide to do that. But if you want to race every week at RQYS or LCSC, it is also fair that you support that club by joining. It costs a bit more but without these clubs and people who run them there would be no racing and non of them are run for profit.

I am treasurer at LCSC and I look after the membership applications. You can download an application form from the club website. lcsc.org.au/membership/
most clubs will have a simillar arrangement. You can send me a private message if you need more information.

As I pointed out earlier, the silver cards for next season are not available until the 1st of August. You can join now but your card will be valid only until the end of September.

I would invite all those who are interested in course racing to come to the Windsurfing Queensland AGM which will be set shortly and discuss a plan.
I will start a separate thread on this subject.