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Pacer Fitout These photos show examples of how to fit out and rig a Pacer. There are more photos in this series in the Gallery. This photo shows an end boom purchase to provide an adjustable outhaul. The outhaul line runs inside the boom to an exit block and cleat near the other end of the boom.
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Pacer Fitout These photos show examples of how to fit out and rig a Pacer. There are more photos in this series in the Gallery. In this photo is the mast step, attachment of the vang to the mast and spinnaker pole shockcord running down parallel to the mast and along the floor of the boat for increased length.
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Pacer Fitout These photos show examples of how to fit out and rig a Pacer. There are more photos in this series in the Gallery. In this photo is the forestay attachment and towing ring. Instead of the forestay, the luff wire in the jib is tensioned to support the jib luff.
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Pacer Fitout These photos show examples of how to fit out and rig a Pacer. There are more photos in this series in the Gallery. In this photo is the gooseneck, attachment to mainsail tack, fixed pulley on mast for mainsail downhaul purchase and downhaul cleat.
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Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
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Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
Read the Full Story
Pacer Pursuit The Pacer Pursuit is a high performance version of the traditional Pacer developed by long time Pacer Builder Jim French in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with 400mm extra on the mast, new larger fully battened mainsail, new larger jib, new larger asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze using the same Pacer hull. We asked Jim French to tell us about how he developed the Pacer Pursuit.
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Accomadation - McCrae Nationals 2012/13

Accomadation is always at a premium during the Christmas holidays at McCrae due to the perfect family beach holiday location. We suggest you book your preferred accomadation as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Some options are listed below:

"Bella Vista Caravan Park, 15 Truemans Rd, Rosebud West.  (03) 5986 1344" 

Prices will be set after 30th June when new management take over.

CABINSBasic:  X 3                             No toilet or shower.  Park facilities only.

Double bed/electric blanket, triple bunk, double vinyl sofa bed, table chairs, microwave, TV, small fridge, bench top oven and small equipped kitchen. Strip heater.

 Intermediate:  X  2          With shower & toilet.

Separate bedroom with double bed/electric blanket.  Single bunk, double vinyl sofa bed , TV/video, fridge, table & chairs, bench top oven and small equipped kitchen. Strip Heater.                                                                OrSeparate bedroom with double bed/electric blanket.  Triple bunks, couch, TV/video, fridge, table & chairs, bench top oven and small  equipped kitchen. Strip heater.

Deluxe:                  X 4   with shower, toilet and Air Conditioning.

Separate bedroom with double bed/electric blanket.  Double sofa bed plus 2 seater couch, TV/video, fridge, full stove, equipped kitchen.                                                                Or Separate bedroom with double bed.  1 x double sofa bed plus a couch, TV/video, fridge, full stove, equipped kitchen. Full bath.                                                                 Or2 bedrooms, 1  with  double bed/electric blanket and  1 with king single and a bunk overhead.  Double  sofa bed, TV/video, fridge, bench top oven and small equipped kitchen. EXTRA PERSONS, OVER THE AGE OF 4 YEARS, ARE $15.00/NIGHT EACH.EACH CABIN HAS 1 DOUBLE BED MADE UP. TOWELS & EXTRA BEDDING TO BE SUPPLIED BY GUESTS.Checkout is 10.00am.

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Ace Hi Ranch, Boneo.  Go to http://www.ace-hi.com.au 

There are photos on the website.  They are a 10 minute drive from McCrae, but its a very easy drive (Only two roads & one turn - Pt Nepean Rd & Boneo Rd. They also provide other activities for members of the family who aren't sailing including horse riding (as long as they book in advance) and there are coin operated BBQ's on site.

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Free camping:

On a vacant block in McCrae close to the Yacht Club with shower and toilet access at neighboring house. Owner will be sailing in the 49er at McCrae at the same time as our Nationals. Contact is Phil Chadwick 0409 399361

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'The Avenue' McCrae

For those with a bigger budget & desire to have luxury whilst holidaying on the Peninsula.  'The Avenue' in McCrae is a townhouse located 100m from the foreshore in the heart of McCrae. It consists of two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps four people. 

Here is the web link for the property - www.stayatmccrae.com

 

2012 Victorian State Chamionships - Black Rock Yacht Club

The 2012 Victorian State Titles were held on the Labour Day Long weekend 10-12 March at Black Rock Yacht Club in Half Moon Bay, Melbourne. The racing was in the capable hands of Ross Wilson (PRO last 2 Olympics and the upcoming Weymouth Olympics), Bill Bell (IYRU Judge) and Mark Taylor (Long term Committee / Treasurer). All are regarded as Black Rock Royalty and should be congratulated for running a faultless regatta with some challenges given they were running the OK Dinghy and Musto Skiff Victorian Titles in conjunction with the Pacers / Pacer Pursuit’s.

28 Pacers and 3 Pacer Pursuits enjoyed 15-20 kt Southerly and surfing conditions on Saturday, light sea breezes on Sunday up to 10 kts and a perfect 10-15 kt South Easterly on Monday. A mix of old friends and new members converged on Black Rock.

Results and photographs are available at http://www.bryc.yachting.org.au/?Page=58909

Read more: 2012 Victorian State Chamionships - Black Rock Yacht Club

 

2012 Victorian State Chamionships - Pursuing the States

Pursuing the States
After getting only a taste of the State Championships 2011 at Williamstown, this year I really wanted to compete for the entire event. So when I was offered a spot on a Pacer Pursuit with the worlds most patient skipper, I was quick to say yes. And when someone mentioned that it would require me to use the trapeze, I was not very concerned - after all, how hard could it be?
On the start day of the races though my excitement is mixed with a good portion of nervousness. After all, our test sail the weekend before was spent mostly in the water, less in the boat. I have heard enough jokes about swimming lessons and would much prefer to spend the day keeping dry.
But then I probably should have stayed on land...
Thankfully, the weather is a bit calmer than on the ill-fated day of our first test run. It also seems like we used up all our blunders and manage to stay upright through both races.
Although I knew that a Pursuit is meant to go faster than a Pacer, I didn't realise how much faster it would feel to me, balancing on the side of the boat and held only by a thin piece of black rope. But caution gives way to enthusiasm and soon Jonathan has to stop me from throwing myself out of the boat as soon as we go into a beat, I am quickly turning into a trapeze junky! Only while handling the spinnaker I still don't trust myself completely outside of the boat and so I make do with leaning out as far over the gunwale as I can. This turns me into a convenient wave breaker for Jonathan behind me and me soaking wet - again.
But oh, how she flies!
Unfortunately the next day dawns a lot calmer. So calm in fact that the race is postponed for what seems an indefinite time. Finally even the worlds most patient skipper won't wait any longer and we set out for a late morning sail. Which is where we still are when the committee boat sets out and the races start.
Although I am itching for more wind, Jonathan seems to prefer the light breeze. And he seems to have some sort of 6th sense on where to tack to catch just a little bit more wind than the other competing Pursuits. Picking our course well, he leads us towards the finish line and secures us the race. Unfortunately it will be our only win. After what shall from here on only be referred to as "the spinnaker incident", we lose our lead in the second race and although highly motivated by our earlier success the day before cannot repeat it on the following day.
None of which dampens my enjoyment of those races at all. After all, how could a sunny day be better spent than in a fast boat with almost perfect wind, a good skipper and in the company of a large group of fellow sailing enthusiasts?
Exactly.
Silke Weber writes about her experience crewing on a Pacer Pursuit in the recent Black Rock States:
After getting only a taste of the State Championships 2011 at Williamstown, this year I really wanted to compete for the entire event. So when I was offered a spot on a Pacer Pursuit with the worlds most patient skipper, I was quick to say yes. And when someone mentioned that it would require me to use the trapeze, I was not very concerned - after all, how hard could it be?

Read more: 2012 Victorian State Chamionships - Pursuing the States

 

Mast Chocks

If you are new to Pacers and/or come from a class that does not use mast chocks you may find them somewhat of a mystery.  You may have even asked yourself “What on earth am I supposed to do with these?”  Stand by for a crash course in the use of mast chocks!

Read more: Mast Chocks

 

Canberra Nationals 2011-12 Report

This year’s Nationals were held at the YMCA Sailing Club of Canberra on the grassy shores of Lake Burley Griffin at the foot of Parliament House in Yarralumla.  New President Pete Strong and his able committee embarked on an impressive marketing campaign with a glossy promotional poster sent to all clubs in Australia with Pacers and 3 half page advertisements in Australian Sailing. The result was a lift in numbers to 20 Pacers (5 Non Spinnaker) and 3 Pacer Pursuits who were attending for the first time. The class thrives on its strength as the perfect trainer class for Parent and child or 2 smallish adults. This year we had boats from Victoria, ACT, South Australia & NSW. The Nationals in 2012/13 are most likely to be sailed at McCrae Yacht Club on the Mornington Peninsula and we expect number to swell to 30 + boats given the interest from the Canberra and Adelaide fleets.

Photos from this event are in the Gallery.

The following report is extracted from Phil Chadwick's daily log (text messages to family and friends) showing the up’s and downs of a difficult regatta and the emotional roller coaster it was.

Read more: Canberra Nationals 2011-12 Report

 
 

Making Spinnaker Work Child's Play

It’s early in my first season in a Pacer.   We’ve rounded the first windward mark up with the leaders, it’s a sparkling sunny day with a nice breeze and the prospect of skimming down the reach under spinnaker beckons.  Sure, my kids haven’t had much experience with the spinnaker, but how hard can it be?  After having the spinnaker flog the entire reach while waiting for my struggling 10 year old crew to get the spinnaker pole onto the mast, both our faces red with frustration and the rest of the fleet long gone, I realised it was much harder than it looked!  The problem was that neither my son or my (bigger and older) daughter had the strength to push the spinnaker pole out.  It took the rest of the season to work out how to make it possible.  We’re now doing much better, so for others experiencing the same frustration; let me share what I have learned.

Read more: Making Spinnaker Work Child's Play

 

PLYWOOD PACER PLANS & INSTRUCTIONS

Home Builders Pacer Plans & Instructions

Detailed building plans and instructions for ply wood Pacers are being produced now by Pacer Australia Inc in conjunction with a professional boat builder and are now for sale for the bargain price of $220. Delivery is expected from April 2011. All enquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Events Calendar

The following events are supported by the Pacer Australia committee and we invite all Pacer sailors to join in the fun:

September 2012

Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd - Bedigo Yacht Club - Icicle Regatta

November 2012

Date TBC - Cairn Curran Yacht Club - Cairn Curran Classic Regatta

December 2012 / January 2013

Fri 28th Dec - Thur 3rd Jan - McCrae Yacht Club - 2012/13 Australian Championship

March 2013

Sat 9th - Mon 11th - Parkdale Yacht Club - 2013 Victorian Championship

Fri 29th - Mon 1st April - Lake Boga Yacht Club - Easter Regatta

 

Past Events

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34 Pacers and 2 Pacer Pursuits lined up for the 2011 Victorian Championships at Williamstown Sailing Club (WSC) on the Labour Day long weekend March 12-14. Thanks to the many volunteers from WSC who ran a fantastic series and catered to our every need. The weather was near perfect and the sailing fair although difficult in shifty breezes. The laughter from the kids on the water and around the club was a fair indicator that everybody had a fantastic regatta making new friends and catching up with old ones. Congratulations go to Simon Merritt and Jessica Vincent for an outstanding performance pushed all the way to the last race by the O'Brien family of Allan and Amy AKA 'under the radar' O'Brien's. 1st in B division was Stephen White & J White in Pace Maker. 1st Junior Skipper / Junior Crew was Mitchell Bird and Mackenzie Bird in Seize the day. 1st Junior Skipper / Senior Crew was Tom & Gary Davison in Manta. 1st Master Skipper was Allan 'under the radar' O'Brien in JAAS. 1st Non spinaker...

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Final results and a race-by-race report by Phil Chadwick. Photographs from the 2010-2011 Pacer Nationals at Robe are now available. Videos from WIN TV Sport from the 2010-2011 Pacer Nationals at Robe are now available.

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The Victorian State Championship for 2011 will be held at Williamstown SC over the March long weekend (12 to 14 March). The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and  Entry Form for this event are now available.

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The Victorian State Championship for 2010 was held at Beaumaris YC over the March long weekend (6 to 8 March). Final results from this event are now available.

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The Pacer Australia National Championships were being held at McCrae Yacht Club from 27 December 2009 to 2 January 2010. Final results and photos from this event are now available.

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