rsays squadron quarterly summer 2013

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Quarterly

seamanship and fellow

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IN THIS ISSUEHaystack Island Race 2013All Aboard For Opening DayThe Solace StoryRe-Naming Your Boat

Vol 27Issue 4

December 2013

Season's

Greetings

ROYAL SOUTH AUSTRALIANYACHT SQUADRONPatron His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AO, CSC, RANRCommodore Peter Cooling Seven EightyVice Commodore Rae Hunt MahaloRear Commodore Bruce Roach AntaresTreasurer Ian McDonald RachelCommittee Members Geoff Wallbridge Solace Helen Moody Magic Beach Colin Doudy CirceGeneral Manager Andrew McDowell

SERVICE DIRECTORY161 Oliver Rogers Road, Outer Harbor, SA 5018PO Box 1066, North Haven, SA 5018Ph (08) 8341 8600 Fax (08) 8248 4933Email: [email protected] Web: www.rsays.com.auOffice hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm Wednesday during Twilight Race Season 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed Public Holidays and Easter Weekend

Dining Room & Bar Hours - Subject to PatronageFood and Beverage Manager Marc Goepfert 0433 554 274

Friday Club Nights, 5.00pm to 10.00pm - Subject to PatronageMeal orders from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Saturday:Lunch orders taken from 12 noon to 2.00pmDinner orders taken from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Sunday:Lunch orders taken from 12 noon to 2.00pmDining room is open subject to patronage until 6:00pm

Jimmy’s Bar HoursJimmy’s Bar is open during daylight saving season for Twilight Racing on Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm

Weekend race days from 10:30am to 12:30pm

At other times as booked or pre-arranged with the Food & Beverage Manager, Marc Goepfort.

Squadron Quarterly Deadline for March 2014 issue is 1st February 2014Advertisements, editorial and photographs can be sent to The Issue Coordinator Sally Metzer ([email protected]) or [email protected] or left at the Squadron Office. Material for an e-Bulletin may be forwarded to the Office at any time.

Squadron Quarterly AdvertisingPlease contact Kathy Bernhardt - phone 8341 8600 or [email protected]

Squadron Quarterly EditorialMarch 2014: Sally Metzer

Notes for ContributorsArticles submitted should be typed as a Word document in font Arial 10 point, 1500 words max. 1500 words plus 2 photos will cover two pages. Photos should be 1) in focus, 2) JPEG format at a high resolution (300dpi) and 3) sent separately and not embedded in a Word document. Articles can be submitted to the office for distribution to the Committee.

DisclaimerWith exception of statements made by duly authorised officers, all other statements and opinions in this publication are those of contributors and advertisers.The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron, its Management and Members accept no responsibility for statements by non-authorised personnel.

Front Cover: The resplendent 2013 RSAYS Opening Day flagship, the One and All, taking the salute from Taniwha's respectful skipper and crew. (Langdon Hamlyn)

RSAYS Foundation Garry Read 0417 878 682Racing Committee Iain MacDougall 0401 710 091Cruising Committee Kingsley Haskett 0419 844 772House and Social Committee Sue Buckley 0417 081 327Juniors Committee Debbie Frisby 0408 851 536Sail Training & Race Support Heidi Pfeiffer 8341 8600Etchells Fleet Captain Wayne Knill 8240 4615Trailer Sailers Trevor Hamlyn 0418 318 644

Seaweed Gardening Group Robert Henshall 8332 0889Slipmaster Julian Murray 0414 365 294Finance Manager Joann GaliosFood & Beverage Manager Marc GoepfortChef Greg VeliosMember Services Annette HersbachAccounts Administrator Kathy Bernhardt

Correction:Our apologies to Vice Commodore, Rae Hunt, for inadvertently having misreported her current work situation and employment history in our last edition (*See September 2013, pg4).Rae says she has changed direction, and is now working for a 'Not for Profit' organisation as the Office Manager responsible for all aspects of the facility.She has previously worked for over 20 years in the financial field as a Finance Officer and Accounting Manager in various Government Departments and organisations, including having the responsibility for the day-to-day management of staff within those departments.

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CONTENTSSummer Wining 'n' Dining ..........................................6Haystack Island Race 2013 .......................................8Women on the Water .................................................9Cruising Camaraderie ..............................................11Around The Cans .....................................................12Staff Profile - Andrew McDowell ..............................12All Aboard For Opening Day! ..................................14New Members ..........................................................16Roger Keeps Us In The Know! ................................16Watch For These Cruise Ships ................................16Julie's Garden ..........................................................16Youth Trophy Winner ................................................18Member Profile – Steve & Kirsty Dunn ....................20RSAYS Foundation - Helping To Fund Our Future .22Book Review ............................................................23City of Adelaide ........................................................24In Tranquil Waters ....................................................26Tall Ships ..................................................................28Puzzles & Quiz .........................................................29The Solace Story Continues ....................................30Senior Member - John Moffatt ................................32Nature: Alien Avian Creatures ..................................34Psychology at Sea ...................................................35Re-Naming Your Boat ..............................................36Lessons To Be Learned ...........................................38My Boat - Black Butterfly ..........................................40Mechanical Tips .......................................................42Marina Berths For Rent ............................................44Marina Berths For Sale ............................................45

REPORTSFrom the Commodore ...............................................4From the Manager’s Desk .........................................5Racing News ..............................................................7Club Cruising ...........................................................10House & Social ........................................................13Juniors ......................................................................17

December 2013Vol 27 Issue 4Published Quarterly ISSN 1037-1133Print Post Publication No. PP532154/00016

EDITORIALThe summer sailing season of 2013-13 is here! Our spectacular Opening Day started it off in style, and now racers are racing, cruisers are planning their post-Christmas cruising destinations, sails are filling, flags are fluttering, and the Squadron is alive with colour, life and nautical activity!

Even the good ship Emma is getting with the mood. Like dozens of others, we’re planning on head to ‘The Island’ for our traditional New Year’s Eve. We can’t wait… packing the Christmas leftovers and heading down the coast; dinghying to the shore and wondering where the waterline will come to and if the anchor will hold; running our toes thru’ the sand to the lap of welcoming waves on the KI foreshore - celebrating on Brown’s Beach is surely the best way to welcome in the New Year!

What fun is to be had … getting out the slightly soaked gourmet treats, popping the first bottle of bubbly, gathering up firewood (when fire bans allow), snuggling up in jumpers with soggy wet jeans, (while those back in Adelaide melt in the heat!), Sneaking into the sand hills for a subtle moonlight ‘pee’ (hoping those black tiger snakes aren’t around), dancing with sea-weed on your heads, doing the limbo with Dave (‘how low can you

go’!), and sharing the night with your Squadron cruising mates. Friendships are forged, resolutions made, enemies forgiven. One year we found ourselves conniving with some pleading German backpacker crewmembers to help them ‘jump ship’ and get a free ride back to the mainland, all out of the ear-range of their tyrannical skipper. Ah, the midnight hour memories!

When not actually sailing, you may find some time to devour the great stories we’ve put together for you in this bumper summer issue! Read all about the Tall Ships visit, Opening Day success, the City of Adelaide’s soon-expected arrival, the issues involved in re-naming your boat, how timing is crucial when jumping from your boat onto a jetty, and loads of stories and photos from other members that will make you glad you belong to ‘The Squadron’.

And do enter our ‘Yachty Hot Shots’ photo Competition - send in the best photos you take this summer, and you could win a prize! *See ad above!

‘Merry Christmas’ to all our ‘SQ’ readers… and ‘Happy Sailing’ in the New Year!

Sally Metzer – Emma‘SQ’ Issue Coordinator

4 Squadron Quarterly

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People always ask me why I did it. Why did I decide to take on the huge commitment that is being commodore of the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron? At times I’ve even asked myself the same thing. It’s a huge job, however after five months at the helm I am happy to report that there are some very strong positives that come along with it that far outweigh any negatives. Communication and socialising with the membership is both enriching and rewarding. The support and encouragement I’ve received from you has been greatly appreciated and makes me remember why it is that I love this club. The opportunity for myself, flag officers and management members to represent our club at various local yacht clubs (and some as far as Goolwa and Port Lincoln) at all of the different opening days recently has been a great experience and a lot of fun. It’s always great to meet and integrate with club representatives and discuss how best to forward our beloved sport. I would encourage any member who has the time and is passionate about the Squadron and its activities to seek out and join the appropriate committee or member group.

It has been a privilege to be involved in two boat naming ceremonies. Firstly Mal Denton’s sparkly North Shore 38 ‘Blue Diamond’ followed by drinks, nibbles and a fabulous lunch in the dining room. More recently it was Graham Teusner’s impressive brand new Bavaria 40 ‘Flagstaff II’, followed by champagne and platters then on to a previous commitment

at the CYC opening day. It’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to partake in these celebrations and to have my share in their excitement.

Recently whilst holidaying in Europe Noels and I were introduced by Helen Moody to French yachty, Vincent Dubes. Vincent had arranged for us a day sail in La Rochelle on his Dufour 32 ‘Indigo’. Driving two and a half hours each way from our house in the French countryside was a serious effort for my sister Julie and husband Ollie, also Australian, in their rental car. After many wrong turns, road works and plenty of roundabouts we finally arrived. After introducing ourselves to Vincent we enjoyed lunch on the coast and a delightful sail out to the island Île de Ré. Vincent had organised the traditional exchange of club burgees at the ‘Yacht Club Classique’, we were greeted at the club house by their delightful Bernard Ballanger and a very enthusiastic group of members. The champagne flowed with nibbles and chats with the French yachties and we finally exchanged club burgees. We were made to feel extremely welcome in a truly exquisite club making this a very special occasion for me. It was great to be able to meet a group with a completely different culture from ours from the opposite side of the world and be able to share our common yachting passion with them. A copy of their annual club publication ‘Yacht Club Classique’ will be available in the library and is well worth a look.

The 144th Opening Day celebrations are now behind us and will be reported on later in this issue. I would like to take the opportunity to again thank the members, friends, visitors, sponsors and staff that made the occasion so successful. Perfect weather, a beautiful sail past, well attended cocktails on the quarter deck and some really great entertainment and dancing with ‘Lucky Seven’ in the dining room all helped to make a very memorable day. It was a pleasure to have Sir James and Lady Joan Hardy attend and to have the season officially opened by Royal Australian Navy Commander Alan Williams.

Our first annual opening day award went to Taniwha, Ron Parker for the best handled yacht.

The next went to Itheca, or was it Cabaret? Dr Alan Cotton had his crew impeccably lined along the deck of Itheca wearing their Cabaret tops to be awarded best handled power boat. Bob and Gill Hogarth’s Ellos was awarded best themed vessel. A very close second was Michael Linscott’s Sundance with a crew member playing Waltzing Matilda on the piano accordion!

Many of you would have now met our new General Manager Andrew McDowell. Andrew has a strong belief in being pro-active and has developed his career as a problem solver and a relationship builder. Andrew is now settling in to his new fold and I am sure he will make a very positive contribution to our club.

As the Squadron’s position is uniquely surrounded by an active shipping port and summer is now upon us, it is very important to remind skippers of their responsibilities on the water. Especially important is their avoidance of shipping in the Port River and the channel out to sea. We are very fortunate to share the river with Flinders Ports and their shipping movements. It is one of the clubs strengths to be able to cruise and race in the river in all weather conditions. Skippers must remember that no race is more important than incurring a penalty themselves from interfering with shipping and risking the Squadron’s use of the river.

Our 60m right of way has now been signed off which guarantees our continued access to the Port River. This has been a long and arduous process and I would like to thank previous Commodores Peter Kelly, Paul Bogner and their management committees for their efforts to secure our future in the basin.

Whether it is competing in the Sydney to Hobart or one of the many yachting championships and regattas, cruising our local waters or just enjoying the facilities of our great club Noels and I would like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable break over the Christmas and New Year period.

In seamanship and fellowshipPete CoolingCOMMODORE

FROM THE COMMODORE

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Vive la France! Exchanging colourful burgees Piping in the new season

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It has certainly been a busy first month since my appointment. It has been great to see the club come alive with the start of both the twilight social races and the competitive weekend series in October. This has been a great opportunity for me to meet some of the ‘serious yachties’ and passionate volunteers that ensure many of the core activities of the club are professionally run, are fun and well attended. I am buoyed by the enthusiasm that I have seen, and intend to tap into that seemingly boundless resource to support many new strategies for greater member involvement and increased membership numbers.

This year’s Squadron Opening Day has proven to be a fantastic success and, by all accounts, has heralded an overwhelming sense of approval from

the members for the new energy and enthusiasm influencing the direction of the club. I must commend the team of dedicated staff that I have the pleasure of directing, and for the organization and commitment that was put into ensuring the biggest day of the season was a fantastic celebration of the club’s traditions and hospitality. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedicated efforts of the team of volunteers, committees, sponsors and the members, all of whom were so eloquently acknowledged in the inspiring speech from our Commodore on the day. A ‘thank you’ must go to the exceptional effort of the 68 skippers & crew who participated in the sail past and entertained the VIP guests on the One & All with their sailing skills and colorful outfits.

The National Discover Sailing Day was a further example of the club’s ability to pull together and achieve a great result. We opened the club up to the public to experience sailing in a short, accessible and supportive environment as part of Yachting Australia’s national drive for public awareness of the sport. The efforts of the Juniors’ Committee and volunteers in making those who attended feel welcome resulted in four new junior memberships and two new crew memberships being signed up. This once again proved that a welcoming attitude and inviting

environment will result in greater membership and involvement. Well done to all who made this happen and we will be looking to grow on these events and what was learned.

I was pleased to meet many members at the quarterly meeting in October, and was assured of their awareness of the challenging times the Squadron has been experiencing. Many difficult decisions have been made to stem financial losses but it was pleasing to hear the positive attitude to change and willingness to entertain new ideas. We are working hard to ensure that the office responds to member’s requests and matters affecting the Squadron as a whole, efficiently and professionally with the club and its members’ best interests at the fore.

We are now in an enviable position to capitalize on untapped potential as we embark on the process of broadening our markets, branding our offer and providing more tangible benefits to membership and more reason for involvement from both current and potential members. Stay tuned, as the future is bright.

I look forward to reporting further progress as these exciting developments evolve and, as always, I welcome comments that are constructive, without partiality and in the spirit of ‘seamanship & fellowship.’

FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK

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SUMMER WINING 'N' DINING AT RSAYS!The summer sailing season is here, and RSAYS Food and Beverage Manager Marc Goepfert invites you to rediscover the wonderful facilities, staff, fun, food and wine that our club has to offer!

Our clubhouse facilities. We are so lucky with our setting at the Squadron. Our main dining room upstairs has a magnificent view overlooking the marina. On a beautiful day you may wish to sit outside with your friends on the balcony and enjoy a meal or a drink (or both!) and take in the ambiance atmosphere of your club. You can order from our A La Carte menu, our Weekly Specials Board, or ‘go casual’ and order from our Bar Menu. For those seafarers who are unable to venture away, we are offering you an exciting new experience - ‘A Taste From Around the World’, comprising tasty tit-bit morsels from several different countries. Delicious and different! *See new menu on RSAYS e-bulletin Dec. 1, 2013.

The dining room can host functions such as weddings or corporate events, and member functions such as the Commodore’s Ball. If you haven’t been to one, you’ve been missing out on a fantastic fun night! We can host functions of up to 150 people with a dance floor, and more than 200 without.

Downstairs we have three areas of entertainment. There is the recently enhanced Jimmy’s Bar, the Quarterdeck which can comfortably sit well over 150 and the rustic appeal of the Dinghy Shed. Wednesday Twilight after race buffet is always a buzz of activity and you don’t have to be in the race to participate in this great club environment. It is also a chance to meet or reconnect with fellow members and at only $18 for mains and a dessert, these nights are very popular so please book in earlier on the day.

Our food and beverage staff. I am proud of our small but tight knit group that continues to show me how well they work together. Most have been at the Squadron for some years now and there is a great sense of familiarity between staff and members - not just with face recognition but greeting by name and understanding individual member’s habits and requirements.

Our Chef Greg Velios has been at the club for about six years and was made Head Chef about four years ago. Greg has shown his versatility many times over the years, be it his weekly specials, making sure those with special dietary requirements are attended to, catering for functions in the Dinghy Shed and even external functions, like delivering barbecue luncheons to the Torrens Island Quarantine Station event. Greg is a bit of a fitness ‘nut’ at the moment with going to the gym, playing squash and basket-ball and playing not-so-active poker.

Scott has been with the club since 2006 and has shown his reliability over and over. You will usually find him behind the bar eager to serve. He’s an avid gamer who keeps slim by dragon boating and walking everywhere.

Ebony was featured in detail in the last Squadron Quarterly magazine. She is charming and always goes out of her way to please our customers.

Sally has been at the club for about 4 years. Sally works in the bar and on the floor waitressing, is always friendly and will always try to fulfil your requests. Sally is an adventurous mother of four who gets her thrills from jumping out of a plane!

Chloe is the ‘newbie’ of the team having been with us since June this year. Chloe is Greg’s apprentice and she is in good hands under his wing. Like most modern teens, Chloe would be lost without her mobile and Facebook!

As for me, I have now enjoyed three and a half years at the Squadron as your Food and Beverage Manager. During this time I have striven to provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that members can feel welcome in. With the help of the House and Social Committee, the Cruising Committee and the Racing Committee I believe we have been able to provide our members with some incredible evenings. I am looking forward to progressing into the future with more of this positive influence. On a personal level, I enjoy riding my motorbike and playing golf and squash.

So come and rediscover the Squadron facilities this Summer and introduce yourself if not a regular –everyone is welcome!

COMMENT FROM A MEMBER:“We had an excellent meal in a very quiet Squadron dining room one recent Friday evening . Apart from a special event, this was the first time we’ve had a meal there for many years, and certainly since the dining room has had its facelift. The food was great, but we felt quite lonely! More members should come and join us! “

'Santa' Ted Sanderson getting the treatment he deserves from the Christmas-spirited RSAYS Food & Beverage Staff! (Phil Stump)

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Racing is up and running for the Summer Series. This summer we are running Pointscore races, an Offshore series, Club series coaster races, a Short Offshore Series, Wednesday Twilight races, Etchells, Multihulls, IRC events, Sunday Women’s Series, special Trophy Races and Friday afternoon Stern Chasers. There is surely something in the program for everyone! If you’re not in a series, why don’t you think about taking up a casual race entry? It’s a good way to balance lifestyle with some fantastic sailing, even if it’s just fast cruising. Any day on a boat is better than a day not on a boat!

This season we welcome back some great sponsors in Musto, Whitworths, Bethany Wines, Johnston Wines, North Haven Marine and Michael McMichael Motors. Squadron members are encouraged to support our sponsors who support the Squadron. The official start boat for the season is Miss Robyn, thanks to Mario Minuzzo, and the buoy laying boat is Wilbur, thanks to Brian Sutherland.

Boats that are off to a flying start in their respective series include Lucette, Blue Diamond, Aikin, Superheat, Medium Rare, Spellbound and Tearaway. Anyway, if you’re not in this list, just remember that a season is a ‘marathon’ – just ask America’s Cup Team New Zealand!

Outrageous performed well and won the Bundey Cup. The first offshore race of the season the Orontes Cup had a good turnout with the combined offshore and short offshore series with Lucette winning.

A challenge for the racing committee is the replacement of the past contribution of John and Helen Ellison and Langdon Hamlyn. We are putting together a roster of race officers, boat drivers and volunteers to help run our racing program.

We are still looking for more volunteers. If you think you can help on a casual basis, particularly on Wednesday nights, please contact Heidi in the sailing office. Thank you to all who have assisted so far this season – your help is much appreciated.

Twilight racingThe Twilights are held each Wednesday night, starting at 1800 hours, and are great for cruising, racing boats and multihulls. Apart from the friendly competition, the main drawcard is the great social opportunity following the race, a buffet dinner prepared by Chef Greg and the Food and Beverage team. Presentations are given to the winning boats during the dinner, with wine prizes for the first three boats in each division donated by our sponsor Bethany Wines, and a voucher from North Haven Marine for the overall winner. In case you had an ‘off‘ week, half a case of beer is up for grabs for the boat that finishes in the position of the date of the race. For example if the date is the 13th, the beer is awarded to 13th place getter overall.

The Wednesday Twilights are a great way to get back into sailing if you feel you are a bit rusty on the ropes, and want to get back into Saturday sailing. Markers and

beacons are used and racing takes place in the Port River and extends out of the harbor and beyond the channel. Twilights are divided into two series, those before & after Christmas, and races take approximately 1 ½ hours.

Friday SternchasersOften referred to as the 'Gentleman’s Race', Sternchasers are casual races held throughout the Series with a handicap start. Races are conducted over the radio and upon completion, the finish is given to the sailing office. They are also marker races and entering boats pay only $5 as they are run from the office over the radio.

The Squadron website maintains a list of ‘crew looking for a boat’, and a list of ‘boats looking for crew’. If you’re interested in crewing, even on a casual basis, or need crew, please contact the sailing office.

RACING NEWS

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Lucette broad reaching early in season 2013-14

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HAYSTACK ISLAND RACE 2013Caillin Howard, skipper & joint-owner of winning yacht Aikin, reports on this challenging race conducted on the weekend of 15-17 November.

For me and Aiken joint owner David Oliver (Oli), the Haystack Island race is one of our favourite races of the season. It’s long enough to get your teeth into, and to actually get into the swing of watches and get a taste of what the bigger offshore races are like. It’s the South Australian qualifier for the Sydney to Hobart, and due to the timing, it’s always an interesting race. The past two years have been ‘drifters’, but with a history of more times than not copping a fairly good thumping from Huey, and the tides running through Investigator Straight, it’s a race that always delivers something interesting.

Unfortunately, we’re becoming a smaller fleet. But this year at the start line we were met as always by Jimmy Howell in Vulcan, Trevor McHugh in Vicky J, Chris Pratt in Lucette and fleet of fellow masochists from the CYCSA. It’s worth noting that this was the first year that the race didn’t count towards the State IRC championships, and I believe we should review that for next year to incentivise a greater turnout and hold on to SA’s offshore racing heritage including four Hobart winners.

It was a cold Friday for the start of this year’s race, the 200nm annual trip to Haystack Island and then home via Seal Rock and Beatrice Islet in the bay off Kingscote. Being a Friday night 1900 start, there’s always the need to have the boat well sorted before Friday and we always under -estimate the condition of the team following a full working week.

This year’s preparation for us included the full provisioning from our master chef and provider, Oli with toasties a’plenty, snacks, coffee, boxes of ‘Chicken in a Biscuit’ (not ‘BBQ Shapes’ - a second article would be required to capture the hours of rail discussion over the pros and cons for these two!), heaps of water, a few softies, chocolate to provide a boast early in the morning, plus some ‘backup’ pasta in case we were still out there for dinner Saturday night.

Navigating and strategy had been dealt with during the week with Steve Kemp (rock star and navigator to the stars from the ‘centre of the universe’, Port Lincoln) working with Roger Badham (meteorologist) on weather and myself on strategy. All in all, not a lot to play with as all indications pointed to a reaching race ahead of us, meaning lots of ‘follow the leader’, and little opportunity for passing lanes (tactical opportunity). The keys would be sail selection, driving the boat hard

and small gains / losses on the side you set yourself up on for the rhumb lines and tidal gates around the course. The team that played the 1% out the best were going to be victorious.

Our crew, comprising Stephen Kemp, Stephen Dunn, James Patterson, Ian Leason, Ben Edwards, Carl Ravel, and Steve Harris were the usual players - a great mix of guys with all-round skills supplemented this year by Andrew Puglisi, who came over with Kempy from Lincoln to add some grunt to the driving and trimming teams.

The race itself played out as expected with a tight reach to Marion Reef (60TWA), and then easing up along the foot (80TWA) through to Haystack all with 18-22TWSpeed. Cutting the corner at Marion was important, and sail changes along the foot with fluctuating breeze strength and oscillations of 25 degrees were also crucial. From Haystack we had a long starboard beat to Marsden and then beat our way up to Beatrice Islet and then time for serious FUN! Up with the kite, move everyone to the back of the boat and let’s get the girl flying!

That was seriously good fun, getting around the mark at midday knowing we’d be home early to celebrate Mal Meads 50th back at the club was great incentive. We drove the boat to the East of the rhumb line, expecting more pressure and more left breeze as we got off of the mainland, and it paid off. We started in 17-18 knots and were happy sailing at between 10-14knots, but the last couple of hours we had a hoot. With 20-25 knots of true wind speed and a tighter angle, the boys pumped every wave, drove the boat hard and trimmed the kite exceptionally to fly along at base speed of 14-15 knots and plenty 17/18 numbers jumping from wave to wave. We took 40 minutes out of Shining Sea on that leg, and disappeared from the boats following us and all, though exhausted, had grins from ear to ear on finishing!

In the end the results to us were cruel but fair. Lucette had managed to hold close enough to us and with the extra time in the big breeze coming home, managed to beat us by 17 seconds on corrected time after 24 hours at sea with Jimmy and Vulcan not far behind us. On PHS (Performance Handicap System) Trevor and the flying red pencil (Vicky J) took the race out.

Editor’s Note: Since the Caillin’s submission of this article, due to an incorrect data entry to the starting time of the event, the results were adjusted to show that Aikin won by a little over ten minutes on the IRC to Lucette, followed by Vulcan. PHS results remain the same with Vicky J first and Aikin second.

Congratulations to all who participated from both clubs. It was a race to remember. We all earned our passage, and had a great ride home.

*On a solemn note Oli didn’t race with us due to the loss of a big sailing identity, Jason Van Der Slot (owner of Calm and Calm 2 – Sandringham) passed away earlier on the Friday. Our thoughts go out to his widow and two children; we wish them well and pass on our deepest sympathies in this very difficult time. For those who knew Slotty, while he wasn’t the most conventional individual, you couldn’t help but get caught up in his passion for both the sport, and for having a good time at any sailing venue after racing. You’ll be missed but your stories and adventures will always be remembered. Rest in peace, big fella.

Aikin preparing for the Haystack Island offshore race. (Langdon Hamlyn)

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Dutch Tall Ship - Oosterschelde (Helen Willmer)

WOMEN ON THE WATERWomen are back on the water with another Women’s Series for 2013/14 and other opportunities for women to get involved in sailing. Helen Kearney reports.

Helen Willmer reports on her tall ship adventures:Dutch Tall Ships – What a great way it was to travel along the West Coast of Australia in Dutch company, and to see and appreciate the circumstances of those early intrepid travelers, who landed on the shores of our country with a ‘thud’ on 4 June 1629 when moonlight on the water, turned out to be a reef! A good arm workout on the wheel of the Oosterschelde – 17 rotations – and not so bad on the 2 am watch when you don’t have to sit on a wet rail! It was also good to see the sendoff from Adelaide for the three Dutch ships – the Port River awash with boats, and a follow up on a tall ship in Sydney for the Fleet Review- the best seat in the house for the fireworks.

The Women’s Series provides a non-threatening and fun environment to get involved and learn about sailing. Races are held every few weeks throughout the summer season on Sundays. The first Women’s Series race of the season was cancelled due to bad weather, but everyone is very keen to get out there to compete. This year, there are again five competitors, Taniwha (Ron and Barbara Parker), Freedom (Deirdre Schahinger) and School’s Out from the CYCSA (Adrian Wotton) all of whom competed last season, with two new entries Balancing Act (Janet Thornley) and Blue Diamond (Mal Denton).

For those boat owners who find it difficult to commit to a whole season of women’s sailing, the Squadron will be running a Women’s Keelboat Invitation Race on Sunday 16 February. We hope that you can participate. See the attached poster for more information.

In between seasons, some of the Squadron’s female sailors just couldn’t stay away from the water.

The RSAYS has the pleasure of inviting female sailors to compete in what we hope will be a well contested event in

Women’s Sailing.

Sunday 16th February 2014 Race Start 1300 hours

Entries open to Keelboats from surrounding Clubs, the only

requirement is a Female Helmsperson.

If there is anything we can do to help you to participate or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Heidi Pfeiffer, RSAYS Sailing Office on 8341 8600 or

email [email protected]

www.rsays.com.au for Notice of race and Nomination Forms.

Hosted by the

Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron

Helen Willmer, veteran sailor on many Squadron boats, travelled to Perth to join the Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde to travel up to the Abrohlus Islands and the wreck of the Batavia. *See below. Helen Kearney, who normally sails on Taniwha, joined the Bark Europa and seven other tall ships to sail from Melbourne to Hobart down the west coast of Tasmania, with the highlight being a trip into Port Davey in south west national park.

Other opportunities for women to get involved include the Ladies Twilight (this year held on 4 December.) Ask your skipper to hand over the wheel, and there is the possibility of Coaching Series being held in the New Year (you will hear more after the December meeting of the Race Committee). For more information, or if you are interested in joining a boat, call Heidi at the Racing Office.

The Squadron website maintains a list of ‘crew looking for a boat’, and a list of ‘boats looking for crew’. If you’re interested in crewing, even on a casual basis, or need crew, please contact the sailing office. Dutch Tall Ship - Europa (Helen Kearney)

Helen Kearney enjoying the thrill of it all!


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Greetings from your Cruising Committee. Summer is once again upon us and the warmer weather is more conducive to boating and yachting, especially with warmer nights and good winds. Now is good cruising time, a good time to use that floating investment with perhaps an overnight trip to Kangaroo Island, an easy sail, and spend New Year’s Eve at Browns Beach - good cruising fun for everyone!

Since our last article we have had the Cruising talk by Phil and Marlene Tassicker on their event filled trip around Tassie. This talk was very well attended with much interested expressed in their journey.

Once again we were lucky with the weather (even though it threatened not to be good) for the Open Boat Inspection Day with good attendances – about 85 people at the BBQ lunch and eight boats open for viewing around the marina. Due to the weather forecast, this year the day was focussed on the Quarterdeck and Jimmy’s bar which worked well and provided more revenue for the Club.

After this was a fun weekend at Port Arthur at the head of the Gulf St. Vincent. While this unusual destination was not especially well attended, the six boats and crew enjoyed the very different

cruising experience to new grounds. The q.l.d. (quiet little drink) on the cat Nirvana was great fun and we had a quiet sail home on the Sunday. It was good to explore an area little known to most Squadron members.

Next on the Cruising agenda was the long weekend cruise and BBQ at Pat and Jane Hill’s lovely brand new home at Black Point. Fair wind and good weather made for a good attendance, both by land and water. The q.l.d. on Mahalo, Jeff and Rae Hunt’s Catalina 43 fitted some 23 very friendly people into the cockpit. 60 plus attended the BBQ on Sunday and all had a ball, many thanks to Pat and Jane.

Due to a clash of dates with the Port Festival, the Antique Roadshow did not shape up as viable, so the event has been postponed to a future date to be advised.

The 144th Opening Day of the Squadron turned out a superb day, excellent weather and excellent attendance. The ‘Village Green’ worked very well, and the Sunday breakfast put on by the Squadron Juniors was well attended. It was great to see a number of CYCSA members as well as Sir James and Lady Joan Hardy in attendance.

Hopefully the irrepressible Allan Quigley of the yacht Youth fame will be able to make it back to the Squadron before Christmas, to celebrate Youth's 50th year. A presentation of the Youth Trophy to this year’s recipient, Marion Holden of Marionette, and a pre-Christmas ‘bash’ is in the pipeline with Quig’s as guest of honour.

A big welcome to Andrew McDowell as our new General Manager, the Cruising Committee looks forward to a fruitful association in the years to come.

The update of all Squadron moorings is continuing as weather and time permits.

Happy sailing to all! Bones

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CLUB CRUISING

Wondering where to sail to this Summer?

Check out the Cruising Guide SA on the RSAYS Website

The ‘Notes on Anchorages’ is a valuable source of knowledge for any skipper setting sail in our local waters. Divided into ten geographic categories, the guide covers approximately sixty ports from Althorpe Island to Wirinna, and gives information gained from many sources, including guides, charts, books, previous Squadron Quarterlies, notes from skippers, transcripts of presentations plus material downloaded from the internet and personal experiences of other members. Though the information is intended to be used as a guide only, (*see disclaimer), you’ll discover some interesting insights and valuable in tips on where to go and what to find when you get there. A must for all cruisers!

A flock of rubber duckies (Phil Stump)

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CRUISING CAMARADERIEPort Arthur Cruise – September 2013

A magic cruise that was something different! Phil Stump of Erica reports:Our regular cruise participant John Deniet summed up the Port Arthur cruise when he said “This is Magic”! Yes, the Squadron has a very full program of Social, Racing and Cruising events but the Cruising Committee is very keen, and where possible, we try less explored cruising destinations. This year we ventured to the unusual location of Port Arthur at the top of Gulf St Vincent near Port Wakefield.At about 40nm to get there, yes it was a long way for the two days, but those with less work commitments left at least a day earlier – Michael Rossiter on Athena, Rick Cluse on Airwaves and John on More Magic. This

gave them more time to explore the area and discover that yes, there is water, protection and fishing, but a very long dinghy ride to shore! Those who sailed on the Saturday had a truly magic sail with most of the way being

a fast reach in fresh conditions. Cruisers love cracked sheets and champagne sailing but we can’t match the speed of the 31 foot tri Eldo which zoomed past with Dave and Rae Eldridge having heaps of fun.Cruising is about the destination (something different) but it is really about the camaraderie of joining other cruisers to share experience and knowledge in a new and interesting destination. With the beach, mangroves a long way away, first time cruisers Brian and Heather Smith made there lovely catamaran Nirvana available for Sundowner drinks. This gave them the chance to meet the motley bunch of fun loving sailors and hear the experiences we all shareIf you have a week then Port Arthur is a great place to explore and enjoy cruising.

Black Point Cruise – October Long Weekend

Sundowners and sweet endings in the company of good friends! Jacqui Law-Smith reports:If you didn't make the Black point Cruise on the October Long Weekend you missed out! Picture postcard paradise, an excellent turn out on sea and land with around 22 boats anchored off Pat and Jane Hill’s lovely new palatial holiday home and about 50 or so at the BBQ.The sail over was a delight, a couple of early tacks and it was straight down the rhumb line for us girls on Storm Bay. We arrived to find the party already in full swing aboard Mahalo. We had never seen so many smiling happy faces crammed into a cockpit!We clambered aboard and squeezed our way among the 20 strong throng of fellow cruisers. It was shoulder to shoulder, knee to knee, with a flotilla of dinghies swaying at her stern. The

delightful din of animated conversation and laughter could be heard for miles across the water. Lack of elbow room created a ‘corn chip incident’, and there was much hilarity as Jeff Hunt's lap had to be scooped free of the wayward crackers. A party to remember!At 12 noon the next day, a posse of dinghies headed for shore to be greeted by our hosts and a delicious freshly caught feed of blue

swimmer crabs. In glorious sunshine we tore apart the tasty crustaceans - it was messy fingers all round.It's a good thing the new house had a sturdy balcony as it was full to overflowing. After some ‘starters’ it was time to fire up the BBQ. Cooking and chatting we all tucked into a delicious feed. Bones did the honours welcoming everyone especially those new to cruising with the Squadron fellowship. Stumpy- Media Man was on hand to capture all the fun on camera. It was especially great to have new cruisers like Brian and Heather on their luxurious Proust catamaran Nirvana enjoying the camaraderie as well as welcoming back some old salts like Dr Alan Cotton.Most stayed on for further partying aboard Nirvana. The girls and I had a date at the Port Vincent pub, but in hindsight we should have stayed it would have been more fun.A wonderful club Cruising tradition thanks to the hospitality of hosts Pat and Jane Hill.

Tassicker’s 18th Port Vincent Weekend – November 2013

A fabulous weekend of sailing and cruising camaraderie! Phil Stump reports:The highlight of this strange sailing weekend was surely the 18th Tassicker’s dinner on the Saturday night overlooking the picturesque Port Vincent. Our hosts Phil and Marlene did it again hosting a motley bunch of 58 sailors who arrived by sea on 17 boats or by land, and then feasted on food, glorious food.Sailors with a keen eye on the weather, and ability to escape the drudgery of work, left at various times on Friday but the stories abounded of berthing in the marina with 28 knot gusts pelting them. Many calmed their nerves at the Ventnor while Phil and Marlene looked after a few newcomers to the ‘Tassicker Weekend’. Only a few sailed over Saturday including Outrageous and Erica, with Outrageous dodging the shallows at the Club and Port Vincent with its two metre plus

keel while Erica entertained guests on board the Holland America Cruise Liner as they poled out the jib in sloppy seas and little wind.A big thank you to the Ventnor Hotel who provided the pub mini bus to help ferry guests and eskies up the hill to the Tassicker’s home along with help from David (Eldridge) on Eldo and Ken (Case) on Stardust. It was the first Tassicker weekend for both of these, and

judging by the grins on their faces they both had a great time along with all the other sailors who made the trip. Phil fired up the barbie’s, sounding the starter’s gun for a food feast which was intermingled with great cruising stories, making new friends, reacquainting with old friends and all this was complemented by a series of jokes and storytelling in true cruising tradition.Some started the Sunday recovery slowly as they slipped into coffee and cooked breakfast, while Steve and Annie on Odette lead a slow progression out of the marina. Those who held their nerve and downed a second coffee left a little later and were rewarded with a rollicking sail in a freshening sea breeze with champagne sailing.A very big thank you to Phil and Marlene Tassicker for providing a fantastic venue and great reason to enjoy another fabulous weekend in Port Vincent which reminds us all that, “We would rather be Cruising”!

Cruisers relaxing on Nirvana at Port Arthur.(Phil Stump)

Making merry on Mahalo at Black Point.(Phil Stump)

Steve Beaufoy, Marlene Tassicker & Lyn Godfrey(Phil Stump)

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AROUND THE CANSBy Wayne Knill

The Etchells season will be the most intriguing season of racing for many years. Throughout the years, the history of the class in Adelaide has always had a ‘Top Dog’ – one boat that is dominant, constantly up the front and tough to beat. Dave Morphett, Paul Smith, David Royle, Chris Pratt, Shane Deussen & Ian Dixon have all enjoyed the unofficial ‘Top Dog’ collar around their necks, and it will be fascinating to see who’s next in line for the honour.

Early races in the season has failed to see anyone consistently up front, with early results showing that everyone has had their fair share of good races and shockers. What with the recent departure from our ranks of Ian Dixon, and Shane Deussen having gone walkabout again, I can count at least six boats that have a chance of bagging the State Title this season.

Also, if you get a chance after racing on a Saturday arvo, check out Paul Henshall’s latest entry for the World’s Tattiest Cap competition. Paul’s currently wearing an old Etchells cap that’s been in action for at least seven years, and what started out as navy blue with red lettering has now turned into a stringy, greyish

fibrous rag that’s now permanently moulded into head contours by years of sweat and sunscreen. His cap dropped in the water as we were rigging up on day, leaving a bath ring around all the boats in the vicinity and the need to hose down our boats at the end of the day wearing a full decontamination suit!

STAFF PROFILE Andrew McDowell – our new General Manager

Andrew McDowell has recently been appointed as the RSAYS General Manager and we asked him to tell us a little more of ‘what makes him tick’!

Andrew was born in Melbourne, is 43 years of age and lived in each of the three major east coast cities while growing up and travelling with his family which came to settle in South Australia when he was 17 years old.

Andrew completed a Diploma of Business in Hospitality management while working full time as the manager of the Bull & Bear alehouse in the early nineties.

“That was a great proving ground for my training, and I will never forget when all of the staff came down from the State Bank building one evening in early 1991 and announced the collapse of the bank,” he says. “We did a roaring trade that night!”

Andrew’s management career has seen him work in a very diverse range of businesses and achieve national international recognition, particularly for his management of cutting edge hotels, entertainment venues and cocktail bars both here and interstate.

Andrew, and his long term partner Samantha, have one daughter, Eva, and are enjoying the rewards that parenthood is giving them. Andrew loves cooking and has spent seven years as a wine lecturer for TAFESA, Le Cordon Bleu & The Swiss Hotel School ICHM.

He also holds a Cert IV in Training & Assessment is an accredited educator for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust of the UK and is a current board member & advisor to the TAFESA Regency Campus Industry Quality Advisory Board.

Andrew’s sailing experience is limited to a week on a chartered yacht off Croatia in 2008, but is enjoying the challenge of getting a working knowledge of the Marina and broadening his sailing skills.

“I am relishing my new role and look forward to meeting and developing strong relationships with all the members and ensuring the club grows from its challenges to a position of strength and leadership,” he says.

Wayne Knill and his Medium Rare crew on Opening Day.(Langdon Hamlyn)

New General Manager, Andrew McDowell, in relaxed mode!

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HOUSE & SOCIAL

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There is a special thrill Event Manager’s get when an event comes off as smoothly as Opening Day did this year – it’s why I enjoy doing this! This year has to have been one of our best yet and, from my perspective, it was an easy enjoyable day. I trust it was enjoyable for everyone. Certainly the comments I’ve had from members and guests indicate that it was a great day. The weather helped by being perfect (I think the libations we offer to the gods when cruising are working!)

We welcomed our new General Manager, Andrew McDowell with a baptism by fire. Andrew joined us just four weeks out from Opening Day. The House & Social Committee (HSC) and staff had plans well in place, but even so Andrew has had to pick up the current issues and complexities of the club as well as deal with our major premier event for the year. From our perspective, Andrew has handled this with great aplomb, and the staff did a great job before, and on the day. And, as always, the Juniors supplied members with a yummy breakfast on Sunday.

This year we repeated the Village Green concept. Thanks to all the members who

participated and those who moved their boats to other spots for the day. While we would love to accommodate everyone who wishes to be involved, we are constrained by the available space and factors such as size of vessels, who is doing the sail past etc. So, we appreciate members’ patience and understanding if they were not able to be accommodated in the Village Green area.

One of the things I’ve found very encouraging is the number of volunteers who are getting involved in activities at the moment. We had lots of members participate in the Working Bee prior to Opening Day, and also at the Discover Sailing Day where a number of visitors got to try sailing – a few of whom will now become members. Our ‘Welcome to New Members’ was held on December 1 and it was a happy occasion welcoming a number of newcomers into our midst!

Coming up soon of course are some of our old favourites including the Boxing Day lunch to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart. This is always a fun event and a nice way to wind down after the hustle & bustle of Christmas Day. We put on a light lunch so it’s not too much after the excesses of Christmas feasts, and is a nice way to catch up with all your Squadron friends before people head off for summer cruising adventures.

We are also planning the Pacer Cup and Christmas Party in December. This should be a fun filled evening specially watching the challenge between junior and senior crews in the Pacer dinghies racing around the marina. Watch for the Seven Eighty crew - Pete Cooling and Mal Mead – Mal’s height is a challenge in a Pacer but they race hard and it’s always fun to watch. We

are expecting a visit from Santa and hope that we see a few kids around to enjoy his visit. It doesn’t matter if we don’t because the adults love him too!

Jimmy’s Bar will be open on New Year’s Eve, so if you looking for something different get some friends together, bring some food to share and have a few drinks with members and friends on the Quarterdeck.

The Squadron Cookbook is still on the agenda and I would love more members to send me their boat recipes. I’ve got about 25-30 recipes but think we should double it to make it worthwhile publishing a book – otherwise we will look at distributing a PDF version if it remains small.

Work in the library is continuing also. At the moment Deirdre Schahinger is reviewing electronic cataloguing systems and we are almost up to date with the catalogue. We scheduled another hosted library lunch, but I think these will work better during the winter when sailors are more likely indoors due to inclement weather.

We are working closely with Andrew and the F&B staff to refresh our approach to dining, events and F&B activities so, as always keep an eye out for updates in the ebulletins, and on the website or Facebook. I’d urge you to support the club especially over the coming summer months – it is such a great facility and we need to make the most of it particularly as the weather improves

I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event or on the water soon.

Cheers - Sue

Flag Officers of the RSAYS at the Flag-raising ceremony. On-lookers on deck at the dusk Flag-raising ceremony.

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ALL ABOARD FOR OPENING DAY!Our 144th Opening Day on Saturday, 2nd November, was a day to remember! Our Squadron fleet was represented by boats of all shapes and sizes, all looking resplendent as they sailed past the officials on board the One & All in the brilliant sunshine. From power-driven cruisers to wind-dependent sloops, from chugging along river boats to tiny rubber duckies, all were out there on the water, complete with cheering crew and saluting skippers. This small selection of photos (supplied by official Squadron photographer Langdon Hamlyn and other keen photographers), tell the story - see if you can find your special vessel among these colourful shots that capture the mood of this great annual event!

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Why the ‘Village Green’ works so well. Sue Buckley explains

Years ago, before Marina 4 was put in and Marina 3 was moved from the northern bank to the southern bank, a pontoon was in place across the front of the clubhouse. Dr Alan Cotton described this concept in a speech about the marinas as “a village green”. On Opening Day and other significant occasions, yachts would raft up along the pontoon (in some cases many yachts deep), and one had a real feel of community, with everyone gathering in front of the clubhouse. People would walk up and down the pontoon boat hopping and enjoying the party on different boats.Once the new marina was installed, the feel of Opening Days changed as people tended to sit on their own boats away from the clubhouse and that community feel was lost. Last year, in an effort to revive that village green idea again, then Commodore Paul Bogner worked with Bones and others to berth a number of suitably sized yachts in the area on the marinas immediately in front of the clubhouse. We had all the Flag Officers boats plus some trailer sailers, Jimmy Howell in Vulcan and a few others that would fit berth in this area, some ‘stern in’ to the pontoon. This worked wonderfully, with people walking along the pontoons and stopping to socialize with the boats moored there. It's a great concept as it brings more people back to the clubhouse, which really is the feature of Opening Day. As it worked so well last year, we decided to do it again this year. It does involve a fair bit of work as boats need to be moved from their berths, and other boats ‘fitted in’ depending on their size and plans. Members can request to be included next year, but it's not simply a case of booking a particular spot. Members do need to be patient and understanding if their requests can't be accommodated.

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NEW MEMBERSA warm welcome to these new RSAYS

members!

KEEP WATCH FOR THESE CRUISE SHIPS AT SEA THIS SUMMER

JULIE’S GROWING ORGANIC VEGGIES FOR OUR TABLES!Julie James says she is ‘no gardener’, yet she is growing delicious vegetables in the garden plot beside the gazebo and supplying our kitchen with a healthy supply!

“Living on a boat for many years and having now lawns to mow or garden to tend got me thinking,” she says. “We‘ve had a great crop of tomatoes, silverbeet, capsicum and beetroot with very little effort.

This Spring she ventured a bit further and planted cherry tomatoes, big tomatoes, zucchini, coloured silverbeet, and celery.

The garden is completely organic using only manure, pea straw and water. “Hopefully we’ll have some lovely fresh veggies to be used in our club’s kitchen this Summer,” Julie says. “I made some relish with the beetroot we grew earlier this year for the restaurant to be served with lamb – so yummy! *Julie’s Relish recipe will appear in the soon-to-be published Squadron Cookbook.

Family Kangaroo Rex Gibbs Julie Gibbs Meaghan GibbsSenior Kangaroo David TyeSenior The Business Chris HansenSenior Leopolis Mark VucicSenior Musto Chad BakerAssociate Brian SmithCrew Edward BrowellCrew Paul WebbCrew Mark HarrisCrew James BowlingCrew Francisco OrozcoCrew Terry CollettCrew Paul KellyCrew Daniel JamesCrew Tibor VorosJunior Zoe Chalmers

Vessel Arrival Departure Port LocationSilver Shadow Thu 16 Jan 13:00 Thu 16 Jan 23:00 PenneshawSilver Shadow Fri 17 Jan 05:30 Fri 17 Jan 19.00 Port AdelaideVoyager of the Seas Sat 8 Feb 06:30 Sat 8 Feb 18:00 Port AdelaideCelebrity Solstice Sun 16 Feb 08:00 Sun 16 Feb 18:00 Port AdelaideSeabourn Sojourn Sun 16 Feb 08:00 Sun 16 Feb 18.00 PenneshawSeabourn Sojourn Mon 17 Feb 06:30 Tue 18 Feb 18:00 Port AdelaideRadiance of the Seas Wed 26 Feb 05:30 Wed 26 Feb 22:00 Port AdelaideDiamond Princess Thu 27 Feb 05:30 Thu 27 Feb 16:00 Port AdelaidePacific Princess Fri 28 Feb 05:30 Fri 28 Feb 16:00 Port AdelaidePacific Princess Sat 01 Mar 07:00 Sat 01 Mar 17:00 PenneshawArcadia Sun 02 Mar 06:30 Sun 02 Mar 17:00 Port AdelaideAmadea Wed 05 Mar 08:00 Wed 05 Mar 18:00 PenneshawEuropa Thu 06 Mar 06:00 Thu 06 Mar 23.59 Port AdelaideAmadea Thu 06 Mar 06:30 Thu 06 Mar 18:00 Port AdelaideEuropa Fri 07 Mar 06:00 Fri 07 Mar 15:30 PenneshawQueen Mary 2 Mon 10 Mar 06:30 Mon 10 Mar 18:00 Port Adelaide

ROGER KEEPS US IN THE KNOW!

When it comes to knowing ‘what’s what’ and 'who’s who’ at the Squadron, we all have Roger Oaten to thank. He’s the one who put together the 2013-2014 Year Book, that 122 page tome of knowledge that was sent out to all members recently. Roger, a former teacher who ended up in IT admits he got a bit of help from his daughter Tam. It took about 100 hours to put the book together, but says it was straightforward once he got into the swing of it. Next time, space allowing, Roger intends to include email addresses to help members communicate more easily. Thanks for volunteering your time to help us all keep in touch, Roger!

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JUNIORS

Discover Sailing Day, Sunday 27th October…what a day!The weather could have been better but, thanks to the amazing efforts of many members, we opened our doors to a number of groups of people and made some new friends who are keen to get involved in the Squadron and this great sport.

We will use what we have put together for the day in the future including the brochure, (thank you, Andrea Mead) the welcome packs, (thanks Andrew Waterman) and the storyboard posters that each of the committees put together (how great were they, what creative minds!)

On the day we had many willing and motivated helpers and we thank you all - Michael Rossiter, Phil Stump, Sue Buckley and Kingsley Haskett, Andrea and Mal Mead, Andrew Waterman who provided sailing experiences in his Etchell, Rae and Jeff Hunt, who took participants for a sail on Mahalo, and

Mitch and Albert Mead who gave some dinghy sailing experiences to some happy children. Thanks too to Peter Hansen who helped with advertising, Andrew MacDowell and Annette Hersbach who gave great promotion and support, and Haydn Trenorden who set up his 18’ Skiff on the lawns as a display.

We’ll also use the experience to build on. We’ve collated some feedback from the day, and are keen to run this great initiative again. If you would like to be involved, please speak to us around the club or to the office.

Thanks again for your enthusiasm, on behalf of the Discover Sailing Committee, me, Andrea Mead and Andrew Waterman.

J-squad The J-squad season 2013/14 has begun with an enthusiastic group of Junior sailors, some of whom have graduated from sailor to Assistant Instructors. Welcome to the Coaching team Albert and Lynton! We also welcome three new families to the J-squad, as well as a visitor from Japan on student exchange.

Our Instructors have put in a great effort to plan and deliver the Yachting Australia curriculum in a meticulous and professional manner, and the benefits have been very visible in our first five training sessions. My sincere congratulations to the Instructing Team.

In addition to the scheduled training sessions, on Opening Day the Juniors sailed their craft so well during the preparation and sail past that the Commodore mentioned them in his speech. Well done, J-Squad!

I would like to thank all the volunteers who help make the Junior Development Program so much fun, and who contribute by bringing their own experiences to share.

If you see us on the water on any Sunday please give us a wave. Feel free to pop around for a sausage sizzle when we are about. We’d love to show you our program and introduce ourselves.

Specific dates are on our webpage

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Young sailors have their say….

14-year-old Emily says J-squad is fun! This is her second year in the J-squad program and she is a very keen participant. Her nickname is ‘Earlybird’ as she is often around the marina as early as 8 am, personal flotation device (lifejacket!) on, smiling happily, and waiting for the session to begin at 9 am!

At the completion of her first season, Emily’s enthusiasm for racing was rewarded and she was given the helm of a Pacer during a fun race. Unfamiliar with the shallows, she beached her craft twice. The safety boat came close to assist, and was also run aground. Emily’s zest was not diminished whatsoever, and she simply carried on, resolved the situation and finished the race.

Her favourite moment on the water so far was when capsize recovery was happening on another Pacer. She was so keen she hopped boats to get involved!

What are Emily’s goals in sailing? “Racing in the Sydney Hobart one day!” she enthuses.

Emily is certain to have a bright future in sailing. She is an inspiration to all, and a great J-squad member.

Emily, on the jib sheet starboard side, with Heidi and another crew member.

A potential future RSAYS member enjoying the experience with Mitch Mead! (Phil Stump)

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YOUTH TROPHY WINNERMarion Holden – My Cruising Life

In September’s SQ we promised extracts from the cruising story which won Marion Holden this year’s Youth Trophy. Here’s an extract from Marion’s very beginnings, accompanying her husband Roger in sailing on the cold, wet and often forbidding North Sea and English Channel with very young children. This shows what a plucky, enthusiastic and ‘boots and all’ sort of person she is. Marion, who comes from North London, had never been on a boat until she met Roger.

While living in London and early in our marriage we did a short sailing course in Cornwall. It was fun but I learned nothing except what to do in response to the cry of ‘lee-oh’, and to hold on to the foreign sounding ‘sheets’. After a couple of seasons of being a yachting widow while Roger served on Matchless (the old Prospect of Whitby), seeing the coasts of Cherbourg, Cowes and Dinard, participating in the Fastnet Race and enjoying the camaraderie of being part of a crew and learning about racing, we decided to buy our own boat.

We had organised for delivery of Didgeridoo, our new Vivacity 650, at Heybridge, Essex near Maldon NE of London, on a March weekend but on that day it snowed so heavily that the company refused to put her in the water. Aussies must be mad to sail in March. When we finally took delivery we immediately set sail as the weather was calm. Rick was two and always wore a lifejacket and was tied on while in the cockpit. Unfortunately we were so enraptured with our new boat that all consideration of tide fall had not been taken into account and we returned to find ourselves stranded some 7 metres from the eel barge where Didgeridoo was to be tied up. We spent our first night of ownership covered in all the clothes we had with us and for short periods turned on the cooker to try to keep us all warm. That was a salutary lesson we never repeated.

We sailed up until November when our second baby was due. We even had taken notice of the Reed's Almanac chapter on childbirth at sea. Thus we had a big pile of unopened newspapers on board which is one of the most sterile materials there are, in case I went into labour unexpectedly; however, the youngest crew member arrived on time and in hospital. The top of the pram separated from the base and became the boat bassinet and fitted well on one of the berths.

When Rick was three and Nicole about six months old we took our first offshore sail across the English Channel, down to Sheerness and Margate, and then the easy and short route to Calais. Our trip was dependent on coastal navigation and dead reckoning with only charts, a compass and a DF (direction finding) radio on board. However when we were becalmed by fog, we actually motored toward the direction of the boom from a lightship in order to read its name and to know from that where we were. We carried a radar reflector and just kept everything crossed that the giant passenger SRN4 hovercraft we could hear but not see was able to detect us on radar. Of course the Channel is notorious for its sandbanks and the Goodwin Sands are continually changing position. At one

stage I had to point out to my skipper that the seagulls we could see were wading and not swimming! That was a quick 'ready about' which was just in time. My contribution during that trip was, naturally, to take care of the children, but while the weather was calm I was able to take my turn on the tiller, with Roger in charge of the little ones. That was all I could do as knowing when to go about or whether to reduce sail or change course was a complete mystery to me. My main problem was that I

never knew from which direction the wind was coming, and to this day I still have to wet my finger and hold it in the air.

After a few days we set off from Calais for Ostende in Belgium. En route we watched in fear as a group of seven French patrol boats headed towards us, but as they got closer they peeled apart to let us through. At Ostende, strong winds made harbour entrance difficult. We sailed close-by a cross-channel ferry and saw it plough into the harbour wall. We reached the safety of the inner harbour and enjoyed the town for a few days. Our plan to sail on to Holland was thwarted by the North Sea gales. Roger had only two weeks of holiday and so phoned his office to inform them that we would return when the gales abated and it was safe to do so. Because the wind was unrelenting, we were part of a group that organised a listening service for weather forecasts, taking it in turns to listen

Marion enjoying Turkish cuisine!

Marion and her son Rick next to Didgeridoo.

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Roger sings Marion’s praisesYou need look no further than a wet, quivering bream to understand what being awarded the Youth Trophy means to Marion.

One night nearly 40 years ago, the ‘girls’, her new friends at the Squadron , decided to teach Miss Prim from London how to fish. While I went home to bed, they took her to the end pontoon near the barbecue area, showed her how to bait a hook and settled in for some sport.

At 3am a very excited Marion returned home and shook me awake to show me her first kill. ‘You must get up and clean it for me,’ she said. You can imagine the response: ‘You caught it, you clean it’!

‘But I don't know how, what do I do., what do I do....?’ So I told her. ‘Stick a knife up its you-know-what’. And rolled over and went back to sleep. On a plate in the fridge that morning, it was there: cleaned, gutted and ready for the pan.

The Squadron is her club. Her life. Her friends. A place where she learned that sailing is more than getting thrown about, getting wet and cold and constantly worrying about the children below.

Cruising away from home for extended periods tends to dim one's appreciation for the lifestyle left behind. Not so for Marion. Adelaide and the Squadron were always indivisible parts of her past and future. When we came home, she always insisted, it was important to re-engage once more to the full. To this end and at her insistence, we moved Marionette IV straight on to a rented pen at the Squadron for the first 12 months even though we have had a pontoon mooring attached to our home in North Haven Marina for more than 20 years. She was so right, of course. Our club. Our life. Our friends. A place where those who went before inspired and encouraged.

The Youth Trophy is a symbol of that. And now in turn - thanks in part to a quivering bream - Marion has been recognised for her part in that wonderful process. For another excerpt from ‘My Cruising Life’, look in the next SQ. This will bring readers up to date with the growth in Marion’s sailing.

WHAT IS ‘THE YOUTH TROPHY’?The Youth Trophy is awarded annually for personal achievement in cruising, with regard for seamanship, and which demonstrates personal endeavour and enterprise. It is named after the cruising yacht Youth, originally built by and skippered in a remarkable 18 year global cruising marathon by Alan Quigley. It is open to members of any South Australian Yacht Club. The Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron is custodian of the Trophy.

A critical factor in assessing entries is the degree to which it is evident that the experience has not simply increased the skills of the entrant, but has significantly changed the entrant’s view and perception of self (e.g. enhancing self confidence, self reliance, or increased self awareness to the enrichment of the entrant’s future capacity for experiencing his/her life.’

The Assessment Criteria are:

1. Magnitude of achievement in terms of (a) personal endeavour and enterprise, and (b) enhanced perception of self (e.g., via increased self-confidence and self-reliance or increased awareness of some propensity of character).

2. Adequacy of preparations for cruise of (a) the vessel (b) the skipper and crew

3. Enhancement of seamanship and other skills, especially in dealing with unusual and challenging events and situations before and during the cruise.

to the 5am forecast. If the weather was going to improve then that yacht owner would rouse the dozen or so boats waiting to leave while the others slept on. It was an admirable and sensible scheme. One day a German boat decided to leave in spite of the forecast. Four hours later they returned with shredded sails and long faces.

We spent two weeks in Ostende waiting for the weather to improve and then sailed the long, direct way back to the Blackwater. During our journey we passed near a patch of churning water which was very foamy and circulating like water down a plughole. There was a buoy in the centre on which we read 'Fairy Sud’. This to me was the funniest thing and I thought

of Fairy soap water going down the gurgler. It was only years later that it was explained to me that this was the South (or Sud in French) Fairy buoy marking the Fairy Banks or shallows.

In due course we moved to (back to for Roger) Australia, Roger applied to join the RSAYS shortly after arriving in Adelaide and we started looking for our first Aussie boat. Ramdel was an old wooden yacht built in 1949 and we changed her name to Marionette on the basis that she was a puppet pulled by strings. Thence followed three more Marionettes and our sailing horizons gradually expanded.

Marion with English friend Mike near Preveza, Greece.

Ships of the desert! Riding camels in the lower Sahara, Tunisia.

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MEMBER PROFILE – Steve & Kirsty Dunn By Wayne Knill

Years ago, as a kid, I remember going to many backyard parties at different places all over the city, usually a Dragon fleet barbie with the same groups of familiar smiling grown-up faces. Back then, the hosts’ houses were always seemingly unlocked and open, and parties were never gate crashed by strangers who’d heard about them on the internet.

I get the same feeling every time I catch up with Steve & Kirsty Dunn, friends I‘ve sailed with (but mostly against) for many years now. Drop down to the Club on any random time or day of the week, and chances are you’ll catch a glimpse of Steve. Sometimes he can be spotted under a boat on the slip, wearing dusty splattered shorts and t-shirt and all speckled with paint, or cruising by in his XR6 ute that’s made the transformation from all ‘Ooh-Ahh ‘shiny to that genuine battered tradies’ cache.

Introduced to sailing by his father Bob, who was a state champion in Tornados, Steve’s early years were spent hanging around the Glenelg Sailing Club before learning the ropes on Ivan Samarzia’s Santana II at RSAYS, and before taking up dinghy sailing at Largs sailing 125s and later 14 foot skiffs. Steve returned to RSAYS in the early 2000s for a couple of fun years with Anthony and Ali Gates on Legs 11, where he got to do plenty of inshore & offshore racing. Next was a stint with Nick Rench on Out of Exile, where he ticked off items from the bucket list including doing an Airlie

Beach race week.

Steve then joined the Etchells fleet firstly sailing with Peter Manthorpe on Wood Duck and they made the cover of Australian Sailing magazine when Wood Duck’s mast got hooked up with Dr. Feelgood and they were dragged backwards – all of which was dramatically photographed!

and relaxing at sea!

Steve and Kirsty smiling in the snow...

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Steve then sailed with Shane Duessen on Wood Duck and Coronation Rag and won the Etchells State Championship in 2011 & 2012, and represented our club and fleet participating in World Championships in Melbourne & Sydney. After previously sailing with Caillin Howard on Zaphod and Six Fish, this season Steve has re-joined Caillin on Aikin.

Steve acquired his Shipwright skills with an apprenticeship at Wagner Boatworks at Athol Park, helping build Santana III among others including 50 foot commercial fishing boats and luxury powerboats. These days his skills are always in demand as a contractor at the Squadron, Marina Adelaide, Glenelg or wherever else the work is required. In my experience, (and he’ll hate me saying this) Steve is always a good man to see if you want that pain-in-the-arse job done properly on your boat!

My early memories of Kirsty are of a small, quiet kid having a ride on an Etchells. She was a bit overawed at the multitude of sheets and controls sprouting from the console, and the size of the rig was triple that of any she had sailed up until then. Kirsty started sailing at the RSAYS with the Juniors in about 1996 as a 13 year old (and yes, it’s rude to do the maths!) sailing on the Cadet Dinghies, and represented the RSAYS and South Australia in three Stonehaven Cups (Hobart, Melbourne & Adelaide). This led onto helping Aussail with sail coaching and picking up a bit of extra coin with part-time work serving behind the bar. Kirsty also remembers some fun times and great memories sailing with both Leigh Causby on Breathless & Colin Todd on Trick Cyclist.

Stepping back from the sailing scene for a while studying at Uni, Kirsty’s efforts were rewarded when she graduated with honours in 2006. Now with a career as Senior Associate at Thomsons Lawyers specialising in Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution (hmm, a profession that would come in handy back when she was sailing with Toddy!), Kirsty’s work demands and career now keep her off the water more than she would like.

After a bit of prodding by Ali and Gatesy, the young Steve and Kirsty started dating in ’02. After the usual awkward beginnings (like when Kirsty’s dad, Ted Sanderson, found out she was seeing “that lecherous bastard”), they married in ’09, their commitment complete (in their eyes) when they got their dog shortly afterwards.

One form of recreation they can both enjoy together at the moment is racing their remote controlled ‘Micro Magic’ yachts. Kirsty built her boat first according to the instructions. A qualified shipwright, Steve then set to work building one for himself, cunningly using all his years of experience as a master boatbuilder and yachtsman. Unfortunately, when constructing the boat Steve decided to use a hot-air gun to shrink wrap some fittings (not in the instructions), and warped and ‘modified’ the plastic hull somewhat. The result of this work being that the master boatbuilder usually has the slowest remote controlled yacht in the race!

Other acknowledgement of support to the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron include:

Copycat Printing Dee Henshall Heatlie Barbecues

International Communication Systems P/L Kaesler Wines M B Butterfield & Co Pty Ltd

Michael McMichael Motors North Haven Marine Sports Marine

Risk Insure

Our Sponsors & Preferred Suppliers for the 2013-2014 SeasonThank you to the following major sponsors for their generous support of the Royal South

Australian Yacht Squadron 2012 - 2013 Season. Please support our friends who support us.

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RSAYS FOUNDATION - HELPING TO FUND OUR FUTURE

Dis-Able Sailing Inc. grateful for support

The Foundation was established in 2006 as an entity to receive donations and bequests to the Squadron. The Equipment Fund, the Sport Development Fund and the General Facilities Development Fund have been registered with the Australian Sports Foundation, which allows donations to be tax deductible. The Trustees encourage members to make a donation, and a Donation Form is available from the website or from the Squadron office.

For information about making a bequest, please contact a Trustee or collect a brochure from the Squadron office. The current Trustees are shown on the Foundation website.

The funds raised by the Foundation are managed entirely

separately from the Squadron’s operating accounts. Since 2006 more than $150,000 has been donated by members, and grants totalling more than $70,000 have been made.

Recent grants include the majority of funding for the rescue/coach boat used by the Juniors, team registration for the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in Melbourne, and the base for the transfer hoist to assist disabled sailors. The largest grant was $30,000 towards to the cost of the fuel berth in 2009.

The Trustees welcome applications for a grant for a project within the three categories, and the guidelines are available from the website or from the Squadron office.

Loading wheelchair dependent Anton using the Jarrett crane. Sailing the Hansa dinghy with Anton. (Deirdre Schahinger)

Monday 2nd September was a special day for two people who use wheelchairs - they went sailing at the Squadron in Hansa dinghies. Every second Monday for the last two years, clients from Northlink (a community based Day Options Service for adults with intellectual disability) go sailing on Freedom and get to see the dolphins and hear the seals. But Freedom is not wheelchair friendly, so clients who use wheelchairs could only share in their excitement on the Quarterdeck.

Squadron members Bob and Deirdre Schahinger, who co-ordinate the Freedom schedule, also co-ordinate the Sailability program at Adelaide Sailing Club. Sailability is a worldwide organisation that supports people of all abilities to go sailing. Most programs use the two person Hansa 3.03 ballasted dinghy, designed by an Australian sailor, which is simple to learn to sail and will not capsize. Volunteers use a personnel hoist to transfer sailors from their wheelchair into the dinghy. Adelaide Sailing Club has four dinghies on a trailer with a hoist which goes into a fixed base on the pontoon at the small harbour at Adelaide Shores boat ramp.

Last year Dis-Able Sailing Inc. (Freedom) asked the Squadron to purchase a galvanised base for a Jarrett Back Saver Crane to be fixed to the eastern end of the pontoon adjacent to the Slip

where there is a clear area for wheelchairs and ease of access to the walkway. It was installed at the end of last season but it was not until September that the weather was warm enough to go sailing in small boats. Bob and Deirdre borrowed two Hansa 3.03 dinghies from Adelaide Sailing Club, launched them using the yellow crane and sailed across to the pontoon. Using the hoist the sailors were transferred into the dinghies and an experience, which once would have been deemed impossible, became possible. Bob’s novice sailor was able to steer with the joystick as he uses an electric wheelchair and Deirdre’s crew sat back with shining eyes enjoying the ride. Neither of the men was able to articulate but the harbour echoed with shouts of joy and the wide smiles told us all a great story without words. Nobody wanted to come ashore.

With the ability to transfer sailors into the dinghies profoundly disabled people can go sailing and enjoy all the pleasures that come with our sport. None of this would have been possible without the generous funding from Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron Foundation and Northlink who enabled the installation of the crane base. Thank you very much for the support so that other sailors can enjoy freedom on the water and the camaraderie of the Squadron.

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BOOK REVIEWBy Bruce Macky

Following cruising Salacia in October in Tasmania, Bruce Macky reports on some of the books he read there, and others that he reviewed on returning home:

‘Win and Clyde, Side by Side in Tasmania’s South West’ by Janet Fenton

We spent a few days in Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey SW Tasmania. Here I read the story of Win & Clyde Clayton who lived in Pt .Davey for many years. Clyde was a cray fisherman on the SW coast of Tasmania; Win was the daughter of Charlie King, a tin miner at nearby Melaleuca Inlet, and sister of Deny King. (Everybody sailing these waters should read Christobel Mattingley's book ‘King of the Wilderness’ about Deny). Clyde Clayton must have been an amazing seaman to have worked that coast, and they frequently had to wait, often up to ten days, for suitable weather to take the catch to Hobart. Clyde even took a front end loader on his 47 foot fishing boat! Win & Clyde lived at Bond Bay for many years, before weather and erosion caused them to move, piano and all, to Claytons Corner. We visited the house, and managed to get part way up the hill Clyde used to climb to check the weather every morning he was at home. You may have to hunt to get the books, but both are great reading, especially if cruising Tasmania.

‘World Voyage Planner’ by Jimmy CornellI'm not sure if it’s a message or not, but when I asked my wife about new books in store I should review, she brought me home Jimmy Cornell's follow up to his ‘World Cruising Routes’ and ‘World Cruising Destinations’. The book is based on Jimmy's many long distance cruises and the experiences of 57 other circumnavigators, all

listed in the front. Particularly, he considers each of the oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Mediterranean Sea, each with a

review of winds and currents, and details popular cruising routes and destinations. For example, for the Pacific he has plans for 42 separate voyages, and 13 circuits. In each case there is a recommended time, and rose chart of the area, and commentary on each voyage. So if you want to dream a little, this book could be for you.

‘The Grab Bag Book: Your Ultimate Guide to Liferaft Survival’ by Frances Howorth, Michael Howorth My wife must worry a bit, as there was also a copy of this in paperback, essential if you are planning a long voyage.

‘America's Cup San Francisco: The Official Guide’ by Kimball Livingston (Author), Sharon Green (Photographer),Gilles Martin-Raget (Photographer),Roger Vaughan (Introduction) This is another beautiful book which is already out of date. It gives a fascinating insight into the thinking that went into the choice of the AC72 Catamarans, and their development. As an indication of how fast the

development was in that area, this is an official guide yet none of the photos show the boats up on foils. How much further can they be developed?

‘Team Spirit’ by Brendan HallSome readers may have seen the Clipper68 yachts at the Squadron in late October. I circumnavigated in the Clipper Race 07/08 in one of those. My pre-race training skipper was Brendan Hall, a young Queenslander. This book is about his experience as skipper in, and winner of, the 09-10 Race. It gives good insight into the race and the pressures for the skippers and crews. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but am glad I didn't sail under Brendan. Far too authoritarian!

Editor’s note: Following on from Di Moncrieff’s review of ‘The Last Voyage by Lady Brassey, 1886-87’ in our last issue, Fay Duncan has read the book and is so entranced by the descriptions of this world traveller’s time in Adelaide that she is offering typed excerpts to any readers interested. To request a copy go to: [email protected]

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‘CITY OF ADELAIDE’BOUND FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA AFTER 126 YEARS

Squadron Past Commodore Richard Smith is a Director of Clipper Ship ‘City of Adelaide’ Ltd (CSCOAL), a Not for Profit Preservation Trust which has undertaken the massive task to plan, organise and deliver the world’s oldest composite clipper ship back to Port Adelaide. Richard has for many years been working very closely with fellow member Geoff Wallbridge’s business partner and fellow CSCOAL Director Mark Gilbert. Their companies Aztec Analysis and Wallbridge & Gilbert have donated most of the design effort required for this project.

Richard reports as follows on progress since the last report in the Squadron Quarterly more than a year ago:

Access to the Slipway siteAfter a long delay when access was denied to the Irvine slipway where the City of Adelaide (COA) has sat for the last 21 years, work resumed in March this year. My responsibility involved working with the Scottish Maritime Museum (SMM) and managing Scottish and Dutch Contractors in Irvine. We dismantled the cradle then installed the Adelaide prefabricated cradle under the ship carefully transferring the weight of the ship from the old cradle to the new. This was achieved in just over three weeks. The ship and cradle were then jacked up approx. 500 mm and weighed for the final selection of the Barge and Heavy Lift Vessel (HLV). The result: 550 tonnes combined weight.

Bringing Forward the Departure DateIn early August a decision was made to bring forward departure from Irvine by a month from October to September to get better weather in the Irish Sea. A month later we decided to include a visit to the Cutty Sark at Greenwich to gain publicity for the project. Both decisions resulting in more work but worthwhile, especially when HRH the Duke of Edinburgh accepted an invitation to be part of a Renaming Ceremony at the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich. The Duke has maintained an ongoing interest in saving the ship since convening a Conference in Glasgow in 2000. CSCOAL Director Peter Christopher attended that conference and was responsible for starting the group, Squadron members Kingsley Haskett and Adam Wynn contributed in the early days and still maintain a close interest in our progress.

My visit in early August was for nine days to organise improved access, to undertake preliminary earthworks and to expedite the first stages of internal and external cleaning. A representative from AQIS made a trip to ensure our preparations would satisfy Quarantine requirements on its arrival in Australia. The other key task was to prepare for the Dutch Contractors for the load out.

After a brief return to Adelaide I was back in Irvine to pursue the final stages of cleaning, installation of internal bracing, load out work by HEBO and the sundry peripheral activities critical to achieve the load out milestone set for the 6th September. The loading date had to match the availability of a suitable barge and tug with the highest tides. We could not afford to get this wrong. The Load out date matched the Handover Ceremony at the SMM.

The COA on its Adelaide Cradle was then jacked up to approx. 1.3m above the slipway slab and the self propelled modular trailers (SPMT’s) were delivered, assembled and positioned under the cradle. The SPMT’s picked up the cradle and ship on the afternoon of 5th Sept and drove the load 30m up the slipway. Overnight approx. 2000 tonnes of rock fill was placed and compacted at the bottom of the slipway creating a ramped access for the SPMT’s to carry the Ship and Cradle onto the Barge.

Irvine River MooringsOne of the downsides of the accelerated program was that all the small boats on the river moorings would have been in dry storage by October, but many were still there in early September.

Due to the short notice the Harbor master gave me the contact details of the boat owners and said he was happy with my plan and “You fix it!” Two days after sending more than 30 emails and making a lot of calls I only had one acknowledgement. With time fast running out, I resent the emails and invited all the boat owners to the secure slipway site for personally conducted tours of the preparations. It worked! Suddenly we had cooperation, boat owner Keith Gibson volunteered to act as spokesman, we agreed on the details of the task and how our Dutch Contractor would help to move some of the moorings. What a relief!

COA Irvine Board L to R: Peter Roberts, Peter Christopher, Richard Smith, Rosemary McKay, Mark Gilbert and

Tom Chapman

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The Handover CeremonyOn the 6th Sept, the day the ship was formally transferred from the custody of the SMM to CSCOAL, guests invited to the Handover Ceremony in the magnificent SMM building were invited to the Slipway site where they saw the clipper ship being loaded onto the Barge. It was carried on its cradle by four SPMT’s (with a total weight of approx.740 tonnes on 352 wheels)across a temporary 12m long bridge from the Slipway onto the Barge. The SPMT’s were removed late on that day.

The next day the cradle was jacked down to the deck of the barge ready for it to be towed on the next high tide to a holding wharf just upstream from the Irvine Bridge. Huge crowds witnessed the clever bit of navigation of the huge barge through the vacated small boat moorings on the 8th Sept. High winds prevented the barge and its load from passing through the 16.7m wide opening of the bridge that day.

Navigating the Millennium Bridge, Sea Fastenings & Departure from IrvineWith a second small tug from Troon, the COA on the barge was brought through the bridge and tied up to the wharf near the River mouth where some 25 tonnes of steel sea fastenings were added to provide support for the hull during the voyage through the Irish Sea and English Channel to Chatham. Poor weather slowed this work, and when complete, high winds and waves in the Irish Sea and in the river entrance delayed departure another 3 days. The surprising side effect of this was ever increasing numbers of sightseers who came each day, all asking "When is it leaving?”

The COA departed on its first sea voyage for some 21 years witnessed by thousands of onlookers on the 20th September 2013. The date marked a significant milestone of completion of works in Irvine and in the 14 year campaign to save the worlds’ oldest composite clipper ship from destruction.

The Renaming CeremonyAfter waiting in Chatham, a subsequent tow took it up the Thames to the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich for the Renaming Ceremony conducted by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 18th October. Building on the interest of the Irvine departure,

worldwide media coverage of the COA in Greenwich with the Cutty Sark was most gratifying. Media & Marketing experts believe the Greenwich event reached an estimated 160 million people. Two 40m long ‘Bound for South Australia’ banners featured prominently. After a weekend on display, COA was towed to Dordrecht, near Rotterdam.

Quarantine treatment and Loading in Dordrecht, HollandAs this article is being written The COA is being prepared for shrink wrapping and gassing to satisfy AQIS, Adelaide Company AustralAsian BioSecurity is doing this with gassing planned for 15th November. The contracted Heavy Lift Vessel (HLV) is the Palanpur,which will lift the 560 tonne fully wrapped COA on its cradle onto the deck for the delivery to Adelaide. The voyage may be direct or via other ports as the shipping company has the right to pick up and deliver other cargo en route. Its departure could be as early as the 25th November.

Tracking of Voyage & Website informationIt is expected that members will be able to be track the Palanpur on its voyage to Port Adelaide and seek updated project information on the website www.cityofadelaide.org.au

'City of Adelaide’ moored in front of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich

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IN TRANQUIL WATERSBruce Atterton7 June, 1920 - 25 May, 2013By David Atterton My father’s ties with the Squadron go back to his father, Arthur Atterton.

My grandfather cruised with Wesley Harris on Seevogel and did a number of cruises, the most notable of which was a cruise to Tasmania from 30 November 1946 for six weeks with George Eimer, George Cleland, Ian Harris and Bob Freeman. He had two power boats at the Squadron, Idle Hours and Utrama, on which my father cruised to Vincent and the Island with his parents, and also helped maintain them. I remember as a young boy fishing off the Orontes Bank aboard Utrama and then snooking back into Vincent. At one stage we had five snook lines over the transom. The inevitable happened and we had some bad tangles. In those days the snook lines were weighted with lead, making them difficult to untangle. My grandmother taught me how to untangle the lines while Dad helped my grandfather look after the boat.

Utrama's dinghy was heavy clinker built, so Arthur purchased a lighter dinghy, selling the heavy one to Dad. A naval architect designed a sail plan for her and we built in a centre case, a centre board and drop rudder. We called her Elf and Dad taught me to sail in this little 8’ 6” dinghy off the

Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club in the early 1960’s.

Dad then decided to build a trailer sailer in our shed at home. He had her all framed up but the shed was burgled with all our tools stolen. Instead he bought a completed trailer sailer, a Dowcraft we called Elfeen and launched her at Snowden's beach, sailing down the river to the Squadron each weekend. There was no place to launch a trailer sailer at the Squadron in those days.

In 1967 Dad purchased Spindrift of Belair from Ion Ullett. We did many cruises in her, one year cruising to the Island

and the next to Port Lincoln and the Sir Joseph Banks Group. We cruised with Gip and Cooroyba

and caught up with Balamara and Lauriana on many occasions. In the 1970’s we raced in the 2nd division point score and Championship races and I still have a number of those pewter mugs celebrating our successes.

In the early 1980’s we sold Spindrift and in the 1990’s purchased Pumpkineater, renaming her Elfeen. Dad loved sailing,

especially to windward, and always enjoyed having people aboard for Squadron Opening

Days. He never missed an Opening Day in all his years of membership.

Dad passed away peacefully at Kalyra nursing home, Belair, on 25 May 2013 two weeks short of his 93rd birthday.

Donald Joseph Marshall17 April, 1935 - 4 June, 2013 By Paul Marshall

Donald Joseph Marshall, 78, solo yachtsman of ASPRO II, died 4th June 2013, on the coast of Badgers Island, Tasmania. He was the son of Alfred and Thelma (both deceased); brother of Bob (deceased), Jean, Anne and Barbara.

Don, Donny, or ‘Swifty’ to some, was born in New Zealand on 17 April 1935. His initial years were in the Wellington area. He represented Huia and Wellington in hockey; and participated and competed in Surf Life Saving for which he was a Bronze Medallion instructor.

Don came to Australia in January 1957. He first worked as a painter on the Sydney Harbour Bridge before setting off on his first adventure around Australia on a Triumph motorbike.

Don met his wife Kerry Nicholas in Denmark, WA, where she worked as a teacher. In Denmark Don was involved with the local surf lifesaving group and the local football team called the Magpies where he had the nickname of ‘Swifty’. They married in Perth in 1966 and moved to Albany. Don became a whaler in the late 60’s and early 70’s going to

sea for short periods on ‘Chasers’ designed to hunt whales. Don was employed either as crew on the chasers or as flenser at the whaling station. From the late 70’s to the late 80’s Don continued his trade as a painter.

Don began sailing in 1970 on his first sailing vessel called Cimba. His first voyage was across the Great Australian Bight

to circumnavigate Tasmania, followed by an attempt to circumnavigate Australia. During this first solo

circumnavigation of Australia he lost Cimba on Ningaloo Reef, WA. Don subsequently acquired Nomad to continue his quest to circumnavigate Australia. However, several years later an opportunity arose to purchase ASPRO II to complete the dream.

All who knew Don knew his passion for sailing around Australia did not wain. Over more than a decade, Don had circumnavigated

Australia almost twice in ASPRO II, an Australian Registered Ship, LOA 6.50m. At

every port or anchorage Don found a warm and welcoming cruising community. Known for being

‘cantankerous’, he was kind at heart and willing to help if physically able. He found great friends in such places as

the Kimberleys, Albany, Esperance, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Port Fairy, Hobart, Kettering, the Whitsundays, Townsville, Gove and Darwin, amongst others.

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Richard Turnbull Clarke7 May, 1929 – 9 June, 2013 By Anne Clarke

Richard was born at home in Kensington SA on 7 May 1929. He was the son of long time Squadron member Graham Clarke and his wife Marjorie and was a member of the Squadron for very nearly 60 years.

Richard spent his whole life in Adelaide, first attending Westbourne Park Primary School and then Scotch College, after which he studied accountancy while working for different companies. He joined Gerard Industries as an accountant and then became Company Secretary, with an involvement with Chapel Hill Winery, to his delight! He was with Gerards for 35 years. He started in 1958 the same year he married Anne McMillan, a Scottish import. They had three sons, Stewart, Neil and Keith who in turn produced eight grandchildren. At the present

count there are six great-grand children.

Before he was married, Richard spent a few years crewing for Keith Flint and then preferred to spend his weekends

with his growing family.

Quiniva, which Richard owned for about the last 20 years, was built of cement in Geelong primarily to go round the world, however, despite having a special gun cupboard, Richard did not go past Ceduna! Quiniva was used purely for cruising local waters and he particularly enjoyed going to Kangaroo Island. Although Anne was not a good sailor, they had some very good days

out with friends on Quiniva , especially Open Days.

Unfortunately Richard had a stroke at home mid-year and died in RAH the following morning, on 9

June 2013, aged 84 years. He is sadly missed by the whole family.

Graham Cotton1 May, 1941-16 July, 2013By Alan Cotton

Graham Tilney Cotton, known as GT, was much loved by everybody who knew him.

His middle name meant a lot to him as it reflected his great-great-grandfather, Francis Cotton, who pioneered the east coast of Tasmania in 1835. In turn, Francis sent his son, Tilney, to pioneer Streaky Bay in 1850 and this is where GT grew up, the third son of his legendary general practitioner father, Dr Murray Cotton.

GT was deeply imprinted by his childhood at Streaky Bay where he spent hours on the jetty catching ‘three boarder blueys’, watched the Yandara arrive every two weeks, caught dozens of whiting with Lenny Valente on his fishing cutter behind the spit, and chased sheep and rode the bulldog tractor on the family farm at Cungena.

He loved his time boarding at St Peters College where he made life-long friends with the sons of farmers from the South East. The SPOC Football Club and the Amateur Sports Club became his second homes after he left school to set up a tax accounting practice helping an extensive range of clients, often of humble origin, in whom he took a great personal interest.

In due course his love of the country, and his farming clients in the South East, led him to take a major role in setting up and managing a very successful livestock company, Southern Australian Livestock. He was still working with some of these clients, and others, at the time of his passing.

As one might expect from his early beginnings he had a great love of and a livelong involvement with the sea. He particularly

enjoyed voyaging back and forth to American River on his 32’ power boat, Islander, which was the focus of

many hilarious and legendary stories amongst a most entertaining group of bachelor mates and

girlfriends, and he would often catch enough whiting to feed the fleet.

He spent extensive periods under sail with me, his brother, sailing from Raratonga to Tahiti in the 70s, in the Tall Ships Race via Hobart to Sydney in the 80s, up and down the West Indies in the 90s, over to Streaky Bay and back (of course) and more recently through the Panama Canal, where even he,

with his love of steamers, was heard to say ‘I think I am all steamered out’!

GT was always a great club man. He loved the Yacht Squadron, which showed in his habitual attire

of moleskins and RSAYS jumper and most of all by his generous bequest to the RSAYS Foundation.

He is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Don is survived by three children: Paul Marshall, of Canberra ACT; Carolyn Cunningham, of Tambellup WA; and Robert Marshall, of Albany WA. He is also survived by six grandchildren.

Donald Marshall was cremated at the Carr Villa Memorial Park,

Launceston, Tasmania on 11 June 2013. A request for his ashes to be scattered at sea will occur at a later date.

“Explore, Dream, Discover”

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TALL SHIPS - EXCITEMENT FROM THE PAST!By Jamieanne Comyn - Freedom

August 31 finally arrived! Three Dutch Tall Ships were in South Australian waters, being greeted by a flotilla of yachts and motor boats from the various sailing clubs.

After months of preparation by many community organisations, government departments, local council and individuals, they were here! And the weather was perfect - balmy, with a whisper of wind and glorious spring sunshine. A good day for a sail!

Dutch Tall ships, Oosterschelde, Europa and Tecla were visiting on their way to the International Fleet Review in Sydney celebrating 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy. In the largest gathering of traditional sailing ships seen there since 1988, the three Dutch tall ships joined our own Failie and One & All and the British 55m square rigger Lord Nelson for two open days of fun and celebration at Port Adelaide.

But, as someone who regularly crews with Disability Sailing Inc. on Freedom, I know that the Tall Ship Festival was about much more than the romance of tall ship sailing. It represented what sailing is all about and always has been - confronting and enabling, life affirming as well as life changing, where passengers learn to become crew, and where various aspects of seamanship are taught.

In an age of incredible technology and advancement, she says it was wonderful to witness the excitement of the Tall Ships welcome, both on shore and on water, and to take part in the activities and festivities .

Walking on McLaren Wharf, where all the Tall Ships were moored, there was a ‘buzz’ in the air. People were friendlier – it was almost the same atmosphere one finds when out Christmas shopping!

Oosterschelde in Port Adelaide. (Phil Stump)

Europa departs Port Adelaide. (Phil Stump)

Tall Ships in Sydney. (Helen Willmer) Furling sails on the One And All. (Phil Stump)


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NAUTI PUZZLE CLUES ACROSS1. Shorter foremast vessel4. Interior wall8. Alongside10. Terra Firma11. Horizontal structures12. Change direction. Come . . . 13. Moon size decrease15. Privileged position (3)18. Item kept in “the bag”20. In “stays”22. Slang for body of water24. Small Bahamian isle25. Wooden mooring or nav structure26. Degrees N/S of equator28. Lifeline29. Pro boat examiner30. Line joining method (2)

DOWN1. Art of boat handling2. Place for docking/landing3. Approximated4. Ship petty officer5. Weight used to measure depth6. Direction vessel is pointed7. Pier9. Calculated course (ABB)10. Upper spar of 4-sided sail14. Non-manual steering device16. Propane17. Chain winch18. Dinghy tow line19. Boat Boss21. Shellfish23. Anchor line27. Action for knots

NAUTI QUIZ – FLAGS AND SIGNALS1. For which country’s flag would you need more than red, white or blue fabric? A. Belgium B. Netherlands C. Norway D. France

2. The easiest flag for a cruising yachtsman to sew would be the flag of: A. Papua New Guinea B. Tuvalu C. Malaysia D. Indonesia

3. The flag which must be flown from the starboard spreader of a yacht upon initial entry into any country, from a foreign port, is what solid colour? A. White B. Blue C. Yellow D. Red

4. Which country’s flag shows an AK-47 on it? A. Iraq B. Yemen C. Uganda D. Mozambique

5. The “N” November flag flown above the “C” Charlie flag is shown when? A. At the start of a race B. When the yacht is in distress C. When the yacht is under sail only D. When the yacht is celebrating a victory

6. An “A” (Alpha) flag with a white rectangular inner edge and blue, which looks like a “K”, to the right means: A. Stay clear; there are divers here B. Stay clear; I am leaking diesel C. Stay clear; there is disease aboard D. Stay clear; I am fishing

7. A man overboard pole generally displays an “O” (Overboard) flag of: A. Blue and White checkerboard B. Red diagonal right triangle over a yellow diagonal right triangle C. Red, White and Blue Stripes D. Red diamond on a Blue background

8. Displaying a black ball means that a yacht is: A. Aground B. Without engine propulsion C. Underway D. At anchor

9. Away from the coast at night, if you see a red light to the right of a green light at the same height, you know that: A. A parallel vessel is towing a barge B. A vessel will pass astern of you C. A vessel is heading directly towards you D. You are clear of any danger

10. Sailing in USA waters, make sure you: A. Keep green channel markers to starboard when entering port B. Keep red channel markers to starboard when entering port C. Keep on the red lead lights D. Stay on the left side of all channels

11. Sailing in Tahiti and the Society Islands which would put you on a reef? A. Inside the reef, sailing offshore of red markers B. Inside the reef, sailing inshore of green markers C. Passing east of a west cardinal marker D. Passing north of a north cardinal marker

12. Approaching a yellow “X” marker, you know that you must: A. Move down a channel to either side of the marker B. Turn around, as there is no entry ahead C. Keep the marker to port D. Keep the marker to starboard

Solutions and answers to the Quiz and Puzzle is on page 44

Furling sails on the One And All. (Phil Stump)

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THE SOLACE STORY CONTINUESBy Geoff Wallbridge

Geoff and Jill Wallbridge are only the third owners of SOLACE in 77 years, which is probably a good indication of the very high regard in which she has been held by those who have been her lucky enough to be her ‘caretakers’.

SOLACE was, according to an Advertiser article of the time, ordered by Dr. F Stanley Verco from the boatyard of R. T. Searle & Sons in 1936 as a ‘fast cruiser/racer built to fishing boat scantlings’. She was built to a design by Capt. William Bailey of Como NSW, a popular designer of the time who had made his early reputation converting fishing boats into pleasure yachts for the Sydney Harbour market. Tom Searle is reported by his granddaughter as having said that Solace was the best boat that Searle’s ever built. This statement is possibly supported by the fact that the lines and construction drawings of Solace were still to be seen on his glass topped table until the recent demise of his boatyard.

She is indeed built to fishing boat scantlings with 1¼ inch planking; jarrah below the waterline and Queensland Hoop Pine above; copper fastened to laminated ribs at 1 ft. centres. She is a 36 ft. double ended ketch of (surprisingly broad for the times) 10 ft. 6 inch beam, 5 ft. 3 inch draft and, with 4 tons of external lead ballast, an overall displacement of about 14 tons!

Dr. Verco, who was highly regarded for his pioneering work with the then new science of X-Rays, sailed her extensively in races, winning the Kintore Cup in 1939 as well as cruising to KI and across the Gulf. In the 30’s and 40’s he evidently did a lot of cruising with young crews raised from the Sea Scouts, and quite a number of older sailors have told me that their first voyage on a yacht was sailing aboard Solace as a young boy. He also must have sailed with his medical colleague, the young Dr. E. A. Joske who went on to have Christine built to the same Bailey design. Dr. Last’s previous article on the early boats named Solace tells of Joske’s tragic death aboard Christine in Queensland in the 50’s. Christine has returned to the RSAYS in recent years as Setanta. Another early crew member was Dick Gower who later drew and built a fine Ferro-Concrete replica of Solace called Ninkia. Dick drew her lines with a modified transom stern and successfully cruised her in SA waters for many years. He was very helpful and willingly gave lots of his time to help as I learnt how to sail and look after Solace.

I don’t know a lot more of the history of Solace during Dr.Verco’s ownership, nor what happened to her during the war but she was apparently not sold until 1971, after his death.

On the 31stAugust, 1971 she was bought at auction for $10,800 by John Harrison, the owner of Chapman’s Smallgoods. Harrison kept a very detailed Work Log on board which records that he spent a huge amount of time and effort restoring or rebuilding almost everything on her, except the basic hull and deck structure. Among many other projects he re-covered her canvas decks, installed a new Volvo diesel, installed a new timber mainmast and replaced many fittings with unique items fabricated in stainless steel which were evidently made by his staff at Chapman’s. Harrison, with crew including John Longbottom, cruised to KI and other SA destinations on many occasions over 24 years with a big focus on fishing, which probably explains the large fridge/freezer system that was installed. Despite her cramped canoe stern, by the end of this period she had been fitted with a two cylinder Petter auxiliary diesel complete with an independent water cooling system. This also meant twin battery charging systems and twin belt driven fridge/freezer compressors with water cooled refrigerant! Harrison’s Work Log mentions many failures of the fridge/freezer system at inconvenient times and the whole lot was non-functional when we bought Solace in 1995. The cramped space and complex systems probably explains why Fred Townsend, the resident RSAYS boat builder at the time, told me that I had purchased a lovely yacht but also warned me not ask him to work in her engine ‘room ‘.

SOLACE rounding Cape Leeuwin ( just before the jib blew out )

SOLACE at anchor in the lagoon of the Monte Bello Islands.

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SOLACE rounding Cape Leeuwin ( just before the jib blew out )

Solace had once again only come on the market after her owner’s death, and I purchased her in September 1995 after falling in love with her from the club dinghy while still about 20 metres away . By the time I had sat in her traditional, if spartan, wood panelled saloon I knew I had to own her. Solace was by then 61 years old and in need of a great deal of work, but the view through rose coloured glasses didn’t reveal her faults at that stage!

The first few voyages revealed that she had a somewhat alarming tendency to leak from above and below simultaneously. This made our new pastime of cruising a rather damp and disconcerting business. At the same time, my rudimentary navigational skills and lack experience in big boat seamanship meant it was inevitable that the early voyages produced a reasonable number of fortunately survivable disasters - including a good number of groundings!

Damp bunks, damp books and damp food, together with lots of electric and manual bilge pumping made it all too stressful, so I decided to commence a complete replacement of the deck under the guidance of Fred Townsend . Trevor Chillman and I commenced work in August 1999 with the intention of sailing again ‘at Christmas’. In the final event after laying a new deck plus new water tanks, new stanchions and pulpit, widening the cockpit etc. etc. she WAS sailing again by Christmas.....2001!

During those two years at the Maintenance Berth we heard many comments from passers-by, such as: “Well that’s the end of Solace- she’ll never sail again”; “You poor bastards! “and “Have you reached the “Oh my God , what have I done? "stage?

We also got a lot of great advice (some of it contradictory!) and a lot of much needed encouragement.

The next major event for Solace was my decision to ‘sail to the bottom of the Gulf, turn right and see what happens’. This resulted, in 2005, in a successful circumnavigation of the Australian mainland (‘the North Island’, according to my Tasmanian friends)! I call it a ‘successful’ circumnavigation in that no one died and Solace returned basically unscathed but it is true to say that the voyage did have its moments. The new deck was wonderfully watertight, but the hull and the cabin top continued, on many occasions, to leak enthusiastically. This caused great apprehension at times such as when leaving Ceduna to cross the Great Australian Bight. However the trip was great fun and one of the most satisfying things I have ever done. It was a fabulous adventure and the fact that Solace is an attractive old timber ketch meant that she was made extra welcome by fishermen, pearl farmers and harbour authorities in the more remote parts of the Australian coast. She proved to be very sea-kindly and safe. Her long straight keel and three sail layout meant she would sail beautifully for hours at a time with only a little guidance from the wind vane. In really bad weather we found she would lie-a-hull very securely under bare poles with the helm lashed down; allowing the crew to lie snug below and get some rest. She also proved, despite her weight, to be a pretty good sailer, often achieving 100 Nm+ in 24 hours, provided we were able to ease the sheets a little. The fact that she brought us safely back was due to her solid construction and some great work done by Wayne Rosenzweig before we left.

She has had a new diesel installed since the ‘lap around’ and sailed to the Hobart Wooden Boat Festival in 2011, completing on the way home, her circumnavigation of the ‘South Island. In recent times she has won the wooden spoon in the Lincoln Race and on the 70th anniversary of winning the Kintore Cup, achieved a creditable second on handicap. Her greatest achievement so far is the award of the 2006 Youth Trophy for the circumnavigation. Further cruises are, of course, under active consideration.

Despite her age and perceived limitations in creature comforts and speed, Solace seems to be one of those fine yachts that looks after her crew and manages to charm them into looking after her.

SOLACE moored to the cliffs - low tide in Crocodile Creek, the Kimberleys. SOLACE moored at Pearson Island.

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SENIOR MEMBERBy Barry Allison

John MoffattThis is the twenty second of a series of articles by Barry Allison which records some of the experiences and adventures of our prominent Senior Members of the Squadron . It is an interesting account of the long sailing career of John Moffatt.

John joined the Squadron on 21st of August 1963, and, with over 50 years of Membership, is one of the Squadron’s 33 Members with over 50 years continuous membership.

His first interests in sailing began as a youth with the 1st Semaphore Scout troop and progressed from

watching deep keelers sailing out of the Harbor to actually crewing on Colin Haselgrove’s Cooroyba having being introduced by Colin Smith. This was the beginning of a long association with the Squadron and his love of the sea. John began crewing as a fore deck hand with Josko Grubic on Marina and competed in the 1964 Queenscliff to Port Lincoln Yacht Race. Prior to the race, John was kept busy repairing radios on the competing yachts – most had HF sets which required unique tuning. He vividly remembers the night before the start of this race when the crew dined at the Red Bluff Hotel in Queenscliff, and then started the race early the next morning in very strong winds. Unfortunately, most of the crew suffered food poisoning for the first day or two (blamed on the Hotel, of course), and most did not recover until nearing Port Lincoln. The Port Lincoln Yacht Club provided the usual country welcome and turned on the crayfish and fresh bread! Among the competitors was Winston Churchill, then owned by the Astor family who, on a radio sked, boasted of eating ice cream as she was one of the few yachts at that time with dry ice.

In those days, John had an intense interest in radio communication, having trained at Long Range Weapons Establishment at Edinburgh, and was always ‘at call’ to repair or tune the early High Frequency models. Aboard one race on Marina, Josko had purchased a new direction finding set, a Pilot Pal made by the American La Fayette company, and was meant to be the answer to all navigation problems. Josko used this set to navigate on one particular off shore race – but with ever doubtful results. Then part way through the race and after much heated debate by the crew, it was proved that Josko’s co-ordinates placed them 10 miles inland east of West Beach!

While still sailing with Josko, John and Colin Smith decided to build a plywood Van de Stadt Plymt design of 9.0 metres long. This was a long term project with no end date determined, and was meant to be a fun exercise in building a boat. Work would generally start at the Globe Hotel to discuss the program for the day – or night. Timber was selected from Wadlows in the Port, and the floors were fabricated using stringy bark and it was quite an exercise in using the glues of the day – Resorcinol being a popular brand.

Ian Truelove was a valuable member of the group and helped over the five years. However, the boat was never entirely completed in Adelaide, and was sold to a keen yachtsman in Port Lincoln to finish the hull.

Then began a period with Alex Hanson on the ‘butter box’ Spencer45 Kiandra.

Alex built this boat in his back yard and caused certain consternation amongst his neighbours when having the hull being lifted out by crane over several houses and power lines. Three of these yachts provided some close racing at this time.

John had established his radio communication business in these years and was often called out to the country towns, co-incidentally to Robe just before the forthcoming Adelaide to Robe yacht race. He decided it would be a good idea to have a look at the finish line, and organised a friendly cray fisherman to take him out into the bay to survey the positioning of finish buoys. This paid dividends later as the two leading yachts off Cape Jaffa, Canopus sailed by Jack Williams and Kiandra approached the finish line and were only separated by seconds. Canopus decided to tack to the finish line and expected Kiandra to cover him. However, John on Kiandra, with prior knowledge as to where the finish line would be laid, was able to convince Alex that Canopus would not make the finish line on that tack, and they sailed on and then tacked to cross in front of Canopus to win the race.

On the way down to Robe and near Kangaroo Island, a stronger than normal smell of petrol was noticed and was found to be leaking from the fuel tank. After some delicate bailing and clearing the bilge, it was decided not to start the Ford 10 engine until safely tied up and all the crew being topsides. Happily, the engine did start later without an accompanying explosion!

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The Robe race did provide some unique challenges and on the next race, Kiandra sailed straight past the finishing line as there were no navigational aids in those days. Kiandra sailed many off shore races including the Neptune Island races with Terry Dickson and Peter Lauredson aboard.

Tekin, built by Ian Scott, was bought in 1985 from Barry Uren and became a family boat for the Moffatt family – Andrew, Colin, Geoffrey, Philip and Cathy - with Brett Aistrope as bow man. Brett was

keen to experience strong winds and big seas, and so on one particular day, having started a race in very light winds, an ominous thunder cloud appeared on the south west skyline. Officer of the day, Bruce Tunbridge, wisely fired off three guns to abandon the race. Then the wind screamed in from the sou-west and all John could do was to lower sails and start the motor and head into the wind with the crew hanging on. The wind gauge topped 60 knots, and fortunately with these squall, only lasted 15 minutes or so. So Brett had an unexpected taste of strong winds, if only for a short time.

In 1989, John purchased the Farr 2 tonner Rimfire II in Melbourne. Part of the sale condition was that the seller be part of the delivery crew back to Adelaide. And so the delivery crew of the Moffatt family and Colin Harrison flew over to Melbourne in the midst of the pilots’ strike to bring Rimfire II back to the Squadron. The delivery voyage was achieved without any major incidents except for the American MD17C engine that would only run in short bursts.

In 1991, Rimfire II joined Josko Grubic’s Anaconda and Keith Flint’s Helsal in the Sydney-Hobart race. On the way around to Sydney, Rimfire II suffered some goose neck fitting problems and went into Ulladulla for fuel. Continuing onto Sydney they noticed a mast on the horizon behind and realised this must be Helsal. Enquiries from Helsal as to why they were in harbor prompted the casual reply that they had run out of matches to light the stove. Later at sea, Helsal could not resist closing in on Rimfire II and passing over a can of beer and a box of matches!

Rimfire II continues to sail today at the Squadron after many years of very successful racing. Achievements include having raced in all of the special and off shore races and being placed at some stage in all of these races, including 1st in the Haystack Island race, 1st in the First Division of the Port Lincoln—Wirrina Passage race and line honours in all.

There has not been a year since 1990 when Rimfire II has not won, or been placed in off shore or inshore races at the Port Vincent Easter Regatta.

John and Margaret have raised five children over the years and they have all sailed at some stage on John’s yachts. Philip today is a compliance officer with the Department of Transport at Murray Bridge. Andrew is not sailing at present and is Raw Materials Supervisor at Adelaide Brighton Cement. Geoffrey is an electronics engineer and is C.E.O. of the Ceduna Council. Colin is a mining engineer and General Manager of Collie Coalfields in Western Australia and Cathy is a mother of two having had a variety of careers in training and instructional fields. Incidentally, Cathy was only three weeks old when first taken to sea on one of the Squadron’s Opening Days.

John has always been very involved in Squadron affairs and has been on the Sailing Committee for over 15 years, having served twice as Chairman. He is currently on the Racing Rules committee, having served on it for twelve years.

Margaret has sailed in many off shore races, and today crews in the Twilight series and also the Gulf races.

Today, John and Margaret can be seen busily attending their radio and telecommunications business in the Port, and we wish them well in future sailing and in retirement.

RimFire II in flight. (Langdon Hamlyn)

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NATURE: ALIEN AVIAN CREATURES

Birds take a break on passing boats!

In two recent independent incidents at sea, some fine-feathered friends landed on the decks of cruising vessels for mid-flight rests. Two members tell of their avian encounters…

Al Duncan – Amarina

“On Friday, 4th October my wife and I were sailing across the gulf from Outer Harbor to Port Vincent. At approximately 10 am when we were about five miles west of Outer Harbor we heard a ‘thud’ and a pigeon landed on our deck. The pigeon appeared to be injured or exhausted and just sat, clinging on to some rope. After an hour or so it started walking around and I noticed that it had a red ring on the LH leg (port leg) and a green ring on the RH or Starboard leg. Eventually it got close enough for me to

photograph it and by enlarging the photos I was able to read a number on the leg tag No 14041. The pigeon stayed with us for about three hours until we were about 20 miles from Outer Harbor when it flew away.”

Alan decided to take matters further and reported the unexpected visit to the authorities – the

SA Homing Pigeon Association. “We would be most interested to hear something about the bird,” he asked. Was it in a race? Did it contravene any racing rules by hitching a lift?”

Al received a reply the following morning informing him that the pigeon was one of a number of birds taking part in a 1000 mile race from Marla to Adelaide. He is owned by Fred Dimella – one of the Adelaide Pigeon Club’s top flyers.

Here is an extract from the South Australian Homing Pigeon Association Website re: the event

0002 03 Oct 2013 07:28:38: Posted by RELEASE PANEL from SAHPA, Marla Open 98 owners, 1925 birds. Birds were released at 6.30am. They headed south but in the distance a batch of about 500 broke off & returned while the remainder kept going and were out of sight in around 3 minutes. The 500 scouted around the area and left after a further 10 minutes then a few minutes later about 50 returned and finally left about 25 minutes after the actual release. The weather was fine & sunny with a light SE wind. The leading birds are expected to cover about 420 miles (675km) by nightfall leaving about 3.5 hours to fly on Friday.

Alan sent a follow-up email enquiring whether the bird made it home, or was ‘lost at sea’. The response was: ‘Sadly at this point of time the pigeon did not get home may have found a new home’. Cross fingers that’s the case.

Pigeon on Amarina's deck

In the other incident, an uninvited hid on the decks of the Tall Ship Europa on its way to Tasmania during the recent 100 Year Australian Navy celebrations.

Helen Kearney - Europa

“We were sailing along when suddenly we spied this stowaway hiding amongst the curled-up lines. A visit to Google informed us that we had been visited by a ‘Silvereye’ – Birds are seen alone, in pairs or small flocks during the breeding season, but form large flocks in the winter months.

According to the Internet the Silvereye is a small bird so-named because of a conspicuous ring of white feathers around the eyes. It belong to a group of birds known as ‘White-Eyes’. Silvereyes are more common in the south-east of Australia. They move north each autumn, and move back south in late winter to breed. Silvereyes feed on insect prey and large amounts of fruit and nectar

“It was so cute, and I’m sure they just took advantage of the Europa for a rest,” she says. “As soon as it snuggled into that spot, its eyes closed, but only for a micro sleep of about 20 seconds”. Silver Eye taking a rest

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PSYCHOLOGY AT SEA – Life on board a boat by Jacques Metzer

Confined quarters. Damp bunks. Raging weather. Lousy food. Excess alcohol. A competitive skipper. Inexperienced crew. Many factors can affect the mood on a boat, and contribute to whether the trip is a success or not. Jacques, who is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology at UniSA when he’s not at the helm, explains how harmony can come about.

Life on board has often been described before, though with less emphasis on psychological factors such as the social dynamics, the personality of those aboard, delegation of deference to natural or assumed authority, emotional trauma, interaction with sea life, the structuring of the day and night and so on. I want to address the first of these – social dynamics. This is all about social interaction - how people get on with each other (or not) in all conditions.

From my personal experience, backed up by some scientific principles and findings from the discipline of psychology, the social make-up and behaviour of the crew (it should never be admitted that there are ever any ‘passengers’ on board!) can either make or break the performance of the boat, whether it is racing or cruising. Woe betides any skippers who invite someone with unknown qualities on board their ‘pride and joy’, even for just an innocent day sail. Who knows how people may react to the varying conditions that the elements and others may throw at them?

Take seasickness for example. An early calm sea with gentle zephyrs (and possibly a glass or two of calming wine!) may help the uninitiated crew members cope with the Gulf’s inevitable summer afternoon 25 or so knot sea breeze. But the beat back to windward before nightfall may tax the crew’s dubious seafaring qualities, and an otherwise routine sail may become a nightmare for the skipper and all on board! Previous joyous social interaction between those on deck, in the cockpit, and down below, may suddenly turn to total silence as a lost soul’s

bout of seasickness takes everyone’s attention. Unhelpful comments such as “Must you do that here?” unsurprisingly don’t ease the tenseness of the situation.

On the contrary, such an event on board may have the immediate psychological effect known as ‘copycat imitation’. Other witnessing crew, bravely trying to keep lunch where it belongs, may now suddenly lose the battle. The ravages enacted upon polite social interaction will also be immediate. Crew caught unawares down below may fight to get to the companionway first. Others who’ve taken on the role of the ‘clean-up crew’ might suddenly be overcome themselves and urgently react, trying to stop themselves from joining the puking frenzy! On one vigorous sail across the Gulf, I was somewhat surprised when the whole crew of five or six were afflicted in such a manner. Much of that crossing was spent in terse silence, with longing greenish gazes towards the distant land.

How, may you ask, does the skipper return the crew to harmony in such a situation? It‘s often too late for downing seasick pills, putting on the pressure wrist bands or ordering the ailing ones to “Look at the horizon”! Attempts to start up a ‘sing-along’ to take their minds off their situation are often met with pathetic and incredulous stares!

No, only a return to flat water will restore harmony to people who believe that they have just stared death in the face. As the yacht approaches the lee of the land crew spirits may rise and slowly conversation may be restored, possibly even shouts of delight may be uttered by the more extraverted and less afflicted.

This is the time for the skipper to get the pleasantries resurrected. Go below and warm up pies and pasties, put a few more bottles in the cooler, and before you know it, everyone is ‘sharing the experience’ and bonding together again, celebrating their survival!

Who said social dynamics don’t matter on board? Certainly no psychologist, and especially a sailing one!

Head to Canberra this Summer!

A collection of some of the oldest and rarest maps in the world is on show at the National library in Canberra until March 10.

The ‘Mapping Our World: Terra Incognita to Australia’ exhibition examines the history of cartography from ancient Greek days and medieval times through to European explorations and the voyages of Flinders and Cook.

It features 135 maps, wall charts, atlases, paintings, clocks, cartography and navigational instruments, many of which have never before been seen in the southern hemisphere.

Some of the priceless treasures are on loan from the British Library, the Vatican, and the Bibliotheque Nationale de France.

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RE-NAMING YOUR BOAT – WHY DO IT? A number of new boat-owners have decided to change the existing name of their newly purchased boat to something else that they think more reflects their, and the boat’s personality. Ignoring the superstitious belief that it is a bad omen to change the name, a couple of members have done so in recent times. Here are their justifications. (Editor’s note: Graham Teusner has also change the name of his new Bavaria 40 to Flagstaff. We‘ll give his reasons for doing so in a later edition.)

Dave Rawnsley has re-named his Catalina 470 to Four Seventy

We purchased our new boat in June this year 2013. The Catalina 470s are recognised as being the flag ship of the Catalina’s manufacturing boat building design selections and this model sports its own invaluable 470 owner’s association group. We purchased the 470 from a Sydney boat broker/ agent who had traded the boat in from a local Adelaide Yacht club member. Unfortunately this previous owner proved to be a somewhat of an unreliable source of information and resulted in a very disappointing, confusing experience.

After endless discovery of the numerous faults and putting aside the untruths from the truths that we had been given, I thought ‘Take a deep breath, David’! The only way to get to the truth of how to fix this boat and put it back into a safe, reliable sailing/cruiser condition was to meticulously go over the boat area by area to find out by myself, and also ask and call on a few favours from my boatie friends. I must say that it is so worthwhile being a RSAYS member – ‘seamanship and fellowship’ is so underestimated. It was decided to get rid of the sour taste in my mouth and go forward.

We started by completely servicing, modifying, resetting the steering, the fridges/freezer, the engine, the generator, the sails, the stanchion blocks, the boom brake, the electrics & electronics, the halyards, the winches, the sewage treatment

systems, the anchor, the dodger, the prop, the keel, the air conditioning, the plumbing, the leaking hatches and the water maker and finding and fixing in excess some 22 water leaks both fresh and saltwater. Although the boat previously was Australian registered by the previous owners, the markings on the boat were all in the wrong position and did not legally comply.

Enough is enough!!! Get rid of the name and hopefully extinguish the previous owner’s shortcomings. So in accordance with Maritime tradition, we decided to re-name the boat. We have found out for the second time that is not that easy or quick to do properly. Firstly, there is the de-naming ceremony to contend with that comes with a complete set of procedures of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ that have to be carried out to the letter before the re-naming can be even begun. Mary and I did everything that was asked of us by King Neptune, even down to removing the monogramed names on the cockpit cushions, the life rings/raft

and all the ships books. Everything that had any resemblance to the old name was removed from the boat and thrown away or burnt. We eventually finished with a, somewhat nameless bare boat, sort of a virgin looking ghost ship. The full procedure list of our de-naming ceremony came from the following book: (Day Book & Nautical Desk Reference, by John Vigor pub: International Marine (1998).

Once we successfully finished the de-naming ceremony, we believe that the boat took on a new lease of life and we are now really proud to own her. After the de-naming ceremony which we loved, sharing the wine and champagne with our new Catalina, we waited the nominated prescribed de-naming length of time, then we happily started to get the boat ready for the new re-naming ceremony which was to be held at RSAYS. We did sort of, in the early stages of ownership, entertain using the old name, which incidentally had been changed twice before. But the decision out lived the reasoning.

The new name had to be approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), especially if the yacht was to be an Australian registered vessel. We did look at all the romantic names, like Paradise Dreams, Bluewater III, Blue Water Dreamer and we even considered naming the boat Wet Dreams, - now that would have been a hoot, with the coast guards, especially at 2.00 o’clock in the morning!

Helen Prisk, Dave Rawnsley and his partner Mary.

Four Seventy.

Mary and Dave celebrating the renaming.

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But finally we came up with the name Four Seventy it had a nice easy ring to the name. Also Catalina had announced this year that they were not going to mass produce any more of their pedigree 470s designs and were concentrating on building other popular models, such as the 445s, so it was befitting, we think, to honour the 470 Catalina model. Prior to the naming ceremony the name was approved by the AMSA. (It’s worth noting that if you get the registration and or the markings wrong there is a $20,000 penalty for non-compliance). To our knowledge there is not another boat in the world called Four Seventy. The renaming ceremony occurred at the RSAYS Open Boat Day and we had around 30 people in attendance. The link for the correct boat de-naming and re-naming ceremonies are

available at this website:

http://www.boatnames.com.au/boat-naming-renaming-ceremony.htm

We would like thank everyone for sharing with us on the day in the festivities of the naming ceremony, and for all the help and support freely given to us by the many friends and members of our club and other Catalina yacht owners.

And yes, you are all welcome to drop in and have a sail with us on Four Seventy!

Mal Denton has renamed his Northshore 38 Blue Diamond….

Having learnt to sail at age eight and being a member of Sea Scouts and attending Seahaven Scout Camp, the RSAYS has always been very dear to me, and I had often thought - one day I might be able to be there! I had even assisted on Opening Days, seeing all at the Squadron in their navy and white, transporting members to their boats, which at that time were all on chain moorings…..Yes, I am a little more than eight now!

Having owned and raced numerous yachts and catamarans off the beach, I had the opportunity to sail for the last six years with Paul Bogner on Arcadia (weekends) and David Henshall on Lara 111 (Wednesdays) - both amazing experiences.

The timing was now right, if I didn’t have my own keel boat now I would never do it. The hunt began. Numerous enquiries, trips interstate, and out of water surveys. I was already starting to understand the true meaning of boat – bring out another thousand!

Then I found her lying in Sydney, the best of all I had seen within my range (sort of!) and I purchased her, a Northshore 38, then called Mojo. I then made the journey home with the driver Keith in the semi, an awesome trip with my new blue purchase following closely behind being handled like a baby by Rob Johns Transport.

She made it to Adelaide safely and work began. Engine work, electrical, new standing and running rigging and some other minor repairs. Three days of scrubbing, cutting, polishing and repainting of decks and she was ready for renaming – after all, could we really have two boats at RSAYS called Mojo, owned by Mal Mead. A special ‘thank you’ to my lovely lady Nicole Marshall and number one crew member Nives Vincent for their hard work preparing the boat too.

Renaming day was here and at 1100hrs on 25th August, 2013 the official ceremony took place performed by our new Commodore Peter Cooling, and Blue Diamond started her new life.

This was an exceptionally special day to me with many friends present. The name Blue Diamond came from what seemed an endless list but was very symbolic, and those who know me well know that, in particular with reference to my work life not being what it should be. Blue Diamond is of great value to me in the ‘corrugations of the road of life - a saying learned and honoured from a friend and signwriter.

Her name means ‘Precious, rare, and exquisite, formed from great pressure and rising from within’.

Nicole wrote an amazing poem for me for the name changing day. This is just a segment of it:-

‘With the rising of the sun, And it’s setting again at night, Blue Diamond is a sight to behold, Her timing is just right!’

After just three sail/practice days she entered and won her first race…oh! oh!...there goes the handicap!

I look forward to seeing you all on the water, on the quarterdeck and on board if you chose to visit/sail. We all know crew are hard to find and Blue Diamond is no different. Good luck to all throughout the season both cruising and racing. No matter what the weather brings or the result at the end of the day, any day out on Blue Diamond is a good one!

Blue Diamond before renaming.

Blue Diamond celebrations.

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LESSONS TO BE LEARNED - the hard wayBy Sue Barker – Marie Claire

For someone scared of water, marrying a yachty was never going to be on the cards. But the cards had a different agenda for Sue! And she’s learnt some valuable lessons on the way, as seen in this edited version.

Trevor and I met, worked, he took on my two boys, Jackson (10) and Cody (4), and we planned to sail the world. But then Cody developed the chronic and life-threatening autoimmune disease, Type 1 Diabetes. Needing to have medical attention readily accessible, we decided to postpone the world and hug the Queensland coastline instead. In the autumn of 2009, our new lady, Mary Claire, a Bavaria 50 Vision, was commissioned and ready to roll. Southport Yacht Club was the starting line.

Having a passion for the written word, and the worst memory in the history of humans, I decided to write a blog to keep a record of our trip. Somehow it gathered momentum and we developed a ‘cult’ following. Apparently it gave others quite a lot to laugh about! Then the idea to create a hard cover book of our trip was born. It really is quite easy to do. There are many online companies; my choice was Blurb (www.blurb.com). Hit the ‘Get Started’ button and you’re publishing your own book! Blurb offers loads of assistance and there‘s no deadline, so just relax and take your time. It is well worth the effort, so give it a go!

Our book, aptly named ‘From Cradle to Buffoon’ is 120 large pages long and tells many a tale as seen from my eyes only.

Here is one of the many excerpts that show how quickly things can go wrong.

Wed Aug 12, 2009 The new day brought with it a long day at sea. We left Pancake Creek on the central Queensland coast around 7.30am and headed back for the eight hour sail to Bundaberg. We had been heading further north when we lost our prop and auto pilot in Port Clinton, in the middle of live war games - another story! By the time we were mobile again the 20 mile radius ban on heading north was in place, so we limped back south.

The sea was serenely calm and the weather was behaving well. But then we heard the forecast. A large cyclonic storm was on its way. We decided to bypass ‘Bundie’ and head straight to Hervey Bay. Yes, Hervey Bay! Previously we said we would never go back. But Hervey Bay has an excellent marina port and we would be able to get on top of our growing washing pile and diminishing supplies. The extra six hours meant we’d arrive at night, but ultimately we could then sleep in, have long hot ‘marina’ showers, dine and basically rest up for a couple of days. It was a unanimous decision – bring on Hervey Bay!

As the sun dipped below the ocean, temperatures dropped and the cold set in. I bundled myself up like an Eskimo and we sat in near silence as the moon rose and the darkness deepened. Our ETA was around 9.30pm and that was closing fast. I couldn’t wait. No point putting Cody to bed.

The lights of the town and the beacons warning of shoals came into welcome view and the anticipation of the end of a long, 14 hour journey was rife. Ropes and fenders readied and instructions given – Jackson was to jump off and secure the back – me the front. Quietly we glided into the sleeping marina and picked our spot at the end of the ‘pink finger’.

By this time I was feeling very tired and shivering uncontrollably. I wanted the securing over and done with so I could go to bed. Trevor was reversing in slowly, trying to avoid a $5 million motor boat. But we were still about a metre and a half away from the berth and getting too close to the other boat. Jackson, the epitome of youth and strength, hurled himself and landed on the berth – running to tie off on the cleat. My turn next. I looked at the distance and for a split second hesitated thinking ‘I can’t make that’. But nothing gained by not trying, so I followed. It took another second to know

my initial assumption was right. My feet hit the edge of the berth and I catapulted backwards like an acrobat and down into the pitch black waters of the marina, right between our approaching 23 tonne yacht and the concrete berth.

Everything seemed to be in slow motion after that. I remember thinking ‘Bugga!’, and ‘Don’t let go of the rope!’ I remember how dark and quiet it was underwater and the taste of sea water at the back of my throat. I remember wondering why my lifejacket didn’t inflate. I didn’t panic, in fact I didn’t do anything but lie under the water and slowly sink! It really puzzles me why no survival instinct kicked in. Then, like an electric shock, a strong hand suddenly grabbed at the neck of my life jacket and yanked me up. My head broke water

Mary Claire at Garry's Anchorage. (Sue Barker)

Sue in control at the helm.

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Mary Claire at Garry's Anchorage. (Sue Barker)

and the weird dreamy state was broken. Jackson was trying to haul me on to the berth before I was crushed. I was saying, “I can’t get on, I can’t make it!”

Trevor was yelling, “Leave your mother! Tie off the boat first!” Some sort of deep determination must have set in then. Jackson wasn’t letting me go, but he couldn’t get me up. I’m not sure how, but I managed to lift one leg, from foot to knee, onto the berth and with Jackson’s aid we half dragged and half rolled me up to safety. I started to cough up water, when Trevor was suddenly hovering over me. He yelled for Cody to get a towel. I remember saying, “Now that’s one for the

blog!” And the strangest thing was that warmth flowed through me. I was saturated, but no longer feeling cold… how odd? I started laughing but was told, "It's not a laughing matter. That was very serious and you could have been killed". That made me laugh more!

I stripped there and then, wrapped myself in the towel and stood there. I couldn’t think. Trevor said, “Get on the boat”. Like a robot I did. I heard him tell Jackson, “I know you were worried about your Mum, but I told you to tie off the boat first. I’m the skipper, you do what I say.” I filed that away for a later explanation, because in reality, I felt Jackson had saved me. But for now I wanted to get away from the water – far away.

As I entered the galley, I routinely turned off the GPS, Autopilot, opened windows etc. as if nothing had happened. Cody, leaning over the back of the couch, brightly asked, “Mum, did you fall in the water?” “Yes” I replied. “That’s lucky!” he responded, “I thought you’d broken a nail!” He paused a moment, staring at me with his big green eyes, before resuming, “Or I thought we’d popped a fender. That would’ve been bad wouldn’t it?” I was nearly wet all over again from laughing so hard. Mummy was nearly drowned and crushed, but Codes got his priorities right. No broken nail and no popped fender!

When Jackson came downstairs, he said, “Mum, why didn’t you check the prop while you were under the boat?” Ha! Ha! Everyone’s a comedian!

Later on, showered, sitting and reminiscing, I said to Trevor, “My lifejacket didn’t inflate when it made contact with the water. Why?” He replied, “Didn’t you pull the tag?” Turns out he’d bought new jackets. (OK, a review of life saving equipment and techniques is in order immediately.)

I then asked why he’d told Jackson to leave me and tie off the boat. His response was that it doesn’t take long to tie off a single rope to secure the boat, allowing him to manoeuvre away from the berth, reducing the risk of crushing me. It also allows him to get off and assist with 'the rescue'. Too late if I was sitting on the bottom of the Marina bed though!

Whatever Trevor! I didn’t want to berth a boat ever again.

Oh… apparently Trevor’s expectation of how the incident should have evolved is quite correct. You do tie off the boat first. But I might fish around quietly and see if he has taken a life insurance policy out on me. After all… you can never be too sure!

Sue and Trevor keeping a lookout. Jackson & Cody, brothers in arms! (Sue Barker)

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MY BOAT - Black ButterflyBy Jerry Brown

Jerry and his partner Glenda Neild made the unusual decision of buying their new XP44 in Denmark and go and pick it up themselves, undertaking a Baltic cruise after making the purchase. They explain here what they were thinking.

Why an XP44?Our current boat, a Beneteau First 41s5 (Sea Hawk) which we’ve had since 2006, is great as it has enabled us to race as well as go cruising with the kids and grandchildren. However I would like to race at Div. 1 level but still use the boat for cruising. Thus we selected the X-Yacht XP44 because it: (a) was the most recent design and comparable cost to other new boats, (b)was a fast racer cruiser, (c) was respected for high quality construction, (d) could be easily sailed single handed and also by two people and (c)had twin steering wheels and a large cockpit.

X-Yachts have been built in Denmark since 1979 and they only make 150 boats a year.

Specific items that we added to make the Xp44 easy to sail with the two of us were electric halyard and jib winches, single line reefing and ball bearing cars for the main. These items enabled Glenda to raise, lower and reef the main herself as well as tack the jib.

Pick Up the Boat from DenmarkWe decided to pick the boat up from the X-Yacht factory in Denmark and cruise the Baltic as this was not going to cost anymore, except our flights over. If we did not like the Baltic, we could still ship the boat back to Australia at the same cost as if we had it delivered direct to Australia.

Baltic Cruise We arrived on April 23, the agreed date the boat would be ready. We spent about a month with the boat in Haderslev as unfortunately Denmark had the worst winter for years and consequently the yard was 3 weeks behind schedule. This time was put to good use stocking the boat with food and drink and everything else needed for cruising as we had a totally empty boat, and also enabling X-Yachts to complete the boat. One item that we were not familiar with that was completed in this time was covers for the windows in the bedrooms. Daylight is long in the Baltic during the summer, typically setting about 11pm and rising at 2am.

We left Haderslev May 18 and began our cruise from Denmark to Sweden and then Norway. To plan a day’s travel, we looked at harbours about 40 nm as the crow flies, select a few then look at the wind on the day and choose the one that puts us closest to our goal. If we wanted to cut the trip short, there was no shortage of ports to stop at.

We travelled north to Juelsminde then Samso Island, Anholt Island, all of which are in Denmark and then crossed to Varberg, Sweden, our first port of call in Sweden. We then continued north along the west coast of Sweden from Varberg to Styrsö Island, then to Marstrand, Smogen and then Stromstadt. Typically we would sail one day and then stay at that port for the second day to sightsee.

The west coast of Sweden is a mass of islands and rocks. This type of sailing is quite nerve racking but with Glenda closely watching the iPad, we found our way through.

Our final sail from Stromstadt Sweden to Fredrikstad, Norway was on June 4th. It was typical of sailing in this area and is described below:

We left Stromstad with clear blue skies into a cold wind and initially motored for about 30 minutes as the wind was blowing 20kn on our nose (higher than the predicted 10 kn) and the channel was narrow. When we were able to bear away sufficiently we started sailing with a reef in the main and a partially furled jib. The area was beautiful, rocky with trees and intermittently, houses built down to the shore.

We had a busy time tacking but due to the deep water we were able to come within a couple of boat lengths of shore. The gusts were often up to 25 knots so the close proximity of a rocky coast line makes you nervous.

We arrived at the southern entrance to Fredikstad which is the estuary for the Glomma River, the largest river in Norway. The flow from the river was slowing us by 2 knots until we entered the branch of the river towards the town centre then found the current was 1 knot with us.

We motored for another 20 minutes until we came to the Krakeroy Bridge which according to the charts, would open. We did not know how to make this happen and in the process

Black Butterfly on Lake Vanern in Sweden

Jerry & Glenda

Raising the Norwegian flag

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Black Butterfly on Lake Vanern in Sweden

of working out our next steps, a guy on a moored Bavaria told us that the bridge was broken and he gave us a hand to moor our boat. We discovered it cost us nothing to tie up where we were as well as free power and water from the service station and hence was a very cheap place to stay. Another successful day sailing and we slept well with all the fresh air and sunshine.

The purpose of going to Norway was to have the invoice for the boat stamped by Norwegian Customs (Norway is out of EU) and hence avoid paying 25% VAT on the boat and other purchases we had made. Norway has tight regulations on people bringing in alcohol and we knew our beer and wine quantities exceeded their limits and hence we may have had to ‘lock the stock up’ while in Norway. Following a 20 minute walk to Customs, we found the customs officer was not very concerned and was very obliging and not authoritarian as can sometimes happen with some customs officials.

Tejia, the Norwegian ex-ferry man who helped us moor, took us around that afternoon to visit the ‘Old Town’ inside an elaborate moat and wall system. We met friends of his (Swedes he met in Thailand!) unexpectedly and were invited into their old cottage. They have the same problem we have with heritage listed buildings they can only do so much. It was an interesting day.

After about a week in Norway we sailed back down to Sweden and then back to the east coast of Denmark as we had entered to sail the

X-Yachts Gold Cup in Copenhagen at the end of July. After the Gold Cup, we sailed some more of Sweden and Denmark and even did some bike riding across Sweden but that can wait for another edition.

Future Plans.In September, the boat was returned to the X Yacht factory in Haderslev for winter storage. We have already booked our return fares in April 2014. We will then sail south through the Kiel Canal to the west coast of Germany. We will then travel south along the coast of the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal and into the Mediterranean.

We would like to do the 2014 Atlantic Rally which leaves the Canary Islands in late November and should arrive in the Caribbean about 2 weeks later. Plans after that are vague but likely continue sailing west through the Panama and across the Pacific.

Water Wheel near Fredrikstad

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MECHANICAL TIPSTrue Cruising Definition: Working On Your Boat in Exotic Places!By Colin and Jeanne Harrison. Photos by Jeanne Harrison.

Colin and Jeanne Harrison have sailed to over 50 countries during the last 25 years. In June 2012 they purchased Divided Sky, a 2001 Catalina 400 MKII in Massachusetts, USA, and then sailed east as far as Greece and Croatia. Turning west, they returned to Australia via the Panama Canal after nearly 20,000 miles of sailing in 18 months. During that time they undertook many repairs!We’ve often joked that the first three items to load onto any new boat are champagne, underwater epoxy, and duct tape. However since the repair to-do list begins the day the boat is bought, one must be practical and consider what tools, spare parts and repair condiments may be required especially when the yacht is heading offshore. When we bought Divided Sky in the USA, our luggage on the flight from Adelaide to Boston included mainly boat parts and tools. Clothes, champagne as well as heaps more tools were purchased after we landed.

Assisted by a professional survey report and our own inspection and review of the boat, we normally start with engine spares: impellers, filters, hoses and clamps, diesel additives, gasket material, oil, coolant, thermostat, oil soaking material, fan belts. Bigger items for consideration include starter motor and alternator. Electrical equipment includes a multi-meter, insulation tape, connectors, diodes, replacement bulbs and soldering material and iron. Whatever is forgotten will be the item needed!

Leaving Massachusetts on our previous yacht, with an engine used for fewer than 400 hours, we concluded that there was a low probability of needing a new starter motor. However the starter button on the console rusted to the point of continuous contact, leaving the starter motor to burn out 1700 miles from the next landfall! So we add to the kit list new start and stop buttons for any weather exposed cockpit. On our recent trip, we were thankful to have a new ignition switch and key set when the starter key broke in half inside the switch and we noticed that the backup key also had a fracture. After retrieving the key end with tweezers (add that to the list) we gently nursed the spare key to Tonga where Col changed the switch assembly.

We have yet to figure out how to resolve the issue of dead macerator pumps on holding tanks in countries with no pump out facilities. Our head problem was further complicated by the fact that we had no Y valve on the outflow for direct overboard flush, as Divided Sky had only been used in inland waterways in the US. So Col refined the traditional method of overboard outflow by rigging the aft ladder with harnesses, so that we had a ‘poop deck’ astern across the Atlantic. When we finally did find a pump-out facility, the cap couldn’t be budged. After bending the normal cap keys, Col had to devise a tool from other items on board in order to have enough force to open it for pump-out.

Necessity is definitely the mother of invention on a yacht. Col had a mate who often said ‘I could fix that if only I had my 12’ lathe here’. But 12’ lathes are few and far between in offshore yachting, so having spare boards, G-clamps, spare lengths/shapes of aluminium, thin stainless steel wire, nuts, various hoses, bolts

and screws often saves the day.

Going into Galapagos a few months ago, our engine began overheating. We had had the engine professionally checked and impeller changed in Grenada, as the difficulty in reaching the impeller was something we didn’t want to deal with in a rolling sea. Fortunately we were only 12 miles from the harbour and the seas were flat calm, (which was why the engine had been running). Col managed to rig a board across the swim ladder and together we moved the 4 hp outboard motor onto the board. We were then able to push ourselves at 2+ knots into the Wreck Bay, San Cristobal anchorage. Once anchored, Col tried everything we could think of which might have been the cause of overheating. He finally took the raw water pump apart to find that the impeller had crumbled apart, possibly having been installed incorrectly in Grenada.

Often forgotten on the maintenance list is a check of the gas fittings behind the propane stove. Ocean sailing can put a lot of pressure on the gimballed stove and its fittings. On one trip across the Pacific, a loose fitting erupted into flames behind and around the cook top. Fortunately Jeanne was there to turn the gas off inside, and Col was outside to immediately shut off the tank valve. It isn’t something we’re likely to ever forget.

On our previous Pacific crossing we frayed a lower shroud. This time we made certain that we carried threaded rod and wire clamps to span any rigging fractures. Of course that wasn’t a problem on this trip. This time we

Colin demonstrating the ‘Loo with a View’.

Colin and the outboard setup in Galapagos

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needed sail repair materials: fabric, strapping, ‘sticky-back’, needles, heavy duty thread and a good leather palm.

Our boat tool kit included a comprehensive socket and spanner set, rubber mallet and sledge hammer (when all else fails!), together with various size/type screwdrivers, Allen keys, saws (hack, wood, hole), cordless drill and drill bits, plus tap and dye set. Lots of spare shackles, cotter pins, split rings, and bungee cords are also in the inventory. We carry a variety of adhesives and glues including two-pot epoxy. Whilst at the Bora Bora Yacht Club in Tahiti enjoying Happy Hour with Canadian cruisers, they mentioned that they carry products called Brewcoat and Navicoat in case of leaking water tanks. Both products are food grade sealants (used for coating brewery and potable water tanks) and have worked well for them.

Jeanne repairing the main sail off the Spanish coast.

This is certainly not meant to be an all-inclusive spare list, but we hope that it gives some food for thought to those of you who may be far away from professional repair or spare options when cruising. Particularly we like to carry on board items with multiple uses, such as the block and tackle

for the dinghy davits which could be used for man-overboard lifting and is used often (hung from the boom) to hoist the outboard onto its bracket and/or down onto the dinghy transom; our canvas rain-catcher doubles as an awning in fair weather.

As you look at your own ‘To Do’ list you might have a guilty pang if something is not crossed off as soon as the opportunity arises. Don’t get too depressed. We manage this by having an ongoing list of ‘Things to Do’ that just changes title: Our ‘Things to do in Gibraltar’ list became our ‘Things to do in the Canary Islands’, after we had tackled the absolute necessities in Gibraltar.

Happy cruising - and fixing . . . remember that when offshore sailing, something breaks every day. If something doesn’t break today, two probably will tomorrow!

Reinforced Deck Cap Key.

Boat Work.


Marina Berths For RENT as at November 2013SIZE PEN BERTH NO $ PER WEEK NOTES

8.2 Metre Hard Stand Various 11 Metre Single C 14 $82.75 Available from 1st Dec 201311 Metre Single C 16 $82.7511 Metre T-Head B 18_T $82.7512 Metre Double A 04 $90.2512 Metre Double A 05 $90.2512 Metre Double B 02 $90.2512 Metre Double C 05 $90.25 (Berth For Sale - Possible Short Term)12 Metre Double D 10 $90.2512 Metre T-Head C 12A_T $90.25 12 Metre T-Head D 12A_T $90.25 12 Metre T-Head E 12A_T $90.25 13 Metre Double E05 $97.7513 Metre Double K03 $97.7514 Metre Double I 08 $105.30 15 Metre Double J 10 $112.80 16 Metre Single G 06 $120.35 16 Metre Single G 09 $120.35 16 Metre Single G 10 $120.35 18 Metre Double SI 15 $135.35 (Berth For Sale - Possible Short Term)18 Metre Double SI 16 $135.35 (Berth For Sale - Possible Short Term)

For further information please contact Kathy BernhardtEmail: [email protected] or Phone: 08 8341 8600

Prices & availability are subject to change without noticeAll Berth Rentals are subject to Terms and Conditions

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PERMANENT RENTAL OF BERTHS, ALL VESSEL OWNERS MUST BE CURRENT MEMBERS' OF RSAYS

MARINA BERTHS FOR RENT

1. Answer: A – Belgium has a black, yellow and red flag which looks similar to Germany’s flag on its side.2. Answer: D – The flag of Indonesia has a top half of red and a bottom half of white. You can use it again in the Mediterranean, as it is also the flag

of Monaco. If you rotate it clockwise 90 degrees you can use it as the flag of Malta.3. Answer: C – The yellow “Q” flag must be flown requesting pratique – release from Quarantine. Generally the visiting country’s courtesy flag is flown

above the “Q” flag and remains until the yacht leaves the country. The “Q” flag is removed upon completion of clearance formalities.4. Answer: D – Interesting choice of design for the government of Mozambique!5. Answer: B – The “N” (No); “C” (Yes) combination is a distress signal6. Answer: A – Divers are down here; keep clear7. Answer: B – Too easy!8. Answer: D – British yachts are particularly prudent about displaying the black ball9. Answer: C – Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary, especially if the lights are wide apart!10. Answer: B – The American buoyage system is different from the International System. They use “Red Right Returning” which means that starboard

markers in the channel are red markers called “nuns.” Green markers, to port, are called “cans.”11. Answer: C – West cardinal markers indicate clear water west, not east. Interestingly in Tahiti, the markers inside the reef are usually red for dangers

towards the land and green for dangers along the reef, but the Pass markers are green for starboard and red for port. Special care must be taken once inside the reef to switch one’s focus!

12. Answer: A – The yellow “X” shows a divided channel, so look for the next markers in the direction you intent to travel.

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RSAYS Marina Berths For Sale as at November, 2013SIZE BERTH TYPE BERTH NO COST

8.2 Metre Hard Stand HS 05 $8,000.00 8.2 Metre Hard Stand HS 10 $6,900.00 8.2 Metre Hard Stand HS 12 $6,900.00 9.2 Metre Dry Stand DS 01 $5,000.00 12 Metre Double A 03 $70,000.00 11 Metre Single B 15 $60,000.00 12 Metre Double C 05 $54,000.00 12 Metre Double C 07 $67,000.00 11 Metre Single C 14 $60,000.00

11 Metre Single C 16 $60,000.00 ReducedPrice Negotiable

12 Metre Single D 08 $89,000.00 12 Metre Double D 10 $55,000.00 All Offers11 Metre Single D 15 $49,000.00 Price Negotiable13 Metre Double E 05 $70,000.00 13 Metre Double E04 $72,000.0013 Metre Single E 07 $100,000.00 13 Metre Single E 11 $100,000.00 15 Metre Single F 05 $90,000.00 15 Metre Single F 07 $140,000.00 15 Metre Single F 08 $120,000.00

15 Metre Single F 10 $90,000.00 MUST SELL All offers considered

16 Metre Single G 05 $120,000.00 All Offers

20 Metre Single H 01 $110,000.00 Price Reduced (Holds 16m Cat)

14 Metre Double I 02 $120,000.00 14 Metre Double I 03 $100,000.00 14 Metre Double I 04 $100,000.00 14 Metre Double I 07 $115,000.00 14 Metre Double I 08 $110,000.00 10 Metre Double I 10 $80,000.00 10 Metre Double I 18 $80,000.00 10 Metre Double I 20 $80,000.00 10 Metre Double I 23 $75,000.00 10 Metre Single I 26 $80,000.00 27 Metre T - Head I 27 $370,000.00 15 Metre Single J 04 $195,000.00 15 Metre Double J 08 $126,500.00 15 Metre Double J 10 $115,000.00 16 Metre Single J 12 $160,000.00 16 Metre Single J 17 $195,000.00 12 Metre Double K 10 $75,000.00 30 Metre Single SI 03 $450,000.00

25 Metre Single SI 07 $225,000.00 Below Original Purchase Price

22 Metre Single SI 09 $220,000.00 22 Metre Single SI 11 $220,000.00 18 Metre Double SI 14 $150,000.00 All Offers18 Metre Double *SI 15 $175,000.00 *SI 15 & 16 can

be used for a Catamaran18 Metre Double *SI 16 $175,000.00

For further information please contact Andrew McDowell - General ManagerEmail: [email protected] or Phone 08 8341 8600

Prices and availability are subject to change without noticeAll Berth Sales are subject to Terms and Conditions

MARINA BERTHS FOR SALE


ICS INTERNATIONALCOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS PTY. LTD.

SALES • INSTALLATIONS • SERVICE

Electronics & Communications

ICS8 Nile Street Port Adelaide South Australia [email protected]

Ph: 08 8447 3688 Fax: 08 8341 1453

SEA

LANDAIRLet John & Margaret Moffatt (Rimfire II) look after your

boating needs and take advantage of John’s many years’ experience in electronics & boating.

Realising that most of us don’t spend all of our time at sea,ICS also have outback HF, UHF & 27Mhz radio, commercial two

way systems, satellite phones, aircraft VHF, Ham Radio equipment, aerials, cables & installation materials.

Marine Radio & Satellite Phones, Navigation Instruments, GPS, AIS, Autopilots, Radar, Echo Sounders, Fishfinders, Plotters,

Sonar, EPIRBS, Marine entertainment systems, Thermal Night Vision Cameras & Satellite TV.

Marine Radio Surveys for charter & other commercial craft & Ocean Racing Compliance.

Ellison Rigging ServiceMarine • Industrial • Architectural • Rural

John Ellison0449 769 084

(08)8449 4289

email: [email protected]: 37308077476

14 Montpelier Street Exeter SA 5019

* FOR ALL BOAT & MECHANICAL REPAIRS

* SURVEY REPORTS

* WAECO AGENT KINGSLEY HASKETT

R.T Searles

EMAIL: [email protected]

* ANTIFOULING & TOPSIDE PAINTING

* BOATCODE & MARINE INSPECTIONS

'BONES' - 0419 844 772

49 - 51 LIPSON STREET, PORT ADELAIDE, SA 5015

OFFICE ENQUIRIES CALL KATHY 0403 698 276

EVENTS CALEN

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DECEMBER 2013

Sat 14 Pointscore Series, Etchell Pointscore Series 1, Multihull SeriesChristmas party & Pacer Cup on the Quarterdeck

Sun 15 RSAYS Women’s SeriesWed 18 Twilight Series 1 – Race 10, Twilight Series 1 PresentationsFri 20 Friday Afternoon Sternchasers

Sat 21 TG Flint Memorial Race, Club Series, Inshore/Offshore SeriesPrivate Function on the Quarterdeck

Thur 26 Boxing Day Lunch/Sydney to Hobart/ Keith Flint Sprint

Tue 31 New year’s Eve Drinks on the QuarterdeckBrown’s Beach New Year’s Eve Party

JANUARY 2014Wed 1 Ballast Head Cup – Kangaroo IslandWed 8 Twilight Series 2 – Race 1Fri 10 Friday Afternoon SternchasersSat 11 Club Series, Inshore/Offshore Series, State IRC Div 2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2Sun 12 RSAYS Women’s SeriesWed 15 Twilight Series 2 – Race 2

Sat 18 Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Club Champs Div 2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Multihull

Sun 19 RSAYS Women’s Series, Boat Picnic at the BayTue 21 RSAYS Ltd meeting & RSAYS Inc meetingWed 22 Twilight Series 2 – Race 3Fri 24 Friday Afternoon Sternchasers, Geelong Week (24-27 January)Sat 25 Stansbury Cruise, Geelong WeekSun 26 Australia Day – Stansbury Cruise & BBQ, Geelong WeekMon 27 Stansbury Cruise, Geelong WeekWed 29 Twilight Series 2 – Race 4FEBRUARY 2014

Sat 1 Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Club Champs Div 2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Multihull

Sun 2 RSAYS Women’s Series Mon 3 House & Social Committee MeetingTue 4 Racing Committee Meeting, Cruising Committee MeetingWed 5 Twilight Series 2 – Race 5Fri 7 Friday Afternoon Sternchasers

Sat 8 Inshore/Offshore Series, Offshore Series -Glenelg Gulf Race, Club Series, Etchells Pointscore Series 2Private Function on the Quarterdeck

Sun 9 Sea Safety DayTue 11 RSAYS Ltd Meeting, RSAYS Inc MeetingWed 12 Twilight Series 2 – Race 6

Sat 15 Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Champs Div 2, State IRC Div 1, State IRC Div2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Multihull Series

Sun 16 Etchells State Titles, RSAYS Women’s Series, J-Squad Sail Training, Fun Race 5&6Wed 19 Twilight Series 2 – Race 7Thu 20 Adelaide – Port Lincoln Race Briefing at RSAYS

Fri 21 Offshore Series- Port Lincoln, Friday Afternoon Sternchasers, Inshore/Offshore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, State IRC Div 1

Mon 24 Lincoln Week RegattaTue 25 Lincoln Week Regatta, Combined Committee Chairs MeetingWed 26 Lincoln Week RegattaThu 27 Lincoln Week RegattaMARCH 2014Sun 2 J-Squad Sail Training 8Mon 3 House & Social Committee MeetingTue 4 Racing Committee Meeting, Cruising Committee MeetingWed 5 Twilight Series 2 – Race 8Fri 7 Friday Afternoon Sternchasers

Sat 8Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Club Champs Div 2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Multihull SeriesBrighton SC Cruise & BBQ, Juniors Camp, Private Function- Dining Room

Sun 9 Brighton SC Cruise & BBQ , Juniors CampMon 10 Brighton SC Cruise & BBQ , Juniors CampTue 11 RSAYS Ltd Meeting, RSAYS Inc MeetingWed 12 Twilight Series 2 – Race 9 – Ladies HelmFri 14 Offshore Series – Island CupSat 15 Club Series, Inshore/Offshore Series, Squadron Fringe EventWed 19 Twilight Series 2 – Race 10Fri 21 Friday Afternoon Sternchasers

Sat 22 Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Club Champs Div 2,State IRC Div 1, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Etchells – Gymea Cup, Multihull Series

Sun 23 Etchells – Gymea Cup, Beneteau Bugle Regatta, J-Squad Sail Training 9, Club Champ 5&6Wed 26 Twilight Series Race 11, Series 2 and Overall PresentationsThu 27 Quarterly Members Meeting

Sat 29 Pointscore Series, IRC Club Champs Div 1, IRC Club Champs Div 2, State IRC Div 1, State IRC Div 2, Etchells Pointscore Series 2, Multihull Series

Sun 30 Great southern Regatta, State IRC Div 2

MAIN NORTH

MAIN NORTH RENAULT 75 Main North Rd, Nailsworth Ph: 8309 5055 www.mainnorthrenault.com.au

Megane RS250Monaco GP

KoleosDynamique

MeganeDynamique

MNN2493

You’ll be swept away by our superb range of Renault vehicles andour commitment to customer service excellence at Main North Renault.

rsays squadron quarterly summer 2013

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