BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE JAN - MARCH 2018 by BOAT GOLD COAST

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Editor’s Note WILL 2018 BE YOUR BOATING YEAR? We do hope so! With the boating industry having a renaissance in the last few years, there are new technologies and designs that manufacturers have launched to welcome a new year. On the Gold Coast alone, home to three of Australia’s major recreational boat manufacturers in the country, we will find that innovation and collaboration are the key aspects to promote the marine industry. Maritimo’s expansion plans, Riviera’s comeback at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2018, and Quintrex’s continuing innovation to keep fishing exciting and safe, are a few highlights that we can expect this year. Add to these, the Superyacht sector has seen promise with last year’s release of a revolutionary research study that paved the way for having a 12-month trial for a Port of Entry on the Gold Coast. With the city being geared up for the influx of international delegates and visitors for the Commonwealth Games, our city’s local marine industry and the boating community are building on the legacy that the Games will leave behind: more investment prospects, and growing interest in our waterways infrastructure. New policy directions are also taking shape. The Marine Safety Queensland have exempted light craft operators from the EPIRB requirement in certain conditions, while the national air emissions standards have now been raised with the passing of the Product Emissions Standards Act that will take effect in July this year. Efficiency and safety, which these rules are promoting, are key factors to ensure our boating experiences remain ever pleasant and safe. We have been seeing a “hyperactivity” in the international market where our city’s local manufacturers and innovators are being featured. The Gold Coast City Council have been supporting local businesses to help them showcase their products and services in well-renowned international trade shows. This is not only to promote the Gold Coast as an investments destination, but also to ensure that the local businesses are given the limelight for the opportunity to explore bigger markets abroad. Barz Sunglasses and Aqualuma are examples of innovative products that have their home on the Gold Coast.

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EDITOR

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CONTRIBUTORS Marcel Priest, Ian Anderson, Paul Burt, Nic Welch,

Hayden Aspinall, Caroline Strainig, Narayan Pattison, Michael Von Backstrom, Richard Pyne, Daniel Williams, Tom Bialows, James Dumergue, Lori Woodward, Vlad Tesic, John Curnow, Kevin Ballantine, Chris Hughes, Shane Subichin, Gary Fooks, Celine Flamain, Anthony Stanton, Kendall Messer, Sophie Travis, Sophia Sorensen, Arthur Marcel, Alfie Pardoe, Courtney Angus, Natasha Hoppner, Ray McMahon, Sharon Smallwood.

COVER PHOTO Family summer of boating aboard a Stacer 539 Crossfire. Gold Coast magazine is FREE to readers. We print 12,000 copies, and hand deliver to 400 participating locations for distribution on the Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs, cities and towns, from Tweed Heads, throughout the Gold Coast to Manly, also around Moreton Bay and Brisbane.

While some businesses have been enjoying success one after the other, others are not as lucky. The old saying, “You win some, you lose some,” still hold true in our modern society. We already see a trend of people dropping off from Facebook and moving on to another platform, or people leaving the stock market to invest in “cryptocurrency”. (Will we see the day when we purchase boats using bitcoin?) People are always looking for something new and different, and to stay in the business, one should always be “ahead of the times” and not just “trendy”. What is particularly insightful in this generation of innovators and technologybound industries is the desire for sustainability – not only financially, but also in terms of social and environmental aspects. Even the European boating community have been finding ways to balance the need to protect the environment while encouraging the millennials (a new demographic cohort to target for the future) to explore boating.

Boat Gold Coast magazine is a proud member of

Back home, even if the Summer started a bit wet, the Gold Coast’s local waterways will remain a favourite destination for boating, fishing and other recreational activities. If you already own a boat, then get it out there and join the fun. If you do not own one yet, start looking through these pages to help you make the decision that you will not regret.

Roselle

editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

Connect with us BoatGoldCoast

Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast, P.O. Box 7441, Gold Coast MC 9726 info@boatgoldcoast.com.au (07) 5679 0833 Acknowledgment of Country

Boat Gold Coast acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional Aboriginal people of the Gold Coast and their descendants, and also acknowledge the many Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 14 Boat Brokers Talk 16 Photo: Mega Raft-Up 20 Boating Course 22 Summer Locations 32 Tournament Fishing 38 LeisureCat Boat Test 40 Flathead Fishing 42 Bass Fishing 55 Outboard vs Sterndrive 56 Emissions Standards 58 Importing a Boat 61 Abandoned Watercraft 62 Rescue Beacon Rules 66 Stereotyping Owner

p.64

LIFESTYLE GC Most Liveable City 71 99 Years on Straddie 72 My Slow Boat 74 Boating with Dog 78 Super Yacht Crew 80 Peel Island Trip 83 Events Guide 86 Jet Boat Racing 87 Wakeboard Towing 89 Moreton Bay Sailing 90 GC Sailing Season 92 Shaggers Rendezvous

FEATURED MAGAZINE OUTLETS vailable at waterfront and boating businesses throughout the Gold A Coast, from Tweed Heads to Manly. Grab your next copy of Boat Gold Coast Magazine at one of our featured participating locations: TWEED HEADS Ivory Coast Marina, Ivory Tavern, 156 Wharf St Boyds Bay Houseboat, Tweed Marina, River Terrace SOUTHPORT Southport Yacht Club, 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach STS Marine, 2/9 Enterprise St, Molendinar Marina Mirage Office, 49/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach RUNAWAY BAY Klein’s Coffee Bar & Grill, 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay Marina, 247 Bayview Street HOPE ISLAND BoatsRus, Marina Shopping Village, 10 Santa Barbara Rd Marina’s Edge, 1 John Lund Drive, Marina Quays Hope Harbour Marina, 9 John Lund Dr, Hope Island SANCTUARY COVE Leigh-Smith Yachts, 42 D&E Quay Street The Harbour Master’s Jetty Office COOMERA MARINE PRECINCT Gold Coast City Marina Office, 76-84 Waterway Drive The Galley Café, The Boat Works, 200 Beattie Road JACOBS WELL Horizon Shores Marina, 1 Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Woongoolba Calypso Bay Marina, Harrigans Ln, Jacobs Well BRISBANE Northside Marine, 2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, 34 Fairlead Cres, Manly BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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We’re here to help you enjoy a

SENSATIONAL SUMMER The AMW team wishes all our valued customers a safe, happy and prosperous 2018

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STEJCRAFT SS58

POPULAR MODEL - NOW IN STOCK AT WYLD ABOUT BOATS

he Stejcraft Sports range (SS) delivers a level of contemporary design unseen in an Australiancrafted and manufactured boat. It has taken years of experience in building performance boats to deliver such an icon that is the SS58. Incorporating Stejcraft’s signature wood-free construction and composite-moulded stringer liner, it is one of the toughest Australian-built boat in its class worldwide. Local dealer for Gold Coast and Brisbane, Wyld About Boats are enjoying sales success of Stejcraft Boats with a recent delivery of an SS58 bowrider. Stejcraft is renowned for its superb finish on each of its models with the new SS58 taking this mantra to an exciting new level. The Stejcraft team believe family boats should be aesthetically pleasing as the latest motor vehicles – especially with the common features: seating, the dash arrangement, and controls. The new Stejcraft SS58 proves this can be achieved. The boat shows it is entirely possible to build extremely practical, hard-wearing, long-

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life and easily cleaned finish that not only look fabulous, but also extremely comfortable and VERY stylish. Here is a true inshore and offshore bowrider that will deliver a relaxing day out on the water or an adrenaline-pumping water sports experience. The SS58 is at home, cutting through the rivers and inshore bays. Also with years of design innovation and craftsmanship, it has an offshore hull that will provide superb responsive handling when enjoying open water activities like whale watching. This SS58 is fitted with the popular optional Ocean Deck floor covering, which is destined to become a standard feature of the SS series in the future. The floors are soft under bare feet, ‘grippy’ even when wet, while sand or mud washes straight off it. No wonder boating families love it! You will instantly appreciate the layout, the fittings and the responsive hull design when you test drive the SS58 bowrider. Call Wyld About Boats( 07) 5563 2223

STEJCRAFT MONACO 610

t is widely agreed the Stejcraft 610 Monaco is one of the best-looking six-metre family cruisers on the water, with a level of performance, ride and stability few others can match. Not only is the Monaco’s performance better for a given horsepower, the construction design is ahead of the competition, being completely wood-free and built with the latest 2018 high-tech laminates and composites. For many families, this compact cruiser has a wonderfully smooth and dry ride, amazing stability underfoot, and a lovely deep cockpit. The Stejcraft Monaco 610 Cruiser is fully adaptable in all environments, including choppy open seas. It will give you confidence to head out into the open water for those memorable cruising and reef fishing trips. It comes with premium vinyls, high quality snap-in carpet, deep-reach swim ladder, and stainless steel cleats. Stejcraft's cutting edge fibreglass boat manufacturing technology will give you many years of safe boating pleasure. These features are just some of the reasons why so many families and fishers have made the Stejcraft 610 Monaco their number one choice in family boats.

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Solar pack - 4 panels 1200W management system with 4 T H Eand G R3000VA E E N L Iinverter NE 39’S NEW UNMATCHED extra batteries STANDARD SPECS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Reverse cycle Air conditioning Bow thruster Electric comfort pack – Electric oven/microwave, induction stove, 224L Fridge with freezer Two electric opening hatches on the roof Electric opening transom Opening driver’s side door Anchor winch and anchor pack Microfiber upholstery in saloon and Gino Taupe Curtains Furniture finished in White Oak, dark laminate floors in saloon, Kerrock galley; toilet counter top Good size shaft drive diesel engines by Volvo or optional Yanmar with top speeds of 25 knots

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BOAT GOLD COAST

To home loan or not? M

any customers looking to purchase a boat are faced with a dilemma: Do I take out a separate loan secured by the boat or should I simply add it to my home loan? There is no right or wrong answer as there are several variables that come into play. Is the boat new or used? Is it from a dealer or from a private sale? What type of boat is it? And of course, how much would you need to borrow? In some cases, you may have no option but to increase your home loan because of the age of the boat, type of vessel, or even possibly its location. For larger borrowed amounts, the lender may need additional security. They may either take additional security over your property or require you to contribute a deposit to the boat loan. The deposit may have to be a redraw against your home loan. On the face of it, adding to your home loan would make sense. The interest rates for home loans are currently at very low levels. The impact on the current repayments will not be a much as a separate boat loan. Further, if you want to sell the boat in the future, you could keep the money as the boat is not security to the home loan. So what is the downside? If you are not extremely disciplined with your budget, you can end up paying off the money you used to buy a boat for up to 30 years. This can make the purchasing the boat very expensive over time regardless of the interest rate. Moreover, if you do happen to sell the boat during this time and not deposit the funds back against the home loan, you will be paying off something you no longer have. It is worth noting that many home loans are on a variable rate and are subject to

change. Fixed rates are, of course, available. However, they come with other risks and costs should you wish to payout the loan during the fixed term period.

repayment plan that ensures that the value of your pride and joy is always higher than the amount you owe.

There are other points to consider before using the equity in your home. Do you have plans for home renovations or purchasing an investment property? You may be self-employed, or considering purchasing or starting a business, and may need to use your equity in your house to secure a business loan or an overdraft.

At Credit One, our dedicated staff are specialists at providing you with the best options to suit your situation. If you are considering either a stand-alone boat loan, or using your home loan to make the purchase of your next dream vessel, give us a call for a no-obligation discussion about the options available to you. Ph: 1300CREDIT www.creditone.com.au

The alternative is to take out a stand-alone boat loan that can give you the peace of mind knowing that you have a fixed term with fixed repayments. When you want to sell the boat during the term, the loan will have to be paid out of the money from the sale.Boats, unfortunately, do depreciate with age, so it makes sense to have a

Credit One are incorporating their support of the Southport Flotilla (QF1) of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard into the finance options to boat buyers. For customers signing up for boat finance, they will include a two-year membership with Coast Guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marine Assist, similar to your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roadside assist, but on the water.

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BOAT GUIDE

Brokers Talk WHEN BUYING A BOAT THROUGH A BROKER

In the previous Boat Gold Coast edition, we discussed the aspects involved in selling a boat through a boat broker. In this current article, we guide you in the process of buying a boat through a broker.

By Andy Kancachian it astern, turn it lock to lock in both forward and astern. Run it at cruising revs and run it at full throttle. Look at temperatures and listen to how it sounds.”

Tom adds that the surveyor will be able to inform you about what to look for during the sea trial. “The surveyor will help to understand what systems you should be looking at prior to departing for the sea trial, such as switches, sea cocks etc. If required, an engineer should be on board also to view oil pressures, temperatures, RPM indication at full throttle, and pull the engine hatch open for final inspection.”

While selling a boat involves making a boat look good for a buyer, buying a boat involves looking beyond the superficial and trying to unearth as much of the history about the boat – the good and the bad. A boat broker that you can trust will be your best help in organising reports and providing you with a comprehensive historical overview of the boat you are interested in purchasing.

NEW OR USED BOATS To buy a new boat or a used boat is absolutely a personal choice. “This is up to the individual purchaser. Purchase from a reputable dealer and look at purchasing a major brand that makes it easier for you to retail at a later date,” Tom advises.

boat broker is a specialist who serves boat sellers and/or buyers as a representative for the sale or purchase of a boat. You have to find one whom you feel will help you obtain the best possible deal – the best your money can buy.

By the nature of their business, boat brokers are obligated to know everything about each boat that is for sale, so you can ask them all the important questions about a particular boat you are interested to buy – from its build history, where it has been used, what repairs have been undertaken, regular maintenance schedules, etc. WHY BUY FROM A BROKER “The broker will know the boat,” explains Daniel Williams of Boats’R’Us. “This gives you peace of mind that someone is there to help navigate through the pitfalls. A good broker will have your best interests at heart. If he does the right thing by you, you are the best advertisement for his business.” With a broker’s experience and reputation, it assures the buyer that the broker will be able to provide a broader perspective and more options before a final decision is made. “The broker has a wider range of vessels to show you to help make that decision,” says Tom Bialowas of Bosun’s Locker. “He can also assure the buyer that all the legalities are correct before your money is handed over. The service continues beyond the purchase transactions.” Tom expounds, “The after-service as a buyer can get overlooked. The broker has local knowledge. When buying a boat, you need access to surveyors and mechanics to satisfy your investigation in the purchase. After the purchase you may need assistance with insurance, shipwrights, electricians, detailers and other related trades people like upholsterers.” PROFESSIONAL SURVEYS AND SEA TRIALS While boat brokers have an extensive knowledge about the boats, they cannot make the buying decision for you. Professional technical advice is necessary for you to know the boat better, and help you decide intelligently about the purchase. As the buyer, you are required to organise a professional boat survey prior to making the purchase. A survey report is an unbiased and independent report on the vessel. The broker can help you find the right person to conduct the survey. “Surveyors and mechanics are the professionals. Listen to them and be guided by their advice,” explains Daniel. Looking at a boat berthed at a marina and studying paperwork is not a good basis to assess its condition. As a buyer, you need to be able to test the boat in every manner. “Don’t buy the boat unless you have been for a sea trial,” insists Daniel. “You would be surprised how often a sea trial will unearth issues – from a dirty hull to a poor performing engine. Make everything work – the radio, bilge pumps, GPS, lights. And of course, drive the boat. Stop it, start it, drive it forward, run 14

If you do decide to buy a used boat, it is important to be more diligent with the details. Daniel puts it this way, “It’s used. Someone has scratched it. Someone has used the toilet. It isn’t new. It will require maintenance.” It is very essential to know every bit of the history of a used boat. “My best advice is to look for a history that is complete. By that, I mean a history that shows regular servicing,” Daniel emphasises. “Most people will have a good relationship with their mechanic, so you often find a service history with only one mechanic.” Tom adds, “Make your purchase from a reputable dealer and have a thorough hull survey, engine inspection and sea trial carried out. You will also be required by a majority of insurance companies with a used vessel to provide a full survey report.” DECISIONS, DECISIONS Boat brokers have seen where decisions have gone wrong. Daniel shares, “There are a number of buyers who purchase something that they don’t really want. They buy a cabin boat but never spend a night on it. They purchase a vessel with a big V8 and loud exhausts, and complain about the noise while travelling in the six-knot zones or complain about fuel usage.” Tom lists down more common mistakes made by boat buyers. “They do not listen to their partner’s needs. It is important that everyone involved enjoys the boat regularly; otherwise, it will never get used. Not getting the vessel independently checked can also cause problems later on, especially if you are new to boating. Not doing the ‘ownership’ checks to see if the boat has any ‘legal hooks’ placed by third parties may also cause a major setback. Choosing the right boat for you may be the most difficult thing for a boat broker. After all, it is you, the buyer, who will ultimately decide what to buy and it is you who will be using the boat. “There isn’t a formula,” states Tom. “Explaining your needs and restrictions to the broker certainly will help achieve the vessel you want to buy.” Daniel suggests, “You should initially look at boat styles you are interested in. Be honest with the broker and say you’re just trying to get an idea of what you want and not ready to purchase. Take a list of questions that may be relevant to you. Most brokers will happily sit and talk boats all day. Salt water runs through their veins!” For the article Brokers Talk: Everything You Need To Know About Boat Brokers published in the SeptemberDecember 2017 edition, follow this link http:// boatgoldcoast.com.au/brokers-talk-what-you-need-toknow-about-boat-brokers/, OR scan the QR Code. JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GUIDE

ANCHORLINE BROKERAGE SELECTION

Back Cove 33

Riviera 42

$275,000

Delivered new into Australia in 2009, the perfect boat for cruising the Australian waterways. A very well equipped and easily handled single engine motor cruiser that will cruise comfortably at 20 knots. Maintained in excellent condition by her current owners. Equipped with a single 425hp Cummins (583 hours) and side power bow and stern thrusters, she can be easily maneuvered and has a complete range of Garmin electronics.

$449,000

This two helm station 42 flybridge has only had two owners from new. Powered by twin 480hp Cummins, fitted with a Sidepower bow thruster and equipped with a Onan generator, this popular Riviera model is rarely available and highly sort after. Perfect for boating with the family or out fishing with your mates. Polished every six months and recently had new flybridge clears and helm chairs fitted.

Norman Wright 42

$530,000

Designed by Norman R. Wright & Sons and hand crafted by the well known and highly regarded Brisbane shipwright, Ian Eastgate, for her current owners. From the moment you step aboard Careening Bay the outstanding level of finish both internally and externally is evident. This beautifully constructed cruiser is perfect for cruising the bay or coastline, entertaining family and friends, or just sitting quietly in your favourite anchorage.

www.anchorline.com.au | P 07 5580 3377 | E info@anchorline.com.au C19, Gold Coast City Marina, 76 - 84 Waterway Drive, Coomera, Queensland, 4209

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BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

EYE OVER THE RAFT-UP Photo & Text by James Dumergue

n November 2017, a total of 26 Riviera and Belize vessels became part of the first Mega Raft-Up event held on the Marine Stadium at The Spit on the Gold Coast, organised by R Marine Jones. We wanted to create a really easy-to-attend event for all Riviera and Belize owners to connect with each other, and to use this event as their launch pad to explore further with us throughout the next year.

Photography principle used: I used the classic “rule of thirds”, but used the boats (subject) instead of the horizon to apply the principle. I also wanted the viewer’s eye to naturally lead up to the skyline of Surfer Paradise. The shapes of the boats were used to draw the eye to the location in the background.

The Marine Stadium was the perfect site for the overnight raft-up. We needed a suitable location that had the right protection, and was convenient for all sizes of Riviera boats to get to.

Challenges: Finding the right light was a challenge. The day started with rain and clouds. Although the rain did ease out, the clouds continued for most of the day. To create contrast and shadows, this photo was taken during the “golden light”, the hour before sunset, when just enough sun shone through.

All the boat owners drove their boats themselves, assisted by four support boats. We prepared a "Rafting Up" video to instruct them on preparation and approach. They also received a comprehensive itinerary with further instructions to make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Top Tips: Think about composition. It is more interesting when the shot is framed differently to how we see it every day. Try moving the focus of the shot away from the centre of your shot. Shoot from an angle that is different to your normal standing perspective.

Rafting up a fleet of this size required a lot of planning. We used a variety of additional anchors. Our support team took the anchors from each boat, and precisely placed them for maximum scope and optimal angle of pull. The thorough pre-planning, customer preparation instructions and the competent support crew, made it a simple and smooth operation. The participating vessels were of various sizes. It was important to design the layout of the raft-up in the most feasible and safest manner. We used a whiteboard to draw up the plan and the details of the raft-up. It was invaluable for the logistics, as it allowed us to size up the right boats and raft up friends beside each other. Historically, in November, the average wind direction is NE. We wanted to trial something new in our Events and Experiences Calendar. Now that we have achieved it, we have decided to make it a biennial event with the second Queensland location to be added in 2018. Equipment used: DJI Phantom 4 advanced drone. With a drone, the ability to position the camera where you want is a huge advantage. 16

The Gold Coast is very fortunate to have protected water with sandy beaches as well as the stunning backdrop of the city curving down to the border. When the sun is shining, the skies are blue and the water looks so inviting. It is an easy formula for good photos. About The Photographer I started sailing at the age of 6. My first boat-based job was as a dive master, and my second was as a surf guide in Samoa. I hold a Master 5 Licence and an MCA 200-tonne Yachtmaster Offshore Licence, which have allowed me to work all around the world as a luxury yacht captain on private and charter yachts from 56 to 92 feet. I love the water, whether I am on (boating), in (surfing), or under it (diving). My operational understanding on how boats work, and a long involvement with actual boating experiences of owners and their guests around the world, have given me a better insight into what motivates people to own boats and go boating. JAN - MARCH 2018

Discover the unique and affordable

HOPE HARBOUR MARINA Unique in its pristine and peaceful environment, Hope Harbour Marina is such a convenient location for you and your boat – by land and sea – just 10 minutes from the M1 and 20 from the seaway. Enjoy this lifestyle destination at an affordable price. Experience Hope Harbour Marina today. 280 marina berths available for sail or power boats (<30 metres) Secure and protected berths, piers, and boardwalk Convenient and secure parking with dock trolleys for your gear Swimming pool, tennis court, and BBQ area Shipyard and marine repairs Fuel wharf (open 7 days) – bait, ice, coffee, drinks and ice cream Ramada Hotel Hope Harbour Marlin Bar Restaurant

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WHY RUNAWAY BAY MARINA? LOCATION, ACCESS, & SERVICE Y

EXPECT SERVICE LIKE YOU USED TO GET EXPERIENCE RUNAWAY BAY MARINA TODAY

ou can be sure to experience a warm welcome upon arrival at Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast. South East Queensland’s first full service marina offers protected marina berths, dry storage and shipyard facilities; with immediate access to the clear blue waters, white sandy island beaches and tropical sunshine of the beautiful Broadwater.

The marina has been undergoing an improvement program in recent times. A significant investment by the company has seen the car park resurfaced, with the entire dry storage area concreted and the shipyard work sheds also concreted. The addition of a commercial street sweeper is keeping the site clean and tidy. Along with plenty of painting and the refurbishment of car park gardens, the marina is looking fantastic. “Our customers, return visitors, tenants and contractors have really noticed the improvements,” says Michael Grundy, marina manager. “The feedback is great to hear and with occupancy levels soaring, I expect us to be full very soon”. With further improvements scheduled for 2018, Runaway Bay Marina is well on its way to a glorious future.

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST SERVICE LOCATION THE GOLD BEST SERVICE LOCATION runawaybaymarina.com.au | (07) 5577 1400COAST’S | info@runawaybaymarina.com.au R U N AWAY B AY M A R I N A . C O M . A U 247 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay Marina, Queensland 4216

Located on the eastern shore of the Broadwater and just 2.5 nautical miles north of the Gold Coast Seaway, the marina basin provides a beautifully sheltered sanctuary from all prevailing winds and currents. Don’t miss Runaway Bay Marina when you are next on the Gold Coast. Drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a coffee or drink at the bar. Everyone is welcome even if you just wish to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the view.

BOATS FOR SALE @ RUNAWAY BAY 45' HALVORSEN PILOTHOUSE COASTAL CRUISER Launched in 2008 this stunning pilothouse coastal cruiser presents exceptionally as she has been lovingly cared for by her original owners. Specifically designed for cruising the coast in comfort and safety the cruiser offers an ideal setup for extended liveaboard stays featuring two generous sized cabins with additional overnight accommodation in the saloon area if needed. Powered by a single 380hp Cummins diesel for dependable performance and reliability the addition of both bow & stern thrusters makes docking a breeze. The hand rubbed teak interior fit out gives a warm feel to the interior which is luxuriously appointed to offer a comfortable stay onboard. Full walkaround teak decks provide easy external access while afloat to all areas! Offered at $450,000.

2015 18M CRUSADER CAT IN COMMERCIAL SURVEY In 1E survey for 32 which can be increased in number with additional safety gear this is a fantastic opportunity for either commercial operators or for the private individual wishing to cruise with the ability to charter the boat occasionally to cover holding costs. Powered by twin 335hp Yanmar diesels for incredible economy and performance this semi displacement cat is truly incredible under power with the figures she offers while cruising. Long range capabilities with almost 4000 litres in fuel and 1600 litres in water the possibilities are endless. Also in 2C & 1D survey the charter prospects provide for various uses and with the Commonwealth Games upon us this is your time now with the growing business opportunities on offer! Gold Coast Boat Sales. Contact Stuart Stephenson Ph: 0424 800 000 18

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY PROTOCOL

REFRESH YOUR

BOATING

Knowledge By Lori Woodward

are in search of an adventure, escapism, and I fayousports fishing challenge with opportunities to

fish waters inaccessible to boats, then kayak fishing is for you. The Gold Coast is blessed with such an incredible variety for kayak fisher locations with excellent access to launch across the region. Currently, anyone who has completed a BoatSafe Course in Queensland, and finished the practical training and passed, is eligible for a recreational marine licence. In 1991, when I was exposed to marine safety training, I remember answering a few short multiple-choice questions, the boat being taken out and then returned to the shore, and a licence approval handed over by the assessor. The complexity of boating technology and the increase in the number of people accessing recreational water vehicles mean that safety is becoming more imperative. Monitoring of people and their use of the waterways has also significantly increased. There is no question that with rising numbers of boat and waterways users come a growing need to ensure all users remain safe. In 2010, the National Maritime Safety Committee released a boating usage study report, which indicated that one percent of boating trips resulted in an incident, and these occurred generally within the first two hours of boating. It was also reported that there was a gross under-reporting of boating incidents, suggesting that there is a higher number of accidents and mishaps on the water. These incidents generally resulted from poor preparation, and lack of attention and due diligence. Although boating schools offer a wide range of courses for recreational or professional licences, refresher courses are not that popular. There are providers who report that they do have people contact them for these courses. “We have several people a month come to us for refresher courses,” Mike from Licence to Boat, a marine licensing service provider, indicated. “People who haven’t been out on the water for quite a while come to us, and we put them through the standard course to give them a bit more confidence. They join in with all the other people who are starting for the first time, and we give them a practical element, and just make sure they feel happy and confident.” Online Refresher An online course has a large number of advantages. One that matters most to me is that it provides the option for people to complete their original licensing theory online (such as Boatsafe) prior to engaging in the practical aspects of their recreational boating licence.

Learning online is an exceptional way to privately engage with the course material, as nobody is overlooking your shoulder. If you get something wrong, you can simply repeat and go over the material again.

The questions offer multiple-choice answers. I tripped up on some of them where you have to provide more than one answer. But it is all good, as you always have a chance to go back if you make these mistakes.

As a mother with several children, and having recently purchased a sailing yacht, I can take my time in learning and relearning safety principles through an online course. I am able to go through the course at my own pace, and just log onto it wherever I may be – at home or at a cafe. In this way, I am more focused on understanding the lessons, as there is less external pressure to perform well in a short period of time.

To complete the course, you have to obtain a 100% passing rate. It is wise to keep going back over the material until you get everything correct. You can also find out at each section if you answered correctly. The whole course allows for multiple retakes until you get 100%.

The Advanced Skipper, an online refresher course for marine licence holders, recently launched by the Boating Industry Association (BIA), is a welcome innovation for many boaters. The course is a convenient way to relearn what we may have forgotten and to reaffirm what we already know. So I enrolled in the Advanced Skipper course and completed it at the tip of my fingers – literally and figuratively! Advanced Skipper: A Review The course is generally straightforward. I really enjoy the way the course is presented. It is ideal for people, like myself, who perhaps do not want to go straight into the practical course until feeling absolutely ready. My time is at a premium, so being able to do this course from the comfort of my own home really is a bonus for me. The course is estimated to only take an hour, but I took several sittings of the course to really get a grasp on the concepts. There is a lot of learning material and it deserves more than one sitting to truly understand the information. It is reassuring to know, however, that there is no deadline for completing the course. This is a good feature, because there is a lot of material covered! I appreciate the simplicity of the presentation of the course. The course is structured by following different scenarios. These scenarios simulate “what if”-type situations that can be avoided by following more safety guidelines and having better preparation. It makes you really take notice of what can go wrong. And the best thing about it is you can make a mistake without placing yourself or anyone in danger! The course covers a wide variety of scenarios including Sydney and Gold Coast waterways. The emphasis on safety, proper procedures, maintaining a vessel, and refresher skills are really of high quality. This is an extremely comprehensive course, suitable for all learning levels of people able to obtain a recreational marine licence.

What I found very helpful for me are the predeparture checks. It has been such a long time since I encountered these concepts – from way back as a teenager when my Dad would take my brother and I out in our small fishing boat! Now that I am getting back into boating – with a sailing vessel – I think that the pre-departure checks are really important, particularly the emphasis on safety equipment. While the questions are generally straightforward, I did find some of the terminology – like converting between nautical miles and understanding speeds, wind speeds and remembering all of the boating jargon – really something to get my head wrapped around. Despite having a marine licence, I have not had any recent regular exposure to boating, and so many of these concepts have slipped my mind. It will be very helpful if there were readily accessible reference materials for the skipper to review before completing the course – either as links that take you to a recommended website or as downloadable materials that you can save in your personal files. Printable versions of pre-departure check templates will also benefit many people who are taking the refresher course. There are a couple more issues that may need to be addressed. One is to cater for people who may not have access to fast internet connection. The other

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is for those with hearing impairment, where a text version or subtitled version of the text can be offered. From an information technology point of view, the course is lightyears ahead of any other comparable offerings. The animations are snappy and engaging. I must say that the creators of this software have really done an impressive job in creating a high quality product. The course is very affordable, and the return on investment is significant. Aside from the educational benefits of the course, the Advanced Skipper program includes proper certification for the participant, and provides a host of discounts offered by sponsoring companies. Further, upon completion, the participant will be invited to be part of a forum on how to improve maritime safety. The participant can further provide feedback on how to further improve the course itself, and also other aspects of the marine industry overall. The Advanced Skipper program is a significant course that helps remind us of basic boating concepts and safety measures, as well as enhances our problem-solving skills in specific scenarios. In time, it should possibly be mandatory to participate in refresher courses – whether online or in a classroom setting – in order to enhance and promote safety on the water. Needless to say, safety is a paramount responsibility of the skipper, and anyone who is in charge of a vessel is responsible not only for ensuring the proper maintenance of the boat, but more importantly, the safety of the people onboard.

Q&A with Boating Industry Association National CEO Howard Glenn Why is Advanced Skipper important in boating? I was responsible for boating safety in the NSW Government for many years before this job, and also chaired the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee. During my time in government, I saw the need for a refresher course for boaters wanting to brush-up on their knowledge. Most recreational boaters don’t go out boating often enough – not as often as driving a car, for example – so their knowledge and skills need to be refreshed. Surf life saving and first aiders all have refresher courses, and so should boaters. In the comfort of your own home and at your own pace, you can now take your time to brush up on what you knew, but also find out what additional knowledge could be helpful. What are its advantages? Not only does the course improve boaters’ safety, it also increases their confidence, making the boating experience more enjoyable. It is all practical stuff! The course offers expert tips, common courtesy and solutions to scenarios on the water to improve the boating experience. What is the participation of various organisations? The Advanced Skipper course addresses the issues identified in government incident data. The key partners in development were boating safety authorities, boat licence educators and insurance companies.

To find out more: advanceskipper.org.au

advancedskipper.org.au An online refresher for your boat licence, designed by boating industry experts Advanced Skipper is an online program from the Boating Industry Association. Cost is $55 every 5 years (incl GST)

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

Summer Holidays on the Broadwater BY PAUL BUR T

Photos of boats by Andy Kancachian

aving spent all of my life here on the Gold Coast, we have narrowed down from many a small collection of anchorages where you can spend a weekend away with the family or maybe just a day cruise for lunch over the festive season. Some spots are obvious and do become quite busy but this depends on the size of you boat. One thing I have learned is that someone always has a bigger boat.

Summer sees the Broadwater become inundated with thousands of people in boats, yachts, jet skis, kayaks and just about any other means of transport that allow them to reap the benefits of what the Gold Coast offers – beautiful and pristine waterways.

The Jumpinpin is nestled on the northern end of the Broadwater. Typically, it is an area where you can get away from any prevailing wind blow and still enjoy the serenity and clean waters flowing around your feet. Here, a few channels house nice sandy beaches, deep-water access for all craft. It is relatively safe for swimming, and the fishing is not bad either. Slipping Sands, which is situated at Canaipa Passage, has a deep-water channel running adjacent a large sand dune that stretches from the top of a peak on North Stradbroke Island all the way down to the water’s edge. On a big high tide, the water nearly laps at the base making for an exciting landing when sliding down on a piece of cardboard. The surrounding channels are littered with sand crabs, whiting and flathead making it perfect for those wanting to catch some seafood while relaxing on the banks of North Straddie. Slipping Sands…a perfect spot for the average size boat.

Further south of Canaipa Passage, we have Millionaires Row. The area lies along the northern banks of South Stradbroke Island, and becomes quite busy on a regular weekend, especially for the larger craft. The reason for this is quite simple: depth. A deep channel runs along the banks. Basically, you can park a sixty-footer five feet away from land without hitting the bottom. It is a perfect area for a day or night away, and is quite protected from the winds during this time of the year. Camping is also allowed here, although a permit is required. The larger boats used to anchor in Tiger Mullet Channel, situated directly adjacent; but the mangrovelined banks are plagued with mosquitoes and sand flies, and for the life of me, I could and never will understand why they anchored up there! The fishing is excellent throughout this area as you are only a few minutes away from all the top spots of the Jumpinpin. The crabbing is also red-hot. Millionaires Row…a perfect spot for the larger craft. The Bedrooms is located a few hundred metres south of Millionaires Row and is only accessible for smaller boats. Half cabins up to twentyfooters and dinghies are best suited for this area as it does become extremely shallow particularly on a low tide. Once in the area, you will find a perfect getaway spot for the family and friends. A spot where you can lie back

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and relax with the surf less than a few hundred meters behind you. You can catch a few fish here, with the shallow waters attracting mainly flathead and whiting. The Bedrooms… a perfect spot for the average size trailer boat. Tipplers Channel is an easy spot to find and if you do not mind the crowds. It is the place to be for a party. There are bars at the resorts where you can buy a cold beer and lunch. Be prepared to have a few knocks on your boat though. At peak periods Tipplers Channel becomes extremely over-crowded but suits all kinds of vessels big or small. The inside of South Stradbroke Island from Brown’s Inlet south to the Seaway is another spot that is perfect for anchoring along. There are a few small spots you will want to avoid due to the shallow water. But all have beautiful sandy beaches and plenty of shade. Camping is allowed in certain spots, such as Currigee, where amenity blocks, showers, and barbeque facilities are located. Wave Break Island never used to be busy. But now nearly all ships and other boats of a magnitude size moor along the banks and on the surrounding channels. Best suited in a prevailing south-easterly, the northern side of the island is well sheltered, has deep water

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access up to the sand, provides plenty of shade along the foreshores to get out of the sun, and has a good flow of water in the channels making it extremely safe for swimming. Camping on the island is allowed and no permit is required. There are no water or amenity blocks, and only small campfires can be built. If the wind changes direction, you can easily slip around to any side of the island to take shelter. The shallowest part of the island would have to be the western side. Apart for a small deep hole on the southwestern corner, the flats are best used for those targeting flathead, whiting and sand crabs.

PAUL'S SUMMER BOATING TIPS Traveling around by boat in the busy summer months should not be a stress for the whole family. The waterways are free for us to use and we only have to understand and appreciate them better. As in all things boating, safety and common sense come first. The more time your children spend on the boats, the easier they can learn safe navigation, boating courtesy and environmental awareness. And all these you can do within the city’s waterways.

A few smaller islands are also situated just to the south of Wavebreak Island making them ideal spots for people in smaller craft who have the privilege of getting into the shallow waters. Once in, it is pretty much all yours. But a word of advice: get in early or you will miss out.

Planning your tides to suit your day is important. You do not want to get there on the last few hours of the run-out. Once the tide starts to turn, watch the depth…you don’t want to get caught out high and dry on the late afternoon low.

All in all, this Summer break will be a busy one. The foreshores of the Broadwater, the Nerang River, the Currumbin and Tallebudgera, and even the shallower creeks south of the Tweed all have beautiful spots where one can throw a blanket onto the ground, have a picnic, and watch the kids splash around the water, or wet a line in the hope of catching dinner.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport 07 5591 1300 Jacobs Well 07 5546 1100 Volunteer Coast Guard Southport 07 5531 1421

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A NEW LEVEL OF INNOVATION ADVANCE HULL & ELECTRIC our whole family can enjoy water sports, such as water skiing, fishing, diving or simply mucking about Y on the water, in a new EVO 660 power boat. Designed by New Zealand yacht designer, Greg Elliott, who has 40 years experience in boat building. The EVO 660 has been in production for more than five years and has been praised for its dynamics and efficiency.

The EVO 660 is constructed in fibreglass, and is a relatively lightweight powerboat that will rise onto the plane at very low speed. The well thought out design responds to the demand in the recreational powerboat market with a boat that is seaworthy while keeping fuel consumption to a minimum. The boat is covered by the manufacturer five-year structural warranty. The hull features include efficient low drag hull form, providing outstanding soft ride quality with no slamming. The EVO 660 features topside flare to reduce spray and has a self-draining deck.

TARGA

Strategically placed strakes provide lift, reduce surface friction, and provide dynamic stability. The EVO 660 has three design options: open, fixed top, or the unique electric targa top. The optional electric targa top is adjustable from the helm at the press of a button. In a matter of seconds, you can set at any height that suits, or set flush with the top of the windshield. Completely lowered, the electric targa top encloses the helm for easy storage and reduces the wind drag during towing. The central console cockpit arrangement provides comfort and shelter, allowing full use of the boat and total visibility without closing in the space. The design allows for easy reach of the throttle in a comfortable seated or standing drivers position. A wide dash features flush-mounted engine instruments, a glove box, a VHF radio, and plenty of space for your navigation and fish finders. The upholstered helm seat accommodates two adults, and has generous storage under the seat and below the console. All models are fitted with an electric anchor winch.

The bow has a large aft-facing passenger bench seat over the anchor locker and a handrail running along a good length of the boat. The open transom will suit game fishermen making it easy to haul in large fish into the cockpit. The boat design is not just about fishing; it easily operates as the family water sports boat. A large storage locker is easy to access, and the floor can be covered in non-skid cork or a covering of your choice. With a LOA of 6.6 metres, a beam of 2 metres and displacement of 1150 kilograms, the EVO 660 can be powered by a 100-150HP outboard. When running a 16â&#x20AC;? propeller the boat will travel at a maximum speed of 32 knots. A very adaptable boat, starting from $64,500, the EVO 660 is an attractive and unique all-round vessel. View the EVO 660 online at www.bosunslocker.au, or visit us at the Southport Yacht Club marina (07) 5591 1911.

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FUN AND LEARNING FOR MOTOR YACHT OWNERS AT THE RIVIERA FESTIVAL OF BOATING Planning for the seventh annual Riviera and Belize Festival of Boating is well advanced for May to coincide with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, from May 24 to 27.

The 2018 Riviera Festival of Boating will offer four comprehensive days of boating education and family fun. Riviera’s focus on combining the rewards of the motor yachting lifestyle with learning opportunities will be the focus of the Festival, with a wide range of informative and handson educational workshops conducted by experts in their fields, designed to promote boating safety, build confidence and expand knowledge and experience. Riviera Chairman and Owner Rodney Longhurst said: “More than 30 individual workshops and seminars are planned, including popular tutorials on offshore seamanship, weather forecasting, preventative maintenance, understanding radar, navigating at night, radio communications and emergency protocols. “Living the Riviera Dream is a seminar especially for owners wanting to learn more about the joys and rewards of extended cruising, and the galley-wise workshop will 30

help owners with planning and provisioning for weekend or long-distance cruising.”

the 2018 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for the first time in five years.

He said owners will also be able to “Ask an expert about your classic Riviera for pre 2008 models”.

“Riviera last displayed at Sanctuary Cove in 2012 and since then we have created many significant advancements and achievements that we want to share with visitors to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show,” said Mr Longhurst.

Popular on-water workshops over the fourday Festival include an on-water skippers program, practical lessons in knots, lines and hitches, a ladies skipper program, safe towing, anchoring and rafting. There will also be a special under-25s Skippers Club and a fun and practical Riv Kids skipper program to learn more about safely operating a tender. Guided tours of the Riviera facility will also be a part of the Festival program as will onwater showcase of yachts at the world-class Riviera facility in Coomera on the Gold Coast. In conjunction with its dealer network, Riviera has organised a range of exciting social events for Riviera and Belize owners over the four days, culminating in the signature Saturday marina cocktail and gala evening.

“Visitors to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in 2018 will have the opportunity to step aboard selected models from our magnificent range of new motor yachts featuring all of our latest marine technology, innovation and luxury appointments. I know they will be very impressed with the calibre of yachts we are creating today at Riviera Australia.” Pre-registration for Riviera and Belize owners to the Festival of Boating program is now open on the Riviera web site ahead of its public release. Go to FestivalofBoating.com.

Mr Longhurst said: “The Festival of Boating has been created for Riviera and Belize owners to help them realise their full boating potential and pre-registration for owners of our yachts is now open.

Riviera returns to Sanctuary Cove Mr Longhurst has also announced that the marque will stage a spectacular exhibit at JAN - MARCH 2018

Top New Year's RESOLUTIONS FOR 2018

Your resolution...

ENJOY A NEW RIVIERA 3600 SPORT YACHT IN FEBRUARY 2018

ENJOY A NEW RIVIERA 43 FLYBRIDGE IN MARCH 2018

ENJOY A NEW RIVIERA 445 SUV IN MARCH 2018

ENJOY A NEW RIVIERA 4800 SPORT YACHT IN APRIL 2018

Welcome to 2018. Certain to be a year you’ll celebrate and remember always. Because this year, very soon in fact, Riviera can help you fulfil a New Year’s Resolution you’ve long resolved to keep.

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To own one of the world’s truly great luxury motor yachts; handcrafted, luxurious and perfect, a brand new yacht bearing the Riviera name. Right now we have four of our finest creations, ready for you and your family to enjoy early this year. Don’t put off your resolutions any longer… time waits for no one and New Year’s Resolutions of this calibre are made to be kept. Keep your New Year’s resolution at RivieraResolutions.com

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY ANGLER

By Vlad T esic

Vmax Fishing Team have a good social time at tournaments, while using their best abilities to catch the target fish.

outheast Queensland boasts some of S the best game fishing waters in the world. Experienced game fishers have a multitude

of fishing tournaments run at different times throughout the region to take advantage of the various fishing sessions. The billfish are accessible all year round, and a myriad of other game fish species are teeming in local waters, making the tournaments of the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay region some of the most exciting in Australia. FISHING TOURNAMENTS: TIPS AND TRICKS Tournaments take recreational angling to the next level by making target fishing serious. The competition is fierce because the prizes and the honours are very attractive. All participants, no matter the size of boat, stand a chance to win.

There are many sanctioned tournaments held along the Australian coastline, which e e n h rtne r, Ta c lub g are all good fun and a great way to meet au ti ful p a V lad 's b e at a ga me fishin ng fishing comrades. There are some tricky c e le brati regulations you need to abide by. An e x a m p l e is not being allowed to help the angler during the fight, making it very funny to watch your mate struggle on a big once-in-a-lifetime fish and you cannot help him or her. It is also illegal to gaff some species; only a net is allowed. Having the Locally sanctioned clubs are governed by the right line class and leader are some of the trickier Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA), rules to remember. which is the longest established national fishing association in the world. It has been, and remains, a model and example for game fishing associations around the world. As such, the GFAA is affiliated with the International Game Fish Association (lGFA) and plays an active part in the leadership of the sport of game fishing on a world level. The GFAA code of practice is extensive, covering fishing ethics, conservation, education, safety and competition rules. www.gfaa.asn.au

Make sure you are familiar with the rules specific to the tournament. For example, a 10kg tackle tournament means the line class of 10kg or under, and they are very strict with these rules. If your crew are not concentrating, they can make a mistake that ends the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances. Missing the tag before a marlin breaks free, by illegally using a net to land the fish or by striking the drag with either too much or not enough drag can be disastrous. And make sure your boat is correctly registered and insurance has been paid; otherwise, you will be disqualified.

Before you go out fishing in a tournament you need to be prepared. Anglers need to undertake research prior to competition days, especially if they are in unfamiliar territories. An in-depth understanding of locations, weather, types of fish species, and baits are needed. Readily available equipment is important, such as a good sounder that you are familiar with, will give you an edge. However, to their credit, some teams do still venture out without one. Rods, reels, line class, gaffs, nets, and extra tackle need to be arranged before the competition begins. Champion teams are very well organised. Safety is paramount too; make sure your boat and crew are ready for action in any conditions. Check safety equipment, lifejackets, and supplies for long days, and possibly over night. There is nothing worse than leaving vital items at home and realizing it when you are miles away from land. Most competitors go fishing regularly, so there is no need to practice for a tournament. When fishing foreign waters, try to talk to the locals and use some of their techniques and knowledge. I was recently given local tips and baiting techniques, which helped me immensely. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serious about competitive fishing, on the day you need to put into practice all the strategies and knowhow for the target fish. Be prepared that sometimes you will do everything right and still have no luck. My personal strategy in these tournaments is to firstly have a good social time, while using my best abilities to catch the target fish. If I am unsuccessful, then I am left to appreciate a good day on the water. These days technology is a huge benefit, such as advance knowledge of fish finders, water temp apps, and websites that keep you updated on weather and fish migrations. Using the latest tackle improves your chances, such as tuna tubes, downriggers, outriggers, and tow-cams. There are no guarantees though. Too often, you have the latest equipment and techniques on board and never catch a fish, while a nearby boat with the basic limited equipment catch all the fish.

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TRY TOURNAMENT FISHING MY FISHING LIFESTYLE I am grateful to be living a sport fishing lifestyle where every tournament and event has left its mark on me. I regularly participate in competitive fishing and had the privilege to compete in several countries, and all over Australia – Cairns, Exmouth, Perth, Darwin and Tasmania – and I have loved every minute of it and met the best people. To date, I have competed in many local tournaments against serious competitors. I love it! The Flathead Classic on the Gold Coast, Shimano Shootout, Garmin Light Tackle Masters, and several blue and black marlin, light and heavy tackle tournaments run by most game fish clubs up and down the east coast of Queensland. As the game fish migrate,

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other states run just as good tournaments at different times of the year, so it is a great excuse to travel while doing what you love. Fishing is a great sport, with many ups and downs. Most important is to have fun during a tournament. It is my belief that if you keep trying, sooner or later you will have a win. I recommend you enter a tournament as a way of meeting other people who share a common passion, having fun while putting yourself in the running to catch a fish-of-a-lifetime, and maybe take a tournament win. Keep in mind, there are serious teams out there who want to win all the time, and they can. But you and your mates can be right beside those teams, trying to catch the same fish with your smaller boat and far

less experience, and still have the time of your life. And if you are like me, then you can enjoy seeing the fish caught by all boats and experiencing the spectacle of the whole show, before heading to the bar to share those stories of the big one that got away. The best way to learn is to join a game fishing club. There are two clubs on the Gold Coast. Gold Coast Game Fishing Club and the Surfers Paradise Sports and Game Fishing Club. Further north, Moreton Bay Game Fish Club and The Little Ship Game Fish Club (also a club in Redcliff and Bribie Island). At these clubs, you will find out how to set up your boat and receive advice on rods and tackle. Members are an excellent source of information on where and what is biting. The clubs’ network provides an opportunity for you to fish on other members’ boats and learn from other crew on board.

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BOAT GOLD COAST It is all wonderful and idyllic for now, but what happens if the wind comes up?

Hold fast

Pantaenius – here for you, when you need us most.

You would not leave your vehicle in a car park with the windows down, the keys in the ignition, and a full tank of fuel on board. Rain or vandals may damage it, let alone be stolen, and then go on to cause all sorts of additional issues for a lot of other people. So it is not hard to see that you just would not leave your boat unattended swinging around on its anchor. You might say you can lock it up and head ashore, just as you would leave the car and head into the shopping centre, but they are not the same. There is no ‘P’ to move the gear selector to, and no handbrake to apply. There is far more of an onus on you to apply a reasonable common sense test. Ask yourself, “Am I really doing the best thing by all?” Boats are more like a constant state of flux than cars. They are susceptible to multiple inputs, often simultaneously. Usually it is not one thing going awry that leads to disaster, but more like a collection, or string, with the first merely one stop on a train ride to a very bad place. Of course, the old adage, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”, comes to mind promptly, and it is incredibly apt here, given that this is an article about leaving your boat unattended whilst at anchor. Boats stop and go by virtue of things like anchors or ropes to quay, and then sails or engines. All these things have variables, like depth of water, wind, fuel, and so on. (We have another article about how best to perform safe anchoring, which you can read here: http://www.pantaenius.com. au/en/news-events/news/newsartikel/news/safe-anchoring-1.html) The key is to remember to never turn your back on the ocean. Weather and tides change all the time. What might have been a safe anchorage when you arrived could turn into a 6knot tidal flow on the next change. Alternatively, a new wind may blow in from nowhere. If you’re up at dinner or asleep in a hotel ashore, you’ve just left your boat to make choices for itself. Without human intervention, they always go for the one with the biggest muscles. At that point, you’re asking your insurer to make a leap of faith for you, and the answers may not necessarily be the ones you want to hear either. Leaving a boat unattended at anchor for an extended period of time overnight, or even during the day, is risky due to potential changes in the overall weather window, namely, tide, wind, and waves. Any one of them in isolation can be serious, and with all three it’s pretty much bound to be. So before you step off, ask yourself, “Am I taking a risk that I want to take? Or am I taking a risk lightly because my insurance company will deal with it?” Remember, it is only if you are not on board, because if you are, you can do something to prevent it going from a simple anchor dragging to a total misery. That’s the human intervention we mentioned earlier. There are your own senses to help you, and also many an electronic aid in the form of Radar and GPS.

AUS17-116 06/2017

Ultimately, it’s no accident if a boat drags when you are not there. More like a matter of time really. One example comes to mind immediately. A section of corroded chain on the sea floor fouled an anchor when it moved, and the boat up top had a speedy and sorry demise to near death, many miles away. The owners had been on board for several days waiting to get into a local marina, and decided that as nothing had happened already, they could go ashore for the night. The simple version is that the wind rose, the tide dropped and the boat was holed, lost a rudder and sail drive all together, as well as extensive damage from water ingress into the starboard hull. Her 30m of 10mm chain and 30kg CQR were rendered useless as the damage bill climbed towards $100,000 and took four months to rectify, all of which became a very expensive night ashore. So what does it all mean? Well, you should consider hiring someone to be your anchor watch. In a lot of the world it is cheap, and then too, in other parts it is downright dangerous, so you need to pick your country. Also, you can always reshuffle the deck so you can get a berth in a marina, and then have that precious time ashore. Simply put, just think of this. When you’re at anchor, make sure your boat is held fast in the first place, and then keep checking it at regular intervals. Why? Because things always change, and that’s especially so when at sea. Now if you want clarification on your policy, or to review your requirements, please talk with the crew that know boats. Go to www.pantaenius.com.au or call +61 2 9936 1670 today and see why everything from superyachts to global cruisers choose the marine originated, all-risk policy that only Pantaenius can provide you with.

Sydney · Phone +61-(0)2-9936 1670 pantaenius.com.au

Submitted by Pantaenius, written by John Curnow BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT GOLD COAST

THE BEST OPTION FOR AUSTRALASIAN WATERS

ow, more than ever, consumers are expressing a preference for inflatable boats over traditional sea craft. “The market is beginning to see the extensive benefits of weight saving and increased performance, with the added bonus of cost savings on fuel and the initial purchase of a smaller engine,” Richard Macalister, director of Southern Pacific Inflatables (SPI) explains.

With an influx of poorly built boats, mostly out of Asia, Richard, together with Dean Barker, both being international yachtsmen, had a vision to bring back locally crafted boats that are built to last for Australasian waters. SPI integrates the best quality materials to ensure that their boats withstand the harsh marine conditions prevalent in this part of the world. Richard says, “Sourcing the highest quality fabric is paramount for producing inflatables for the Southern Hemisphere. We use the highest quality Valmex PVC and Orca Hyperlon from Europe to ensure that they can withstand the harsh UV levels we experience.”

The tubes are digitally plotted and machine-cut for perfect symmetry and shape, then thermally welded for a super strong bond. Fixing to aluminium means it is not only lighter than other options, but far more robust. The engineered V-structure of the hull provides maximum comfort in rough sea conditions, giving a very smooth ride. The tube design means spray is minimised. These boats are also very stable at rest.

From the 14-metre Hypalon tubes for the Coast Guard to the 2-metre soft-bottom dinghies, simple interior design means there are many different seating and console fitout options from which customers can choose. SPI also has extensive accessory options including: esky seats, anchor lockers, ski arches, Railblaza cleats, or additional seats. Fixed and removable wheel options make the ride up the beach a lot easier.

Being lightweight makes SPI Inflatables the attractive choice for easy launch and recovery, as well as the added bonus of having high engine power-to-weight ratio. The Cormorant 550, for example, weighs 675kg when fully equipped, over 100kg lighter than some other options the same size.

The benefits of SPI RIBs make an attractive option for diving, fishing, skiing, or simply cruising. SPI can also create your very own reliable, word-class and uncomplicated craft, tailored to your needs. SPI has been producing durable, seaworthy inflatables for almost 30 years, so you have peace of mind with a product manufactured in a world-class facility.

The buoyancy levels of inflatables have proven a safety advantage over traditional boats. Moreover, you can carry more gear and more people with a smaller boat. From 2-metre tenders to 6-metre chase boats, SPI’s experience and skill enable them to cater to the different customer needs – from rescue craft to super yacht tenders.

Need your inflatable repaired by a qualified inflatable repairer? Book in with our qualified team on site now. If you are in need of a new tender, see our range of quality durable inflatables and poly boats at Me Tender Boats, 8 Waterway Drive Coomera, Queensland.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

REMARKABLE LOCAL COMPANY PROVIDE WORLD'S BEST DOCKING SYSTEMS

Sunstream FloatLift™ - A boat lift designed for fresh or salt water, with an aluminium frame, stainless steel hardware, marine-grade hydraulic cylinders with stainless shafts, and marine-grade hoses. The rubber-capped SuperBunks™ are not only durable, but provide the ultimate in cushioned support for your hull. Powerful hydraulics pull the foam-filled polyethylene floats under the boat in as little as 30 seconds, with the simple press of a remote control. In the raised position, the virtually unsinkable floats are automatically secured with patented GravityLock™. The floats also make it easy to access your hull and prop for cleaning and maintenance. Simply tie the FloatLift™ to most places you can tie your boat: slips, side-ties, or even a mooring buoy. The DC system can be charged using either the solar or AC powered options. The standard rear guides and remote control make docking incredibly easy.

FloatBricks - A modular docking system ideal for owners of jet skis, tinnies and small to medium runabouts. Offering the luxury of keeping watercrafts out of the water but ready to go at a moments notice. A high density polyethylene product line with above-industry standard UV stabilization, FloatBricks are built to last in the tough Australian environment. The floating dry docks suits boats up to 1300kg / 6M. Never a redundant system – whatever model you choose can be easily added upon or customised because FloatBricks are a modular system. Ideal for commercial use on floating project, build walkways across inter-tidal areas, work platforms and barges. The possibilities are endless.

SeaPen - For boaties wanting to keep their boat moored in the water without the cost of antifouling the hull and the hassle of trying to maintain a boat that lives in water. SeaPen is a water level dry-docking system that suits any vessel 5-30 metres with any drive system and any hull configuration. SeaPen works by isolating boats from the water, thanks to a unique waterproof skin, and then creating an airspace around the boat for ventilation, thanks to a patented mesh technology. In addition, SeaPen has a walk way around the boat which makes it so easy to wash the entire boat, attach covers and flush your motors with ease. It’s always safe to be on board your boat when it’s in the Sea Pen. All these products are available from Dockpro - the remarkable local company based at Coomera Marine Precinct, that strive to provide the world's best docking systems. Call 1300 736 761 or visit www.dockpro.com.au to find out more. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT TEST

LeisureCat 8000 Westerner test drive by Andy Kancachian

h e unpredictable weather that day made us excited for a sea trial. The weather forecast for the Gold Coast Seaway was a rainy morning, with 60% precipitation, and 25-knot winds. But the clouds cleared up a bit to show the blue skies for which the Gold Coast is known. The Broadwater was slightly choppy and the wind was blowing from the southeast. We boarded a LeisureCat 8000 Westerner, which was recently delivered to Gary Russell, and made our way along the Nerang River, having a chat as we observed how this power catamaran was performing.

A VERSATILE CAT Gary Russell, a well-known local businessman and previous owner of Noble House, is no stranger to powerboats. He has owned 17 different ones in his lifetime, and the latest is a customised Leisure Cat 8000 Westerner that he believes will be a winner in Queensland. Licensed to carry 10 passengers, the Westerner is perfect as a fishing boat, with more than adequate luxurious aspects and loads of features that makes it a very capable family leisure boat. “This power catamaran sets a standard for centre-consoles with its walk-around deck allowing you to fish the whole boat, while providing the amenities for a family outing,” explains Gary.

INNOVATIVE HULL During our test drive, Gary demonstrated how this cat performs along a wave crest. For sure, we all felt the boat tilt to one side as we drove alongside a large wave, but Gary assured us that the hull balances itself out very quickly, which it did. The hull of the Westerner has multiple compartments with foam flotation. The full length has reinforced keels with a rubber gunwale rub-rail and a heavy stainless bow and side rails. “The standard build includes four well-positioned rod holders in the coaming. However, this boat has eight fore and aft plus lockable storage with five rod holders,” Gary points out. “Moreover, there are a number of well thought-out grab rails around the boat to keep passengers safe. There is also a very practical fold-away bench seat behind the helm and another along the port side.” Forward, it has comfortable bow lounge seating for four adults with centre table and drink holders, while the versatile under-seat stowage can double as ice boxes. In the bow is mounted a flip hatch with access to the Stressfree “freefall” stainless steel drum winch, over 100 metres of chain and rope, and with the anchor concealed in the bow sprit, all of which are controlled from the helm.

NOTABLE FEATURES The Westerner has a draft of just 40cm, which is ideal for shallow water passage. 38

The self-draining deck has a transom door leading to a platform between the engine wells that is fitted with a folding swim ladder. There are two saltwater deck wash hoses fore and aft, fresh water shower, a heavy-duty stainless mounted bait board and a plumbed live bait well on the stern. The Westerner is built standard with two 260lt fibreglass fuel tanks. Gary's boat has an extra capacity 120lt freshwater tank. Beneath the back deck are two kill tanks, which can be saltwater-fed or easily drained of a freshwater slurry. At a length of 8.8 metres with a 2.55 beam, the Westerner can be towed on an optional twin-axle Australian-built trailer.

USER-FRIENDLY HELM The large driving cab is quite impressive. We were sitting on an upholstered deluxe helm bench for two with excellent all-round visibility through the safety glass windscreen, which has gas lift centre ventilation louver and sliding side panels. Fitted at the helm are: a compass, an EPIRB, fire extinguisher, VHF Radio and a CD player with two speakers. By tipping the helm bench forward, a sink is exposed with room for food preparation and self-contained gas stove. if required. Gary’s boat has a flush-mounted large screen Garmin computer, providing sonar and navigation capabilities, and integrated engine gauge controls. The computer allows for mix-screen modes, ensuring he is always aware of the running systems.

AND

LEISURE

The Suzuki Selective Rotation provides counterrotation props by incorporating a special, unified design of gears, shaft, and bearings in the lower unit that allow the outboard to operate reliably and efficiently in either direction. Gary explains, “With one engine in forward, and the other in reverse, the boat turns in its own length. Moreover, the stainless sports steering wheel is fitted with a lazy wheel knob making the drive and turns effortless.” What is most important, when the boat is not in use, the engines can be tilted completely out of the water avoiding the need to antifoul any part of the legs.

SPEED AND EFFICIENCY The robust lightweight fast-planing hull has a dry weight of less than two tonnes. Combined with the Suzuki’s high 10.2:1 compression ratio, an impressive acceleration and low-end torque is generated. “The Westerner is capable of 42 knots at 6100rpm, getting you where you want to go fast,” declares Gary. “However, an ideal cruising speed, for economy and performance, is about 26 knots at 4000 RPM using approximately 20 litres-per-hour per motor.” A demonstration of the LeisureCat 8000 Westerner reveals a boat of high quality, safety, and reliability. The long list of features of this fishing and family fun boat is evidence of the meticulous attention to detail given by the manufacturer. The hull innovation ensures the boat can handle any sea conditions, translating to enjoyable days on the water more often. Gary Russell's boat with 200hp Suzuki engines and fitted with a list of extras, is priced at $215,000.

The all-weather protected cabin has a lock-up cuddy with plenty of stowage and an electric toilet. This particular boat was fitted with an extended hardtop carrying a rocket launcher and adjustable outriggers.

ADVANCED ENGINE TECHNOLOGY The joys of driving a boat come easy when the drive is as smooth as possible. LeisureCat decided to integrate the newly released Suzuki 2.8lt, 4-cylinder, 200hp outboards with this Westerner to make driving a pleasure. These new engines utilise the Precision Control computer-based throttle and shift system, which replaces the traditional mechanical control cables with digital flyby-wire system to eliminate friction and resistance in the controls. Admittedly, while this innovation has made the controls very sensitive, the smooth operations make it a welcome technology. With just a little push of the throttle, we were instantly on plane. After a little practice and mastering its use, the very smooth throttle and shift operations make driving this vessel a real pleasure.

LEISURECAT INFORMATION: Gary has taken on the LeisureCat agency in Queensland and is establishing a support team to manage the pre-delivery and ongoing maintenance of the boats. The base price of the Westerner, with 175hp engines, is $168,000 including trailer. LeisureCat has their extensive range of models to government agencies and for commercial applications throughout Australia as they are built to 2C standards survey on request. Manufactured to a high standard in Malaysia and fitted out in Perth, Western Australia. All LeisureCats boats are covered by a full four-year structural warranty. JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT ANGLER

FANTASTIC FLATHEAD FISHING Flathead is a very popular fish to catch in Australia. KEVIN BALLANTINE and NIC WELCH offer very practical advice for catching the favourite fish in Gold Coast waters.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS The most productive areas for flathead are usually in close proximity to some form of weed bank. This may be an extensive shallow bank only accessible at high tide or just a single small outcrop on the edge of a small gutter. The flathead will position themselves in areas where the composition of the mud/sand bottom is extremely fertile, nutrient-rich, and provides the perfect environment for juvenile prawns, crab and baitfish to hide and grow quickly. Large flathead can reside in deep water next to structures such as bridge pylons, wrecks, rock bars, submerged trees and rock walls. However, most flathead are generally caught in 1-2m of water and congregate around the edges of sandbanks, weed banks, and mouths of shallow estuaries. They are also found in shallow waters, near oyster leases and mangroves.

TIDES AND TIMES The best tides to fish for flathead is during the first 3 hours following the high tide, especially in areas where a large expanse of water drains over yabby banks. The flathead will lie in schools, head first, towards the current, camouflaged on the seabed ready to ambush their unsuspecting prey. Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch flathead. However, very large specimens can be caught during the night even at dead low tide, especially when using live bait. During calm weather, with less than 10 knots of breeze, is the most productive for flathead catching. Sometimes a shower of rain can trigger the fish to start feeding if it has been quiet beforehand.

TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY Choose an area where water drains out over a ledge or through a narrow channel. Anchor downstream of this point and flick your bait or lure upstream. Let your bait drift down with the current or slowly retrieve your lure in the direction of the current. If you have an electric motor and a pair of polarised sunglasses, flathead can sometimes be caught by sight. Flathead can be spooked if your boat gets too close, so cast well upstream of the fish and let the bait or lure travel to the fish.

Stephanie Ballantine with 76cm flathead

Keep moving and trying different locations to avoid wasting time casting where there are no fish. Try working an area for ten minutes and if it is quiet, then move on. Remembering the same location might produce later in the day when the water height and clarity have changed.

Be careful of the spines on the corner of the jaw of the flathead and the dorsal fin. These spines are venomous and will inflict half an hour of pain to the unlucky recipient. Always use a rag or a pair of pliers when removing hooks. If using bait, flathead have a tendency to mouth/suck the bait instead of swallowing the hook straight up, so let the flathead run for a couple more metres before setting the hook. Use a landing net as flathead have a tendency to throw the hook right next to the boat. If fishing from shore, drag the flathead up onto the beach instead of raising your rod next to the water edge. Dusky flathead are a common catch in the Southport Broadwater and have a minimum size limit of 40cm and a maximum size limit of 75 cm, with a bag limit of five (regardless of flathead species). The bigger flathead are the female breeders and should always be released unharmed. The smaller flathead are the tastiest to eat, so there is no point keeping the larger ones. If we all release the large ones, there will be a sustainable fishery well into the future for generations to come.

WHERE TO FIND FLATHEAD • Along the break walls of the Southport Seaway • Along the western side of Wavebreak Island • Around Carter's Bank, 100metres north of Wavebreak Island • Around Crab Island • Around Brown Island • The Aldershots • Mouth of the northern arm of Coomera River • Mouth of the Pimpama River • "The Junction" at Coombabah Creek and southern arm of Coomera River • The entrance to Bullock Head and Wasp creeks along the northern arm of Coomera River • Around the Never Fail Islands • Five Ways and Tiger Mullet Channel • The mouth of the inlet at the northern end of South Stradbroke Island • Kalinga Bank • Just outside the entrance to Swan Bay on the southern end of North Stradbroke Island (NB. Swan Bay itself is a marine park and all fishing is prohibited inside)

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY ANGLER

Bass Fishing

FOR BEGINNER K AYA K ERS By Chris Hughes fishing is a great stress relief. The possibility K ayak of hooking a new personal best or species that I have not previously caught is a joyful and uplifting life experience. The kayak allows for easy access in a part of the world that is teeming with such a great variety of fish.

Chris Hughes with 36cm bass taken on a live shrimp at North Pine Dam

Matt Hughes with a bass taken on a Kokoda power prawn at Lake Kurwongbah

shrimp traps where you want to fish a week prior to going, and use live shrimp because the bass love them. I like to use a paternoster style rig and keeping the shrimp 30cm from the bottom. Once the shrimp dies, re-bait with a live one. The bass tend to leave the dead shrimp alone.

I kayak fish because it gives me the ability to sneak from snag to snag silently, while moving in very tight in shallow waters. Sitting so low on the water allows me to hear every surface strike close by.

Trial and error is the key to success. Conduct your research before heading out by listening to local reports, and adjust your fishing trip plans to suit these conditions.

What to take. When you prepare to go fishing, take a dry storage tubs for wallet, phone and keys. Carry with you, as little tackle as possible (less is best). Most important to take with you are: a landing net and a basic first aid kit because having a fish flapping wildly in a kayak can result in a few bloody spikes.

Which kayak? I have been kayak fishing for about 7 years. I use a Mantra Noa kayak. (However, I would love a 4m offshore kayak to be able to hit close reefs off the coast.)

Where to go. When you are looking for a kayak fishing location, go where power boats and weekend warriors cannot access. Join a local or online club and go with a more seasoned angler to learn as much as possible. Try fishing in freshwater lakes first where tide and swell will not affect you as much. Choose a spot that is easy access from your car. How to catch bass. The bass species of fish can be caught all year round. If you are a beginner, the bass are a great fish to target with bait and lures.

The bass can be found in dams, lakes, and upper reaches of rivers. Depending on your location, they can be caught using spinner baits, soft plastics with jig head spinners, a 1000 size reel, 8lb braid with a 10-15lb leader. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your landing net! The best strategy and technique to catch bass is to go out at first light. In fact, regardless of the species, it is always my favourite time to fish. The warmer months give you a greater chance to use top water lures for some very exciting strikes, especially from a kayak! Otherwise, soak some

If you do not have your own kayak yet, borrow one from a friend or rent one. Practice with it, ask questions, and note what you think you need for the type of fishing you plan to do. If you save up a mere $50, you can buy a second hand kayak online. However, do not buy blindly without doing your research. Before you buy, decide on the style of fishing you want it for, and if possible, trial it first to experience first hand if it fits your needs. Be sure of what you want to use the kayak for before buying one. Different brands and styles can cater for different fishing styles.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

LOCAL MANUFACTURER BARZ SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE SUNGLASSES AT METS

arz Optics, the Burleigh Heads-based sunglass company, exhibited at METSTRADE, the world’s largest marine industry trade show, in November 2017 held in Amsterdam. Barz released six new sunglass models along with their other award-winning styles to representatives from the 32 countries that they currently sell to. While Barz are still one of the smallest international sunglass companies, they are one of the most innovative and are regularly featured in some of the world’s largest circulation magazines, like Yacht Magazine Germany and Cruising World in the USA. Barz are the only company in the world utilising the unique Polarised Photochromic (lens is Cat1 in low light and darkens to Cat3 in full sun) with small bi-focal readers in the lens base. They now have seven floating models, which will float in even the most turbulent fresh or salt water.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Barz Optics offer glasses for $40 retail through to $300.

There are five kids’ models in the range, one of which, the Grom floating model, is fitted with options of polarised or polarised photochromic lenses. It is ideal for junior sailors, and fishermen from 8 to 12 years of age. The Grom is available in metal blue and metal pink. Barz Optics sunglasses are available in selected chandlery, and SUP, optical, jet ski, sailboarding, kayak and tackle stores, as well as at the Barz Office/Showroom, Unit 11/4 Leda Drive Burleigh Heads 4220, or on their web site www.barzoptics.com. Barz Optics Ph: (07) 5576 4365

BOAT GOLD COAST

AUSTRALIAN MARINE WHOLESALE

TURNS UP THE VOLUME THIS SUMMER S

o now that you know what you really wanted for Christmas, the talented team at Australian Marine Wholesale stand ready to help you really enjoy the your precious time on the water. The AMW experts not only source, supply, install and calibrate the most reliable boating accessories and equipment, they also take great pride in educating customers to ensure they enjoy the full features of their purchase. “Confidence, safety and fun are at the very core of our philosophy, equally as important as ensuring customers get exactly what they need without paying too much for something they may never even fully use,” said the Gold Coast-based company’s general manager, Errol Cain. Awarded Fusion’s Australian Retailer of the Year for 2017, AMW state that the smart-design StereoActive portable marine stereo system has proven to be a huge hit with those who love high-quality music and intelligent functionality. “The StereoActive is the only marine stereo system that can be installed in under two minutes, without cutting holes or running wires and can be used 365 days a year in any application – from the boat to the beach and beyond,” says Errol. “This isn’t just a standard Bluetooth speaker. Take to the water this season with your full catalogue of music and streaming services, including Bluetooth audio streaming, an AM/FM tuner, and a waterproof cavity to keep your USB dry if you prefer MP3 playback.” The quality of the music is just as important as the durability of the design. The dual 2.5” 40 Watt custom-designed directional speaker system and passive bass radiator are perfectly tuned to the internal air volume for powerful audio delivery. “Quite often people who have purchased elsewhere come to us to help sort out issues with their equipment or installation, and it’s then that they see what really sets AMW apart.” With over three decades of experience in marine electronics and equipment, Errol has fitted marine technology to thousands of vessels – everything from super yachts to sailing catamarans, trawlers to trailer boats – and has built a wealth of knowledge and a very experienced team. He has also formed very close and personal alliances with many of the world’s leading manufacturers of marine electronics such as hi-tech nightvision cameras, sophisticated fish-finders, radars and chart-plotters, as well as high-capacity water-makers and energy-efficient LED lighting. Call into the AMW super store at The Boat Works in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera today and talk with the team about their in-store super specials which, for a limited time only, include a free navigation chart for all new chart-plotter purchases.

JAN - MARCH 2018

! e r u t n e v d A o t t r Your Passpo

YOUR P

CONNECT - EXPLORE - DISCOVER

iviera ownership is your passport to fun, friends, adventure and learning. Randall and the team based in Coomera, kick each year off with a local favourite in South East Queensland, the Kooringal Experience. (March 2-5, 2018). A sleepy little village lost in time on the Southern end of Moreton Island, Kooringal is not an easy place to navigate your way in but on our fully guided and supported event, you’ll have a custom marked channel and a fantastic four days of fun. Leading adventures aboard Riviera & Belize Motor Yachts since 2006, R Marine Jones team has an impeccable safety record. Our Events & Experiences start owner’s on journey’s of accomplishments and discoveries, from inshore explorations to offshore passage making. Ben who went from owning a “Tinny” boat to owning a Riviera 4700 Sports Yacht said this about his first Riviera Owner’s Trip. Two weeks and 560 nautical miles later…. “It was really comforting to do something as amazing as this… as part of a group – there’s always strength in numbers – and the experienced team from R Marine Jones gave us great confidence.”

“I’ve been to the Whitsundays, to Lady Musgrave and to Peel Island and this trip was exceptional,” Gavin said. “Exploring Crab Island in the tenders was terrific … just seeing all the marine life. And The Gutter Bar – Randall Jones and his team had everything so well organised!” Fun with old friends, making new friends, discovering new anchorages and exploring idyllic destinations – this is how the Riviera Family describes what they like most about our inspiring cruising adventures. If you currently own or looking to buy a Riviera or Belize Motor Yacht then why not join us on our adventures and social events throughout the year, simply drop in and see us at Coomera, or contact us on our details below to begin!

“Our boating experience is good for your boating experience!”

F i n d u s a t - T h e R i v i e ra C o m p l e x , 5 0 W a t e r w a y D r i v e C o o m e ra , Q L D . Te l : ( 0 7 ) 5 5 6 1 7 2 6 6

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

PARKER

BOAT GOLD COAST

DAY CRUISER Specifications: Price: from $105,888 Model: 750 Day Cruiser Hull: GRP Length: 7.46m Beam: 2.50m Dry Weight: 1,750kg Engine: Outboard Fuel Capacity: 230L Fresh water tank: 40L Max HP: 300 People capacity: 7

PERFECT FOR SUNNY DAYS

ppearance of the 750DC model opens a whole new chapter in the history of Parker boats. The latest in a constantly expanding family of our boats perfectly captures the sporty character of the fast open-decked leisure boats. The innovative shape of the hull allows the boat to have superb sea-keeping qualities with rapidly reaching high-planing speeds. Because the speed is not everything, the Parker 750DC has been equipped with a number of facilities that will make boating even more comfortable and enjoyable, such as a cooker with wash basin, and optional fridge and sea toilet. The private front cabin will comfortably accommodate two people. The open deck area, which includes the helmsman seat, is fitted with a high quality table with seating for seven people. For water sports enthusiasts, there is a ski-tow hook in the aft section along with good stowage for lines and mooring equipment. In the event of not-so-good weather, there is an optional bimini top mounted on the deck that will provide protection against rain or shine. The stylish interior and excellent quality will please even the most demanding boating enthusiasts.

The Parker 750DC was nominated for Nautic Design Awards Paris 2014 and for the European Powerboat of the Year Award in 2015, and was a finalist in the 2016 International Best of the Boats Awards (BOB). It is the winner of the Polish Boat of the Year 2015.

Overall, the Parker 750DC is an outstanding sports leisure boat of the highest class and quality available for everyone. Demonstration boats are in now in Australia and on-water trials are available on request.

Exclusive distributor of top European fibreglass and rigid inflatable boats 175 Parramatta Rd Haberfield NSW 2045 ✆ 0414 252 254 ☎ (02) 8084 2747  nautilusaustralia.com.au � sales@nautilusaustralia.com.au

Parker 630 Bowrider

Length: 6.10 m Dry weight: 900 kg

Beam: 2.25 m Max HP: 200 HP

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Parker 770 Weekend

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Leigh - Smith Yachts

Alaska 49 - $1.1M

Endurance 686

Brokerage Yacht Selection On Display at Sanctuary Cove

2014 Endurance 720

$3.075M

2000 York 88 Enclosed FB

$2.25M

LEADERS OF THE INDUSTRY Innovators improving the boating experience There are plenty of great ideas out there to improve boating for us all. But the people who really innovate are the ones who take those ideas and make them real, and have a palpable impact on the on-the-water experience. These are the leaders of the industry. Jeff Chen of Hampton Yachts is one of those leaders and shares his insights into how he makes boating better.

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$795K

2006 Pirate 34 Sportscruz

$295K

Power & Motoryacht: How does your passion both for boating and business feed innovation? Jeff Chen: I was born into a family with the passion for boating, after all the family boatbuilding business started in Taiwan over 50 years ago. I spent my youth hanging around boatyards and boats. I learned the passion for business from my Engineering and Graduate Studies at Stanford University. This background instilled in me a desire to create and build the best and most technically advanced yachts possible, and led to our collaboration with Howard Apollonio in developing the Hybrid Hull for our Endurance series and the new Split-Chine hull design for our new generation of the Hampton Pilothouse series—and the collaboration with JC Espinosa on the exciting new Euro and Pilothouse series.

Leigh-Smith Yachts Australian and New Zealand Dealers

42 Quay Street Sanctuary Cove, Qld sales@LSYachts.com.au

2015 Princess V39

2007 Back Cove 33

$299K

2001/2015 Donzi 35ZF

$149,990

continuously. We currently have three brands (Hampton Series, Endurance Series, and the new Regency Series) each is different and each has been developed to meet the different client/ market demands of their categories. We will continue to evolve these brands as new technologies become available. We have also conrmed our emphasis on the 60- to 100-foot size range and will continue our collaboration with naval architect Howard Apollonio and designer JC Espinosa on renements and new product development. To reduce the demand on our overcrowded Shanghai facility, we have recently turned ground on construction of a new boatyard in Taiwan that will be one of the largest build facilities in Asia at 163,350 square feet (about 15,000 square meters). Completion of the new Kaohsiung facility was in June, 2017.

Power & Motoryacht: What lesson from your past has helped move your business forward? Jeff Chen: Low leverage, cautious and prudent expansion of production facilities; source and hire the most talented boatbuilders available; continual product innovation and improvement; enhanced quality control and exceptional warranty and customer-service programs. Power & Motoryacht: How will your products change to meet the needs of the evolving marketplace? Jeff Chen: Our products are evolving

www.LSYachts.com.au 07 5577 9200

For further specications and pricing on all Hampton and Endurance models contact your Australian / New Zealand Dealer Leigh-Smith Yachts www.LSYachts.com.au

Peter Foster: 0408 758 830 Dean Leigh-Smith: 0408 758 887 Ryan Leigh-Smith: 0408 758 886 47

JANSEP - MARCH - DEC 2018 2017

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BOAT GOLD COAST

MAKE YOUR VESSEL LOOK NEW WITH SPEED DETAILING percent of boat exteriors that are sun faded and dull do not need to be repainted. The S eventy surface needs to be just rejuvenated and brought back to life. Speed Detailing business owner, Lyndon Walker, knows the importance of looking after your boating asset and the value of presentation. Every job Speed Detailing carries out is different and requires a unique process and application to achieve the perfect result. If you are considering selling, trading-in, or getting an insurance appraisal for your boat, or just need your boat detailed properly, Speed Detailing can add value to your boat or luxury craft. “I can possibly help you make more money than what you initially thought you'd receive when selling your boat, by providing a service many consider to be a gifted art form. It’s the reason I started Speed Detailing – to provide the boating sector a service that is untouchable, and make your boat look like new again in every possible way as if as it was just off the showroom floor.” Speed Detailing specialises in every facet of detailing imaginable, including interiors, exteriors, alloy and stainless steel polishing. The interiors are fully cleaned using the Speed Detailing method to look and smell brand new. “There is no job too big or too small for me to handle. I’m a passionate tradesman with unwavering attention to detail, and skills and work ethic matched with experience are second to none.” Speed Detailing offers obligation-free quote to restore your boat to new. “Every day, I receive calls from within Australia and internationally. The best news is, I come to you and do not charge for travel to and from the location of your boat.” Speed Detailing continues to set the highest of standards. Clients only have praises for the quality of service that they receive from Speed Detailing. David Spann, the director of Warrego Truck and Machinery Referral, has this to say: “I recently engaged the services of Lyndon Walker at Speed Detailing to detail my 48ft Riviera Sport Fisher boat that we wished to sell based at Hope Island. After talking with Lyndon for only a few minutes, I knew he was the right man for the job. Not only was he prompt, but he also knew exactly what we needed to make the boat look its best. The vessel had a full machine cut and polish; windows were cleaned inside and out; and all the stainless steel and alloy were polished to perfection. The boat turned out far better than expected, it almost made me want to keep it. Since then, Speed Detailing has continued to impress by putting their special touch on a whole range of vehicles in our fleet.” For more information, please contact Lyndon on 0457287192, 24 hours every day. Call now to get things moving.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

All about

ANODES by Shane Subichin

What is an anode? An anode is a sacrificial block made of either zinc or aluminum alloy that is mounted on, or connected to, the underwater metal parts of your boat, such as stern drives, shafts, propellers, rudders, trim tabs and skin fittings. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What do anodes do? Anodes are designed to sacrifice themselves by depleting first, rather than the expensive parts of your drive or underwater metal fittings. Stern drives, underwater propulsion gear and hull fittings are made up of two or more types of metal. Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical reaction between two or more different (or dissimilar) metals submerged in seawater. Anodes connected to these metals are more galvanically active and will corrode before the vital parts of your vessel.

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We have all heard techie boaters refer to the terms “sacrificial anode” or “martyr anode”. As the terms suggest, they are alloys that sacrifice themselves to protect the rest of your boat. Let us learn about these critically important “heroic” metals.

Are your anodes corroding as they should? Vessel owners need to be aware of the location and condition of sacrificial anodes mounted on their boat. Many owners do not realise the corrosion damage that can occur to stern drives and underwater metal fittings if anodes are not regularly maintained or replaced. Why is it critical to check and maintain anodes? Generally, sacrificial anodes need to be replaced when they are 50% consumed. Correct corrosion protection to vital boat parts is not achieved if anodes are left to deplete below 50%. Usually, the size and amount of anodes installed to each moored vessel are designed to last up to 12 months. However, many factors can contribute to anodes depleting at a faster rate, including water temperature, salinity, water current flow, stray electrical current, and vessel or jetty wiring faults. Therefore, checks are often required monthly, quarterly or six-monthly to determine the depletion rates of sacrificial anodes. Any other advice? Upon purchasing your vessel, check the condition of anodes and for other signs of corrosion as soon as possible. Obtain maintenance history to determine when the anodes were last replaced. Ensure that your vessel and jetty electrical systems are in good order. Consult your local vessel and engine/drive package dealer for specific requirements.

Photos courtesy of Seatech Marine Services

Note: This is a general guide only. If you would like personalised advice regarding anodes, contact Shane on 07 5500 0000. He will help you and/or direct you to a professional team onsite for further action. It is recommended you contact your local boat or engine service dealer for specific requirements for each vessel and engine/drive package. Shane Subichin is the general manager of The Boat Works. He has over 25 years of technical experience in the marine industry, and is the only Certified Service Managers (CSM) in Australia.

BOAT GOLD COAST

LATEST GENERATION NON-BIOCIDE

FOUL RELEASE COATING T

he humble propeller is an often-overlooked boating component when you are customizing your dream boat. But it can have a critical impact on the handling and performance of your craft. To help you cut through all the confusion, we chatted with Solas Australia’s “propeller guru”, Steve Evans, to provide some expert advice and give us a preview of where the technology is going. Energy savings are achieved by maintaining smooth underwater hull and propeller surfaces. Presence of fouling on propellers is detrimental to performance. Even low levels of fouling on propeller surfaces are shown to cause efficiency losses of 20%. High levels of fouling cause up to 70% decrease in efficiency. The marine environment is a tough test for paint, varnish and anti-foul coatings, and shows no mercy to poor quality products. Only the best products will keep topsides bright and the underneath clean from fouling. Propeller Coat, made in Japan since 1917 from one of the world’s largest and most-respected paint companies, is a non-biocidal foul release coating. With its extra slippery silicon topcoat, it prevents sea life adhering to the propeller. Propeller Coat is designed to provide ultimate protection against the harmful effect of weed, barnacles and fouling attaching itself to boat propellers, engines and stern gear. It is a transparent silicon-based product, resulting in an ultra slippery, non-stick surface, which weed and fouling find difficult to adhere to. It is referred to as a “foul-release” coating, which means that after initial application, fouling may loosely attach, but is easily and quickly removed by the result of water movement across the treated surface, or by the action of the prop as it turns within the water.

Propeller Coat is a “foul-release” coating, which means that after initial application, fouling may loosely attach, but is easily and quickly removed by the result of water movement across the treated surface, or by the action of the prop as it turns within the water. Propeller Coat is suitable for application to all underwater metallic running gear – on stainless, alloy (complete stern legs) and bronze including; propellers, trim tabs, propeller shafts, rudders, prop struts, bow and stern thrusters, underwater lights, transducers, etc.

Propeller Coat after 15 months, washed and put back in the water for another season

Propeller Coat is composed of a yellow primer and a clear silicon topcoat. The product is sold as a DIY box, complete with brushes, gloves, and instructions. It is easy to apply, once the surfaces to be painted have been prepared. It is available in three sizes – 300ml, 500ml and 1.5 Litre. (300ml is great for yachts, with a single shaft and propeller that covers an area of 0.5 m2; and 500ml is great for larger boats, and covers an area of 0.9 m2) Oz Marine is the dealer of Propeller Coat and provides Australia-wide phone support, and covering thousands of boats in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. For COMMERICAL or TRADE operators, Oz Marine can supply with 3-Liter Propeller Coat kits.

For information and pricing: www.ozmarine.com.au Ph: 07 5437 9400

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

Which Antifoul Suits Your Vessel?

ntifouling has been a mainstay of vessel A owners around the world for a long time. Painted on the hull to combat the build-up of

barnacles and other sea life on your boat, antifoul has long been used as a solution to problems skippers have always had to battle beneath the waves. Since its creation, there have been just two types of mariners: those who use antifoul, and those who quickly discover they need it. Since the first days of copper sheeting and Muntz metal, antifouling products have come a long way. It is tempting to think about antifouling as paint; but it is more than that. It is actually a very clever piece of chemistry. Traditionally, every year, you must spend the time and money to lift your vessel, blast away any fouling, then sand back and reapply an antifouling coating. This happens whether you take your boat out every weekend or only three times a year. With recent years seeing many innovative solutions arriving on the market, the old tried-and-true annual application of antifoul now has some competition. In general, all the paint providers for the marine industry provide a solution, and most of them have a great range to choose from. With some providers claiming systems have lasted up to 11 years before the need for reapplication. The more important questions are: which antifoul product suits your vessel, and most importantly, how you use it.

The Runabout The good old-fashioned weekend warrior – small, mobile and fun, and taken out of the water after use. If this is your boat type, resist the urge to put antifouling on at all. Antifouling is a product designed to keep marine organisms from settling on the underwater hull of boats. These products perform best when left permanently in the water. If your boat is not stored in the water, then there is no need to apply it to your hull. In fact, most systems are designed to be fully submerged.

The Racer These guys are passionate about speed. You will see them flying down the Broadwater on a Thursday afternoon one hand on the handrail, the other holding a glass of champagne. In the past, super hard ablative antifouls have been used and sanded back smooth for speed. However, with the innovation of products, many yacht owners use semi-ablative coatings, such as PPG’s ABC3®, EcoFleet 290®, or even International’s MicronExtra®. Rather than sanding, the simple wash-down with a soft cloth prevents excess wear of the coating, as over cleaning can lead to premature failure. The Pleasure Craft and Superyachts Here is where we start to see the overnight trips and ‘at-sea’ entertainment. Still, most of these boats are permanently in the water and not always on the move. As much as we would all like to be on the water every weekend, the truth is, we only get out there once or twice a month. This means the antifouling has to work while the boat sits still. Ablative or self-polishing types with high copper content work best here. Check out PPG’s Ecofleet 290® or Jotun SeaGuardian®. Either way, it also pays to keep an eye on your boat and clean off any slime that may occur. The right product selection will keep fouling at bay and provide you with better time at sea! The Commercial Boat Used for whale watching or passenger trips, these boats commute like the City Cat in Brisbane. These vessels quite often stay in the water for two years or more, so a semi-ablative antifoul is often used. The frequent movement in conjunction with a reasonable speed is the space for the semiablative antifouling. Silicone-based systems, like International’s Intersleek 100SR® or PPG’s Sigmaglide®, not only keep the fuel usage and costs down, they also last. Some silicone systems have been known to last more than 10 years!

Ultimately, whatever approach you consider taking, it is always an advantage to get good consultation on your boat, its circumstances, and your individual needs. With some expert advice, you will be sure to get the solution that is best for you and your boat. Just remember, the way to get the best out of your antifouling is: Good preparation, the correct application, and the right quantity. Of course, if you use the right maintenance practices, the coating will last longer too. Our team at Riverside Marine Services are always at the ready to serve you in all your boating needs. Drop by and say ‘Hi’ to us at the Gold Coast City Marina, Coomera. For more information, call Shaun Phelps on 0488 012 337, or email us at RMS@riversidemarine.com.au.

Specialised in Complete Start to Finish Vessel Servicing and Overhaul

Shaun Phelps

Ph: 0488 012 337 • Anti-foul and paint protection • Fabrication and modification • Engineering and mechanical • Naval architecture BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

We’ll keep your boat

Always Ready

Email: RMS@riversidemarine.com.au | www.riversidemarineservices.com.au Office 47, Gold Coast City Marina 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera QLD 4209 53

BOAT GOLD COAST

SUPER PONTOON FENDERS PROTECT YOUR BOAT

n 1986, Goodline Trim (Peter Goodbun) designed IPermanently the original and superior quality Super Fender. fixed to pontoons and jetties, the Super

Fender means no more fenders required when berthing or mooring. The ingenious product reduces boat maintenance, making scuffing and scratching while at dock a thing of the past. Available with an optional extra chaffing cover made of marine-grade soft carpet that will not scratch your boat; reduce accidental damage, wear and tear caused by UV; and generally prolong the life of the fender. Super Fender reduces stress on the boat and pontoon with the load spread over a greater area. Constructed of UV-treated super tough vinyl, the fender material is a cylinder of the finest high-density energy-absorbing material. Uniquely designed, all structural seams are high-frequency welded for durability and appearance.Each Super Fender is custom-made to fit each installation. It is fixed well clear of the water, and therefore remains attractive and ensures long-life expectancy.

The fenders are mounted to your pontoon using uniquely design tracks – top and bottom. To ensure your boat is protected, corner sections and right angles are available to cover your pontoon, while the zippers of the fender cover are sealed to keep water out. When you are serious about looking after your boat, the choice is easy with Super Fender. Each one is custom made to fit your pontoon, and available in a choice of colours to suit your pontoon jetty. The Super Fender is made to measure, delivered and installed by experienced marine trades people. The product is covered by a full 12-month warranty.

Super Fenders are designed and manufactured in Queensland. Over 5000 have been installed.

Established in 1976, Goodline Trimming, Australia’s luxury marine designers, trimmers and upholsterers, have an impeccable 40-year history of producing first class, timeless marine interiors, products and services. Goodline Trimming is a specialist manufacturer of exterior cleats, clears, awnings, screens and covers. They are experts in refits, refurbishments and new vessel fit-outs. They are constantly crafting new and exciting products for the ever-changing and increasing market, providing flawless design, value for money and outstanding service without compromise to quality. Goodline Trimming’s extensive range of products and services include design consultation, interior and exterior seating and carpets, clears, screens and covers, deck heads and wall linings, as well as furnishings, mattresses and fender hooks. With confidence to fulfill each client’s expectations, the company offer an obligation-free quote.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GUIDE

VS By Andy Kancachian

hen deciding on your boat, you will need to W consider whether you would want an inboard or an outboard engine, or sterndrive. In this article,

INBOARD ENGINES VS STERNDRIVES

OUTBOARD ENGINE BENEFITS

An inboard engine provides greater stability for your boat, which is well suited for large commercial vessels, offshore work, and for some types of waterskiing. It is popular with commercial boats as it has a lower centre of gravity creating stability. The midmounted inboard is used for heavier vessels requiring more horsepower, as the size and weight of the engine would not be appropriate for a stern mounting. A boat with an inboard engine will be more difficult to load onto a trailer.

we provide the basic information about these engines and their benefits and challenges. Ultimately, however, it is your own boating needs and personal preference that will affect your buying decision. An outboard engine is a portable complete package of engine, gear case and propeller. For general purpose boating, the outboard engine offers easy handling and economic fuel consumption and ongoing maintenance. When in operation, the special designed skeg and directional thrust of an outboard enable easy maneuvering with lower power. When not in use, the engine can be completely tilted out of the water, avoiding any growth of marine organisms, barnacles and algae. The outboard is mounted high up on the hull and is easy to access for service requirements. The engine casing creates a fully integrated seal and shields the powerhead that houses the electronic and mechanical parts. Outboard engines are generally very reliable, making them popular with family pleasure boating, fishers and other light commercial inshore usage. Once the boat is parked on a trailer, the entire engine system is within easy reach for maintenance.

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Mounted amidship, the inboard engine drives a propeller shaft that is fixed to the bottom of the hull and is steered by a rudder, whereas an sterndrive is mounted in the stern of the boat that drives a directional outdrive (or drive leg) that is mounted through the rear of the hull (transom).

If you plan to use the boat for slalom skiing, then the inboard engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propeller with a separate rudder is popular as it produces little or no wake. The midship engine is not an ideal position for a pleasure craft, whereas sterndrive engines can be neatly mounted under the rear bench or swim platform. A sterndrive with its shallow draft will be easier to maneuver in shallow waters such as those around the Gold Coast Broadwater and estuaries. The drawback is that sterndrives do not steer effectively unless thrust is applied; as a result, docking is more challenging.

Inboard engines are located in the bilge of the boat and sometimes have restricted access through a hatch in the floor. This area is vulnerable to moisture and water damage. Similarly, the stern-mounted sterndrive is located in the bilge under the rear lounge or deck, which may have restricted access. However, some models have sealed engine rooms with space to store tools and equipment. For a sleek design and sophistication, sterndrive engines are a popular choice. When towing with a sterndrive, the weight of the engine in the stern will create a wake, which is ideal for wakeboarding. Recreational boat owners may prefer the sterndrive engine tucked away which allows for free access of the rear lounge, full-width swim platforms, storage and outdoor showers. The sterndrive also allows space under the deck for a cabin with accommodation and amenities popular with cruiser boat builders.

Disclaimer Information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice. While all reasonable care has been taken in providing accurate information, it is strongly suggested you consult a professional about the various types of engines before purchasing.

BOAT PROTOCOL

Marine Engine

AUSTRALIAN EMISSIONS STANDARDS Commence in 2018 By Gary Fooks

Photo: Suzuki Marine

fter eleven years in the pipeline, the Product A Emissions Standards Act was passed in September 2017, and all the Rules and details approved, ready for the start date of 1 July 2018.

Boaties will see the high-emission engines start to dry up in dealerships almost immediately, as importers take final orders before the ban on imports commences in July. Dealers will have a year to clear out stocks, so there might be some bargains to be had leading up to June 2019. (After that, the fines for dealers selling a new carby two-stroke will be in the order of $5,000 - per engine!) The emissions standards follow closely the USA law which has been in place for twenty years, so do not expect to see a dramatic new product range. All the clean, compliant products are here, and we have been buying them for years. To clear up some of the misunderstandings we have heard out in the market: This is an emissions standard and the lawmakers do not have anything to say about the technology. It is not a “ban” on two-strokes. The clean engines that will pass the requirements are the Direct Injection two-strokes (TLDI, Optimax and especially E-TEC), as well as every four stroke. Carby two-strokes just will not make the grade. When you look at the numbers, the audited USA EPA numbers, it is easy to see why. A carby twostroke is not just 10 percent or even 30 percent more polluting, but on average push out eleven times the emissions of a compliant engine.

We did some comparisons and unearthed some astounding numbers. Here is one: a famous brand, 15-hp pre-mix two-stroke versus a 150-hp compliant engine (in this case, a Direct Injection). Which one pushes out more pollutants (HC+NOx) per hour? It turns out that the small 15hp pushes out just over double the emissions of the 150hp. Scary stuff! Apart from that, it is mostly good news. First, nothing you own now will be “banned”, except on a few freshwater lakes (Lenthalls, Wivenhoe), which have been opened up to clean engines only. There will be a strong second-hand market for used outboards for years to come, and importers are legally obliged to keep spare parts available for a reasonable time. Some boaties and especially yachties are miffed that the small engine choices are limited to four strokes – which always sound too heavy. An example: this writer urged one reader to take a close look at the current models. He ended up buying a 6hp four-stroke Suzuki. At 26kg, the fourstroke is a kilo or three lighter than the Tohatsu, Mercury and Yamaha 6hp two-stroke outboards. Even lighter weight electric outboards are going to become a more common sight, especially on small tenders. The convenience of clipping in a rechargeable battery, just like your power drill, will win over many users. I would only consider the purpose-built electric outboards, like Torqeedo, and leave aside the conversions – a petrol

outboard leg with the engine replaced by an electric motor. The difference is chalk and cheese. With fewer models to sell, importers and dealers will enjoy some cost savings. On the other side of the coin, the government will be charging importers a cost recovery levy – a standard policy these days. At 0.5% of import cost, that will add about $10 to a small outboard up to a cap of $200 for the biggest outboard, stern drive, or inboard engine. The Rules will only cover “spark ignition” engines petrol or LPG - outboards, inboards, sterndrives and PWCs. Diesel will probably follow in a few years, but there is no commitment yet. The Standards cover more than marine engines. Almost all outdoor and garden equipment up to 19kW(25Hp) will have to meet emissions standards tailored to each application. This means that for ground-supported equipment, including mowers and generators, we will only see four-stroke. Yes, the Aussie Victa twostroke mower is history - the last production run was December 2016. For handheld machines, like a chainsaw that needs to be operated on all sorts of angles, a four-stroke with its oil sump will never do. The solution is a softer standard for handheld equipment that will see the quality two-stroke chainsaws remain in the shelf, and many of the cheap-and-cheerful machines disappear. If any of this is vital to you or your business, and you like to learn more please contact the author gary@blueskyalliance.com.au

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT SERVICE DIRECTORY

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BOAT GUIDE

Blacks & Whites

Grey

The pitfalls of importing your own boat By Celine Flamain

ith shipping costs at rock bottom, importing W US boats remains an attractive option even with a stronger US dollar. In this digital age, it has

never seemed easier to buy a boat abroad. Peer-topeer, auction and broker websites are teeming with new and second-hand boats for sale at seemingly unbeatable prices. Most Australian shipping experts now advertise specialist boat import services to try and ride the wave of what is known as “grey”, or parallel, imports. But is there really any such thing as a cheap boat? Let’s find out. REALISTIC BUDGETING You will need to factor in a number of additional expenses before deciding if that cheap boat really is a bargain. Shipping costs, transit insurance, 5% import duty, port dues, quarantine inspection fees, and possibly the cost of a custom-made shipping cradle all have to be included, as well as 10% GST on the price of the boat and on all the costs above - that’s right! Although there is no import duty for boats both made in and shipped from the USA or New Zealand, you still have to pay GST on the total cost, irrespective of the boat’s provenance. Trailers, refrigeration and air conditioning systems all require separate import permits, further adding to the expense. There is also the risk and expense of having the boat detained and sanitised by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) after a failed quarantine inspection. (Renewing the anti-fouling and getting the boat cleaned inside-out and shrink-wrapped before shipping is a good investment!) All in, your pride and joy may end up costing you a whole lot more than you thought – up to three times the purchase price for smaller boats, according to industry experts. Unfortunately, these hidden costs are not the only catch.

THE DARK REALITY OF GREY IMPORTS Grey imports are not covered by factory warranties because they bypass manufacturer’s Australian distribution channels. Accredited dealers may not service these boats or even supply spare parts. These issues may affect not only engines, but also other critical and expensive equipment, such as electronic navigation systems. This negatively impacts how these boats hold their value over time and makes them potentially difficult to resell. As the importer of the boat, you will also be personally responsible for its compliance with Australian regulations on safety, emission standards, and shipbuilding specifications – only to list a few – for the lifetime of the boat. Unless you are an expert in those fields, it is best to avoid this Pandora’s box of potential liability. In extreme cases, you may have to indemnify persons injured in an accident involving the boat. BUYER BEWARE In many respects, buying a boat is very much like buying a car. You want to make sure it has not previously been stolen, mortgaged or scrapped, and that it is reasonably road- (or sea-) worthy. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) certificate for boats purchased abroad. The online boat market is notoriously full of scams, and most P2P and auction sites offer only scarce buyer protection. The risk of unknowingly buying a storm damaged boat should not be underestimated, as is the risk of buying a repossessed boat that has been poorly maintained by a cash-strapped owner. Cheap does not mean value, and buying “sights unseen” is not advisable. You should allow for travel expenses in your budget, as well as the cost of appointing an independent surveyor at the boat’s original location.

INSURANCE AND SAFETY Insurers limit the maximum insured value of a grey import compared to a locally purchased boat, so you may not be able to insure it for its full replacement value. Boats should also comply with Australian standards for fuel, electrical and LPG installations. Some equipment, such as foreign VHF radios that use different frequency bands, is illegal to use in Australia. The cost of replacing these systems can be significant, and a new survey may be required after the refit is completed. Failing this, you may be denied insurance, or worse, put yourself and your family at risk. GET EXPERT ADVICE Before committing, make sure you hire a professional agent to navigate you safely through the importing minefield. You may also ask your local boating associations for advice. The Boating Industry Association has a free leaflet available for download at https://www.bia.org.au/ documents/item/37. A NOTE ON TRAILERS: Australian customs regulations require separate import permits for the boat and its trailer. All trailers must meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) requirements to be allowed on our roads. Most US-approved trailers do not comply with the ADR, and bringing them to compliance can be a costly exercise. Plan to buy one here rather than to import it with the boat. Celine Flamain is a qualified marine surveyor for small leisure and commercial craft, and a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster® Offshore and RYA Cruising Instructor. She also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Marine Insurance and has logged many miles as a professional and recreational skipper.

FIND TRUSTWORTHY LOCAL TR ADES FAST SEARCH BOATING AND LIFESTYLE Boat Gold Coast Magazine Business Directory utilises an extensive 72 easy-to-browse category listing for products & services, with quick keyword, business name, and geographic area searches. Simply click on the service you require to find the best marine industry professionals and lifestyle providers to assist with your boating life.

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JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

– YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER SERVICE

edback Radiators are the new owners of the long-established Diecon Marine. The Diecon Marine Coolers are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), R commonly used in many marine craft. Applications include transmissions, bow

thrusters, and other circuits that require a robust, fully serviceable heat exchanger. Diecon Marine manufacture Diecon Heat Exchangers to original drawings & specifications. We have the ability to reverse engineer (re-manufacture), service & repair other brands of heat exchanger such as CAT, Cummins, Volvo, Detroit, MTU, Yanmar, Volvo, MAN, Mercruiser, Seastar, Hyundai, Ford, Perkins, and Chrysler, to name a few. A recent addition to our offering is the capability to service plate heat exchangers.

Sales Manager Mick Flynn states, “It is important to have your heat exchangers serviced regularly. Failure to do so can result in expensive repairs or engine damage. Too often, we see neglected heat exchangers requiring major work or full replacement. Expensive headaches can be avoided by adhering to maintenance periods or a preventative maintenance plan. Regular servicing is certainly more cost-effective in the long run, and we offer sound advice to save you money and reduce down-time." The Redback Radiators team have been proudly manufacturing heat exchangers at Molendinar for nine years. Some team members have over 25 years experience manufacturing and servicing copper and brass heat exchangers. We have a reputation for quality. We are local, professional, and experienced. We operate from a 2000m2 factory, equipped with the specialized machinery to guarantee a fast turn-around time. From a sample, we can re-manufacture a heat exchanger bundle. We can strip down your existing unit, clean and rebuild. We stock spare parts, end caps, O rings and zinc anodes. Redback Radiators welcome trade work from marine service centres and boat builders. For convenience, we operate a pick-up and delivery service in many areas of South East Queensland.

SEAPOWER MARINE - COOMERA NEW LOCATION, NEW OPPORTUNITIES eapower Marine has moved to the Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM) in Coomera, S Queensland, Australia’s most awarded marina and shipyard. The new location for Seapower Marine has opened many new doors of opportunity for our customers, with uncompromised marine facilities.

Our new location facilitates up to 250 tonnes of travel lift. We are now able to house vessels up to 75 feet inside our workshop. Seapower Marine has been the exclusive Authorised Marine Dealer for CAT on the Gold Coast since 2010. We deliver specialised marine engineering with quality and assurance for all CAT Marine engines. We carry out on- and off-site repairs as usual. We have a large range of spare parts including oils and lubricants. We offer a full all-year round maintenance and service program tailored to your requirements. Spearheaded by Scott Evered, Seapower Marine boasts specialist knowledge for all popular inboard marine engines. Scott’s experience within the marine engineering industry is second to none. Scott is the only engineer in Queensland to have been factory-trained at the MAN Engines and Components factory in Germany. He did his apprenticeship in the UK at 16 years of age. He holds a trade certificate in Marine and Industrial Engineering. After many years of owning and operating a marine company in the UK, Scott headed for Australian waters and purchased Seapower Marine. As the technical head, Scott has taken the company to new lengths, acquiring fully trained marine engineers. Alongside Scott, Gavon Viall stands as the Workshop Manager and has been with Seapower Marine since 1987. His knowledge of the local industry is both extensive and unquestionable. Seapower Marine arrange and manage all of your boating projects. We can also arrange for your vessel to be safely driven to the marina and brought back to its original location when all works are complete. Factory D26, 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera, QLD 4209 Tel. 07 5577 3008 Email: accounts@seapowermarine.com.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Time 0040 0730 MO 1353 1943

JANUARY

Time

-0.03 1.80 0.10 1.23

0111 0803 TU 1427 2005

0.17 1.60 0.24 1.12

-0.06 0145 2 0128 0820 1.87 17 0837

TU 1446 0.04 2036 1.23

0.16 1.62 WE 1501 0.22 2041 1.13

-0.06 0220 3 0217 0909 1.90 18 0910

WE 1537 0.01 2129 1.22

0.15 1.62 TH 1535 0.20 2116 1.14

-0.02 0254 4 0307 0959 1.87 19 0944

TH 1628 0.03 2222 1.19 0359 1049 FR 1719 2317

FEBRUARY

0.16 1.61 1609 0.20 FR 2152 1.14

Time

0208 0855 TH 1519 2116

Time

-0.04 1.89 0.02 1.30

0205 0847 FR 1505 2056

Time

0.04 1.76 SA 1648 0.07 2251 1.29

Time

0111 0744 FR 1358 1959

0.15 1.63 0.18 1.26

0110 0751 TH 1412 2014

0.14 1.62 SA 1537 0.16 2131 1.28

2 0158 0836

17 0147 0818

3 0246 0918

18 0224 0851

4 0331 0958

-0.03 0239 2 0257 0942 1.85 17 0920

FR 1604 0.03 2204 1.30

MARCH 0.05 1.82 0.06 1.37

0.01 1.81 FR 1453 0.04 2058 1.42 0.02 1.75 SA 1533 0.06 2141 1.44

0.15 1.59 SU 1611 0.16 2209 1.30

0.18 1.60 SA 1429 0.15 2034 1.40

3 0346 1026

18 0316 0953

4 0435 1109

0.14 1.62 1730 0.14 SU 2341 1.26

19 0355 1027

0.08 1.64 1611 0.10 SU 2224 1.43

19 0302 0926

0.19 1.54 1645 0.17 MO 2250 1.31

0.16 1.59 SU 1502 0.13 2110 1.46

0.16 1.56 1535 0.12 MO 2148 1.50

0.05 1.79 0.07 1.16

20 0330 1018

0525 0.26 1151 1.46 MO 1812 0.21

20 0437 1103

0417 1037 MO 1647 2306

0.17 1.51 0.17 1.40

20 0345 1002

0452 0.15 1137 1.67 SA 1809 0.13

21 0408 1054

0033 0619 TU 1233 1853

1.22 0.39 1.30 0.28

21 0526 1143

0503 1114 TU 1721 2351

0.29 1.36 0.25 1.35

21 0430 1041

0014 0548 SU 1226 1859

1.13 0.27 1.52 0.19

22 0450 1131

0133 0723 WE 1320 1939

1.20 0.51 1.15 0.35

22 0027 0624

0553 0.41 1152 1.22 WE 1754 0.33

22 0522 1124

0117 0650 MO 1316 1950

1.12 0.38 1.37 0.24

23 0002 0539

0241 0840 TH 1418 2034

1.21 0.57 1.04 0.39

23 0132 0737

0040 0650 TH 1235 1833

1.31 0.51 1.09 0.41

23 0005 0623

9 0224 0759

1.14 0.47 TU 1409 1.23 2042 0.27

24 0100 0638

9 0351 1006

1.25 0.58 FR 1532 0.99 2138 0.40

24 0248 0907

9 0139 0802

1.27 0.58 FR 1333 1.00 1925 0.48

24 0109 0739

10 0333 0917

25 0209 0750

10 0451 1117

25 0404 1035

10 0250 0927

25 0226 0908

11 0435 1036

26 0320 0916

11 0543 1210

26 0512 1144

11 0402 1041

26 0344 1028

12 0527 1141

27 0428 1039

12 0626 1252

27 0611 1240

12 0501 1136

27 0454 1130

5 6 7 8

1.19 0.52 1509 1.13 WE 2135 0.28 1.27 0.52 1613 1.07 TH 2227 0.28 1.36 0.47 FR 1712 1.04 2314 0.25

0.18 1.58 SA 1644 0.20 2232 1.14

0.23 1.53 SU 1720 0.22 2314 1.14

0.29 1.46 MO 1800 0.23 1.14 0.36 TU 1211 1.38 1843 0.25

1.15 0.44 WE 1259 1.29 1931 0.26 1.20 0.49 1359 1.21 TH 2028 0.25 1.28 0.49 1514 1.15 FR 2131 0.23

1.41 0.43 SA 1630 1.13 223 0.18 2234

6 7

1.32 0.52 1644 0.98 SA 2239 0.38

1.40 0.45 1743 1.02 SU 2332 0.34

1.47 0.37 MO 1831 1.07

1.32 0.48 FR 1333 1.14 1949 0.32

1.36 0.49 SA 1458 1.07 2101 0.33

1.45 0.43 1623 1.07 SU 2216 0.29

1.57 0.32 1736 1.13 MO 2322 0.21 1.68 0.21 TU 1836 1.22

1.26 0.58 1453 0.95 SA 2039 0.51

1.30 0.54 1617 0.97 SU 2200 0.50

1.36 0.46 MO 1721 1.03 2303 0.45

1.46 0.46 SA 1330 1.07 1923 0.40

1.46 0.45 1502 1.03 SU 2044 0.43

1.50 0.39 1626 1.08 MO 2205 0.39 1.57 0.29 TU 1734 1.18 2313 0.30

30 0101 0730

30 0027 0718

28 0019 0704

0.12 1.77 WE 1328 0.12 1928 1.30

1.49 0.31 WE 1849 1.19

0.23 1.58 1403 0.25 WE 140 194 1.18 1947

0.30 1.55 TH 1328 0.25 1925 1.26

0.18 1.62 143 0.21 TH 1434 202 1.22 2022

-0.02 31 0118 0808 1.88

PPF_BoatMagAd_QP-245x75.pdf 1 7/08/2017 1:29:24 PMFull Moon First Quarter

1.64 0.20 WE 1828 1.30 0.21 1.69 TH 1304 0.14 1915 1.40 0.14 1.70 FR 1344 0.10 1958 1.48

31 0147 0811

0.11 1.66 SA 1421 0.09 2039 1.53

WE 1432 0.04 2027 1.28

New

1.48 0.40 FR 1217 1.17 1818 0.34

15 0033 0710

0.28 1.53 1329 0.30 TU 132 191 1.13 1911

1.43 0.38 TU 1809 1.11 2353 0.37

0.32 1.28 TH 1728 0.26

013 15 0130 081 0815

15 0035 0728

0.04 1.81 TU 1344 0.11 1935 1.24

29 0010 0644

29 0625 1251

0.20 1.56 MO 1352 0.29 1928 1.10

1.31 0.42 TH 1230 1.24 1849 0.29

0.25 1.40 WE 1647 0.19 2314 1.51

14 0633 1256

14 0652 1314

1.69 0.21 MO 1840 1.19

005 14 0054 074 0741

13 0016 0705

1.51 0.34 SU 1848 1.07

0.33 1.36 WE 1801 0.24

0.19 1.49 TU 1610 0.14 2229 1.51

28 0553 1221

28 0529 1151

1.55 0.32 SU 1739 1.15 2332 0.11

13 0551 1219

13 0612 1231

1.44 0.41 SA 1803 1.05 2357 0.23

0.25 1.46 TU 1721 0.20 2334 1.31

m 0.23 1.58 0.19 1.33

Moon

Â© Copyright Commonweatth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology.

Last Quarter

The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau's liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

BOAT GOLD COAST

Antifouling your boat is a yearly event but sometimes the outcome can be a bit uncertain. Now for the first time boat owners can get a 12 month guarantee on the performance, something never before offered in the Australian market.

With the initiative running for over 16 months we have received positive feedback from boat owners; they all agreed the guarantee offers peace of mind and value for money.

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JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT LEGAL

LOOK AFTER IT OR LOSE IT RULES ON ABANDONED WATERCRAFT AND POWERS OF DISPOSAL By Lawyer Anthony Stanton, and Kendall Messer

ummer is here! As the mercury rises, we all want to take to the water to keep cool. Whether this is on your stand-up paddleboard, kayak, dinghy, fishing boat, or yacht, remember that maintenance, responsibility and care are key. Stay informed so that you do not end up losing your watercraft as an unwanted surprise. As the owner of a boat, it is your responsibility to maintain it in a seaworthy condition, equip it with the correct safety equipment, and operate it safely. But what if your boat is still suffering from an unfortunate incident last summer? Or what if you have been too busy to rescue it from being stranded on a sand bar or lost in the mangroves? Or the funds are running a little too low to do those repairs? Maybe it is starting to cost more than it is worth?

Now, it is not all doom and gloom. Take a look at your boat. Do you have the correct safety equipment? Is your boat seaworthy and well maintained? Does it present a safety risk? It might only take a couple of repairs for you to be ready to take that fishing trip. Maybe your boat is past the point where a few repairs will solve the problem. It has been moored down the creek, collecting water, and rusting up for a little too long. It is still your responsibility. If you cannot be identified as the owner of the vessel, you might just find that one day it will be gone.

If your boat is looking a little worse for wear, then it is your responsibility to bring your vessel up to seaworthy condition, or to remove it from the water. This may be costly, or take time, but it is not only for your own safety, but the safety of all other waterways users.

If a derelict vessel represents a hazard to navigation or may cause damage to the environment, then the abandoned property can be removed immediately and a seizure notice advertised only afterwards. This applies to abandoned ships, and also to any part of a ship or other property. Unfortunately, if it is neglected, sometimes a small boat can cause a very big problem – possibly resulting in fines, mandatory repairs, and massive unexpected costs for the owner.

Under Queensland maritime safety laws, a shipping inspector can require that your boat is surveyed and the necessary repairs undertaken. Or, if it has gone too far, a declaration of unseaworthiness may be issued, and you will no longer be able to use your boat. You can also be directed to remove your boat from the water so that it does not pose a hazard to navigation, or a risk of damage to the environment or any other water users. Be careful once you have received any notices or directions, because if you do not comply you can be penalised by fines and court enforcement orders.

It is not just boats that are subject to this type of regulation. Any watercraft can be deemed to be abandoned property if it is reasonably believed to be abandoned, lost or stranded in Gold Coast waters – whether it represents a hazard or not. According to the definition of watercraft in the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994, this includes from boats and jet skis, down to kayaks and surfboards. If property is suspected to be abandoned, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority will take reasonable steps to locate the owner. If your property is suspected to be abandoned and has been removed, you can claim it

back. But there are expenses associated; it might just be the cost of publishing a notice, or the costs spent retrieving and storing your property. If abandoned property is not claimed, or it is of insufficient value to warrant the publishing of a notice, then it may be sold or destroyed – with the proceeds of any sale being used to recoup some of the costs expended in maintaining Gold Coast waterways. The purpose of these powers is not to try and take your kayaks or beloved tinnies. It is so that, in a storm, a wayward vessel does not come crashing into yours, only to find that the owner cannot be identified and you are stuck with the repairs; or that you are not having to weave in and out of partially submerged derelict dinghies hoping to save your new gel coat from a nasty scratch. These laws exist for waterways users and their property. So how can you do your bit? Remember that maintenance, responsibility and care are key: Maintain your boat and keep it seaworthy. Be a responsible owner. Make sure your watercraft identifies you as the owner with your contact details – whether through current registration and symbols, or owner’s label if not registered. And take care of your property. Stow your paddleboard or kayaks safely at the end of the day.

PACIFIC MARITIME LAWYERS PRACTICAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE BOATING COMMUNITY Tired of expensive advice from lawyers who have never been out of sight of land? We specialise in cost-effective legal services to the boating community. Pacific Maritime Lawyers can help with all aspects of maritime law, including marine insurance claims, purchasing of boats, chartering, incident management, licensing advice, marine pollution, regulatory compliance and registration. Our lawyers have more than 50 years of experience as mariners, marine regulators and maritime lawyers. Capt John Kavanagh AFNI MQLS

0481 170 373

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

www.pacificmaritimelawyers.com.au 61

BOAT PROTOCOL

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON FOR PWC T

he Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), in August 2017, has issued a notice of exemption from the Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon (EPIRB) requirement for lightweight craft. According to the Notification of Exemption dated 31 August 2017, issued by MSQ General Manager Patrick Quirk, an operator of lightweight craft is exempt from the EPIRB requirement, but must wear a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on his or her person at all times. A lightweight craft is defined as, “off the beach type craft, human powered canoe and kayak, small sailing vessels (less than 6 metres in length), and personal watercraft (PWC)”. For a PLB to be legally acceptable, it needs to abide by all of the following:

c. It must have up-to-date registration. d. It must be GPS-enabled. e. It must float, or must be fitted with a pouch or similar item that ensures it will float. The registration of the PLB with AMSA shall include important details of the owner or master of the vessel, identifying code of the PLB, and other details reasonably required by AMSA. Such registration will only be considered up to date if the details provided remain the same or are current. If there has been any change, details of such change should be given to AMSA within 14 days after the change. (See Sections 3 and 4 of the Notice.)

a. It must comply with the standard AS/NZs 4280.2.

A PLB is not required when the lightweight craft is in smooth waters, partially smooth waters, or other waters within two nautical miles from land.

b. The owner or master of the ship must have it registered with the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA).

Prior to this exemption, the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2016 requires all ships to

be equipped with an EPIRB. In a statement by then Acting Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Steven Miles, industry consultation showed that the use of the PLB, instead of an EPIRB, does not reduce the level of safety or increase potential rescue time. “Industry advocates told us, there were problems with carrying an EPIRB on a PWC – such as finding somewhere to store this important piece of safety equipment on a small craft,” stated Mr Miles. “Added to this was the concern that a rider who fell off a PWC could quickly become separated from the vessel carrying the EPIRB. Clearly, this had the potential to seriously compromise any search and rescue operations not only in relation to PWC riders but other lightweight craft users.” MSQ had consulted closely with groups including the Queensland Recreational Boating Council and the Australian Jet Ski Association, the Queensland Police Service, the AMSA, and volunteer marine rescue groups.

THE ULTIMATE PLYWOOD ALTERNATIVE T

h ermo-Lite Australia has teamed up with Pacific Paint and Fibreglass on the Gold Coast to stock this amazing alternative. “Thermo-Lite Board® is the smart alternative to plywood and will revolutionise the boat-building industry and other industries where plywood would normally be their first choice. This alternative has the characteristics that everyone has been waiting for - strong, light-weight and rot-free, offering lifetime performance,” says James Keay of Pacific Paint and Fibreglass. “Thermo-Lite Board® is a unique product, and a great option for so many applications. Whether you’re a manufacturer or a DIY enthusiast looking for the ultimate solution to repair, refurbish, or upgrade the boat, caravan, motor home, horse float, esky, or any other out-thebox projects you might be working on, Thermo-Lite Board® offers many great advantages.” Check out the product range and data sheet pages for technical information on the Thermo-Lite website at www.thermo-lite.com.au, or feel free to call or email your local dealer with any questions or discuss what advantages Thermo-Lite Board® can offer your application. Be sure to check out and follow Thermo-Lite Board on Facebook to keep up to date with new products, applications and plenty of photos and info to assist with your next project. Pacific Paint and Fibreglass is the distributor of Thermo-Lite Boards® on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and offers a full range of fibreglass and paint products with great service and plenty of knowledge to assist with all your enquiries. Pacific Paint & Fibreglass Ph: 07 5529 4448 info@pacificpaintandfibreglass.com.au

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JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST FEATURES: Allow quick and easy mechanical launch and

retrieval of the jet ski via a remote control; Provide stable and secure take off and docking; Maximize your time on the water; Minimize the historical grind of charging and flushing; Improve access for speedy maintenance and running repairs; Secure the jet ski and protect it from the harsh Australian elements; Arrest depreciation of the jet ski that can result from wear and tear due to hard handling while launching and retrieving the jet ski the old way; Minimize the jetty space required.

the prospect of spending as much time as possible enjoying his latest investment, and sharing the fun and excitement with his family and friends. Unfortunately, like so many other jet ski owners, he quickly came to realise that the reality was far removed from his dream. The work, effort and time needed to launch, retrieve, flush, charge and store his jet ski often made the whole experience difficult, cumbersome and significantly reduced the pleasure that he had anticipated. Consequently, he was not using his jet ski nearly as much as he would have wished.

An exciting new product taking the jet ski industry by storm in Australia.

he Ultimate Jet Ski Lift is a floating solar-powered and remote-controlled jet ski/PWC lift, docking system, and station that entails zero effort or damage. The state-of-the-art jet ski docking station and lift has been successfully built and marketed in USA for 6 years. It is a patented Australian-design and is now being manufactured right here on the Gold Coast. The Ultimate Jet Ski Lift brings together the latest design in jet ski lift technology, superior materials, quality-assured manufacturing, and signals a new era for the marine leisure industry. Quick & Easy - With the Ultimate Jet Ski Lift, you can launch or retrieve your jet ski in approximately 10 seconds. No physical effort is required to launch or retrieve your jet ski. No more wasted time and no more pulling or dragging â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 100% user-friendly! Low Maintenance - The Ultimate Jet Ski Lift is fully self-sufficient using solar power, and does not

require land power. It is a floating pontoon PWC lift manufactured using excellent quality materials to ensure durability and long trouble-free life. Solid Construction - Superior-designed, using high quality materials and world-class technology, the Ultimate Jet Ski Lift pontoon is constructed from quality marine-grade aluminium and polyethylene, giving it unsurpassed buoyancy and stability and making it virtually unsinkable. By maximizing your time on the water and protecting your jet ski, you can get the most out of your jet ski investment.

Convinced that there had to be a solution, Angelo researched the products available to improve his usage and enjoyment. He found that the products currently on the market were average at best, and offered little to reduce the workload and time required to get the most out of his jet ski. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He designed and had the first prototype of the Ultimate Jet Ski Lift manufactured. The Jet Ski Lift you see today has come a long way in design, materials and construction, and is now the fully functional and professionally finished Ultimate Jet Ski Lift available to jet ski owners worldwide.

It is the most innovative and impressive product of its kind in the marine leisure market today.

Angeloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and daughters now also enjoy the jet ski regularly without needing his assistance, as there is no physical effort required to launch or retrieve it.

THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT As an avid marine leisure enthusiast, Angelo Siokos loves getting out on the water at any opportunity. After buying a jet ski, he was initially very thrilled at

To view an Ultimate Jet Ski Lift, visit the factory for a range of models on display. Unit 3, 9 Supply Court, Arundel. Ph: (07) 3445 0484 www.jetskilift.com.au

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BOAT GUIDE OPINION

GOLD COAST MOST LIVEABLE CITY

Photo: seawaywaterbiketours.com.au

For any single one of us who call the Gold Coast home, to question the merits of its liveability seem somewhat redundant. For most of us, it begs us to question, in what ways is it not? SOPHIE TRAVIS shares her personal thoughts on the city she considers the most liveable. The Gold Coast is renowned for its year-round subtropical climate and enviable natural environment, whose features dominate the landscape and define the city’s unique lifestyle – from its coastline of golden sands giving rise to the city’s name, to the ample bays and endless weaving waterways that flow like veins throughout the city, defining its symbiotic relationship with the water that surrounds it. But no one can argue that these elements alone provide near enough value to resolutely claim ownership of such an illustrious title. As residents, we could be accused of showing bias. I mean, surely if you were to ask the same question of Sydney or Melbourne residents, they too would undoubtedly sing in praise of their home city! So on the surface, although the question of being most liveable seems a simple one that elicits a simple response, it is undeniably subjective, depending on whom you may ask. So how could there ever be a singular, unbiased and definitive result?

MEASURES OF LIVEABILITY Through the media, we often hear reports of cities being regarded globally as the world’s best. So how are these cities ranked in order to make such sweeping claims? There are a number of annual surveys conducted by economists worldwide, used to rank different cities in terms of their living conditions and producing a list ranking cities from the most desirable to the least. Three examples of such surveys are Monocle's "Most Liveable Cities Index", The Economist Intelligence Unit's "Global Liveability Ranking", and "Mercer Quality of Living Survey". These are the surveys most commonly referred to in mainstream media, with their results providing an accurate analysis of the most comprehensive sets of global statistical and survey data. In sum, these surveys are based on the standards they have set for the quality of life of a city’s residents. These standards cover the major aspects of politics, economics, environment, personal safety, health, education, transportation, public service infrastructure, and culture. For seven years consecutively, Melbourne, Australia has ranked number one in the EIU’s Global Liveability Ranking. And it does make Australians prouder that more than one Australian city appears in the Top 10. This year, in 2017, Australia was just short of claiming four cities that rank in the Top Ten, with Adelaide and Perth ranking sixth and seventh, and Sydney missing out by one spot, coming in as the 11th. Of course to us Australians, it is likely to come as little surprise. Having grown up in “the lucky country”, we have always considered Australia to be the best place on earth! And to have it recognised legitimately on a global scale ensures our pride as a nation, with a desire to maintain our position, if not dominate it, as a further testament to our identity and inherent competitive nature. THE LIVEABILITY OF THE GOLD COAST So having now established that it is not only Australians who believe our cities to be the most liveable – credit that to the global recognition through Mercer and The Economist, it is surely not unrealistic to consider the potential of the Gold Coast’s candidacy among this elite group.

An iconic city transport system for the Gold Coast that will meet future transport needs.

Let us take a look at a snapshot of the Gold Coast in terms of the global liveability standards.

Beach-goers at picturesque Rainbow Bay Beach and Snapper Rocks.

How do we rank in terms of political, economic, environmental, personal safety, education, transportation and other public service infrastructure, healthcare stability, culture, crime, and effectiveness of law enforcement aspects, and relationships with other countries? With a huge land area of 133,372 hectares (1,334 sq km) and an estimated population 576,918 as of 2016, we are looking at a population density of only 4.33 persons per hectare. That precious “elbow room” (that major cities do not have) offers many opportunities for young and old people to build a creative and sustainable life and livelihood, if they choose to. There is also the aspect of natural spaces. The city has one of the most bio-diverse environments in Australia. It is home to 1,737 recorded native plant species, and almost 600 recorded native animal species. The Springbrook and Lamington plateaus form part of the Border Ranges group that protect areas of extremely high species diversity. The Moreton Bay provides international habitats for more than 30 migratory species. JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT WATERFRONT LIVING

The Gold Coast City Estimated Resident Population for 2016 is 576,918, with a population density of 4.33 persons per hectare. As for doing business on the Gold Coast, those seeking to invest obviously consider the city’s reasonable cost of living, but they also place the aspects of a healthy individual and family wellbeing as high priority. This makes the city very attractive to young entrepreneurs who value their happiness, comfort and safety, along with financial stability and prosperity. The Gold Coast is Australia’s sixth largest city and the largest non-capital city in the country. Long been regarded as Australia’s premier tourist destination hosting more than 12 million visitors a year, the city has unassumingly evolved from our nation’s beloved family beach holiday destination to a cosmopolitan city with the infrastructure to support it. What undeniably began with the property boom in the 80’s, the city underwent massive development. From the high-rise holiday apartments to the development of the city’s canals and waterways, the changes in the dominant industry and an increase in employment, led to significant increases in the city’s economic prosperity. What was once driven solely by the tourism industry, the Gold Coast, with more than 58,000 registered businesses, now rely on a diverse range of industries to support its economy. Unsurprisingly, the allure of the Gold Coast’s lifestyle and climate, boasting more than 57km of enviable coastline and 260km of navigable waterways, has established the city as the natural hub for Australia’s marine industry. The Gold Coast is home to one of the country’s largest boating communities and the base for domestic marine manufacturing. Globally, it is recognised as an industrial marine base, and home to the finest and most reputable domestic and international boating brands. The city also offers a unique lifestyle that translates into business for the marine industry. There are 890 kilometres The city is a boating paradise with over 260 kilometres of navigable waterways.

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Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

of constructed residential waterfront land within the city that is home to over 80,000 residents. This opens up bigger opportunities for marine-related services and businesses locally. The film industry is another major player that has ensured the prosperity of the Gold Coast. As home to the largest studio lot in the Southern Hemisphere, the attractive climate, along with its incredibly, diverse natural environment and favourable cost of living, continue to ensure the Gold Coast viability and preferred production location. With consistent economic growth, protected natural resources, and a growing permanent population, the city further evolved, developing the infrastructure to support the new demands of its population. The Gold Coast ticks the other aspects of a city’s liveability – education, transport, and health. The city’s popularity as a university city is ever increasing. It is the home to three universities and more than 80 schools, giving students the opportunity to study in worldclass educational facilities, in an affordable idyllic city. Further recent developments to the Gold Coast’s public transport, which have seen the city’s new tram line open (with Phase 2 in the works), have further helped in defining the Gold Coast’s new and more metropolitan façade. The undeniable high quality of medical services and personnel also provides residents peace of mind when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

GC has a dedicated Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Jellurgal in Burleigh Heads

INTERESTING FACTS: As of the 2016 Census the Gold Coast media age is 38, couples with children make up 28% of the population, the median weekly household income is $1397, while 31% of households have a mortgage of $443 median weekly. Of the total households, 34% are renting. Those born overseas make up 28% of the population. Just 12% speak another language other than English at home. 5% attend university. (Source: profile.id.com.au/gold-coast)

A changing cultural environment that started from the “sun, sand, surf, and sex” marketing is taking shape on the Gold Coast. A more mature and cosmopolitan music, arts, sports and recreation world is being established, perhaps as a result of a growing culturally diverse population. The city government provides many support services to artists and young people that enhance creativity and encourage diversity.

The Gold Coast is home to 1737 recorded species of native plants and almost 600 recorded species of native animals. Sixty-five (65) native vegetation types and 56 regional ecosystem types have been mapped and described for the City. 50.39 per cent (50.39%) of the city's land area (65,175 hectares) is covered in native vegetation. The Voluntary Conservation Agreement and Land for Wildlife schemes cover 3.9 per cent of the city's land area (5097 hectares). Over 12,600 hectares of the Gold Coast's coastal wetlands and islands are Ramsarlisted which are wetlands of international significance.

Beyond all these elements, one aspect that sets the Gold Coast apart from other Australian cities is its affordability of housing. The exponential rise in the cost of real estate in other Australian cities has meant many people cannot even consider entering the market. But here on the Coast, you can still get “good bang for your buck” and the people of this country know it.

The Springbrook and Lamington plateaus form part of the Border Ranges group with 4524.8 hectares of World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests in the City, protecting areas of extremely high species diversity. Moreton Bay provides international habitats for more than 30 migratory species listed under JAMBA, CAMBA and ROKAMBA.

The future may hold something different for the city. But for now, the Gold Coast is indeed a great place to live, for all of the reasons discussed here and many, many more. So, it does not matter much whether it features on “The World’s Most Liveable Cities”. For those of us who live here, we already know.

About the writer: Sophie is a resident of the Gold Coast, who freelances as a writer and producer in the television industry. With a unique and varied background, starting her career as a linguist, her desire for further creativity led her into the world of tourism and television. 65

BOAT GUIDE OPINION

STEREOTYPING YOUR BOAT WHAT DOES YOUR BOAT SAY ABOUT YOU?

By Sophia Sorensen Photo: Kristin of thewaywardhome.com

s your boat a shiny pair of Italian loafers, or is it more of a Dunlop Volley? Like your favourite pair of shoes, your boat makes a statement. What does it say about you?

Tom Carlisle finds that no boaties delve quite as deeply into the lifestyle like wake boat owners do.

We put it to the boating enthusiasts of the Gold Coast to find out their honest opinions. Funny or witty, lighthearted or sarcastic, frank or judgmental – whatever your take is on the thoughts of three local boaties, Tom Carlisle, Jack Lester and Brent Churchill, may leave you having second thoughts about what next boat to buy.

Jack Lester finds that sailors enjoy living aboard, provided they can brave some mad weather from time to time. “Generally, sailors are a good breed of folks with some incredibly diverse and fascinating backgrounds,” he says. PONTOON BOAT: Tom believes that pontoon boat owners can be segmented into two groups. “About half are sold to first time boat owners – middle aged, with an established family, a disposable income and a new house, which lends itself to a pontoon boat,” he states. “The other half are experienced boaties that have owned and sold lots of boats – typically having just sold their big boat because they were not getting enough use out of it.” Boat savvy Brent Churchill finds that those owning a pontoon boat are normally after a more social experience, rather than being concerned with their image. “They are after all the extras without paying top dollar. Pontoon boat owners care for comfort over style.” Tom agrees, “While they love the idea of the great outdoors, they also enjoy going home to sleep in the comfort of an air-conditioned bedroom and a pillow top Sealy King.” 66

Jack believes fishermen are masters of the sea and best avoided and left to their task. “They will assist where they can. But at the end of the day, they need to make money,” he states. “Recreational fisherman are living the dream and generally do not pose any problems.” Brent finds it difficult to understand owners of fishing boats. “They have wasted their money on a boat for a sport with little excitement involved,” he finds. “I don’t understand them or the logic.”

SAILING BOAT: Tom Carlisle has had years of experience on the Gold Coast waterways. Tom believes that sailing boats are generational; and owners are likely to encourage the next generation to hit the water in the same such way. “Owners vary from humble working class families to the wealthiest individuals on the planet, all sharing a common understanding and passion,” he says.

FISHING BOAT:

JET SKI:

YACHT: Jack sees yacht owners as the best people to seek for help or advice on the waterways. “A generally magnificent group of humans, divided by the monohull/multihull conundrum,” he says with an unashamed bias. “Salt of the earth folks.” Tom finds yacht owners to fall into two types. “Yacht owners are either middle aged, self-employed and leveraged to the high hills, or pushing retirement and enjoying the fruits of their labour.” Brent beats around the bush. “Yachts are rich people’s boats. They don’t care what boating enthusiasts think and are sick of sailing.” WAKE BOAT: Jack finds wakeboard boaties are thrill seekers, enjoying what the lifestyle offers. “They generally cause little trouble of which I am aware.” Tom believes wake boat owners, like jet ski owners, have earned themselves a special place on the social list for boaties. “Wake boats throw out huge wake, go figure?” He finds that no boaties delve quite as deeply into the lifestyle like wake boat owners do. “You rarely see a family wagon stickered up, or kids wearing flat caps at the skate park,” he notes. “Though for wakeboard boaties, the only question is – how big of a sticker can you fit, and does that hat come in black?”

Jack finds that jet skis are a more accessible pointof-entry to our waterways, and he says the drivers are usually those who would not bother with boats. “Tattoos are not essential, but common, and some have a slim grasp of marine etiquette. I must confess though that I have been saved from two incidents on the water by jet ski riders, so I can’t be too harsh!” Tom finds that jet skiers are to the boating community as “P-platers” are to those on the roads. “Sure there are some good ones, but even they understand they are greatly out-numbered.” DINGHY: Jack finds that there are generally two types of dinghy drivers: the yacht tender owner and the ‘tinny rat’. “The former regularly scoops garbage from our waterways, and are responsible and often heroic. Tinny rats are pesky individuals indeed. But then, we were all young once!” Brent finds dinghy drivers as “very poor boating enthusiasts”. “A dinghy owner is typically an underaged hoon that has been given a means to cause havoc on the waterways,” he says frankly. “They should be banned.” Here’s to hoping dinghy drivers of Broadbeach redeem themselves for the sake of Brent! Do you have your own boat stereotypes? Email us at editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au and share your thoughts. JAN - MARCH 2018

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JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT HISTORY

etired surgeon, Charles Roe, celebrates his 99th birthday on 14 February 2018. For him, it has been a life-long love affair with South Stradbroke’s idyllic beaches, bush and wildlife. Charles was first brought to South Stradbroke in 1920 as a baby in his mother’s arms, but his family’s connection to the island goes even further back. In 1878, Charles’ grandfather, Reginald, brought his family and friends down from Brisbane on a steam ship to enjoy a quiet holiday on Stradbroke Island (before the island split into two). The joys of the island’s abundant fishing, sailing and surfing appealed so much that Regi A younger Charles Roe and his friends purchased 10 acres in 1885. They built a holiday camp structure which was the beginning of Roe’s Kamp, neighbouring the home Charles lives in today. The camp was built on the very southern end of Stradbroke. It was not until a huge storm in 1897 that the water broke through at Jumpinpin to create the North and South Stradbroke Islands we know today. Unfortunately for Roe’s Kamp, mother nature was not finished. Another huge storm in 1938 washed away the entire southern end of South Stradbroke Island (South Straddie), forcing the camp to be relocated to its current spot, opposite Runaway Bay. The Gold Coast Council later took advantage of the washed away portion of South Straddie to create the Seaway we now enjoy. The final environmental challenge the Roe family faced was the relentless movement of the sand dunes. Harsh ocean winds and a large population of cattle and horses created a perfect storm of loose sand that pushed the large dunes inland at an alarming rate. The dunes might create the perfect spot for a game of sand hockey one year, and then it would be buried the next year. Thankfully, with a little help from a friend of Charles, the government created the Beach Protection Authority, which banned cattle and horses on the island. This step allowed the grass to begin growing and stabilise the sandy ecosystem enough for native plants to get a foothold. Within two years, the sand dunes’ dangerous movement had been completely halted. In spite of the environmental difficulties, the Roe family has been entranced by the Straddie lifestyle for more than 100 years. Charles fondly describes waters teeming with so many fish he could see clouds of them regularly. Bream, whiting and tailor were all in such good supply that the family routinely caught more than they could eat. An oversupply of fresh fish was a good problem to have, and it taught the family to become highly skilled at smoking and preserving their catches.

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A few years ago, Charles ran on this daily jog, aged 95 y.o.

Commuting by boat

Four generations of the Roe family at South Stradbroke

YEARS ON STRADDIE By Narayan Pattison

The fishing was so good on the ocean side of South Straddie that Charles’ grandad Regi would head into the surf with nothing but a makeshift pole and a 100m line tied to the tip. Using pippies or sandworms the family had caught themselves as bait, the fish would be biting in no time. Once Regi had a good bite, he would just walk backwards out of the surf until his catch was bouncing on the sand. Talk about the perfect lifestyle! The Roes were not shy about tackling big fish with some pretty modest gear either. Another family favourite were sharks caught in the Broadwater. To tempt the sharks, the Roes would skewer a stingray as bait onto the end of a long chain, then toss it from a boat into the depths, while the other end of the chain was tied to a tree. The system regularly worked a charm and gave them plenty of big feeds, with their proudest catch being a 12-and-ahalf foot hammerhead. Although, they must have caught something even bigger on the day a mighty shark snapped one of the trees and swam off with it. Sailing has always been another key passion for the Roe family. Charles remembers many fond days spent on their 18-foot open boat with its French lug sail. His father, Stanley, was always keen for a before-lunch sail on the Dr Arthur Stanley Roe was QLD’s first Rhodes Scholar. Broadwater, which meant there would be much scrambling to raise sails and check fastenings while everyone madly pitched in to help as they were pushing off. Over the course of the last century, little has changed in the Roe family’s love affair with Straddie. They began the century rowing across the Broadwater each day to get fresh bread, meat and milk from a little grocery store where The Grand Hotel now sits at Deepwater Point. Today, Charles admits it is easier to pull his boat up to the Runaway Bay shops and just fill up a trolley, but otherwise life remains very similar. He also appreciates the invention of mobile phones, which make it easy to stay in touch with his family. According to Charles, the changes he could do without are computers and the busier water traffic, which is increasing the erosion on the island. To secure Roe's Kamp for his family, Charles purchased a freehold title for both the camp and the land next door for 500 pounds each in the 1960s, although he reckons he could have got it even cheaper if not for another bidder pushing the price up. He also built a permanent house beside the campsite in 1994, shortly after he retired to live permanently on the island. So, what’s the secret to Charles’ long life? Keeping your mind and body active are essential according to

the 99 year-old. His daily routine includes swinging a heavy wood splitter over his head 50 times each morning. He also enjoys a swim in the Broadwater each day at the top of the tide, when the water is at its clearest. He does two bursts of swimming as hard as he can push his body, before heading back for lunch and then a nanna nap. Charles enjoys a pretty traditional diet of meat and three veg. He is especially partial to lamb chops, although he admits to cutting back from two chops to one now that he is less active. And what does the future hold for Charles and the Roe's Kamp? Well, Charles has deeded the camp to his three daughters, who are all doctors like him, but are now retired with their own grandkids. So, it looks like the future of Roe's Kamp is in good hands.

Roe's Kamp

Roe’s Kamp was established in the 1880s by then Brisbane Grammar School’s Headmaster, Reginald Heber Roe. Roe’s Kamp was reputed to be the first to establish the principle of outdoor living and camping as an educational principle in Australia. It was originally named Whirobo Camp, which was an acronym of the family names of the three friends who bought adjacent properties on Stradbroke Island in the 1880s, namely Whish, Roe and Box. At some stage, after 1890, Whirobo Camp was renamed Roe’s Kamp, the spelling meant to convey mischievous humour and perhaps signal its humble establishment in a setting not grand enough to be formally designated as a ‘Camp’. (However, Charles believes the ‘K’ was to honour a camp regular, Katherine Jones, or Kitty as she was better known.) The camp reflected Roe’s philosophical commitment to ensuring that an academic education be integrated into all-round development. Here, the boys were able to enjoy communal living and comradeship far removed from the classroom environment. Roe’s Camp was almost swallowed up by the sea in 1938, despite the installation of trenches and walls. It was subsequently dismantled and relocated further north at Picnic Point. (Exerpt from Whirobo to Roe’s Kamp: Early Days of Adventure Training, published by the Brisbane Grammar School in 2014.) 71

BOAT LIFESTYLE

The vessel has an outboard well into which Arthur put a Tohatsu 10HP two-stroke as an auxiliary. The rear transom needed a structural upgrade in order to take a Suzuki 20HP four-stroke with forward control. He installed a bow roller system for a 15-kilo CQR anchor.

"You can be confident you’ve got the right anchor when other people laugh at you for having too big an anchor!"

The tender is far from sophisticated, but paddles along quite well. They never anchor far from the shoreline.

MY SLOW BOAT MV Marie-Laure By Arthur Marcel

Unfortunately, slow boats are very much a rarity these days. The disappearance of reasonably priced, commercially manufactured, displacement cabin boats is probably the main reason why people like me build (or rebuild) our own.

in the world of trailer boats. I like my boat near Iwithlive me, under my house in fact, so I can work on it, play it, or just look at it any time I please, without an hour or more spent in the car each way to and from western suburbs Brisbane to the nearest marina. And the money otherwise spent keeping my boat in a marina can be spent on the boat itself, or better still, on me and the family. I have to add, though, that having a sleep-aboard boat under one’s house, a house with only 2.4 metres clearance, has presented challenges. I live in the world of slow boats. Now, we have all heard about slow food, a social movement not simply aimed at eating healthier meals but, more broadly, a metaphoric line in the sand, drawn in response to the frenetic pace of western rat-race societies like ours. Slow boats can be seen as an extension of this culinary ideal. Slow boats are built and operated with the clear understanding that life is primarily a journey, not simply a destination.

The helm is on the left with offset cabin entry. There are three GPS systems, with five independent power supplies. The VHF radio has Direct Selective Calling, displaying positional information (via NMEA interface). When it comes to essential systems, Arthur believes in redundancy, and none of this stuff was expensive.

My previous slow boat was a Hartley TS18 (actually a TS14 extended to 18ft), which I operated as a motor launch. It was light to tow, had a comfortable V-berth (thanks to my removing the keel box), and gave my wife and me about ten years of boating pleasure on Brisbane and Gold Coast waterways. The Hartley was easy to store under the house, but the galley hand eventually began suggesting we upgrade to something with a little more living area. So I began looking around for the biggest boat I could comfortably fit under my home’s floorboards. This was not easy. It took three years in all after starting my search to find the right vessel, and, while I had bought the Hartley from a neighbour, I had to drive to South Eastern NSW to collect this new one. The plans were purchased from B & B Yacht Designs, with the boat built originally as a cantilever-masted (hinged tabernacle) ketch. The fellow who built her told me he had been having marital issues and thought the solution would be a common interest in a family-size boat. However, the time he spent building the boat turned out to be the last straw for the relationship, with his wife eventually leaving for

The cabin has two quickly interchangeable configurations, one for day tripping with side benches, and the other for sleeping. The V-berth slats and self-inflating mattress stow under the helm when not in use. Arthur had a cover made for the cockpit area with clears at the front, basically doubling the usable living area of the boat.

greener pastures. As a result, he lost interest in the project, which subsequently spent a few years out in the weather. Still, he’d done a good job of it. The hull was dimensionally and structurally sound, and I was very pleased to take her over. Having been told the break-up story, I took the precaution of immediately renaming the boat after my long suffering better-half. Unfortunately, both tabernacles needed to be removed to get the boat under the house, so she became a motor launch just like her predecessor. It took me another three years altogether, working in the evenings and on weekends, to re-model and refinish the boat to my liking. I enjoyed the process, even though I am not one to build anything simply for the pleasure of the exercise. (There are blokes who want to build boats and blokes who want to use them. But sometimes the only way to get what you want is to do it yourself.) The boat’s top speed is about 8.5 knots, and she does a comfortable 6 knots at 3400 rpm or 7 at 4300 rpm. Last September, we were invited to a function at RQYS Canaipa, and it took us just over three hours to get there from Runaway Bay Shopping Mall, mostly at 3000 rpm, with 4000 rpm for a negative tide running between Jumpinpin and Tipplers. It was a pleasant trip. My wife seems to love this new boat. It may not be a super yacht, but compared to the Hartley, it is a mansion. There is even room for doing yoga on the cabin roof!

Arthur removed the centre board but kept the shallow full-length keel, including 180kgs of lead ballast for rough-water stability. He also built an adjustable aluminium trim tab to keep the nose down under power. To support the engine, he tensioned the rear transom to the main internal transom with 10mm 316 stainless chain.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT GUIDE

Boating with a dog By Caroline Strainig

Want to take your pooch boating with you? Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to make sure your outing is a happy and stress-free one.

s soon as Adam, my border collie, realises he is boating with us, he can hardly contain himself. He loves nothing better than spending time with us and taking in the sights and sounds as we motor along. We enjoy having him along too, because boating with a dog is now a pretty stress-free operation for us. One of our favourite boating excursions is taking the Quintrex runabout up creeks or rivers with Adam on board, exploring as far as we can go. On windy days, “gunkholing”, as it is known, is a great alternative to bashing around in less protected waters, which is the only time we take him on the water with us, unless conditions are exceptionally mild. Bouncing along in rough conditions is just not fair on dogs, especially in our bumpy little vessels. Adam is my third “on-water" dog, and I have learned a lot from his predecessors. I am a professional dog trainer with C.L.E.A.R Dog Training School Brisbane, which helps. I have come up with my top tips for those of you considering taking your dog out on the water. THE BOAT Appraise your boat objectively. How dog-friendly is it? Adam is allowed on the family 4.2m runabout, which has marine carpet and plenty of open space; but not on the trailer-sailer, which has a gelcoat surface and small cockpit divided by a mainsail traveller. Your boat needs to have room for a safe go-to spot where your dog can lie down out of the way, preferably where you can rig some sort of shade. The dog also needs secure footing. Decks covered in marine carpet are ideal, but slippery gelcoat is not. You can get doggy boots; however, some dogs do not like them, so it is best to get them used to the boots before venturing out on the boat. There also needs to be an obvious and easy way the dog can jump on and off the boat. If not, be prepared to lift, or invest in the type of removable ramp sold at places like Supercheap Auto. PLANNING The key to a successful outing is detailed planning. Ensure your chosen route has plenty of dog-friendly stops where your canine companion can have a game or swim safely, and do their essential business. 74

Caroline's border collie, Adam, enjoying the Brisbane River with friend John Bernal

All councils have designated areas where dogs are allowed. The Gold Coast City Council, for example, has three designated off-leash beach areas, and allows dogs on leash on most beaches. You can download the Gold Coast Dog Parks app with details at www. goldcoast.qld.gov.au. Dogs are also allowed on leash in some national-park controlled areas. Visit www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks and type in the name of the park you would like to visit. Fines of more than $100 apply if you and your dog are caught somewhere they should not be. It is also important to remember that not all marinas are dog friendly. If you are considering visiting one, make sure you call and check with the marina beforehand. WEATHER Avoid hot, sunny days if possible, and at all costs if you cannot provide shade aboard for them. Keep a close eye on your dog for excessive panting, and make sure he or she has access to cool water. You can keep them well hydrated by adding things like sweet coconut water to their normal water, which makes them drink more. Swimming is an obvious way to cool them down, but only do this where you know it is safe. Bull sharks are present in some rivers, and the tide and current can also rip in and out at a furious rate. For Adam, who also competes in dog sports, I have other accessories to keep him cool, including a “cool” coat you soak in water and then put on the dog, a “cool” gel mat for him to lie on, and a portable fan. There is a myriad of such things available at your local pet shop or online. BASIC COMMANDS Life will be a lot less stressful if your dog has some basic obedience commands down pat. At the very least, this should include a reliable recall and sit-andstay, so they will remain on the boat when required, and jump on and off the boat safely on command. I also teach my dogs to toilet on command. You will encounter many other dogs on jetties and boat ramps. If your dog is not well socialised and friendly, be prepared to keep them on leash and muzzled when interactions are possible. Apart from the experiencing trauma from an unpleasant encounter, you may be further fined for an incident. Earlier this year, a Brisbane man was ordered to pay more than $1500 for failing to prevent his dog attacking another man and dog on a beach.

Adam waiting patiently as we pack up the boat

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT A lead, a water bowl, a container of water, and doggy poo bags are essential equipment. I also take a soft foam mat when the weather is cool, or a gel cool mat when it is hot for Adam to lie on. This lessens some of the jarring vibration, and also doubles as the dog’s safe go-to spot. You can attach a lead to the boat to keep the dog on the mat, if necessary, or even put the mat in a portable crate. Many owners take the added precaution of putting a life jacket on their dog. If you are going out on a sunny day, or your dog has a pink nose susceptible to sunburn, invest in some doggy sunscreen. It goes almost without saying that your pet should be microchipped. Adam also has a tag on his collar with my phone number. KEEP IT FUN Finally, remember that this is meant to be fun, both for you and the dog. My first boating dog, Max, used to have a fixed stare he would give the helmsperson if it got too rough for his liking. Just as old Max used to, your own dog will soon let you know what it likes and dislikes. The key is starting with short trips on flat water on cool days, and building from there, ensuring every outing is a happy one. LOCAL MARINAS - RULES FOR PETS Hope Harbour – Sometimes, but with prior permission Southport Yacht Club – Not allowed Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club – Sometimes, but with prior permission Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – Sometimes, but with prior permission JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GALLEY

After Sauvignon Blanc, What’s Next ? Cast your line ... By Alfie Pardoe

83 Provence Rosé

RockBare ‘Wild Vine’

Villa Maria Organic Rosé

auvignon Blanc is still the most popular white wine variety consumed, accounting for the vast majority of all white wine sales in Australia. It is a high yielding crop, thrives in most regions, is quite disease resilient, and the public are mad for it. But like anything in life, too much of a good thing leaves you wanting something else. Sales have flattened out in the last few years as we look for alternatives. Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. These two are making serious inroads with white wine drinkers, and deservedly so, as they are generally well suited to most cuisine. Pasqua Pinot Grigio (Italy) is a great example from where the style originated. The Vidal Pinot Gris from Hawkes Bay NZ is also worth seeking out. The Adelaide Hills produce great examples too. Bleasdale and Zonte’s Footsteps should be on your shopping list. Rosé. The industry is going mad for Rosé right now. The producers are all trying to emulate the French, especially the Provence region, which makes beautiful easy drinking styles of Rosé. It always screams pan-fried salmon to me. It also is a great match with chili crab. Rosé actually outsells white wine in France nowadays. It is such a versatile wine, and pairs well with red meats.

Pikes ‘Traditionalle’

My go-to is the 83 Provence Rosé (France). It has attitude, elegance and where many are quite nondescript, this wine has presence. From Australia, try the RockBare ‘Wild Vine’ from McLaren Vale SA. From New Zealand, the Villa Maria Organic Rosé ticks all the right boxes. All are approx. $20 at Corker Cellars. Riesling. This is without doubt my ‘desert island’ wine variety. Most winemakers in Australia will echo that statement. It truly is an underrated and undervalued variety. The Clare Valley and Eden Valley regions of Australia dominate the show results, but this variety is suited in other regions too. The Great Southern region of Western Australia, Tasmania, Canberra, and parts of Victoria are producing great Rieslings. Pikes ‘Traditionalle’ (Clare Valley, SA) and St Hallett (Eden Valley, SA) never fail to impress, while West Cape Howe from Mt Barker, WA (Halliday’s Top 100) is an absolute bargain.

St Hallett

West Cape Howe

There are so many choices out there, and it can get a little confusing. Register at Corker Cellars stores for their free regular wine-tasting sessions, and come along and try before you buy. Call Corkers Cellar Hope Island at (07) 5514 8511, or Corkers Cellar Sanctuary Cove at (07) 5514 8511.

Chardonnay. This has been enjoying a major resurgence in Australia. Gone are the days of heavily oaked and ripe styles. Winemakers are finding the right regions for the variety and producing wines of extreme elegance and purity, letting the fruit shine. Look out for examples from Western Australia, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and the Yarra Valley (Vic).

JAN - MARCH 2018

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BOAT JOURNEY

Super Lifestyle By Narayan Pattison

Risky card games aside, one danger of the job, according to Jesse, is that it can be a strong temptation to get swept up in the party lifestyle. “Having no rent, chef-cooked meals and continuous travel are very appealing. For those who don't have other goals, finding a reason to leave is almost impossible. You must have a hobby, or a goal. If you follow the crowd, you will just end up at the pub every night and then become a problem for everyone else the next day.” In spite of the demands, Jesse said travel is by far the best part of the job. “We live on a five-star floating hotel and visit some of the most expensive and opulent places on the planet, at no cost to us. On top of that, we can visit some of the most remote places, too. Sitting at anchor in turquoise water, surrounded by white beaches and palm trees, it is hard not to appreciate the secluded side. I just love being at sea and being able to cross oceans. The time away from land helps me reform my appreciation of it.” Bindy Bryce (third from the left) and her fellow crew celebrate some down-time.

etting paid to travel the world on incredibly luxurious 300-foot super yachts sounds like the ultimate dream job for any boating enthusiast. And it is! There is just one caveat: slackers need not apply. To thrive in this industry, your work ethic needs to match the same stunning quality of the super yachts. Two super yacht recruitment success stories are from Gold Coast locals, Jesse Barnes and Bindy Bryce, who both underwent training with Coastal Yachting Recruitment. Sure, their workplace is often floating through paradise, but both Bindy and Jesse echoed the need to be prepared for hard work, and described some pretty hectic schedules during the peak seasons. Normally, crew will be required to work around the clock when guests are on-board. Seventeen to eighteen-hour days can be necessary. During really busy seasons, you may work for two to three months with only a few days off. But then, when the ships are moored, or without guests, there is significantly more downtime for crew. When you are working with the ultra-rich there can be some pretty bizarre tasks, too. Bindy recalled that when she was working as a steward and a masseuse, she had to massage a celebrity’s hands for two hours. “We had a celebrity on board who had to have her hands massaged every night until she fell asleep, while listening to her own music. There were some nights I was massaging each hand for over an hour. I had her songs stuck in my head for weeks after that trip, and I still cringe when I hear them now!” Compared to that experience, we reckon Jesse has had better luck with the odd requests. The strangest one he could recall was, after he had lost a game of cards, the principal charter told him he had to jump off the mast wearing a jock strap.

For Bindy, as well as the travel it is the amazing moments she treasures. “We work a lot, but when you look outside and you are in the South Pacific and dolphins are jumping over the bow or a whale’s breaching 50m away, you are reminded it is all worth it.” Both Bindy and Jesse are success stories for Jade Fitzpatrick, owner of Coastal Yachting Recruitment. Jade Fitzpatrick began her super yacht career sailing around the Mediterranean, surrounded by the sort of breathtaking scenery and extravagance that most of us have only seen in movies. After spending a decade working on a range of amazing yachts, Jade came up with the idea of starting her own business. “I’d helped a lot of my friends find work before I started the business. And it was actually when I was helping a friend write her CV and sending it to captains that I had the lightbulb moment and decided to start my recruitment company. I had all my own experience as a crew member to draw from, and I knew what clients wanted. Plus, I just loved the boats and didn’t want to leave the industry,” Jade explained. Unsurprisingly, a genuine love of the ocean and travel are key ingredients for a career on super yachts. As well as passion, you will need to be flexible and patient because often, your life can be on stand-still until guests leave, and their demands can be surprising. Being a team player is also essential since you will be living and working alongside the crew in very close quarters for months on end. So, do not go in expecting to be sunbaking on the top deck. Even though Jade has only been running her recruiting business for a little over a year, she has already placed many applicants on yachts domestically and internationally. It is true that the majority of work is still found in Europe and America, but New Zealand and the Pacific are on the rise. Australia is still developing as a super yacht destination, but it is steadily growing. Super yachts have large crew, which means there is a good range of jobs to choose from. The most common positions are captains, engineers, first mates, first officers, chefs, stewards and deck hands, although some of these roles can be combined on smaller yachts. The qualifications needed do scale depending on the role, but all super yacht roles require both a medical certificate and the STCW95 training course. This is a five-day course, which is internationally recognized. It is essential that you check that any super yacht training you do is internationally recognized because it is such a global industry. Thankfully, in Australia there are many accredited training locations in Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns that offer specific courses that are well respected.

Jesse Barnes (last on right) and crew after another successful voyage.

If you are feeling the call of the ocean and are considering a super yacht career, then keep Bindy’s advice in mind. “When you’re first starting out, it can be daunting finding a job and getting your head around how the yachting industry works. Just stay positive and remember that you will get a job and it will all make sense at some point. You can feel a little lost at times, and unsure of yourself, but persevere. The positives of this industry definitely outweigh the negatives.” JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

GCWA IS DELIVERING ON OUR WATERWAYS ith five rivers, creeks, 260km of navigable waterways, W more than 750 hectares of lakes and dams as well as land assets, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA)

has a vital role to play in planning, managing and protecting the Gold Coast’s iconic waterways. Boating registrations in the region are growing at more than twice the State-wide growth rate and the purchase of jet-skis continues to boom. Against this growth, the responsibility for ensuring the Gold Coast’s waterways remain something that residents can use, understand, protect, respect, enhance and enjoy is crucial. Now five years since its establishment, GCWA has focused in the past year on tackling even more of the planning and management challenges associated with protecting this precious asset for present and future generations of locals and visitors. One of the hallmarks of GCWA is to set priorities locally and we have talked with a wide cross-section of people from our community– boaties, divers, water-skiers, jet skiers, residents and visitors – to shape our priorities. More than 1000 residents offered their views at “Meet the Board” sessions that have been held over the past 12 months at Southport, Hope Island, Currumbin, Hollywell, Burleigh Heads and Main Beach.

Issues raised by community have covered a range of topics including: • concerns about speed and behaviour • access to channels throughout the Gold Coast • increased demand for buoy mooring areas • upgrades to boating facilities • management of trust land including Doug Jennings Park and Wave Break Island. GCWA has worked hard to address community concerns and expectations. In the past year, we have: • delivered more than $5.5 million in dredging projects to ensure safe navigation of channels • invested more than $3.3 million in projects to improve access to the waterways • enhanced our land-based assets responding to strong community demand in Doug Jennings Park by upgrading facilities for the community while ensuring disciplined management of the park by outlawing illegal camping

• staged “Gold Coast 2017 and Beyond”, an inaugural symposium bringing community and international attention to the importance of ensuring the resilience of our waterways • continued to consult the community on our key waterways management strategies for buoy moorings and speed limits. Our focus is on responding to two critical priorities shaping the future of our waterways – congestion and resilience. The Gold Coast of the future is facing severe congestion, transport and planning issues as a result of the forecast doubling of the population to 1 million people by 2050 as well as staggering growth in watercraft ownership and registrations. At the same time, Gold Coast waterways are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as storm surge and sea level rise, given their vast scale and proximity of development to the water. We need to prepare now for these future impacts. We are committed to protecting the fundamental value waterways provide to Gold Coast residents, visitors and Queensland; addressing the shared challenges and designing solutions to ensure they remain as iconic places of infinite beauty and opportunity.

What does a great summer look like to you?! Where is your favourite waterways destination? Do you like to get the heart racing and take the jet ski for a spin or go for a more relaxed pace with a picnic by the river? Whatever you’re after, the Gold Coast has it! With over 260km of waterways, more than 750 hectares of lakes and dams and more than 60 ramps, pontoons and jetties, there’s something for everyone!

Summer is here!

There are so many stunning locations on our waterways that are perfect for long summer days. Share a picture of your favourite waterways destination with us, using the hashtag #summerdaysonourwaterways and you’ll go into the draw to win a voucher at one of three great waterside dining destinations.

summer days on our waterways

Visit www.gcwa.qld.gov.au for more info

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BOAT JOURNEY

PERFECT Team Cruisecraft meet at Peel Island for a family day.

PEEL By Caroline Strainig

Photos by Caroline Strainig and Richard Pyne

that well-known song by Montgomery Gentry, there is a fine line L ike between heaven and hell. For me, part of Peel Island’s allure is that it is the living embodiment of both.

Today, the scenic island is one of Moreton Bay’s most popular getaway anchorages, with dozens of private vessels anchoring there on weekends and holidays. On fine days, you can hear laughter as visitors swim and play games on the beach – an idyllic scene. Ironically, in a past life, Peel Island was a quarantine station, a home for alcoholics, and a leper colony. The fact that it was four kilometres east of the mainland and that there were sharks in the surrounding waters made it a good place to contain exiles.

If you catch Peel Island on a quiet day, you can have the beach at Horseshoe Bay almost to yourself.

TEERK ROO RA NATIONAL PARK The island was declared a national park in 2007. Called Teerk Roo Ra, which is Aboriginal for place of many shells, the park is jointly managed by an Aboriginal corporation and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Access is restricted to some areas to protect the environment and Aboriginal and European history, but there is still plenty to see and do. Horseshoe Bay on the southeast is the island’s main anchorage, and boasts a long sandy beach and some beautiful red sandstone outcrops. This area has good shelter from northwesterly winds. However, watch the tides because it is shallow a fair distance out. Platypus Bay just to the east is an easy stroll off an old track from Horseshoe Bay. You can also anchor near the remains of the old stone jetty, although Horseshoe provides a better overnight anchorage. The ship’s hulk in Platypus Bay is home to a variety of marine life, and is a popular snorkelling destination. Just inland at Platypus, you will find the remains of an old bakehousecum-gaol that was part of the quarantine station and housed convicts from St Helena when they were working on the island. This is a favourite stop for photo-ops. If you want to overnight ashore, there are bush campsites at Horseshoe and Platypus. However, you must apply for a permit online ahead of time. Apart from these two bays, mangroves surround the rest of the 519ha-island. BRING IT WITH YOU There are some pit toilets off Horseshoe Bay, but that is it. So make sure you come well prepared. The most memorable time for my partner and me was when the Aerogard went AWOL. Eeek!

Visitors start arriving at Horseshoe Bay to explore.

The northwest side of the island still houses the remains of the leper colony, or lazaret, as it is officially known. Some of the buildings have been restored, but access is restricted. You need to join a guided tour or a Friends of Peel Island Association working-bee to enter the buildings. Do not try and wing it; rangers patrol the area and you will be fined if caught. JAN - MARCH 2018

The recreational hall is one of the restored lazaret buildings. (left of photo) A white male lazaret patient’s cabin - much more palatial than the shared quarters non-whites were housed in. It wasn’t all gloom and doom at the lazaret. The patients played tennis back in the 1940s. Photo by FOPIA

Richard Pyne posing for a photo-op in the old bakehouse-cum-gaol just up the hill in Platypus Bay.

The jetty off the lazaret is also long gone. It can be a long wade through the mangroves to get there if you do not time the tides right. Despite the lack of shore access, you will still frequently see boats anchored off here in what is known as the “lazaret gutter” because it is protected in southeasterly winds. Fishermen and women also enjoy fishing near the reef to the north. MARINE ZONING Teerk Roo Ra is surrounded by Moreton Bay Marine Park. Restrictions on recreational activities apply. Check Moreton Bay Marine Map before wetting a line. Make sure you also navigate with care and look out for cardinal marks. Reefs, rocks and wrecks are just some of the things you need to watch out for. All are marked in the Beacon to Beacon guide which can be downloaded from Maritime Queensland’s website. While you are exploring, do not forget to keep an eye out for the 74 identified species of birds, the dugongs, the turtles, the dolphins, and, of course, the great descendants of the sharks that made the island such an effective containment area. With that in mind, it is a good idea to restrict swimming to clean waters, and avoid swimming at dawn and dusk.

Pencil in a stop-off at The Little Ship Club at Dunwich just to the east on North Stradbroke Island. You can pull up to the beach nearby, or tie up on the back of the jetty, although fees apply for the latter if you decide to overnight. A visit to this iconic watering hole is a great way to cap off your island experience.

Yes, while Peel may have been a sad place years ago, today, in my book, it is about as close to perfect as you can get when it comes to idyllic island getaway destinations – unless you forget the Aerogard, of course! HISTORY AT A GLANCE Peel was a quarantine station from 1874 to the 1890s. The leper colony/ lazaret opened in 1907 and housed leprosy patients for 52 years. It was the only multiracial lazaret in Australia. Leprosy is now known as Hansen’s Disease. Peel was also the site of a home for inebriates from 1910 to 1916. Peel Island is situated southern Moreton Bay, just off Cleveland, approximately 87km north of the Gold Coast, with the coordinates 27.5006° S, 153.3476° E. Peel Island is the 30nm mark from the Gold Coast Seaway. You can download a boating map of southern Moreton Bay at: www.msq.qld.gov. au/Boating-maps/Moreton-Bay-guides.aspx About the writer: A journalist by profession, Caroline was at the helm of leading Australian sailing magazine Cruising Helmsman for 12 years. She learned to sail as a young child on a Mirror dinghy on the River Dart in Devon, UK. Recreational sailing has remained a passion ever since. Today, she is semi-retired and lives at Wynnum-Manly.

SALES

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BOAT HISTORY

The old Maid of Sker now lies at rest a little upstream from her original berth on the Nerang River at Nerang.

HISTORICAL VESSELS on the Southport run A

s early as 1860 a village reserve was proposed opposite the Boat Passage, but it would be some time before this village was surveyed. Meanwhile, many selectors took up farming properties, which would later be included in the town. In 1875, George Pratten was finally commissioned to survey a township on the Crown Reserve at Nerang Creek Heads. Sale of land was slow but news of the excellent fishing and accounts of Southport's potential as an idyllic seaside resort spread to the Brisbane community. An increase in visitors motivated land sales and the construction of holiday accommodation. By the 1890s, Southport was the favoured seaside destination for the Queensland Governor, Sir Anthony Musgrave and his entourage. The main means of contact with Brisbane back in those days was by cutter or steamer. On arrival in the Broadwater, a small boat would row into shore to deliver passengers or supplies.

assistance. Meanwhile, that there should be no delay in providing for the transfer of those on board, the engineer and a passenger were landed on Stradbroke Island. After walking to Currigee, they were rewarded by the offer from Mr Atkins, manager of the Moreton Bay Oyster Company, to use his oyster cutter. It was perhaps an hour after the breakdown, which occurred about 9 o'clock, when Mr Atkins brought his cutter alongside. The remainder of the passengers with their luggage, were transferred from the steamer. Mr Atkins, later on, did all in his power to ensure the comfort of the women and children. In half-an-hour, everyone was safely landed on the Woodlands jetty, having passed the master returning to the President and Mr Lord's boat, which was kindly sent out to offer assistance on the way. A good dinner was then served up by Mr Beetham, and the passengers left during the afternoon to catch the 4.35pm train for Brisbane, most of them looking back upon the episode as not altogether been a disagreeable one.

Below are brief snippets about four steamers that had regular services to Brisbane.

THE PRESIDENT On 29 March 1889, with about ten passengers and a number of children on board, the steamer President left Southport at 8am on Monday as advertised for Brisbane. It was blowing from the southeast and raining at intervals. After leaving Woodlands Hotel, and when about halfway between that place and the oyster station at Currigee, the propeller was lost. The engines were promptly stopped. But for a few moments, while the racing shook the vessel, a great deal of uneasiness was manifested by the passengers, some of them indeed not regaining their composure until safely landed. The master, Captain Watts, at once decided to pull back to Woodlands in a small boat in order to wire for 82

Charlotte Fenwick was sold by Mr John Fenwick to Mr Lyall Scott of Sydney in 1885

THE MAID OF SKER The Maid of Sker played an important part in the early development of Nerang and surrounding areas by providing a fast cargo service between Nerang, Southport and Brisbane. Between 1883 and 1930, the Maid of Sker made a weekly trip carrying cargo between Brisbane, Southport and Nerang. The following can be found in the story by the Gold Coast Hinterland and Heritage Museum Inc:

Southport became a fashionable seaside resort. The Southport Town Council encouraged tree planting, various sideshow amusements, the construction of the Southport Pier, and picture theatre. Around 1880, the local people gathered donations from the community and built a small jetty, extended by 1883 to a length of 800 feet. The Southport Jetty (later known as the Pier) was originally built for practical reasons. Steamers, such as the Natone, President or the Charlotte Fenwick provided a regular service to Brisbane before the railway was built. The Maid of Sker provided a service on to Nerang. Several incidents with the vessels occurred, documented in news clippings that can be retrieved from the City of Gold Coast Local Studies Library.

In a news report in The Sydney Morning Herald, it was reported that on 19 December 1884, the steamer Warrego was grounded in the river that morning while trying to avoid a collision with the small steamer Charlotte Fenwick. The latter struck the Warrego almost broadside on, damaging her own bulwarks. The Warrego was uninjured but remained aground, and was expected to get off at high water.

In 1974 Mr Ted Kleinschmidt, aged 87 years provided journalist Ted Latta with the following information: “Once the cargo was loaded in Brisbane, man and boat had to wait for the tide. The trip from Brisbane to Southport was usually uneventful until the Southport Bar. The vessel had to fight a constantly changing channel and a current sweeping out from the Nerang River. Sometimes the current won...” NATONE Natone was a double-ended paddle steamer built at Morts Dock & Engineering Co Ltd, Balmain, Sydney. It held a two-cylinder steam engine of 45hp and rigged as a two-masted schooner and registered at Launceston. It serviced the Tamar River in a tender capacity to the Melbourne-Launceston steamers, meeting it at the mouth of the Tamar River. It could carry up to 800 passengers on excursion runs. In February 1886, Natone was owned by the Southport Steam Ship Co Ltd, Brisbane. She serviced the Redcliffe (Southport) area as a passenger ferry to Brisbane. In December 1890, it was sold to John D Campbell & Robert Philip. In February 1900, she was sold to Michael Walsh from Melbourne. In July 1900, she was renamed Queen, working out of Port Phillip Bay Victoria. August 1807 owned by Victorian Ferries Pty Ltd. 1909 owned by Messrs Baillieu. 1910 owned by G Ritchie, Goolwa South Australia. February 1911 purchased by Howard Smith & Co, Melbourne and converted into a lighter/hulk for service in Townsville. 1928 laid up, sold 1930 as a breakwater at Dunk Island. Register finally closed November 1930. THE CHARLOTTE FENWICK Charlotte Fenwick was sent to Brisbane in 4 September 1884, as a river and excursion steamer, skippered by Captain W. Brown, together with passengers Messrs. H. B. Woodward, John Fenwick, J. Fenwick, and E. Murray. There she plied her trade mainly as a river steamer and excursions vessel, not without the usual incidents that occur in a nation whose early means of getting around was to use waterways that then became crowded with all those on them.

“The Maid of Sker would sit stranded on a sandbank until the rising tide permitted the completion of the journey.” “From Southport the Maid of Sker ran upstream to Nerang The crew waited until there was enough water to get the vessel over the shallows and then two hours steaming brought them to Nerang. They could only afford one and a half hours of time, loading and unloading produce and goods. If things went well, the crew could turn the boat around in the river and be back in Southport within the limits of one tide. If there was a delay the Maid of Sker was trapped by the tide.” By the late 1920s the trip up to Nerang became unfeasible and the Maid of Sker travelled up the Nerang River only as far as Barney Boulton’s jetty at Southport. The Nerang River was now spanned by the Jubilee Bridge and in the late 1920s Sam Milfull was in charge of raising and lowering the centre span of the bridge to allow vessels passage up the river. Sam’s brother wrote in 1976 'The Maid of Sker always came upstream on an incoming tide and began blowing her siren well in advance. This gave my brother enough time to hurry from our home in Scarborough Street to the Jubilee Bridge where he would wind up the centre span'. For more information, visit the City of Gold Coast Local Studies Library. (Information provided by Maritime Heritage Committee of the Southport Yacht Club with images of Natone, Charlotte Fenwick, and the Southport Jetty courtesy of City of Gold Coast Local Studies Library)

JAN - MARCH 2018

MAY

19-20

JAN

2-7

Very exciting times are ahead for Southport Yacht Club and the OK Dinghy Association of Queensland Inc. hosting Australia’s 56th International OK Dinghy National Championships. Held in the waters offshore of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, everyone is welcome, with entry available online (southportyachtclub.com.au/okdinghy-national-championships-2018/)

EVENTS GUIDE J A N – M AY 2 0 1 8 BARTERCARD SAIL PARADISE REGATTA

JAN

6-8

A spectacular high-summer offshore sailing regatta decided over four days of racing. The courses just off the surfline of the Gold Coast’s famous sandy beaches with a full range of passage and windward/leeward courses. Will also incorporate the 2018 Queensland Australian Sailing Yachting Championships, Australian Measurement System (AMS) Championships and the Australian Sports Boat Association (ASBA) Championships. (sailparadise.com.au)

SURF TO CITY YACHT RACE

OK DINGHY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

JAN

Organised by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in association with Southport Yacht Club, the race is open to monohulls and multihulls. Inshore Fleet follows the main channel from Southport to Brisbane past all of the islands in the southern part of Moreton Bay. Offshore Fleet starts off the Southport Seaway, the yachts head to enter Moreton Bay and finish at Cabbage Tree Creek, in the picturesque Brisbane bayside village of Shorncliffe. (surftocity.com)

2018 ETCHELLS WORLD FEBOCT CHAMPIONSHIPS Brisbane Etchells and the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the 2018 Etchells Worlds, a fleet that boasts a 40-year old history including hosting the 1993 World Championships and the 2008 Australian Nationals, and with some of our top Etchells sailors competing internationally. The Brisbane Etchells fleet invites you to be part of this fantastic event, including honouring the 50th anniversary of the Etchells World Championships. (2018etchellsworlds.org)

BURLEIGH PRO

JAN

25-28

The three-day World Surf League (WSL) event for both men and women, it is a great warm-up for some of the best surfers in the world who will later compete at the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro contests at Snapper Rocks. The prize purse of $15,000 up for grabs and valuable Qualifying Series points at the iconic Burleigh Headland. (worldsurfleague.com)

QUIKSILVER PRO

JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS RACEDAY

JAN

10-16

The jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast and indeed Queensland, this is the event that defines all that is great about being Australian. The love of horses, the beach, the sun, and the surf is what brings people from all over the globe to the one destination. Racecourse Road, Bundall. (magicmillions.com.au)

CHINESE NEW YEAR

JAN CLUB MARINE 2-5 PITTWATER TO PARADISE YACHT RACE The ocean race offers competitors a strategic challenge as they race between the surfline and the current, past unsurpassed scenic coastlines, prior to arriving in one of Queensland's most popular coastal cities. Once on the Gold Coast, boats will enjoy a four-day series regatta hosted by the Southport Yacht Club. (pittwatertoparadise.com.au)

WHITSUNDAYS CLIPPER RACE CARNIVAL

JAN

13-29

The Whitsundays will come alive with festivities and fun when the world’s most wondrous sailing event arrives. Airlie Beach will host the twelve identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts, their skippers and their international crew, and supporters as the final stop of the Australian leg of the race. (clipperroundtheworld.com)

FEB

Many Australians celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. According to the Chinese 12-year animal zodiac cycle, the Chinese year beginning in 2018 is the year of the Dog. Each Chinese zodiac year begins on Chinese New Year's Day. (chinesenewyear.com.au/eventdetail-gold_CT.html)

MAR

14-25

The WSL Championship tour kicks off at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. Join the world's best male and female surfers as they battle it out in the 2017 Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro. Held in the oasis of the beachside town of Coolangatta, this is a popular event to a number of participants from all parts of Australia. (worldsurfleague.com)

MAY SANCTUARY COVE 24-27 INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW (SCIBS) SCIBS will be celebrating its 30th anniversary showcase – hundreds of boats, four days of fun, one awesome location. A world-famous festival, where fortunes are launched and dreams set sail, SCIBS will be showcased against the spectacular backdrop of the Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove. (sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au)

boat wraps from $995

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BOAT GUIDE EVENT

Out of

Cruise Control By Caroline Strainig Photos by Richard Pyne

“Few things in life are more satisfying than slicing through water aboard a custom-built machine.” Jay Povlin, MasterCraft USA vice president sales and marketing. wakesurfing are booming markets, and today, this USA company exports to more than 30 countries. old day. n Cove on a grey her stuff off Coura The XT22 strutting

oohoooo! The yell from my friend Richard as the boat zoomed along at more than 40mph said it all.

Putting MasterCraft’s XT22 though her paces was a lot more exciting than trundling along in his Castle 650 trailer-sailer at a sedate six knots. The occasion was a media afternoon organised by boat manufacturer MasterCraft to showcase their 2018 range in conjunction with a dealer conference at Couran Cove. For those new to powerboating, MasterCraft is the largest producer of inboard ski, wakeboard and luxury performance boats in the world. Wakeboarding and

I was invited to check out the new range. My friend and sailing buddy Richard volunteered to come along and take the photos. He is also considering buying a powerboat, so the outing was timely. Heading down the jetty at Couran Cove, the six MasterCraft boats were easy to spot, with a bright assortment of colours, including light-blue and light-green models with a distinctly retro feel colourwise that made me think of the movie Grease. The all-new 2018 MasterCraft XStar with a 430hp 6.2-litre 6000 engine has yet to make it to our shores, but there were plenty of other new models to ooh and ah over. These included the 2018-model NXT20, XT21 and XT22, and the 2017-model X26 and NXT Global. The latter was the only outboardpowered model there. Prices range from around $92,000 for the NXT20 with a trailer up to about $225,000 for the flagship XStar. Here in Australia, the smaller boats tend to sell best. One of the major cosmetic differences between each size is that some have traditional bows and others have pickle-fork bows, which give you more space on deck and makes it easier to board from the beach. This is an innovation MasterCraft developed, but which has since been copied by other manufacturers.

of a few buttons. You can also save customised profile options to get that perfect ride every time. To complement it, MasterCraft are fitted with a triple plate launch system and single plate launch system to allow the boat to pull out of the water easier, which puts less strain on the motor and makes it more fuel efficient. REVERSING MADE EASIER Coming into a jetty is always one of the challenging aspects of boating, made even harder by props that kick to starboard in reverse. MasterCraft has come up with a solution to the problem: twin-flanking rudders that control the flow of water aft under the boat and negate prop kick. While the expert demonstrating it still had issues docking because of a cross breeze, it did look as if the boat was consistent reversing and not favouring starboard. SOUND, GLORIOUS SOUND Another new MasterCraft optional extra is the Klipsch Audio systems, which create a heavyhitting, customisable concert-style entertainment experience. And, yes, we did crank it up, and we really enjoyed the quality of the sound, even if someone did keep requesting Mariah Carey!

Several features stood out as we inspected the boats.

The new Dockstar optional docking system features two flanking rudders to combat prop kick to starboard in reverse.

STATE-OF-THE-ART ELECTRONICS The Dual-Screen Dash and Gen 2 Surf System make the dashboard look like something you would find in an upmarket car, with all your electronics right there. MasterCraft research showed most boaters had three usage modes – drive, tow and chill- and the new system tunes the boat’s operations into these modes. You can be up and going at the touch

Richard Pyne (right) checks out the driver’s seat in the NXT20 for size as he chats to the vice president sales and marketing of MasterCraft USA, Jay Povlin.

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

Gold Coast dealer principal Luke Webber showing what the XT22 can do. Luke started the MasterCraft Gold Coast dealership earlier this year and says business is booming.

Junior pro wakeboarder Bryce Grey in action behind the XT22.

STICKY NO MORE While we were listening to the music, we had time to sit back and put the new Cool Feel vinyl upholstery to the test, which is meant to stay cool even on hot days. Conditions were overcast but still warm and the Cool Feel vinyl did perform as spruiked - yet another tick for MasterCraft’s R&D department. ON THE WATER The first boat we ventured out in was the spankingnew 2018-model XT22, which is powered by a 5.3L

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365hp Ilmor 5500. The yellow-and-black XT22 clocked a top speed of 44mph and was extremely manoeuvrable even doing doughnuts, much to our enjoyment. However, this boat is primarily about wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and we saw it in both modes, courtesy of young Gold Coast junior pro athlete Bryce Grey. It was impressive, to say the least, giving Bryce great wave shape, and changing trim and ballast at the touch of a button. “Powerboating has come a long way since I was a child and we used to go out in a tinnie sitting on a milk crate,” MasterCraft Gold Coast dealer principal Luke Webber said, as he steered the XT22. “It’s so much easier now. The electronics mean even the driver can relax and enjoy time on the water with family without having to constantly worry about adjusting things.”

The pickle-fork bow was invented by MasterCraft and gives you more space on deck and makes boarding via the bow easier.

The second MasterCraft, the X26, was more an allround luxury family boat rather than a dedicated wakeboarding or wakesurfing boat, although it is known for its displacement and ability to generate a big wake. It can seat up to 18, and even has an enclosed head. Yes, ladies, a proper toilet! The X26 has a 430hp 6.2L Ilmor engine and clocked a hang-on-tight top speed in the early 40mph. Heading back up the jetty at the end of the afternoon, Richard said how wonderful it would be to trade in his Castle 650 and buy an X26. We’d have to top up our savings with a Lotto win first. MasterCraft boats are stunning, but they do come with a price tag that reflects their quality. For more information, visit MasterCraft Gold Coast, www.mastercraftgoldcoast.com.au

BOAT EVENT

SUPERBOATS

PART-TINNIE, PART-JETPLANE, PURE-TERROR By Narayan Pattison

Photos by Russell Puckeridge, Pureart Creative Images.

hen I was asked if I wanted to head to Cabarita’s Round Mountain Raceway for a ride in a jet sprint boat at the 2017 V8 Superboat finals, I thought it sounded like a good laugh. It was not until I started hearing the safety briefing on the day that the real fear set in. It turns out that by strapping 1400hp jet engines to 13-foot tinnies, these boats can accelerate ludicrously fast, going from 0 to 130kmph in just two seconds! Surprisingly, their cornering is even more impressive, as they pull 3-4gs, just like fighter jets.

Brisbane racer, Paul Kelly, did well at the Cabarita finals, taking third position.

The Tweed Valley Jet Sprint Club hosts two Australian V8 Superboat rounds at a purpose built facility near the New South Wales-Queensland border.

Ben Hathaway, with his boat Weapon, takes out his first championship win in the Group A category.

My nerves were still twitching as I watched these super boats tear around the tiny islands of the course, lashing us with spray from 50 metres away. But it was when I saw one of the boats flip over that I started to have serious second thoughts about going through with this. Luckily, before I had much of a chance to think about it, I was being strapped into a racing harness. The crew gave me last-minute tips. “If the boat flips upside down, whatever you do, don’t release your seatbelt, because you’ll fall straight out and break your neck. And if you’re upside down and underwater, check if the driver is conscious before you release your belt and try to swim out.” With that cheery thought, we headed to the water. At this point, it is fair to say I was in a state of panic. Moments later, the starting horn sounded and the acceleration was slamming me back against my seat. As we whipped around corners at a pace I could barely comprehend, my respect for my driver, Ben Hathaway, grew with each turn he expertly took. Controlling the boat around a corner at this speed would still be impressive if you had hundreds of metres to prepare, but somehow, Ben was doing it with barely a second between the end of one corner and the start of the next. I had foolishly thought Ben would take it easy on me, but he did our circuit in 51 seconds, a single second off the weekend’s fastest time! Thankfully, I was in good hands with Ben. Not only did we both walk away intact, but he and his boat, Weapon, went on to win the Group A championship. The competition was fierce on the weekend, with Ben edging a mere four-hundredths of a second ahead of his rival to take the win.

Jet sprint racing is easiest to think of as a much faster version of rally driving. At each event, drivers have to memorise the course essentially from scratch, because the direction of the race and the order that they tackle the corners in are given to them on a map with a series of checkpoints. The drivers also have a navigator who can direct them. However, the insane speed means that in reality the drivers have to do it all themselves. One of the drivers nipping at Ben’s heels at the finals was Paul Kelly, a marine electrician from Brisbane. After a brutal crash that put an end to Paul’s jet ski racing career, his dad shouted him a joyride in a jet boat. He said they could not wipe the smile off his face for weeks. Although Paul has only been in the sport for a few years, he managed to nab the Rookie of the Year award during his very first season. For 2017, he came third at the finals, and fifth overall in the Group A championship. A lot of the attention at the 2017 finals was focused on the nail-biting Group A finals. However, the Unlimited Superboat class was a real crowd-pleaser too. The lack of restrictions means there are many twin turbos and supercharged motors packing up to 1400hp into these tiny boats. Five-time national champion, Phonsy Mullan, won the title. He was so formidable he had already won the championship on points before he even got to the finals in Cabarita. Although the competition on the racetrack was brutal, there is a surprisingly friendly and helpful camaraderie among the drivers. Earlier in the season, when Ben’s engine blew up, his fellow competitors were kind enough to let him use their boats to compete in a handful of races while his boat was being repaired. Paul also mentioned how welcoming and friendly everyone was when he first started and did not know anyone in the sport. If you have an appreciation for speed and skillful driving, try and head along to one of the jet sprint events. The Cabarita track is hosting the world championships in 2018, so it is a great time to check out this growing sport. And hey, if you have stronger nerves than me, you might want to get behind the wheel yourself. The smaller class jet boats start at a very affordable $15k. More information at http://www.afjsa.com/. JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT SPORTS

SAFETY TIPS • Wear a life jacket that fits correctly. • Use a designated spotter to alert the driver when a rider falls and to keep an eye out for other boats or objects in the water. Remember practice makes perfect.

Summer

TOWING TIPS By Courtney Angus and Andy Kancachian

akeboard season has arrived on the Gold Coast. If you want to learn this watersport that many people are getting hooked on, read on and you will be out on the water in no time! THE BASICS Correct stance. Before you strap onto your wakeboard, you need to determine the correct stance. The best way to figure out if you are a regular (left) or a goofy (right) foot-forward is to think about how you would ride a scooter or skateboard. The foot you push with and the foot you put forward will be the same when setting up your feet on your wakeboard. The bindings should be set up the same way for beginners and pros. Very slightly angle your toes out evenly and set bindings the same distance from the nose and from the tail of the board. A narrow or wide stance depends on the rider’s preference. On-the-ground training is very important! Learning the right positions and techniques before getting in the water gives a beginner a huge advantage! Sit on the ground with your feet planted in front of you with your knees bent up to your chest. Have your partner stand in front of you with a rope and handle. Hold the handle with two hands, and straight arms. As your partner gently pulls you up, do not resist. Reach forward, and move your weight over your feet into a squat position (the frog position). Stand up slowly from the frog position, and move the handle down towards your leading hip.

Here are the average weight/height guidelines: <45kgs = <130cm, 40-70kgs = 130-134cm, 60-80kgs = 135-139cm, 75-115kgs = 140-144cm 90-125+kgs = >144cm. Boat. There are a myriad of boat brands specifically designed for wakeboarding. These models include tanks below the floor that can be filled with water to weigh the boat down, so as to increase the wake for the rider. However, you can use any boat for wakeboarding and either weigh the boat down by positioning passengers at the rear of the boat or purchase some modular water tight ballasts. Be sure that the boat is weighed down evenly to ensure even height wake. And remember that beginners do not need too large a wake to practice jumping. Video recorder. A video camera or phone camera is a great way to record the ride. It will show the rider what they look like out on the water and what they might be doing wrong. They can also get a kick out of watching the replays years from now and laughing at how bad they were when they were starting out.

Turning. It is all about the weight distribution from your toes to your heels, coordinated with your handle position, similar to snowboarding and skateboarding. Put weight on your toes and pull the handle towards your “back pocket.” Then put weight on your heels, and slowly let the handle move away from your body. Never pull the handle towards your chest. It may cause you to over balance. Switching feet. Once you are pulled out of the water by the boat and you are successful at standing on your wakeboard, you must next master the switch from front to back foot. Squat down low to avoid a big crash. The taller you stand, the further you have to fall! Lift up your toes and move the handle from your front hip to your back hip in a semi-circle motion. Jumping the wake. Ultimately you want to be able to jump wake, so approach from as far away from the wake as possible. Keep your back at a right angle to the water. As you reach the wake, straighten up your body and push off the water. As you lift off, pull the handle towards your hips. Boat Driver. Essential for wakeboarding is having the correct boat setup. The tow rope between the boat and the rider must be taut, before you attempt to pull the rider out, by slowly idling the boat forward until the slack is taken up. The speed can then be slowly increased. When towing beginners, it is best to try and stay under 20mph (around 17 knots or 32kph). The driver must be aware of the right speed for the rider, based on the rider’s abilities and instructions. This can assist the rider to get more air over the wake. When driving, keep a constant speed and the boat steering in a straight line. To avoid rider fatigue keep the tows to 15-20mins and the driver should rest often to ensure you are always alert. When the rider falls, do not power turn so as to avoid creating large chop but rather slow down and turn smoothly. EQUIPMENT Rope. A sensible rope length for beginners is 65 feet. For intermediate riders, it is typically 65 to 75 feet. For advanced riders, it is 75 to 85 feet in length. Before you go out and buy a rope, note the importance of having a good quality, non-stretch rope specifically designed for wakeboarding. Board. When choosing the right board size, one of the biggest factors to consider is rider weight. Unlike the board you might use when snowboarding, wakeboarding will require your board to float sufficiently on top of the water. So it is important to use the specific sizing guidelines of each manufacturer, as the shapes and performance of the board vary. If you intend to share the board, then base your calculations on either the heaviest person to use the board, or the person who will use the board the most. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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SUP ON BOARD

ust a few years ago most of us hadn't even heard of stand up paddleboarding (SUP), but now people ‘doing it standing up’ are a common sight along our shores, and ever more boat owners are discovering and enjoying the advantages of having a board (or two) on board. A very useful second tender, they're also the ideal craft for exploring the anchorage, the marina, the harbour, a fun platform for youngsters to mess around on, and a great way of keeping in shape too. The story goes that around 15 years ago, a few Hawaiian surfers decided that they wanted to get on the water to stay fit and have some fun when the sea was flat. So they grabbed a few large Malibu-style boards, lengthened a paddle, stood up and paddled the ocean. Little did they know the escalation to come in the sport they had just invented. The boating fraternity is witnessing a huge take-up of SUP. The main reason is the advent of high quality inflatable paddleboards, which are far more friendly on the paintwork and fittings, and of course much easier to transport and store. Inflatable boards have been around for a while, but the early offerings were generally a pretty poor experience; low in performance, and easily punctured. Now however, the inflatables from brands like Red Paddle Co offer such great performance and robustness that (unless you're looking for top-shelf surfing capabilities), the question has become why wouldn't you get an inflatable! And for boating, it's really a no-brainer, as inflatables are just so much more boat-friendly. The well-made ones are way more robust than solid boards too; they can be bounced off rocks and run up the beach with impunity. A paddleboard is versatile and it's not compulsory to stand up - you can sit down and paddle it like a kayak, if that's your thing. But it's also light, and easy to get on and off the boat. It’s a stable, too - you can step down from your boat onto the paddleboard and off you go. You can load a paddleboard up with multiple people and/or cargo. It's a great boat maintenance platform. Paddleboards give a great view down into the water, and you don't get a wet bum and a sore back like you do from kayaking if your technique is anything other than perfect. It's a fantastic sunbathing platform, perfect escape from the rest of the family on a small boat! They're great for fishing from too – you can see the fish rising, stand up to cast, use a full size rod, and have a nice big deck area to sort out your tackle on. Above all, a paddleboard is just a great general purpose toy for youngsters; it's amazing just how creative they get and how much fun they can have with them. There's no risk of 'collateral damage' – the kids are out there bouncing off boats, swimmers, rocks etc., and no-one is going to get hurt . SUP boards for boats need some specific fittings. Look for a big solid towing point on the nose and tail; ideally a steel D-ring with a plastic or hard rubber mount to the board. Avoid webbing fittings, they degrade pretty quickly in sun and salt. Other fixing points on the deck are always useful, either for bungees to shove stuff under, or for strapping down cargo. For added stability for carrying people and cargo choose a wide board. If you are looking to start a new adventure on board, and invest in possibly your most used play and fitness accessory, more information is available on build quality and options at www.redpaddleco.com.

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JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT SAILING 2018 Etchells World Championships. Big names in sailing descend on RQYS in October 2018

Moreton Bay Sailing Ahead By Natasha Hoppner

oreton Bay is the home of some sensational Australian and international sailing in 2018. The new year beckons a regatta series unlike any other – the Manly Summer of Sailing. Hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS), and supported by the neighbouring yacht clubs, including Darling Point Sailing Squadron, the Manly Summer of Sail is the most significant collection of regattas that Moreton Bay has ever seen.

It all kicks off on Boxing Day at the RQYS with the Australian 9er Championship, which will see approximately 140 competitors brightening up Moreton Bay with the colourful sails and spinnakers typical of the 9er class. The Summer concludes with the Australian Windsurfing Championships, combining the Raceboard and Formula classes in a spectacular display of what is fast becoming an emerging, exciting manifestation of sailing in Australia. Sailing is not just contained to Moreton Bay region in 2018, with the RQYS hosting the biannual Brisbane to Noumea Race & Cruise Rally, the Queensland leg of the Cercle Nautique Caledonien’s greater Sail Noumea 2018 event. Offshore monohull and multihull yachts will descend on Moreton Bay on the first and second of June to commence their cruising or competitive, respectively, journey across the Pacific Ocean to Noumea. Moreton Bay has a sensational record of sending sailors across oceans in some of the most challenging and enjoyable manifestations of the sport. Annual events include the Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race in August, and the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club’s Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race – which will mark its 70th year in 2018. Starting 30 March, locals are undoubtedly looking forward to spending their Good Friday hopefully watching the fierce competition from two of Australia’s super maxis: Wild Oats XI and RQYS’s own Black Jack 100. The QCYC’s B2G Yacht Race

Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta – Race and rally over a weekend in March

start will again be live streamed, broadcasting this extraordinary sport to the world and bringing more family, friends and sailing enthusiasts closer to the sport than ever before. As always, there is always an abundance of events to cater to every size, class and calibre of boat on Moreton Bay. The RQYS, in conjunction with the Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland, will be hosting the inaugural Moreton Bay Multihull Regatta from 16 to 19 March 2018. This presents a great opportunity for sailors and cruisers alike to engage with one another, and celebrate everything that the multihull community has to offer: from great racing to enduring comradeship. Finally, the year rounds out in a big way with the 2018 Etchells World Championships from 18 to 27 October 2018. At this time, the RQYS will be home to approximately 250 of the world’s finest sailors, all vying to take home one of the greatest accolades in the sport. Moreton Bay continues to be a hub of onwater activity in Brisbane, and a competitive and recreational destination for marine sports enthusiasts around the country and around the globe. It has semi-sheltered waters, providing excellent sailing conditions year-round for a wide variety of classes and constituents. Moreton Bay can be questionably shallow in areas though, requiring a bit of tact and finesse to navigate yourself in, out and around the Bay; a skill that many racers and cruisers alike have mastered over time.. There are increasingly new, innovative and sustainable ways for people of all ages and experience to get involved in marine sports on Moreton Bay, be it learning to sail, competitive racing, competition spectating, volunteering, or cruising with the family. The yacht clubs that preside over the bay are always more than happy to support you on your sailing journey, and there is absolutely something for everyone in this area.

THE MANLY SUMMER OF SAILING: DPSS 27 December ’17 – 03 January ’18 Australian Sabot Championships RQYS 28 December ’17 – 04 January ’18 Oceania & Australian Laser Open Championships RQYS 03 January ’18 – 10 January ’18 Australian Optimist Championships RQYS 11 January ’18 – 15 January ’18 Australian Youth Championships RQYS 15 January ’18 – 20 January ’18 Australian International Finn Championships RQYS 17 January ’18 – 20 January ’18 Australian Windsurfing Championships. MORETON BAY YACHT CLUBS: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron www.rqys.com.au Darling Point Sailing Squadron www.websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-10477-0-0-0 Queensland Cruising Yacht Club www.qcyc.com.au/go/ Multihull Yacht Club of QLD www.mycq.org.au/ Sailability Bayside www.sailabilitybayside.wordpress.com/

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BOAT SAILING

The Sail Of The Season By Andy Kancachian

he Southport Yacht Club (SYC), have been very busy organising and preparing, jointly with Royal Prince Albert Yacht Club, for two race events: the Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Series, and the Bartercard Sail Paradise Regatta for 2018. PITTWATER TO SOUTHPORT SERIES The 370 nautical mile Pittwater to Paradise race will start off the entrance to Pittwater in Sydney on 2 January 2018, and finish off Main Beach on the Gold Coast. There are several different categories. There is a division for multihull yachts and two divisions for monohull yachts. “The monohulls have a division for the serious race boats (IRC Division) and the less serious yachts, but still very competitive, go in the PHS Division. This gives everybody a chance to do well in their respective divisions,” explains Ray McMahon, vice commodore of sailing at the SYC. This race is expecting the leading boats to take roughly 36 to 48 hours to cross the finish line, and the slower boats roughly two to three days, if the ideal southerly wind blows in their favour. “However, if there’s no wind, then the leading boats may be stuck out there for another day or so, and take the slower boats up to five days. My tip for this year is around 40 hours for the winning boat,” says Ray. Any long ocean race is extremely dangerous. Ray highlights the strict safety regulations imposed for this race. “You just don’t know what Mother Nature will throw at you. When you’re out there in the ocean, there’s nowhere to hide. All of the boats must pass a strict safety test, including the vessel and its equipment. Add to that, the crew must have certain levels of qualifications to do a race of this level. If the weather goes bad, the boats and crew are well equipped to handle it.”

SAIL PARADISE SERIES

AN AURIC’S QUEST SPECIAL

Upon the conclusion of the Pittwater to Paradise Race, the Sail Paradise will begin and be decided over four days of racing from 6 to 9 of January 2018. The courses for Sail Paradise will be set just off the surfline of the Gold Coast’s famous sandy beaches. This is the ninth year of Sail Paradise. This year, for the first time, there will be several official state titles involved. The winner of the IRC Division will be crowned the Queensland State champion; the winner of the AMS Division will be the official State AMS champion; and, the winner of the Sports Boat Division will be the official State Sports Boat champion. One of the main objectives of the race is to run a professional regatta to showcase the Southport Yacht Club and the Gold Coast. “If you run a great regatta, then it will no doubt build ever year as competitors return to their clubs and sprook what a great regatta is it. We ensure that, while racing, the competitors get the best available level of professionalism. Upon returning to the marina, every competitor and official joins in on our free sausage sizzle to tell a few tall stories over a quiet ale. Every evening, we have live music in the club for those who want to have a lovely evening meal and enjoy the magnificent waterfront restaurant,” clarifies Ray. The four-day period will be a mix-up of races to keep the competitors’ enthusiasm up. Some days will be long races down to Tweed and back (around four to five hours) and some days will comprise two to three short races of roughly onehour duration for each race. Ray says, “Variety is the spice of life.” Onshore events, such as the Sailing Attire Fashion Parade, ensure the entire crowd have a good laugh and enjoy the event.

“Most of our local long-distance ocean-racing yachts have decided to chance their hand at doing the Sydney to Hobart race. This means the boats can’t get back from Hobart in time for the Pittwater race. This leaves one competitor from the Southport Yacht Club in the Pittwater race, a great competitor at that. Fred Bestall’s Auric’s Quest is from the Southport Yacht Club, and it’s a real chance to win line honours and handicap,” Ray says excitedly. Fred Bestall is the first Queenslander to enter both events with his impressive 46-footer, Auric’s Quest, a Nelson/Marek design that took top honours in Sail Paradise in 2017. Fred has decided to try for the double. “I’m really looking forward to putting the yacht and crew to the test in both events,” he says. “It promises to be an exciting race, one that should suit Auric’s Quest. The Bartercard Sail Paradise, which is hosted by SYC, will then give us the chance to show crew from the south what hospitality we can deliver, and the wonderful sailing we enjoy here on the Gold Coast.” The Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta will be the longest offshore test Fred and his crew have undertaken since the yacht was purchased two years ago.

Welcome Party - Pittwater to Paradise Race

PEOPLE’S DAY Ray promises that every day will be an exciting day for watching the races from the beaches. This year, there will be a ‘People’s Day’ on Sunday, 7 January. Ray invites everyone to join. “We’re opening the gates to the marina on this day for spectators to come down and have a look at the race boats, either before or after the race. It’s great to see these magnificent vessels up close.” For more information on the races, visit www.southportyachtclub.com.au.

Ray McMahon

JAN - MARCH 2018

BOAT GOLD COAST

MARITIMO NOTCHES UP ITS 15TH NATIONAL TITLE However midway through the race the boat encountered a problem with its trim system, said Barry-Cotter. "We had to slow to a more cautious pace in the tricky conditions in order not to risk the overall championships," he said. "Maritimo 12 finished race one in third, still maintaining a healthy margin in the overall points with one race left on the season. "In race two we got off to a great start again and lead the early laps, but as the conditions once again became tricky, we made the decision to hold a more cautious pace in order to finish in the points and secure the overall championships.

Photos: The Maritimo race team in action and winners Steve Jellick and Tom Barry-Cotter on the podium.

aritimo Racing has finished the 2017 season on a strong note taking out the Supercat Extreme Championship and its 15th AUS1 overall championship after a solid weekend of racing in the final round at Hervey Bay.

Maritimo 11, crewed by father and son team Ross and Andrew Willaton in the new Maritimo R36, in only its second event, was out of championship contention and had goals of attaining valuable testing time in the new boat.

Maritimo 12 crewed by Tom Barry-Cotter and Steve Jellick entered the final round of the Offshore Superboat Championships in Hervey Bay with a sizeable lead in the AUS 1 and Supercat Extreme Championships.

"They were plagued with power steering issues in the previous round, which saw modifications in between rounds from the standard Mercury VI Drive power steering system to an upgraded Maritimo Racing system like used in Maritimo 12," said Barry-Cotter.

The pair said they entered the event with a conservative strategy to preserve that lead of the championship, and not necessarily pushing for race wins.

He said in the first race of the weekend, Maritimo 12 lead the early laps after a great getaway from the start.

"This strategy proved successful with us crossing the line in third place, enough to secure the Supercat Extreme and overall AUS1 Overall Championships." Maritimo 11 was not as fortunate and missed the start in race one after the boat tripped on a wave and sustained damage to its tunnel flap In race two Maritimo 11 performed well, despite the rough and windy conditions and being the smallest boat in the class, recording a very respectable fourth place and gathering much valuable testing data to take into the off-season development program for 2018. "The team are extremely excited to have recorded a collective 15th AUS1 Title. Our goal all season was to do just that, and the entire team did a fantastic job in working towards that goal," said Barry-Cotter.

Award winning boat builders, race team technicians and an undercover marina, now available for all makes and models, 15 foot to 70 ton. Our service department offers free quotes and inspections on all factory services, including: UPHOLSTERY

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BOAT EVENT

Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (Hands Across the Blue)

Vice Commodores Marlene and Russel Hicks, and Julian, Joshua and Sharon Smallwood at the piratethemed day for the 2017 SICYC Rendezvous.

Cruising By Sharon Smallwood

ony Little, who lives aboard the 43ft Fontaine Pajot L’attitudes with his wife Vicki, says you cannot go far by boat without running into a “Shagger” – as members of the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Cub are affectionately known. “There are Shaggers everywhere. It’s a happy family,” he says.

Once a year, that happy family, comprising 5,888 members from 17 nations, converge on the Gloucester Passage at the top of the Whitsundays for an annual rendezvous. From a gathering that started in August 2009 with 34 people and four boats, the event has consistently grown bigger. The 2017 event saw the greatest attendance yet, attracting 205 boats and a crowd of about 1,000 revellers. SICYC founder Ken Thackeray attributes these figures to the inclusive nature of an “exclusively non-exclusive club”, where everyone is a “vice commodore” with the membership number 0010. “Every year, I see how important the Rendezvous is to the people who come along – for the friendships they make and how close everybody becomes,” he says. “It’s so festive, but it’s also got an almost spiritual feel about it.” The spiritual feel undoubtedly comes not just from the camaraderie involved, but also from the purpose of raising money and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). The 2017 SICYC Rendezvous raised $102,000, bringing the total contribution to over $500,000 to date.

The SICYC Rendezvous as seen from the air. Photo: Wasp NQ Productions

In Australia, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, claiming 3,000 lives and more victims than breast cancer each year. To highlight this plight, Rendezvous participants have begun holding “Hands Across the Blue”, forming the shape of the PCFA logo with their tenders on the Gloucester Passage. The powerful image this creates is a symbolic gesture Ken would like to see taken up by the wider boating fraternity and adopted beyond the Whitsundays. “Our ultimate aim is to engender an enthusiasm among boating organisations across Australia to create something similar,” he says. “Being about an 80% male-dominated sport, we feel it’s probably appropriate that the boating community take up the cudgel and start spreading awareness of the need for men to get out there and be tested, and to communicate a little bit more about the disease.” Glad Smith, a former nurse from the Clarence River, who has sailed to the Rendezvous for the past two years with her husband Rick, agrees that prostate cancer is a silent killer. “Men don’t talk about their prostate,” she says. “But that is why everybody at the Rendezvous is just so committed to the cause.” Part of that commitment is about joining in on the many fun opportunities for fundraising the Rendezvous presents. Each year’s event incorporates themed days and nights, with prizes on offer for the best-dressed guys and girls. The Smiths, who took out the 2017 titles for their interpretation of the Saturday theme, “What were you wearing when the ship went down?”, say that they planned their costumes for the event long before weighing anchor aboard their Clipper 34, Jake. Dressed in outfits incorporating Y-fronts, suspenders, cold cream, 1950’s hair rollers and cucumber eye patches, they were only outdone by their entries to the pirate treasure theme the following day. In among the motley – and very merry – band of traditional-looking pirates gathered at Montes Reef Resort, the Smiths were standouts in their turmeric-dyed sheets decorated with hand drawn treasure maps to destinations such as ‘Le Nip Pel’ mountains and ‘Le Shag Islet’.

Glad and Rick Smith in their handmade pirate treasure outfits. Photo: Wasp NQ Productions

Peering through a treasure chest headpiece decorated with broken jewellery bought from an Op-shop, Glad summed up the essence of the nine-year-strong event. “We can be kids and get away with it,” she jokes. “And it’s also the camaraderie. We’ve met friends that we want to keep in contact with and we’ve exchanged cruising information with them as well. And there are no barriers either, like economy – we’re all there for the same purpose.”

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SICYC founder Ken Thackeray with tiny Shag Islet in the background where nine years ago it all began. Photos: Sharon Smallwood

SICYC Vice Commodores Marlene Hicks and Sharon Smallwood dressed for the 2017 ‘What where you wearing when the ship went down?’ theme night.

Glad and Rick Smith took out the 2017 titles of best-dressed guy and girl for their interpretations of the theme ‘What were you wearing when the ship went down?’ Photo: Wasp NQ Productions

Vice Commodore Ribbon Reefs Marlene Hicks on the pirate-themed day of the 2017 Rendezvous. Photo: Sharon Smallwood

Camaraderie With A Cause Tony Little says this was why the Rendezvous has become “a beehive” for all cruisers on the coast. “Liver transplants and loss of brain function aside, it’s just a big, fun week with a whole bunch of like-minded people,” he said.

As part of his contribution to the cause, Tony co-hosts the event’s Coconut Radio alongside fellow “Shagger” Tully Mars. “A few years ago, Ken asked, ‘Can you play some music?’ I’d never done a radio station before in my life. I wouldn’t have a clue, but we gave it a go and it worked,” he recalls. If all goes to plan, the Coconut Radio will now provide a means for boating folks in other locations to share in the frivolity at Rendezvous time. Depending on the allocation of an appropriate frequency, the plan is to live stream the event so that SICYC members internationally can listen in on Australian Eastern Standard Time. New for 2018 are plans for an SICYC Season of Sail, allowing members from southern states to cruise up the coast together in stages. Starting with Cruise Lake Macquarie in late April, and incorporating cruising events on the Clarence River, Great Sandy Straits and others still to be negotiated, the SICYC Season of Sail will run all the way through to the Rendezvous.

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“The fleet will slowly build and get bigger and bigger as it comes up the coast, so everyone who joins it will have that sense of belonging before they get here,” Ken says. “Of course it’s a sense of belonging that makes it harder for us all to say goodbye when it’s all over each year. By the time you get to the end of each rendezvous you get very close to tears.” Themes for the 2018 Rendezvous are Parrot Heads for the Saturday night and pirates for the Sunday. Anyone wanting to win the coveted title of “best dressed” will need to get started on their costumes soon to be in with a chance against the Smiths. “I’ve already got ideas,” Glad warns. For more information or to join the club, visit www.sicyc.com.au or join the organisation’s Facebook page. About the writer: Sharon Smallwood is an SICYC member and “Vice Commodore” of Kanumera Bay in New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines, and is an editor and multimedia journalist who would rather be sailing.

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