13 minute read
Sailing Get It On
Get It On
Sailing a Small Boat into Big Adventures
By Scott Altman
Garry Holt and his crew have never been ones to shy away from a challenge. Their most recent adventures have come along with the addition of Holt’s new sailing race boat – an Adams 10. This impressive boat has always been fast for its class. However, Holt and his team decided to push its limits in what can only be called a sailing venture that rivals the story of David and Goliath.
When discussing Holt’s goals for refitting this boat, he explained, “My whole approach was to spec this boat up to IRC standards and to win against the big boys in their two- and three million-dollar boats.” The Adams 10, named Get It On, was meant to be a sailing race boat that could take on and beat multi-million dollar boats even when sailed by some of the best. Then, in November 2021, that’s just what they did at the Queensland IRC 8 PHS Championship. Garry Holt and the crew of Get It On took first place outright for the whole regatta.
This impressive victory was the result of the skilled team that makes up Get It On’s crew. In our interview, Holt proudly stated, “We had an amazingly good crew. It’s a team effort. There are certain manoeuvres that have to be carried out. It’s no different to game fishing. If you don’t have a good crew, then you won’t get results.”
The crew for this race comprised 7 members. Steve McConaghy, a multiple world champion in sailing, acted as the sailing master and ran the crew. The crew also included Caedric Reader, co-owner of Evolution Sails and an excellent sailor. Emma Bailey also joined the team. She’s an Australian Sailing Squad member and was noted as a great addition to the crew. competing in sailing events. He’s the owner of Auric Quest, a notable racing monohull, which won the 2002 Sydney Hobart Regatta. Michael Austin was another welcome addition. He’s a life-long sailor with outstanding ability. On the bow was Tony Harman, a long-time friend and crewmate to Hold and McConaghy, who all raced together in Thailand.
Last, but certainly not least, was expert sailor Garry Holt. He holds 55 years of experience sailing and has carved his name in the Australian and international sailing scene. It was this culmination of incredible sailors that led to such an amazing feat.
So, what’s next for Get It On? Currently, Holt has modified this boat further for the Southport Yacht Club’s Qoin Sail Paradise Regatta on January 3, 2022. Holt had this to say: “We have been spending quite a bit of money and getting a specific special carbon fibre mast and boom, new redesigned sails by local sailmaker Caedric Reader, and a different rudder. The boat’s going to be even better and a lot more competitive than what it was up to in our last race.”
However, competitive sailing this intense doesn’t come without its risk. On a few occasions, Holt has been faced with some dire situations. In the 2014 Hobart Yacht Race, he was swept overboard twice, but caught a lucky break saying, “It mustn’t have been my time to go as I was fortunate enough to be washed back onto the boat.” In another event, Holt’s crew sailed from Bass Strait to Hobart with the wind never falling below 68 knots the entirety of the race. It turned into a one-andhalf day battle against massive sea conditions he compared to feeling like climbing the Swiss Alps. The aftermath left him physically drained and mentally exhausted. The future for Get It On and its crew is certainly one that is cause for anticipation. Yet, that’s not all that Garry Holt has set his sights on. He’s also in the process of purchasing a JPK 1080 racer-cruiser sailboat to use in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, stating, “We’re going to take on this challenge to win the Hobart outright in a two-handed boat, which is definitely going to be a challenge.” Holt promised his late son that he would win this race. While he’s come close twice, he’s more determined than ever to take home first place next year. Make sure to keep your eye on this event and Garry Holt, who will be representing the Gold Coast and Southport Yacht Club.
Dufour 470
ICONIC NEW CLASSIC
When Dufour’s know-how reinvents itself to craft the sailing boat of tomorrow, this results in a 47-footer, which is both beautifully designed and highperformance for incredible thrills. The Dufour 470 combines both Dufour’s expertise and their desire to innovate. This model, in line with its predecessor, enjoys the yard’s DNA while offering an edge of sophistication. Its hull design and the fluidity of its deck layout already make it an iconic sailing boat. Dufour continue to maintain a strong connection to their roots by delivering pure performance, classic styling and luxury in an exciting new way. Three models in one. Let your instinct do the talking. Easy Version - This version is intended for owners and charter operators in search of simplicity and comfort. Its elegant movement plan allows great mobility. Ocean Version - This suits owners who wish for a more traditional movement plan with the sheets positioned on the coamings and the halyard and mainsail trolley handlings near the helm station. Performance Version - This is ideal for lovers of thrills and regatteers. With its six high-quality winches, its clew at the rear of the cockpit, and its “performance” equipment, this model is transformed into a pure racer. An interior layout in three versions - The Dufour 470 is available in three interior layouts. Every sailor will find what they are seeking, either with a large crew or a reduced crew. Created by Felci Yacht Design, all three versions feature an expansive cockpit, complete with outdoor galley, twin helms and plenty of room for relaxing or grinding winches, depending on your preference. Design innovations allow for an optimum use of space to guarantee simple sailing while retaining very comfortable sleeping areas. The hull is infused with a PVC foam core and a vinylester barrier coat to ward off the threat of osmosis. The hull design and the fluidity of her deck layout already make her an iconic sailing boat. Her modernity, her simplicity and her elegance already make her a new “classic.” All these design innovations allow for an optimum use of volumes to guarantee simple sailing while offering plenty of liveaboard space. Further information can be obtained from The Yacht Sales Co on (07) 5452 5164 or by emailing info@yachtsalesco.com
SPECIFICATIONS DUFOUR 470
LENGTH OVERALL: 14.85 M WATERLINE LENGTH: 13.99 M HULL LENGTH: 13.55 M MAX BEAM: 4.74 M DRAFT: 2.25 M LIGHT DISPLACEMENT: 13,200 KG KEEL WEIGHT: 3,550 KG FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 250 L WATER TANK CAPACITY: 530 L ENGINE: 60 HP SAIL AREA: 107 M² GENOA: 50 M²
EXPLORE
Gladstone Region’s sheltered anchorages
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is located just offshore from Gladstone, but you don’t need to go to the reef to find tropical paradise! The coastline around Gladstone provides plenty of opportunity to explore, with sheltered anchorages providing a perfect place to relax, try your hand at fishing or simply soak in the scenery.
Spend your time cruising the coast and then refresh in Gladstone Marina and make the most of the outstanding marina lounge and the luxury amenities, as well as the courtesy bus.
PANCAKE CREEK Pancake Creek is located approximately 60nm north of Bundaberg and approximately 30nm south of Gladstone, with high tides guaranteeing access for most vessels. Pancake Creek is in the lee of Bustard Head and is a truly wonderful anchorage known for its wilderness and natural beauty. There are a number of environmentally friendly moorings available for public use. Take time for a stopover and explore the Bustard Head lighthouse and surrounds. The crabbing up the creek is excellent - a feast of freshly caught mud crabs as you watch the sun go down on your back deck is a fabulous way to finish your day. Or, simply rest and wait for the trade winds to ease when migrating south.
RODDS HARBOUR West of Pancake Creek is the Rodds Peninsula and Rodds Harbour. There is deepwater access to Rodds Harbour and Seven Mile Creek, and the area offers plenty of sheltered anchorage. Turkey Beach has a boat ramp, pontoon, a tidal swimming enclosure and a general store catering to most needs. The region is renowned for its national parks, dugong sanctuary, and fishing and crabbing. Keep your eye out for dugongs and dolphins when cruising in or throw a line in to catch your dinner.
GLADSTONE HARBOUR Gladstone Harbour and Port Curtis provide numerous anchorages and shelter, where you can anchor for a relaxing lunch only a short cruise from the Gladstone Marina. Popular anchorages are off Oaks Beach, South End, Farmers Point and Lacombe Head. Each spot has advantages in different weather conditions. Curtis Island is a bird-spotter’s heaven with jabirus, herons, brolgas, sea eagles, wood ducks, black swans and the rare yellow chat all inhabiting the island. Stroll around and immerse yourself in its beauty or simply enjoy your very own tropical anchorage from the comfort of your vessel. Grahams Creek is a large tidal inlet at the beginning of The Narrows, which extends into Curtis Island roughly 5nm eastward towards the coast. It is a good point to wait for tidal passage through The Narrows or seek shelter from any inclement weather. Black Swan Island and Targinie Creek, behind Kangaroo Island, are also excellent options at the Gladstone end of The Narrows. This entire area is known for its impressive fishing and crabbing.
YELLOW PATCH Yellow Patch is a beautiful anchorage on the northeast end of Curtis Island. It is named after the towering yellow sand hill, which creates a dramatic backdrop to Beautiful Yellow Patch (Photo @Sailingbluefin)
Go fishing on the calm river waters at Boyne Island
Anchor down and stay at Gladstone Marina
the anchorage. The climb up the sand hill provides some exercise and a stunning view over the entrance, and on a clear day, all the way to Great Keppel Island. The entrance is tidal so check your charts and tides, and watch your depth among shifting sandbanks. Like a lot of places in Queensland, keep your eye on the tides and consult your charts. Access to most places is possible; however, the deeper draft vessels' access to anchorages is dependent on tides. Contact Gladstone Marina 07 4976 1399 for advice on cruising in the area or help with planning your passage. The Marina team are all fully qualified local mariners and are passionate about the region. Whether it’s assistance in navigating the Narrows (which links Gladstone Harbour to The Keppels) or planning overnight stays in the Harbour, the Gladstone Marina team is on hand to help.
FOUNTAINE PAJOT Isla 40 Catamaran
Fountaine Pajot has unveiled its stunning new entry-level model, the ISLA 40. This impressive sailing catamaran reflects the hallmarks of the shipyard’s prestigious flagship range and is the new reference for multihulls in the 40-foot range, being significantly larger than its predecessor, the Lucia 40. The exceptional catamaran features inverted bows and an innovative saloon where the chart table is accessible from the entrance and gives way to a relaxing daybed. The Isla 40’s design is as sporty as it is seductive. In this pivotal 40-foot size, the performance/comfort compromise is a subtle equation, the Isla 40 scores highly, with sufficient but controlled volumes everywhere. A visible compromise on the water - the balanced silhouette is pleasing, but also on paper with a light displacement of less than 9 tons and a sail area of nearly 105 m² (1,150 sq ft) – giving a very favorable sail area to weight ratio. It should be noted that the Isla 40, in addition to its sandwich construction, is equipped with four buoyancy zones. The assembly of the catamaran’s steering components is robust and all the elements such as the rod connecting the two rudders and the autopilot ram are accessible. The helm and manoeuvring station is raised, but not on the flybridge. This layout offers many advantages: perfect visibility over the water, user-friendliness thanks to the double bench seat and the proximity of the cockpit, accessible sailing manoeuvres, the possibility of intervening on deck, a pleasant silhouette, better centering of weights, more mainsail area. The mainsail is quick to hoist. As soon as the overlapping genoa is unfurled, the Isla 40 starts to move even though there’s barely a ripple on the water. From the three winches and two banks of clutches, the helmsman easily manages all sailing manoeuvres. The deck is clean, bare and efficient. The side decks are at least 0.62 m (2 feet) wide; the non-slip is effective even when wet, and the handrails are right there on the coachroof. Forward, is sunbathing space, just behind the trampolines. As for the cockpit, it is protected by the generous - yet discreet - bimini. The anchoring gear is well designed and easy to use. Close to the galley, the table seats five, but with the addition of four stools, you could squeeze in ten guests. To starboard, a comfortable lounger is an invitation to idleness. This seat is complemented by a 1.86 m (6- foot) aft bench seat. The large open areas facilitate circulation and access to the deck as well as to the wide sugarscoops. The sliding bay door is of course the entry point – all on the same level - between the cockpit and the saloon. The opening is wide: the main door, which folds away into the bulkhead of the nav-station. Fountaine Pajot has kept its sloping, forward windows, topped with the peak of a cap. This configuration avoids the greenhouse effect. The windows are wide on the sides, with the view very open towards the stern, so many windows make the saloon particularly luminous, especially since the structural uprights of the coachroof seem rather discreet. Forward, the two very large opening hatches provide effective ventilation. The L-shaped galley is completed by a 3-burner hob, oven, double sink and drawer-type refrigerators. All the navigation equipment is grouped together to starboard, near the cockpit. This new layout is very strategic, being close to the helmsman, meaning that a comfortable watch can be kept from the interior. As a result, the saloon has a very enticing lounger, to port. The saloon table can be transformed into a double berth. In the hulls, there are three or four cabins and two to four bathrooms. In the aft cabins, there are island beds. The Isla 40 perfectly embodies the spirit and innovative design of Fountaine Pajot and is distinguished by elegant and invigorating lines that are recognisable the world over. Further information can be obtained by contacting Multihull Solutions on 1300 855 338 or emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au
SPECIFICATIONS ISLA 40
LENGTH: 11.93 M BEAM: 6.63 M DRAFT: 1.21 M DISPLACEMENT: 8.9 T MAINSAIL AREA: 59 M² GENOA: 36 M² ENGINES: 2 X 20 HP OR 2 X 30 HP VOLVO FUEL CAPACITY: 300 L WATER: 2 X 265 L
