BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE OCT - DEC 2019 by BOAT GOLD COAST

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Editor’s Note

rogress. It means a forward or onward movement towards a destination, or development towards an improved or more advanced condition.

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) reported that 90% of the boats in Australia are trailer boats. They also indicated that there is an increase in the mum-dad boaters, an increased interest in the boating experience from the millennials, and an increased focus on children, in the past few years. Although the sharing economy is becoming a norm in our current society, the boating sector in Australia, however, seems to be slow on the uptake, according to BIA’s Darren Vaux. Australia’s marine industry reports an $8.65bn turnover for the period 20182019. The industry has very high confidence that there will be continued growth in the next few years. With economic growth comes growth in jobs and in opportunities for other sectors, such as tourism and education. This is reflected in the Gold Coast boating sector. Being the hub of the industry, the opportunities are endless. But beyond the numbers, we should also take a look at our boating experiences in our waterways and offshore. The dynamic nature of boating and fishing allows us to flow where nature is leading us. For instance, the changes in some fishing regulations are a consequence of studies on how our fisheries are also changing. In order to protect them, we need to manage fishing activities that directly impact on identified species. Our advantage as boaters is that we are direct witnesses to our environment. Our ability to be close to wild nature – waterways, bays and oceans – also provides us the privilege of experiencing an ecosystem that land-based adventurers cannot experience. The unique opportunities of boating should then give us a sense of responsibility for the environment in which we conduct our activities. In this edition, we quickly talk about seagrass, a very special part of our ecosystem often taken for granted. As stewards of the water world, boaters are simply asked to be aware and respect the roles of other living things in our environment.

Our Crew PUBLISHER

Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

ADVERTISE

Richard Newman

andy@boatgoldcoast.com.au richard@boatgoldcoast.com.au

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

Jim Wetherill, Sonia Wilkinson, Marnie Ebeling, Martin Schwede, Kellie Byrnes, Chris Logan, Stuart Ballantyne, Lani Esp-Morse, Steve Rowell, John Curnow, Sarah Schwaner, Tanya Rabe, Claire Strodder, Lisa Ratcliff, Frances Mulcahy, Sharon Smallwood, Lowen Taylor, David Bradburn, Michelle Felton.

COVER PHOTO

With taut lines, a new stepped hull and a stylish deck plan, the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is the first of a new generation. Easy to handle, comfortable and smart. (Photo by Gilles Martin-Raget)

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Ensuring safety around us is also a major responsibility of boaters. We should continue to look out for each other and look out for other users of the waterways and oceans. Nature can be cruel at times, so it is a boater’s unique skills that can help in times of need. For instance, speed limits are in place not for the sole purpose of restricting movement – they are there in order to ensure that all waterways users remain safe, and to promote a wholesome boating experience for all. As we head out towards the end of the year, let us reflect on our personal progress by looking back in the past – “Where was our destination, and did we get there?” We can also look back simply to check what has improved and what still needs to be improved. Now that summer is just around the corner, our team at the magazine invite you to continue cherishing your boating lifestyle – whether it is for fishing, cruising, playing, partying, living, or other recreation. And remember to keep us as your companion on your journeys ahead.

Roselle

editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

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Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast, P.O. Box 7441, G.C.M.C 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 10 Photo: RIB Raft-Up 16 Armada Safari 24 Paul Burt Fishing 34 Snapper Off Straddie 38 Onboard Tools 46 Motorsailor Review 52 Shodai: Boat Builder 62 McLaren History 67 Jacobs Well Fish Club 68 Crossing Coastal Bars 70 Kids' Lifejacket 72 Safe Anchoring 77 Christmas Gift Ideas

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Products Guide 8 2 Rowing Pacific Ocean 8 84 Changes to DCV Rules 86 Local Waterways News 90 Events Guide 93 St Helena Cup Regatta 94 Shaggers Rendezvous 96 Water Ski Stunt Show 98 Hovercraft Club 102 Pirate’s Lifestyle 106 Moreton Bay Cruiser 108 Seagrass

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BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BRIG DAY OUT ON WAVE BREAK Photo Jim Wetherill

INTERVIEW BY ANDY KANCACHIAN

igid inflatable boats have become an iconic part of Queensland boating, and no less iconic is the Sirocco Marine dealership in Coomera that distribute the BRIG inflatable range. The perpetually chilled company director, Dylan Lopez, has really shown off the company’s branding prowess with their iconic BRIG fedora hat promotions at the city’s big boat shows, and the 2019 BRIG Day Out on Wave Break Island, where they assembled 30 big and small rigid inflatables. The BRIG Day Out promised to be the start of another iconic BRIG tradition. The die-hard boaties at Sirocco Marine took time off to enjoy their BRIG boats with their families and a gathering of BRIG owners, and several newcomers to the Gold Coast boating lifestyle. Amidst the dealer RIB (rigid-inflatable boat) demo boats and customer boats, the flotilla included most of the famous BRIG range. “It’s going to be our annual opportunity to kick-back and relax. We had 50 existing customers support the event, and more than 200 boaters came along to experience the BRIG boats. The highlight was the fastest BRIG on water, a 450hp Nizpro supercharged BRIG Eagle 8 which notched up a BRIG speed record on the Broadwater.” The beach party included a beach barbeque and music with plenty of time to get hands-on with a million-dollars worth of BRIG boats. “We want to break down barriers to boating, and invited people to socialise with owners and see what they love about BRIG boating. This two-day annual family-friendly funtastic event has a cool nautical vibe and plenty of incentives for people to dip a toe into boating.” The public were offered boat transfers via the intrepid Sealegs amphibious vessel from Charis Seafood and The Spit, for those who were also attending the Polo By The Sea. “The RIB boats are ideal for Queensland waters as they offer a dry high-performance ride with outstanding stability. Other benefits include easy-to-maintain features, a stylish design, and are very easy to berth or beach. This makes RIBs ideal for cruising, entertaining, diving and island hopping. They also make excellent luxury charter tenders, chase boat, and picnic boat.”

ABOUT THE PHOTO by Jim Wetherill I have been fortunate enough to do some work for the team at Sirocco Marine in Queensland. This affords me the opportunity to take out some of their amazing range of boats while taking in the stunning conditions and locations that the Broadwater has to offer. The local waters have so many stunning locations to shoot, each adventure can take you somewhere enchanting, and you never know whom you will meet. You can design the adventure you want, whether it is solitude or a catch-up with friends. The choice is yours! The entire event was based off the island. During the day, we had the boats on the beach, which made easier access to the boats for the visitors. Throughout the evening, to save the constant repositioning due to the tide, rafting was the safest option. It did have its challenges when the wind picked up, so ensuring the main vessel was securely anchored was the key. The weather on that weekend became intense. Although the stunning Queensland weather was warm, we had a bit of wind to contend with later in the day. So knowing the limitations of the equipment was paramount, as there is no point in being a hero and losing your equipment. I was mainly shooting stills that weekend with an SLR camera. However, I always like to get the drone up, where possible, to make the most of the stunning scenery. This image was taken using a Mavic 2 Pro drone that comes with a powerful camera, capable of capturing 4K videos at 30fps. Thanks to its 3-axis, mechanical stabilisation system, you can capture crystal clear footage and eliminate camera tilts and bumps. Reflections in the bright conditions are always a challenge when shooting in such nice weather, so choosing the right time of day is the key. The RIBs pictured here are a BRIG Eagle 10, BRIG Eagle 8, BRIG Eagle 780, BRIG Eagle 5, Sealegs 7.7 RIB, with a total retail value of $950,000. OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Ph: 1300 CREDIT creditone.com.au

Negotiating

Sale Price Of Your Boat T

he sale of your boat and its price can vary depending on the time of year, market demand, and how the negotiations are handled. The process of negotiation is like a tennis match, as you try to maximise the dollar value of your boat. What is the lowest price you are willing to sell for and how flexible are you on the selling price? If you have ever purchased a house and fell in love with it, you know all too well you will do anything to own that house. A potential buyer who falls in love with your boat will do anything to own that boat. So when selling your boat, you should consider all the options to maximise your appeal to the market. You have to consider time of year, how many boats the same as yours are for sale, the price of the boat compared to others, and how you will attract the buyers. Once you have gathered this information, you can then work out the best time you should sell. Besides price, other details of the sale may be negotiable, such as financing, and how long will it take for you to receive the money. You have to consider the location of the potential buyer and how the delivery will occur. You can consider bundling all this into the sale price as it may appeal to the potential buyer.

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WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR LOWEST PRICE Know your lowest price – and we mean your rock bottom lowest price – even before you negotiate. However, do not list it as your lowest price. Buyers always want a great deal, and letting them think they got a great deal by going through the price negotiation, and lowering the price – without going below your rock bottom price – will help close the deal. If the asking price is too high, you will not attract the buyers. The best thing you can do is to conduct your market research. A good place to start is searching boat sales websites. OFFERS, OFFERS, OFFERS Like anyone wanting a great deal, the potential buyers always start at low offers. If an offer is higher than your rock bottom price, there is no other way for you but up. If the first offer is too low, be upfront about it and stay polite. This is only the beginning of the tennis match. Now the fun part – when the counter offers begin. You can go back to them with the original price, but if you lower the price slightly, the buyer may still be interested and be willing to counter-offer again. You now have what you call a “real

buyer”. You should continue to negotiate multiple times and try to close the deal. These negotiations can go on for weeks, depending on the price of your asset. Most are generally over after two or three counter-offers where you can finally agree on the price. It should not be too hard to agree on a final price after the counter offers have commenced. You can finally seal the deal, work out a settlement date and deliver time, and you have finally successfully sold selling your asset! Credit One is the perfect option when considering finance for your potential buyers. They do basically everything for you making it completely hassle free. Credit One is available 7 days a week on 1300 CREDIT (1300 273 348) taking care of all the finance needs and its absolutely FREE! Visit www.creditone.com.au, or email boats@creditone.com.au. The team at Credit One are also authorised agents of Club Marine and are happy to provide an obligation free insurance quote whether you are financing your boat purchase or paying cash.

OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT EVENT

Your Invitation To Join BRIG ARMADA ON SAFARI that passage-making to exciting and distant exotic locations is not only achievable in our wide range of Brig RIBs, but it is desirable, fun, safe and affordable. You do not have to own a Brig to attend. We encourage anyone who is interested in a RIB experience to contact us. We have limited spaces available on Brig demonstrator models and invite owners of other vessels to join in the fun with us. IN GOOD HANDS WITH FLEET CAPTAIN

ife’s better with a boat! If you are going to live in a place surrounded by pristine waterways and beautiful islands, then take advantage of spending your downtime on your own floating palace on the water. The Brig Safari, travelling to Tangalooma in October, was conceived by our team to deliver fun on our waterways for everyone involved. We want to gather a group of like-minded individuals and Brig owners to travel together on a weekend. Our group escapade will highlight the versatility of their watercraft, while exploring the beautiful waterways in our southeast Queensland backyard. This activity will hopefully help teach and build boating confidence, and establish long friendships. The success of the Brig Day Out 2019 in June was a driving factor to our ultimate commitment to organise more Brig social events. The Brig Safari’s format has been built around the vibe that made the Brig Day Out such an enjoyable experience for all. GREAT EVENT FOR SOMEONE THINKING OF BUYING A RIB This event is designed to further highlight the versatility of the Brig-designed Rigid Intelligent Boat. We aim to show our existing and potential Brig owners

We are expecting around 90 participants to join our Brig Safari adventure. We will have six demonstrator vessels participating in the cruise and we have commitments from a further 20 Brig owners. Nearly every model in the current product range is entered in the Safari, from our smallest Brig Eagle 340 to our flagship Eagle 10. All of the necessary safety precautions for our Brig Armada have and will be taken, including notifying all appropriate authorities. Our fleet captain, Tom Carlisle, has extensive search-and-rescueoperations experience. His credentials include being a rescue boat operator instructor, coastal and offshore navigation instructor, national power boat handling instructor, boat license instructor, former commercial captain, international delivery captain, Australian Offshore Power Boat Club Race director, and extensive offshore yacht racing history. Our Brig Eagle 10 and our Navigator 730 are our designated support vessels with towing set-ups, spare fuel, jump packs, and basic tools. The operators of these vessels, including Captain Tom, are trained in search and rescue, as well as towing operations. There is no set demographic of participants – companies, families, friends, men, women, and children alike. The Brig Safari is for anyone who has a keen sense of adventure and a love for the ocean. This is not a dangerous event and no special level of fitness is required. (Our oldest participant is 80 years old!). We encourage participants of all

ages, even including children, provided they are accompanied by a guardian or parent at all times. DESTINATION TANGALOOMA Our crew have been to Tangalooma many times. There is no better way to get there than in your own boat. We will meet our Brig family at the newly built Boat Works Super Yacht Marina before catching the Brig train to Espresso Twenty5 Café for an exclusive viewing of the Tony Longhurst classic car museum where we outline a complete itinerary and safety briefing. The Brig Safari fleet will set off down the north arm of Coomera River, via Jumpinpin, stopping at slipping sands for the kids, via Canaipa Channel to Horse Shoe Bay at Peel Island, where we stop for a fully catered bbq lunch. Then, via Mud Island, we head towards Moreton Island, on whichever side of the bay is most sheltered to destination Tangalooma Resort. The action does not stop once we are on land. We want you to unwind and relax after our first day, filling our glasses and our stomachs with delectable food and beverages and watching the sunset. Brig dinners are always very fun. Our lighthearted family and crew make the most of all occasions bringing everyone together for a good time and a laugh. The evening entertainment gets started with resident quizmaster 'Mad Maurie' conducting the monster bingo, horse racing game and trivia competition. You might choose to sing your lungs out with karaoke too. You can also relax, have fun and wind down at Tangalooma Resort with other nightly happenings, or simply enjoy drinks with your friends and listen to some casual live music. Bring your yoga mat and lay it by the beach at sunrise, letting the clean fresh morning sea air through your lungs as you practice all your favourite yoga asanas. Then, you can head to Tursiops for buffet breakfast to enjoy some fresh fruit, juice, cereals and yogurt. OCT - DEC 2019

Event October 19-20

See, touch, and trial the boating lifestyle

TO TANGALOOMA RESORT

All day, you can explore the island’s untouched national park and marine environment of Moreton Bay, one of the few destinations where visitors can interact with native wildlife, including dolphins, stingrays, dugongs and countless sea birds in their natural environments. We are planning a guided snorkel tour through the magical Tangalooma shipwrecks. The crystal clear waters that surround the wrecks are filled with over 200 species of fish and 130 species of coral, three different species of marine sea turtle, dolphins and even resident Wobbegong sharks and stingrays. Then, we finish off your day by hand-feeding wild dolphins before watching them speed into the shallows, where they play together and entertain until it is time to be fed. Each one has its own special nature and you will learn from the experts about their quirky ways. The following day, our trip home will be via Raby Bay to refuel and refreshments at Hogs Breath Café. The journey back through Southern Moreton Bay Islands and the upper reaches of the Broadwater will be at the discretion of our fleet captain, depending on the weather, ensuring the best boating conditions.

BRIG BOATING LIFESTYLE ON THE GOLD COAST

Feeling like you are a part of something special and fun is what life is all about. The Brig Safari experience is about being part of our family, the real sense of camaraderie among those already involved and those who are just starting out with us. Brig and Sirocco Marine have already made their footprint in the sand with top-of-the-range RIBS. This event is about taking the time to build a sense of community. The event is sponsored by: The Boat Works www.theboatworks.com.au TFH www.tfh.com.au Club Marine www.clubmarine.com.au Aus Loans www.ausloans.com.au Davco www.davcowinch.com.au Sealegs www.sealegs.com Marine & RV Electronics www.marinervelectronics.com.au Espresso Twenty 5 Cafe www.espressotwenty5.com.au BOOKING DEADLINE: 16th OCTOBER, 2019 Visit www.siroccomarinenorth.com, click on one of the brands of boats and head to the Contact Us page. Enter the required information, and our staff will get in touch with you.

Important Safety Matters Vessels are required to meet all Queensland state regulations and registration requirements. A safety self-assessment will be completed by all owners prior to departure and all attendees are required to attend a safety and procedures meeting on the morning of departure. Vessels under 5 meters will not be permitted to enter the event if a strong wind warning is issued for the days of operation and the event will be cancelled if a gale warning is present. The event and or participants and vessels may be cancelled or not permitted to enter at the discretion of the fleet captain.

Australia’s largest inflatable boat specialist 14/75 Waterway Drive Coomera QLD 4209 Dylan Lopez

T 07 5519 9653 M 0424 487 226 E dylan@siroccomarinenorth.com brig.com.au

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OCT - DEC 2019

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OCT - DEC 2019

GET READY FOR SUMMER A CONVENIENT LOCATION TO REFRESH YOUR BOAT

old Coast Antifoul at Runaway Bay Marina will apply a special type of paint used on the bottom of boats to protect from microorganisms that can eat away at your boat hull and reduce the efficiency of your vessel. Boat antifoul will provide a protective layer between your boat and the marine life, which usually lasts between 12 and 18 months depending on your location. In high flow tidal areas, boat antifouling will need to be done a little more regularly than in a slow moving tidal area due to many more micro-organisms passing by and attaching to the boat. Gold Coast Antifouling offer a one-stop service for all your boat antifouling needs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for brand new boats and used boats. They are also an agent for Prop Speed propeller antifoul, which can improve your boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance and economy. They offer a range of additional services from their associated business, Runaway Bay Marine Cover and Bullet Boats, including boat detailing and cleaning, custom-made boat covers, equipment maintenance and service, and fibreglass repairs. The team pride themselves on delivering fast and extremely professional service from quality tradesmen, taking care of all your boat maintenance needs. For a free estimate on antifouling your boat, call the Gold Coast anti-fouling experts. Ph: 0417 173 257

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Tech start-up Book My Boat recently launched a new and innovative online boat hire marketplace that promises to change boating in Australia forever. We caught up with them at the Brisbane Boat Show to learn more about the business and the new and exciting opportunities it creates for boaters throughout Australia. Q: So what is Book My Boat and how does it work? Book My Boat is an online marketplace, similar to the likes of airbnb and camplify. Private boat owners can list their boats for hire when they are not using them, creating a new opportunity to generate an income from their idle boat. We provide a booking system, secure payment gateway, comprehensive insurance and all the procedures required to rent your boat out with peace of mind. For existing Boat Hire companies, Book My Boat is a brand-new marketing platform where they can boost their exposure and generate new business Q: Generating an income from our idle boats. What a great idea. Where did the business concept come from? Collectively, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved in the Maritime-Transport/Tourism, Boat Hire and the Technology industries for over 20 years. With the share economy booming in other industries around Australia and the world (think Uber, Airbnb, camplify to name a few) we thought it was about time the Australian Boating industry enjoyed the benefits it can provide. .

Q: Can anyone list their boat for hire? Yes, almost anyone can list their boat for hire. The first step is to register the boat as a Domestic Commercial Vessel with AMSA. The great news is that boats under 7.5m length and powered by an outboard engine may be exempt from needing a Certificate of Survey (AMSA EX02) when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re registered as a Hire and Drive vessel. This removes the costs and inspection requirements that were previously mandatory. AMSA have done a great job optimising the domestic commercial vessel requirements in recent years which has really simplified the requirements for low risk operations such as sheltered waters Hire and Drive operations. Q: What about boats over 7.5m? Are these able to be hired out via the Book My Boat platform too? Yes, absolutely. Boats of all size are welcome as long as they maintain commercial registration. Q: Do you assist boat owners transfer their registrations to Hire and Drive? Yes, a large part of what we do is assist boat owners upgrade to a commercial Hire and Drive registration. We manage the entire application process on behalf of the boat owner which includes creating a tailored Safety Management System, lodging and monitoring the applications with AMSA. The other benefit to the Hire and Drive registration is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very affordable. A 5-year registration with AMSA costs only $377. This gives a massive saving of over $1,400 when compared to recreational boat registration of a 6m long boat. Plus, if you rent your boat out, some of your boat and associated expenses can generally be deducted from your annual tax return.

Q: Wow, so this means your rego, storage, repairs and maintenance, fuel etc can all be considered as a possible tax deduction? Yes, absolutely. Proportionate to the hire use. Q: So what are the Book My Boat benefits for existing boat hire companies? As a peer to peer marketplace we have independent boat owners and customers frequently promoting listings via their own social media accounts. This creates huge exposure and traffic through the marketplace, far more than a typical company can generate or expect to receive organically. The marketplace becomes a hype of rental activity throughout Australia and the perfect place for a Boat Hire operator to promote their business and secure new sales from locals and tourists alike. We offer a discounted commission for existing Boat Hire companies who maintain their own insurance. Boab Boat Hire has recently come onboard with their 9 franchises and 30 boats which is a great show of support and validation for what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing. Q: Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good point. What happens with my insurance if I were to rent out my boat on the Book My Boat marketplace? Book My Boat has arranged for comprehensive insurance coverage for the entire rental period. This means that both the boat owner and customer are covered should there be an unfortunate incident. Boat owners should still maintain their private insurance for their own recreational use. Q: OK, so how do we rent a boat online? Just log on to www.bookmyboat.com.au and follow the prompts. Once you create your account you can rent your first boat within minutes. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve currently got boats for hire in multiple locations along the east coast and with new listings being added regularly, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon have boats everywhere to suit everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Q: How can boat owners contact you if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in listing their boat for hire? They can visit our website www.bookmyboat.com.au which contains all of our contact details or jump onto social media where we can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. Alternatively, Boab Boat Hire has come onboard as our regional dealers and can assist boat owners in their local areas.

bookmyboat.com.au BookMyBoat Pty Ltd P: 0416 213 054 | E: support@bookmyboat.com.au

OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT ANGLER

Paul Burt

: The pelagics down deep

sea mountains generally climb close U nderwater to the surface. These are the areas up and down

In these areas, the seamounts can climb from 100 metres deep all the way up to within 12 metres of the surface. The up-rising from the ocean floor is perfect to attract a variety of species.

Live-aboard fishing charter boats take days to get to these grounds. Charter sea planes fly across hundreds of miles of ocean. One can also head to a remote island in the South Pacific where seamounts can be found within a few minutes boat ride from shore. No matter how far away, there are options for fishermen who are keen, where at times, money is not an issue.

Throughout the warmer months of the year with the ocean currents coming down from the tropics, we see a great variety of fish moving through, such as yellowfin tuna, mackerel, wahoo, marlin, and dolphinfish. But there are also a few others. These ‘others’ are the species that anglers are now targeting — the GT, or more commonly known as giant trevally.

the east coast of the country — in fact throughout the entire Pacific — that anglers dream of getting to.

Across southeast Queensland, we have these seamounts in rather close proximity. In fact, if you have a boat big enough to hold two or three anglers, you too can get out there and fish these areas. Whether it is off Moreton Island, Tweed Heads or Brunswick Heads, these grounds are often covered by many anglers throughout different times of the year.

I can recall growing up on the Gold Coast, back in the early 90’s, fishing the Tweed 9 Mile Reef generally after the most horrible of swells have moved through, and the Tweed Bar was ugly and impassable. I was still Gung-ho to know what was out there after this weather event, and that would make us head out. Lifejackets would be tied around our rods and reels, which at that time where our prized possessions. We would cross

the notorious bar and head out to the 9 Mile where the pelagics would be chasing bait as it scattered out, the water shimmering like a mirror across the surface. Wahoo and mackerel would cruise past the boat, but they were not the fish we were after. We were after the GT. Schools of these fish upwards of 100 or more, and in excess of 30 kilograms would cruise across the surface. It was just a matter of casting a live bait straight in front of them. And really, you did not have to wait for long before your drag started to scream off. Back then, poppers and stick baits were really something you did not use. They were more for the tropics, the areas around Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. We did not need to use those here until a decade later when sport lure fishing was introduced into the region. Along with advanced technology came massive changes. With this constant evolving new technology,

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Simon Amos with 65lb giant trevally at 500feet deep off the eastern seaboard shelf

you can now chart the water temperatures on your computer at home or any device, and pretty much pinpoint where the warm ocean currents are moving through at any time of the year. This enables the angler to go out there and target these fish anywhere within boat distance during even the coolest of days and the calmest of weather. Rod and reel outfits can start low in price and climb as high as the sky. But for me, the perfect pop/live bait all rounder outfit is one that can be used in a lot of different applications — spinning lures, casting dead baits, live baiting and even trolling. I choose an outfit that is affordable but will knock over the biggest of fish and still leave money in the bank for other necessities. An example would be the Saragosa 25000 spooled with 80 Kairiki Braid, 120pound Tiagra fluorocarbon leader matched with the PE 3-6 Shimano Jewel 8 foot spin rod from Anaconda. A few months ago a warmer patch of water around a kilometre square move down off Moreton Island and in the middle of Winter, wahoo, mackerel and giant trevally were caught on stick baits in an area called the Sevens just north of Point Lookout. This patch of warm water was located on the charts. With that knowledge,

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it was enough for anglers to try their luck, which proved to be on the money with plenty of fish caught. It is not only these seamounts that hold these amazing giants of the sea. The GTs are also in the deeper pinnacles and ledges along the shelf located in excess of 100 metres of water. These reefs during the cooler months of the year hold a lot of bait, and yes believe me, the GT will move into these waters in excess of 500 feet to feed on the schools of bait.

you would go out and specifically target in winter, whereas in Summer or in those warmer patches of water, you would. So keep an open mind, the fish are there, just more spread out during the cooler months. Next time you hook-up onto that monster of the deep and it bricks you, sit back and think, “Was it a GT…?”

I asked the question to anglers out there, “Have you ever hooked onto something in the deeper waters that would just drag the line off your reel like you’ve never felt before? Or maybe had that super hard hookup, the fish comes up off the bottom a few metres and then race back down like an amberjack or kingfish but then breaks you off? And you ask yourself, ‘If only I saw what it was or if only I saw the colour of the fish…’ But no, you are left to think for the rest of your fishing life of what it could have been.” Well — surprise! — it could have been a giant trevally. Again these fish do hunt in deeper waters. They will hang around and school up with kingfish and amberjack along the wider shelf grounds searching for food. But it is not really a species that

Heath Robertson with 60lb giant trevally at Sevens off Point Lookout

BOAT REVIEW

Nitro 650 Cabin

Value & Performance

NITRO GLASS

640 WALKAROUND & 650 CABIN Nitro 640 Walkaround

giving a range of 170 nautical miles to a tank in good weather conditions. At wide open throttle, the maximum speed is 38 knots @ 5700 rpm and it’s estimated to use just over 70 litres per hour. Both boats have a cabin which can easily accommodate two adults sleeping fully stretched out, which makes for a comfortable overnight stay onboard. Combined with an onboard toilet, high freeboard, fully upholstered cabin with shelving, and cushioned rear seats, these boats are certainly family friendly especially with young children on board.

f you are looking for the perfect all rounder for both the family and the avid fisherman, then you won’t need to look further than the 640 Walkaround or 650 Cabin from Nitro Marine. These vessels are based on the classic deep V hull shape, which have stylish lines and a proven soft ride, even in the most demanding weather conditions. Both boats have an overall length of 6.5 metres, a beam of 2.5 metres, recommended engine size between 150hp and 225hp, 170 litre underfloor fuel tank, spacious cabin, and identical layout internally. The only difference between the two vessels is that the 640 Walkaround has, as its name suggests, has a wide gunnel (which is also guarded by high support rails) allowing easier access to the anchor or when chasing a yellowfin tuna doing circle work around your boat.

For the keen fisherman amongst us, the gunnel mount rod holders, stainless steel rocket launcher, bait board, underfloor kill tank or live bait tank, and two fish boxes are certainly a welcome addition. The well-placed grab rails for passengers are also ver y practical when travelling in blue water. The Nitro 640 Walkaround with a 135 Mercur y 4 stroke is priced at $66,987 or 8.99%*. The Nitro 650 Cabin with a 135 Mercur y 4 stroke is priced at $68,876 at 8.99 %*, making these vessels a ver y attractive proposition indeed. (*Terms and Conditions apply).

Standard Features - Overall Length 6.5m Ma xBeam 2.5m - Transom Beam 2.18m Transom Deadrise 22 degrees Specified HP 135 -225 - 4 Rod Holders Navigation L ights - Luxur y Seats with Boosters Fully Upholstered Cabin Interior with Back Rest & Shelving - Removable Squabs with Storage underneath Cabin in-fill Cushion Acr ylic Windscreen - 4 Recessed Grab Rails Glass Cabin Hatch - Twin Walk-Through Transoms Hydraulic Steering - 170 L itre U/F Fuel Tank Boarding L adder - Bilge Pump A nchor Hatch - Cockpit Storage Shelves 2 Fish Boxes with Upholstered Seat L ids Stainless Steel L atches & Cleats - Toilet Rocket L auncher - Removable Ski Pole Removable Bait Board - Privacy Cur tain

Nitro Marine has over 120 0sqm of indoor showroom, as well as lots of room outside showcasing our new and used boats and trailers. 167 Currumburra Road, Ashmore, Gold Coast (07) 5532 5812 sales@nitromarine.com.au

Nitro 650 Cabin

With a combined boat, motor, and trailer weight of approximately 2100kg, these boats can be legally towed using a late model Holden Commodore sedan when using a braked trailer (see note 3). This is obviously an important factor to consider when purchasing a new vessel, without needing to upgrade your towing vehicle as well. When paired with a 200hp Mercury 4 stroke outboard, the fuel economy is very reasonable for boats of their size. With a cruising speed of around 20 knots @ 3500 rpm, it’s estimated the vessel uses approximately 20 litres per hour, 26

OCT - DEC 2019

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For all your Sales, Parts & Service needs Large stocks of TwoStroke & FourStroke Mercury Motors Stockists of BLA & Yeti products

NITRO 620 BOW RIDER

POLYCRAFT 4.5M SIDE CONSOLE

$66,990

$22,990

Mercury 135hp 4S, Dunbier trailer and registration

Mercury 60hp 4S, Oceanic trailer, safety gear and registration

Or from $225.84/week*

or from $81.15/week*

SEA JAY 590 VISION

NITRO 640 WALK AROUND

Mercury 150hp, Dunbier trailer, safety gear and registration

Mercury 135hp 4S, Dunbier trailer and registration

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BOAT REVIEW

F-Line 33 Squadron 68

Looking to the future THE NEW 50FT RANGE FROM FAIRLINE YACHTS The Targa 50 OPEN, Targa 50 GT and Squadron 50 – these three yachts build on our already wellestablished 48ft offering, with key specification and aesthetic differences, courtesy of the Fairline Yachts Design Studio, headed by Wayne Huntley. With a thoroughly contemporary and stylish look, the new 50ft yachts have luxurious details synonymous with Fairline, coupled with a more sporty, racy feel. The new exterior styling features stunning anthracite vinyl wrapped hardtops. There is a bold choice of burnt orange, vivid red or electric blue exterior upholstery, and complementing helm seats, creating a standout impression as soon as you step onboard. The signature Fairline Yachts feature bulkhead gives the master cabin added wow factor. The interior has rich, luxurious textures throughout. These include New Zealand wool twist carpets, oak flooring, Carrara white marble worktops, Italian leather, highlights of satin bronze, and carefully considered atmospheric lighting throughout. The 50ft range comes with a choice of twin Volvo IPS 600, 650 or 700 engine options, the latter providing a top speed in excess of 34 knots. With user-friendly joystick controls, Volvo’s impressive IPS engines offer excellent manoeuvrability, outstanding performance and low emissions. Each of these yachts is available with Fairline’s first Premium Pack, a turnkey solution that offers owners an easy route to boating. Specification highlights in the Premium Pack include high-capacity air-conditioning, an Onan 11Kw generator, a submersible bathing platform with 400kg lifting capacity, a Sleipner bow thruster, a 21kg Ultra anchor with 50m stainless steel chain, Fusion entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, teak-laid flybridge floor on the Squadron model, a 12” Volvo GPS Map 8612 touchscreen display, blue exterior mood lighting, and wet bar complete with griddle, fridge, icemaker and sink. THE NEW SQUADRON 68 This year’s Cannes Yachting Festival will be the first to see Fairline launch multiple boats to the global market, starting with the eagerly anticipated Squadron 68. Featuring the award-winning Italian design of Alberto Mancini and world-renowned engineering from Vripack, the Squadron 68 is effortlessly chic, blending luxury design and a well-considered layout with 28

Fairline’s celebrated build quality and seakeeping ability. Initially called the Squadron 64, the new spacious flybridge model has been renamed to reflect its grand proportions. The Squadron 68 offers 12% more lower deck accommodation space, a 5% larger main deck saloon area, and a 10% bigger flybridge than the outgoing Squadron 65. The Squadron 68 adds another dimension to Fairline’s established Squadron range, designed in line with the brand’s ethos that nothing should get in the way of the perfect getaway. Racing out to new destinations is what the elegant Squadron 68 is designed for. Take in your surroundings from the elevated flybridge, with the breeze on your face and the horizon all around you. Dine with friends in the single-level saloon, served from the well-equipped galley. Lightness, space and a fluid design make time above or below deck both graceful and free flowing. With no question, this is a yacht that will move you. Spend all day on the expansive flybridge, with three individually styled areas to suit your mood. From triple sun loungers to sumptuous dining to forward seating, the Squadron 68 adapts to whatever you want to do, whenever you want to do it. Whether resting at anchor or cruising offshore, adjust your environment to enhance your experience, just the way you like it. With contemporary styling by Alberto Mancini, the Squadron 68 is effortlessly modern. Packed with the latest technologies, the highest quality of materials and made by hand in England. The new Squadron 68 pairs fashionable convenience with a considered layout ensuring family adventures beckon every time you approach its sheer, alluring beauty. THE NEW F-LINE 33 EXPRESS CRUISER The second yacht to be launched in Cannes is Fairline’s new express cruiser, the F-Line 33, which draws on Fairline’s heritage of producing fun and exciting day boats. Once again designed by 2018’s World Yacht Trophies Yacht Designer of the Year winner, Alberto Mancini, the entry-level model is made for summer time entertaining. The deck features a large forward sun bed and a spacious aft seating area, which is configurable to another sun bed. In terms of power, the F-Line 33 is configured with twin Volvo Penta V6-240 petrol engines. But for even greater performance, the options of either twin Volvo V8-430s or twin Mercruiser 8.2 litre petrol V8s are offered. A diesel option utilising twin D3-220s from Volvo is also available.

Targa 50 GT A beautifully sculptured day boat – When it comes to the sheer good looks of the F-LINE 33, these few words really do say it all. With Alberto Mancini’s intelligent design providing luxurious, relaxing space throughout, plus stunning finishing touches and the most up-to-date technology, the F-LINE 33 is not a boat that is just ready to cruise to the nearest lunch spot – it is ready for anything! With a large forward sun bed and a spacious aft seating area, configurable to another sun bed, the 33’s deck is made for summer time entertaining. The sociable self-contained cockpit galley features a high spec BBQ, fridge and ice maker. An innovative dropdown transom extends the usable space onboard by an additional three feet, creating an increased connection to the water and adds to the overall sociability of the boat. The F-Line 33 is fitted with Fusion Entertainment’s newly launched premium Apollo system, the first marine entertainment system that features a one-piece glass touchscreen display and built-in Wi-Fi streaming. Atmospheric signature lighting features thoughtfully throughout the boat, creating a warm ambience onboard whilst looking striking externally. The simple touch screen glass bridge helm reflects the boat’s sleek lines and has been designed with ease of use front of mind. Fittings such as cleats and fender eyes are neatly hidden away, and pop up when required. The boat’s interior flows seamlessly, featuring a mid-cabin with double bed, day head with shower, U-shaped seating with table and bed conversion. The entry-level model has twin Volvo Penta V6-240 petrol engines but for even greater performance the option of either twin Volvo V8-430’s or twin Mercruiser 8.2 litre petrol V8’s are offered. A diesel option utilising twin D3-220’s from Volvo is also available. Fairline Yachts’ managing director, Russell Currie, states, “The F-LINE 33 shows a bold new direction for Fairline, whilst drawing on our long heritage of producing fun and exciting day boats. Critically, it represents the first new model line for Fairline for over 25 years and we are confident the boat will appeal to a new generation of boat owners, whilst retaining uncompromised Fairline quality and design, which will resonate with our existing customers.” Fairline Yachts are available locally at Leigh-Smith Yachts, Sanctuary Cove. www.lsyachts.com.au OCT - DEC 2019

A rite of passage.

Alaska Motor Yachts have evolved from a vessel aimed at the entry level boater looking for value into the class leading luxurious range of motor yachts today. With nearly 100 boats being delivered into the Australian / NZ market the evolution and drive to be the best in class is ever present whilst not losing sight of the core values and philosophy of exceeding the expectations of the most discerning and intuitive motor yacht owners.

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44 - 47 - 49 - 55 - 59 - 60 Sedan - Flybridge - Pilothouse - Yachtfisher

Alaska Sedan 49 - 96 Available April 2019

A trusted name in sales of: Motor, Sail, Fishing, Sport & Super yachts from 30ft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 160ft Fairline Targa 50GT

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Alaska 49 - $1.3M

Endurance 686

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2002 Horizon 84 Yacht Fisher 2013 Marlow 78E Explorer

$1.75M

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

$3.49M

1964 Norman Wright 82

2014 Alaska 47 Sedan

2005 Alaska 45 Sedan

2010 Cabo 38 Flybridge

$1.2M

$829,990

$459,000

$479,000

07 5577 9200 LSYachts.com.au

Dean Leigh-Smith: 0408 758 887 Ryan Leigh-Smith: 0408 758 886 Patrick Edwards: 0408 758 830 29

BOAT ANGLER

The Friendliest Club in Town By Sonia Wilkinson

COOMERA WATERS FISHING CLUB

he Coomera Waters Fishing Club (CWFC) was founded on 1 July 2018 by Brett Hoyle, a keen fisherman and new resident of Coomera Waters. After moving to the area, Brett felt that he was missing a sense of community in the district and, motivated by his passion for fishing, he decided to gather some interest for a fishing club by hosting an ‘expression of interest’ meeting in January 2018. “I found that I was living in a residential area, rather than a community,” says Brett. “At the first public meeting, I was surprised how many locals felt the same as I did.” It was at this meeting that significant interest was gathered and the committee members were elected, providing the funding to then move forward and open the club. Since then, the club has grown consistently at an estimated rate of 6% per month, with the members comprising of not only men, but women and children making up for almost half. “The committee members have been the backbone behind the club’s growth whilst many other fishing clubs decline,” says Brett. The club is popular among the residents of Coomera district and offers themselves, their families and friends, an opportunity to meet and enjoy one of Australia’s favourite recreational activities. “This fishing club is not just about fishing, but focuses on family and being part of a community,” says Brett.

get out there and fish,” says Brett. “Competitions are about comradery and friendliness, not just about winning.” Giving back is also a priority for these members. The club recently organised a Ladies Competition Day where they raised over $3000 in funds for ‘The ManKind Project’, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to empower men of all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs to find and maintain their life’s mission. As a not-for-profit club, membership is kept to a minimum and their aim is to give back to members as much as possible. The club is kindly supported by many local businesses together with Mark Berg’s Addict Tackle and Wilson Fishing. Membership for an adult costs $80, a second adult is $20 and children are $10 each with a total of $120 for a family. This includes all fishing competitions, sponsor logo giveaways, and a lucky door ticket at club meetings with up to $400 in prizes to be won. The club is suitable for all ages and open to anyone who wishes to join a family-orientated fishing club and be part of a community. If you’d like to become a member, you can download the club’s membership form from the CWFC Facebook group page @Coomera Waters Fishing Club Inc., or send an email to Scott at cwfcqld@gmail.com. Alternatively why not pop in and meet the friendly bunch for an afternoon drink at the Coomera Waters Tavern on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. All are welcome.

“In today’s world, we are all too busy to say hello to our neighbours. Many of us are too busy to even spend time with our children,” says Brett. “By joining the CWFC, you get to meet your fellow likeminded neighbours as well as spend quality time with your family. We are a family-orientated club with the passion to share information on fishing, including how and where to fish. Being able to sit and talk to people who know what they are good at and having an opportunity to learn.” Social activities are also a big part of this club’s culture. On the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm, you can find the members sipping on a cold beverage and talking all things fish at the family-friendly Coomera Waters Tavern. Fishing competitions are held on the second weekend of the month where both points and prizes are to be won. “In our first year we gave away a couple of thousand dollars worth of prizes, which were donated by our sponsors,” says Brett.

fé Ca37"E d se °25'

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As a member, you can also look forward to the club’s annual Christmas party and celebratory end of year presentation. Away fishing trips are also on the cards. This year, the club will be hosting four “bucket events” where prizes are to be won for the most amount of fish caught “to encourage everyone to 30

Tipplers Licensed Café is a family-friendly destination with live entertainment, great coffee and delicious food. Located on South Stradbroke Island, the café is the perfect place to relax for boaties, local families and visitors to the Gold Coast.

OCT - DEC 2019

Featuring the world's first hydraulic swim platform designed for outboard engine powered boats.

Jump in the GREENLINE NEO at Jumpinpin W

ith so much interest at the premiere of the all-new, revolutionary Greenline NEO Hard Top at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, we, the eYacht team, were busting to take her for a spin. At the first opportunity, we did. The harsh rays of the Queensland sun tore down like piercing swords through naked skies. Not a cloud was to be seen, and in the 28-degree heat, the crew were itching to feel the breeze. Departing from Sanctuary Cove at mid-day, the skipper, Dan Jones, and five guests set off to Jumpinpin Bar.

Interior using entire 3.5m beam

Darting around the shallow sandbanks and zooming through the deep waters, the Greenline NEO upheld a smooth and comfortable ride for the passengers, picking up speeds of up to 46 knots, taking quick, sharp turns. Our party of six were extremely relaxed through the passage, spotting baby wallabies and kangaroos along the coastline. Able to host up to sixteen passengers, the vessel offered more than enough room for the few of us to lay down and relax on the aft sun lounge, the perfect area for bronzing while feeling the fresh airflow. While everyone else is lazing about, the captain inspected the marvellous dashboard and spectacular instruments at the helm. Arriving at our destination, Dan dropped the anchor and out came the champagne and sushi. Before departure, I picked up a few platters of sushi and some Moet for everyone to share. The bow table was the perfect location to fit everyone and enjoy our surroundings. Toasting to great place, great weather and fantastic company, we giggled over silly conversations.

1.2KW solar panels as standard

After we allowed the food to settle and bubbles to fizzle, the Stingray NEO+ was brought onto the platform, while lowering the hydraulic board into the water to launch. If you have not heard of this incredible invention, an awesome company, iAqua Watersports, introduced the fun toy to Australia as an underwater sea-scooter. The idea is that you hold on to it with two hands and zoom through the water, with multiple speed settings and the ability to dive deep underwater. You control how you move. Everyone was excited to take the mini NEO for a spin, circling the big NEO, diving and jumping back up to breathe. Another team member, Jess, and I even doubled up, for twice the fun. Personally, I have not enjoyed myself in the ocean that much in a long time, I could not stop laughing. I can imagine in clear waters how cool it would be to put the snorkel on and view the reefs and swim with the fish. Our energy depleted, we decided to test out the centrepiece of the NEO, the teppanyaki grill. The island bar folds out to show off the electric barbeque and sink with fridge on the left and bin to the right. Everyone wrapped themselves around the large deck table, and Dan whipped out his chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat and apron, chopped the halloumi and let it sizzle. Within minutes, garlic and honey-coated halloumi were savoured by everyone on board. As the sun began to set behind the hills, we all sat back with some more Moet, and took in the serenity before taking off back to the docks in the dark. What an amazing finale to our spin at Jumpinpin with the Greenline NEO.

Social island galley in cockpit BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

www.eyachts.com.au

Written by Marnie Ebeling 31

BOAT LIFTS & DOCKS

The EVO Sport is the smallest of our systems designed for the new range of smaller skis, like the Sea Doo Spark and Yamaha EX, being 1.45m wide and 3.3m long, weighs 82kg and with a floatation of 320kg.

jet ski & boat docking

FLOATINGDOCKS F

loatingdocks are the Australian distributor for Wave Armor and Carolina docking systems, also providing budget modular systems. Wave Armor, from the USA, are the leaders in small docking systems. Their goal was to fully utilise their decades of experience to develop a range of products that are not only innovative, durable and functional, but also showcase a superior-designed element. Their design element is now setting the new standard in the floating dock industry. While most floating dock systems on the market today are at best functional, the Wave Armor set the pace, being virtually unsinkable with a full adjustable roller system making docking and launching so easy, without damaging your ski or boat. We stock the SLX series of jet ski and small tinny systems, being 100% roto moulded, tough for extreme performance and durability, the easiest drive on roll off

port on the market, designed with the jet ski enthusiast in mind. All Wave Armor systems include features that are above-industry standards, maintenance-free, and full UV protection. Floatingdocks have two SLX systems instock. The SLX5 system is 1.5m wide and 3.8m long, with 12 inline rollers weighing 130kg, and a floatation of 700kg. The larger SLX6 system is by far our bestselling dock, 1.8m wide and 3.8m wide, weighs 146kg with a floatation of 820kg. The extra width is designed to allow a safe and stable environment for fuelling and maintenance. The Evolution systems are the next step in docking systems. This series is the easiest and largest drive on roll off PWC ports on the markets, roto moulded, foam-filled, and packed with features like soft urethane, wheels that can be moved and adjusted to fit your jet ski or boat, with a soft rubber bow stop and a stainless steel chain for quick-clip tie-down.

The EVO6 is the largest system in the EVO range designed for the new monster skis and small boats, being 1.82m wide, 4.4m long, weighs 155kg, and with a floatation of 910kg. We have a range of accessories for all systems along with mounting arms and brackets. If you need something a little larger, we have from Carolina Docks two boat lifts, new for 2019. Carolina docks are made by Wave Armor, under licence from Carolina Docks, so the superior quality is there for all to see. Simple two-piece systems make for easy installation, and designed for ease of use and simple drive on reverse off system. The Roll N Ride XL with front extension for boats from 3.5m up to 5.5m, being 2.3m wide, 5m long, weighs 227kg, with a floatation of 1140kg. We provide extra floatation floats, if required, and mounting arms and brackets are available for side or bow mounting. Need something a little bigger? Then we also have the Roll N Ride XL with tail extension. This is suitable for boats from 5m up to 6.5m being 2.3m wide 6m long, weighs 270 kg, with a floatation of 1360kg. Side arm mounting brackets are available for both side and bow mounting. We have agents on the Gold and Sunshine Coast, distributors in NSW and a Wave Armor display in Victoria. For more information, please call Mike 0405 115 910.

OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT ANGLER

SNAPPER

OFF NORTH STRADDIE Southern Brisbane Sportfishing Club

Martin Schwede

onditions were perfect for an early morning snapper fish off North Straddie. The winds light, summer current gone and a moon still in the sky until 9.18am. We set off early Sunday morning from Jacobs Well to avoid the crowds and arrive at the Jumpinpin Bar at first light. In our favour, it was the start of the in tide and the swell was small. But the bar has shallowed in recent years with no definite channel and the previous big tide was still causing an outgoing current under the incoming tide that created a steep face on the small swell. This created a challenging crossing, which we handled by working the throttle to create momentum to ride over the waves at a 10- to 15-degree angle, and then cutting the throttle as we dropped down the back of the wave before accelerating to the next wave and minimising our time in the strike zone. We took some air but no spray on the boat. Next stop was the bait grounds where we quickly loaded up on slimy mackerel. We expected the snapper to switch off after the moon set so we made our way quickly to spot X. Conditions were perfect (no current and very light winds) and the sounder

Paul Marriot

showed fish on a little lump out from the main reef where I had caught the biggest snapper in the past. I put down a 7-inch Gulp in Nuclear Chicken on a 3⁄4 ounce 6/O TT Lures Rev Head with a silver Colorado blade. The line settled in the light conditions, and as we passed the best life on the sounder I was on – first drop! I had good leverage on the fish and knew my greatest threat was if the fish got back down to the reef and rubbed the line. With a tight drag, I fought the fish up from the bottom and then eased the drag. With anticipation in the crystal clear deep blue water, I saw colour and then the fish – a magnificent 80cm snapper! (by Martin Schwede)

Brad Baldwin

also regularly fishes the estuaries and freshwater impoundments around Southeast Queensland, and enjoy the company and conversation that follows a great day on the water. The Club is involved in the fish tagging program administered by the Department of Primary Industries, and is also affiliated with the Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA), which promotes sensible conservation while enjoying the sport. A fishing trip is organised every month to different locations to cater for the wide range of varying interests in fishing outings among the club members.

The Southern Brisbane Sportfishing Club (SBSFC) was formed in 1995 by a band of dedicated anglers. Members of the club participate in a wide variety of fishing, including lure casting and trolling, fly fishing and live baiting.

The club meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre, 10 James Street, Beenleigh. The meetings feature a speaker on fishing related subjects. If SBSFC sounds like the club you are interested in joining, come along to one of our meetings and see for yourself.

SBSFC Club members fish over a number of locations, from Northern New South Wales for trout, to our northern estuaries and impoundments for barramundi and mangrove jacks. The club

Check the club out on www.sbsfc.org or join our Facebook group Southern Brisbane Sport Fishing Club. For further information, contact Ross Williamson on 0407 157 870 or email secretary@sbsfc.org.

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT REVIEW

Stejcraft 640 Monaco T

A DELUXE PERFORMER

he locally manufactured Stejcraft 640 Monaco is a deluxe overnight half-cabin that needs to be seen to be believed. Built by second-generation boat builder, Tim Catanese, and his team on the Gold Coast, the boat is very attractive to look at and the well-thought-out design makes it perfectly suited for weekends away along the upper reaches of the Broadwater. The 640 Monaco is also ideal for families looking for a fun day-boat that offers cover from the elements. It is also the ultimate cross over as the boat makes a robust fishing platform. The hull design allows the boat on to the plane smoothly and the tough construction makes them suitable for offshore use. The unique manufacturing process ensures a comfortable ride. The 2.5metre beam hull has 11 layers of fibreglass all working together, and every layer has a purpose: to provide long-lasting shine, prevent blistering, increase stiffness, dampen vibration, reduce weight, and add strength. With premium materials fittings and fixtures, from superior vinyl to high quality snap-in carpet, deep-reach swim ladder and stainless steel cleats, the materials that make it a Stejcraft will make you proud to own one. Most importantly, the boat is completely timber-free. The boat’s designers have years of experience that is evident in the well-thought-out features. For instance, when using the boat for an overnight stay, there is a high carpet-lined headroom cabin below, and the cabin seating converts to a long-length bed

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that ensures a comfortable stay. A toilet is concealed beneath. An insect screen and canvas flap can button up to enclose the cabin, keeping the family warm and dry. The boat is fitted with a set of clears along the length of the windscreen, and a bimini covers the entire cockpit, with a rear flyscreen and another screen on the forward hatch.

The boat can be powered by a Mercury 135HP. For those looking for some high-end performance, the maximum power rating is 225HP, combined with the optional Active Trim feature, which automatically trims the motor as you accelerate and when slowing down, making the boat very simple to drive. There can be 200L of fuel possible in the underfloor tank.

Other standard features include an adjustable helm chair, two removable rear seats with storage, a walkthrough transom, rear pull-up cleats, and swim platforms with ladder. Best of all, the flat floor and cockpit surfaces have been designed for easy cleaning.

There is an extensive warranty on the structural components of the hull and deck, which makes it one of the finest protection plans in the industry. The Stejcraft warranty on this model includes 5 years structural, 1 year on non-structural parts and components, and 1 year against cracking or fading of the gel coat finish.

The dash at the helm has a modern black colour, which reduces the sun’s reflection. The gauges and multifunction screen add to a sleek look, as does the matching upholstery, optional hull colour stripe above and below the gunnel, and an OceanGrip no-slip floor covering option, which are ordered by almost all the customers. There is also a standard removable telescopic table and base, with LED lighting throughout the cabin and cockpit, which set the mood. Even the spacious multiple side storage pockets are lit for your nights out on the water. As your co-pilot is always ready to assist, the sound system controls have been cleverly mounted ahead of the passenger seat. The passenger seat pedestal houses a sink that is easily accessible by folding the seat forward. A 60lt underfloor water tank provides water to the sink and shower.

This boat is world-class, and one of the smoothest running and best handling boats in its size range. At 6.4 metres, this may be a small cabin cruiser, but there is nothing small about this boat. Its wide beam design provides plenty of cockpit space and continues through the cabin, where two adults can easily stretch out for a good night’s sleep. The 640 Monaco is a great performer. It is fast and efficient. Where it really steals the show is the quality fit-out, making it a real head-turner down at the boat ramp.

Gold Coast STEJCRAFT Dealer Call Hayden Wyld 0418 195 397 wyldaboutboats.com.au

Sales phone: 0449 266 673

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BOAT GUIDE

What every boatie needs in an

ONBOARD TOOLKIT By Kellie Byrnes

you might need it. Again, tools designed to resist corrosion are the best choice.

Your onboard supplies do not need to take up a huge amount of space or blow the budget. But there are some general items you will want to have handy to help get you out of trouble if the need arises.

TAPE - Jon recommends that boaties stock their toolkit with a few types of tape. It will get you out of many “sticky” situations. For example, duct tape is an incredibly versatile product you are likely to use in a multitude of emergency and general situations, both for your boat and your trailer. It might even come to the rescue if you find a small hole that needs repairing before you get back to shore.

hen you are having a fun day out on the water, the last thing on your mind is doing boat repairs. But issues do pop up from time to time, even if you are rigorous about routine maintenance. As a result, vessels should not leave dock without having a wellstocked toolkit onboard for emergency situations.

Jon Purcell, the owner and service manager of Mainstream Marine, tells us what items should be in every toolkit. Here are his top pieces to pack ASAP. PLIERS - One of the most important things to put in your onboard supply box is a pair of pliers. “These are invaluable when it comes to tightening loose crimps, nuts that are starting to vibrate free, and handling a wide variety of other tasks,” says Jon. Choose a pair with adjustable jaws so they are versatile and useful for many situations. A product with a built-in wire snipper is extra handy, too. It also pays to pay a little extra for pliers made out of non-corrosive, non-rusting compounds like a quality aluminium or stainless steel, since they will often be around moisture. ADJUSTABLE WRENCH - A must is an adjustable wrench. “This allows you to tighten a multitude of fastener heads – nuts, bolts, etc. – in different sizes,” explains Jon. These are used regularly in conjunction with pliers, and necessary for many emergency repairs that involve things that bolt together. Most marine jobs can be completed using a medium-sized adjustable wrench, but you may want to also pop in a smaller one for more delicate tasks if you think

Electrical tape is helpful too. It is necessary for performing a task that duct tape cannot – namely, handling electrical repairs when out on the water. Electrical tape will assist you with fixing wires on your boat, as well as on your trailer if you notice a light is out, or there is some other electrical issue. It also pays to pack some thread seal tape (or plumber’s tape or pipe tape, as it is also known) to give you a more secure seal around pipes when sorting out leaky fixtures. Moreover, having self-amalgamating tape, which is stronger, comes in handy for numerous waterproofing and insulating uses. HAMMER - It may not be the first thing you think of, but a hammer is helpful when on boats, as it is not easily replaced with another tool. Jon explains, “It’s handy for helping to loosen seized components, like trailer and anchor winches, corroded fasteners, and other metal parts.” CABLE TIES - Cable ties are something most homes have. They are also handy to have in your onboard toolkit. “Stock up on assorted sizes of these items as they can be used in all sorts of different situations,” notes Jon. For example, cable ties are great for securing cables, covers and hoses, and they can

serve as a replacement for lost clips, retainers or hooks. They can tidy up loose wiring and be temporary fasteners for all other things. HOSE CLAMPS - Another product to pack before you leave shore, as Jon recommends, is a range of stainless steel, solid-band hose clamps. Have these with you in assorted sizes to use on bilge pump hoses and to stop leaks and punctures from causing trouble. Being stainless steel, you need not worry about corrosion either. IMPORTANT EXTRAS - Jon also recommends a few other items to include in your toolkit: • Multi grips, to help you grip, hold, bend, crimp or clamp any size fitting • A 6.5 L oil extraction pump so you can change your engine oil and extract water from the bilge if needed • A filter strap to remove and refit oil and fuel filters • Wire cutters to snip and strip wires • A Stanley knife and snap-off blades to cut through various fittings, fixtures, ropes, and more KEEP TOOLS SECURE - Of course, there is no point putting together a handy toolkit if you do not keep everything properly secure. Store your tools in a waterproof (not just water-resistant) toolbox, so products are less likely to rust. Pop smaller spare parts in zip-lock bags to keep them watertight and well organised. Make sure you store your toolbox in a safe, dry place on your boat where it will not move around and fall overboard or injure anyone with its weight. Need supplies for your toolkit? Mainstream Marine can help you stock up. www.MainstreamMarine.com.au

OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT REVIEW

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PURSUIT SPORTFISHING AND FAMILY BOATS SET TO DEBUT IN AUSTRALIA

old Coast will be home to the latest American premium fishing and family boat brand Pursuit launching in Australia this summer. Cobalt Boats of Australia has been appointed the national distributor partnering with the prestigious US brand. Pursuit has been building offshore vessels for over 40 years and was part of the Tiara family until being purchased recently by Malibu and Cobalt. The line starts at 23ft and has models through to 40ft in centre console, cabin, open bow and hard top offshore hulls. “We know how the team in Australia have grown Cobalt to be the largest export market outside of the USA so we look forward to having the same success with Pursuit,” Pursuit Boats Vice President of International Sales, George Hetzel says. Owner of Cobalt Boats of Australia, Brett Thurley, says his team are very excited to be bringing the leader in the

saltwater outboard fishing segment to Australia. Pursuit is a boutique premium offshore brand that all fishing aficionados know well. Of course they are in the conversation with Grady White and Boston Whaler as the world’s top saltwater brands. We happen to think that Pursuit excels both other brands in hand-built quality due to their focus on engineering, fit and finish rather than mass production. We are looking to showcase Pursuit’s family versatility with their very popular crossover DC range from 23ft to 36ft, which allows you to have open bow seating, offshore fishing hull characteristics, seating for 12 people in a huge cockpit, a marine toilet and hardtop enclosure with the capabilities to tow watersports as well. “The Pursuit boat is a premium offshore fishing boat that has crossed over into a versatile family boat while also offering pure sportfishing models in its range,” Brett says. “Dad gets to fish, you can tow the kids for water sports, and there’s plenty of seating for mum and guests

to sit back and relax, making the Pursuit a suitable boat for the whole family. “We cater to a clientele with a range of boating needs and high expectations so our Pursuit partnership will give clients another high-performance boating option in the fishing and offshore space,” Brett continues. “Adding the Pursuit brand rounds out the range we offer covering family bowriders, premium pontoon boats and now a high-end offshore range with a fishing bent.” Pursuit Boats will have retail locations on the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne. We have experienced fishing gurus in our team on the Gold Coast and Victoria who are eager to start demonstrating the range and welcoming new owners to the family. For any further information on Pursuit please contact Brett Thurley on 0419 788 000 or brett@cobaltqld.com.au

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TOTAL YACHT SERVICES

THE BOAT WORKS NEW 300 TONNE LIFT

he Boat Works welcomes the newest heavyweight in town, weighing in at 150 tonnes.

Australia’s sprawling 55-acre shipyard and marina, The Boat Works is proud to announce the arrival of the Gold Coast’s largest ship lift, the 300-tonne marvel, the ‘Rhino’, named for its grit and hauling power. With 2.8m wheels and a stonking 12 metres in height, towering over the newly completed additional slipway, the ‘Rhino’ now takes pride of place at the new Superyacht Facility and is on track to begin lifting in January 2020. This new 300-tonne mobile boat hoist adds to the compilation onsite, sharing the expansive footprint with the 70t lift, 100t Marine Travel Lift and the 45t Hydraulic Sealift. Only three years ago, The Boat Works added the 100-tonne ship lift to its facilities in the southern yard that today has over 1,000+ people working onsite and 60 onsite tenants comprising the gamut of marine professionals.

The new 300-tonne ship lift arrived recently from the US, and a week later, was standing proud and complete – an impressive feat that matches the pace of construction in the new superyacht yard. Over half of The Boat Works’ new superyacht yard is taken up with 40,000-square-metres of concrete, and expansive steel beams and walls are going up each day for the 18 massive individual refit sheds. “The pace is incredible, to say the least,” commented Shane Subichin, The Boat Works general manager. “The new superyacht yard has really taken shape in only the past three months since we hosted the ASMEX and Marinas19 delegates in May. There is nothing comparable in Australia, and most likely, the world. The environmental initiatives, including water filtration and large tracts of bio gardens are unique.” Scheduled for official opening in January 2020, The Boat Works Superyacht Yard will feature allocated work bays for superyachts up to 50m with a choice of 18 individual

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Australia’s largest concentration of marine trades refit sheds, dedicated hardstand space, Captains’ and Owners’ lounge, 75m superyacht service berth option, an extra 50 work berths, all within what will be the greenest and cleanest facility in the world. Scott Alger, director of Asia & Oceania Sales at Marine Travelift said, “Marine Travelift is grateful for our continued partnership with The Boat Works team including the recent addition of a 300 CII Marine Travelift mobile boat hoist to their marina. With the new 300 CII The Boat Works has significantly increased their lifting capability, which now enables them to expand their market presence.” STATS: Name: 300T Marine Travel Lift, known as ‘Rhino’ Hauling capacity: 300 metric Tonnes, 660,000lbs/300,000kg, Vessels up to 165ft or 50m Height: 12 metres Overall width: 14 metres Length: 16 metres

Rhino www.theboatworks.com.au

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Rod Twitchin

THE VALUE OF EXPERIENCE ON THE HIGH SEA Interview by Chris Logan

uthor Joseph Conrad once said: “There is nothing more enticing, disenchanting and enslaving than the life at sea.” Literature is full of sentiments trying to capture in words the allure of the deep blue while conveying its danger and unpredictability. The ocean leaves its mark on all those who experience it, and writers are no exception. When it comes to enduring peril on the high sea, experience is priceless. But securing that experience starts in the harbour, before the sea is confronted. Rod Twitchin, Director of Rod Twitchin Marine (RTM) at Coomera, says sea experience is vital not just in the selection of crew, but even for refurbishments and repairs. RTM serves in a broad array of fields including vessel surveying work, commercial, recreation, project management, and consultancy, and has just opened a dedicated refit and maintenance division named Rod Twitchin Marine Refit & Maintenance (RTMR). This employs a “crew” with many years of marine experience and plenty of sea miles in both sailing and steaming. “If the owner needs assistance, the time we have spent at sea gives us the ability to understand what is required when conducting repairs and/ or consulting with our clients. We understand the stresses and strains any vessel and its systems will experience out on an angry ocean,” he explains. It is expertise, Rod says, that his clients swear by, considering the boat business has a people element that is all about rapport-building between vessel owner and business. “Many a time we have sat with our new – or current – clients with a cuppa, and discussed anchorages we have both been, from the Kimberley region and Broome, the Louisiade Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and the New

South Wales and Far North Queensland coasts, and many other places in between,” he states. “It’s this time that confidence is earned and friendships are forged without realising!” The whole of Rod’s career has revolved around water. He served as an operations manager at a water ski park, before moving north to Hamilton Island, where he became involved with the commercial side of the industry and gaining his first commercial ticket as a professional instructor in the early 90s. He worked for Sunsail when it first entered Australian waters in the Whitsundays. He became the harbour master at the Hamilton Island marine office. He left Hamilton Island aboard the iconic 34-metre luxury motor yacht Dreamtime as engineer/ watchkeeper for eight years, and then went on to skipper various other vessels prior to moving ashore. Rod worked as both project manager and general manager of large marine refit and repair companies prior to starting Rod Twitchin Marine in 2011. Yet with more than 35 years of experience on the water, Rod still says the most defining was his time out on the South Pacific. “In the 2000s, we went across to New Zealand for the last Americas Cup they had over there,” he recalls. “About 36 hours out, we got caught in the low. Not scary, but you had to have your wits about you. We then went to Fiji and New Caledonia, and from New Caledonia all the way home to Brisbane, we were hammered by the seas. There were three of us pretty much sitting up in the wheelhouse for three days and two nights with the same Jimmy Buffet CD going around and round!” Rod further points out that proper accreditations do have advantages in the business. “Someone who has never been to sea doesn’t really understand the sea or what the boat’s attitude is. Having accreditations from AMSA as a master and engineer certainly complements my marine surveyor’s accreditation as it really gives an understanding of what’s needed on the high seas.” RTM’s suite of services includes project management and consultancy, commercial and recreational surveying, pre-purchase and insurance condition reports, valuations, safety inspections, vessel manuals, safety management systems, insurance reporting, and even interior design. Rod’s expansion at The Boat Works Coomera is a natural progression, which complements RTM and ensures all facets of refit and repair can be covered in-house. The new RTMR team will be diverse, about half a dozen or so in size, and capable of providing boats 20 feet and over with refits, delivered with good old-fashioned service.

Rod Twitchin marine surveyor and consultant

An additional investment at Coomera Boat Works will also help. “When the new 300-tonne lift comes in, we can start working on bigger boats,” Rod says. “If they’re in survey, they can have their annual inspection out of water for commercial purposes. They can also just come out and have refurbishment done, service works, or annual in and out of water works.” Although having that capability to service big boats will help, Rod will always welcome local boat owners. They have supported him for more than eight years and history has shown many take advantage of his sea experience with open arms. “We welcome a call from our clients any time, even if it’s to ask a question about weather, tides, or issues aboard. We don’t want their weekend ruined over a simple fix. Not only can we help, we want to!”

QUICK GUIDES ROD TWITCHIN ONLINE CHECKLISTS PRE SEASON CHECKLIST OUT OF WATER

Antifoul

Prop-Speed

Anodes

Bow & Stern Thrusters

Propellers, Propeller Shafts, Bearings & Seals

Rudders, Bearings & Seals

by ROD TWITCHIN MARINE in conjunction with The Boat Works RTM: 0412 641 614 | TBW SLIPWAY: 07 55 000 000

MAIN ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS & GENERATORS

VESSEL SYSTEMS

Dates of Last & Next Scheduled Servicing of All Machinery Fluid Levels

Steering Gear & Operation

Impellers Induction ~ Extraction Fans to Machinery Compartments

Navigation Equipment

Refrigeration & AirConditioning Systems Inc. Raw Water Cooling

Navigation Lights

Desalination

Mounts Fluid Leaks: Coolant - Raw Water – Oils Anodes

All Associated Wiring, Connectors and Control Panels Bilging Systems Inc. Alarms

Exhaust System

Fuel Systems Inc. Gauges

Corrosion

Swim Platform Struts or Hydraulic Arrangements

Sea Strainers, Valving, Fittings & Associated Hosing

Freshwater Systems Inc. Gauges

Hull Bottom & Sides for Any Evidence of Impact

BOW & STERN THRUSTERS  Ensure there is no movement evident to the shaft or propellers  Check oil reservoir levels are correct and that there is no evidence of water ingress via the hull penetrations

PROPELLERS, PROPELLER SHAFTS, BEARINGS & SEALS  Check visually for overall condition to ensure there is no obvious damage  Manually move the propeller shafts up & down to inspect for any possible wear to the bearings  Inspect the bilges for any water ingress via the propeller shafts seals or obvious faults to the seal arrangements

Deck, Cockpit & Anchor Well Drainage

All Monitoring Equipment eg. Gauges and Alarms Throttle & Gear Selection Lever Operation

ANODES  Replace if anodes are wasted or will not last until next time of lift

Radio

Audio & Visual Equipment Davit SEASON CHECKLIST PRE Batteries

RUDDERS, BEARINGS & SEALS

by ROD TWITCHIN MARINE inconjunction with The Works Check visually forBoat overall condition

PRE SEASON CHECKLIST

to ensure there is no obvious damage inspect for any possible wear to the bearings  Inspect the bilges for any water ingress via the rudder stock seals or obvious faults to the seal Page 1. SAFETY & NAVIGATION arrangements

RTM: 0412 641 614 | TBW SLIPWAY: 07 55 000 000the rudders sideways to  Manually move

PRE SEASON CHECKLIST

by ROD TWITCHIN MARINE in conjunction with The Boat Works RTM: 0412 641 614 | TBW SLIPWAY: 07 55 000 000

MAIN ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS & GENERATORS

Tender

Black & Grey Water Systems Inc. Gauges

Batteries, Connections, Wiring

by ROD TWITCHIN MARINE in conjunction with The Boat Works RTM: 0412 641 614 | TBW SLIPWAY: 07 55 000 000

OUT OF WATER

PROP-SPEED  Ensure there is 100% coverage of prop-speed where applied without growth evident

Charts/Books

All Associated Hosing, Fittings & Valving

Air Cleaners

PRE SEASON CHECKLIST

ANTIFOUL  Ensure the antifoul is clean and not parting

Bow & Stern Thruster Operation

Through Hull Fittings, Clam Shells & Valving

Underwater Lights

SAFETY & NAVIGATION

Safety Equipment

Anchoring Gear

Water Pump ~ Alternator Belts & Guards

DATES OF LAST & NEXT SCHEDULED SERVICING OF ALL MACHINERY  Check on service records to ensure all machinery is up to date as preventative maintenance is better than cure! FLUID LEVELS  Ensure ALL reservoirs are full to the correct level. Some coolant levels will vary from Cool to Hot however well labelled on the reservoir WATER PUMP ~ ALTERNATOR BELTS & GUARDS  Visually inspect belts for wear  Check to ensure belts aren’t under or over tightened  Ensure ALL belt guards are installed and tight IMPELLERS  When machinery is running ensure you have adequate water flowing from the discharge point  Ensure the machinery is operating at the manufacturers recommended operating temperature INDUCTION ~ EXTRACTION FANS TO MACHINERY COMPARTMENTS  Visually inspect all fans for any obvious damage include corrosion  Operate fans and inspect proper operation include bilge extraction fans on petrol driven vessels AIR CLEANERS  Ensure air cleaners are clean of contaminants and debris  Check the elements are not compressed as this will typically indicate they are clogged with poor airflow in increased fuel Works consumption by ROD TWITCHIN MARINEresulting in conjunction with The Boat RTM: 0412 641 614 | TBW SLIPWAY: 07 55 000 000

MOUNTS  Inspect mounts for corrosion and any possible splitting or sagging within the resilient areas  Test all fasteners to ensure there are no loose nuts or bolts  Conduct visual inspections of all associated equipment for any obvious damage or corrosion Sailing Yacht SAFETY EQUIPMENT  Helm over to port & starboard to ensure you are achieving full helm at the rudders FLUID LEAKS: COOLANT - RAW WATER – OILS  Ensure all safety equipment is in date and registered where applicable and meetsallthe requirements  Straighten the rudders to centre and check the rudder angle indicator at the helm is correctly  Visually inspect machinery areas for any possible leaks and good condition of all associated outlined by your local waterway authority for the areas you wish to operate calibrated We highly recommend caution is exercised when conducting any checks aboard particularly with electrics. If you have any queries about your vessel please contact RTM We highly recommend caution is exercised when conducting any checks aboard particularly with electrics. If you have any queries about your vessel please contact RTM This checklist is generic and should be used as a guideline only and as the owner of your vessel you are responsible for its seaworthiness and proper operation.  It is advised that you conduct monthly safety drills so you and regular guests are familiar with the  Check the hydraulic system for correct fluid levels, good condition and no leaks or evident This checklist is generic and should be used as a guideline only and as the owner of your vessel you are responsible for its seaworthiness and proper operation. We highly recommend caution is exercised when conducting any checks aboard particularly with electrics. If you have any queries about your vessel please contact RTM safety procedures aboard ensuring a swift response in the event of an emergency This checklist is generic and should be used as a guideline only and as the owner of your vessel you are responsible for its seaworthiness and proper operation. ANCHORING GEAR NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT  Test for proper operation of the anchor gear  Ensure all navigation equipment is in good condition, operational and reading accurately  Inspect all associated componentry for condition  Inspect chain and shackles for any corrosion and ensure the shackles are moused  Ensure the bitter end of the chain is coupled to a strong point and moused NAVIGATION LIGHTS  Remark chain at desired lengths if required and check chain counter for proper calibration  Inspect condition of navigation light lenses to ensure they are not weathered and firmly mounted  Ensure the chain locker is clean of debris and the locker drain is free and not restricted  Test for proper operation  Check the snubber is in good condition CHARTS/BOOKS BOW & STERN THRUSTER OPERATION  Ensure you have relevant up to date charts, books & tide charts aboard  Check for proper operation from the helm stations and remotes  Test plotter for proper operation of the electronic charts  Check for any possible ingress via through hull penetrations  Check for correct fluid levels TENDER  Check for proper battery charge levels and charging operation  Conduct full inspection of tender condition and operation inc. all associated systems and equipment  Inspect lifting strong point and equipment for good condition REFRIGERATION & AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS INC. RAW WATER COOLING  Inspect all safety gear for expiry dates and registration where applicable  Check for proper operation  Conduct radio check with VHF radio  Inspect raw water cooling systems for condition include strainers and water pump impellors  Inspect wiring for good condition RADIO  Check refrigeration door seals  Visual inspection of unit, mic and cable to ensure they are in good condition and not weathered  Inspect air conditioning dust filter to ensure they are clean allowing maximum airflow  Conduct radio check with your local VMR to ensure your VHF radio is operational Registration and Vessel Decals

Cable VESSEL SYSTEMS Wired & Wireless Remote Shore Operation STEERING & OPERATION Washers &GEAR Wipers

DESALINATION  Check for proper operation  Inspect for any leaks oil or water  Ensure all filters are clean and free from any contaminants  Ensure all gauges are in good working order  Ensure the freshwater flush is operational We highly recommend caution is exercised when conducting any checks aboard particularly with electrics. If you have any queries about your vessel please contact RTM This checklist is generic and should be used as a guideline only and as the owner of your vessel you are responsible for its seaworthiness and proper operation.

We highly recommend caution is exercised when conducting any checks aboard particularly with electrics. If you have any queries about your vessel please contact RTM This checklist is generic and should be used as a guideline only and as the owner of your vessel you are responsible for its seaworthiness and proper operation.

Initial checklist, Out of water Main engines, transmissions & generators Vessel systems, Safety & navigation rtmarine.com.au/blog/boat-maintenance-checklist OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT REVIEW

Resurgence of the

Motor Sailor Photos by Stuart Ballantyne

rom the 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, motorsailors were a common sight at most marine centres around the world. Then with the advent of cheap fuel and smaller production diesel engines, the motorsailors all but disappeared. The powerful cruisers appeared with huge engines pushing the new versions of 50- and 60-foot flybridge cruisers along at speeds generally up to 25-30knots Now with escalating fuel prices and some heat on the economy in general, one enterprising designer has re-introduced a motorsailor. Instead of a cabin cruiser with a small mast and sail, a totally new focus has been taken with this vessel, Passion, whose owner, Stuart Ballantyne, has been keen to develop in conjunction with the designer. Starting with an 18m Crusader catamaran from the Oceanic Design and Survey office on the Gold Coast, the designers used a 1m draft, on the theory that if you run aground, you can walk ashore with a measure of dignity. This hull was optimised at the Australian Maritime College Tank Test facilities in Launceston for both speed/power performance and seahandling.

The hull incorporates elliptical bulbs to improve the speed/power per formance and significantly dampen the pitching motions.

Anyone who has headed south from the Whitsundays knows about hobby-horsing into head seas. This new hull incorporates elliptical bulbs to improve the speed/power performance and significantly dampen the pitching motions. As a side benefit, these bulbs attract dolphins who will sit comfortably in front of each bulb, their tails at an angle of 15 degrees, getting a free ride from the force field around the bulb. This same forcefield cancels the bow divergent wave seen peeling off high-speed cruisers without bulbs. The wave resistance is the major absorber of horsepower, so the bulb optimisation was studied carefully. Two Yanmar 6LP 310HP diesel engines were installed, and gave an impressive maximum speed of 23.5 knots at maximum load, with no bow wave, and that actually looks quite strange. The diesels

were installed with Yanmar V drive gearboxes to make the engine rooms easily accessed from the aft cockpit stairs for servicing, but mainly to achieve maximum cabin space in each demihull. The noise and vibrations being further aft were added bonuses. The aluminium hull was coated internally with primer and foam-coated for acoustic and thermal insulation. Closed cell foam was used to fill the bulbs and other hull and tunnel voids, totalling 13.5 cubic metres, making her unsinkable. The internal main deck area has a lounge forward for eight people. Aft of this is the galley to port and dining for eight to starboard. While many cruising yachts have the galley below the main deck, the Crusader designers have heeded the wishes of female cruisers that prefer to be in the centre of activity. The aft cockpit is the width of an 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122; monohull, and able to seat 12 to 14 adults. This has been enhanced by the closure of a starboard quarter access, and the vessel is geared for steering and berthing on the port side or stern only. While you may think dual-side access is important, ask yourself when you have come off or on an aeroplane on the starboard side? The steering position is on the flybridge port side, and the owner can easily berth port side to, or stern to, and having the propellors 5.3m apart. This makes the manoeuvring and berthing quite easy, even without a bow thruster, according to the owner. The starboard side has a low angle stairway with bow rollers to easily launch or recover a 4.2m dinghy or jetski, negating the need for an on-deck crane. The accommodation has two double cabins in the hulls, with toilet/shower facilities. In the starboard hull is a navigation/plotting station and a fully equipped office with computers, router, printer and scanner for the owners to maintain contact with family or business OCT - DEC 2019

Two Yanmar 6LP 310HP diesel engines were installed, and gave an impressive maximum speed of 23.5 knots at maximum load

On the main deck is a forward lounge area with seating for eight. Aft of this is the galley on the port side, and adding a table for six to starboard. For the unusual motor sailor rigging, a New Zealand A-Frame design was selected with raked masts, and two forestays with roller furlers and a 60m2 sail on each side. The designer admits it is a lazy way of sailing. Many cruising sailing boats just use the jib and run the motor in idle to maintain batteries and the hot water. In trials with 20kt beam winds, the motor-only speed was lifted from 8 to 10.5 knots, with the weather sail at 20m2 and the lee sail at 40m2. Such an increase requiring engine power would use an extra 22 litres per hour. The vessel has four 470W solar panels supplied by the Gold Coast Solar Marine Systems, a 3500W Victron Quattro inverter and 500AH of battery storage, boosting the 5kw genset AC power when needed, such as preparing dinner. The owner chose an electric barbecue from the Gold Coast-based Sovereign Barbecues, as a safer and cleaner choice than the gas options.

The aft cockpit is the width of an 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122; monohull, and able to seat 12 to 14 adults.

The Schenker watermaker provides 30 lts/hr at very low electrical consumption and time-switched for daylight operation when the solar system is providing good base load. In addition to this, the large plan area has a rainfall collection system. After three minutes of rainfall, when salt and dirt are washed off, the owner switches the Y valves diverting clean rainwater to the 800 litre tank. On the inaugural voyage from Gold Coast to Port Douglas, Passion achieved 11 lts/hr for a 10knot speed northbound and 14lts/hr for 10kts southbound where there was next-to-no-available wind energy. This is unbeatable fuel consumption for a 60-ft spacious cruising vessel, and certainly makes long-distance cruising far more affordable. Oceanic Designs have completed the design of a 68-footer (21m) Crusader catamaran with four double cabins, again with an optional motorsailor rig for those people concerned about lowering the carbon footprint, without having to go for a full sailing catamaran. For more info: Oceanic Designs PH: (07) 55-295788 Chris Hutchings PH: 0414-557-797

*Based on 4000L capacity. 12000 miles test from GC-Airlie-GC.

Experience | Knowledge | Results All aspects of Naval Architecture & Marine Surveying AMSA Accredited Designers & Surveyors Custom vessel designs Pre-purchase and Condition Surveys Available locally, Australia wide and Internationally

(07) 5529-5788 admin@oceanicdesign.com.au

www.oceanicdesign.com.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

The marine industry inTurnover Industry Australia by the numbers 14% % 11% The marine industry in are 11% 2019 Industry data forecasting over Australia bygrowth the numbers the next 12 months 2019 Industry data BOAT GOLD COAST

21% 19%

Industries Association

12% Industries Association

$8.65 bn 28,235$8.65 bn

4% 2%

Turnover in 2018/19

UNDER $250k

$250k - $500k $500k $1m

$1m $2m

$2m $5m

$10m $20m

$5m $10m

$20m - More than $50m $50m

People are employed directly by Turnover in 2018/19 The boating industry has seen steady, healthy growth over the the industry, with more than last four years, picking up from a down turn in 2013 – 2015 14,500 contractors also engaged

A nation of boaters 28,235

People are employed directly by the industry, with more than Industry profile by sector 14,500 contractors also engaged 15%

NEW BOAT SALES

14%

MOORING/MARINA

profile by sector Boating is one of Industry Strong growth The marine industry 13% pastimes YARD SERVICES the leading 15% in non-powered covers a broad range NEW BOAT SALES in Australia – over sector non-powered of sectors, with boat TOURISM 12% 14% 2 million Aussies outdoor, healthly watercraft MOORING/MARINA sales, storage, yard % lifestyle. USED BOAT SALES million have a10boat licence The marine industry services and charter 13% YARD SERVICES 9% covers a broad range RETAIL/WHOLESALE operators leading of sectors, with boat TOURISM 12% the way BOATBUILDING 8% sales, storage, yard 10% paddle USED BOAT SALES plus as7many again ENGINE SALES % services and charter More than craft, SUPs, sailing dinghies 9 % RETAIL/WHOLESALE operators leading 5% MANUFACTURING the way BOATBUILDING 8% 4% PROFESSIONAL Operating in the recreational, registered ENGINE SALES 7% L: 900 OTHERboats 3% superyacht and commercial B: 264 5% MANUFACTURING Businesses marine sectors in Australia

countless

910,000 PROFESSIONAL

2,250 +

recreational, 34% new registrations each year Operating in the OTHER 3% superyacht and commercial The fleet is Businesses marine sectors in Australia growing with L: 248 Industry profile by employment L: 289 B: 102

14,000 Companies in the marine industry are

predominantly smaller businesses, Industry profile by typically employing lessemployment than 5 people Companies inPWC the marine are theindustry fastest are growing predominantly smaller sector of businesses, powered vessels typically employing less than 5 people now But with a number of larger companies registered in the boatbuilding and professional sectors

76,000 48

WWW.BIA.ORG.AU

34% B: 59 23%

11%

23%10%

L: 520 B: 235

L: 418 B: 193

Licences (‘000s) 4%

L: 65 7% 8% B: 31

3% MORE 11% Registered Boats (‘000s) THAN 10% SOLE TRADER 8% 50 7% LESS 11-15 21-25 Perpetual licences in Qld, SA and WA THAN 6-10 4% 16-20 26-50 5 BOATING REGISTRATION AGENCIES, SOURCE: STATE 2019 OCT JULY - DEC 2019 3% MORE

SOURCE: STATE OF SURVEY, JULY 2019 HAS BEEN CROSS CHECKED AGAINSTOffices OTHER in: INDUSTRY ButAMIAG with a number of larger companies THAN Sydney •DATA Gold SOURCES Coast • Adelaide © Boating Industry Association LtdTHE PO INDUSTRY Box 1204 Crows Nest NSW 1585DATA • T. (02) 9438 2077 • SOLE info@bia.org.au

, IT S OUR PLEASURE O N T I M E . O N B U D G E T. O N W A T E R .

WELCOME TO SERVICE PARADISE BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

, IT S OUR PLEASURE O N T I M E . O N B U D G E T. O N W A T E R .

As GCCM stalwart and local legend, Graham ‘Scooter’ Eaton once eloquently put it, “Boaties are different!”.

That’s why GCCM attracts so many boats from interstate and across the ocean. It’s why we’re the most awarded shipyard in the Southern Hemisphere – because we’ve assembled a wonderful group of

Well, as they say, “it takes one to know one” and the GCCM crew of trades and staff is made up of local Gold Coast boaties who are especially different in that they also love working on boats, and are world renowned for it.

world-class marine trades people who

It’s what they’d be doing if they didn’t actually have to work.

are GC pleasure craft owners with boats

love and own boats like yours. We work as a crew to get you back on the water on time and on budget, and keep you out there having fun for longer like we’d want for ourselves (what many locals don’t know is that 70-80% of our clients

under 50ft). Since 1999, GCCM has welcomed over 55,000 boats of all shapes and sizes. In this, our 20th year of operation, we’d love you to experience the GCCM crew difference ! We invite you to visit us, check us out online and get an

MEET JUST A FEW OF YOUR GCCM CREW 01 Doug Fielding

REGATTA MARINE GCCM crew since 2007 Doug is a second generation boating tragic with 28 years qualified experience and a lifetime of passion. “There is so much variety, so much craft required. It never gets old”, he laughs. “When I finish a long day working on boats, I relax by working on boats ha ha!” Doug is definitely one of a kind, but also 1 of 11 boat builders / shipwrights at GCCM.

02 Jasen Cowling JCMS RIGGING GCCM crew since 2011 Jasen has 25 years rigging experience and a lifetime on the water, behind his passion for every facet of yacht, marine and architectural rigging and JCMS’s friendly, reliable service. “We love what we do and being part of the GCCM crew”

obligation-free quote for your boat.

OCT - DEC 2019

WE HAVE OVER 80 ONSITE TRADES WITH OVER 700 HIGHLY SKILLED CONTRACTORS

03 Jeremy Cross

05 Dianne Katra

HARBOURFORCE

CLASSIC MARINE TRIMMING

07 David Hanton BRADFORD MARINE

With 14 years marine detailing experience on top of 16 years in hotels, Jeremy is a stickler for professionalism and presentation. “Having happy customers is about doing everything 100%. Excellent customer service on the way to an imperfection-free, super shiny finish – if we can see ourselves reflected in your boat, then we like what we see.”

GCCM crew since 2000

GCCM crew since 2007

Quality, functionality, wow factor! Di and her master trimmer, Chris, love breathing new life into tired old boats and creating things that make your boating experience work better for you. Everything is made bespoke to your specific needs. 1 of 3 trimmers/upholsters.

“Antifouling ain’t antifouling!” It’s not all the same. Focus and preparation are what set us apart; getting more of the paint you’ve been quoted on your boat, evenly and having it stick. That and teamwork. We work well with the other trades here to get you off the hardstand sooner”. 1 of 3 antifoulers at GCCM.

Harbourforce is 1 of 4 detailers at GCCM.

SWEEP MARINE SERVICES

04 Jason Carruth

GCCM crew since 2005

GCCM crew since 2011

WICKED FABRICATION & ENGINEERING GCCM crew since 2008 Boasting 50 years experience “bringing whatever our customers can imagine to life”, Jason and Mark from Wicked are all about designing and building new ways to enhance boaties’ maritime life. Even to the extent of helping one customer be able to wear thongs on holiday in Thailand by customising an attachment for his artificial leg! Whatever you need, whatever you can imagine. Wicked is 1 of 7 fabricators/welders at GCCM. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

06 Con Beldie

“Black, grey, fresh water or fuel – you just have to look at us to see that cleaning & refinishing of tanks is literally a ‘sh#t job’, but we’ll extend the life and improve the performance of your boat significantly.”

We invite you contact us now for an obligation-free quote for your boat! Phone us, check us out online or call in onsite to experience the GCCM crew difference. 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera PHONE WEB

07 5502 5888 gccm.com.au

BOAT GUIDE BUILDER

Sky’s the Limit for SHODAI

By Chris Logan

n many ways, Hinata, a ten-foot classic boat built by Shodai Shintani, symbolises how far the secondyear boatbuilding apprentice has come. Five years ago, Shodai – or Sho, as he likes to be called – lived in Japan and had not yet learned English. Now, he has almost finished a craft that has impressed seasoned professionals in Gold Coast boatbuilding and turned heads in the boating fraternity. Shodai migrated to Australia with a dream to work with timber. When carpentry failed to inspire, he stumbled into the world of classic boatbuilding after meeting an apprentice from Regatta Marine. “Sho turned up here at around four o’clock in the afternoon, fairly interested in what we do,” recalls Doug Fielding, director of Regatta Marine. “He said he wanted to work with timber – that was his key goal. I invited him to hang around and have a look. I couldn’t get rid of him! He was here until eight o’clock.” Sho started working for Regatta Marine the next day. His three-day-a-week program with Regatta Marine was fertile ground for Sho to learn: the business specialises in classic boat restoration and all aspects of boat building, including restorations, modifications, extensions, fit-outs, maintenance, painting and anti-foul work. Sho is an international student at TAFE, enrolled in Certificate III Marine Craft Construction, but he is not officially recognised as an apprentice. “Sho was with us for a couple of months when he said he might be interested in building a clinker boat,” says Doug. “We encouraged him as much as we could. He bought a set of plans for himself and lofted it out in feet and inches – which is the difficult way to do it – but he did a cracking job. He never gave up.”

A qualified shipwright with more than 25 years experience, Doug has never seen anyone build a clinker boat, like Hinata, with only 12 months’ experience. It was a labour of love for Sho. He spent hours after work every day at Regatta Marine’s workshop and came in on the weekends. When he was on annual leave, he also came, day after day, and put in entire day’s worth of work on his pride and joy. Hinata stems from Sho’s own research. Inspired by the idea of being the very best he could be, Sho bought the plans online and asked one of his Gold Coast TAFE teachers how to loft the boat, a process which he worked on before and after TAFE. He also poured his own finances into the project, purchasing Kalatis timber Doug sourced for him. It gives the boat a rich look, but costs far more than standard timber. In fact, the boat is worth about $7,000 in timber, aside from Sho’s hours of manpower shaping it. Building the Hinata became a deeply personal journey. “Some days, when I messed up, I was left a bit blue,” Sho recalls. “I had to leave it a couple of days, and then I would come back and figure out how I could fix what I had done wrong. Now, I am very happy with it and people are telling me I should be proud of myself. I am sure it could be better though!” After 10 months of painstaking work, Sho debuted the Hinata at the 21st Bribie Classic Boat Regatta this year. Some of those attending already knew about the boat before it arrived and were excited to meet Sho. “I made a lot of friends who are also boat lovers through building this boat,” said Sho. “I am enjoying boating life and talking with other people about their boats. Sometimes, people give you tips and advice – and I am keeping those in mind for the next boats I’m going to build. It pumps me up and makes me want to continue boat building.” Even though most boats at the classic are timber, it is easy to see why the Hinata drew so much attention. Her proportions are regal, her rich cedar gives her an elegant appearance, and she is clearly a result of a build focused on quality rather than speed. To the average observer, it also has a Japanese look about it, even if the plans come from the US. “I to tried give it a Japanese touch,” Sho says. “I painted below the waterline with red and white, which are Japan’s colours. Doug encouraged me to give it a Japanese name, so I named it Hinata, which means ‘go into the sun’ in Japanese.” The elegance of the Hinata hides the truth: that the journey has not been entirely smooth sailing for the apprentice. Before the Bribie Classic, he was moving the boat one day and dropped it, leaving a crack more than

52 BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

a metre long in one of the planks. He was devastated. “I felt like I had broken up with a girlfriend,” he laughs. “I went home to research how to fix a timber boat. Some people just put glue into the cracks, but that’s not very strong – it can crack again. So I replaced it. I cut behind the ribs to take the cracked piece out and slide the new one in. It was a great challenge!” What is next for Sho? Sho finishes his two-year course at TAFE at the end of this year and he will continue to work at Regatta Marine to obtain his full qualification. He intends to use his vessel to sail around Fraser and Bribie Islands and go camping. The Classic proved to be a great opportunity for him to meet fellow enthusiasts among the friendly South East Queensland boating community. He intends to give his current vessel a sail, before starting a new project. “I’d like to build a bigger boat,” Sho admits. “It would be an 18-foot sailing dinghy and it will have an onboard engine too. I’m trying to make my boats bigger and bigger – but I also want to build something I like. I can do my best that way.” Doug Fielding is still supervising Sho at Regatta Marine and there is no question he is impressed with what he is seeing. “The sky’s the limit for Sho,” Doug says. “He has a skill where he can just see what the finished product is supposed to look like. When you can do that, you get there eventually. “At Regatta Marine, we are passionate about classic boats. They are unique and the process of building each one has its own unique story. When someone of Sho’s youth comes along with such enthusiasm and creativity, it’s an inspiration for those of us who have been in the business some time and love it.” OCT - DEC 2019 52

BOAT GOLD COAST

Photo of new Predator 60 EVO

GOLD COAST CITY MARINA

welcomes SUNSEEKER to the iconic shipyard facility

Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) is proud to welcome Sunseeker as the latest high- profile international brand to join the expanding marina and shipyard facility

unseeker East Coast Australia has opened a Queensland sales and service centre at GCCM as the leading luxury boat builder expands its reach on the east coast of Australia. Announced at the Sydney International Boat Show, Brad Rodgers explained the decision to take residency in Australia’s largest and most awarded marina and shipyard. “There is a great opportunity for the Sunseeker brand in Queensland and, specifically, on the Gold Coast. We needed a location which would allow us to tap this market as well as support Sunseeker owners in after sales service. GCCM stood out as the clear option.” Sunseeker East Coast Australia now has a sales suite and after sale service centre overlooking their demonstration yachts secured in GCCM’s superyacht berths. “We are delighted to welcome Sunseeker East Coast Australia to GCCM. We have been servicing yachts for nearly 20 years now and have developed Australia’s leading group of marine contractors and trades. It is our collective expertise and experience which gives brands such as Sunseeker the confidence to invest,” offered Mr Trenton Gay, CEO of GCCM. Sunseeker joins a host of other high profile global marine brands aligned with GCCM, including Hill Robinson, Seal Superyachts, IGY Marinas, Benetti, International Paints, Mercury, Volvo Penta and Superyacht Solutions. GCCM is also home to over 80 onsite marine businesses employing over 700 world-class tradesmen and craftsmen. Now approaching its 20th year in operation, it is the most awarded marina and shipyard in Australia taking out the inaugural Hall of Fame Award from the Marina Industries Association and also becoming the first shipyard facility in the Asia Pacific region to receive the highly coveted 5 Gold Anchor marine accreditation.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

GCCM team Derrick Nowak, Luke McCaul, Trenton Gay, Sunseeker team Brad Rogers, Audrey Greenwood, John Drake, Photo Roman Liebich (Ocean Magazine)

“We announced this new relationship in Sydney as we are seeing more and more yachts and boats from here utilising the facilities and incredible trades at GCCM to complete their maintenance. Some are stopping by on their route north, others are making the trip up to the Gold Coast specifically for their annual yard period. The feedback we continually receive is that GCCM is both convenient and cost effective for Owners and Captains. Having such a high concentration of marine trades in one facility maximises the efficiency of the yard period and the Gold Coast also offers a welcome relief from the Sydney winter,” continued Mr Gay. For Sunseeker the market is growing. “Australia is a developed luxury boat market, yet we are seeing buyers’ appetite for our large yacht range growing and changing the dynamics of our sales strategy,” said Brad Rodgers. For Enquiries to the Sunseeker office located at GCCM – Audrey Greenwood 0439 558 810

BOAT GOLD COAST

Advanced Technology for the Marine Industry P

Poly Flex Marine Products

oly Flex Australia is a market leader in Polymer Technology in marine and industrial vibration isolation systems. The Poly Flex Group Pty Ltd manufactures an increasing range of anti-vibration engine mounting systems and shaft couplings for the marine, agricultural, mining and power generation industries. Beginning in 1981, Poly Flex has grown to be the preferred industry standard around the globe for high quality anti-vibration and isolation products. Manufactured in Australia and exported across the world, Poly Flex continues to increase their range of high quality products for the marine and other industries. The extensive range includes anti-vibration mounting systems, marine shaft couplings, rudder bearings, hull to deck joining systems, and CNC machined steel half couplings, along with an increasing range of customised polymer mouldings.

In the last few decades, engines have dramatically changed becoming more powerful while reducing the overall engine mass. Along with changes to boat construction and materials, the vibration isolation needs of the customers have changed along with it. Poly Flex continually strives to remain up to date with innovative products to deal with the new designs and models of engines, generators, gearboxes and vessels. Poly Flex has been developing a range of damper plates to fit between the engine and gearbox to reduce the engine vibration from going into the gearbox, and also to produce a unit that can be rebuilt after damage to the elastic element, without throwing out the whole assembly. After extensive

testing, the damper plates are beginning to be rolled out to the industry with hugely positive results. The team at Poly Flex have the capacity to design and manufacture products to solve many problems all to the same Poly Flex high standard of practice. Moulded from engineering grade, heat cured polymer alloys which are long lasting, resistant to oil and fuel, all Poly Flex products are manufactured to the highest standard with performance and quality as their main objectives. With a growing worldwide distribution system, Poly Flex can quickly service customers’ needs with well-informed local people dealing direct with their customer base and still have the manufacturers backing for the product. With established agents in the US, UK, Asia, South America, Canada, Middle East, New Zealand and Europe, Poly Flex can handle most product requirements quickly and efficiently. Local companies and distributors are able to service the needs of their customers with the full backing of Poly Flex.

Poly Flex Products “Better By Design”

Poly Flex and their distributors can be seen at many international level trade shows as well as numerous local shows throughout Australia and overseas. They pride themselves on taking the time to discuss with their customer exactly what they want and to supply them the best possible product to achieve this.

Visit our web site or contact our sales staff, agents or distributors for prompt and professional service. In regions not having a direct Poly Flex distributor, we welcome enquiries from established distributors with an interest in marketing our premium range of products.

For technical information, product specifications and advice, you can contact the distribution agents in your area or Poly Flex direct via the website, email or phone. Poly Flex offers a quick response to your enquiry anywhere in the world.

www.polyflex.com.au 26-28 Tubbs St , Clontarf Qld. Ph: (07) 3284 2799 Email: info@polyflex.com.au

ADVANCED POLYMER TECHNOLOGY FOR VIBRATION CONTROL Our mounts & flexible drive couplings are moulded from heat cured polymer alloys which are long lasting oil/fuel resistant. They are manufactured and tested by Poly Flex Group with decades of experience and hands on control of all stages of the manufacturing process. Mounts range from 10kg - 2000kg rating, flexible couplings range from 10Hp - 2500Hp and these products are available with DNV, (Det Norske Vertas) type approval upon request for vessels in survey. We also manufacture steel half couplings which are designed to couple a flexible coupling to the drive shaft and are available in various sizes. These are machined to high precision in our CNC turning centre out of CS1020 grade mild steel and then cobalt zinc plated for protection against the elements. We can also manufacture custom adaptor plates and cotton reels upon request.

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT REVIEW

SKiP BLUE WATER 480 nder or trailer boat Ideal as a te

The Blue Water range is designed with harsh conditions in mind. The integrated long-range 80L fuel tank, full non-slip deck, and a 20°-dead rise will let you take on even the roughest conditions confidently. With the impermeable qualities of the aluminium hulls, there is no need to worry about gel coat chips, or putting the boat on a coral beach or trailer. Aluminium will not delaminate over time, retaining its agile performance and weighing the same in 10 years time. THE BLUE WATER 480: ON THE WATER

he SKiP brand is named after the old Norwegian word skip meaning “little ship”. SKiP Inflatables specialise in tough lightweight aluminium hulled RIBs. The SKiP Inflatables range of aluminium tender has over 40 different models, ranging from 2.0m to 8.3 meters in length. In Australia, SKiP Inflatables are distributed via their Gold Coast (QLD) warehouse, which has the full range of tenders on display with many different colours in stock.

Our test boat for this review is the Blue Water 480, powered by a Yamaha F70. The hull is constructed with a 4mm thick marine-grade 5052H32 aluminium, and the inflatable collar is an ORCA®828 CSM coated fabric. ORCA®828 is used in commercial boats up to 6m in length. It is the best fabric currently available to withstand abrasion, high temperatures, and UV rays. Aluminium offers many advantages over fibreglass-hulled tender, in weight, savings and durability.

BLUE WATER SERIES: DESIGN AND LAYOUT

With the beautiful Gold Coast weather, we could not resist getting the boat out on the water for some water sports. With between four and five people in the boat all day, towing a skier was no problem at all. With the fuel tank up forward, the boat bow rise is really reduced when getting up on the plane. These boats are light for their size and are very manoeuvrable, with the inflatable collar proving extremely stable at rest.

The SKiP Inflatables Blue Water series are designed as a tough, yet lightweight tender for larger cruising yachts. The open deck layout maximises space, which, in combination with the aluminium targa bar, makes for a very versatile tender – great for fishing, water sports, or just exploring extended waterways with the added safety that RIB provides. The targa bar is an ideal place for navigation light, radars, antennas and ariels due to its high vantage point. It also offers a tow point for water sports, keeping the towrope high and clear of the prop. It is also fantastic for fishing accessories, like rod holds and cutting boards. All control cables and wiring are cleverly concealed under the floor in looming trays, keeping decks clear and wiring high and dry above the bilge. Another great design feature are the overpressure valves installed in each air chamber that will allow excess pressure to be released from the tubes, in case of a collision or the tube having been over inflated. Other key features include deluxe closed-cell foam cushions with piping, Davit lifting points, double transom tow points, forward anchor locker, and choice of centre or side console. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

SPECIFICATIONS Model: SKiP Blue Water 480 ALX Hull length: 4.8m Beam: 2.04m Deadrise: 20 degrees Inside length: 3.8m Inside width: 1050mm Tube diameter: 480mm Hull weight: 242kg incl. built in fuel tank, console and seats Total boat weight fitted w/ F70hp Dry: 392kg Weight of trailer and boat combined (ATM): 652kg Maximum power: 80hp Engine as tested: Yamaha 70hp four-stroke Fuel: 80L Flotation standard: Level Maximum number of persons: 11 Priced from: $29,995 including a Yamaha F50 long shaft four-stroke outboard with hydraulic steering and Yamaha dual digital engine gauges; or $31,695 as shown, with the Yamaha F70. Add $2394 for an Oceanic single-axle galvanised steel unbraked trailer.

Underway, this boat was a lot of fun to drive. As we headed out through the Tweed River Bar, we find that the hull was predictable and very responsive. This is a soft riding dry boat and your passengers will be pleased with the ride quality, especially on longer trips. Ideal as a tender for larger motor yachts, the BW480 is equally suitable as a trailer boat towable by smaller family vehicles and easily stored in a modest space with the tubes deflated. The performance numbers below where taken with two adults in the boat in calm conditions. However, in choppy conditions, the numbers would not differ greatly as this is where a welldesigned RIB really starts to perform at its best in comparison to other boat designs. 55

s g n i h t l l A . . . g n i t a o b

MARINA BERTHS SHIPYARD DRYSTACK STORAGE TRAILER BOAT STORAGE JETSKI STORAGE GENERAL STORAGE SHEDS 56

BOAT RAMP FUEL CHANDLERY BOAT BROKER TRAVEL LIFT/FORK LIFT EXTERNAL HARDSTAND MARINE REFIT & REPAIR

REPAIR TENANTS SERVICES COMMERCIAL REFIT SHEDS CAFE COURTESY BERTHS ANCHORAGE CAFE EVENT/WEDDING CATERING ICE/BAIT/GAS EXCHANGE OCT - DEC 2019

Marina & Shipyard 80 Cabbage Tree Point Road, Woongoolba QLD 4207

07 5546 2300 www.horizonshores.com.au 27° 45’ Latitude, 153° 21’ Longitude BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT GOLD COAST

Live Boat Auctions - Food & Wine Precinct

JACOBS WELL BOATING EVENT ES A

R U T A E F E U IQ N U S E C N U AN N O

nticipation for the inaugural Horizon Shores Boat & Marine Show is building, with just over a month to go until a boat show unlike any other. Presented by Unified Events, Horizon Shores Boat & Marine Show will bring the latest and greatest products across boating, entertainment, and food and wine to the stunning Horizon Shores Marina for a three-day lifestyle festival. In an Australian first, the show will feature a live boat auction on site, to take place at 2pm on Sunday 13th October. With options for every budget, there will be no shortage of choice for every kind of marine-life-lover from fishing boats to catamarans to luxury yachts. For those who cannot participate in the excitement of the live auction on site, bids can also be placed via the Marine Auctions website. For fishing fans, the show’s Fisherman’s Lane will be the perfect place to spend a weekend, dedicated to all things fishing and showcasing fishing rods, lures, crab pots and more. The highlight of the Lane is a live fishing display from the Berkley Supertank,

boasting 14,500 litres of freshwater and schools of locally sourced barramundi and offering attendees the chance to discover different lures and techniques.

To accompany the thrill of the boating and fishing exhibits, or to provide some downtime, the onsite Seafood and Wine Festival is another boat show first that’s guaranteed to be a hit. Talented yachting and T V Chef Lisa Mead has been announced as part of the celebrity chef line up and will be demonstrating her skills live at the event. Having spent the last 26 years living and cooking on luxury yachts around the magnificent British Virgin Islands, Lisa has cooked for royalty and celebrities onboard luxury yachts, in 5 star villas, and on private islands. The Seafood and Wine Festival will also boast a Fisherman’s Beer and BBQ Bar, VIP Seafood and Sparkling Wine Bar, live cooking demonstrations and over 20 food and wine exhibitors. A family friendly event, the Horizon Shores Boat & Marine Show will also have a range of kids’ activities on offer,

including an educational petting zoo from Wildlife HQ. Children can also explore the boats on site, join sea trials and safety demonstrations from VMR Jacobs Well, and devour cuisine from the food trucks scattered around the event. Those involved with the event are eagerly anticipating it, with exhibitor David Edwards of the Gold Coast Boating Centre, saying, “At last a great boat show that will provide entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, and the opportunity to showcase the latest in affordable trailer boat models to suit the working class man. All of this alongside good food and wine – definitely a great family day out!”

When: 11-13 October 2019 Where: Horizon Shores Marina & Shipyard, Steiglitz Info & tickets: Tickets from $5 at www.horizonboatshow.com.au

HORIZON SHORES MARINA

Ideally located between Brisbane and Gold Coast

OCT - DEC 2019

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HORIZON SHORES

SHIPYARD

orizon Shores Marina has a huge variety of services on offer, with 500 Marina Berths, 350 dry stack storage bays, 200 trailer boat storage locations, a 70t travelift, on-water fuel facility, chandlery, marine refit and repair, hardstand and refit sheds, plus an onsite cafe.

TRAILER BOAT STORAGE & BOAT RAMP Horizon Shores Marina Trailer Boat storage is the ultimate solution to freeing up your driveway and storing your boat undercover.

MARINA BERTHS Horizon Shores Marina is one of the largest wetberth marinas in Australia. Catering for vessels up to 80ft in length, including catamarans, houseboats and cruising boats, we can provide you with shortterm or long-term berthing arrangements

Unlimited launch and retrievals; work area available for you to clean or tinker away; no queuing at boat ramps or ramp rage; no driving around looking for parking for both your vehicle and trailer, and you’re on the water quicker. So, why not free up your driveway or make space in your back yard; even better if you live in an apartment, you can have it all.

OUR FULL SERVICE MARINA INCLUDES: Dockside assistance with our friendly staff on standby to catch your lines and assist you berth; power; water; access-controlled entry gates; dockside refueling (diesel, ULP, premium); chandlery; ice; bait; café; haul-out facilities; refit and repair services; and, even after-hours security patrols. SHIPYARD Our large hardstand facility consisting of a 70t marine travelift and 2 x 10t forklifts. We offer a secure concreted shipyard facility at highly competitive rates. Being a full service marina, Horizon Shores provides haul-out and hard standing services for boats up to 70t in weight and 80ft in length. With all marinerelated services available in one location, we will be sure to have you back on the water as quickly as possible, saving you time and money. Services available: Travelift haul-out 70t; forklifts up to 10t; external hardstand; work arm; enclosed refit/repair sheds 23 mtrs long x 12 mtrs wide x 10 mtrs high; and highpressure water blasting. Bookings are essential.

Benefits include:

BOAT RAMP Horizon Shores Boat Ramp is open to the public. Avoid ramp rage and congestion with our friendly staff on hand to manage ramp movements. Ease of mind knowing that your car and trailer is at the marina, especially with our after-hours security patrols. Enjoy the convenience of dockside fuelling, a café, and chandlery open 7 days a week. All this for a flat fee rate of $20 per launch with unlimited nights out. Better still, why not purchase an Annual Ramp Pass for $290.00 per year. Please contact the marina office for further information on (07) 5546 2300. DRY STACK STORAGE The ultimate solution to boat storage that places your boat out of the water in a fully enclosed storage shed. To make your boating easy, just call us one hour prior to your intended arrival, and we will launch your boat for you and have it ready for you waiting on our courtesy berth. At the end of your day, return your boat to the courtesy berth and we will flush your motors, rinse down the externals and put it away in our fully enclosed dry stack facility.

We’ve got boat storage covered. 500 Marina Berths • Public Boat Ramp Dry Stack, Trailer Boat, Jet-Ski & Tinnie Storage DIY Maintenance • High Pressure Water Blasting 70t Travelift • Brokerage • Fuel Wharf • Shipwright

07 5546 2300 www.horizonshores.com.au OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT

SERVICES & REFITS Storing your boat out of the sun and weather in our dry stack will reduce the costs of boat ownership by: extending the life of your covers and clears; eliminating the need for antifoul; reduce engine maintenance; prevent paint and fibreglass fade; no need for a trailer or large towing vehicle; reduce the wear-and-tear on your vehicle, not to mention fuel; reduced insurance premiums compared to parking on the street.

Conveniently Located Bet ween Brisbane & Gold Coast

FEATURED BUSINESSES:

KLM ELECTRICS Queensland Cummins Onan major dealer, RV and marine design and installation, full range of parts and servicing, stand alone solar systems for 1.2kwh – portable and fixed, supply and installation of battery charger’s, inverters and all types of batteries, LED lighting – RV, marine and emergency dc lights. www.klmelectrics.com.au Ph 07 5546 1466 Email info@klmelectrics.com.au

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HORIZON SHORES BOAT SALES Situated in the main building near the Anchorage Cafe. HSBS are a dedicated team of brokers who are willing and able to assist you through the entire process of buying or selling a boat. Experts in the sale of yachts, power boats, catamarans, cruisers, house boats and commercial vessels. www.hsbs.com.au Ph 07 5546 2999 admin@hsbs.com.au

Don McL

BOAT HISTORY

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An early Coke advertising photo at Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens where Don McLaren worked as a ski show performer on the waterways of Nerang River in Carrara.(Betty Wheeler collection)

ICONIC GOLD COAST DESTINATIONS

McLaren’s Legacy By Lani Esp-Morse

conic Gold Coast landmarks, such as Mariner’s Cove and South Stradbroke Island, are well known by locals and tourists alike. But little can be said for the names behind such monumental sites that make the Gold Coast what it is today. One of these pioneers is Don McLaren. Don’s life work built the foundations for several iconic Gold Coast features. He established McLarens Landing on South Stradbroke, the McLaren Marine Village (now known as Horizon Shores) and McLaren’s Marine (now Mariner’s Cove). Born in Melbourne, Don’s first visit to the Gold Coast was in his teen years while visiting Queensland for a model aeroplane competition in Toowoomba. His short stay left a lasting impression on him as he returned in 1958 at the age of 24 and was lured to stay by the blooming interest for all things watersports and swinging surf culture. LIFE AT CARRARA’S SKI GARDENS Working alongside the likes of the late Keith Williams, the founder of SeaWorld, Hamilton Island and Port Hinchinbrook, Don was actively involved in the Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens. Based off the waterways of Nerang River in Carrara, Williams’ Ski Gardens were a main attraction showcasing the watersport culture of the time as well as the beauty of the coastline. Heralded as one of the Coast’s first main attraction parks, the Ski Gardens featured stunt shows, boating displays and skiing acts. Through the years of 1959 to 1965, Don was part of numerous water skiing displays and shows, boating stunts, and “basically a bit of everything… anything that moved.” While working at the Gardens, Don also completed his ‘Ship’s Masters Certificate’, as well as acquiring his ‘Marine Engineering’ ticket. Performing shows daily and working on boats day in and out, he became fully immersed in the scene of water skiing

and boating. The year 1965 saw the Ski Gardens host the World Water Ski Championships where many performers, Don included, showcased their talents on a global scale. As one of the founding enthusiasts for the sport, Don states, “We pioneered water skiing. It just wasn’t done the way we did it first.” Between competitive skiing, ski shows and even filming a few television commercials, the skiers did all sorts of crazy things. “You had to be nuts to do the things we were doing.” Once the championships had ended, Don knew he was ready to take on something new. “I wanted to start my own boat business,” he recalls, “Keith said it’d be a tough job, but wished me luck. I didn’t have much but I knew I wanted to be in the boat business. It was boats and water skiing that got me into it. Once you start with dealing small boats, you just get bigger and bigger.” MAIN BEACH BOAT DEALERSHIP Don soon found a block of land, previously utilised as an ex-used car yard, off the old Gold Coast Highway along Main Beach Parade. Don began renting the land in the hopes of setting up a boat yard. With eight boats to begin (seven borrowed and only one being actually owned by Don), the Don McLaren Marine was in business. Sometime after opening, Don’s brother Vern visited the Gold Coast on his honeymoon. Seeing the success of his brother, Vern and his wife relocated from Melbourne to the Coast for good. Becoming business partners in the marine sales business, the name was changed to ‘McLaren Marine’. By 1968, the McLaren Marine had outgrown the Main Beach block, so the McLarens moved shop to the area now known as Mariner’s Cove. Developing the area to contain their boat business and workshop, they also worked off the slipway servicing trawlers and cruise boats. Don and his wife Judy lived in the apartment above the workshop until 1977 when Don was hit with a new idea.

EARLY DAYS: MARINER’S COVE AND HORIZON SHORES “We were asleep one morning. Don woke up about 6am and exclaimed, ‘I’m going to build a restaurant!’ Judy recalls. “I asked him, ‘Where? And when?’, to which he replied, ‘Here! And now! Get out of bed!” Construction soon converted the residence above the workshop into ‘Grumpy’s Wharf Seafood Restaurant’. As McLaren Marine grew successfully at the Mariner’s Cove, the McLarens soon were looking at bigger plans for a marina and shipyard on the Main Beach stretch. Despite the ever-growing interest and success on the Coast for boating, the council were not convinced by Don’s proposal for the Main Beach marina. “There was no marina those days. You would tie your boat to an anchor and drop the anchor where you could find the space. We just had to convince the old guys that marinas were the way forward.” As the interest in boat ownership became more prominent, Don knew there would be a demand and need for a marina. The brothers soon found 150 acres of land north of Jacobs Well, in prime position to the channel between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. After gathering some estimates from local construction companies, Don realised that if he wanted the marina, he was going to have to do it alone with the help of some friends. “The quotes were ridiculous those days for that kind of job,” he laughs, “Telephone numbers… that’s how you would describe the quotes we were given.” Alongside a few like-minded friends, the brothers were able to transform the waterway into what would be called one of the Coast’s first marinas, the McLaren Marine Village (now Horizon Shores Marina and Shipyard). Buying all their own equipment and learning to operate them, the McLarens were able to build on their own. “We didn’t use contractors, because the quotes were ridiculous. With the help of Pat Lowry and other friends we were able to make it.” OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT HISTORY to sell the Tippler’s restaurant, and in exchange for the ownership of the restaurant, the brothers received a section of land further north. “My brother and I got together and built a house on the plot of land. No one else wanted it. It was just bushland. We just wanted somewhere to take the kids, somewhere to go.”

McLaren Marine

at Main Beach 19

60 's

As the lands were deemed too swampy for any agriculture use, the brothers gradually pumped out the swamp and constructed a lake where they began docking boats. After the initial proposal for the marina on Main Beach, Don knew the council would deny the permit to the new plot as well, but construction went forward nevertheless. “We went and did it not knowing what would happen because there was no history or records to look back on. It was a bit of a chance.” By the time the marine permit was granted, construction was already halfway complete at the Marine Village. Despite scrutiny from the city council, the McLaren Marine Village would prove its value and become the largest privately-owned marina in the Southern Hemisphere for a period of the last century. BUILDING MCLAREN'S LANDING While managing the McLaren Marine Village, Don and his brother had their eyes on their next venture across the channel. In the 70’s, the McLarens had invested in Tippler’s, a restaurant on the coast of South Stradbroke Island, still standing today. They decided

After the house was completed, the brothers started to think bigger about the potential of the island. Alongside boats and hot-rods, Don also was an avid helicopter and light aircraft pilot, freighting supplies and friends to and from the island and between business locations. After years of flying over the northern Gold Coast and South Stradbroke, Don understood the flow of boats passing south from Brisbane, as well as heading north from the Coast — all passing through the Gold Coast Seaway. By the early 80’s, the island had proven to be popular among locals and holiday makers. While construction was still underway at the marina, the McLarens began building the South Stradbroke resort. Converting the land originally envisioned as an escape for his own family, Don’s plot of land soon became the beginnings of an iconic holiday destination where countless other families have made memories of their own, the McLaren's Landing.

Don could be found on the water fishing at any moment he could, day or night. Going out through the old Southport Bar, he could be found on the water regardless of the conditions. “They’d all reckon I was stupid for what I used to do.” He spent day and night out on the water and began regularly saving anything from small recreational boats to trawlers getting in trouble on the bar before the Coast had inlets and closed entries. “I possibly could have been one of the first rescue services. I rescued over 50 boats in a year in the early 70’s.” With numerous iconic Gold Coast destinations to the McLaren name, Don describes his career as “the craziest time of my life, but also the best.” Now retired, Don still enjoys as much time as possible on the water, tinkering with boats and hot-rods, and spending time with his family. His current projects include restoring boats such as 1972 Formula 233, and vintage cars such as a 1971 Dodge Challenger, to name a few. In his own words, “If you’re not busy then you’re dead, plus it keeps me out of trouble.”

SOUTHPORT BAR RESCUE SERVICES It was not all business for the McLarens and friends, despite having to balance between the slipway, restaurants, boat sales and marina businesses. They worked hard and played hard too. At a time when few boating regulations were in place, the Coast was a boat enthusiast’s playground. “I could dock my boat wherever there was sand. We could water ski right past Cavill Ave, and no one would say ‘boo’.”

Own your own piece of island paradise South Stradbroke – lifestyle investment

For Sale by Owner

• 2 bed 1 bath

$429,000

• Make use of resort facilities all year round – every day is a holiday!

Call Justin for more information

• Located on the marina at Couran Cove

0451 515 515

• Live in, short term rental or the perfect weekender Floor plan (indicative)

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

LIVE ON THE WATER FROM $459,000. New limited release on sale!

View of the Palms Release. Surrounded by mature Palm trees, habitat reserve and tranquil canals.

Aerial of Calypso Bay and Palms Release.

OCT - DEC 2019

Imagine, a pontoon in your backyard, access to the open ocean, plus rivers, channels and Islands at an arms reach - this is Calypso Bay. Now on sale the new Palms Release offers you a life of waterfront luxury in an exclusively planned community. Calypso Bay takes luxury one step further with the Residents’ Leisure Club offering an array of premium facilities. Enjoy a resortstyle swimming pool, well equipped gymnasium, tennis courts and poolside cafe, taking your lifestyle to the next level. Calypso Bay is a rare find positioned in-between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, giving convenient access to two major cities, two airports and within easy reach of beaches, shopping, schools and entertainment. Now you can live an idyllic lifestyle of luxury and access. Don’t miss the opportunity to wake up on the water every morning. Enquire at calypsobay.com.au to secure a lot in the new Palms Release today.

Calypso Bay Residents’ Leisure Club, including gym, café, pool and tennis courts.

Calypso Bay Sales Office: 3 Recreation Place, Jacobs Well QLD 4208. 07 5546 2666 sales@calypsobay.com.au calypsobay.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT NORTHERN GC

Jacobs Well

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE By Steve Rowell

acobs Well Environmental Education Centre is a Queensland State Government School located within the semi-agricultural district of Norwell. In 1974, JWEEC was established as the first Educational Field Study centre in the state. Formally Jacobs Well SS, its grounds have been learnscaped to provide a variety of outdoor learning experiences for students. JWEEC is also situated in close proximity to the islands and waterways of Southern Moreton Bay. The centre frequents study sites such as South Stradbroke Island, Behms Forest, Pimpama River, Moreton Bay, Freshwater Ponds, Wavebreak Island and mangroves of Jacobs Well District. One of the centre’s unique resources is the EDUCAT. The EDUCAT is a purpose-built research vessel first commissioned in 2002. The powered aluminium catamaran has a unique bow ramp for easy access to beach study sites. It is powered by twin diesel engines and its layout is designed as a large classroom, which can seat around 40 students. The vessel operates in the waters of Southern Moreton Bay from Russell Island to Southport. The EDUCAT is owned by Queensland Education Department and managed by the Jacobs Well Environmental Education Centre. Therefore, most of the clients aboard the EDUCAT are school students engaging in programs that complement their classroom studies. Over 1500 students per year use the EDUCAT for educational experiences. Apart from school students, JWEEC is able to partner with a number of universities and community education groups to provide tertiary and community programs. Research equipment on the vessel allows animal and plankton sample trawls and sediment grabs. Underwater imagery can also be viewed by clients using the centre ROV (underwater drone with camera). Groups can engage in snorkeling activities to collect marine data. It is also used to transport students to nearby islands to engage in Indigenous studies, coastal management studies, bird watching, and many other forms of marine research. The EDUCAT receives good support from Horizon Shores Marina for mooring and maintenance. It has also undergone a recent major refit to replace engines and strengthen the hull. Besides EDUCAT, JWEEC has two timber dories and canoes. The dories were built by students 25 years ago, based on an English fishing boat. They are able to get into very shallow waters and are safe watercraft,

so young students can get the opportunity to have a drive under staff supervision. They are often used for bird watching and Mangrovewatch data collection. The centre also provides a canoeing program. The centre owns nine three-seat canoes that are deployed in the nearby local waterways. They allow students to observe a number of local species more closely. They allow students to collect data to assess the health of local waterways. JWEEC is committed to the development and implementation of quality environmental education programs, which aid in the development of an environmentally conscious and active community member. The centre provides unique and high quality experiential learning opportunities, supporting the school curriculum in a context not available in a mainstream school’s learning environment. A range of day visit and residential programs are available to students from all school sectors and subject areas. The centre has a primary focus on sustainability and biodeversity education within all programs. Some of the centre’s programs are: Freshwater studies – Investigating the health of local river systems and waterways. Mangrove Ecosystems – Researching mangrove systems.

local

Indigenous Perspectives - Understanding local indigenous culture. Creature Feature - Interacting with the centre,s reptiles. Birdwatching – Observing the birdlife of the local area. Forest Detectives – Investigating and researching forest systems. Trawling the Waterways – Catch, research and release of marine organisms. Coastal Management – Study of our ever changing coastal and island environments. Plankton Study – Catch and research plankton samples. Canoeing – Investigating and exploring our local waterways. Nursery and Native Plant Program – Propagation and revegetation within schools and community areas. Nestbox Observation – Locating and observing our centre nestboxes and their inhabitants. Trapping Program – Catch, research and release of local forest mammals.

Snorkelling Wavebreak Is- Snorkel to collect data on local marine organisms and environment. Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures – Observe marine growth on underwater research structures. Hopping Mad – Catch, research and release local frogs. www.jacobswelleec.eq.edu.au OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT NORTHERN GC

Welcome to Jacobs Well

Fishing & Social Club

hen you head off north by boat, through the Broadwater towards Moreton Bay, your first port is the small town of Jacobs Well, a suburb positioned on the delta of the Pimpama River with a small population of a few thousand people. The Jacobs Well Fishing and Social Club is a small, community-minded club formed and incorporated in 2002 for people to come together for fishing or social events.

In the club’s Constitution, it states: “The objects of the association are to promote and encourage community involvement in recreational fishing, including educating juniors on fishing, boating safety, environmental care and legal fishing requirements as set out by state legislation. The association was formed as a non-profit organisation, with any money raised going back to members and the local community through purchase of assets, various functions and charity events.” Over the years, the club has been involved in many worthwhile fundraising events, including Shave for a Cure, Mo-vember, Queensland Flood Appeal, Kids with Cancer, and more, as well as assisting members within the community who may be facing hard times. We have also always encouraged junior participation and for several years, have held Take-a-Kid Fishing Days and Junior Angler Educational camps. Another project we have been involved with for over 15 years is Clean Up The Pin. Sunfish South Moreton handed this job over to us and we were happy to

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take it on. Our club members (with a little help from the community) continue to set out in boats and clean up the surrounding islands, usually resulting in over 1 to 2 tonnes of rubbish collected each year.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we have been in a position over the last few years to be able to donate funds to some of our local institutions, which include Volunteer Marine Rescue Jacobs Well, Rocky Point Rural Fire Brigade, Woongoolba Bowls Club War Memorial, and Pelican and Sea Bird Rescue. The local community and our sponsors support us in our fundraising efforts throughout the year; therefore, we enjoy being able to reciprocate within the community when possible.

On the social side, our club is a good way to meet new people within the community and we offerUP THE PIN CLEAN social days, such as Barefoot Bowls, Island Camps, ASBowling, MUCH ASProgressive LAST YEAR - BUT ST A Day at the Races, NOT 10 Pin Dinners, and more. We are heading into our 18th year of fishing and fun! Facebook.com/Jacobs Well Fishing & Social Club

The club had 209 financial members at the end of the last financial year. Our junior membership is strong, and we organise many outdoor activities and camps for them. They are a group of kids who will happily come out and pick up the rubbish for Clean Up The Pin. They also run their own sausage sizzle to raise money for extra outings and events. An accredited First Aid course is funded by the club and offered to members each year, and we are also pleased to see our junior members also participating and attaining their certificates. On the fishing side we have always been concerned with size and bag limits if we are to see a future in recreational fishing, and for many years we have increased size limits and decreased bag limits for many species targeted in our monthly competitions. Both senior and junior members are encouraged to fish by these rules.

CLEAN UP THE PIN The club thanks all volunteers who attended Clean Up The Pin, and helped either onshore or collecting. Fortunately, there appeared to be less rubbish than usual; but there were also less volunteers. Some passersby who witnessed the barge and other boats bringing in the collected debris were completely blown away and commended our efforts. While the majority of volunteers came from the club, it was good to see a few new volunteers from other areas and the local community, too.

BOAT PROTOCOL

CROSSING coastal bars WARNINGS: HEADING OUT AND COMING IN By Nic Welch

enturing offshore is an amazing experience and is full of excitement when landing fantastic catches of reef fish, up-close encounters with whales and dolphins, or simply seeing the coastline from a different angle to those normally seen inside the waterways of the Broadwater or Moreton Bay. Safety of yourself and your passengers, however, must always come first. Experienced skippers on commercial vessels with years of local knowledge never underestimate the dangers associated with crossing their local coastal bar – and neither should you. If you are considering venturing offshore for the first time, and need to cross a coastal bar, then please take heed of this advice: Do not attempt it in your own boat without having gained experience multiple times in another vessel skippered by someone else who knows the bar in all weather conditions. Conditions on a bar can change quickly and without warning, even on a good day. Even the Gold Coast Seaway, which is the safest coastal bar to cross in Southeast Queensland, can be particularly nasty in an ebb tide, with a large swell and strong breeze. Going out through a coastal bar on a high tide in light winds and small swell is a totally different scenario to coming back in after a day’s fishing when the tide turns, the wind is up, the swell arrives, or wind-swept seas are present. Here are a few tips you should always follow before crossing a coastal bar: Never cross a coastal bar without recent local knowledge. Sand banks constantly shift in coastal bars from day to day, and can cause waves to break unexpectantly in front of you (and behind you when coming back in).

Test your engine(s) and steering controls are in perfect working order. Test your bilge pump(s). Secure all loose items on board, including eskies, fishing rods, and buckets. Secure all hatches. LOGGING ON AND OFF To log on, switch to the working VHF radio frequency for the nearest limited coast station (VMR or Coast Guard). VHF channel 16 is the distress, safety and calling frequency, and may be used to make initial contact with the coast station. Ensure you log on prior to crossing any coastal bar. When logging on, state the following information: • • • • • • •

Vessel name Vessel registration number Number of persons on board Point of departure Destination Mobile telephone number on board Estimated time of return

Remember to log off upon your return, once you are back safely inside the bar. GOING OUT Slow displacement boats and high-speed planing boats may handle crossing a bar differently.

Ensure that the capabilities of your vessel and your own skills are up to the task. Coastal bars are no place for beginners. Your boat must be seaworthy, suitable and can handle impacts from waves.

The boat must match the energy of each incoming wave by maintaining a speed that will lift the bow over the wave, and reduce the chance of the wave breaking over the bow into the boat.

Never venture offshore without a VHF Radio. Always log on and off with the nearest limited coast station, such as VMR or Coastguard. Mobile phones are simply not a suitable alternative to a communications safety device.

Do not hit waves at high speed, but take them as close to head-on as possible. Be prepared to take a wave head-on and take water over the bow if there is no other way.

Always wear a lifejacket, regardless of your vessel size. Consider how difficult it would be to grab a lifejacket from your boat once upturned, then attempting to put it on when you are in the rough conditions that caused your vessel to capsize. Consider how long it would take for rescue services to reach you while treading water. It is required by law in Queensland to wear a lifejacket in an open boat under 4.8 metres when crossing a coastal bar. Check the weather conditions. Not only should you check the latest weather forecast for the day, but also check the current live wind, sea and swell conditions. Weather forecasts and current conditions can be obtained from the nearest limited coast station by VHF radio or telephone.

New model Quintrex 739 Ocean Ranger HT

When crossing a bar, you should: cross on an incoming tide when possible. look for lulls and choose the line of least wave activity and avoid breaking waves (the calmest water). look for the deepest water to avoid grounding. keep your boat head-on to approaching waves. Do not let your boat turn side on to approaching waves. head up into the waves and accelerate where possible, but avoid getting airborne. head for the lowest part of the wave and continue until clear.

Ensure you have all your safety gear on board and in good working order. These include an EPIRB, flares, V-sheet, fire extinguisher, torch, PFD1 lifejackets, an anchor with enough chain and rope, navigation charts, compass, handheld GPS, drinking water, oars or paddles, bailing buckets, and a bilge pump. Brief all your passengers how to use each piece of safety gear.

Once you have started crossing, keep going. Trying to turn around in front of an incoming wave can be dangerous.

Ensure you have enough fuel on board. Allow, at minimum, an additional 30% of fuel over and above what you think you may need.

Assess the wave patterns and choose your route carefully, avoiding high standing waves. OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB

MARINA

Pursuit boats

Prior to crossing a bar with breaking waves, it is important to sit, wait, and observe the bar for at least 10 minutes to assess the wave situation. Breaking waves indicate shallow water. As any surfer knows, the largest waves only occur at intervals of at least 10 minutes. So spend at least 10 minutes to work out the best route through the deepest water.

Australian Border Force Clearance Port 24 hr fuel bunkering for large amounts Berths & deep-water access for vessels up to 80M/2000T 24/7 on-water high speed fuel facility and bunkering Single and 3 phase power up to 125 amp Hardstand Chandlery Patrolled secure gated site, CCTV cameras Laundry, washrooms and showers Restaurant, bar & gym Onsite storage Clean marina certified

COMING IN When coming in, high-speed boats (capable of at least 18 knots) should travel at the same speed as the waves. Slow displacement boats may have to come in very slowly to avoid surfing and getting caught side-on to a wave. The aim is to travel in on the back of a wave and stay ahead of waves that break behind the boat. Watch for patterns and deeper areas. When returning over a bar, you should: look for lulls and choose the line of least wave activity. look for the deepest water to avoid grounding. increase power to maintain speed within the set of waves when approaching from the sea. position the boat on the back of the wave. Do not surf down the face of the wave. adjust the boat’s speed to match the speed of the waves, but do not try to overtake the waves.

ADEQUATE SCOPE IS A MUST! THIS IS CRUCIAL ADVICE WHEN ANCHORING REGARDLESS OF WHAT TYPE OF ANCHOR YOU MAY BE USING. Scope is the length of anchor line relative to the distance from your boats deck to the sea bottom.

In bad conditions, it can be safer to stand off in deeper water, or find another shelter, instead of re-crossing the bar.

20ft. (6m)

BE SAFE Never underestimate a coastal bar. Even small waves can capsize, swamp, or sink a boat. If you are unsure or inexperienced, do not go out and risk lives. Wait until conditions are good for you to cross safely. And once again, always wear your lifejacket.

100ft. (30M) = 5:1 Scope

holding power and may experience problems setting the anchor.

SCOPE HOLDING POWER

2:1 10%

3:1 40%

In crowded anchorages “Power Set” your anchor at 5:1 scope, then shorten scope as required, remember that your depth sounder may be giving you the water depth under your keel, rather than from the true waterline, in which case you need to add your draft plus the height of your deck when calculating scope.

5:1 70%

7:1 85%

10:1 100%

Anchoring hints

* Mark your warp every 10 metres so you can judge the right amount of warp to deploy. * Always carry a minimum of 100 metres of warp. * Carry a spare anchor for emergencies such as extreme weather or loss of your main anchor.

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BOAT PROTOCOL

Lifejackets for kids THE RIGHT FIT By Roselle Tenefrancia

Photo by Telwater

o you have finally purchased a 4.8-metre open boat. You then set out to do some shopping for safety equipment. Your 11-year-old is helping out with the fishing gear, and your cheeky 7-year-old is just happy to go along. The boxes on your checklist are slowly getting ticked off. Next on the list are the lifejackets. Before you head out to buy your kids their lifejackets, there are very basic things that you will need to understand. The Queensland law requires that children under 12 years of age in an open boat less than 4.8m in length must wear a lifejacket at all times when they are in a vessel underway. A lifejacket or a personal flotation device (PFD) is a vital piece of safety equipment that can and will save a life. Children, in particular, need to be fitted properly to ensure that the lifejackets serve their purpose – to keep them afloat when needed.

Photo by Southport Yacht Club

“When buying a lifejacket for your children or yourself, the best thing you can do is try on the lifejacket, and to choose one that is comfortable and fits correctly,” advises David Hopper, a senior advisor at Maritime Safety Queensland. Choose a lifejacket for your child’s weight range and make sure the size or cut of the lifejacket is suitable. It should fit snugly without being confining or riding up on the child’s body. Make sure the neck section or collar does not sit up around the head. A crotch strap will prevent the lifejacket from bunching up around your or your child’s neck and prevent them from falling out of the bottom of the lifejacket. Do not think that a bigger lifejacket is better so your child can grow into it. “It's important to remember that having your child in an ill-fitting or oversize lifejacket my put their life at risk as a small child can easily slip out of an adult lifejacket once in the water,” warns David. It is recommended that the child be able to fit the lifejacket at the shop, to ensure that the lifejacket is fit for his/her weight. David further advises, “It is also a good idea for you and your child to try out your lifejacket in a controlled environment, such as a swimming pool or in a small shallow area, where you can get an understanding of how that lifejacket is going to behave on you when you’re in the water.” Younger children may feel very uncomfortable wearing a lifejacket all the time, so it is essential to explain to them the importance of wearing it. David recommends, “Take off the lifejacket whilst you’re in the water and try and put it back on again and try and get your children to do this as well. Have fun in your lifejacket, so they can understand how they’re going to behave, react and what it feels like to be wearing that lifejacket for a long period of time.” When at the shops, make sure you read the labels for the weight ranges, and their suitability for the water type and conditions where you will be boating. Always ask for expert advice if you are unsure of which lifejacket is appropriate.

Maritime Safety Queensland

under 12 under 4.8m underway Lifejackets are compulsory

Where can I get more information? Visit your local Maritime Safety Queensland office or our website www.msq.qld.gov.au

On a final note, David states: “Ensure you have suitable lifejackets on board for both the intended area of operation, and also the size and weight of each person on board.” For more information on safety, visit www.msq.qld.gov.au. 70

OCT - DEC 2019

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY PROTOCOL

e f a S ANCHORING Story by Chris and Alyse Caldwell - Revised and adapted by John Curnow

this is one of the things we all think U ndoubtedly, we do well, but a few aide memoirs and prompts

can never go astray. Indeed they can help you to have a great time boating, no matter where you go or what you like to do. Ultimately, it is more than an essential part of your seamanship. It keeps you, your crew, vessel and those around you out of harm’s way. Even a little more attention to detail before you set about fishing, swimming, or spending the night will add to the overall safety of the expedition. This is even more important in moments of higher stress, like engine issues, high winds, strong and big tidal flows, shallow water or underwater hazards. Remember, you cannot put the boat into ‘P’ for park, or apply the handbrake! FINDING THE RIGHT SPOT Just like in real estate, think location, location, location! When you can, research where you are going before you get there. This can be from word of mouth, pilots, cruising guides and so on, but extra knowledge will always be helpful. Similarly, arriving in daylight removes one extra variable from the equation, particularly for challenging locations. It may not always be possible, but where it is, please do so, especially if you have not been there before. Choose an anchorage area that offers maximum shelter from the prevailing winds, tide and other boat traffic. Using an updated chart, determine the water depth and type of bottom. Preferably select sand or mud, as opposed to rock, heavy seaweed or grass. Your ideal spot will also have ample ‘swing room’ for your boat in all directions. If you are staying a while or overnight, check the tide movements and wind direction, and compare these against the latest forecast information. If you have a big tide change, shift in wind direction and/or strength, then you can easily swing through 180˚, and so the anchor may be pulled clear and reset. Now if you are in front of a lee shore, then you will want to pay close attention to any anchor drag. Avoid this as much as possible, or set radar alerts and anchor watches. SCOPE IT OUT This is quite possibly one of the factors that gets paid the least attention, yet remains paramount to a successful deployment of your ground tackle. The reason is quite simple. You put out much more of your total anchor rode (the complete tackle that joins the anchor securely to your vessel), than for the actual depth of the water you are in. This is because the anchor stays more secure when the shank is pulled horizontally, than it ever will vertically.

It is because of this, and also the vessel sheering around on the surface, that swivels have become very popular, instead of the traditional shackle. There are now many, many types of anchor or ‘pick’ to choose from these days. Danforths and CQR/Ploughs remain popular – but speak with your supplier about your intended use, types of ground you go to, size, and importantly, the displacement of your vessel, before making your selection. Anchor rodes usually are an amalgam of chain for the first section off the anchor, and then stretchy nylon rope. Depending on the size of the anchor, you will need from 3m to 8m of chain here in Australia. However, if you are in high wind areas, or go to places like Lord Howe Island, where there are a lot of rocks, then you will require an all-chain rode. This can afford up to 2/3 of the holding power to be carried in the rode. Note that in over 30 knots, all rodes will be virtually taut, which then means your anchor and deck gear are taking all the load of windage and tide against your vessel. A snubber can certainly assist with all this, especially if you have good nylon in your rode. Finally, scope really means ratio, which is how much you put out versus how deep it is. When there is no breeze and if you are staying just for lunch, then 3:1 – in feet (not metres) – is the magic number. As the breeze builds, you will have to go out to 7:1. Some even prefer to be at 10:1. To illustrate the last ratio, if water is 10-feet deep, then you will need 100 feet of rode out! Note to self: remember to think about the implications of all that while you are sheering around at anchor. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE Anchoring should not be a rush job. Make a slow and steady approach to the spot you want to anchor at and drive the bow into the wind or tide, whichever is stronger. Go past where you intend to be keeping in mind your scope; come to a complete stop and then drop, having made sure the tackle is clear to run.

2, 4, 6, 8, DIG IN - DON’T WAIT We have just sort of spoken about it, but when you have all of your required rode out, do back down on the anchor with your engine in idle reverse to help set it. Many skippers make only a half-hearted attempt to set the anchor by putting their yachts in reverse for a mere few seconds. Now to assure your anchor is firmly set, you must put a reasonable strain on the rode until you see the anchor rode stiffen, and the bow dip slightly downward (much less so on bigger displacement craft). Remind yourself that, as you back down, to keep an eye on the rode in the water. If it is dragging, it will telegraph the lack of grip as it bumps along the bottom, whereas a set anchor will not shake the line. AVOID A BAD EXPERIENCE AT THE BITTER END Now it sounds like a no-brainer, but always make sure the bitter end of your anchor rode is attached to your yacht. Many an anchor has been lost as an unfastened end slips around the windlass and off the anchor roller. So, always make sure the bitter end is fastened into the pad eye in the anchor locker. Similarly, if you are all chain, then make sure there is a rope between the pad eye and the last link that is long enough to come out of the locker and up to the anchor roller. You will still never loose the rode, but if you have to cut free in an emergency, then a knife goes through nylon way better than galvanised steel! Equally important, the anchor rode should be connected to your yacht at a hard point in the anchor locker—and this should be done with a rope that is long enough to reach up to the deck and across to the anchor pulpit. There are two reasons for this. First, you’ll never lose the anchor if you run out of all the rode. Second, if you need to cut the yacht free from the anchor, you can easily do that with a knife.

If you are on your own and have to release the anchor manually, then please go to the bow with a PFD on. Your anchor and rode will go to the bottom, and your vessel will naturally back away in the wind and/or tide. This is good, for it prevents the chain piling up on top of the pick, but you do need to monitor this process, especially on your own, for going astern to ‘set’ the pick into the ground is an important part of the overall process; and, wind alone is usually not enough.

KEEP WATCH

Automatic windlasses have gauges on them to tell you how much rode is out, but if you do not have this, then painting the chain to mark 10m, 20m, 30m and so on is important. If you have nylon in there, then you can simply weave coloured tags in, which are incredibly visible against the white nylon.

Set the anchor alarm on your GPS plotter and/or radar. Set them so they alert you if you swing too far. There are few boating experiences as frightening as waking in the middle of the night with the wind howling and your vessel dragging anchor toward rocks, the shore, or other boats. Help can never

Once the anchor is set, scan your surroundings for reference points. After that, every hour or so, make sure those landmarks are in the same place, playing particular attention to your sheer by remembering the compass bearings of both sides of the arc. If they have moved, then so too have you, which could be weather, tide, or you dragging anchor.

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT PROTOCOL

Boats anchored at Tangalooma, Moreton Bay. Photo by Jef f Christensen

come quickly enough in those instances and one thing always leads to another in these instances, so don’t let it go from bad to worse.

winds. Because of their low deck profiles, most yachts are affected by the tide flow first, whereas cabin cruisers are more of a wind vane.

KNOW THE ‘RULES OF THE RODE’

KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

If other boats are anchored in the area you select, follow good anchoring etiquette and ask the boat(s) adjacent to the spot you choose what scope they have out. You can use that information to anchor in a way that will prevent potential collisions and entanglements.

Better yet, deploy the anchor ball if you have one. Then when the sun goes down, or in low visibility conditions, turn your anchor light on. It is 360˚ for a reason and should be visible for around 2nm. A bright anchor light using low draw LEDs should do the trick without draining your batteries. Although solar lights are also a good option, they generally do not have enough grunt or staying power. If you are coming back from ashore, you can often run right down the light beam and see any obstacles in the water.

As part of this process, do keep in mind that heavier yachts swing slower and tend to have a bigger arc than smaller, and lighter vessels. Moreover, boats with a lot of windage (big canvas enclosures, large cabins, high freeboard) will swing faster in high

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CARE AND SPARE Get into the habit of giving your entire anchor system a safety check on a regular basis. Watch for things like chafe, loose shackles, and bent flukes. You can also repaint the length markers at the same time. You really should store at least one extra anchor and rode on board, especially if you are cruising long distances or into unknown territories. If you lose the main one, you then have a spare. Often, you will need two sets to stay firm anyway. In an emergency, deploying even a small anchor can keep you from running aground! Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance is here to help you enjoy your boating and get the most out of it. It is part of the all-risk policy that Pantaenius has covered you with, so if you have a question, search the site at www.pantaenius.com.au, or call +61 2 9936 1670 and speak with one of the crew that really know boats.

14/02/2019 1:49:19 PM

BOAT PRODUCTS

KE E P

P R O P E LLE R S PR O PPE D U P Interview with Steve Evans at Propeller Warehouse by Kellie Byrnes

he propeller on your boat affects a variety of performance factors, including the vessel’s speed, handling, comfort, engine life, acceleration, fuel economy, and even safety. It is always a good idea, then, to pay attention to the quality and fit of your boat’s propeller, so you achieve optimum boat performance. A trusted expert in this field is Steve Evans. The founder and owner of Propeller Warehouse, as well as Oz Marine and Wizard Tackle, Evans has over 35 consecutive years of industry experience providing advice to consumers and marine dealers about propellers for all types of vessels, from sailing yachts and ski boats, to tinnies and sport-fishing boats. Evans also brought the wellregarded Solas propellers to Australia, distributing them to wholesale and retail buyers. Today, he has developed his own brand and range of propellers. As you can imagine, with more than three decades of experience selling and repairing propellers, as well as involvement in propeller trial-testing for major manufacturers, Evans has seen many changes in the market and the technology used. “One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is the emergence of different blade shape propeller geometries in the same pitch. This has been done to best suit different horsepower groups and different hulls. There is now much more variety, to better match more power groups,” Evans notes. Another big change has been that of interchangeable bushes/hubs to make one propeller size fit other brands. “However, the reliability of rubber hubs is still better than the new systems created by different prop manufacturers,” according to Evans. Furthermore, engine technology has improved over the years. “It has moved from two-stroke reed petal carbies and electrical reliability from points/coils in the 70s and 80s, to newer solid-state ignitions and transition outboards,” says Evans. “Reliability has significantly improved, which means boaties can explore further offshore.” More change came during the 1980s. Evans recalls, “Honda was the first company to promote and establish four-stroke range on a large commercial scale accepted by fishermen and recreational boaties. At the time, I remember they faced a lot of undeserved criticism from the USA players like Mercury, OMC, and Chrysler. However, decades

later, history has proven that Honda’s marine engine philosophy regarding the benefits of four-stroke over two-stroke design was well-founded.” Plus, at the same time, Japanese manufacturers also led the way with regard to outboards. “Japanese products proved to be more fuel efficient and reliable than those available in the previous decade,” notes Evans. “Many engine improvements derived from the Japanese “Kei” car, and motorcycle racing engines propelled the rapid marine growth of makers – Suzuki and Yamaha in particular. They exported a lot of products into the giant USA marine market. This was at a time when the American brands were trying to develop their own engine technologies.” After that, more change came. “With the new, responsive fuel-efficient horsepower being delivered into thrust, more blade shapes and area ratios were required to match different boats,” says Evans. “As a result, the four-blade propellers came into the picture in the mid-80s.” Evans contributed to a history-making event in the boating industry himself, too. In 1999, adventurer Hans Tholstrup showcased Honda technology to the world. He took a 5.4-metre Haines Signature vessel, powered by a 90hp Honda four-stroke engine, on a 7,500-kilometre odyssey from Darwin to Okinawa in Japan. Evans remembers, “He would never have been able to carry the fuel and plane without the four-blade propeller I supplied.” More recently, over the past 15 to 20 years, Evans has particularly seen propeller manufacturing and casting techniques improve. “Now, manufacturers are embracing robotic grinding and polishing in stainless steel,” says Evans. “Plus, compression casting and high-strength electromagnetic centrifugal casting is seen as the next level, gamechanging advance that will take the propeller industry into the future.” Another key change Evans has noticed relates to variety. “The boating public has far more choice than ever before when it comes to propellers. People can better select the best products for their needs as engine makers offer real-time fuel management systems to demonstrate the results of propeller selections. Mercury Marine excel at this, with their electronic venture partners offering boaties excellent real-time engine data to consider.”

As for where the market is headed lately, Evans points to aluminium. “The big game-changer for the future is likely to be the development of highstrength aluminium. For the 100-horsepower to 425-horsepower engine sizes, conventional aluminium and stainless steel were the only options for the past 60 years for outboard engines and sterndrives. However, that’s changing.” Evans likes the new technology coming from Korea. “The products coming from Dongsan Tech will certainly challenge heavy stainless steel propeller dominance. Their designs offer 50 percent weight reduction for the same strength as stainless steel. They also reduce purchase costs by about half. I think outboard engine makers will embrace this new propeller technology. It will help to lessen the impact of gearcase drive-train damage, and in turn, reduce warranty claims. It seems like a no-brainer, commonsense option.” Evans has tips for buyers making a decision about which propeller to use on their vessel. “Keep in mind that propellers are, like life, all about compromise. On a boat, there is no such thing as the perfect, single propeller that’s variable in pitch/diameter and area ratio to best suit changing boating weather conditions. Most engine hours are done at cruising speeds and boat conditions govern those speeds.” Yet, there are some elements to consider more than others. Evans suggests a spare propeller is always a good idea. It can be changed at sea if you need to make it home. On a final note, he advises, “Crucial to the long life of an engine is getting expert propeller advice based on regional boating conditions, and making sure the propeller suits the engine maker’s recommended rev range.” Propeller Warehouse specialises in propeller sales, services, rebuilds, and modifications and is located in Warana on the Sunshine Coast. Head to PropellerWarehouse.com.au for more details, or contact Steve and the team on (07) 5437 9400. OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT PRODUCTS

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT REVIEW BOAT GOLD COAST

Meet the new Parker

790 EXPLORER

he finest addition to the Parker family is finally here – the Parker 790 Explorer. Its unique and elegant style is immediately recognisable at sea. Attractive twin-stepped hull design allows the vessel to achieve a much higher maximum speed at lower horsepower. Rated for up to 350HP engine, Parker 790 Explorer will easily reach speeds of up to 48 knots. The forward-facing windscreen reduces sun glare during the day and avoids reflection of instruments at night, while adding the extra meter inside the cabin. The state-of-the-art helm is designed to accommodate a large sounder and engine management gauges. The Parker 790 Explorer has incredibly spacious living space with a permanent galley offering the perfect environment to seat and entertain a group of friends and family. The two sunroofs over the whole length of the living space fill it with warm and natural light. The appealing design offers an open living area flowing out to sunny cockpit. The aft seat back rest flips fore and aft allowing seating for entertaining or water sports. The additional L-shape seat allows the rest of family and friends to join the skipper in the cockpit. The large master cabin with double berth is bathed in natural light from large windows on both sides. A separate single berth offers an extra sleeping space for a guest on board. An additional sleeping space can be offered by converting the dining space into a spacious double berth. Adjacent to the cabin is a spacious heads compartment with shower and toilet. The spacious design offers a perfect weekend away with a group of family and friends for comfortable overnight stays. There are four large dry and three wet storage compartments in the cockpit to ensure all valuables are kept away from moisture. The great harmony between design and performance makes Parker 790 Explorer the best value boat in its class. PARKER BOATS OFFER QUALITY Manufactured in Poland since the 1970s, the current generation of these sturdy, stable boats represents a collaboration with a noted Norwegian naval architect. They are sea trialled on the North Sea and many models are

approved Category B (RCD), built to navigate offshore waters and withstand rough seas. Parker Boats are praised for their innovations, superb build quality and outstanding sea keeping abilities. The team at the family-owned and operated Nautilus Australia are life-long boaties with an eye for quality and value for money. “We chose the Polish-made Parker brand of fibreglass boats from 6 to 11 metres for their quality, reputation, offshore rating in many models, and the array of features each model offers at a very competitive price,” said Dmitriy Dubs, co-director of Nautilus Australia. Using Twin Step Infusion technology (TSI), the Parker hull is what differentiates its models from the competition. This innovative technology involves vacuum infusion during moulding, vinyl ester, sandwich cores and multiaxial reinforcement to save weight, increase stiffness and improve comfort. The hull features two steps to reduce friction, planing threshold and consumption, and also to enhance acceleration and increase top speeds by as much as 15%. “The hull is brilliant and offers a stable, smooth ride and exceptional performance, while the finish of each boat is very high quality. Specialising in the 7 to 8 metre range, Parker boats are unique in the market because of their Class B offshore rating – meaning they can cope with the harshest conditions.” In Europe, the Parker range is the choice of Water Police and Marine Biologists undertaking research expeditions. “They are known as ‘big small boats’ because of their spacious cockpits, clever convertible seating and myriad features that make them the perfect boat for a day, or a weekend on the water.” The team at Nautilus Australia are looking forward to introducing the versatile and family-friendly range to the Australian boating public, confident they will find their perfect fit to suit their lifestyle, interests and budgets. Most of all, they are dedicated to ensuring the ownership experience is totally positive. “We go out of our way to ensure our customers enjoy every part of the ownership experience. We make it accessible, cost-effective, low maintenance and enjoyable.” nautilusaustralia.com.au sales@nautilusaustralia.com.au Ph: 0414 252 254

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT GADGETS

Christmas Gifts FOR BOATIES By Kellie Byrnes

nce you possess your treasured boat, many people think you have everything you will ever need. Yet boaties know that the acquisition of their vessel is just the starting point, and there are always all sorts of handy gadgets and accessories they would like to use while out and about on the water. We chatted with Gold Coast chandlery business owners, Tom from Bosuns Locker and Jason from Muir Marine, for the latest and greatest products ideally suited to boaties of all ages. If you need to give your family members and friends some hints for your Christmas present this year, or would like to check out ideas for other boatie friends, read on for a selection of suitable gifts. MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES

With all that light and glare to contend with when on and near the water, a boatie needs to own a good pair of sunglasses. Tom at Bosuns Locker is a big fan of the entire Maui Jim range. The sunnies are durable, lightweight, and often wrap around to provide the best eye protection. Many of their products are polarised, meaning they allow you to see the world in clear, vibrant, glare-free colours. PLASTIMO BINOCULARS Another product every boatie requires is a quality pair of binoculars. These are used to spot hazards in the water, as well as landmarks, other boats, marine life, and more. Tom recommends the Plastimo brand. Check out the well-regarded Plastimo 7 x 50 binoculars with builtin compass. The binoculars feature illumination, impact-resistant design, autofocus, a distance calculator dial, rubber fold-down eye cups, carrying case, neck strap, and cleaning cloth. The product is also waterproof to one metre, fog-proof, and provides a non-slip grip and superior quality optics. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

MUSTO CLOTHING

AC SHOES

Boaties want to dress appropriately when enjoying days at sea. Jason at Muir Marine suggests gifting a Musto Essential Fast Dry Crew Cap to those who spend their weekends and other days on a vessel to protect the face and eyes. These make for an affordable, quality present, and always look good, even after months of wear in all-weather conditions. The caps, as their name suggests, dry quickly, which is perfect for boaties. They feature UV protection (UPF of 40), a rear adjustment, and a retainer clip for a snug, secure fit.

Boaties always need a comfortable, reliable pair of shoes to wear on their days out. That is where AC (Active Casual) shoes come in. Tom recommends this brand of footwear as the shoes provide everything sailors and recreational boating enthusiasts require. They are slip-resistant and feature an anti-fungal removable insole. They boast a light, flexible EVA with rubber outsole, and are nonmarking, so you don’t have to worry about scuffing up your boat’s beautiful decking. Furthermore, the shoes have an adjustable strap so that you can get the right fit for your needs.

Jason also recommends the higher-priced, but just as useful, Sardinia jacket from Musto. Available for both men and women, this jacket is lightweight and breathable, and perfect for the warm climates we enjoy in Queensland. The coat is an excellent allround offering that can be worn around the club, too. Each jacket features zipped side and chest pockets to keep possessions safe, plus an internal pocket with an exit point for headphones. The jacket features a two-layer waterproof fabric to withstand persistent downpours, and a fully seam-taped construction to give wearers a watertight seal. At Bosuns Locker, Tom sells many Musto shorts and tees to boaties and the people buying gifts for them. The brand’s range features a variety of stylish yet fast-drying shorts to keep wearers looking good but staying dry while out on the water, while the t-shirts provide sun-blocking protection with their UPF 40-treated fabric. The tees are also made from a fast-drying cotton-polyester blend.

CRUISING THE CORAL COAST Tom knows that books always make for a suitable gift for boaties. One of his annual Christmas bestsellers is Cruising the Coral Coast by Alan Lucas. Now in its ninth edition, and first published back in the late 1960s, this title is considered a boating bible in Australia. At just under 350 pages, the book provides the essential guide on all of Queensland’s ports and anchorages, including the whole east coast of the state and the Great Barrier Reef. The new, fully updated edition features 50 new charts, an overview of the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Top End, and 29 pages of landmark photographs. The paperback book is also fully illustrated, with some colour. Ready to do some Christmas shopping? Head into Bosuns Locker at 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach (www.BosunsLocker.com.au), or visit Muir Marine at 453 Esplanade, Manly (www.MuirMarine.com). 77

BOAT PRODUCTS

QUALITY MARINE

CLEANING & PROTECTION I

FOR YOUR BOAT THIS SUMMER

n Australia, we have some of the harshest weather conditions. Boats that are not well looked after can lose their value much faster. So, a regular clean is key to retaining the value of your high-priced asset. Many boat owners appreciate their seafaring investment, but are not equipped to show that appreciation through proper care and maintenance. CleanAWORX is a Gold Coast-based brand, specialising in developing the absolute best quality Australian-made marine cleaning and protection products that simply work. CleanAWORX products are perfect for use on all size boats, superyachts, commercial boats, inflatable boats, jet skis, cars, bikes, plus much more. Below, we introduce some of our quality Australian-made products that will help you take care of your most cherished boat’s cleanliness and surface protection needs. WASH & WAX: BOATIES PREMIUM GOLD cleans and washes your boat and leaves a wax protective barrier which assists with surface protection. The product utilises a biodegradable polymer additive, which provides improved gloss retention on all gelcoat and paintwork. Once washed and waxed, your boat will have a streak-free, clean surface. The high beading characteristics assist in water removal and spotless drying.

SUPASEAL-IT is a blend of high-gloss carnauba wax, Polymers, Teflon, UV+ absorbers. It is a liquid long-life sealer polish, providing high-gloss shine protection that lasts against the harsh Australian environment. Easy on and Easy off.

CLEARS CLEANER & PROTECT cleans and protects your expensive clears to extend their life, and ensure the best crystal-clear views through your clears. The product has a sun-protection formula that is UV-resistant that also extends the life of stitching and zips. RUST OFF GEL is a unique gel that rapidly removes rust and rust staining from all stainless steel, 2-pack paint, gelcoat and more. It can be applied to all vertical, horizontal, upside-down surfaces, and will not run, but simply stays onto the surface applied. STAINLESS STEEL POLISH WITH WAX PROTECTION cleans, restores, shines, brightens and protects stainless steel, aluminium, copper and bronze. It has a unique blend of super fine polishing alumina with added long-life wax protection.

MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER a commercial strength, biodegradable, highly concentrated product that will remove grease, oil, dirt, stains, adhesives and other residues from interiors hard surfaces. INTERIOR AND TRIM PROTECTION enhances and protects the appearance of high-end furnishings, 2-pack paint, vinyl, leather, rubbers, plastics and more. The product protects against the damaging effects of atmospheric pollutants and ultra violet radiation. Applying a multipurpose protector with a non-stick finish produces an attractive glossy new look.

TEAK DECK WASH assists with keeping your teak looking cleaner and natural for longer. It is corrosion-inhibited and biodegradable. A biodegradable product, cleans and restores to a brighter and natural teak look.

INFLATABLE BOAT CLEANER easily cleans exhaust soot, airborne and industrial pollution, and removes salt, brown mineral stains, grease and grime. After washing, applying INFLATABLE BOAT PROTECT UV+ enhances and protects the appearance of your inflatable boat. It is suitable for Hypalon, PVC, rubber, plastic, and vinyl. It offers high UV protection, and it also has anti-static properties that help extend the life of your inflatable boat. POOP-ETA and DUNNYCLEAN are bio-enzymatic cleaning liquids that create a good bacteria ecosystem inside your toilet system. Dunny-Clean is used to clean the toilet head bowl, toilet seat, lid, fittings, etc. Poop-ETA is a liquid concentrate that is added to the toilet and black water holding tank system. It promotes good bacteria that eat away at the organic matter inside the toilet system and holding tank, reducing organic waste, organic solids, organic blockages, crystallisation, calcium, and bad odour. If you would like more information on CleanAWORX products, please contact Jeff on 0449 266 673. sales@cleanawerx.com.au www.cleanaworx.com.au

Teak cleaners in action BEFORE

AFTER

Rust Off Gel in Action

Advanced Cleaning Technology

Enquiries email: info@cleanawerx.com.au

RUST OFF GEL Teak Cleaning Series Clears Cleaner in

extreme action

• Cleans and restores teak decking

Rust Off Gel: Rust Stain and Oxidation Remover • Cleans restores and brightens stainless steel • Brush on, soak and rinse off

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT GADGETS

Great Products FOR Boating Your boating adventure starts here, with a selection of leading products to improve your time out on the water. Join the conversation on our social media channels and let us know about any of these products you’ve used. You can recommend a great product for us to review by contacting info@boatgoldcoast.com.au

RED PADDLE CO - INFLATABLE SUP

COASTAL VINTAGE ONLINE STORE

OLD SKIPPER - #sealovers Old Skipper is a well-known European brand that creates unique beautiful handmade bracelets out of best quality marine rope, Italian leather and stainless-steel closures. Their collection is inspired by sailors, travellers and people who love the ocean. The Nautical Rope Bracelets are the core of Old Skipper, being the first product that captured the adventurous spirit of the brand. Working with a local jewellery designer from Gold Coast, they can also create high end nautical jewellery to your preference, anything from stainless steel to diamonds and pearls, keeping the same high standard backed up by 2 years manufacturing warranty. Old Skipper also creates custom bracelets for marketing purposes that build brand awareness, create a professional image and leave a lasting impression with clients and employees. Old Skipper is looking for partners to help introduce the brand in Australia and New Zealand while adding extra revenue to their businesses. Get in touch with the friendly Old Skipper team at hello@oldskipper.com.au. www.oldskipper.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Coastal Vintage is captained by Sally Oulton who has turned her love for the high seas into a global treasure hunt, bringing you a rare collection of handpicked coastal and nautical merchantry sourced locally and across the 7-seas. "We source one-ofa-kind vintage items that are awash with myths and tales of the sea – that’s why we declare our products ‘The Stuff of Legend.’ Our authentic collection is the only and best curation in Australia, and from our base in Noosa we ship all over the globe. We’re also known to keep a weather-eye open for specific treasures our customers covet, so feel free to get in touch. We may just have it or can try and find it for you!" Noosa Warehouse, Shop 7/41 Gateway Drive, Noosaville QLD. www.coastalvintage.com.au

Once upon a board, Red Paddle Co co-founder, John Hibbard, realised there might be a better way of doing things. It was 2008 and paddleboarding was just getting going. As he paddled along on a heavy composite SUP, he had this crazy idea that it could be made better with an inflatable board. Fast forward 11 years and for over a decade Red have been the industry leaders in design and construction, producing inflatable stand up paddleboards of the highest quality, giving the rider an authentic paddleboarding experience. Red Paddle Co’s award-winning designs and patented technologies are just a few examples of why Red boards stand out. Their compact, stow-away size, extensive range of boards and easy inflation make them the perfect boating companion. Whether you have never been on a SUP or looking to win a race series, there is a Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP board for you. www.redpaddleco.com

COMCORK FLOORING AQUADECK An ecologically sustainable resilient flooring made to handle the toughest Australian climatic conditions. From cyclone areas of north Queensland, to the Australian Alps, AquaDeck is a tough anti slip flooring impervious to salt water and resistant to grease, fuel and common oils. Made from a combination of cork and nitrile rubber, AquaDeck offers a hard-wearing diamond or round shaped raised surface that has proven itself wherever a tough, safe, anti-slip surface is required. AquaDeck is particularly suited to the marine industry, ramps and any other access areas that may be subject to wet conditions. Wet and slippery surfaces pose a real hazard to the boating enthusiast. Installing AquaDeck on exterior wet areas helps keep you and your family safe. For over 30 years Comcork Aquadeck has been providing superior grip. Comcork AquaDeck is an Australian-made product. Sheet size 1800 x 900mm www.allseasflooring.com.au 79

BOAT BUILDER

ROSS MUIR

A Model Trevassa By Sarah Schwaner

he Muir family’s boating history dates back to the 19th century. In the late 1800’s, William Jenkins Muir began working as a seaman. Working mostly between Sydney, New Zealand, and Tasmania, William eventually became the head keeper of Mersey Bluff Lighthouse in Devonport. Passing away in 1929 after over 30 years of working and breathing the sea, William was survived by 14 children, one of whom was Ernest Jenkins Muir. Ernie was born to be a seaman, and Hobart was his playground. He sailed in yacht races, worked on boats, and even survived a shipwreck that included a three-masted schooner and 12 crew. Ernie had five children, all of whom had the same love of the sea running through their veins. Among those five children was Jock Muir. Jock lived up the road at Battery Point in Hobart, placing him right in the action. From a young age, Jock worked on boats and eventually built over 80 yachts and vessels and designed over 100. He is considered as one of the top ten Tasmanians of the 20th century. Among those 80 yachts built is a vessel with quite a history among the Muir family: Trevassa.

Built in 1971, the 48-foot Huon pine yacht Trevassa was returned to the Muir family after 41 years of being owned by yachtsman Russell Duffield. Currently moored at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Trevassa has sailed in five Sydney-Hobart races. While it has gone under some major refurbishments, the Muir family has kept the boat very similar to the original design. The love and admiration for the Trevassa can be seen in the refurbishments, the participation of Jock’s four children on the process, and especially the current construction of a model replica of the yacht, done by one of Jock’s children, Ross Muir. Sitting in the parking lot of Muir Chandlery and across the street from Manly Boat Harbour is the shipping container workshop of Ross Muir. Previously featured in the magazine, Ross’ love for all things sailing can be heard in his words, seen on his workshop walls, and felt if one were to take a ride in either of the two timber dinghies he built. 80

His most recent project is one to be awed. Modeled after the Trevassa, the model version sits at onemeter long, 1/13th of the big boat. “I built it exactly as the big boat – planked it, fiber glassed it, ran ribs inside, 50 ribs on each side,” Ross explained as he removed the deck so he could get a better look at the inside. The entire thing is fitted out: artwork hang on the walls; the saloon has leather couch cushions; a wine rack hangs in the galley; and there is even a binocular rack. LED lights up the interior, letting one really see the intricacies of the model Trevassa. “I must have lifted the deck over a hundred times! You have to make sure things are to scale,” Ross recalled. The deck of the boat is something of beauty. Made of mostly teak, the inlay and color of the deck look exactly like the big Trevassa. There are hand-carved cleats, and a bilge pump near the companion way. Even the floor of the cockpit is so intricately done and exact. The detailing is magnificent, and the amount of hours and labour put into this model really shows: “700 hours, 5 months fulltime every day. It has been a challenge. Like the windows – I’ve never done anything like it before. I’ve done them on big boats but nothing miniature.”

Ross Muir in his Manly workshop with the scale model of Trevassa

Trevassa yacht in Hobart The beautifully finished model of Trevassa

Why this project? Ross said it was “something to do this year” until he heads back to Hobart in October for the opening of the yachting season. Before he leaves though he will be sending the model Trevassa down south, “[I’ll] send it down on freight. I might exhibit it at the Royal Yacht Club down there. It needs to be seen.” That it does. The model Trevassa pays homage to Jock Muir but also to Ross Muir’s boat-building history and the Muir family’s adoration with the sea. Ross has worked on the big boat plenty. “We took all the winches off and re-chromed them, took the mast down and put a radar on and wind speed, painted the spars. The boat was in good condition with only one owner, but it was tired. He looked after it well for us, and was glad to see it back in the family where it was built.” OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

Moulding A Marine Career WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP

fter completing Year 12 at Hills International College in Jimboomba, a growing town in the A locality of Logan, apprentice Joshua Schmidt is on

track to qualify as a boat builder with long-established company, Norman R. Wright & Sons. Joshua kicked off his educational journey with a Certificate II in Furniture Making at TAFE Queensland while still in high school. This course gave him the confidence and interest to pursue his education further. Joshua’s credits his decision to study further to his school guidance officer, who recommended that he study the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction as an apprentice, as a career option. “Doing TAFE while still in high school gave me a fantastic head start in my career. Since I enjoyed furniture making, it was an easy transition to continue with a Marine Craft Construction apprenticeship,” said Joshua Schmidt, who is now in his second year with Norman R. Wright & Sons, a custom designer and builder of high performance boats, based in Murrarie. “I initially took on a work experience opportunity with Norman R. Wright & Sons and absolutely loved it. I was so happy when the company offered me an apprenticeship as they are a great company to work for and the workshop has a positive morale among all of the work mates. I’m so excited to be working on building a 60ft game fishing motor yacht,” he said. “I would highly recommend the opportunities in the Marine industry to other people thinking about apprenticeships that have positive job outcomes.”

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New build supervisor at Norman R. Wright & Sons, Nick Nolan, said, “I have really noticed Josh’s skill set increase over the past 14 months, since he started his apprenticeship here at our company. I believe TAFE Queensland are providing Josh with the extra training he needs to be successful in boat building." Joshua’s parents were so impressed with the TAFE at School program that his youngest brother is also doing a carpentry course and started in Year 10. TAFE Queensland General Manager of the Gold Coast region, Karen Dickinson said, “The trades training provided by TAFE Queensland is highly regarded by employers and gives our apprentices confidence in being job-ready graduates. Our training program provides greater flexibility for school leavers looking to further their studies with results that lead to employment and further apprenticeships.” See where TAFE can take you. Call 1300 308 233 or visit tafeqld.edu.au.

OPEN DAY Wednesday 30 October 2019 1pm – 6pm TAFE Queensland Coomera Marine Campus 50 Waterway Drive, Coomera Qld

The TAFE Queensland Coomera Marine campus offers a range of specialised training for the marine industry, including marine craft construction. The campus boasts industry-standard facilities with the latest marine equipment, large warehouse style workshops, classrooms fitted out with computers and e-learning facilities, and student common areas. Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction Develop your career in marine craft construction with this intermediate-level course. You will learn a broad range of practical skills and technical knowledge across a variety of vessels, enabling you to work as a boat builder and repairer. Upon completion of this course you will be qualified to produce templates and patterns from full size detail drawings, conduct fit-outs and carry out repairs to wooden, fibreglass and composite marine craft. If completed as part of an apprenticeship this course will also allow you to apply for a trade qualification. Certificate II in Marine Mechanical Technology Embark on a career in the marine industry with this entrylevel course. This course is an excellent pathway to gaining an apprenticeship or employment as a marine technician You will develop the skills to perform a range of basic mechanical service tasks, work on inboard and outboard boat engines and equipment, and inspect and service engines. You will also learn about marine transmissions, propeller drive and jet drive propulsion systems, electronic and ignition systems and inboard marine hull equipment and instruments. Hands-on training is delivered in our world-class workshops with the latest marine equipment.

BOAT JOURNEY

ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN By Tanya Rabe

Jacob and Emerson, ready for their year long row across the Pacific Ocean.

magine spending 336 days alone at sea in a 28-foot vessel that was purely designed for rowing. We are not talking about a traditional style boat – you know, the one with a galley and comfy cabin to bunk down in when the sails are set to hove to so that our bodies can rest, and where we can catch a little shut eye. This boat that I will introduce you to has no motor and no sails, but she does have some well-crafted oars. Allow me to take you on a little journey into the recent accomplishment of Jacob Adoram. Jacob is the first person to row solo, unassisted and nonstop across the Pacific Ocean from Washington in the United States to our sandy shores in north Queensland almost a year later. He rowed a whopping 9,300 nautical miles! When I first heard about Jacob’s achievement, I could not comprehend how this was even possible. How on earth could this man row the entire distance? That was one question I had of hundreds: What was he eating? Where was he getting fresh water? How could he store a year’s worth of food and water on a “kayak”? When did he sleep? How did he sleep? How did he manage the boat while he slept? You are possibly asking these and many more questions yourself and I hope this article inspires you to learn more about Jacob’s amazing journey.

The bare bones - Emerson in the making.

Jacob is an intriguing man with the ability to motivate you without any intention to do so. I expected to meet a gregarious over-achiever; after all, he rose to the rank of Eagle Scout as a child, and later in life, served as a US Fighter Pilot in 170 combat missions. Instead, I met a Jacob who is a thoughtful man who sees himself as an average bloke, and who at times has felt a “deep dissatisfaction with life”. Rather than chasing his tail and living in the monotony, Jacob looks for a challenge where he can discover more about the world and himself. Rowing across the Pacific in a purpose-made kayak sounds like the perfect tonic. Let’s have a closer look at Emerson, the vessel that made this journey with Jacob. Emerson is one of a kind, purpose-built for the Pacific Ocean crossing. Together with highly respected naval architect Eric Spoonberg, Jacob designed a vessel to hold up to varying conditions faced in an ocean crossing while keeping him comfortable and safe for a year alone at sea. Weighing a modest 1,175kg unloaded, Emerson measures 28 feet length overall (LOA) and about 26 feet length on waterline (LWL), resembling a slimline life raft used in cargo ships. To keep her upright, she is made of carbon fibre with a foam core and has a 2’6” keel. When testing Emerson’s ability to roll, the team at Schooner Creek Boatworks in Portland had many attempts trying to tip her over. Thankfully, this boat wanted nothing more than to stay upright.

Jacob and Emerson's Trinity Beach landing on 8th June 2019. Jacob says his arrival wasn't as graceful as he anticipated but the locals didn't seem to mind one little bit.

Jacob estimated his trip would take about a year, so Emerson had to have storage built to hold a year’s worth of food, at the same time ensuring longevity of the ingredients as well as holding ballast. There is a forward cabin that was Jacob’s living area and an aft cabin used for storage. At the centre of Emerson was Jacob’s undercover rowing station. A well-protected rudder was designed to ensure it could not be damaged. OCT - DEC 2019

A wobbly legged Jacob greets people for the first time in almost 12 months.

“Make the decision about what you want to do, and go and find a way to do it.” - Jacob Adoram Emerson was equipped with enough solar panels to charge three deep-cycle marine batteries providing 585 watts of power in ideal conditions. This basically produced enough energy to operate a chart plotter and an autopilot 24/7, as well as to have fully charged handheld devices such as iPad, iPhone and VHF radio. Jacob had a reverse desalination pump called a Spectra Ventura 150 Deluxe Water Maker, which produced healthy 22 litres of fresh water per hour off the batteries. Asked if there were any changes he would make to Emerson’s design, Jacob said she could be shorter by a couple of feet. He also said that the bubble top built into one of the cabins (allowing Jacob to stand up and gain a 360-degree view of the surrounding ocean) was not necessary. He discovered that it proved unsafe at times as Emerson was built for rowing, not standing. Typically, with boating, it is not until we are into the journey that we discover leaks. It wasn’t until the trip began, that Emerson’s custom-made hatches would suffer this same fate with leaks affecting food and batteries. In a revised design, Jacob would also look for opportunities to decrease windage.

Emerson ready for complete fitout. 28ft long - Draft with keel 2 foot 6 inches.

With a well-built boat able to hold its performance under Jacob’s rowing, what does one do to fill in time while spending almost a year alone at sea? Being in a rowboat, rowing does take up a fair chunk of the day. Jacob had a distance to cover and provisions to last 350 days, so he rowed as much as he could, generally 10 to 12 hours per day. Although he was able to keep in touch with friends and family via onboard technology, Jacob was also content being by himself surrounded by a magnificent ocean full of wildlife. He was surprised at how many birds are so far away from land, all different shapes and sizes. The fearless seabirds, the boobies, would often drop in for a rest on Emerson before continuing on their migratory flight. There were whalefish, whales and huge sunfish swimming along beneath the boat. The most interesting of all were a herd of sharks that joined Jacob as he headed toward the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Over time, he watched them, wondering if they were patiently waiting for him to plop into the water. On 8th June 2019, after a few rough days around the GBR, Jacob landed on Trinity Beach, north Queensland. Having spent 336 days at sea, his greatest challenge ashore was his inability to walk. Not to be overwhelmed by this distraction, Jacob greeted family, friends and complete strangers with the warmth of a humble adventurer that he is. Jacob Adoram is an inspirational human being. We salute you! To learn more visit www.jacobadoram.com.

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BOAT LEGAL

Cha nging tides

ARE YOU READY FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO MARINE ORDER 505? By Claire Strodder, Maritime Lawyer Photo by Discover Boating

ou may have heard about the proposed changes to Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – national law) 2013 which are likely come into effect on 1 July 2020. This article will set out the key points you need to know to make sure you, your business and your mates are ready for the coming changes. Marine Order 505 provides for Certificates of Competency and qualifications for crew and masters of domestic commercial vessels (DCV). It also sets out the steps of the application process, criteria, endorsement, variation, suspension, revocation and renewal of a Certificate of Competency. WHY MAKE CHANGES? You may be asking, “Why make changes to a process that is already in place?” Well, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) have received feedback that the current process is overly complex and hard to understand. The current process consists of a framework, legislation, regulation, standards, and 23 exemptions. As you can imagine, all of this information does not make it easy for people to understand. AMSA has proposed a

series of changes to modernise the process, simplify it, and make the information easier to read, use and apply. Following consultation with an industry reference group with representatives from a variety of sectors of the DCV industry (including sailing, tourism, charter vessels, fishing, construction, towage and unions) AMSA has developed a new draft Marine Order 505, and we describe the changes below. WHO WILL THE CHANGES APPLY TO? The proposed changes will apply to a broad range of people, entities, organisations, and groups in the marine industry including: • anyone working on (or intending to work on) Australian DCVs • anyone holding (or intending to obtain) a Certificate of Competency to work on an Australian DCV • people or organisations responsible for the crewing of Australian DCVs • people already performing duties or functions on an Australian DCV under a current AMSA general exemption

• industry groups/bodies representing Australian seafarers, and, • any entities or organisations conducting (or seeking approval to conduct) AMSA mandated practical assessments. WHAT ARE THE KEY CHANGES? Now, you are probably asking, “So what are the changes?” The key changes you need to be aware of are around: SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE • Marine Order 505 will now include a document called the “National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part D”, which is a simple and easy-toread guide to the new Marine Order 505; CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY • There will be five new Certificates of Competency introduced. • Watch out as some existing certificates will no longer be issued. • You will also be required to complete an AMSA approved task book before a Certificate of Competency will be issued.

• Are you buying/selling/chartering a boat or maritime business? • Do you need help with risk assessments, audits, regulatory compliance and licensing and registration advice? • Do you need marine incident & pollution support? • Are you facing maritime commercial or crewing disputes? Capt John Kavanagh AFNI MQLS

1300 797 627

www.pacificmaritimelawyers.com.au info@pacificimaritimelawyers.com.au

OCT - DEC 2019

Photo by John Groom

OUR LAWYERS ARE EXPERIENCED MARINERS AND MARINE REGULATORS

BOAT LEGAL MEDICAL AND FITNESS • There will be a new standard for the assessment of medical fitness for the masters and crew of a DCV. • Medical and eyesight tests will be required before any new certificates are issued. • You will also need a first aid certificate for the initial issue and renewal of your Certificate of Competency. • Engineering certificates will no longer require colour vision testing. OTHER • Sea service will be recorded in hours (with eight hours equivalent to one day). • Carrying passengers will now be permitted for the Coxswain 2 certificate. • The ‘restriction to sheltered waters’ restriction will be removed from all certificates. • Endorsements that allow for an increase in vessel length will be removed.

WHICH CERTIFICATES WILL NO LONGER BE ISSUED?

I HAVE AN EXEMPTION, WILL THAT BE AFFECTED?

Under the new Marine Order 505, there will be three Certificates of Competency that will no longer be available. Make sure you check below to see if your certificate is one that will no longer be issued from 1 July 2020, and what you must do to stay compliant.

Possibly. There are 12 general exemptions that will now no longer be effective following the proposed changes. Depending on the exemption that you hold, you may or may not have to take any action following the proposed changes. If you have an existing exemption, please visit AMSA’s website to check what action you may need to take.

WHAT ARE THE NEW KINDS OF CERTIFICATES?

When your certificate does expire you will then need to apply for a new certificate under the new Marine Order 505. So, don’t get caught out!

AMSA have proposed that five new Certificates of Competency will be introduced. Have a look below to see if you are interested in any of them. • Coxswain grade 3 near coastal; • Sailing master coastal near coastal; • Sailing master offshore near coastal; • Master less than 45 metres near coastal; and, • Master less than 100 metres near coastal.

• Master less than 35 metres near coastal; • Mate less than 80 metres near coastal; and, • Master less than 80 metres near coastal. WHAT HAPPENS IF I ALREADY HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY THAT WILL NOW NO LONGER EXIST POST 1 JULY 2020? If you hold one of the certificates that will no longer be available from 1 July 2020, you will be able to continue to perform your current duties under that certificate until that certificate expires. So check your expiration date!

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY YOU WILL NEED POST 1 JULY 2020 Master less than 35 metres near coastal need to apply for Master less than 45 metres near coastal Mate less than 80 metres near coastal need to apply for Master less than 24 metres near coastal Master less than 80 metres near coastal need to apply for Master less than 100 metres near coastal

SO, WHAT NEXT? The public consultation period was until Sunday 29 September 2019. After the consultation period any required amendments to the draft Marine Order 505 will be made by 2 December 2019. After this time, it is likely that the proposed changes will come into effect on 1 July 2020. So, watch this space for updates on the coming changes. If you have any questions about how the proposed changes to Marine Order 505 are going to affect you or your business, give the team at Pacific Maritime Lawyers a call on 1300 797 627. Pacific Maritime Lawyers Pty Ltd is a multi-disciplinary professional practice offering specialist maritime legal and consulting services. Owned and operated by Master Mariners and Lawyers, with formal audit, business, and legal qualifications. Pacific Maritime has extensive experience in project and asset management, maritime incident investigation and support, maritime compliance, audits, risk assessments, commercial dispute resolution, negotiations, due diligence and business management. www.pacificmaritimelawyers.com.au

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BOAT BOAT GUIDE NEWS

Local Waterways NEWS

AN EYE ON THE WATER Compiled by Roselle Tenefrancia

Photo by Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Photo by Shimano Australia

Note that the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will not immediately issue fines for noncompliance with these changes. Over the next few months, the focus will be on education and awareness. The fisheries website, recreational fishing app, and recreational fishing guides are being updated to reflect the new rules. To clarify doubts and to dispel the myths about these changes, visit fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. NEW QLD FISHING REGULATIONS Future Queenslanders will continue to get access to fresh local seafood and thousands of jobs will be protected under changes to fisheries regulations that came into effect on 1 September 2019. “Our state’s fisheries belong to all Queenslanders and it is our job to protect fish for the future,” Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development said. “Some of our fish stocks like scallops, snapper and pearl perch are at risk, with stock levels under the nationally recommended 20 per cent biomass level. Introducing catch limits for at risk species and continuing to crack down on illegal fishing will help us rebuild numbers.” Some of the changes for recreational fishers include: • Introducing new annual seasonal closures for snapper and pearl perch from 15 July to 15 August. • New boat limits, which hold the operator of the boat responsible for ensuring no more than two times the possession limit for nine priority black market species – mud crab, prawns, snapper, black jewfish, barramundi, Spanish mackerel, shark, tropical rock lobster, sea cucumber – is on board at any time. For example, the personal in-possession limit of mud crab will be 7 and the boat limit will be 14. The boat limit does not apply to charter boats.

REGO STICKERS IN QLD NO LONGER REQUIRED Faded and peeling boat registration stickers effective will no longer trouble frustrated boaties 1 October 2019. Acting Transport and Main Roads Minister Steven Miles said it made sense to end the need for boat rego labels after the stickers for cars were phased out in 2014. “Boat registration stickers peel and fade because they are constantly exposed to the harsh weather, and there are still offences associated with not having one properly displayed,” Mr Miles said. “That doesn’t make sense really and boaties have called for us to get rid of them, so we are.” Mr Miles said Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Police Service and compliance partners would continue to enforce registration of vessels through the vessel registration numbers on the hull. “We’re getting rid of stickers but not registration requirements,” Mr Miles said. “Boat owners will still need to ensure their vessel is registered and registration renewal notices will be sent to them as usual before the due date.”

• Reducing mud crab limit from 10 to 7.

Transport and Main Roads will continue to provide boaties with registration information and tools to remind them of their registration expiry/due date.

Mr Furner said almost 1 million Queenslanders went recreational fishing in the state in 2018. “To ensure recreational fishers can continue to catch fish, we need to have sensible limits to protect fish for the future,” he said.

You can also check if your boat’s rego is current at www.qld.gov.au/checkrego, or by downloading the Qld Rego Check App. You can sign up to receive email reminders www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/ ecorrespondencepreferences.

• General possession limit of 20 fish, excluding bait.

AUCKLAND TO GOLD COAST RACE IN 2021 The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021, which also coincides with Auckland hosting the 36th America’s Cup. The Squadron has secured two offshore races for their 150th year, among a plethora of major events and races, one of which is a race from Auckland to Southport Yacht Club (SYC) in Queensland. The 2021 Auckland to Gold Coast Ocean Race will be a Category One ocean race and will provide a solid challenge for the fleet. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now being sought from a wide range of suitability-qualified yachts and crew, from all yacht clubs, both locally and internationally. The RNZYS has timed the Auckland to Gold Coast Ocean Race deliberately to create the opportunity for entrants to also get involved in some of the popular events on the Australian sailing calendar. As RNZYS Vice Commodore Aaron Young explains, “We think this event is a superb opportunity for sailors to race to Australia and then compete in some of their major events in Queensland, such as the Brisbane to Hamilton Island Race, followed by the Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and Magnetic Island Race Weeks. The Race allows entrants to enjoy a potentially testing challenge across the Tasman before enjoying the warmer climates and taking part in some of these iconic Australian regattas.” Interest is already building among Squadron members after a recent announcement of the race at a special 150th calendar reveal for RNZYS Members, and the RNZYS has already received two promising expressions of interest.

For fur ther reading on local boating news, go to our website by scanning the QR code, or copy and paste the link: boatgoldcoast.com.au

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT NEWS SYC Commodore Ray McMahon says the club and its members are looking forward to being involved in this race and helping to celebrate the Squadron’s sesquicentenary in 2021. “I’m so excited to welcome the Auckland to Gold Coast Ocean Race to our calendar of events here at the Southport Yacht Club. To have an International event choose our club (and the Gold Coast) as their destination of choice says a lot about how our great club is seen internationally. I can’t wait to personally welcome every competitor as they arrive at the Southport Yacht Club in 2021.” The proposed (tentative) start date is Sunday 30 May 2021, from the RNZYS in Auckland New Zealand, and finishing 1,270nm away at the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. Register your EOI at www.surveymonkey.com/r/M9FCDDV For more information, email Andrew Delves: adelves@rnzys.org.nz, or the Southport Yacht Club: enquiries@southportyachtclub.com.au.

Photo by SYC

NEW SPEED LIMITS SET ON COOMERA RIVER New speed limits have been set by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) using data gathered during a 12-month speed limits trial, stakeholder engagement and strong community feedback. The aim of the trial was to ensure an acceptable level of marine safety, while reducing travel times and improving operating efficiency for smaller vessels and personal watercraft (PWC) and addressing wash. Beginning August 2019, the speed limits are set at 30 knots for vessels less than 6.5 metres in length, and 6 knots for vessels 6.5 metres and over for the Coomera River (South Branch) between Sanctuary Cove and its entrance into the Broadwater near Paradise Point. Additionally, there is a 6-knot speed limit for all vessels in the narrow channel between a small unnamed island and the entrance to Hope Harbour Marina. New speed signs for the new speed limits have been installed in the river. GCWA CEO Hal Morris said the new speed limits reflected feedback from waterways users, waterside residents and businesses along the river, and strike a balance on differing community needs. “The Coomera River system is unique to the Gold Coast because of the mixed uses it attracts. Unlike other rivers, it has no cross-river bridges. It provides the main access point for boats travelling to the Gold Coast Marine Industry Precinct for servicing. It’s used as a recreation area for all types of watercraft and it has many waterfront residential areas. This presented us with some real challenges and complexities in making a decision on speed that addressed the differences of opinion expressed during the trial. For example, waterways users told us the speed limits improved waterways access

Photo by GCWA

because travel times were reduced. However, waterside residents raised concerns about damaging wash, environmental impacts and noise. They’re all valid points so we’ve listened and taken that feedback into account, as well as information gathered during the trial, to reach a compromise on speed limits in this section of the river.” Mr Morris said that while the 30 knots speed limit for smaller vessels is comparable to the 50 km/h speed limit that applies to built-up areas, speed limits aren’t the only factor governing behaviour. “People in control of vessels need to be aware of other rules like the Collision Regulations and take into account issues such as visibility, weather and traffic density when they’re on the water.” An implementation package has been developed that includes improved signage on the river, educating waterways users about their responsibilities and options for using technology to help improve speed limit compliance and monitor waterways traffic volumes. To read the full report, visit gcwa.qld.gov.au.

Owning a boat should be a lifelong pleasure. The process of buying a boat should be easy if done right. Members of the Boating Industry Association pledge to abide by the Associations Code of Practice. When buying a boat from a boat broker, look for the BIA logo. BIA members can be found at www.bia.org.au or by calling (02) 9438 2077. Life on the water is great. The process for buying a boat should also be.

Members of the Boating Industry Association pledge to abide by its Code of Practice that also incorporates its Code of Ethics. To make sure a business carrying the BIA logo is a current member, check for their details at

www.bia.org.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT JOURNEY

’s b u l C t h c a Y t r o p h t u So

NEW BAR OPEN

Lachlan is the barman at the 4shore Bar

f you haven’t had the chance to visit the club in the last few months, then you have totally missed the transformation of the old eastern lawn into the NEW 4Shore bar on the Quarter Deck.

Every Friday night, the Club will offer live acoustic music on the Quarter Deck, allowing our members to enjoy sitting outdoors comfortably over the sultry spring and summer nights.

Southport Yacht Club is excited to have not only the ONLY north-facing bar on the Gold Coast, but is also the ONLY bar on the water where you can witness the Gold Coast’s spectacular sunsets – all new and all for our members and guests.

Why the 4Shore Bar on the Quarter Deck?

The current deck has almost doubled in size and the roofline also extended. Growing our current seating, in the main Club area, from 300 to over 400 people for downstairs alone. The new fully equipped bar located on the eastern side of the deck complements the area perfectly! The addition of a new tapas-style menu available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays is the perfect pairing to the new range of cocktails we have on tap from Lexington Hill. Think margaritas, espresso martinis, sangria or a rose cider. The area will cater as a wet-weather back up for outdoor functions and is also available for private functions on certain days. The new furniture for the area is expected to arrive mid-late October and will see another huge transformation, with a completely new, even more relaxed causal vibe modular couches, high bars and chairs with crisp white, navy and orange as the colour pallet. The furniture will also extend right through the Waterfront restaurant, bringing with it a much fresher existence.

The name - we all know what a foreshore is. But for the sake of those who don’t know, it is the part of a shore between high and low water marks, or between the water and cultivated or developed land. The ‘4’ is super significant…. 4 gentlemen used 4 vessels to take wounded servicemen on day trips around the Broadwater. From here, the idea of a Yacht Club came about. And on April (the 4th Month) 26th 1946 Southport Yacht Club was formed. SYC have 4 locations – Hollywell, Main Beach, Oxenford & Dux. Quarter Deck is pretty much a given for all our sailors out there. It is the part of a ship's upper deck near the stern, traditionally reserved for officers, in this case, members and guests. This is what the area will be commonly referred to. Following us on our social media channels to see when the GRAND opening of the 4Shore bar will be! A special thanks to Greg Forgan-Smith – Architect & Foreman Manager

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB

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EVENTS GUIDE O C T- D E C 2 0 1 9 HORIZON SHORES BOAT SHOW

OCT

BEACH WARRIOR

OCT

QUEENSLAND 26-27 BENETEAU CUP AND FRENCH YACHT CHALLENGE A fantastic event for all French yacht owners, with fun sailing, great food and drink, and fancy-dress contests. Two days of racing across Moreton Bay organised by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. (rqys.com.au)

CHRISTMAS IN SURFERS PARADISE

DEC

12-25

Experience Christmas with an Aussie twist in Surfers Paradise as the iconic beach and mall transform into a summertime wonderland. Visitors will be greeted by Santa in boardies at his beach shack, surrounded by quirky Christmas trees, roving carollers spreading cheer and a giant Advent calendar. Kids will be delighted with the opportunity to snap a selfie with Santa in Cavill Mall, while adults won’t want to miss the 12 Days of Christmas and a chance to win one of the daily Advent calendar prize giveaways. (surfersparadise.com)

OCT

Coolangatta will be set against the backdrop of the magnificent Coolangatta and Kirra Beaches and will be the most unique and beautiful obstacle race Australia has seen. Designed by the founders of Nitro Circus Live, Beach Warrior will feature 25 challenging and fun obstacles over a fourkilometre course on grass, sand and rocks. It is open to people of all levels of fitness and all shapes and sizes, over the age of 12 years. Beach Warrior is conducted by Surf Life Saving Australia. (beachwarrior.com.au)

A celebration of everything marine – from boating, fishing and water sports, to education, seafood, wine and lifestyle products. The event takes place right on the cusp of the summer season to offer peak inspiration. Interact and connect with leading businesses showcasing thousands of products and services; join free seminars and live demonstrations and activities for the whole family; relax with live music performances from local talent; and taste the best in gourmet food and exquisite wine at the (Sea)Food & Wine Festival. (horizonboatshow.com.au)

MELBOURNE CUP

NOV

Avid punters and horse racing enthusiasts around the country are counting down to the Cup. Each year, this highly anticipated event is held on the first Tuesday of November. The ultimate test of stamina and staying power, raced over a punishing distance of 3,200 metres. More gruelling than any other major event in Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, the prestigious race places extraordinary demands on the contestants, and bestows exceptional glory upon the winners. (flemington.com.au)

SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

5-6

Wynnum Manly Sailing club is proud to conduct the biggest weekend “big boat” regatta, the St Helena Cup, held in Southern Queensland each year. Around 100 yachts regularly enter the monohull teams competition, the cruising division, or the multihull division. There will be shorebased activities, entertainment and prize draws, and including meals, refreshments and breakfast. Berthing options are also available for visiting yachts. (revolutionise.com.au/wmyc)

Set to be a huge fishing event, with a massive pool of prizes worth over $450,000 to be given away over the 4-day event, this year’s Classic is another must-join event. With a range of team types catering for both senior and junior anglers, there is something for the whole family to get involved. Ticket prices include meals on each day of the event, team bags loaded with $100’s of dollars in lures, line, apparel plus your very own Sun Smart Flathead Classic fishing shirt. (flatheadclassic.com.au)

11-13

OCT

ST HELENA CUP REGATTA

1-4

OFFSHORE SUPERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

GOLD COAST 600 V8 SUPERCARS RACING

OCT

25-27

The Gold Coast 600 is set to become Supercars’ first night street race as part of a bumper deal with the Queensland Government. This will elevate the event to one of the premier motorsport events in the southern hemisphere. Featuring highoctane, action-packed Supercars racing, drivers get set to do battle through the streets of Surfers Paradise. Free public transport is available on select services to and from the event with a pre-purchased ticket. (v8supercars.com.au)

NOV

Get ready for the thrill of high-octane powerboat racing in Hervey Bay. The weekend includes the chance to see the boats out of the water and meet the drivers in the pit bay, an esplanade boat parade, and fast and furious racing action out on the water. Saturday: Pole Position Shootout, noon to 1pm; Street Parade of Boats, 3:30pm. Sunday: Racing from 11am. (superboat.com.au)

DEC

JAN

SAIL PARADISE REGATTA

26-31

2-5

A spectacular high-summer offshore sailing regatta decided over four days of racing. The courses for Sail Paradise will be set just off the surfline of the Gold Coast’s famous sandy beaches with a full range of passage and windward/leeward courses. (www.sailparadise.com.au)

Over the past 75 years, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia's summer sport. Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, no regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour. The race has had a marked influence on international ocean yacht racing, and influenced the world in race communications and sea safety, maintaining the highest standards for yacht race entry. (www.rolexsydneyhobart.com)

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OCT - DEC 2019

FUEL STOP S

F I N D T R U S T WO R T H Y L O C A L T R A D E S FA S T S E A R C H B OAT I N G A N D L I F E S T Y L E

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.

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Refueling facility for vessels up to 55m, ice, bait and basic groceries. Full amenities including toilets, showers and laundry. Marina berths for vessels from 10m to 30m. PH: 5591 2800 marinerscovemarina.com.au 27°58.218'S 153°25.460'E MARINA ONE FUEL & FOOD - HOPE ISLAND

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BOAT SAILING

Multihull Wrap up

Island Race Week, sandwiched annually H amilton between Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island race weeks, draws thousands of sailors keen to escape the wintery chill gripping the popular southern Australian boating hubs, as well as those enjoying milder Queensland winters.

Despite the softer economy, the latest edition of the country’s most popular offshore regatta attracted the second biggest fleet in 36 years. Two hundred and thirty-four boats were towed, trucked, sailed and raced, via the inaugural Lendlease Brisbane to Hamilton Island Yacht Race, to the Whitsunday jewel for the six-day pointscore and busy shoreside program. Multihull Racing class was scored under OMR with a seven-race schedule in trade winds that opened at 8-10 knots before a significant weather system on day three pumped up the sou’easters to 20 plus knots — where the breeze remained; consistency that’s not been experienced by competitors in many years. Top place went to Michel Van Der Zwaard’s Extreme 40, Back in Black, which had the crew experience to ride out fresher conditions and sea state, including current Tornado world champions Brett Burville and Max Puttman among other national and world champs in various classes. Special guest Carrie Smith, the Rio Games’ 470 sailor, at Race Week to launch Hamilton Island’s partnership with Australian Sailing’s SheSails, joined the Back in Black crew on the penultimate day for a super-charged blast around the island’s course. Second overall in division was Tony Considine’s new Tf10 Mad Max, a tri-foiler designed to target boat speed three times true wind speed that had made its racing debut the week prior, at Airlie Beach Race Week. Considine explained the rationale for his latest purchase: “We basically won everything with our old boat, a Grainger cat. So we talked about building a new one and what it would be. We looked at the America’s Cup foiling boats and thought it would be great if we could find a foiling trimaran, but it had to be trailarable as we needed to move it around easily. We found a DNA Tf10 foiling trimaran and the guys, headed by Mad Max’s skipper George Owen and Considine’s son, took it for a sail, and that was that.” 92

Karl Kwok’s MOD70 Beau Geste tearing around the island paradise made a spectacular sight. But shortcourse racing is not the record-setting trimaran’s genre. The international crew, under highly experienced boat captain Gavin Brady, opted to sail conservatively with guests and media aboard, never expecting they would make a dent on the corrected time results, but working up to speeds of 30 to 34 knots, which Brady later described as “taking it easy”. “It’s tough getting this boat around those islands given it’s designed for long ocean races,” Brady said. “You just have to pick your times to reef, and then make the most of the downwind to try and get away from the 40-footers. We’re really just getting back into spending more time on the boat before we head back to New Zealand for the Coastal Classic, so it’s mostly about recalibrating. This boat is very wet, therefore we are enjoying sailing in the tropics. We’ve decided it’s a warm water boat!” Third in division was Darren Drew’s Crowther 50 Top Gun, marking 30 years since the trimaran’s Race Week initiation, when it cleaned up the results. The two Multihull Hamilton Island divisions completed six EHC scored passage races around various Whitsunday islands, each daily course dependent on wind and tide as selected that morning by regatta director Denis Thompson and his large team whose primary aim is to have boats through the tidal gates before the change sets up a roadblock. Purple division top honours went to Craig Molloy’s Avalanche, a Lidgard 52 from Southport Yacht Club, and Black division first place went to Ken Plowman’s Lightwave 38 called Red Undies, the unusual moniker that had everyone trying to guess the meaning behind it. Multihull crews docked among the array of cruiserracer monohulls and were treated to the island’s usual high level of hospitality including complimentary ice delivery and morning coffee cart and afternoon BBQ, which encourages crew to gather for a snag in bread while reviewing the day’s outing. Later each evening, the island’s many restaurants and ticketed events were bursting and the main stage entertainment ramping up with free nightly bands playing live.

Dates for Hamilton Island Race Week 2020 are set for August 15-22. Results in all 14 divisions are available at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT SAILING

St Helena Cup Regatta WYNNUM MANLY SAILING CLUB

Photos by Jules at Vidpic Pro

By Frances Mulcahy

The idea reached fruition in 1976 when Mick Patterson kindly donated his family’s treasured silver cup as the winner’s trophy. Commodore Vince Hayes accepted the cup on behalf of the Club, and the proposed yacht race was named the St Helena Cup. The Cup was handcrafted in England in sterling silver and its long history dates back to 1890 when it was a trophy for a rifle shooting competition held on St Helena Island. It was won by Mick Patterson’s grandfather Edwin Cloherty, who was a warden on the island when it was a notorious prison from 1865 until 1932. The President’s Cup, as it was known in 1890, was won by Edwin. It was inscribed with his name and went into the family’s heirloom cupboard. Mick inherited the Cup from his Aunt Helena who was the first white child born on St Helena Island. (Excerpt from A history of Sailing and Boating on Moreton Bay by Peter Auld)

ynnum Manly Sailing club is proud to conduct the biggest weekend “big boat” regatta, the St Helena Cup, held in Southern Queensland each year. It is also the only team event on the local sailing calendar. Around 100 yachts regularly enter either the monohull teams competition, the cruising division or the multihull division. Shore-based activities are hosted at Wynnum Manly Yacht Club, with signon day on Friday, 4 October, and entertainment and prize draws on Saturday night, 5 October. Meals, refreshments and breakfast are available over the entire weekend. Berthing options are also available for visiting yachts. The St Helena Cup regatta dates back to 1976, but the Cup itself was awarded to the winner of a rifle shooting competition held on St Helena Island in 1890. It was kindly gifted to Wynnum Manly Yacht Club by Mick Patterson, the grandson of the 1890 winner, Edwin Cloherty. Sadly, Mick Patterson passed away on 27 July this year, but his legacy lives on with the St Helena Cup. Proudly sponsored by Nautilus Marine Insurance, Manly Hotel, Muir Marine, Hood Sails, DisplayCraft, AustraliaWide Boat Sails, and Multihull Central, the event is offering several thousands of dollars worth of prizes for the various winners and placegetters. For more details and the notice of race, visit wynnummanlysailingclub.com.au

THE ST HELENA CUP 1976 goes down in history as the first year of the Club’s signature event – the St Helena Cup. The idea came from long standing members Stan Davey, Mick Patterson and Rod Florence, who in the early 1970’s began planning a yacht race in Moreton Bay of equal importance as the Bribie Cup or the Myora Cup events run by other clubs. They wanted a team race similar to the Admiral’s Cup raced in the UK at the time. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT CLUBS

Rio ups the ante for By Sharon Smallwood

S.I.C.Y.C RENDEZVOUS Blue Horizon won Best Dressed Boat By Day

en Thackeray has often said that the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club is an entity he could not have written a business plan for.

Born from a casual conversation on a Whitsunday beach in 2009, his idea for a low-key cruising network has morphed into a global organisation of 6,820 members from 17 countries. The club’s annual Rendezvous on the last weekend of August is one of the most social weekends on the Australian boating calendar. Over the past decade, hundreds of boats and thousands of people have migrated to tiny Shag Islet and the Whitsundays’ Gloucester Passage to celebrate where and how the SICYC began. ‘CARNIVALE’ WITH A CAUSE - Recognising from the onset that the SICYC could also be a great vehicle for fundraising, Ken and his wife Rhonda sought out a worthy cause. Drawing a correlation between prostate cancer and the demographics of the cruising fleet, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia became the charity of choice. By 2018 the SICYC had raised roughly $610,000 for the PCFA. The figures for this year’s fundraiser, themed ‘Rio Carnivale’, came out at $51,238, bringing the total for 11 years to about $665,000. Speaking to the crowds from the 125 boats gathered for the 2019 Rendezvous, chairwoman of the PCFA Queensland Board, Distinguished Professor Judith Clements, said the money was making a huge difference. “Over these years the money that you’ve raised has gone towards prostate cancer support nurses around the country,” Distinguished Professor Clements said. “We now have nearly 50 nurses helping men who are going through treatment for prostate cancer, and we hope over the next couple of years, with the federal government’s support, to have at least 150, so there won’t be any area in Australia that doesn’t have that kind of support. “Your funds have also gone towards very important clinical trials for new drugs and treatments for prostate cancer. As the people in the laboratories around the country work towards finding new drugs, they then have to be trialled so it’s a very important aspect of what you do.” AN ARMADA OF AWARENESS - In keeping with the old adage that prevention is better than cure, the awareness raised by the SICYC and its annual Rendezvous is equally as

Addressing the crowds at Hands Across the Blue

important as the funds. “There are over 200,000 men living with prostate cancer in Australia,” Clements declared. “More than 3,500 die each year from prostate cancer and over 20,000 are newly diagnosed each year. More men die of prostate cancer than women do of breast cancer – perhaps a little-known fact.” These sentiments were echoed by Dr Michael Gillman, who addressed the 2019 SICYC Rendezvous at a special breakfast. “The demographics of this group is exactly the men who are likely to experience prostate cancer, so we need them to be aware that it exists and that it can be tested for,” he said. HOLDING HANDS ACROSS THE BLUE - One of the ways the SICYC has sought to raise awareness is through its ‘Hands Across the Blue’ initiative. Held on the Saturday morning of each year’s Rendezvous, the event sees cruisers forming the shape of the PCFA logo in their tenders For the past two years strong winds have prohibited the formation from holding together but the ritual has been maintained and grown in other ways. Coral Sea Marina owner, Paul Darrouzet, has transformed his motor-yacht the MV Norseman from a VIP vessel to the ‘Hands Across the Blue’ mothership. A proud sponsor of the SICYC for six years, his interest is deeply personal. “A friend of mine’s suffering from prostate cancer and he’s doing it pretty tough at the moment, so we need to support him and all the other people who are suffering,” he told the crowd. Once the speeches were done and, for the second consecutive year, Paul invited the entire SICYC fleet aboard his boat for hosted drinks and canapés. His generosity was publicly applauded, not least by Ken and Rhonda, whose philosophy of all SICYC members being equal ‘vice commodores’ it replicates. PERFECT PARTNERSHIPS - Also on board the MV Norseman for a second year were Trent Gay and Luke McCaul from the Gold Coast City Marina. “We joined the family of ‘Shaggers’ three years ago and we love being involved,” Trent said. “Gold Coast City Marina operates as a big family business, and when I come up here and see this group of people, it reminds me of that.” Helping to serve the canapés on Norseman and catering for the second SICYC fundraising ‘Blanc Sur Blanc’ beach dinner, was Fish D’Vine owner Kevin Collins.

Marlene Hicks, Tully Mars and Sharon Smallwood at Rio Carnivale

OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT CLUBS

Hands Across the Blue at the MV Norseman

Another return sponsor, Kevin described his delight in being able to give the club not just a financial contribution but also create a signature experience for the event. “We’re renowned for doing ‘white on white’ dinners so this was a way we could do more than just make a sizeable donation to the SICYC,” he said. “You give someone a cheque and so what, but you do something like this and people are talking about it for 12 months. The fact ‘Blanc Sur Blanc’ was sold out in about two and-a-half seconds is indicative of how good it was last year. We went from 50 seats in 2018, to 100 in 2019, and I’d like to get to 150 in 2020.”

A MESSAGE FROM ‘MA AND PA’ - Affectionately known as the ‘Ma and Pa’ of the SICYC, Ken and Rhonda have started to take a step back. In the past 12 months a committee has formed, with Ken in a mentor role and Rhonda still on the go, nonstop, throughout the four-day Rendezvous event. The aim is for the new committee to invigorate the Rendezvous now and into the future so that it continues to evolve and grow. “It was time to get some fresh ideas,” Rhonda said.

FUN AND FRIVOLITY - From ‘Blanc Sur Blanc’ to the Shag Islet party, to the ‘Rio Carnivale’, the 2019 SICYC Rendezvous was a riot of colour and friendly competition. There were best-dressed boats by day and night, and best dressed men and women at the Saturday and Sunday events. Stewart Scarborough took the crown for his homemade Carnivale costume in the male stakes, with Heather James winning the female outfit of the year.

This year, SICYC members sailed in company from as far south as Tasmania, with Justin and Judy Arundell from Hurtle Turtle as the lead boat. There were places where cruising as a flotilla was easier than others, and places where the fleet dispersed while individuals attended to family matters or boat repairs.

Tully Mars was crowned Pirate King on the Sunday, receiving honourable mentions for his efforts on the Saturday night, and alongside Tony Little as the tireless broadcasters of the SICYC’s ‘Coconut Radio’. For Ken and Rhonda, Rio Carnivale was one of the best themes in the Rendezvous’ 11 years to date. “There’ll be some photos to show the grandkids,” Ken joked. “It was absolutely fabulous,” Rhonda added.

THE SICYC SEASON OF SAIL - One of the ways in which the SICYC is expected to broaden its reach is through the Season of Sail.

Ultimately however, friendships were formed and fundraising for the PCFA conducted along the way. In the Clarence River $10,000 was raised at a number of events, and significant funds injected into the local economy. “If we can keep growing the SICYC Season of Sail, it’ll have huge outcomes for economic development and local businesses in areas up and down the east Australia coast,” Justin Arundell said. “If you’re going north, let’s make it a big flotilla and really help it grow over the next five years,” Ken added. “For now, though, we wish you a very safe journey to your home ports and we’ll see you again next year.” To join the SICYC or for more information on the club, visit www.sicyc.com.au

WE CARE FOR YOUR BABY as if it is OUR OWN Greg Watson, WATSON MARINE. 55 years Experience. GCCM Crew since 1999. “After a lifetime lived on the water, we know the love for a boat has nothing to do with the size of it. So bring us yours. It’s not just a job. It’s our pleasure”

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT FEATURE

REVIVING THE SPIRIT OF WATER SKIING

THUNDER LAKE Stunt Show By Lowen Taylor

ust shy of 10 years since the iconic Water Ski Spectacular team hung up their skis for the last time, Sea World Gold Coast has recently revived this world-class extravaganza with the rollout of the Thunder Lake Stunt Show. A delightful fusion of modern day extreme-sport madness with the vintage classiness that water ski shows just seem to ooze, it is an action-packed 30 minutes of family friendly fun. No longer just a ski show, the Thunder Lake Stunt Show follows a classic ‘good vs evil’ storyline, as the Sun State All Stars battle it out with the Bay City River Rats to be ‘rulers’ of the lake. Ski, slalom, barefoot and wake stunts combined with high-powered jet skis make for some jaw-dropping moments. On the shore, the BMX performers bring a new element of awesome to the show, pulling huge tricks down a massive ramp, just metres from the audience. This combination of land and water stunts have proven to be a great success as the crowds roll in day after day to fill the Sea World show arena with endless applause, oohs and aahs, and a whole lot of laughs! It is a surprise to many to learn that the original Water Ski Show was the very foundation of Sea World as we know it today. Established in 1957 as The Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens and situated where Emerald Lakes Golf Course now lies, the Water Ski Show expanded to an entire water-based theme park in just over a decade. When Sea World opened its gates in 1971, the Water Ski Show was one of the main draw cards, featuring some of the greatest water skiers from Australia and around the World. The effortless grace with which they performed was mind-blowing. Pulling off jumps, flips, tandem and barefoot skiing as well as the ever impressive Human Pyramid, it was a show that inspired many to take up the sport as weekend hobby and for some, a career goal! Glamorous costumes and ear-to-ear smiles, the show wowed audiences for more than five decades before taking a final bow in August 2009. Gary Reid, a member of the ski team during those final years went on to become the founder and executive show producer for Showtime FMX. Showtime FMX produces all the high action shows for Village Roadshow Theme Parks, as well as a plethora of world-class shows for large corporate events and festivals. Gary always dreamed of bringing back the ski show. After three or four years of bouncing the idea around, things got serious about two years ago with the unveiling of the new stunt show pitch. Finally getting the nod at the beginning of 2019, it was a whirlwind four months of preparation. Set builds and team training along with hours of rehearsals and fine tuning, the crew performed their first show in April this year and have continued to develop the show as they grow. Wanting to uphold the reputation of the original show, Gary sourced some of the world’s best athletes and transformed them into performers for this next-level entertainment spectacle. The cast is a supreme group of elitists, collectively holding more than a dozen Australian and World Championship titles. These include: Keenan Derry, 2x World Junior and 6x Australian Barefoot Ski Champion (Men’s); Abby Hicks, 2x Australian International Show Team member and 3rd on the World Junior Barefoot Championships; and, Bailey Hyatt, 2018 Team USA World Champion and one of only four women in the world to land a front flip off the ski jump. Adding to that are twotime Pro Freestyle Jet Ski Champion Michael Ratti, as well as a couple of Pro BMX riders that are current competitors on the World Tour, and you’ve got an all-star team bringing you a stellar show! Asked if they found it hard to step into the role of performer as opposed to competitor, with such a high level of athleticism, the answer from the cast was a resounding “No”! “I’m loving it!” exclaimed pro BMX rider, Chris James. “It’s a perfect balance of performing (tricks) and acting. We are here to do the job that we were hired for, but learning the acting along the way has been great.” Entertainment manager, Lisa Mallory added, “That’s the good thing about Showtime FMX. It offers everyone the ability to do things they’ve never done before, but

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BOAT FEATURE

Turtle Rescue

still continue with what they love. They’ll never come and only do just what they can. They’ll continue to grow in all different areas and all different ways.” By cross performing and training up in different roles, the cast are given an opportunity to continuously up-skill and push their own personal game to new levels. For many of the team, this job is a dream come true and provides them with an opportunity that many athletes do not receive – that is, being paid to do what they love week in week out, and allowing them to continue to grow in both their chosen disciplines as well as pursue new activities within the performance. Adding to their new skills is that of maintenance of the equipment for each of the shows. Like any craftsmen, these performers take extreme pride and care for their ‘tools’. With a high level of difficulty in many of the tricks they perform, these guys need to ensure that their equipment and props are in A1 condition before each and every show. Just as a base jumper would only ever pack his own shoot, the Thunder Lake Stunt Show team carry out the majority of maintenance work on their gear. The Thunder Lake Stunt Show is sure to please both young and old. But while entertainment is at the forefront of the show, the backdrop is just as exciting, particularly for the local businesses and trades. The producers matched the highly professional cast and crew with state-of-the-art equipment and boats. With their freestyle jet skis costing $50,000 each and a custombuilt pontoon boat truck coming in at around $150K, there was no expense spared in making this show one to remember. “To put on a world-class show, you need to spend the money,” explained Gary. Luckily for this Gold Coast business, the majority of this money was spent locally. Teaming up with the likes of JSW Powersports, Malibu

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Photos by Sea World Gold Coast

Boats and AJSP (Australian Jet Ski Parts), all the boats, jets skis and equipment were purchased from local Gold Coast businesses. Additionally, the construction crew for the set build was with a local building company, providing ongoing work as the show continues to expand. Over half of the 20 full-time staff are Gold Coast locals, and many of those who were outsourced from overseas shows now call the Gold Coast home. This show has done a lot for the local economy and will continue as the show’s popularity grows. Not only has it directly provided numerous jobs, the show is also a massive draw card for both domestic and international tourists. Needless to say, it has re-ignited a spark for the young people to get into power water sports as well as into BMX. The predicted overflow for local businesses from those inspired to be involved in skiing and boating and possibly turn it into a career is exciting. Gary shared how he got into his dream job. “I remember when I saw the show as a 16-year-old in 1991, and thought how cool it would be to work at Sea World. Four years later, I got a job skiing here, which was a dream come true. On the first day of (this show’s) rehearsals, the comment 'This has been a dream since I was a kid' could be heard many times. We have had a lot of interest from locals asking what they need to learn to work here, which is great. It gives people something to aim for. It’s one of only a handful of full-time water ski shows in the world.” The show is a wonderful addition to the Sea World entertainment schedule and one that we hope stays alive just as long as the last ski show did. It is a true spectacle for the entire family that leaves you laughing out loud at the slapstick banter between the two crew, while your heart races and you fist-pump the air as they pull off some death defying trick. It is a not-to-be missed event that will leave you beaming.

BOAT GUIDE CLUBS

HOVERCR A F TS ONE WAY TO EXPLORE QUEENSLAND’S NATURAL BEAUTY By Kellie Byrnes

f you are interested in buying your first vessel for fun days out on the water, or are keen to expand your boating collection, it might be time to consider becoming a hover enthusiast. Hovercraft (also known as air cushion vehicles or ACVs) are special vehicles that allow users to explore places usually inaccessible to other boats. The vessels use fans or propellers to create two streams of air; one provides forward thrust and the other, lift. The thrust air propels the hovercraft forward; direction is controlled with rudders. The lift air is held under the hovercraft by a flexible “skirt” which lifts the craft clear of the surface. The hovercraft was invented more than 50 years ago in Britain by engineer inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell. He developed an experimental hovercraft after first testing out his idea by popping a tin of cat food inside a coffee tin and blowing a jet of air through the gap between the two. Aiming to create a cushion of air, Cockerell’s test was a success. He then finetuned his designs and secured funding. After eight months working with boating firm Saunders Roe on the Isle of Wight, the result was an approximately six-metre craft. Launched in 1959, it crossed the English Channel in two hours, with the inventor onboard. Cockerell’s hovercraft revolutionised sea travel, and in the 1960s a fleet of craft was regularly used.

HOVERCRAFT IN AUSTRALIA

WHERE TO GO HOVERCRAFTING

In Australia, the industry is small but passionate. According to Steve Stephens, the publicity officer for the Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club (QSH), “there are about 300 small recreational hovercraft Australia-wide, and around 40 in Queensland.”

One of the best places to go hovercrafting is the Southern Moreton Bay area. “We especially like going around the islands from Coochiemudlo in the north, to as far south as Tipplers,” says Steve. However, hovercrafters must pay for public liability insurance ($10 million value) to be able to access these areas. As far as other areas goes, Steve suggests, “Parts of the Broadwater, Logan River, Brisbane River, Lake Coolmunda, Moogerah Dam, and Somerset Dam are good and can be used without a permit and insurance.”

In the late 1960s, Taylor Craft in Adelaide built some of the nation’s first hovercraft. Queensland University also got into the act around the same time, followed by Peter Venn in the mid-1970s. Still involved in the field today, Venn was the second person in Queensland to obtain an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) Masters Certification of Competency. Steve notes, “Ross McLeod had a factory on the Logan River. He built six-seater to 50-seater commercial hovercraft, which were exported to Africa, Asia and other overseas markets. There is also the famous Spirit of Broome which has been continuously providing daily tours from Broome to Roebuck Bay since 1988.” When many Queenslanders think of hovercraft though, Christopher Skase comes to mind. The disgraced businessman ran two large, fourengine, 40-seater hovercraft on shuttle runs between Brisbane Airport and the Gold Coast Spit between 1988 and 1992.

HOW TO USE Hovercraft can travel over a variety of surfaces, including sand, grass, quicksand, water, gravel, mud, snow and ice. “Hovercraft are at their best on mud, sand, and extremely shallow water,” says Steve, “but they also easily traverse grassy areas.” Hovercraft cannot handle much wind, since there is not much gripping the water. Stick with smooth conditions as a result. HOVERCRAFT AND THE ENVIRONMENT What a lot of people do not realise is that hovercraft are one of the most eco-friendly motorised vessels. By riding above the surface, they can travel even over the most environmentally-sensitive areas without disturbing the surface or striking marine life (unlike traditional propeller-driven craft). Marina Mirage hovercraft on the Broadwater, Southport (1980's)

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Photos by Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Moreover, there are no issues with noise below the surface, because water is not thrashed about. Sea-bed erosion is not a problem when operating the vessels in shallow waters. Since fuel systems are contained within the hull structure, leaks cannot enter the water or otherwise contaminate the environment. Steve notes, “Fuel consumption is about half that required for a similar sized convention craft.” HOVERCRAFT CLUBS Today, the Australian industry is overseen by the Australian Hovercraft Federation Inc. (AHF). The federation is dedicated to “encouraging and developing the safe, considerate and sustainable use of recreational hovercraft”. By joining, you can get tips on things like what type of hovercraft to buy or build, areas to use your vehicle, usage tips from members, and information about events. AHF is the peak body for recreational hovercraft in Australia and consists of affiliated state bodies, plus state and regional branches. The Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club (QSH) is a member of the AHF, and has 25 members based in Brisbane, and a handful of interstate and international members. It has been operating since 1967. Steve says, “We’re a social touring group. Our members’ interests are diverse, and craft are used not just for cruising, but also for fishing, crabbing, diving, camping, touring, and generally ‘mucking about in boats’. Several of us also own trailer-boats or moored vessels.” Most

members are in their fifties, but the youngest is in his teens and the eldest are 60 and over. The group is mainly made up of professionals, small business owners and retirees, and many people in the club have been using hovercraft since the 1960s. At QSH meetings, informative technical talks are given, upcoming rallies are planned, and members network and discuss refinements they’ve made to their craft. “After meetings conclude, we then generally pick a cruise destination. It depends on wind and tide conditions on the day. We’ll go cruising for anything from ten minutes to several hours,” Steve explains. QSH also hosts AHF’s national rally, in addition to the Queensland state rally at Lake Coolmunda. Hovercraft enthusiasts come from around the country to participate. Club members also have helped with flood rescue (and, recently, the rescue of some stranded kayakers stuck in mud in Brisbane!) and charity events. Local hovercraft users also regularly assist CoastCare and other organisations with cleanups, although they do struggle with permit issues. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service treat hovercraft as “Managed Vessels” and has a restrictive permit set-up in place. QSH is currently lobbying to have this changed. To know more about hovercrafts in Queensland, visit www.Qhover.com.

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BOAT FASHION

Fashion for a cause

Bikinis on the Coast By Lowen Taylor

Moana Bikini

he Gold Coast has one of the most recognised beach cultures in the world. With world-class surf breaks, white sandy beaches, and glorious sunshine year round, we are known as a land of beaches, babes and bikinis. It is no wonder then that we happen to produce some the best bikini fashion across the globe. This sensational beach culture is not all sunshine and lollipops, however. The sun loving and salty lifestyle may seem casual and carefree to the outsider, but it has a very large impact on society physically, emotionally and environmentally. Two of the Coast’s leading swimwear manufacturers are each doing very different but very wonderful things to make this renowned beach life fundamentally better. SALTY ENOUGH FOR THE SEA Salty Soul Surfwear is an environmentally conscious company that promotes earth and ocean sustainability with their products. The materials used to produce their costumes are derived from ethically sourced Japanese limestone, as well as recycled fishing nets from nylon regeneration company, ECONYL. In the fishing and boating world, it is undeniable the impact that abandoned fishing nets have on our marine life. With the help of ECONYL, Salty Soul Surfwear is turning this landfill and ocean waste into durable fibres to create gorgeous and highly functional pieces of beach-life fashion.

Karina Irby of Moana Bikini

Priscila Gonzalez, founder of Salty Soul Surfwear, came up with the vision of creating a green alternative swimsuit in 2014, when she realised there was a massive gap in the local market for such a product. Passionate about beach culture, but also recognising the large impact we have on marine life and the coastal environment, she set out to design a product that not only looks gorgeous but also leaves less of a carbon footprint on the earth. Priscila decided to partner with ECONYL and their innovative way of creating products from waste. “Their regeneration system can be endlessly repeated. They have different initiatives and projects to keep our oceans clean and transform all the waste collected into something that is not only entirely made of regenerated material, but are fully and endlessly regenerable. I just think it’s brilliant! The whole process completely aligns their desire to uphold the qualities she was seeking in surf wear - durability, sustainability and style. “I decided to use this type of fabric when I started to research more about the fast fashion industry. It is so bad, I was in shock! That is why consumers need to make better choices and this industry urgently needs to evolve. Fashion companies must get to know every step in their supply chains and be transparent with consumers. In doing this, we start to take responsibility for them, including the safety of our workers and the impact we have on the environment.”

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Keeping with eco-conscious trend, Salty Soul Surfwear also has a #buy1get1tree initiative. Inspired by the Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund in Western Australia, the teams plant one tree for every item purchased. Now, having teamed up with worldwide organization, One Tree Planted, they are not only sustainable in product, but also in profit. With a beautifully ocean inspired collection of swimwear, there is something for every body. “Our limestone based neoprene bikini sets and our OCT - DEC 2019

Moana Bikini

Salty Soul Surfwear

sleeveless one piece are great for boating and all water sports. Super comfortable and it won’t stay wet for too long. The idea is to bring that freedom feeling every ocean lover looks for. We cater to many sports, and of course, to every girl who cares about the environment and wants to feel comfortable doing what she loves.” BE CONFIDENT WITH MOANA Saving the world one bikini at a time in a completely different fashion is Gold Coast Bikini guru, Karina Irby of Moana Bikini. If you are one of Moana Bikini’s half a million Instagram followers, or the 1M+ followers on her personal account, you would never in a million years believe that this blonde bombshell and absolute splash of sunshine would ever have been bullied through her youth. But indeed she was. A long-term sufferer of chronic eczema, it was Karina’s experience of insecurity and isolation that was the driving force behind Moana and more so, the ever growing Moana Army, which she has organically created along the way. “I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin and I wanted to create something that made others feel the same,” says Karina. With a budget of just $800, she has built Moana Bikini from the ground up. Working a full-time job and then spending countless nights, studying design and patterning videos on YouTube until 3am, Moana’s first ever collection sold out in just 30 minutes proving that if your passion shines through, absolutely anything is possible.

Self taught, self funded and self promoted, Karina has worked tirelessly to build a brand that supports women of all shapes and sizes and absolutely relishes in the joy and happiness of her customers. “The customers are everything to me. I don't see them as a transaction. They become part of something. Our VIP Facebook page has over 8,000 members and probably half of the girls aren’t even Moana customers. They are girls who want love and support. It has become less about the bikinis, and more about the community. But from a business perspective, that is what drives the company. To see them interact and the messages they send is just magical.” Moana Bikini now has a health and fitness page that promotes body awareness, health tips, fitness and nutrition tips, and of course, just oozes self-love and happy bodies. No matter your shape, size, age, activity, Moana Bikini provides the goods for every woman. There’s a party on the beach and everyone is invited, with sun savvy options as well as their super cheeky and ultra bright pieces, Moana has every water lover covered. For the beach, boat and water sports, you can mix and match to find your perfect Moana combination to suit every sun and water-filled activity. If you think the bikini business was just a conveyor belt of lycra, think again. These Gold Coast women are working hard to change the face of the industry, to protect our environment and to help build the confidence of women the world over. With summer just around the corner, it is time to think smart about the products we choose to spend these long hot days frolicking about. Check out Salty Soul Surfwear and Moana Bikini online for styles and information and feel good this summer, inside and out.

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BOAT LIFESTYLE

Pirate’s IT’S A

LIFE FOR ME! By Andy Kancachian

t the bow of this strange looking boat sits a one-eyed pirate duck made from melted down fishing sinkers, affectionately named Black Daffy, the pirate duck. This is a remarkable story of how a dadmade child’s playground became a sailing boat, which is set to become an iconic part of Southeast Queensland waterways life. Owner of this unique ship, Silvio Rodriguez, explains, “It first started as a pirate boat playground with a slide which I began making for my daughter. But as time went by it began looking like it could possibly float. I then embarked on a mission to learn a few skills in boat building to make sure it was going to be possible. And so began an ongoing focus on detailing it whilst making it seaworthy.“ This is a real-life case of where there is a will there is a way. Silvio is adamant there is a pirate in us all, whether in a corporate life, family life or sea life. “I was just lucky enough to have a three-year-old girl who loves an unfolding adventure, and in that unfolding adventure, Black Daffy was born.” BUILDING THE BLACK DAFFY The inspiration for the boat first came to mind when my daughter and I were sitting down watching “How To Train Your Dragon”, a computer-animated action fantasy film. The design and trimmings have only been limited by our imaginations. “The outer structures are Hobie sailing catamaran hulls. The rest I slowly designed as I went along. I used marine ply and recycled timbers, and detailed it with what I could f ind. I f ibreglassed the centre hull, epox y-f inished ever y thing, 102

“A pirate’s love for crazy adventures, I’m not a boozer nor a splurger of self serving indulgences. Life’s too beautiful to be wasted down dead ends.” and painstakingly put it all together over a four-year period.” It has been a great test of courage for Silvio. “The most difficult aspect of building the boat was having the mental belief that it would actually float when I first launched it on the Maroochydore River. With no one around, I let go and set off with the anticipation that I would be playing the imaginary trumpet as it sunk. Rather, an hour later I return to shore popping an imaginary bottle of champagne to celebrate a successful maiden voyage.” Sitting at just under seven meters, Black Daffy is powered by a 5hp 2-stroke outboard. However, Silvio eventually plans to install an electric motor, which he estimates will provide more power at half the weight.

THE CHARTER EXPERIENCE Silvio believes that this little ship can be placed into survey with the governing bodies, to gain the required credentials and permits to take paying passengers on guided tours. The aim is to create a unique charter experience to travel the Pumicestone Passage by water. “It’s going to be a family-friendly adventure for the young at heart. The tours will consist of a pirate adventure that passes by all the Pumicestone Passage beaches toward Caloundra’s esplanade, for a quick pick up of food from a selected menu, then over to Bribie Island’s northern beach point for an island picnic. The tour will include photos of your adventure picnic.” Based on his research, the Black Duf f y will be licensed to carr y a maximum weight of 260kg rather than quantit y of people. This translates to comfor tably 2-adults and 2- children (under 7yrs) onboard at any one time.

This trial-and-error method of organic boat building has paid off for Silvio. “My threeyear-old can handle the boat, but that could be due to her being a part of it from day one of the building process. Perhaps a complete stranger would look at it and think, ‘What does each and every rope line control?’ Once you know how, sailing this ship is child’s play.

He will ultimately of fer a range of long and shor t fun rides for mums and dads together with their children for memorable photo moments. The three options will include a 20 -minute joy ride (no stops), a 2-hour Pumicestone Passage Cruise (with one stop at Bribie Island for quick photos), and the 3.5 -hour return Pumicestone Passage picnic cruise (with t wo stops: Bulcock Beach, then Bribie Island for a picnic and photos).

For logistical convenience, the boat is trailerable. Silvio explains, “I began putting together a custom-built trailer as soon as I decided to take Black Duffy off its original playground stumps, and turn it into a real ship.”

“This is ver y much a get- dressed-up -inyour- crazy- costume adventure, or guests can arrive in their laidback beachy at tire. I’ll def initely be supplying pirate hats if no one has one.” OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT LIFESTYLE

Photos by Doug Bazley Blueys Photography WONDERFUL NATURAL SETTINGS The Pumicestone Passage and northern extremes of Moreton Bay are an ideal location for such a passive charter. Silvio articulates, “The waterways users around here are considerate, alert, and best of all, like one big family of ocean lovers. Perhaps the only real dangers are the low tide sandbars that rise, which can sometimes catch you unexpectedly.” Silvio is a passionate local boater. “Once you set sail along the Pumicestone Passageway, you lose yourself in the tranquility of the tide’s current, the distant sea hawks that circle above, the unsuspecting dolphins

that cruise by the drifting hulls, and the splendour of morning sunrise that touches your face as you approach the Bribie Island northern point at dawn. It’s like a soundtrack of pictures that plays right before your eyes.” For the last 15 years, Silvio has worked as a hospitality venue consultant. He explained that as time passed, he began growing tiresome of business owners unable to break out of their selfmade boxes. It was time for a fun career change. The Black Daffy project is going to be Silvio’s ideal waterways lifestyle. In fact, his family and friends expected nothing less from this guy with his wacky imagination. “I love the smiles and conversations the cruise brings. I definitely

would love to operate Black Daffy full-time, but I can only imagine that weather will play a big role. But hey, who am I kidding? The Sunshine Coast hardly ever sees bad weather!” Where Silvio goes, he goes with his heart. “If living my life happily means living with only what one needs to survive and being comfortable with nothing more, then I can only aim my focus on the Black Daffy and hope that it will sail me and my family in that right direction.” You can pre-book your Black Daffy experience via Facebook@blackdaffycruises, and expect a confirmation reply as soon as the ship is ready to set sail.

2-5 JANUARY 2020

Annual 11th

The Southport Yacht Club will host the 11th Anniversary Bartercard Sail Paradise, four day premier sailing regatta. Join us at the #1 Holiday Destination the GOLD COAST!

ph. 07 5591 3500

www.sailparadise.com.au

Contact Virginia Cross (07) 5591 3500 marketing.manager@sycgc.com.au SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB Southport Yacht Club invites industry leaders to join our annual Charity Yachting Regatta. Come and enjoy a day on the water with colleagues and clients to raise money for Youth Sailing! Southport Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing program is designed to introduce the world of sailing to all ages and abilities! This is a fun day on the water where you can entertain your clients, network, or build your corporate team. No sailing experience necessary.

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Contact: Virginia Cross | +61 7 5591 3500 | marketing.manager@sycgc.com.au

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BOAT REVIEW

TRAILERABLE SAILING CYGNET 20 BUILDER’S COMMENTS By David Bradburn

uite often, timber-built boats have this authenticity, character – a soul even that makes each one a special piece of maritime history. No doubt classic timber boats have a beauty, a nostalgia, but lack the appeal of being low maintenance and cost-effective to build in this day and age. To my thoughts, albeit beautiful, they are not as strong, durable and user-friendly as modern glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) craft. The Cygnet 20 came about by my newfound appreciation of small, classicstyle cruising yachts. These classic-style craft evoke feelings of admiration in their simplicity, their beautiful hull and rig shape, their graceful lines and all-important character, which modern designs do not seem to possess. The Cygnet 20 is firstly designed reminiscent of these beautiful classic designs incorporating modern features such as being lightweight, strong, durable, cost effective to build with modern touches such as carbon spars, water ballast, easy to clean and maintain, GRP, swing keel, etc. Bluewater Cruising Yachts, in collaboration with Hardcastle/Lowe Yacht Design, have created a yacht that is classically attractive and evokes pride of ownership as well as being very practical. Its size makes it relatively affordable and easy to maintain in comparison to larger craft. Peter Lowe, a former design associate of Peter Cole and Ben Lexcen, and Will Hardcastle have, for over 29 years, been involved with the design of some of the best known sailing yachts and superyachts in Australia. Working for such companies as Warren Yachts, Buizen Yachts, Northshore Yachts, Comprador Marine, Mustang Marine, Southwind and Evolution Yachts and now the Bluewater Cruising Yachts with the Cygnet 20. Both cut their teeth offshore and inshore racing dinghies and yachts in their formative years all the while dreaming of a design in later years that would suit their own aspirations and circumstances. A beautiful yacht they could use as a day sailer or weekender, test their skills club racing, or for a relaxing sail on Pittwater, which due to being trailerable can be cruised in faraway destinations without the expense, commitment and time it takes with a larger, non trailerable vessel. The Cygnet 20 is designed for enclosed waters for a couple or family of four to use over a weekend, or a week for that matter, to cruise and/or club race. It is easy to rig with lightweight carbon fibre spars. Although water ballasted for safety and performance, it is light to tow, launch and recover when unballasted with a towing weight of about 1200kg, including trailer, to your favourite cruising destination or somewhere further afield with a standard family-sized car.

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The Cygnet 20 was a boat conceived to excel in many aspects, namely, classic good looks, light to tow, quick to rig (under 15 minutes), comfortable interior, generous cockpit, safe and fun to sail, cost effective to purchase and maintain, good performance so you could enjoy cruising as well club racing. There is a large 4 to 6-person cockpit, comfortable accommodation and surroundings so you will never want to leave, an indoor/outdoor living with pop-top, and excellent ventilation. Exploring is made easier with swing keel allowing 30cm draft when up. Also, having the central lifting point makes it ideal for storing at your local yacht club if you do not have the storage space available near home. It can be fully rigged and lifted in and out on a standard yacht club crane used for vessels such as J-24 and Etchells. Sailing is such a wonderful fulfilling pastime; yet most boats lie idle. Maybe it is because owners fall out of love with their craft for whatever reason – the boat is too big, too much maintenance, too expensive to run, no one to go out with, the sea is too confronting, or too difficult to organise crew. A big boat is not always fully utilised when sailing in enclosed waters. A big boat needs time, commitment, expense and desire to challenge yourself against the elements. This is not for everyone and current circumstances may preclude this from happening now or in the future. Do not put off sailing and the boating lifestyle until you can afford a bigger boat. Maybe you just might find that the perfect size for you is the classically styled Cygnet 20. It is fun and exciting to sail, and that is the most important thing. For further information www.bwcy.com.au or call David on 0412 656 271. OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT REVIEW

BENETEAU OCEANIS 30.1 SMALL, YET OH SO BIG!

hampioning ever more innovative boats for everyone is definitely Beneteau’s hallmark, and in this respect the new Oceanis 30.1 holds its promises across the board. The smallest yacht in Beneteau’s cruising range boasts trailability, incredible living space for her size and focuses on simplicity, yet she is as stylish and beautiful as ever. There’s a good chance that she will rank ‘best in class’ throughout her career. Although it is rare to start with size when presenting boats, the new Oceanis 30.1 is an exception. Her design is based on the balance between reducing the boat’s size and increasing the deck and interior space by precious centimetres, which really make the difference in terms of living space and comfort.

FROM INLAND WATERWAYS TO HIGH SEAS With an overall size of under 9x3 metres and a light displacement of less than 4 tonnes, the Oceanis can be trailed by road by a professional. If you prefer to go to your sailing grounds by canals and rivers, the lifting keel and rotating mast version opens limitless possibilities. Perfect for sailing coastal inland and open waters, this new Oceanis is a robust sailing yacht, fitted out for offshore sailing. SIMPLE YET SPIRITED The Oceanis 30.1 has a hull designed by FinotConq and meets the performance and easy sailing challenge of the recent generation inaugurated in 2017 with the 51.1. She boasts a slender stem widening in a hard chine above the waterline, optimized weight, stiff canvas, and a square-top mainsail as standard, giving her everything she needs to perform well in all points of sailing. Thrill seekers and new sailors from the world of dinghy sailing will love the unusual tiller on twin rudders. Sailors who prefer comfort will choose the twin steering wheels. For beginners or for shorthanded sailing, the self-tailing jib and the single winch will be perfect. For high performance, Oceanis 30.1 can be equipped with a large overlapping genoa, a furling code zero or an asymmetric spinnaker (stemhead built into the hull design). BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

AS SMART AS ITS ELDER SISTERS With a hard-chine hull and well-proportioned sides and coachroof, the Oceanis 30.1 honestly looks like a small yacht. The aft beam has space for two steering wheels, which frees up the cockpit. In the configuration with a tiller lifting on anchoring, there is even more space available. Apart from being visually attractive, the unstayed mast with swept back spreaders gets rid of the back stay and frees up aft movement. The same goes for the mainsail sheet, which, placed forward of the companionway, frees up space while making manoeuvres safer. On either side of the large foldaway cockpit table are two large benches, which easily seat up to six guests. Aft, a step affords access to the sea and can be supplemented by a small lifting platform.

Swing keel version Length overall 9.53m Hull beam 2.99m

2 cabins + 1 head

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THE RIGHT PLACE! Successfully meeting a very demanding set of specifications, particularly in terms of volume and cruiseability, the Oceanis 30.1 has won a few extra centimetres in strategic places, and in this it stands apart from its competitors. By making the soles part of the boats structure, headroom has been increased to 1.98m midship and 1.85m in the two cabins. The centimetres won at the bow and aft, give her length enough for two goodsized double cabins, a wonderful open space (a real entranceway for each of the cabins) and allow lengthwise berths. The two times 2 metres of benches in the saloon provide an additional place for extra berths. The large shower room is divided into a marine toilet on one side and shower and washbasin on the other. At the foot of the companionway, the L-shaped galley has top and bottom storage, a 75 litres refrigerator and a real oven under the gas hob. Another important element of comfort on the Oceanis 30.1 is the gently sloping companionway present on all the Beneteau cruising range yachts. And because boating for everyone requires affordable prices, the Oceanis 30.1 is offered at a ready-to-sail price that beats other cruisers in its category. 105

BOAT JOURNEY

Moreton Bay

Daytrippers & Cruisers By Michelle Felton & Roselle Tenefrancia

rom the southern tip of South Stradbroke Island to Caloundra, the Moreton Bay features ideal boating destinations like Moreton Island and North and South Stradbroke islands. Just at the doorstep of Gold Coast and Brisbane cities, the wide expanse of Moreton Bay is dotted with other smaller islands, offshore reefs, internationally significant wetlands, seagrass meadows, and sandy beaches, making this a haven not only for marine and wildlife, but also for boating people.

SOUTHERN MORETON BAY ISLANDS

Use this quick guide to island destinations, and take your family and friends on a journey through the waters of Moreton Bay.

MORETON ISLAND: TANGALOOMA WRECKS

PEEL ISLAND With a countless supply of day trip options, start your journey at Deanabilla Bay, Myora and Horseshoe Bay off the majestic Peel Island. Peel Island is known as Teerk Roo Ra National Park and is managed by the Queensland National Parks. It is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling, or just exploring the small heritage-listed area, which was once used as a quarantine station for leprosy patients. Remnants of the lazaret are cared for by the Friends of Peel Island. They offer tours occasionally. Peel Island has limited camping availability and composting toilets. Camping permits are available online with the Department of Environment and Science. NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND Another day trip you cannot miss out on is one to North Stradbroke Island or Minjerribah, the second largest sand island in the world. Contact the Little Ship Club for the use of their pontoon, while having lunch or for staying overnight. Prices vary depending on length of stay and specifications around your boat size. Tremendous fishing and snorkelling opportunities exist around Minjerribah. Have a swim at Cylinder Beach, rated Queensland’s best beach by Surf Life Saving Queensland in 2018. You can also take a 4WD tour or have fun sand boarding and snorkelling. The whale-watching peak period is between June and November. One of the best land-based spots to watch the majestic humpback whales on their way north to breed and give birth is at Point Lookout. You may even spot a mother and calf on their way back! Also at Point Lookout is the famous North Gorge Walk, a beautiful 1.2km boardwalk around the headland. It is a great vantage point to spot dolphins, manta rays, sharks, turtles, as well as the whales. Point Lookout area is the island’s hub for dining and shopping for supplies. When you are without a land vehicle, there is the option to catch public transport, such as the buses and taxis. 106

The Redlands Coast is also home to the southern islands – Karragarra, Lamb, Russell and Macleay Islands. They are only small islands, with few residents. Despite limited facilities for visitors, it is popular with those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Sail around the islands and discover the great fishing opportunities, or stretch your legs and explore the unspoilt bushlands. You can quench your thirst and play a game of lawn bowls at one of the local clubs. Moreton Island is one of the least polluted and least disturbed coastal environments along the Queensland/New South Wales coast. The Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of ships scuttled by the Queensland Government between 1963 and 1984 to provide safe anchorage spot for recreational boat owners on the eastern side of Moreton Bay, are located just north of the Tangalooma Island Resort. Coral is now starting to form in and around the wrecks, providing a haven for over 100 species of fish and sometimes even dolphins, wobbegongs and dugongs.

, nd s Bo at Club , Photo s by Re dla uadr on Sq t ch Ya d lan Royal Quee ns roke Isl and Holid ays & St radb

NAVIGATING THE CHANNELS AND SHALLOW WATERS You can download the Moreton Bay Marine Park User Guide. This guide details all you need to know about navigating the channels and shallow areas, including no-anchoring zones, go-slow zones, boundaries and more. It is a great resource to help boaters navigate their journey, also outlining the protected sensitive reef habitats, which are easily damaged by boat anchors. The Beacon to Beacon Guide also provides information on where to set down an anchor. Supplies and maintenance facilities are available at Manly Harbour Marina. Fuel is available at the Royal Qld Yacht Squadron Manly and the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club. MORETON BAY MARINE PARK The Queensland Government has established seven artificial reefs in Moreton Bay Marine Park, at a cost of $2.5 million. These reefs provide recreational anglers with a range of exciting fishing opportunities in the marine park. Artificial reefs attract and sustain a wide diversity of marine life by providing protection from predators, shelter from ocean currents, breeding opportunities, and a supply of rich food sources. The variety of habitats created by Moreton Bay’s artificial reefs sustain a diversity of fish species and have been designed to benefit a range of fishing techniques, including spearfishing, bottom fishing, and game fishing for pelagic species. www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/moreton-bay OCT - DEC 2019

BOAT REVIEW

FOUNTAINE PAJOT

ALEGRIA 67

BEST SAILING MULTIHULL OVER 15M

ountaine Pajot’s stunning Alegria 67 sailing catamaran has won the category of “Best Sailing Multihull Over 15m” at the 2019 Christofle Yacht Style Awards, which recognise the very best of the yachting industry in Asia and internationally. The Alegria 67 is the jewel in the crown of Fountaine Pajot’s exclusive Flagship Class range and redefines luxury cruising. Designed to deliver outstanding performance at sea, the Alegria 67 is the remarkable culmination of the shipyard’s technological advances and innovative concepts, specifically designed for optimal safety and offshore performance. The internationally acclaimed naval architecture partnership of Berret Racoupeau designed the catamaran with no compromises on comfort or volume and have delivered generous living areas and a stunning contemporary design aesthetic. The catamaran has an exceptionally spacious lounge deck easily accessible from both sides of the cockpit and fitted with a decadent lounge setting and day beds located aft of the twin steering stations. The innovative design revolutionises the traditional flybridge concept and emphasises the shipyard’s philosophy of sharing the cruising experience. Similarly, the main cockpit has been designed for large groups with a dining table to accommodate up to 12 guests, while the forward cockpit has additional lounges and the option of an integrated spa. The catamaran’s breathtaking interior features a soft and elegantaesthetic with muted contemporary tones, superior quality finishes and expansive windows to enhance the natural light throughout the catamaran. Available in a variety of layouts, the Alegria 67 is ideal for luxurious private cruising or exclusive charter operations. The Maestro version features an exquisite master suite that shatters all benchmarks set by other catamarans in her class with its unprecedented space, beautiful ensuite and stunning luminosity. Each of the four double guest cabins in this version is also surprisingly large with island beds, private ensuites and abundance of storage. The charter version affords six double cabins (or five double plus one twin), each with their own private ensuites, and both the Maestro and Charter versions offer the option of the remarkable modern galley to be located on the main level or below deck for optimised saloon space. The Alegria 67 promises to continue Fountaine Pajot’s reputation for outstanding performance at sea, with maximum stability and superb balance for outstanding comfort underway and at anchor.

Details on the Alegria 67 and other Fountaine Pajot power and sailing catamarans are available by contacting Multihull Solutions on 1300 855 338 or emailing info@multihullsolutions.com.au. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT ENVIRONMENT

Seagrass THE LOWDOWN ON By Roselle Tenefrancia

Photos by Gold Coast Catchment Association

hey have grassy leaves, but they are not true grass, and they are found in marine environments. What are they? Seagrass are so named because most have ribbonlike grassy leaves. These plants often grow in large "meadows" which look like grassland in brackish or marine environments. But other kinds of seagrass do not look like grass at all; some may have oval or paddle-shaped leaves. Seagrass are different from algae as they have roots and horizontal stems that are often buried in sand or mud. These roots anchor the seagrass, and absorb nutrients. Their leaves are usually green, and contain veins and air channels that carry fluid and absorb gases. These plants also form flowers, fruit and seeds, and they reproduce by pollination, where the pollens are transported to other plants by water. What is an amazing fact about seagrass is that, while they live in water, they do rely on light to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. This process, called photosynthesis, allows the production of oxygen that is available for use by other organisms. There are currently 58 known species of seagrass in the world, and around 30 of which can be found in Australia. They are mainly found in bays, estuaries and coastal waters from the mid-intertidal (shallow) region down to depths of 50 or 60 metres. Most species are found in shallow inshore areas. On the Gold Coast, there have been seven species of seagrass recorded in recent survey efforts that include: Zostera muelleri, Halophila ovalis, Halophila decipens, Halophila spinulosa, Cymodocea serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium and Halodule uninervis. Seagrass on the Gold Coast are thriving fish habitats, as well as a source of food. In the Broadwater, seagrass “meadows” are home to juvenile fish and tiger prawns. Green turtles and dugongs (sea cows) in Gold Coast waters depend on seagrass for food. A turtle can eat 2kg per day, while a dugong can eat a whopping 28kg per day! Surveys on seagrass in Gold Coast waterways are conducted by Gold Coast Seagrass. This group is part of a worldwide organisation called Seagrass Watch Global, but the 10-year old Gold Coast survey group is independently managed, with funding from Queensland Wildlife Parks Association. The group is also part of the Gold Coast Catchment Association’s Citizen Science program, and works closely with the Catchment Unit of the Gold City Council.

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More than 20 surveys have been conducted since the Seagrass Watch re-launch in September 2018. The group has identified 14 50m-by-50m sites, of which seven are currently active – Tallebudgera Creek, Wave Break Island sites 2 and 3, South Stradbroke Island sites 1 and 2, Crab Island, and Loders Creek. Lauren Morgan, coordinator of Gold Coast Seagrass explains, “Surveys are done by volunteers, most of whom have no scientific background. We provide onsite training for the volunteers, based on the worldwide standardised program.” The surveys are conducted during three seasons within the year: March-April, July-August, and October-November. The volunteers conduct at least one survey per site per season. “We conduct surveys in the right conditions,” says Lauren. “Low tide is the perfect time as the seagrass are clearly visible for observation. We conduct species identification and quantify the seagrass per quadrant. We also share the data we gather with government agencies. The information gathered from surveys also serve as warning systems for these government agencies relevant to water health and conditions.” Aside from seagrass, the group also monitors sea turtle and seahorse presence in the survey areas. The Seagrass Gold Coast program raises community and government awareness in the region, aiming to distribute information on seagrass and its ecological value. “Through the seagrass monitoring programs, we are able to take people out and educate them about the value of seagrass. For instance, they learn that the seagrass uptake of carbon dioxide is the same as that of mangroves. We also see other wildlife, that’s why we include an ID guide for seahorse, sea turtle and migratory birds,” explains Lauren. Seagrass are very sensitive to water quality and are subjected to sedimentation. As they need light to survive, it is important that the water in the areas where they grow remain clean. Many factors affect the health of seagrass. Urban runoff, coastal development, sedimentation, and increased presence of macroalgae (seaweed) affect the survival of seagrass meadows. While general boating activities also affect seagrass through boat strike, particularly in the shallow areas, Lauren advises that if boaties are mindful of the presence of seagrass, they may be able to avoid

damaging seagrass meadows. Recreational fishing is also affected by the health of seagrass, as these “grassland” areas are safe habitats for juvenile fish. Gold Coast Seagrass encourages everyone in the community, including the recreational boating and fishing communities, to be part of this citizen science program. Having volunteer site champions will definitely help in the sustainable monitoring of the seagrass around the Gold Coast. Healthy waterways allow us to enjoy recreational activities safely, and more importantly, they allow our environment and wildlife to thrive. The “lowly” seagrass are an amazing plant life that are crucial to healthy marine ecosystems. Without seagrass in our waters, we will not have fish, dugongs, or turtles in there either. If you want to know how boaties can help the seagrass surveys, email gcseagrass@gmail.com or visit goldcoastcatchments.org/seagrass/ OCT - DEC 2019

Come on over…

…and create new memories Something very special is happening right now at Couran Cove Island Resort. Bring the family and play for the day…or stay for a week. Relax | Recharge | Reconnect | Celebrate We are proud to share this exciting journey with you.

South Stradbroke Island, Gold Coast, Australia | Phone: +61 7 5597 9999 Fax: +61 7 5597 9989 | Reservations@courancove.com.au | CouranCove.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT REVIEW

ILIAD 70

Launched Sydney Boat Show

he latest for Multihull Solutions, ILIAD 70, an epic power catamaran, was officially launched at the Sydney International Boat Show in August 2019. Its bridge deck height of 1.25 metres at half load creates a dominant silhouette and excellent comfort in challenging conditions, while no compromises have been made to safety or performance. Broad, level walkways provide safe passage from the spacious aft cockpit to the foredeck area, and the ergonomic composite stairwell ensures easy transition from the cockpit to the breathtaking flybridge.

A variety of layout options offer a master cabin on the main deck or a massive forward-facing lounge area with easy and safe access to her foredecks through a well-engineered access door. All guest cabins are bright and airy with generous windows, and are luxuriously appointed with queen or king-size beds, oversized bathrooms and more storage for extended voyages than the ILIAD 70’s 100+ft monohull competitors.

The ILIAD 70 delivers powerful performance, impressive range (in excess of 4,500nm) and complete comfort for legendary voyages or circumnavigations.

The owner’s decadent cabin features a kingsize bed, walk-in robe, lounge and more. The owner’s hull design can also incorporate a laundry, workshop, office and even separate crew quarters with its own entrance from the bow.

The design offers an internal helm station on the mezzanine level, in addition to the flybridge helm station, affording the skipper not only a bird’s-eye ocean view but also the comfort of a day bed/lounge area, and easy access to all parts of the main deck systems and the galley for those long ocean passages.

The ILIAD 70 also has a large swim platform for safe and convenient sea access at anchor. A separate toilet and shower have been incorporated under the flybridge stairwell with direct access from the aft lower deck, which is ideal for use by swimmers after a long day in the sun.

The flybridge is truly impressive, seating 12 people in style in the luxurious lounge/dining area. Features its own full galley with full refrigeration, separate bar fridge, BBQ/grill, icemaker and much more, creating the ultimate entertaining zone with remarkable views.

The catamaran has been designed to facilitate maximum enjoyment at sea with three uniquely designed transom lockers (independent of engine rooms) to store surf boards, paddleboards, kiting gear, kayaks, dive tanks, fishing equipment and other leisure toys. One compartment also houses a substantial dive compressor (optional).

The comprehensive galley features the best of the Siemens appliance range, ample storage, deep oversized stainless-steel double sink, Corian benchtops, full-size refrigerator and freezer, and incredible 360-degree sea views.

The catamaran’s design allows for either traditional davits fitted to her transom for the tender, or for those wanting a larger tender carrying capacity,

a flybridge-mounted crane can lift and store the tender aft of the flybridge deck area. The ILIAD 70’s engine rooms are designed for easy access for servicing from the aft deck though watertight hatches and all major access points thoughtfully designed for convenience and safety. The ILIAD 70 is one of few power catamarans in its size range that can be beached in case of emergency or for out-of-water servicing when navigating in remote areas. Priced from USD$2.85M, the ILIAD 70 presents a truly exciting option for power catamaran enthusiasts seeking a true custom built boat that delivers outstanding performance, range and value. Multihull Solutions Sales Office located onsite at The Boat Works Building J, Unit 1B. Phone (07) 5665 9148 Email:info@multihullsolutions.com.au

The ILIAD 70 interior can be fully customised to suit the unique preferences and needs of each client, with a range of layouts, designs and premium quality finishes. In one of the many layout options available, the forward lounge area delivers the ambience of a luxurious waterfront apartment with views from every angle and seamless access to the saloon and dining areas. The main deck can also accommodate a separate office or library area to inject a true essence of home to this legendary 70-footer. 110

OCT - DEC 2019

Quality Pre-owned Multihulls

FOR SALE D

REDUCED

SOL

2011 Lagoon 560 -“Ninigo” $1,297,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2012 Simonis 60 -“Rowdy” $1,495,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

1999 North Reef 10.5m - “Tigger 3” $135,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2005 Grainger G Series - “Manx” $199,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

SOL

1995 Crowther Super Shockwave 43 $175,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2007 Rayvin 30 - “At Play” $175,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

Pescott Whitehaven - “Cool Change” $179,500 AUD Lying: Mackay, QLD

1999 Sable Ventura 44 - “Grape Escape” $389,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

1996 Grainger Mystery Cove II $165,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2018 FP Lucia 40 - “Mon Desir” 389,000 EUR Lying: Preveza, Greece

2002 FP Belize 43 - “Cascade 1” 240,000 EUR Lying: Papeete, Tahiti

2017 Nautitech 40 - “Happy Days” $690,000 AUD Lying: Manly, QLD

REDUCED

SOL

2010 FP Galathea 65 - “Princess Chloe” $1,650,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

1999 Farrier F9AX - “Outer Limits” $78,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2002 Signature 4000 - “Jas” $298,000 AUD Lying: Bribie Island, QLD

1999 Perry 43 -“Three Little Birds” $319,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

C O N TA C T U S MOOLOOLABA Sales Centre

GOLD COAST Sales Centre

33 - 45 Parkyn Parade Mooloolaba, QLD, 4557 Tollfree: 1300 855 338 Ph: +61 (0)7 5452 5164 info@multihullsolutions.com.au

The Boat Works Building J, Unit 1B, 1 The Boat Works Drive Coomera, QLD, 4209 Ph: +61 (0)7 5665 9148 info@multihullsolutions.com.au

www.multihullsolutions.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

SAIL | POWER

NEW | PRE-OWNED

ASIA | PACIFIC

111

Join us for the

Boat departs 9am

BRIG SAFARI

SATURDAY 19 OCTOBER 2019

from the BRIG HQ, Coomera

the waters around Moreton Island. Stay overnight at Tangalooma resort with all meals and activities included.

Returning late in the afternoon of

SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2019

MORE INFORMATION For the full itinerary and to reserve your place, please contact: Dylan Lopez (Event Organiser) dylan@siroccomarinenorth.com.au 0424 487 226 Tom Carlisle (Event Captain) 0407 033 827

SIROCCOMARINENORTH.COM 112 Contact: Dylan Lopez

BRIG.COM.AU Sirocco Marine North

14/75 Waterway Drive, Coomera QLD 4209

Telephone: 07 5519 9653

Mobile: 0424 487 226

Email: dylan@siroccomarinenorth.com OCT - DEC 2019