BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE AUG-OCT 2015 by BOAT GOLD COAST

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU | AUG-OCT 2015

FREE MAGAZINE XCAT POWERBOAT WORLD SERIES GOLD COAST 21-23 AUGUST

THE BIG BOAT FEATURE

FOCUS ON 40’ CRUISERS AND BEYOND

SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW HISTORY

MEET GOLD COAST TEAM XCAT RACING PILOT

TOM BARRY-COTTER

HOW TO CATCH FLATHEAD TIPS, GEAR AND LOCATIONS

MARINA Become a member and sail with us! 3,000 registered members, 8 membership levels Members only Gym, Waterscape Pontoon Bar and DUX Anchorage at South Stradbroke Discounts on food and beverage, and waterfront facilities. Racing Club, Regattas, Navigational Rallies, Twilight Cruising, Flotillas & Cruising Adventures Monthly Membership events

Award Winning Marina Super Yacht Berths Available Security, Wifi, Onshore Amenities, Laundry, Hardstand & Shiplift 24-Hour Fuel Jetty Hardstand & Antifoul Services Marina Berths for Sale & Lease Ph 5591 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3500

MEMBERSHIP

*DIFFERENT MEMBERSHIP LEVEL AND ENTITLEMENTS APPLY

DINING Waterfront Clubhouse Members, guests and visitors welcome! Casual Food & Drinks, and Special Daily Bistro Specials (Check our website for details.) Learn To Sail - Youth & Adult Introduction Classe s at Hollywell & Main Beac h Racing squad Windsurfing lessons

Main Beach Waterfront Restaurant Restaurant & Bar Members, guests and visitors welcome! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Check our website for daily specials & upcoming event s Eight function rooms, Weddings, Corporate, Private Boardroom, Cocktail Parties, Seminars, Outdoor Lawn and Deck.

HOLLYWELL

Stand-Up-Paddle board hire

SOUTHPORT YACHTCLUB.COM.AU MAIN BEACH CLUBHOUSE

HOLLYWELL SAILING SQUADRON

1 Macarthur Parade, Main Beach. Ph: 07 5591 3500 marketing.manager@southportyachtclub.com.au

1 Marina Crescent, Hollywell. Ph: 07 5537 7030 sailing.admin@southportyachtclub.com.au

BOAT GOLD COAST

Editor’s Note

ime has flown indeed! Our third edition has made it! After one boat show, a boat expo, a boating industry conference, and a mayor setting sail to go to his office, Gold Coast boating has been getting a fair bit of attention. The boat industry in the city has become a pillar of local manufacturing having reported increased domestic sales and export orders during and after Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the Gold Coast International Marine Expo. And now, in August the Gold Coast will play host to the 2015 UIM XCAT World Series power boat racing, where thousands of United Arab Emirates residents will converge to watch the three-day race festival that will also be televised for an international audience. With so much going on, there is never a dull moment, and the future for local boating looks bright. One of our objectives in our little effort to print this magazine is to encourage locals to appreciate the Gold Coast waterways and the boating life—regardless of type or size of boat. Now that the warmer months are ahead, we provide articles that can enhance your boating experience. Of course, fishing is at the top of many boaties’ activities so we offer expert advice about how and what to catch and where to catch it. You can learn trailer maintenance tips and get up to speed on the latest must-have equipment and gadgets for added safety and pleasure. Or look into the thoughts and insights of four “big boat” owners, and consider some advice when buying one yourself. For some reminiscing, we share the story of the inception and history of the Sanctuary Cove Boat show, and the tale of the 21st century caravel, Notorious, both of which are quite fascinating. As boating only shows us the surface of the water, we provide a sneak peek into our underwater world while diving with a long-time local diver. For new comers to the local boating community, we encourage you to go out there and enjoy the Gold Coast waterways with either a fun Jetski ride with friends, a weekend fishing cruise, or a short sailing course. And if the mayor can learn to be a boatie, then so can you. Our contributing writers will continue to shine light on the local boating industry and we hope to inspire more people to buy their own boats and share the fun with friends and family (and an Uber-passenger perhaps?). One last note: When you have finished reading Boat Gold Coast magazine and before you set off for another boating adventure, we ask you to give your honest feedback about the subjects we have discussed, and you will go into the draw to win prizes (see below). Happy boating!

Roselle

Our Crew

PUBLISHER

Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

Richard Newman

SALES

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

CONTRIBUTORS Vixter, Ian Anderson, Craig Greenhill, Tim Stessl, Kevin Ballantine, Nic Welch, Steve Sammes, Marcus Gardner, Simon Christidis, Barry Jenkins, Saira Manns, Taylor Aiken, Carmel Bellchambers, Di Thompson, Lois Voevodin, Rob Foster, John Goody, Matt Jackson, Roxeen Vaughan, Ian Banks, Yassmina Hamie, Felicite Wylie, Kyle Turner, Maggie Muurmans, Daniel Kwon, Paige Hood, Juliet Saltmarsh, (Jan)-Olaf Meynecke, Luke Rafton, Michael Brooks, Sally Jenyns COVER PHOTO XCat World Series by Raffaello Bastiani.

editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au If you send, you will receive! Share your thoughts, ideas, comments, suggestions, and feelings about our stories, the Gold Coast, the boating life, the waterways, the environment, the boating industry, the people and places. Send us an email: editor@boatgoldcoast. com.au. A lucky letter-sender will win a pair of Barz Floating Sunglasses valued at RRP $170.00. Do you have amazing photos you want to share with us? Tag us @boatgoldcoast on Facebook or Instagram. Every month, we will choose the best image, and the lucky person will also win a pair of Barz Floating Sunglasses.

Connect with us BoatGoldCoast Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast P.O. Box 7441, Gold Coast MC 9726 info@boatgoldcoast.com.au (07) 5679 0833

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

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Gold Coast is a free quarterly publication, distributing around the Gold Coast from Jacob’s Well to Tweed River region. We encourage contributions from the Gold Coast community that support the Gold Coast boating industry, and promote the fun, safe and sustainable use of the Gold Coast waterways. We are an independent publication, with no political or social alliances to any office, group or association. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the contributors, and not of the publisher or editor. Boat Gold Coast prints 10,000 copies per issue. We encourage recycling. Please pass this on to others, repurpose, or place in the recycling bin.

The race is on... to the next R Marine Crawley boating event With an action-packed and growing calendar that runs twelve months of the year, R Marine Crawley’s family of Riviera and Belize luxury yacht owners are spoilt for choice when it comes to boating educational events, beach BBQ’s, weekend escapes and coastal cruising adventures. Its all part of the Riviera Experience. R Marine Crawley is a dealership totally created around the love of boating and is

dedicated exclusively to the luxury Riviera and Belize marques. They also offer a full valet service department as well as a premium brokerage division. Ben Crawley and his passionate team would like to introduce you to the rich and rewarding boating life. Membership of the R Marine Crawley Club is complimentary, your family fun-filled cruising and educational experiences will be priceless.

In addition to a very comprehensive Whitsunday Cruising Program, the following owner events are on the calendar for the coming six months:

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July – Mooloolaba Experience – Lady Musgrave Experience · August - Sydney Boat Show VIP evening · September – Spring Beach BBQ Ladies On-Water Skipper Program · October – Oktoberfest Getaway · November – Sunset on the dock · December – Christmas Party

R MARINE CRAWLEY Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay QLD 4216 admin@rmarinecrawley.com.au Office 07 5529 5007

Ben Crawley Andy Taylor Ben Leigh-Smith Michael Donnan

0421 054 182 0424 581 589 0425 830 814 0413 679 181

RmarineCrawley.com.au

BOAT GOLD COAST

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

MEET GOLD COAST XCAT WORLD SERIES PILOT JOURNEY OF A BOAT SHOW p.24

p.14

HOW TO USE A MARINE RADIO p.32

CRABBING THE WATERWAYS p.44

MARINE LIFE UP CLOSE

p.56

Through the Porthole 6 About our Boating Industry 7 Choosing a Sports Cruiser 8 Catching Flathead 10 Events Guide 12 Boating to Extreme Limits 14 Gold Coast City Marina 16 Trailer Maintenance 18 Marlin Fishing 21 Boating for the Future 22 Barry Jenkins on SCIBS 24 PWC Racing Tour 28 Etiquette on Boat Ramps 31 Marine Radio Use 32 What’s in a Name 34 Thoughts on Big Boats 36 Is your Boat Disaster-Ready 40 Prawns Anyone 41 Fishing the Broadwater 42 Marine Electronics 43 Gold Coast WaterWorld 44 Sailing Schools 46 Notorious, A Noble Story 47 Know your GSO 48 Story of Gold Coast Sand 49 Jumpinpin Clean-Up 49 Hinze Dam Hideaway 51 The Seaway Café 52 In or Out Engine Choice 53 Humpback Whales 54 Crabbing Basics 56 Trade Services Directory 57 Insurance Claims 58 Watching Over the Bars 58 Boats of Surf Lifesavers 59 Crab Wonton Soup 61 Boating News 62 BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

C H U C K F LY I N G H I G H PHOTO BY CRAIG GREENHILL

On assignment, CRAIG GREENHILL strives to produce vibrant and dynamic images, maintaining a signature style. In this photo, he captures a perfect harmony of lines, shapes, colour, contrast, movement—a sublime image of day’s end out in the ocean. This photograph, retrieved out of my archives, shows Bowman Charles Kosecki hoisted aloft aboard Australia’s famous maxi Brindabella, during the 2011 Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. The image was produced on a Canon 1D mark IV DSLR with at 24mm on a Canon’s 24-70mm f/2.8 lens with an exposure setting of 1/500th sec f/5.6 and 500 ISO. Aboard Brindabella for the race, the photograph was taken during the race north on a gybe heading towards the coast. During the two-day race, there were beautiful moments, sometimes rough and wild, but often calm champagne sailing. This was a moment of beauty in an otherwise unremarkable 6

yacht race. Generally as a rule, I keep the camera close to me at the beginning and the end of a day while at sea. Even on a bland overcast day, moments pop through that surprise you. While I have had a love of sailing since Australia II brought home the Americas Cup, it was not until 2007 that I was introduced to offshore racing. My employer, The Daily Telegraph, put me through a training program that enabled me to compete in my first Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. The assignment was to document the tough environment, the challenges and the beauty of the blue water classic. During a coastal race like the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, we work around a ‘watch’ roster, which could involve three hours on-watch and three hours off-watch. As one of the grinders who power the three grinding pedestals on Brindabella, I take photographs usually during my off-watch—the time I should be resting in the bunk. When the weather picks up in intensity, so does the challenge of taking photos. Choosing the right camera for the right conditions is important.

You do not want to be pulling out the 9,000-dollar camera when waves are breaking over the boat. During last year’s Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, my 300-dollar GoPro became the best tool in my kit in rough boat-breaking conditions. I do, however, keep my top-of-the-range camera kit on deck at all times, safely inside a watertight Pelican case strapped on the stern of the boat. My marine photography business, Saltwater Images, began in 2004 when I offered Australian boat manufacturers my skills in producing high-end commercial photography for their product lines. I saw a niche market where the existing quality of marine photography was below international standards. ABOUT CRAIG GREENHILL: Following his love of all things on the ocean, Craig Greenhill of Saltwaterimages.com.au has established himself as one of Australia’s leading marine photographers. With a successful career in photojournalism behind him, he has combined his passion for yacht racing with his awardwinning photography skills to push the boundaries in yachting photography. Craig’s specialisations include sailing, marine, editorial, sport, and aerial photography. AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT BUSINESS

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR BOATING INDUSTRY

he Gold Coast’s fine weather allows extended months of the year for boating whether as a physical activity or social relaxation. Immediate access to coastal and inland waterways makes boating a popular pastime.

PEOPLE Australians are a coastal people, known worldwide for our leisure and lifestyle, leading what is widely termed a “Mediterranean” lifestyle with our alfresco-designed homes and cuisine, and culture influenced by our attachment to the sea. An interesting point is that 10 percent of overnight accommodation stays are booked by people on a boating adventure. There are approx. one million boats registered in Australia and 30,000 new boats are registered every year. There are one million Australians with a boat license. One in five Australians claim to be boaties, with one in 23 having access to a boat. There are 25 percent of the Australian population who claim to go boating—that is 5.8 million boaties! In the state of Queensland, 34 percent of the population go boating.

BOAT SALES Most boat buyers are relatively of mature age and have families. The largest demographic of buyers are 45-48 years old, usually with two children. In terms of boat use, more than 70 percent of boats are used for some form of fishing. For searches via the internet, online boat sales search statistics report that 64 percent of searches are conducted by people over 45 years of age, with 80 percent of searches requested by males. The way we search online for boats has also changed over the years with mobile applications being our preferred method, followed by desktop computer. The least common is tablet search. (Summarised from data collected during the Marine15 Conference.)

INDUSTRY The marine industry in Australia is estimated to be worth $8 billion, with an export portion of around $1 billion. More than 3,500 marine businesses that employ 28,000 people. The Gold Coast is the key national centre for manufacturing of marine crafts. The city’s boat building industry is estimated at $330 million and directly involving more than 450 marine companies.

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BOAT GUIDE

Larson Boats

Sports cruiser buyers will soon find out that buying a luxury watercraft is more complex than purchasing a new car. Numerous makes and models all seem as equally capable. In order to help you decide what model to purchase, TIM STESSL, a recognised boatbuilder and sales manager on the Gold Coast, outlines the pros and cons of various types of sports cruisers.

here is no such thing as the perfect sports cruiser. However, there can be one that is ideal for you. By analysing your needs, you will be able to help focus your search on the type of cruiser that will suit you. First and foremost, do your research—whether in magazines or online forums, or other sources. Try talking to owners who have the same boat you are looking for and obtain feedback. The dealer you buy from is just as important as the boat you choose. For used boats, research as much history on the boat before you buy it, and spend on a pre-purchase inspection conducted by a qualified expert.

SIZE MATTERS When selecting a sports cruiser, determine how many people are staying on board overnight. A basic estimation for boat length can be illustrated several ways. A family of four will need at least a 28foot or a larger sports cruiser, with a traverse bunk for the kids and a forward bed for the parents. If to be used by only two adults, then any boat size with at least a double bunk/bed will work. The wider (beam) the sports cruiser, the more stable the vessel will be at rest and under way. A widebeam cruiser offers more internal space. If the boat has a 20+-degree deep vee then you want to 8

make sure that the boat is at least 2.8 metres wide. If the hull has a shallower vee, then a narrower hull is acceptable—but you lose a lot of internal space. The optimum beam is a minimum of 2.8 metres—but this size is not trailerable.

If you want to stay married, then an anchor winch is essential.

RECOMMENDED FEATURES * Hardtop vessels are longer-lasting and do not need replacing every 10 years. However, they do add extra cost to the boat. When looking at an under 40-foot cruiser with a hardtop, you will be limited by choice, as not every make and model is optioned with a hardtop. During summer. the hard top cruiser can become very hot and stuffy due to lack of ventilation. The most common choice in this size cruiser has a canvas top and removable clear screens and side, so you can open it up on hot days and seal the cabin during the colder winter months.

* Also, ensure the inbuilt water tank capacity is sufficient for your needs, as those aboard will use approximately 20 litres per person per day for showers, brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc. Ideally, a model with transom hot and cold shower will keep the kids clean and the boat relatively sand-free. * If the toilet is under the bed(s), check that it is removable (porta-potty style) so you can remove it before you get into the bed. * The cabin will need ventilation during hot summer nights, and the hatches should be fitted with bug screens.

Cabin below

* A sports cruiser with a walk-through windscreen will allow easy access to the bow, and avoid having to traverse the narrow side. * If you want to stay married, then an anchor winch is essential. No one enjoys manually pulling up an anchor when you are at sea to relax. In rough seas, falling overboard while trying to manually pull in your anchor can endanger your entire family. It is worth reiterating that an anchor winch is a must. * If you have to moor a single engine cruiser in a small marina berth, consider buying a cruiser with (or fitting) a bow thruster to make it easier to dock. For twin engine vessels, the bow thruster is not as critical. However, if you can afford it or the boat is already fitted with one, then that will make docking even easier.

* The sports cruiser should be fitted with a decent battery storage for running 12-volt lighting and electrical. If you have children on board or intend to be away from shore for extended periods of time, invest in an inverter generator to charge computers, heat meals, run the TV, and power the stereo and lighting. * In the cockpit, ideally, you will need a sink and tap, inbuilt cooler, a removable table, and plenty of seating/sun lounge. The cabin below preferably will need at least two beds, a toilet, a sink, storage for all the plates, cups and food and personal items. * The transom should be fitted with a stainless steel rail with BBQ, which can be used for the bulk of the on-board cooking. In this way, it does not stink out the cabin and is much easy to clean. If there is additional space, install a fish-cutting board which can double as a preparation bench for the chef. * A good boarding ladder is essential to get back on board after you have been for a swim. Make sure the duckboard is non-slip coated as it can get very slippery when wet. AUG - OCT 2015

ENGINE CHOICES

RUNNING COSTS & MAINTENANCE

DEALER IS KEY

Check the manufacturer’s specifications and choose the maximum horsepower (HP) recommended to be fitted, as the boat will be heavily loaded up for extended stays. The larger engine will pay for itself, as a smaller motor will work too hard and burn more fuel than the maximum specified HP engine.

Simply put, the faster you go, the more fuel you will use. The ideal cruising speed is 22 to 25 knots in any size sports cruiser as this seems to ensure a comfortable ride and efficient fuel consumption. Most sports cruisers up to 29 feet with a single engine will burn around 40 litres an hour at this speed. The larger twin engine sports cruisers up to 32 feet will use twice as much, and beyond a 40foot cruiser will require even more fuel.

The boat dealership that supplies your sports cruiser—new or used—will play a vital role for your trouble-free boating. Ask the dealer about the aftersales service and understand the fee structures for service and maintenance. The dealer might also have a trade-in policy if you decide to upgrade in the future.

Control panel

If the cruiser is less than 29 feet, a single large HP engine is sufficient, such as a 5.7-litre V8 with a bravo 3-leg. This is cheaper to run and you will only be servicing one engine and leg. For cruisers larger than 30 feet, nearly all brands fit twin engines to handle the size and weight of the boat. A stern drive has a shallower draft than a shaft drive engine. So, on the Gold Coast, it is advisable to buy a stern drive to avoid touching bottom in our shallow sand-banked waterways. A stern drive will also allow you to reverse into a shallow beach anchorage, trimmed up the leg(s) and on most boats step off the duck board right onto the beach.

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If your sports cruiser will be wet-berthed on a pontoon at a marine or your home, the hull will require antifoul every few years at an average price of 3,000 dollars and upwards depending on the size of the boat and number of engines. The annual servicing will start at 1,000 dollars per engine for a very basic service. Make sure—before you pull the boat out of the water at the marina—you ask your mechanic for a quote and then authorise the specific work to be carried out.

By asking for some referral customers, you can hear first hand other buyers’ experiences with the brand and model, and more importantly, the aftersales service provided by the dealer. Be sure to insist on a sea trial to ensure the sports cruiser will do everything you want it to do with regard to seating passengers, providing a comfortable ride, and vessel stability both at rest and while underway.

NEW VS USED When buying a new boat, you have the privilege to choose the brand, size, colour and options you actually want. The vessel will be delivered with a factory warranty for at least three or more years, so there are no maintenance surprises. When buying a used sports cruiser, you are limited by the available stock that is for sale and whatever features have already been fitted. Be patient and diligent enough to research the history of the vessel. A used boat purchase will be more risky but the savings are considerable.

Lifestyle

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent those of Boat Gold Coast Magazine. These tips serve as a guide to conducting your own research before buying a boat.

BOAT ANGLER

Photos by Martin Wilson & Kevin Ballantine

Flathead is a very popular fish to catch in Australia. For this flathead season, KEVIN BALLANTINE and NIC WELCH offer very practical advice for catching the favourite fish in Gold Coast waters.

he most productive areas for flathead are usually in close proximity to some form of weed bank. This may be an extensive shallow bank only accessible at high tide or just a single small outcrop on the edge of a small gutter. The flathead will position themselves in areas where the composition of the mud/sand bottom is extremely fertile, nutrient-rich, and provide the perfect environment for juvenile prawns, crab and baitfish to hide and grow quickly.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS Large flathead can reside in deep water next to structures such as bridge pylons, wrecks, rock bars, submerged trees and rock walls. However, most flathead are generally caught in 1-2 metres of water and congregate around the edges of sandbanks, weed banks, and mouths of shallow estuaries.They are also found in shallow waters, near oyster leases and mangroves.

EQUIPMENT RODS AND REELS: Two rods will cover most situations. A 7’ 2-4 kg spin rod is sensitive enough for trolling small hard bodied lures and is still perfect for throwing lightly weighted plastics long distances. For deeper and more current driven areas, stepping up to 4-6 kg rod will make using heavier jig heads and big plastics easier to handle, it will help you stop the big mulloway and trevally that frequent the same terrain. A 2,000 or 2,500-sized reel is the perfect match for the 2-4 kg rod, spooled with 3 kg braid, and leadered up with 12 lb fluorocarbon makes casting all day effortless, this light combo is more than capable of landing large flatties. The heavier of the two outfits can be either a 3,000-4,000 spin reel or a bait caster, 9 kg braid and 20 lb fluorocarbon make a powerful combination able to stop just about anything. If using bait, use a leader approximately 1m in length with a small ball sinker above the swivel. If anchored next to a run-off from a sandbank, choose the smallest ball sinker which will allow your line to slowly drift with the current. Flick upstream into the shallows and let your line drift into deeper water, as the flathead will lie on the edge of the drop-off.

When the tide is about half way through the runout, clearly defined drains will have formed and it is here that numbers of flathead congregate waiting to ambush anything that is trying to vacate the rapidly diminishing bank. Soft plastics are the go in this situation. A 3-4 in minnow or grub-style plastic matched to a lightly weighted jig head and slowly worked back from the head of the drain and worked all the way back, can provide explosive action. Lures fall into two categories—hard and soft—and both are equally effective. Hard bodies are great for trolling and the simplest option when exploring new areas where ground needs to be covered. Locally made pig lures, Cultiva mira shads, Zerek Tango shads, and Tilsan minnows are popular. However, any bibbed lure in the 45-65mm range designed to swim between two and six feet will work. Flathead lure colours range from the wildest fluro creations to a variety of pinks right down to natural transparent models that are a must when the water is crystal clear. Soft plastic variations can range from single and double tail grubs, minnows, shads, or vibes. Again, the colour choices are just as plentiful as the hard bodies. Atomic, Squidgy, Mcarthy, Samaki, Jackal, and Berkley brands provide a broad selection for all applications.

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

LURES: A 2-3 inch deep diving hard body lure, or a 3-inch curly tail soft plastic, are effective lures for flathead, particularly around oyster leases. Bright pink or greeny-yellow colours work well. Use a slow retrieve with a twitching action.If trolling, troll in the direction of the current. Quite often, the tide height will dictate which method is most suitable. High tides allow access to shallow highest margins along banks, but the fish will be spread out and easy to spook; so, trolling small hard-bodied lures 30 to 40 metres back will allow more ground to be covered.

BAITS: Live bait, such as herring, mullet, yabbies and prawns, are definitely the gun baits in the estuaries and are worth the extra effort to find. Dead bait like fresh WA pilchards, white and frogmouth pilchards, and strips of mullet or tailor. It is always effective to properly choose a hook size appropriate to the bait you are using, with a hook gape of about 1cm. Suicide and bait holder hooks are good choices. AUG - OCT 2015

TECHNIQUE AND STRATEGY Choose an area where water drains out over a ledge or through a narrow channel. Anchor downstream of this point and flick your bait or lure upstream. Let your bait drift down with the current or slowly retrieve your lure in the direction of the current. If you have an electric motor and a pair of polarised sunglasses, flathead can sometimes be caught after sighting. Flathead can be spooked if your boat gets too close, so cast well upstream of the fish and let the bait or lure travel to the fish. Keep moving and trying different locations to avoid wasting time casting where there are no fish. Try working an area for ten minutes and if it is quiet, then move on, remembering the same location might produce later in the day when the water height and clarity have changed.

as flathead have a tendency to throw the hook right next to the boat. If fishing from shore, drag the flathead up onto the beach instead of raising your rod next to the water edge. Dusky flathead are a common catch in the Southport Broadwater and have a minimum size limit of 40 cm and a maximum size limit of 75 cm, with a bag limit of five (regardless of flathead species). The bigger flathead are the female breeders and should always be released unharmed. The smaller flathead are the tastiest to eat, so there is no point keeping the larger ones. If we all release the large ones, there will be a sustainable fishery well into the future for generations to come.

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

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Be careful of the spines on the corner of the jaw of the flathead and the dorsal fin. These spines are venomous and will inflict half an hour of pain to the unlucky recipient. Always use a rag or a pair of pliers when removing hooks. If using bait, flathead have a tendency to mouth/ suck the bait instead of swallowing the hook straight up, so let the flathead run for a couple more metres before setting the hook. Use a landing net

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GOLD COAST FLATHEAD CLASSIC

FISHING TOURNAMENT 30th September - 3rd October 2015

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THE FOUR ISLAND FESTIVAL

AUG

TWEED VALLEY JET SPRINT CLUB

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An annual sailing race festival from participating clubs to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, including Sandy Beach Sailing and Kayak Club, The Tingara Boat Club and the Karragarra Yacht Club. A great social occasion and an important tourist spectacle held on Macleay Island and Russell Island. (tourism@thebayislands.com.au)

EVENTS GUIDE AU G – N OV 20 1 5

AUG

UIM XCAT WORLD POWERBOAT SERIES

Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta offers events and classes, ranging from the Grand Prix class for top-class racers, to corporate, bareboat and non-spinnaker divisions. The race is conducted on the waters of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounds. (hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au)

SHAG ISLET CRUISING YACHT CLUB RENDEZVOUS

The Rendezvous is the annual gathering of members at Shag Islet situated in the Gloucester Passage in the Whitsunday Region in North Queensland, Australia. SICYC is a social club for yachties boasting 3,500 members in 14 countries and is a not-for-profit group supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. (sicyc.org)

GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO. FLATHEAD CLASSIC

SEPT

This year celebrates the 22nd year of the iconic tournament Gold Coast Flathead Classic. Eco-friendly catch and release competition. 30th Sept. for the registration dinner and briefing. Fishing competition days Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd October. (www.flatheadclassic.com.au)

21-23

Inaugural Gold Coast leg of World Series event. Xtreme Catamaran racing boats on the Broadwater at speeds of 200kph, around a tight one kilometre course. Staged at The Spit. Free Entry, kids activities and entertainment. (www.xcatracing. com)

AUG

27-30

AUG

TWEED VALLEY SAILING CLUB RACE

2015 Winter Series. All racing at Fingal Heads boat ramp for experienced crew and beginners. 11am briefing for a 12.00 midday race start. Meet at TVSC Tent, boat ramp car park opposite Sheoak Shack Café. BBQ after race. (www.tweedvalley.yachting.org.au)

SEPT

2015 BRISBANE BOATSHOW

8-9

Purpose-built Jetboat race track hosts Australian V8 Superboat, the top class of racing in jetsprinting with the boats being unrestricted and using methanol fuel. AFJSA Round 4 – Qualifying, Saturday the 8th, and Finals, Sunday the 9th. (www.tweedvalleyjetsprintclub.com.au)

AUG

AUDI HAMILTON 15-22 ISLAND RACE WEEK

AUG

3-6

TWEED VALLEY SAILING CLUB RACE

A great display of marine products, boat brands and services. Also live entertainment, demonstration areas, seminars to engage you and prizes to be won. Free entry to children under 15 (with adult) and free kids activities. (www.brisbaneboatshow.com.au)

OCT

NOV

GOLD COAST 600 V8 23-25 SUPERCAR RACING

TWEED VALLEY JET SPRINT CLUB

The V8 Supercars Championship, as well as world renowned Stadium Super Trucks, will ramp up the ontrack action with the international spectacle joining Porsche Carrera Cup, V8 Utes and Formula 4. Entertainment includes the band Cold Chisel performing live on Saturday night. (www.v8supercars.com.au)

Purpose-built Jetboat race track hosts Australian V8 Superboat, the top class of racing in jetsprinting with the boats being unrestricted and using methanol fuel. Come see all the action, thrills and spills of the AFJSA Finals series. (www.tweedvalleyjetsprintclub.com.au)

21-22

AUG - OCT 2015

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BOAT FEATURE

BOATING TO EXTREME LIMITS

As the Gold Coast prepares to stage the UIM XCAT World Series, we ask the Gold Coast XCAT Team Pilot TOM BARRY-COTTER to explain a little about this thrilling high-speed water sport of kings. The all important question: Can our fearless knight take top honours on home turf in what is predicted to be one of the closest fought-out high-speed duals the sport has ever seen? By Andy Kancachian

om Barry-Cotter is no stranger to the boating lifestyle and high-speed boat racing. His family founded the internationally recognised Mariner, Riviera and Maritimo boat-building companies in Australia. Tom shares, “My Dad [Bill Barry-Cotter] designed, built and raced powerboats for 50 years. From a young age, it is something I have always wanted to do. I started racing in 2006 and had an interest in the XCAT World Series since its formation in 2008. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to join the Dubai Duty Free XCAT Team, and have not looked back since.”

of weeks of testing before and during the season. I spend anywhere up to 12 weeks travelling the globe with the XCAT World Series.”

Alongside his co-pilot Ross Willaton of Gold Coast, Tom will steer the Gold Coast team XCAT boat at an average speed of 200kph, around a tight three kilometre course on the Gold Coast Broadwater.

XCAT boats are powered by two Mercury outboard racing engines and weigh half that of Australian offshore superboats, yet still capable of similar speeds. Tom explains, “XCATs are far more nimble and a lot more difficult to keep on the water. The boats are very sensitive to overall weight and balance. Lap times normally drop around half a second every lap due to fuel burn.” Because of this Tom and Co-pilot Ross have to be conscious of body mass—that it does not change from race to race, upsetting the boat’s balance settings. Crucial to race technique, “XCATs steer with their outboard engines, therefore power needs to be applied to assist the boat in the corner.”

THE RACE OF POWER, SPEED AND MORE

OUR GOLD COAST TEAM

XCAT (short for Extreme Catamaran) racing is a delicate balance of high technology, performance power and extreme speed that only a select few and capable people can experience. Tom is one of the exceptional few. “I started racing in 2006 in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championship. Since then, I have raced all over the world in various series. The XCAT World Series consists of eight events around the world, coupled with a number

There is a great deal of expectation on this young man’s shoulders. The Australian power boat community and Gold Coasters alike will be cheering for our local team. And for Tom, this will be an extra special race. “Naturally, it has always been my dream to race in an international event here in the city I grew up. To have my friends and family with me in support on my home water will be very special for me.”

Many of the XCAT teams originate from Dubai and are very well-equipped and fortunately sponsored. Tom reminds us, “Budgets can greatly vary from team to team, as with any motorsport.” His team’s motivation is to win with strong Gold Coast ingenuity, rather than an attempt to compete financially with the well-backed teams. “Many testing hours have been spent on the Gold Coast, tuning set-ups, making modifications, and collecting vital seat time and data prior to the inaugural Gold Coast XCAT World Series Event. We have prepared strategies for various situations and outcomes after analysing our boat set-up strengths and weaknesses.”

The Barry-Cotter name is synonymous with many accolades, the most uncanny being Tom’s father, Bill, holding an unofficial distinction for the world’s most spectacular offshore race boat crash that took place in Lake Traunsee, Austria, during the 2003 season. The race boat he piloted flipped forward twice before rolling askew another two times, and crashing side-on completely destroying the boat. AUG - OCT 2015

Although Tom displays complete race driver cool when he proclaims, “Powerboat racing is a dangerous sport. I have seen fellow competitors get hurt, and tragically lose their lives in various classes I have competed in. I have had a small number of incidents throughout my career, but fortunately I have never been hurt. I am not fearful when I race, but I am meticulous around safety standards in everything I do.”

To Tom, from all Gold Coasters that have read this and understands your pursuit, “Godspeed, Son!”

When quizzed about the team’s top-secret strategies, Tom is tightlipped but offers, “The course is going to be tight and difficult when in traffic, so Saturday’s qualifying round is vital for grid position. We will be running the boat on the ragged edge in qualifying round in order to start at front of the field.”

UIM XCAT World Series Current Leaderboard XDUBAI 92 ABU DHABI TEAM 91 HOORSENBUHS 74 DUBAI 62 SWECAT RACING 56 MARINE INVESTIMENTI SUD 40 YACHT 38 VIDEX 37 TEAM SARACEN AUSTRALIA 36 T - BONE STATIO 35

THE F1 RACE ON WATER Tom endeavours to cement his presence in this fast-growing international sport. For a 27-yearold, his career highlights are already very impressive: a third place in 2009 Class 1 European Championship, three Australian Offshore Superboat titles, and 2012 Bridge to Bridge Winner (Offshore Record Holder). “The trait that characterises a champion team is resilience,” says Tom. “No team has ever been crowned champion without overcoming challenges. There is no point in dwelling on negatives. We assess them, then correct them and continually improve.” The Gold Coast Australia Team is very capable of winning. “The team we have assembled is highly experienced and our equipment is very competitive. We will need to be on our game, but it is within reach.” So if you are wondering if this new form of powerboat racing that will be staged inshore on our Broadwater is going to be any good for a day out with spectators promised an up close and direct view, you only have to ask Tom. “Gold Coasters are known for their love of competition, excitement and the outdoors. Fifteen XCATs fighting at 200+kph across one of the world’s most stunning backdrops, the Gold Coast XCAT Course is very tight and quite technical, the watersports equivalent of Monaco F1 Circuit. I expect the racing to be close and aggressive. Gold Coasters are in for a show.”

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

XCATS ARE COMING Join the inaugural Gold Coast XCAT World Series event at the Spit, 21-23 August 2015. Saturday is Qualifying and Sunday is race day. Free Entry with live entertainment including sky divers, flyboard exhibition, novelty races, family fun zone, food, drinks and party. www.xcatracing.com.

Photos (top to bottom) 1. Tom featured with father Bill 1995 magazine cover 2. Promo photo of Tom with co pilot Pal Virik Nilsen 3. Tom with Mayor Tom Tate 4. Proud Australian Tom and Pal receiving trophy. Photos provided by Tom Barry-Cotter & World Professional Powerboating Association (WPPA)

BOAT BUSINESS

GOLD COAST CITY MARINA LEADING THE WAY FOR LOCAL MARINE INDUSTRY By Steve Sammes, GCCM General Manager

ince July 2014, the Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM) has seen many changes and improvements that have complemented the facility and its capabilities. Patrick Gay AM, and his son, Trenton, are the sole owners of the marina and have made substantial investments these past months, which will ensure that the GCCM remains at the forefront of long term sustainability in the marine industry.

DREDGING THE COOMERA The Gold Coast Marine Precinct represents an area of land 250 hectares in size. The precinct is zoned for marine industry, which safeguards the long term growth of the local marine industry for future years to come. The State Government undertook a large scale dredging program when the marine precinct was first established in the late 1990s. The dredging gave access to the precinct along a 40-metrewide designated channel, dredged to a depth of 3.5 metres at LAT (lowest astronomical tide). This ongoing process strives to adhere to best practice environmental standards.

REFIT AND SERVICE OF SUPERYACHTS With foreign exchange rates now more favourable for international visitors, the GCCM has experienced a surge in the number of long-term major refits being carried out at the Superyacht refit factories. Given the vast array of recognised quality marine industry professionals based at GCCM, every facet of vessel owners needs, in terms of maintenance, can be catered for. Overseas vessels have been arriving from the Americas and Mediterranean cruising areas. This is in addition to the local and interstate market. The GCCM boasts accredited surveyors, engineers and boat builders to Lloyd’s ship building standards, along with ISO certification. You will not find another example of quality marine industry clustering anywhere else like it in the world.

The previous state government pledges 30 million dollars towards ensuring that the dredging is undertaken. It is essential that this is expedited by the new government we now have in place.

Thanks to the collaborative effort by industry stakeholders, the Australian Marine Export Group and our Local Council Economic Development department, take-up and traction is underway both at state and federal government levels. Hopefully, the Port of Clearance will be in place before the Commonwealth Games. A Port of Clearance registration will provide a huge boost to the Gold Coast economy. We see it as an issue of overriding importance not only for GCCM but for the whole of the city’s marine industry. In addition, being designated as a Port of Clearance would make the city more boating-friendly and aid in attracting international tourists to the Gold Coast.

This channel is in effect the highway into the marine precinct. You can compare the significantcy of its access to that of the M1 highway. Imagine the impact and effects we would see if the highway was not maintained for road users. The Coomera River gazetted channel is no different. We have lumps and bumps in our river road that require maintenance! The channels throughout the river system and Broadwater must be maintained to allow safe access for all vessels, not just those with deep draft. The dredging is essential to flood mitigation that protects the large residential and commercial investments along the river areas.

“The GCCM boasts accredited surveyors, engineers and boat builders to Lloyd’s ship building standards, along with ISO certification.”

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING OF COOMERA MARINE PRECINCT GOLD COAST AS DESIGNATED AUSTRALIAN CUSTOMS PORT OF CLEARANCE A key element to ensure the continued growth of the marine industry in South East Queensland is the need to establish the Gold Coast as a recognised and designated Australian Customs Port of Clearance. At present, all foreign flagged vessels have to clear customs by entering the Port of Brisbane. The first impressions that international boat owners have of Australia is what they see when they arrive. Picture the view of Brisbane Port area, the mass of industry based there, cargo ships, aircraft directly overhead, flying in and out of the airport. Not the welcome that any seasoned sailor relishes.

Recently, GCCM has adopted a proactive international marketing campaign, which has seen the facility represented at international boat shows in many parts of the world. Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was extremely well received by visitors to our stand. With export market assistance given by the Gold Coast City Council, GCCM representatives were joined at the show display stand by some of the business operators based at the facility. Other overseas venues where GCCM has been marketing its services and facilities include Singapore, Tahiti and New Zealand.

In contrast, we have the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, with the stunning views of the Gold Coast Broadwater complete with the back drop of our Hinterland, what a fantastic welcome to Australia message that must be. 16

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GOLD COAST

GOLD COAST CITY MARINA RIDING THE WAVES OF SUCCESS

Steve Sammes & Kym Fleet

Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard has again been recognised for its innovation and excellence by the Australian Marine Industry, receiving its third prestigious award in as many weeks. The 2015 Club Marine Australian Marine Industry Export and Superyacht Awards are organized by the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) and Superyacht Australia, with the support of Club Marine, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and Negociants Australia. The awards were announced during a two-day international conference held at Sancturay Cove, recognising exceptional industry leaders in the export and Superyacht arenas. Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard beat competition from all over Australia to be acclaimed as the 2015 Australian Superyacht Business of the Year – Service Provider. Steve Sammes, general manager of Gold Coast City Marina, was presented with the award by Martin Redmayne, Chairman of the Superyacht Group. “The past twelve months has seen the GCCM take a proactive and collaborative approach in terms of our

marketing strategy to reach out to the global Superyacht market,” said Steve. “Thanks to the support received from AIMEX and Superyacht Australia, we have been provided with a very effective platform at international boat shows, which has enabled the Australian Marine Industry to showcase its capabilities holistically on the world stage.” Steve further explained, “The financial commitments made this year by GCCM owners, Patrick & Trenton Gay, include a 1.3 milliondollar investment for a new 250-tonne capacity straddle carrier. This alone has opened up a huge market offering for Superyachts in terms of refit, maintenance and repair requirements. The benefits to the local economy of the Gold Coast will be unprecedented. “The Gold Coast City Marina is truly a visionary project, unmatched by anything else within Australia. There is a critical mass of some 60 marine businesses based at the site, making the facility a onestop-shop for any marine-related requirement.” Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, located in the Coomera marine industries precinct, is part of the Gay Group of companies owned and operated by Patrick and Trenton Gay.

FOR EVERY BOAT, BIG OR SMALL!

AIRPORT TO AIRPORT

Experience the Gold Coast City Marina, call us today (07) 5502 5888

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76-84 Waterway Dr, Coomera 4209, QLD | info@gccm.com.au | www.gccm.com.au Shipyard

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BOAT GUIDE

BOAT TRAILER MAINTENANCE

VALUABLE ADVICE FOR AN EXTENDED LIFE

There are many boaties who tow their boats on a trailer, finding the best spots around the city, or in other states, to launch. So maintaining trailers should not be taken for granted. Trailer boat expert, MARCUS GARDNER of Swiftco Trailers, shares important information about boat trailers.

n many ways, the trailer plays a more vital role than the boat itself. Imagine not having a functioning trailer; you obviously will not be able to transport your boat to the water. And more importantly, a faulty trailer during transport can endanger you and your family, and the others around you. So, trailer maintenance and regular inspection are imperative.

BUYING A REPLACEMENT

When purchasing a replacement trailer, ensure you have the boat adjusted to your trailer. Replacement trailers are universally suitable and as such can be custom fit to accommodate your boat. The following are important things to check before driving off with the replacement trailer. Keel rollers and wobble rollers - The two main adjustments are the keel rollers and the wobble rollers. The keel rollers are adjustable in the vertical plane (up and down) to suit the keel shape of your boat. The strongest part of the boat is the keel and the keel rollers are designed to take 85 to 90 percent of the boat weight. The wobble rollers have two adjustments. They can move vertically and horizontally. Wobble rollers serve two purposes: to keep the boat stable and sitting upright on the trailer, and to guide your boat on and off the trailer.

Optional guides - In addition, an optional â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drive on Guidesâ&#x20AC;? can be fitted. These are set either side of the keel roller to align the boat back to the centre keel roller in the event you bring the boat in on an angle.

front of the trailer at the base of the winch post. This is to tie the front of the boat to the trailer. The other tie points are either on the side or at the rear of the trailer. You will require a long ratchet strap. The strap goes over the rear of the boat from one side to the other. Tighten the strap to anchor the rear of the boat. There is a safety chain under the winch. This needs to be attached to the front of the boat. It should be noted that the winch is only there to retrieve the boat, not to anchor the boat to the trailer. Finally, check tyre pressure and inflate to the correct pressure, usually around 45 to 55 PSI, depending on the weight of the boat-trailer combination.

INITIAL TRAILER CHECKING

Below are items that require checking and adjusting as required in the first 10 to 100 kilometres of using the trailer. 1. Check and adjust the wheel bearings and repack through the bearing buddie grease nipple. 2. Check and adjust brake cable, as this can stretch during this period. 3. Grease the grease nipple on the two-tonne tow hitch. 4. Check tyre pressure and inflate as required.

WASHING THE TRAILER

Preserving galvanized zinc coating. The environment in which the trailer is used, stored and maintained determines the level of deterioration of the galvanised zinc coating. Locations with high salt content and high humidity commonly cause the galvanised finish to deteriorate very quickly; hence, a higher degree of care is required to slow the deterioration of the zinc. Tip: Use soapy water with brush as this will take any salt residue off the galvanizing, thus extending the life of the trailer. Always wash out brake callipers with soapy water after each use. This will increase the life of the brake pads and callipers.

Keeping drain holes clear. This allows for trapped water in the frame to clear. Tip: Using a sponge or rag, block the end of the main frame. Then, using a hose insert at the front of the main frame, flush with clean tap water. Run water for around 5 minutes. This will flood the complete chassis including the cross members as they are all open to each other. The water will run out of all the drain holes in the cross members, cleaning out all saltwater and residue. Failure to carry out the above cleaning process will greatly reduce the life expectancy of your trailer.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEARING BUDDIES

Bearing buddies are fitted to all reputable boat trailers. These are designed to keep water out of the bearing hub when you drive the trailer into water when launching or retrieving your boat. The ideal time that you should grease the bearing buddies is prior to putting the trailer in the water. If not, at the boat ramp, you will have a situation where you have a hot hub with liquid grease in the hub. Taking the trailer with a hot hub into cold water will allow a small amount of water to seep in through the rear seal of the hub, causing damage to the bearings when driving down the road. Therefore, pumping grease into the hot hub prior to entering the water will cool down the hub, and pack the hub with solid grease, eliminating any possibility of water entering the hub.

Tying the boat down - Once the boat is fitted to the trailer correctly, the final task before taking it on the road is to tie the boat down. There is a tie point at the 18

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GOLD COAST

THE WHEEL BEARINGS

Check wheel bearings and brake adjustment within the first 10 to 50 kilometres of using the trailer. Follow the system on bearing-buddies checking. Servicing wheel bearings should be done every six months for regularly used boat trailers. If the wheel does not rotate on the axle smoothly, then you will need to replace the bearings. This should be carried out by an authorised mechanic. It is good practice to get the trailer checked by a mechanic every six months to avoid expensive on-road costs.

Brakes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; These need to be serviced every six months. Brake adjustment for the mechanical override system can be adjusted at the front pulley or the adjustment bolt on the calipers. Remember to leave enough slack in the cable to allow for the flex in the trailer while under tow. Jockey wheels - Ensure that when the swingup jockey wheel is swivelled from the horizontal position to vertical, the spring-loaded handle and extension pins lock securely into both holes in the jockey wheel mounting plate. Lubricate regularly to keep rust away.

SWIFTCO QUALITY

Swiftco boat trailers are manufactured to a high quality design and constructed from top quality steel components that are made to withstand tough Australian conditions and built in Australia. The Boat Trailers, including the wheels, are Hot Dip galvanised, which means that we give it the best chance against the cruel sea. Stainless and galvanised bolts are used where necessary.

Trailer lights - Every six months, check for cracked wiring and damaged lenses. Ensure that all functions of the lamps are working.

HANDY TIPS

Tyres - Regularly check for the correct inflation pressure. Uneven tyre-wear inspection should be carried out. Tyre rotation should be done every six or twelve months depending on trailer use.

Axles and springs - It is recommended that you inspect the suspension components at least twice a year for loose u-bolts, bolts and breakage of the leaf springs. Spraying the axle, hubs and springs with anti-moisture anti-corrosion lubricants after washing the trailer is recommended.

Hand winch - Do not overload your winch. Use it only for the application it has been supplied for on normal ramp conditions. Winches are supplied with a webbing strap which has a higher load rating and braking strain. Ensure that the winch strap is dry. If the winch strap is wet, unwind the strap and allow it to dry out. This will avoid rust on the drum and the strap from deteriorating. Oil the winch shafts, bushes and gears as needed.

Coupling - This needs to be greased every six months or when there is no grease present on the shaft. All bolts and nuts need to be checked for tightness.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Feature Trailer Suits From: 4.50 Metres (15ft)

Suits To: 5.0 Metres (16.5ft) Trailer & Boat Weight: 1250Kg Trailer Weight: 300Kg Trailer OA Length: 5.50 Metres Trailer OA Width: 2.10 Metres Distance Between Guards: 1.70 Metres Chassis Main Beam Size: 50mm x 70mmNumber of Axles: 1 Axle Type: 50mm SHS Wheel Size: 13 Inch 670Kg Rated Tyre x 2 Rollers: 4 x Keel - 20 x Wobble Rollers Chassis Assembly: Welded Stud Pattern: Ford Lighting: LED Submersible Type Winch Type: Galvanised with Hardened gears, stainless shafts. Webbing/strap type only Brake Type: Mechanical Cable Activated Disc Brake Calliper Type: Cable activated Rotor Type: Disc

BOAT GOLD COAST

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT ANGLER

MARLIN FISHING ON THE GOLD COAST Listed in a marlin fishing blog as one of the top 10 destinations for marlin fishing in Australia, the Gold Coast is one that will not disappoint. SIMON CHRISTIDIS shares his insights about marlin fishing and about the community of game fishers who thrive around it.

he largest black marlin in the world migrate to North Queensland from September. The juvenile marlin travel down the coast in the currents feeding off bait fish and usually arrive on the Gold Coast around early December. Depending on bait and their numbers, they will be around until April. Juvenile black marlin are found where there is bait; so, finding the bait is the key to catching the large fish. The bait fish can be anywhere from off the beach to miles offshore. The blue marlin, which are generally the larger than the black marlin, can be caught all year round off the Gold Coast, and are more prolific from March through to July, most likely due to the departure of the black marlin. Blue marlin tend to like blue water and are more loners in their movement. They can be caught as close as 100 to 1,500 metres offshore.

LOCATIONS There are areas off the Gold Coast that hold the bait—usually there is structure at the bottom and the currents form an eddy to hold the bait fish. During the 2014 season, an area called Deep Tragg held a lot of bait and lots of marlin were caught in this area.

STRATEGY AND TECHNIQUE As with many species, when catching marlin the strategy is to find the bait fish and you will find the marlin. However, for most fishers the most important consideration is to firstly find the time. As the famous saying goes, patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. There are a number of techniques to catching marlin with trolling lures—the most common and successful strategy. In rough seas, being on the move reduces the chances of seasickness. With a spread of lures, up to five rods, allows you to cover vast ground in search of the fish. Your crew on the deck should be assigned specific duties to help clear the rods away when you have a fish on a line. Marlin are like dogs chasing a car. They are attracted to the sound of the wash and the movement of the boat. The marlin will swim around the lures and once they see something that resembles food, they will take the bait and you are hooked up. Live baiting is another technique for catching marlin. There are various methods of attaching live bait that you should investigate before you set off. The best bait are slimy mackerel which seem to be the most productive.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Tides play a big roll in catching marlin. There is a bite-time, and this is generally two hours prior and two hours after high tide. Safety is the most important factor while out at sea in handling a very powerful and sometimes unpredictable fish with a spear for a nose.

COMMUNITY OF MARLIN FISHERS The best way to learn to catch marlin is to join a game fishing club. There are two clubs on the Gold Coast. Gold Coast Game Fishing Club meet at their Runaway Bay headquarters on the first Wednesday of each month. Another is Surfers Paradise Sports and Game Fishing Club that meet at the Southport Yacht Club first Monday of each month. All guests are welcome to both clubs. At these clubs you will meet like-minded fishers. You will find out how to set up your boat and receive advice on rods and tackle. Members are an excellent source of information on where and what is biting. The clubs’ network provide an opportunity for you to fish on other members’ boats and learn from other crew on board. These clubs are governed by the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA), which is the longest established national fishing association in the world. It has been, and remains, a model and example for game fishing associations around the world. As such, the GFAA is affiliated with the International Game Fish Association (lGFA) and plays an active part in the leadership of the sport of game fishing on a world level. The GFAA code of practice is extensive, covering fishing ethics, conservation, education, safety and competition rules. There are many sanctioned tournaments run along the Australian coastline which are all good fun and a great way to meet fishing comrades. Check the website for details www.gfaa.asn.au.

BOAT EVENTS

Photos by Marina Industries Association (MIA)

he event publicised as the largest recreational marine industries trade event in the Southern Hemisphere was held on the Gold Coast, 3-5 May 2015. 450 participants including 50 trade exhibitors gathered for the three-day Marine15 International Conference and Trade Show at the RACV Royal Pines Resort.

Howard Glenn, the acting deputy director general at Transport for New South Wales, said boating was a relatively safe activity but every year lives were lost, many could have been prevented. “There are many good programs being run by organisations in this room, many achieving good results, but together we can achieve so much more,” said Mr Glenn.

Neil Patchett from the Australia and New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group said “the 2015 edition of the event helped shape the approach to safety for the medium to long term. Marine15 provided a rare and valuable opportunity to learn and share information and innovations in the promotion of safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.”

With the theme ‘Boating for the Future’, the conference encouraged delegates, exhibitors and sponsors to drive change in innovation, technology, management, risk management and pathways to success in the boating and marina industries in Australia and beyond.

Bill Yeargin, president and CEO of US-based Correct Craft highlighted the importance of the marine industry embracing ever increasing change. For example, he forecasts that electric boats are just a decade away, and those who are proactive in anticipating this will have the business advantage.

According to Organising Committee Chairman Jeff d’Albora, the participants experienced what is generally agreed to be the best ever event over its decade-long evolution. “The speakers’ content, trade exhibition and event location have all exceeded expectations.”

INDUSTRY SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND STATISTICS

MARINE15 ON THE GOLD COAST JUDGED THE BEST EVER

Marine17 is being planned for 2017 with a location yet to be announced. Event organisers are expecting to make a decision on the location shortly.

Some of the speakers encouraged the participants to be proactive in creating relationships and in building safer environments for boating. The keynote speaker in the conference, Bernard Salt from KPMG, challenged the industry to develop a boating narrative to connect with the fast growing Chinese and Indian communities. He also highlighted that the largest demographic group over the next decade will be the 30’s or the young families segment that will need to be enticed by family-friendly boating options.

USA speaker Steve Ryder, manager of project development at Bellingham Marine, said the event is one of the best marine industry events in the world. Leigh Francis from All Marine Spares commented on the quality of the delegates and the excellence of the venue for networking and building business relationships. Shelly Grice from the Department of Transport WA, said the event with its three streams of boating safety, boating business and marinas provided delegates with a rich array of topics providing excellent networking and learning.

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GOLD COAST

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

BOAT FEATURE

STORY OF OUR BOAT SHOW

BARRY JENKINS ON SCIBS

Photos by Sanctuary Cove

Long-serving Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) Industry Relations Manager BARRY JENKINS talks about the initial creation, the nostalgic early years, and the show’s continuing success. By Andy Kancachian

he 1980s was an ostentatious time on the Gold Coast. Blow-waved hair, white shoes, bubbly champagne and the iconic koalas increased international interest in the Australian way of life. Sanctuary Cove was the epitome of such a wonderful life-- the luxury of a secured gated community with waterfront harbour or golf course frontage living choices, the latest sport amenities, and the ultimate party destination.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN In March 1988, right after the Ultimate Event grand opening of the Sanctuary Cove Resort, Barry Jenkins was contracted for a month as a consultant to fix issues with the then Waves restaurant [now George’s Paragon]. “the problems were solved ahead of schedule, so I was offered further work as an events coordinator. The resort wanted a full program of events that would attract visitors and take advantage of the boosted number of tourist arrivals for the Brisbane Word Expo 88. One of the events was the inaugural Queensland International Boat Show which eventually became the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.” 24

At the time, many millions of dollars in marketing were spent to promote the resort. A gala opening Barry Jenkins with international performers and a long-running television commercial campaign with ads running up to 50 times a day. “Sanctuary Cove was the place to visit and live,” enthuses Barry. “There was, as there still is, a real mystique about the happenings of the community behind the gates. The boat show became one of the Resort’s main draw cards attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the world. The shows longevity and ongoing success is due to the objective of creating an opportunity for the recreational marine industry exhibitors to showcase their products to interested consumers.”

GROWING WITH THE BOATING INDUSTRY While every boat show in Australia and the world is different, SCIBS is somewhat unique in that you enter an integrated resort community, a vibrant marine village bordering a picturesque marina home to people living on waterfront harbour estates, with most of them also living the boating lifestyle. “For 27 years the boat show has not only showcased the boats and equipment, but has also highlighted this very special place in the world. During my time with the show I have seen boat buyers not only order a boat at the show, but then negotiate a lease on a marina berth and in some cases eventually buy a home in the resort. And conversely, the residents over the years have been the show’s loyal supporters.”

Sanctuary Cove has always been an evolving destination. The residential living, the marina, and the many events transform and showcase the many aspects of the resort. Barry points out that up until the global financial crisis, the show would open with a waiting list of exhibitors who missed the chance to take part. The show’s size and growth have always been a reflection of the boating industry’s rise. Like the Australian boating industry, the show has shown resilience with the changing economic conditions and he is confident that moving forward each year will be bigger and better. “The show has grown exponentially with the Australian boating industry. We have built a reputation and created an expectation. Sanctuary Cove management know only too well that without exhibitors there is no show. Our role as event organisers has been to guide the show and work very closely with the industry, as the show is for the industry and strives to be constantly interesting and informative for the consumer.”

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS INCREASE LOCAL PRODUCTION Over the years, the Gold Coast and Sanctuary Cove have seen interest from international investors from Japan and other parts of Asia, as well as the United States, parts of Europe, and more recently China. “The low dollar has been helpful for Australian marine exporters. Many companies are taking advantage of this by attending key boat shows in strategic locations with sales and marketing teams which have seen international orders successfully increase local production. The boat show has always been the premier show to display products not only for local and interstate vendors, but international too.” AUG - OCT 2015

AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE Barry is a busy man. He also serves as the Chairman of the AIMEX Superyacht Australia Division, manager of International Relations for Yacht and Boat Korea and at the time of this writing, he is scheduled to travel to Gdansk Poland for the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) Congress 2015. With a broad vantage point of the boating industry both here and abroad, Barry’s outlook is very optimistic, “The industry is buoyant. Australian products have always been and remain sought after. Recognised worldwide for quality and reliability. Our diverse coastline and waterways have created demand for seaworthy vessels able to handle a wide variety of testing conditions in comfort and these vessels are sought after by international boaties.” The Gold Coast has evolved to become the boatbuilding hub of Australia with unparalleled growth of local boating industry developing modern and ingenious methods for many applications of boat manufacturing. “This city has seen the great rise of leading boat industry brands such as Maritimo, Riviera, and Telwater’s Quintrex, Savage and Stacer, and many other respected brands-- made possible by the integrity of the management that attract and train highly skilled personnel able to build quality products. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has always been proud to showcase this unquestionable reflection of that integrity and manufacturing capability.” BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

With almost 30 years of hosting a successful international boat show, the Sanctuary Cove management has a several decades-old database of consumers that are regularly updated of developments through newsletters and social media. Barry has taken an advisory role, consulting with SCIBS General Manager Johan Hasser while liaising with government, industry and international networks. “At a recent event, it was rewarding to catch up with several long-term SCIBS contractors who have been attached to the show for 20 or more years. They always reiterate that the show has been a wonderful training ground in events management for hundreds of energetic people. While some may have ventured off into streams of event management, the true testament of their experience with SCIBS is that they stay in touch.” With such a successful event in his portfolio, Barry advises up-and-coming business people, “The secret is to be true to yourself, true to your vision, and most importantly true to your team, as you cannot do it all alone. You require the support of enthusiastic, creative and dedicated people.”

Photo by Harry Willey FB/Have You Seen The Old Gold Coast

HISTORICAL FACTS • Sanctuary Cove is a resort-style master planned community, featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 300-berth marina, 5-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort hotel and Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool. • The promotion of the Gala Opening of the Sanctuary Cove’s Ultimate Event in January 1988 involved “tons of commercial played 50 times a day on every TV channel in Australia”.

As the Sanctuary Cove resort story is rich in history, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show has also become an iconic event in the boat show history of Australia.

• The Ultimate Event was a five-day celebration held over the second weekend in January in 1988, with international acts Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston headlining the two main concerts at the event.

Barry is proud to state, “I stand by what I have said for many years. The importance of SCIBS is its ability to attract not only the high end of the international and national market but all facets of the recreational boating genre. It now holds a significant place in international boat show calendars with an array of marine products on display, demonstrating the absolute significance of SCIBS in the marine industry.”

• The success of the Ultimate Event coupled with the expansion of recreational boating across the Australian continent presented a golden opportunity for an annual on-water boat show, and soon after the Queensland International Boat Show was scheduled for May 1989. • In 1992, the branding was changed to Sanctuary Cove International Boating Festival and presented annually under this banner, until 1996 when the name changed to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show • In 2008, a record of 450 boats on water, 600 boats on land, 453 exhibitors and 53,700 visitors over four days, making it the biggest marine exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere and producing an economic benefit to the Gold Coast and Australia of A$310 million.

BOAT EVENTS

PWC NATIONAL RACING TOUR By Taylor Aiken

Photos by Skip

2015 YAMAHA AUSTRALIA JETCROSS TOUR

Photo by Skip

his year saw the revival of the National Watercraft Racing Tour in Australia. Personal watercraft racing has long been etched into the Australian water sport calendar, producing some world champion Australian riders. The 2015 Yamaha Australia Jetcross Championships toured the country aiming to prove who would take out the title. Personal watercraft racing is a series of closed circuit and endurance style races with many different classes to accommodate a broad spectrum of racers. There are two distinct styles of watercraft that are raced in the championship. A stand-up watercraft is an older style where the rider manoeuvres a long handle pole and is in a standing position. Conversely, the runabout is a more modern style watercraft with much more horsepower and the rider is seated.

The 2015 Yamaha Australia Jetcross Tour, held by the Australian Jet Sports Boating Association (AJSBA), began on the west coast of Australia in Perth on January 31 and February 1. Racing in the premier location of Burswood on Swan, in front of the Crown Casino, racers started gaining much needed points to prepare for a hopeful domination. A double-round race weekend format meant that every tour stop was vital to remain a contender for the title. A large east coast contingent travelled over to state their mark on the competition.

strong onshore wind of 15 knots, riding ability and sheer fitness often determined a clear winner, in some cases seriously upsetting the championship contention. Competition in all of the classes was fierce, with many old friends battling it out. The three prominent manufacturers of Kawasaki, Yamaha Waverunner, and Sea-Doo were also equally represented in runabout classes with a winner from each taking out a championship: Kawasaki in Showroom Stock Runabout, Yamaha Waverunner in Stock Runabout, and Sea-Doo in Pro Open Runabout.

Rounds 3 and 4, scheduled in Redcliffe Queensland in late February, were cancelled due to Cyclone Marcia. The rescheduled rounds 3 and 4 were instead held in Sydney on March 28 and 29. This was the first opportunity for the high achievers from Rounds 1 and 2 to prove their consistency. Continuing in Sydney were rounds 5 and 6 on May 2 and 3. With a few key competitors lost to injury and mechanical issues, those who attended were able to either cement their position in the overall tour or take advantage of those unable to race, and earn some valuable points. Recently, on May 23, the AJSBA held their final round in Redcliffe. This final round was the last chance for riders to strengthen their winning lead or in many cases determine an overall championship winner. With testing conditions of huge swell and a

Superjet Cup Winner - Ryan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe (Winner) Iain Macleod (Yamaha Representative) OZPWC.com

AUG - OCT 2015

YAMAHA SUPERJET CUP This year’s naming sponsor, Yamaha Australia, developed a new class with a very exciting prize. The championship winner of the Superjet Cup won a brand new 2014 Superjet for the effort. Rounds 1 and 2 in Perth saw a huge number of entries, all battling it out to gain the first points. However, it was Sea World (Gold Coast) Jet Stunt Extreme stuntman, Ryan O’Keefe, who took out the final prize and a shiny new Superjet. Upon being presented the Superjet, Ryan said, “It was great to see Australia’s best racing for one of the biggest prizes the sport has ever seen.“

“In my class of stock runabout, the championship came down to the final round which showed how close we all were. There were only a few points separating the top four riders.” Frank said. “It definitely takes consistency to win over a tour, you need to be able to back up your results every round to stay ahead in points.” About his goals in racing, Frank said, “Next year, I would love to win more races and take out the title in Pro/Am Stock Runabout. That is what I want to win for now.” For more information regarding the past national tour or results or upcoming events please head to www.ajsba.org.au or like AJSBA.org.au on Facebook.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

LITES SKI Stand up PWC with limited modifications for beginner or novice riders OPEN SKI Stand up PWC with a number of performance enhancing modifications. Premier classes in Australian racing for experienced riders SHOWROOM STOCK RUNABOUT Seated PWC’s as purchased from the dealer with very few handling modifications allowed for beginner riders STOCK RUNABOUT Seated PWC’s with limited modifications than Showroom Stock. This class is ideal for racers with more experience than Showroom Stock

UP AND COMING RIDERS This year’s national tour saw some legends of the sport return, but more noticeably saw a large number of new riders demonstrating huge potential. Once such rider is Frank Waite from the Gold Coast. He has been racing in Queensland state series from 2012, and competed in his first national tour this year. Frank, who is a marine mechanic at JSW Powersports in Arundel, placed third in Pro/Am Stock Runabout this year. With Frank’s class being one of the most competitive this year, it was difficult to gain consistent placings.

RACING CLASSES

NATURALLY ASPIRATED RUNABOUT Seated PWC’s that have naturally aspirated 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke engines OPEN RUNABOUT Seated PWC’s with allowed performance enhancing modifications. Premier classes in Australian racing for experienced riders

Frank Waite from the Gold Coast

Photo by Skip

QUEENSLAND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT CLUB (QPWC) Be involved in racing on the Gold Coast. Contact Jo at entries@qpwc.com.au

BOAT GOLD COAST

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT SERVICE DIRECTORY

EXCELLENT TRAINING BY MASTER 5 QUALIFIED FEMALE INSTRUCTOR

BOOK ONLINE AT GOLDCOASTMARINETRAINING.COM.AU OFFICE LEVEL 2, SUITE 15 - UPSTAIRS RUNAWAY BAY MARINA

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BOAT GOLD COAST

MARINA’S EDGE BOATS FOR SALE

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Supplied stock image

MCMARINE HOUSEBOAT LIFESTYLE LIVEABOARD Recent refit. Solar Powered. 2 roomy cabins, ensuite, fully furnished. Twin Yamaha Outboards. $99,000 or nearest offer.

YAMAHA 2008 MODEL WAVERUNNER JETSKI 1800 cc power. Maintained beautifully. Complete unit with cover and trailer. Only $14,995 – Be Quick.

1949 VINTAGE NORMAN WRIGHT 35FT DIESEL BAYCRUISER A slice of maritime history, warm timber interior. just antifouled Ready for a new owner. $50,000 ono

BOAT BROKERAGE WITH AN EDGE Marina’s Edge Boat Brokerage located at the entrance to the harbour representing a discerning clientele from Australia and internationally. Offering an array of new and pre-loved quality vessels for sale in conjunction with a database to inform interested buyers about what’s available ranging from power to sail in all price ranges. From an assortment of entry-level dinghies, sportscruisers, liveaboard houseboats to the ultimate ocean-going super yachts, the scope is endless. Marina’s Edge will also assist with boat and jet ski licensing, insurance and finance, marine maintenance and shipwrights, qualified skipper and crew delivery (both coastal and international) and valet services. www.marinasedge.com.au

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT PROTOCOL

RAMPING IT UP! ETIQUETTE ON BOAT RAMPS

Many have wasted time waiting for a boat ramp user to complete the task for an unreasonable length of time—either because of inexperience or simply because of inconsideration. CARME L BE LLCHAMBE RS asks a few boaties about their experiences on boat ramps, and lists down the tips she gathered.

he Gold Coast is a water sports paradise and we are lucky enough to have a number of pubic boat ramps that we can use to launch our vessels. Unfortunately, there are a number of issues we are still experiencing at all boat ramps. This can cause what should be a great day turning out to be stressful before it even begins. I believe with some basic tips and advice we can stop all the frustration and work together to make it better. The key thing is the public knowing how to use boat ramps quickly and efficiently, to avoid the ire of grumpy boaties. Owning a jet ski myself, I understand the importance of being familiar with how to use the boat ramps. While my partner went for a jet ski, I spent some time sitting on the sand near the boat ramp. I was able to observe and ask several boaties about their opinion on what they would want to change about how people use the boat ramps when launching and retrieving their vessel.

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THE TWO P’S Congestion seems to be the most common issue at all boat ramps. To avoid this, the most common advice made by several boaties is for everyone to practice and prepare. Practising and preparing yourself will avoid the unreasonable time delays other ramp users will have in getting time on the water, while waiting for you to finish your tasks.

PRACTICE It can be quite intimidating for a new boater to use the boat ramp. To help with experience on reversing your car down the boat ramp, it is suggested to head down to a boat ramp at either night when no one is around, or a quiet time of the day, and practice. Having experience and being quick at reversing your car will definitely avoid the frustration of queuing boaties.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS (ACCORDING TO RAMP USERS)

Stay within your lane when reversing, and make sure there is enough room for another car to launch. =

Only be on the ramp for as long as you need to be.

Ensure the car’s handbrake is on and in gear before you get out. =

Take extra caution when getting out of the car as boat ramps can be quite slippery. =

Ensure you have reversed in until there is enough water to float the vessel off the back of the trailer. =

Move your vessel off the ramp as quick as possible and then park the car. =

When launching solo, secure your vessel to the designated area, and then move your car off the ramp as quickly as possible. =

If in a group, it is best to work as a team to speed up the process. One person can take the vessel while the other parks the car. =

PREPARE Do not go near the boat ramp until you are ready to launch. Several boaties agree that there is nothing more irritating than a boater who drives onto the ramp and does all the little jobs he or she could have done before going on the ramp. It is strongly advised to do all the preparation, such as undo straps, put bungs in, load all the stuff you need, and ensure that the vessel starts, while still in the parking area away from the ramp.

Reverse down the ramp and put the vessel on the trailer. Secure your vessel and move off the ramp to do all the finishing touches. =

Always ask for help, when you need it and always lend a hand, if someone else needs it. =

If we all apply care and courtesy to the day, with safety also being the key, launching and retrieving your vessel should be fast, safe and easy.

Marine radio antennas cost about $70. It is recommended to purchase the longest practical antenna for your vessel if using a 27MHz or VHF marine radio.

BOAT PROTOCOL

OVER AND

OUT:

HOW TO USE A MARINE RADIO

Who do I contact and what radio channel do I use?

To log on and off, receive a local weather forecast, or seek non-emergency assistance (such as engine breakdown and you need a tow), you should contact the nearest limited coast station or volunteer marine rescue organisation to your vessel position. The marine radio channel you should use depends upon the type of marine radio you have (27MHz, VHF, or MF/HF), and what radio channels or frequencies are monitored by the limited coast station. The marine radio type will normally be printed on the front of your radio. Each marine radio type has its own emergency channels, and usually has a dedicated button on the radio to switch to the primary emergency channel. You may use the emergency channel to make initial contact with the limited coast station, although they may advise you to switch to another channel (the “working channel”) for further communication. The working channel differs between different limited coast stations, and is often the preferred channel for initial communication as it frees the emergency channel for actual emergency broadcasts. On the Gold Coast between Jacobs Well and Currumbin, it is worth memorising or noting down the following channels for the radio type you have on board: RADIO TYPE

Emergency and non-emergency situations require the proper use of the marine radio, ensuring that anyone who needs help and anyone who can provide help can communicate efficiently and clearly. NIC WELCH provides important and basic information to remember about using a valuable communication device.

icture this: You invited your mate to go fishing, chasing some snapper at the 36 fathom reef, 10 nautical miles due east of the Seaway. You pass at least 10 boats fishing half way at the 24s, and you eventually reach the 36s. You turn around and realise your mate is no longer on board, and worse, he is not wearing a life jacket. You do not have a marine radio on board. You have one bar of signal strength on your mobile phone, so you dial 000. It will take at least 30 minutes for the water police travelling at 25 knots to reach the 36 fathom reef from their home base, and the Westpac rescue helicopter could be anywhere along the coast and need refuelling first. If you had a marine radio, those 10 boats you passed at the 24s could have heard your distress call and already be searching for your mate.

Why you need a marine radio even if you have a mobile phone Mobile phones are not designed to get wet. The batteries go flat quickly especially when in areas of poor coverage. They can be totally out of coverage in some areas. They only allow communication between two parties, and so other vessels in your area that may be able to assist in an emergency cannot be alerted. Marine radios on the other hand, are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. They are able to hear all communications from all other vessels in range, and you can contact another vessel without knowing its phone number. Limited coast stations also broadcast weather updates and navigation hazards on marine radio. It is advisable to monitor the emergency channel of your radio.

It is surprising that a number of people who have marine radios in their boat do not have any idea how to use it correctly. Even more surprising, when they go offshore fishing they do not log on with a marine rescue organisation for fear that they will sound foolish on the radio, or will get in trouble for not saying the right words. If you are one of them, be assured that the truth of the matter is, you will not get in trouble, and the limited coast stations (VMR and Coastguard) are all manned by volunteers who are more than happy to ask you for the information they need to ensure your safety.

MARINE RADIO TYPES

27MHz radios cost about $150 and can transmit approximately within 10 km. No special license is required by the operator. VHF radios cost about $200 and can transmit approximately within 50 km. VHF radios are the recommended radio for recreational craft. A VHF radio with DSC (Digital Selective Calling) costs about $250, and has the advantage that a distress call can be made with a simple push of a button, alerting all nearby DSC-equipped vessels and limited coast stations with your vessel identification and vessel position, when the radio is hooked up to a GPS receiver. A marine radio license called a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP) is required to be held by the operator to use a VHF radio. Please note, this rule does not apply if the vessel is in distress, or if assisting another vessel in distress. MROCP courses are run by volunteer marine rescue organisations. MF/HF radios cost about $3,500 and can transmit within thousands of kilometres MF/HF radios are commonly used on yachts, and the operator requires an MROCP. 32

EMERGENCY CHANNEL

WORKING CHANNEL

27 MHz

VHF

MF/HF

4125

THE PHONETIC ALPHABET

The phonetic alphabet should be used if poor reception occurs, and when specifying your boat registration number. (A boat registration number of CM660Q would be announced as “Charlie Mike Six Six Zero Quebec”.) A

Alpha

Hotel

Oscar

Victor

Bravo

India

Papa

Whiskey

Charlie

Juliet

Quebec

X-ray

Delta

Kilo

Romeo

Yankee

Echo

Lima

Sierra

Zulu

Foxtrot

Mike

Tango

Golf

November

Uniform

PREPARING YOUR MARINE RADIO TO TRANSMIT

1. Raise your marine radio antenna to the vertical position. 2. Switch on your radio. 3. Adjust the volume to an appropriate level, such as half way. 4. Select the emergency channel or working channel for the limited coast station you wish to contact. 5. Turn the squelch all the way down until you hear static, then up again until the static just stops. Turning the squelch up too high will limit your transmission range. 6. Wait at least 30 seconds before transmitting to ensure that you will not interrupt any existing radio communications. 7. You can transmit by holding down the large PTT (Push-To-Talk) button on the side of your handheld microphone. Speak into the microphone, then release the PTT button to allow the party you are calling to respond.

MAKING A ROUTINE CALL

A routine call is a non-emergency call to a limited coast station or another vessel. Examples of routine calls are logging on and off, requesting a weather forecast, and requesting a radio check. To make a routine call, state clearly: 1. The vessel/limited coast station you are calling—spoken three times. This is - the name of your vessel—spoken three times. 2. Your message. 3. “Over” after your message. 4. Await response.

LOGGING ON AND OFF

To log on with a limited coast station or volunteer marine rescue organisation, state the following information: 1. Vessel name 2. Vessel registration number 3. Number of persons on board (POB) 4. Point of departure 5. Destination 6. Mobile telephone number on board 7. Estimated time of return (ETR) Remember to log off upon your return, or search and rescue proceedings will commence. The following is an example of vessel “Longboat”, registration number CM660Q, logging on with the Seaway Tower. AUG - OCT 2015

Seaway Tower, Seaway Tower, Seaway Tower, This is Longboat, Longboat, Longboat. Over. Longboat, Longboat, This is Seaway Tower. Go ahead. Over. Seaway Tower, This is Longboat. My registration number is Charlie Mike Six Six Zero Quebec. We have 3 persons on board. Travelling to the 24 Fathom Reef, 5 nautical miles due east of the Seaway. My telephone number is 0432 710 892. With an estimated time of return of thirteen hundred hours. Could you place us on the log please? Over.

Longboat, This is Seaway Tower. Romeo. You are on the log. Seaway Tower Out.

What do I do if I hear a distress call?

If you hear a distress call on the Gold Coast, you should wait for a limited coast station such as the Seaway Tower to acknowledge receipt, otherwise your transmission may block vital communications. If no acknowledgement is heard after a while, and your vessel is within close proximity of the vessel in distress, you may acknowledge the vessel in distress and provide assistance. If your vessel is not in close proximity, you should defer acknowledgement to allow other nearer vessels to acknowledge without interference. If you hear a distress call, and the call has not been acknowledged by other stations, but you are not in a position to provide assistance, you should acknowledge the call and make contact with the nearest limited coast station or vessels which may be able to assist.

URGENCY CALLS

Urgency calls should be used when the use of a distress call is not justified but a very urgent message needs to be transmitted regarding the safety of the vessel or the safety of a person onboard, such as a medical emergency. Use the emergency channel (27MHz channel 88, VHF channel 16, or MF/HF channel 4125).

Longboat Out.

1. Pan pan, pan pan, pan pan. 2. Hello all stations, hello all stations, hello all stations. 3. This is – name and radio call sign of boat – spoken three times. The following is an example of vessel “Longboat” logging off with the Seaway Tower. 4. Details of the vessel’s position. 5. Details of assistance required and other information. Seaway Tower, Seaway Tower, Seaway Tower, This is Longboat, Longboat, Longboat. Over. Longboat, Longboat, This is Seaway Tower. Go ahead. Over.

Seaway Tower, This is Longboat. We are safely back inside the bar. Could you please strike us off the log? And thank you for your coverage. Over. Longboat, This is Seaway Tower. Romeo. You are off the log. Seaway Tower Out. Longboat Out.

I am crossing a coastal bar. Who do I contact?

When crossing a coastal bar, you should contact the nearest limited coast station. If you cannot get contact with the nearest limited coast station for whatever reason, try contacting the next closest limited coast station. The following table shows the limited coast stations to contact and the VHF channel to use when crossing any of the bars in the Gold Coast region.

Coastal Bar

Limited Coast Station

VHF Channel

Tweed Bar

VMR Point Danger

16 or 73

Currumbin Creek Bar

VMR Currumbin

16 or 73

Tallebudgera Creek Bar

VMR Currumbin

16 or 73

Gold Coast Seaway

Seaway Tower

16 or 73

Jumpinpin Bar

VMR Jacobs Well

16 or 73

When crossing the Gold Coast Seaway, contact the Seaway Tower. If the Seaway Tower is closed, try VMR Southport or Coastguard Southport. When crossing Jumpinpin bar, contact VMR Jacobs Well prior to crossing the bar, and again after you have safely crossed the bar.

DISTRESS CALLS The distress call ‘mayday’ may only be used if the vessel is in grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required. Use the emergency channel (27MHz channel 88, VHF channel 16, or MF/HF channel 4125).

MARINE RADIO MAINTENANCE

It is worth performing some regular maintenance on your marine radio to ensure the communications device is in perfect working condition for when you need to rely upon it in an emergency. 1. Check the antenna connection at the rear of the radio unit is not corroded. 1. Mayday, mayday, mayday. Unscrew the antenna and spray the connections with a marine lubricant such 2. This is – name and radio call sign of vessel in distress – spoken three times as Inox or WD-40. Scrub any corrosion or salt residue off with a stiff toothbrush. 3. Mayday. 2. Check the antenna connection at the base of the antenna. Unscrew the aerial 4. Name and radio call sign of vessel. whip from the base and clean with a marine lubricant and a stiff toothbrush. 3. Check the antenna whip and antenna cabling for any cracks, and replace if necessary. 5. Details of vessel’s position. 4. Check any inline fuses or fuse holders are not corroded, and apply a marine lubricant. 6. Nature of distress and assistance required. 5. Ensure your battery terminals are not corroded, and that the battery is in good working 7. Other information including number of people on board. order. Check the battery’s electrolyte level, and top up with distilled water if necessary. 6. Regularly request a “radio check” from a limited coast station to determine if your Repeat the above message as necessary until you receive an acknowledgement. If transmission distance is degrading over time. no response on the emergency channel, try again on any alternate or supplementary emergency channel such as 27MHz channel 86, VHF channel 67, or MF/HF channels 2182, 6215, and 8291. If still no response, try any other available channel which may Disclaimer attract attention, such as the working channel for the closest limited coast station. The views in this article are the personal opinion of the author alone, tailored specifically The following is an example of vessel “Longboat” making a distress call: Vessel “Longboat” Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. This is Longboat, Longboat, Longboat. Mayday Longboat. 5 nautical miles due east of Seaway. Sinking quickly after striking submerged object. Estimate further 15 minutes afloat. 5 metre white centre console. 3 persons on board, EPIRB activated. Over. BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

for the Gold Coast region. Not every emergency channel has been mentioned in this article for the MF/HF band. This article is only intended as a brief overview of marine radio telecommunications. Neither the author nor Boat Gold Coast Magazine guarantees the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. It is strongly recommended that you attend a marine radio course conducted by volunteer marine rescue organisations, such as Coastguard Southport or VMR Southport.

Keeping your marine radio permanently mounted onboard will reduce corrosion to internal pins of the power cable connector and aerial connection. Flush mounting the radio will reduce the risk of theft by making it more difficult to remove. 33

BOAT GUIDE

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Distinguishing Vessels, Boats, Ships & Yachts By Roselle Tenefrancia

here are many rules of thumb that different people follow to distinguish a boat from a ship (and from a yacht). What is yours? Vessel - The word “vessel” comes from the Old French vessel, which meant a container. The Old French vessel also refers to a ship. The same word came from the Latin vascellum that refers to a small vase, and also to a ship. In modern day, “vessel” is a catchall term to describe a floating object used for the carriage of people or goods. Hence, vessel refers to ships, boats, canoes, or any watercraft. It has also been defined as any craft that is capable of floating and moving on water. Boat - The word “boat” in Old English comes from bat, from the Proto-Germanic bait—that possibly comes from the term bheid, meaning “to split”, referring to hollowing of the tree trunk. The Yugambeh word gundul/gundal used to refer to a canoe, literally means “bark of tree”. In modern day, the word “boat”, in nautical speak, refers to “a relatively small water borne vessel.”

Some would insist on a definition of a boat as a vessel that can be carried aboard a ship, as a launch. It has been argued that in practical usage, however, a boat is any vessel used for recreation or sport. “Boat” has also been defined as a small craft or vessel designed to float on, and provide transport over, or under, water. This is a broad definition that includes anything such as a jetski, or even a large ship. Some define it further as a vessel with a hull, as opposed to a life raft. “Boat” is also a naval slang term for a submarine of any size. Ship - “Ship” comes from the Old English scip, from the Proto-Germanic skipam. Some suggest it originally meant “tree cut out or hollowed out” from the word skei that meant “to cut or split”. In this sense, “boat” and “ship” mean the same. Historically, a ship referred to a sailing vessel with at least three square-rigged masts and a full bowsprit. In modern day, a ship is defined as a large buoyant watercraft or vessel, used to transport goods or people commercially (or for military purposes). The word ship is more commonly used to refer to

a large ocean-going vessel. (Notably, large oceangoing fishing vessels are not referred to as “fishing ships”!) Some distinguish a ship from a boat by its capability to carry a boat or a smaller vessel. This, however, create confusion, as a big motorboat, such as a 40-footer, can carry one or two small vessels such as a dinghy (incidentally defined as a type of small boat, often carried or towed for use as a ship’s boat by a larger vessel, borrowed from the Bengali dingi)—so, does that make it a ship? Yacht - Interestingly, the word “yacht” is of Norwegian or Dutch origins, both from the German jacht, a short version of jachtship that literally means “ship for chasing”. In its original usage in Norway and Holland, it referred to a light, fast-sailing ship. Technically, can we call a highpowered 6-metre boat a yacht? Modern day usage, however, suggests that “yacht” is a recreational boat or ship, which often connotes power, luxury and expensiveness.

Have you figured out the differences? If not, our suggested rule of thumb is to ask the captain first, then call it the same way he or she calls it.

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GOLD COAST

eigh-Smith Yachts (LSY) is located at the heart of the iconic Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, which has a long standing history with all things marine and synonymous with lifestyle opportunities. The Leigh-Smith brothers head up the anchor marine tenant at the Cove specialising in Motor, Sail, Fishing, Sport and Super Yachts. We pride ourselves on our ability to simplify the myriad of options by tailoring a package that suits your needs now and into the future.

Alaska Motor-Yachts offer a stunning mix of tradition and technology. Timeless style and charm combined with the most state-of-the-art materials and accessories to produce a truly remarkable vessel that retains an unprecedented sales value. The Alaska Motor-Yacht is the vessel of choice for the intuitive boat buyer. Range from 43ft to 60ft.

Luxury and liveability. That’s what owners can expect when they take delivery of their Elandra Yacht. Designed for indulgent yet practical enjoyment of idyllic waters anywhere around the world. The latest 53ft Sports Yacht is due for delivery 4th Quarter 2015. Range from 47ft to 53ft.

The Endurance range by Hampton are purposebuilt long-range motor yachts designed for efficient, spacious and luxurious living at sea. Each yacht creates an environment that stimulates the emotions of the avid mariner. Each Endurance is hand-built. Range from 58ft – 90ft.

Fairline excels at building yachts that delight and astonish their owners. An international luxury brand recognised and appreciated the world over—and the winner of multiple awards and accolades, including the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Range from 38ft to 78ft.

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Each Hampton is a masterpiece of naval architecture, created to offer better performance, liveable space, and versatility to make every journey more memorable. Sophisticated design, highly advanced technology and the finest attention to detail bring this contemporary yacht to life. Our team can help you build your very own semi-custom dream yacht your way! Range from 58ft to 75ft. LSY are the Australian and New Zealand Dealers for Alaska Motor Yachts that start from 43ft up to 60ft, and the Hampton Yachts and Endurance Yachts by Hampton that start from 58ft up to 90ft+.LSY are Queensland/Northern Territory dealers for locally built 47ft and 53ft versions of Elandra Yachts and the stunning UK -built range of Fairline Yachts that start at 38ft – 78ft. LSY proudly has on average 30 luxury vessels ranging from 30ft to130ft on display at the marina for sale and over 200 Luxury brokerage vessel options. We also cover project management, finance, insurance, valuations and various aspects of maritime consulting. Come and visit the friendly team today and see the difference at Leigh-Smith Yachts, open 7 days, at 42 Quay Street, Sanctuary Cove Marine Village. www.LSYachts.com.au Ph: 07 5577 9200.

BOAT GUIDE

BIG THOUGHTS ON BIG BOATS Ever dreamed about 40-foot boats or bigger? We feature Big Boats of the Gold Coast and valuable insights from several owners on their decision to buy. The experience of these boaties will help you rationalise ownership of a boat of this size as they offer advice and precious tips.

VIKING 61

C’Mon Aussie: Aussie meets Aussie in Florida By Di Thompson Palazzo Versace Marina

The criteria being: * It has to be a large sports fishing boat, suitable for family use. * Suitable for a reasonable crew of fishing mates. * A one-of-a-kind vessel suited to Australian sea conditions. * Cruise speed an easy 25 knots. After four days at the boat show, he heard about a 61-ft Viking for sale. However, it was tied up to a private jetty behind a house an hour drive away. A vessel inspection was immediately organised by phone and the family were on their way. On arrival at the jetty and seeing the name on the transom, he thought it was freshly painted on for him to help close the sale. As it turns out, the owner was Australian professional golfer Robert Allenby at his home base in Florida. Accepting the offer of an Aussie beer welcome, this potential new owner was now not only impressed by the ice-cold fridge. The Viking 61 is a monstersize boat with heaps of space for the family as well as his fishing crew. She cruises on 26 knots with a top speed of 34, has a massive engine room allowing easy access to all running equipment.

hen the owner of C’mon Aussie went searching for a vessel to purchase, he discovered there was not near enough big boat stock available in Australia. He soon took on a project to travel to Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in Florida and perhaps find the right one to import to Australia with a plan to on-sell.

“This vessel certainly ticks all the boxes. And from what I understand, there is no other Viking 61 in Australian waters,” says the proud owner. “We took her for a test drive out to the Bahamas and with a huge following sea, she handled like a dream. And that is what sealed the deal.”

A few tips on buying a boat from C’mon Aussie owner: * Work really hard at it: the more you put into it the more you will get out of it. * The history of the boat is very important. Has it had a full time captain? What is its service and maintenance history? Has it done a lot of work or not enough work? Look at the total engine and generator hours and divide it by its age that will give you a feel for annual usage. * Engage a marine surveyor to do a survey and a marine engineer to do a mechanical check. Seek advice to ensure you are well informed about different types of inspections and testing that are available about the product on offer.

Key Features: * Build: Viking USA * Year: 2001 * Propulsion: MAN 1300-hp diesels * Fuel capacity: 7000 lt * Water: 1200 lt * Genset: Onan 23 kva * Refrigeration: three freezers and seven fridges * Accommodation: three staterooms, three bathrooms, sleeps seven * Inclusions: water maker, A/C, bow thruster

AUG - OCT 2015

HALVORSEN 42

Eliza 1: The mariner’s choice By Lois Voevodin Marina’s Edge Hope Harbour

ormer Port Phillip pilot, Captain Chris Coy and his first mate, Roslyn, have succeeded in making the transition from a British-built Fisher 37 Motorsailer to their dream vessel, a Halvorsen 42 Coastal Cruiser, an iconic Australian brand with a proven pedigree. Eliza 1, named after their home town of Mt. Eliza in Victoria, has voyaged from their marina berth at Soldiers Point (NSW) to the calm water haven that is Hope Harbour Marina. Master mariner and a true Brit, Cpt. Chris has served over half a century aboard all manner of ships and has cruised the hemispheres from the Arctic circle to Antarctica. Spending 25 years of service as a ship’s pilot in Melbourne and facilitator at the Australian Shiphandling Centre (only one of five such centres across the world), this salt knows the ropes—being responsible for the safe passage, conduct and navigation of 100,000-tonners.

However, it was a chance meeting with Mark Halvorsen at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show that sealed the deal and the creation of their new offshore-capable pocket pilothouse, built at Fu Shan in Southern China by Yardway Marine, designed by Harvey Halvorsen with supervision by Mark Halvorsen. Ironically, it was the insistence of Roslyn Coy’s preliminary brief for her retirement choice in a cruising vessel to escape southern winters which changed the couple’s mindset from sail to power. Furthermore, her discerning input into the choice of decor, the desire for a spatial master stateroom with island bed, full walk-around decks accessible in allweather conditions and suitability to their constant cruising companion, beloved beagle Mele, have resulted in a most distinguishable craft.

Check comfort and modern conveniences to your taste. It can be hard work and expensive to change, so it is better to get it right the first time.

This congenial couple regale with cruising tales and their past log books provide an enviable atlas of exploration. Aboard Eliza 1, having cruised as far north as Great Keppel, they reason anywhere further north is out of bounds (i.e., dog unfriendly due to National Parks restrictions) to their most important four-legged passenger, Mele. Captain Chris’ tips on buying a vessel: 1. Know why you are buying a boat. 2. Know where and how you want to use it. 3. Check comfort and modern conveniences to your taste. It can be hard work and expensive to change, so it is better to get it right the first time. Key Features: LOA: 12.74 metres (41 ft 1 in) Beam: 4.09 metres (13 ft 5 in) Draft: 1.24 metres (4 ft) Displacement: 14,414 kgs (32,000 lbs) Water Capacity: 750 lt Fuel Capacity: 1,500 lt

Having always admired the workmanship of the Halvorsen marque, style, superior finish and obviously, the captain’s final word on safety and sea-kindliness, their fully-optioned vessel met the seafarer’s requirements on all fronts. Unique features are many aboard Eliza 1 including a brilliant internal companionway of holly and teak, a separate pilothouse with full-sized chart table and a two-person watch seat. The leather and teak feature in the contemporary saloon is complemented by the functional gourmet galley with corian bench tops and clever storage. Powered by a Cummins 330HP diesel with bow and stern thrusters, achieving a comfortable cruising speed of 10 knots with economy and range, Eliza 1’s voyage is just as important as the destination. Continues on the next page

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BOAT GUIDE Big Thoughts On Big Boats Continued from previous page

DYNA 57

Everybody needs a little place called Kokomo Story by Rob Foster owner of Kokomo

The first time Kaye saw it, she loved it. It was nothing like the previous beaten-up examples. Rob knew at that minute it was his. Bewdy.

RIVIERA 48

Nasty: From fishing to cruising Interview with John Goody owner of Nasty

Now a quick test run: Melbourne to Hobart by the West Coast, then a straight delivery run to the Gold Coast. That would do. On arrival at the Southport Yacht Club, it was still in the same shape. Kokomo was in the building: 57 feet and 30 tonnes of tensioned fibreglass and stainless steel powered by two MTU tank engines, with beds, and air conditioning. It is a home unit on the Gold Coast and a big powerful long range Cruiser.

t was finally a boat that Rob owned that Kaye would actually get on.

The name was mentioned a couple of times in secret referral to mates and those in the know, like Tom, the broker. And anyone who knew, could not stop whistling the tune. It was truly beautiful. Long and high, and white and gleaming gold, and styled to make a statement—a big one! It looked like it was moving when it was just standing still. Kokomo. Everyone needs a little place like that– right? The Beach Boys said so. And if you can’t trust the Beach Boys, you can’t trust your past. Rob had six boats before this, but this was a ship. From years of owning and running fishing charters and pro fishing boats in the wildest parts of the Northern Territory that by necessity were built to survive, Rob had boats that were no more than functional and seriously safe—cyclonesafe, crocodile-safe. “Safe” in the Territory means reliable. Flash does not make reliable. Flash in the Territory has an unnerving lingering inevitability of failure about it. It’s like a challenge to the Territory itself, a terrestrial one. It says, “I’ll fix you—you flash bastard!” And it does.

Rob was happy—Dyna Craft had built them right alright! He didn’t give any truck to what the other blokes had said now. He knew what it took and he’d be happy to take this one north, and that’s where she was headed. The long way. Absolute confidence in a vessel is essential to the pleasures and joys of boating. Any lingering doubt tends to concentrate the mind. And rather than looking to what is coming up over the horizon and feeling the inherent excitement of adventure, your senses are concentrating on when and what was going to break, and how the hell you are going to get to safety if it did. It’s about lives—ask any experienced skipper. And now Kokomo is ready with three months of over-the-horizon stuff coming up. Perfect time of year. Rob can’t wait.

Absolute confidence in a vessel is essential to the pleasures and joys of boating.

Brand and make: 2004 Riviera 48 Enclosed Flybridge Built in: Riviera Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Considerations for buying: We initially wanted a bigger fishing boat, but then the 48 caught our eye. The wife loved it so much she won’t let me fish off it and now it is used for cruising. Primarily used for: Cruising. Usually travel to: The Whitsundays. And anywhere from Lizard Island to Sydney. Top tips for buying a big boat: * Talk to Ben Crawley, or talk to someone that knows what they are talking about and has experience with big boats. * Not every model suits everybody. They should be tailored to what you use the boat for: cruising up north you should have a flybridge, and cruising locally you shouldn’t need a flybridge. Unique Features: Exceptional sea performance due to hull design, great fuel consumption and very liveable

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT NEWS

Riviera Announces New Sports Motor Yacht Collection And The Creation Of The Inspiring 67 R

iviera has set the marine industry abuzz with excitement and anticipation after announcing an entirely new design of luxury yacht to usher in its astute and very advanced Sports Motor Yacht collection. Australia’s most awarded luxury motor yacht builder—and 2015 Marine Industry Exporter of the Year—has revealed preliminary details of its pioneering 67-ft yacht with a hull developed in conjunction with Dutch superyacht designer Frank Mulder—three-time naval architect of the ‘Fastest Yacht in the World’. “Today we present a window to the future of Riviera,” said the world-class luxury marque’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst at the recent Riviera Festival of Boating and Gold Coast International Marine Expo, held on Australia’s Gold Coast in May. “It is extremely exciting that we are charting a new course for Riviera that has for 35 years been a leader in design, luxury, technology and legendary blue-water seakeeping performance.”

She will have a very versatile sports-styled cockpit with copious storage solutions to reflect her ultimate versatility. The mezzanine, being the heart of the entertaining space, will also feature a spacious dining and entertaining area, with direct access to the day head, as well as great connectivity to the central galley, of course, befitting Riviera’s hallmark alfresco lifestyle characteristics. This new-generation yacht from our talented international team of designers also offers a flexible accommodation plan with three or four staterooms, with full-beam master stateroom, as well as options for a gym, teenager’s retreat, crew quarters, or a dedicated sporting equipment stowage.

at the Festival was extremely encouraging,” he said. “We’ve presented the preliminary designs to several owners of our larger Riviera flybridge models…and they’ve given her great praise indeed.” Riviera is pleased to report that the first two 67 Sports Motor Yacht models were ordered even before the end of the 2015 Riviera Festival of Boating. “That gives us great confidence that we are heading in the right direction with this new collection and model,” said Mr Moxey.

Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said the new Riviera Sports Motor Yacht’s futuristic flybridge will be fully enclosed and can be accessed via an internal staircase, with an ultramodern forward helm brimming with the latest in marine technology and innovation.

“We have developed this entirely new design after extensive consultation into where and how often our global family of owners who, in increasing numbers, are wanting to take their boating further afield with true long-range cruising,” he said. “This unique and pragmatic design offers fantastic interior flexibility...We feel our owners will appreciate the wide array The 67 has a sports-styled cockpit with of options to own a yacht with mezzanine dining and entertaining space. a uniquely personal touch and we are extremely encouraged by the feedback to our private presentations held during the Festival and at Expo.”

The 67 Sports Motor Yacht—scheduled for a 2016 release—has a refreshingly new design with sports performance and spacious sports-sized cockpit that will appeal to experienced luxury motor yacht owners who desire to spend more time cruising aboard a supremely luxurious, longrange Riviera.

Mr Moxey also said the 67 Sports Motor Yacht will be shaft-drive and will feature a full stand-up engine room. “Tank-testing of the new Mulder hull is under way and the feedback we received here

Riviera’s R Factor shines brightly “There’s nothing quite like owning a Riviera… I wouldn’t own any other boat!” An oft-repeated phrase among members of the marque’s worldwide family of luxury yacht owners, it portrays perfectly the pride and the passion— the unparalleled cachet—that the Riviera family acknowledges as The R Factor. Held at the world-class Riviera facility at Coomera— and right in the heart of the 2015 Gold Coast International Marine Expo—Riviera’s Festival of Boating held in May this year, united owners for sensational, spectacular and exclusive social events, and an array of free educational seminars and workshops. The photo above shows the band playing on a floating stage -- the back of a fishing trawler at the red-carpet Dock of the Bay cocktail event. The 2016 Festival of Boating will be held from May 19 to 22, and will again align with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo. (www.riviera.com.au)

T H E A RT O F R E L A X AT I O N

RIVIERA ENCLOSED FLYBRIDGE COLLECTION 52-77 FEET

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R U N A W A Y

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BELIZE MOTORYACHT COLLECTION 54 FEET

RIVIERA SUV COLLECTION 44-56 FEET

RIVIERA OPEN FLYBRIDGE COLLECTION 43-63 FEET

RIVIERA SPORT YACHT COLLECTION 36-60 FEET

R Marine Crawley is a dealership totally created around the love of boating and is dedicated exclusively to the luxury Riviera and Belize marques. They also offer a full valet service department as well as a premium brokerage division. Ben Crawley and his passionate team would like to introduce you to the rich and rewarding boating life and can truly help you master the art of relaxation.

Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay QLD 4216 | Ben Crawley: 0421 054 182 | Phone: 07 5529 5007 | RmarineCrawley.com.au

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BOAT BOAT COMMUNITY GUIDE

IS YOUR BOAT DISASTER-READY? EQUIPMENT THAT CAN SAVE LIVES By Matt Jackson

or those enjoying the vast expanses of incredible waterways in this beautiful part of the world, our over-eagerness can sometimes lead to carelessness on the safety front. Although nobody could be blamed for wanting to get onto the water as soon as is possible, it must be remembered that we are responsible for each other’s safety. When weighed against the unpredictable consequences that maritime adventuring can present to us, spending a little time maintaining your equipment and preparing your vessel for the worst is a small chore. The equipment you may require is based largely on the variety and use of your vessel. For those new to the boating game, this rundown on important safety essentials for recreational boating will help you to strengthen your knowledge on this most important aspect of boating. A. Very basic open water level 100 PFD B. More fitted jacket suitable for skiing

The first thing on anyone’s safety list for any type of boating has to be the life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). The necessity of these is pretty selfexplanatory. You must have as many available as there are people on board, and every passenger must know where they are stowed. There are no excuses for not having them on board as you can pick them up for as little as $17 for a basic level 100 PFD which is the minimum level requirement for open waters. There are many different types of PFD’s with

different ratings depending on Australian standards and uses. For example an open water level 100 PFD is not suitable for skiing or Jet Ski use as a Jet Ski jacket must be tight and fitting to the body, while an open water jacket is looser and has a collar to keep your head afloat in case of unconsciousness.

Having the right safety equipment on your boat and knowing how to use it is essential. More specifically necessary for open water sailors and fishermen is the inifinitely important EPIRB or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. An incredible piece of equipment that automatically sends out an alert on the 406MHz distress frequency via satellite, notifying the nearest marine rescue authority of your need for assistance as soon as it touches the water. At the very minimum, a 406MHz EPIRB can track your location via the emergency satellite within a 5 km radius updated every 45 minutes, however most EPIRBS these days have GPS enabled accuracy that can alert of your location of within a 50-metre radius updated roughly every 20 minutes. Needless to say that in any sort of a catastrophic boating accident, it is good to have a peace of mind knowing that this little fella is already calling for help.

In the vast expanse that is the ocean, it can be rather difficult to attract attention and ultimately signal for help. One of the most internationally recognised signals of help has to be the marine flare. There are three main flare types available: Parachute flares, red hand flares, and orange smoke hand flares. Obviously the most effective of the three is the parachute flare, a bright red flare that launches itself into the sky before releasing a parachute to maintain maximum airtime before slowly making its way back to sea level. These can be seen by other boats and aircraft at a distance of up to 35 nautical miles and can be used during day or night. All flares have a shelf life of about three years and it is imperative that you keep fresh flares on hand, as expired flares are unreliable and illegal.

In addition to being a respectful and responsible boat owner, there are many maritime safety laws that we must abide by to ensure the safety of all ocean lovers. Maritime Safety Queensland has an array of articles and advice to help you prepare your vessel with the appropriate safety equipment. (www.msq.qld.gov.au)

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT PROTOCOL

PRAWNS, ANYONE? Who can miss the often photographed trawler boats on the Broadwater? And who hasn’t bought fresh prawns—and more—from the trawlers directly? ROXEEN VAUGHAN offers us a peek into the Gold Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative.

stablished in 1970, the Gold Coast Fishermen’s CoOperative was one of the first developments on the Spit at Main Beach. For decades, trawlers caught and sold their local catch to providers in the seafood industry. Over 10 years ago, the Co-Operative sought approval from the State Government and Local Council, and began selling their catch direct to the public from the boat at the best possible price. Selling directly to the public, the cooperative has provided Gold Coasters fresh eastern king prawns, spanner crabs, Balmain bugs, and bycatch such as squid, octopus and cuttlefish. There are currently 10 trawlers and three spanner crab boats that conduct their activities up to 20 miles off the Gold Coast shores.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

THE BOATS

The boats that provide a picturesque view from the Broadwater, are each manned by a skipper and one or two deckhands. Weather permitting, trawler boats go out every night, while spanner crab vessels go out during the day. The boats in the co-operative vary in size and colour, hulls and motor. Some are made of steel, others made of timber, and then some made of fibreglass. With an almost all-year round trawling season—prawn season from 1 November to 20 September, and crab season from 21 December to 19 November—the co-operative is an active group. Each operator is required to have a commercial license for trawling and crabbing. The trawling sites are also limited, and the co-operative imposes a night criteria for each vessel. The members of the co-operative are not without their challenges. Diminishing fishing grounds, possible redevelopment of current site, and fuel costs are some of the problems they face. The possibility of nets being hooked up on objects under the water always pose as a challenge. The boats are also boarded at sea and checked for various things by the fisheries patrol. Safety gear is also checked by Maritime Safety Queensland.

THE CATCH Eastern King Prawns are the most

popular prawn amongst seafood lovers and are the main catch of our trawler fleet. The prawns are caught in the waters off the Gold Coast and cooked to perfection on the trawlers. Spanner Crabs are becoming increasingly popular with Australians as they catch onto this superb Gold Coast seafood product. These crabs are available live and cooked through most of the year with crab boats only taking a break from the 21st of November to the 21st of December. Balmain Bugs are very high in demand and are available either cooked, green, and sometimes even sold live. The catch rates are higher in the summer months so check our Today’s Catch updates for availability.

Facts on Trawl Fishery in Queensland The trawl fishery is Queensland’s largest commercial fishery, with about 600 vessels producing up to 10,000 tonnes of product worth about $110 million each year. The fisher must have a commercial fisher licence. The boat must be licensed under a Queensland Commercial Fishing Boat Licence (CFBL). Regulations on commercial fishing include limits on operating time, area closures, boat size restrictions, net size restrictions, and catch limits. Commercial fishers have a legal obligation to report information about their fishing activities in a compulsory daily logbook. All trawl fishers must supply data about their day’s catch, location fished and time spent fishing. The data provided is used to assess and monitor the status of individual species and fisheries in Queensland to ensure a long-term sustainable fishery. Boats operating in certain fisheries or areas are also obliged to have on board a vessel monitoring system (VMS), which tracks the position of their boat, to monitor compliance with closures and other restrictions. (Source: www.daf.qld.gov.au)

BOAT ANGLER

FISHING ON THE BROADWATER By Kevin Ballantine of Gold Coast Fishing Tackle

Photos by Kevin Ballantine

he Broadwater estuary is my favourite place to fish on the coast. Providing easy access to protected waterways, and the chance to catch a trophy-sized fish or just a feed of crabs, Squid or prawns make this a low stress option. The extensive size of this water way gives a sense of having the place to yourself, even during peak holiday periods you can still find your own secluded hideaway. As an angler, you will coexist with dolphins, dugongs, and turtles and stealthy anglers frequently have a close encounters with these exotic creatures. The number of different fish species available make it impossible to ever get bored and with South Stradbroke Island being so accessible you can easily pull up and stretch your legs or have lunch.

SEASONAL FISHING The Gold Coast Broadwater is teaming with fish due to great water quality, which is flushed twice daily via the Seaway and the Jumpinpin Bar entrances. Complementing the natural environment is a multitude of artificial fish holding structures inside the estuary including the Seaway rock walls, Wave Break, Sovereign, and Ephraim islands, and the entire canal system. The creation of these new habitants ensure every angler can expect to catch fish whether it be from a boat or a land based option. The months of August to October are perfect for chasing Dusky Flathead, arguably Australia’s most popular fish. These tasty bottom huggers begin their Broadwater invasion in readiness for the spawning cycle that heats up in September and October. A size slot limit allows fish between 40 and 75 centimetres to be taken, with the larger breeding females all released after a photo. In addition to Flathead schools of Giant and Big-Eye Trevally, school Mulloway and Tailor are prolific in areas with a bit more depth and the some early season jacks will have started to turn up. A great tip for the season is to fish as light as possible. A 7’ spin rod 2000 or 2500 reel 6lb braid, and 12lb fluorocarbon leader will handle a large proportion of the critters that inhabit the local estuaries. By fishing light you can cast longer distances, cover more ground and not spook fish in the shallow water

KEV’S RECOMMENDED GEAR

BOAT BUYING TIPS

Electric motors with spot lock. This feature permits the user to anchor on a specific location by using the inbuilt GPS system to lock onto the satellites. These are must-haves and are fantastic for silently working the extensive shallow banks or just holding you on a snag.

The main considerations when deciding to buy a boat for fishing is versatility. You will need a boat able to negotiate very shallow banks when chasing flathead with the electric motor, but still able to safely handle a decent chop or oversized washes that the big cruisers create.

Depth sounders are excellent tools for finding everything from rock bars, drop-offs, gutters, bait and certain fish species, especially trevally and mulloway.

Do not buy a boat until you have a good understanding of your requirements and the number of passengers you will regularly load. It is recommended first to hire a boat or go out with a mate before you talk to a sales person about buying a boat.

Lip grips (or Boga grips) are essential for releasing fish and are handy holding devices for removing hooks and taking photos.

Polarised sunglasses with glass lenses are critical for spotting drains on shallow banks, weed beds, drop-offs, or even cruising fish.

Fishing and Leisure Boats

Catch and release measuring mats, or commonly called Brag Mats, perfect for measuring, and to have photographic evidence before release. Another essential when you are out fishing is a decent medical kit. Having basic first aid supplies on board can be the difference between a miserable or a great day.

“By fishing light you can cast long distances, cover more ground and not spook fish in shallow water.” 42

A four- to six-metre aluminium or fibreglass boat with a 40-150 horsepower will allow easy manoeuvring in the Broadwater as well as handle unexpected offshore conditions.

DANGERS OF INTERNET SHOPPING FOR GEAR Buying fishing tackle over the internet can be risky if your product knowledge isn’t spot on, inexperienced anglers with the best intentions often purchase fishing equipment that appears cheap and are led to believe that will do a particular job when it can’t. When buying new gear, think about what type of fishing you will be doing. Pick a particular species and customise the gear needed to suit that fish. If you are not sure, ask someone in a tackle store for help. When visiting your local tackle shop, discuss with the staff the type of fish you want to chase. The local knowledge provided by a tackle store is your short cut to a successful days fishing. By trusting the tackle store’s advice, you will be purchasing the right tackle to suit your needs. Bigger is not necessarily better, so do not judge your tackle shop by its size. Finding a local supplier that offers genuine service, home-grown knowledge and a well-thought-out product range are key to your evolution into a successful fisher. AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT BOAT GUIDE GUIDE

MARINE ELECTRONICS A BUYER’S GUIDE By Matt Jackson

here is a crazy galaxy of technology out there. Year after year we see it growing exponentially, taking control of more and more aspects of our lives and 2015 is no different. In this galaxy of technology, you will find that there is a whole exciting world of marine electronics to explore, below is your map to the latest and greatest gizmos on offer. Bon voyage!

FISH FINDERS Lowrance HDS 9 Generation 2 Touch Product Code: 000-10769-001 When it comes to features and ease of use, it is pretty hard to go past Lowrance’s huge range of touch screen fish finders and chart plotters, in particular their HDS 9 Gen 2. A 9-inch touch screen display with brilliant colour and vast brightness options allows you to have accurate control in a range of lighting conditions. Broadband Sounder™ and mapping software options allow you to easily track and follow bait or game fish wherever they may lead you, then it will take you back home again. This, combined with your compatible tablet or smartphone and the GoFree application, allows you to have wireless access to all the features and controls of the HDS 9 anywhere on deck. All these features and more can be yours for $2,999. Raymarine E7 7” Hybrid Touch Product Code: E62355- AUS The Raymarine E7 7” Hybrid Touch chart plotter is a no-nonsense, easy to use piece of equipment complete with all the features you need, without the ones you will never use. Like the Lowrance,

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the E7 includes wireless device connectivity for access anywhere on deck. The stand-alone E7 is available for $1,445. The one with ‘The Lot’ will set you back $1,845, including optional fish-finder and Australian Navionics Gold Chart.

MARINE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS Fusion 750 Marine Entertainment System Product Code: MS-UD750 The Fusion 750 series offers an easy to use interface, with connectivity to just about any media device you can think of. The UNI-Dock feature offers protection to your device from the harsh marine elements while the charging capabilities enable hours of entertainment. Compatible with Apple IOS, Windows or Android, USB and Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi streaming control systems combined with Pandora support, durable construction, multi-zone settings and many more features for all your entertainment needs. All yours for $849. GME G-DEK Marine Multimedia System Product Code: GM500W The GME G-DEK system offers you everything you expect from any marine entertainment system. Features include quality music and video output compatible with almost any device you could think of—from Apple to basic USB input. For larger vessels, this system also includes a public address feature that allows you to broadcast voice announcements. A no-nonsense system demands a no-nonsense price of $329.

SAFETY Raymarine Hand-Held TH-24 Thermal Night Vision Product Code: 432-0008-22-00S If you are embarking on quite a lot of night-based adventures in populated waters, then you are almost mad not to have one of these tricky little fellas on board. Raymarine’s hand-held range of thermal night vision scopes will not only help to protect yourself, your passengers and your vessel, but also anyone else out on the water. With basic, easy to use controls, incredibly durable construction, and crisp quality vision powered by FLIR technology, there is no longer any need to be afraid of the dark. Let there be light for $2,750. COMMUNICATIONS GME VHF Marine Radio Product Code: GX600AB This compact and reliable VHF marine radio includes all the standard marine frequency scanning features you could want, coupled with some more customizable frequency options. Programmable channel scanning, dual and triple watch ability with two ‘favourite’ channel memory slots, and instant emergency channel selector capability are just some of the many features of this great all-rounder. Never be out of touch for $249.

Use marine electronics, where even a small drop of water will destroy your device.

BOAT FEATURE

THE GOLD COAST WATERWORLD With 44 years of diving experience in Gold Coast waters, IAN BANKS of Diving The Gold Coast is most qualified to share his knowledge of Gold Coast dive sites. He provides a peek into the underwater world through photos and some important information on the value of the marine life.

opular dive sites in Gold Coast waters feature the fish life. The Seaway itself has a full range of fish life, while beach-start shore dives are particularly good for rays, such as the eagle rays. February to April for summer conditions and May to August for winter conditions. Often visibility is better in the winter months and some of the spawning

activities are greatest at this time. The average temperature range is a very comfortable 18-27 Â°C. Summer months are my favourite for the variety of fish activity and the warm water. The Gold Coast has a mixture of conditions affecting diving. Wind direction is the primary governing factor of when and where to dive. Basically, SE winds produce the best visibility (up to 20 metres), while NE winds reduce the visibility (less than 10 metres). Westerlies produce the flattest seas along most of the coast except the southern reefs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; here, the southerlies flatten the sea, and provide the best conditions for Kirra reef. With the Gold Coast Seaway being an estuary, the main conditions dictating the diving are current and visibility. Where you choose to dive will depend

SOFT CORALS

Not many hard corals are found on the Gold Coast but there are plenty of soft corals often with beautiful colours. Solid structures such as the desalination plant outlet manifold are an ideal substrate for soft coral, sponges and other marine invertebrates. (Tugun)

The Kirra Reef is the best near-shore reef structure on the Gold Coast. It is shallow in depth and is constantly flushing. Its rocks with nooks and crannies make an ideal substrate for a wide range of invertebrates and fish life.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS

The Scottish Prince, a 950-ton iron barque ran aground on Stradbroke Island in 1887 at 8 to 11 metre-depth, 400 metres from the beach directly off the Federation Walk car park.

Photos by Ian Banks

ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Queensland gropers and wobbegong sharks take shelter in the Aquarian wreck.

largely on the time of the tide, what marine life you want to see, what level diver you are, and whether or not you have boat access. Understanding the wind and wave conditions, as well as the tide times, are necessary, so it is very important to utilise local knowledge of when and where to dive. My personal favourite is the Gold Coast Seaway because of ease of access and being able to see the huge number of fish species, large schools of fish, as well as turtles on a daily basis. The Gold Coast Seaway in my opinion, would be the best dive site in any Australian city. It is in close proximity to a large urban centre, and yet has high fish numbers and a diverse range of fish species. Many divers would normally travel many thousands of miles, to remote areas, to access this type of species diversity. ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Wrecks are ideal habitat for attracting bait fish, such as scad. They also provide protection for larger fish, such as mulloway and cods. The Aquarian sank in the 1980s at 15-metre depth and has been a stable site even with the large storm events since then.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS

The Sand Bypass Pipe (Sand Pipe) is now part of the annual luderick spawning activities. They gather here to spawn in the winter months. AUG - OCT 2015

INTERESTING CREATURES

Australian cownose rays are an amazing site when they are schooling. I have seen as many as 400. They are like a squadron they all turn in formation. The Gold Coast Seaway is one of their stop-off points during their migration along the east coast.

INTERESTING CREATURES

The white-spotted eagle rays are a favourite among divers as they are the most frequently seen of the midwater swimming rays. They are graceful to watch and sometimes you can get close.

INTERESTING CREATURES

Nudibranchs are basically sea snails without shells.

Nudibranchs are very cryptic in colour and patterns while others have brilliant colouration. They are toxic for fish to eat.

INTERESTING CREATURES

Green turtles are the main turtles we see in the Gold Coast waters that live in the Seaway. Approximately 10 green turtles live in the Seaway at any one time and usually come to the surface to breathe within 30 to 40 metres of the rock wall.

SEAGRASS

The sea grasses in the Broadwater are critical for the life cycles of many juvenile fishes, crabs, prawns and squid. When anchoring, try not to damage these areas.

To know more about the different dive sites and dive conditions on the Gold Coast, visit an accredited dive shop, or check out divingthegoldcoast.com.au. FOR THE FISHOS

Schooling bigeye trevally are an icon of the Gold Coast Seaway. The most popular spot is at the Sand Pipe where the numbers can exceed 1,000. At each of the 14 support pylons, there are â&#x20AC;&#x153;cleaning stationsâ&#x20AC;? where little cleaner wrasses feed on any parasitical crustaceans attached.

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PROTECTED FISH

Queensland gropers as huge as 2.2m have been seen at the Sand Pipe alone or in pairs. At the entrance during luderick mating time, I have seen up to eight. These gropers are inquisitive but also cautious but will normally stay away. Catching and possessing this fish is totally prohibited.

RUBBISH

Only items that do not roll well are commonly observed unless the item wedges in a hole. Sun glasses and swimming goggles are by far, the most common items seen. However, the worst problem for marine life are the lost crab pots and snagged fishing line.

BOAT SAILING

SAILING SCHOOLS STORY SERIES THE SAILING ACADEMY By Yassmina Hamie

here is nowhere better to be than on the water in particular on the beautiful Gold Coast! It is a great sport that you can enjoy solo or with a team, whether it be fast, exhilarating and competitive, or relaxing and laid-back. The Sailing Academy of Southport Yacht Club at Hollywell provides great entry-level opportunities for beginners to jump on a boat and give it a go no matter what their age or ability.

Racing is on throughout the week, with great keelboats, trailer sailors, catamarans and dinghies on the water. The Academy has welcomed over 4,000 kids through the school sailing programs and has introduced sailing to over 300 adults through the corporate sailing and twilight sail racing experiences. It has also ran approximately 400 club races.

HOW TO GET STARTED

BENEFITS OF SAILING

SAILING IS NOT EXPENSIVE

The Funsail sessions are how the kids can get started. The 1.5 hour sessions are perfect for all kids aged 7 to 17. The sessions teach them the basic safety requirements and run them through a demonstration on the beach, teaching them how to operate the boat. An hour and a half later, the novices are converted into sailors! Parents watch on and are amazed at the fact that their little ones are sailing a boat. Twilight Sail Racing Experience is offered persons over the age of 17. It is perfect for those who just want to give it a go and to see if they have a passion for the sport. Participants get the opportunity to crew in an actual Southport Yacht Club race on board a 23-foot yacht with a fully qualified instructor as the skipper. They take part as working crew members under the direction of the skipper as they compete for prizes and bragging rights among the club sailors. Those who are not too keen on the ‘racing’ side can just enjoy a twilight sail with the rest of the fleet. At the completion of the sail, they are invited back to the Bar and served a complimentary drink in time for the presentation ceremony.

Sailing is a great sport and everyone should at least try it! It opens doors to new friendships and experiences for kids, adults and families all together. Sailing is not gender specific, both girls and boys have a fair chance out on the water. There are also no age limits. Sailing teaches skills you can use anywhere in the world. Sailing is ‘one language’. You can learn how to sail in Australia and jump on a boat in Spain (or anywhere else). It teaches kids the skills that encourage tactical thinking. Sailing provides you with the knowledge and understanding of wind and tide conditions, and awareness of the ocean. You can get involved as a crew member without having to purchase anything in particular for the sport. You can do it individually or as part of a team. There is a great opportunity to travel around the country and internationally for regattas and meet people from all over the world. It is also a great way to stay fit and to release stress at the end of a busy day!

The Funsail lessons start from just 13.80 dollars per visit (five-visit pass) or single session pass for 20 dollars (1.5 hour session) on the weekends. The Twilight Sail Racing Experience is only 29 dollars for approximately two hours of sailing. The School Holiday Camps are only 240 dollars for three full days. The Club also offers boat leases for juniors for only 100 dollars per month—the Club’s way of making sailing more affordable while also giving parents and sailors some time before committing to purchasing a boat. The Academy offers Discover Sailing Days to try out sailing for free. The SYC Sailing Academy is located at 1 Marina Crescent, Hollywell. Contact +61-7-5537-7030 or sailing@southportyachtclub.com.au.

Sailing Schools Story Series Boat Gold Coast is featuring sailing schools and clubs on the Gold Coast. The Sailing Academy of Southport Yacht Club is the first in the series.

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT FEATURE

Is it the Black Pearl? Is it a ghost ship? It is neither. It is Notorious, a recreation of a 1480’s caravel, researched, designed and constructed by GRAEME WYLIE. Here, his wife FELICITE WYLIE shares the story of the non-notorious caravel.

ur story began decades ago when Graeme witnessed the destruction of hundreds of tons of Monterey cypress windbreaks from around farms in the southwest of Victoria. Bulldozed into immense bonfires, this timber was (and still is) destroyed in the paddocks around farms (and city parks and gardens) in the dairy wonderland of southwest Victoria. Graeme built a horizontal bandsaw capable of milling seven feet diameter logs. The gathering of felled trees from landowners followed. He began by using the reclaimed timber to create beautiful furniture, of massive dimensions and designed to last many generations. After a number of years in this cut-throat industry, and with over 300 tons of logs adjacent to our home, he decided to build something that would use all the wood, and require building only once! Although actively involved in motorsports in his youth and beyond, Graeme always enjoyed “messing around in boats”. His decision to build a boat was supported by me in that I knew he would be happiest and fulfilled by this next project and life chapter. I returned to the workplace as a registered nurse, while Graeme undertook this incredible undertaking.

The wreck disappeared—either buried by sand, cut up for firewood, or covered by the sea—and when its importance was recognised, the long and unending search for this wreck began. If ever found, this wreck will rewrite the discovery of Australia as having occurred more than three hundred years before Captain Cook. The caravel is an interesting vessel, featuring a lateen rig, a shallow draught, a wide and beamy hold, and with manoeuvrability belied by her ponderous appearance. These ships were designed by a prince of Portugal in the 14th century, Prince Henry The Navigator. The design enabled an oceanic passage to the riches of The East, through unknown waters to an unknown destination. The caravels were small ships ranging from 30 to 100 tons, lightly manned by sailors and soldiers, and easily sailed by a small crew. They were fast, could sail into the wind somewhat, could explore upriver, and were heavily armed. The caravel existed in an ever-changing form for about one hundred years, before the Spanish and the Portuguese began building bigger ships to bring home their ill-gotten gains. The caravels then became escort vessels for these wealth-laden naus and galleons. These vessels were the first to circumnavigate the world. However, archeological evidence is yet to be found of a caravel worldwide.

A UNIQUE EXISTENCE

MAHOGANY SHIP

Notorious is the only Hemisphere. Graeme’s began with laying the the final plank being

Graeme spent two years researching and designing Notorious. His choice of vessel was made for a few reasons. The legend of the Mahogany Ship is close to the heart of many Southwest Victorians. Last seen in 1886, this ancient wreck was first sighted by Europeans in 1836, and is now thought to have been a Spanish or Portuguese caravel from 1522.

Notorious was launched at Port Fairy on February 7th, 2011. Although fully constructed, Notorious required fitting out, and the next ten months were spent raising funds and readying her for sea trials. In December 2011, Notorious sailed to Portland, in 50 knot winds, returning the following day.

caravel in the Southern decade-long construction keel in April 2002, and laid in November 2010.

NOTORIOUS CARAVEL SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 17.5 m, Beam: 5.5 m, Draught: 2.1m, Displacement: 58 tons, Timber: Monterey cypress, Ballast: 12 tons Bluestone, Fastenings: Australian hardwood (tree nails) Steel bolts in keel and knees Lateen rig, Exterior finish: linseed oil, pure turpentine, Stockholm tar and pitch (Medieval varnish). The next month saw Notorious depart Port Fairy on her maiden voyage to Port Phillip, to be featured at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club Wooden Boat Festival, berthing in Corio Bay for three months. Since then, Notorious has sailed over 10,000 nautical miles along the Southern and Eastern coasts of Australia, featuring at Wooden Boat Festivals and visiting and Opening for Inspection at many ports between Hobart and Port Douglas. The visiting public are entranced by Notorious, her story, and her history. People are astonished that such a vessel is indeed a sailing ship, and that she is our home. People are amazed that Notorious is sailed by two people, and has sailed from Victoria to Tasmania and Queensland. People are astounded that this caravel replica was researched, designed and created single-handedly by one person, with no financial assistance from any government body. Globally, in the maritime arena, Graeme’s achievement is unique. In a nutshell, Notorious is an amazing story of Graeme Wylie’s creativity, endurance and selfbelief. Notorious is indeed food for thought for many of the visiting public, especially in today’s era of modern technology both on land and at sea. She evokes many questions from the visiting public, and remains an enigma for so many. To follow the Notorious voyage, visit their Facebook page ‘notorious’. Contact Felicite at 0427633298. AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT ENVIRONMENT

THE STORY OF GOLD COAST’S SAND

A WIN FOR THE PIN, AFTER LITTER FINDS THE BIN

By Maggie Muurmans, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

id you know that there are more stars in our universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on earth? And that the stories that the sand on Australian beaches can tell date back thousands of years? The sand on the Gold Coast is no different, being formed from granite rocks and sandstone up to 250,000 years ago. If you would look at sand through a microscope, you will able to identify many different rocks, gemstones and shells. It takes many years for a rock to break down to the size of a grain. The motion of waves, wind and currents makes sure that the sand moves along the coasts and becomes finer in the process. The softer rocks are worn away the fastest, exposing the jade, quartz and sometimes even gold! The Gold Coast is very fortunate to have fine, golden sand. There are many beaches in the world where pebbles or gritty sand make up the coastline— beautiful and dramatic in appearance but not so good for building sand castles or spreading your beach towel on! Our Gold Coast sand originated from the Clarence River in New South Wales where granite rocks were transported downstream to the ocean. However, this changed 12,000 years ago until today when our sand is being delivered from the eroding beach ridges along Brunswick Heads. The constant movement of that fine sand along the Gold Coast’s coastline creates a challenge for our coastal lifestyle. In order to protect our coast from erosion and storm events, the city of Gold Coast needs to constantly ensure there is enough sand on our beaches and our dunes are revegetated. This involves often complicated coastal engineering techniques, which are constantly being innovated and renewed. The Griffith Centre for Coastal Management’s partnership with the City of Gold Coast ensures the coast is being monitored at all times. Making sure that we have a safe place to live, a beautiful beach to use, and a great coastal lifestyle to enjoy!

KEEPING SAND ON THE BEACHES

By Daniel Kwon, Gold Coast Catchment Association

hat do you get up to on a Sunday morning? Throw on the first shirt you find and head to the shed to finish sanding off your procrastinationvarnished recycled timber coffee table? Take the nagging little ankle biters to the park or to the beach? Get ready to play your weekend sport? Sleep in for an extra hour or three? (I’d take the latter, thanks very much, and a flat white with a triple stack of pancakes upon awakening from my beauty sleep.) But could you do any of these things if you knew that our marine playground was littered with junk that only we are to blame for? Yep, blame yourself for other people littering. Sounds crazy right? Once a year on a Sunday morning, some inspiring folk decide to get up to clean up other people’s mess. Yep, they deliberately wake up to literally wake up about litter! They’re the heroic folks at the Jacobs Well Fishing and Social Club who forego the temptation of wetting their lines on a Sunday morning of the yearly calendar, and instead roll up their sleeves to clean up what their fellow anglers and company leave behind. This dedicated bunch of 50 to 60 good folk, kids and adults, armoured with the scent of insect repellent synonymous to coastal Queensland, voluntarily deploy themselves in the

dozens, armed with their gloves and determination to tackle the littered tackle. They battle the early morning crusade of militant midge flies and mercenary mozzies while knee-deep in the mangrove flats at low-tide to dig up half-buried rubbish left by campers. This year was no different, spending the first Sunday in May to “Clean Up The Pin”. Partnered with local businesses, council and the parks department of Queensland government, volunteers removed over 4.5 tonnes of litter! The clean-up saw alcoholic beverage bottles and cans, and food packaging topping the list on the scorecard. Throw in a few batteries, chunks of boats probably bitten off by rogue jacks, dumped and forgotten cheap and nasty camping gear, and even DIY toilets. (Yep, you get a milk crate, saw the top off it and whack a toilet seat from the hardware store on it, and you have yourself a little mangrove port-a-loo. That’s why I don’t play near mangroves!) Clean Up The Pin has been in operation for over 10 years, and the Jacobs Well Fishing and Social Club can do with your help in 2016. (Remuneration is by way of the famous Jumpinpin sausage sandwich and drinks from the club.) For more information on how you can support Clean Up The Pin, please contact Jacobs Well Fishing and Social Club’s Kaye Mullen on 5546 2558.

Whenever we walk on beaches, we are always collecting sand and taking them off the beaches where they belong. To minimise our impact on the coast, ensure that we take less or none of the sand when we leave the beach. Use linen or other sand resistant material for laying on the beach. Towels easily collect sand and are hard to brush off. Use flip flops or sandals where the sand can easily fall off as you walk. Do not collect sand from the beaches. The coast needs each grain of sand for its protection and survival.

By BGC team

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BOAT GUIDE

KNOW YOUR GSO BOATIE’S GENERAL SAFET Y OBLIGATIONS SIMPLIFIED By Kyle Turner

Fishing and Leisure Boats

Safety can never be emphasised enough when it comes to boating. After all, the boat and everyone on board are always subjected to the elements of nature that can be very fickle. KYLE TURNER simplifies for us the legal obligations of all boat owners and operators.

he Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 (TOMSA) imposes a number of general safety obligations on all boat owners and operators to operate their vessels safely at all times. These obligations require boaties to ensure that their boat is: safe; properly equipped and maintained; and operated in a safe manner. It is important that all boaties remain aware of these obligations while enjoying their time on the water.

VESSEL BE SAFE, THAN SORRY Section 41 of the TOMSA puts an obligation on boat owners not to operate a ship unless the ship is deemed to be safe. For the purposes of the legislation, a ship will be deemed ‘safe’ if it is seaworthy, and is appropriately equipped and crewed, to meet the foreseeable dangers of the voyage on which the ship is proceeding. To ensure that you satisfy this provision, it is important to plan ahead before setting sail to make sure that your boat is adequately equipped, and prepared for any foreseeable events that may occur along the way.

YOU’RE THE SKIPPER, YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE Section 43 of the TOMSA outlines the general obligations of any person involved in the operation of a ship. This section essentially makes any owner, master, pilot or crew member involved in the unsafe operation of a vessel liable in the event that a marine incident is caused. So although some of us may be tempted by a cold drink or two while cruising the waters on a hot summer’s day, it is important to take it easy on the alcohol and ensure we remain alert at all times while operating our watercrafts.

WHAT IS A MARINE INCIDENT? According to section 123, a marine incident can include a number of occurrences, including: material damage being caused to a ship; the grounding, capsizing or stranding of a ship; or any event resulting in the serious injury or death of a person caused by the ship’s operations. Boaties have an obligation under this legislation to report any marine incidents to a shipping inspector within 48 hours. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are unsure whether a marine incident has occurred, it is always a good idea to report it anyway!

SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section 44 of the TOMSA goes on to outline the obligations regarding the safety equipment required on board a vessel. Put simply, it states that if a ship is required by a regulation to be equipped with certain safety equipment, then it is unlawful for any person to operate the vessel without such equipment on board. While there are some boats that are not required by law to carry regulated safety equipment, it is

still important to always consider your general safety obligations as a skipper when deciding what equipment to take on board. After all, if you find yourself in an accident on the water and you have failed to carry a piece of equipment that could have helped to prevent the incident, then you are still liable for prosecution.

COMPLY FOR SAFETY Recent safety equipment checks by Maritime Safety Queensland compliance officers found that some boaties actually have better access to their eskies and fishing tackle than to their life jackets and other safety equipment. While it may be easy for a boatie to be distracted by that perfect catch or the excitement of towing the kids around the waterways, it is important for boaties to be aware of the rules implemented in 2012 requiring owners and captains of boats to ensure that each person on board knows where all the safety equipment is kept and how to get to it in a hurry.

TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE SKIPPER: 1. Ensure that your boat is well maintained and in good condition. 2. Check the weather before you head out. 3. Check that you have all the required or necessary safety equipment on board and make sure everybody on board knows where to access it in the case of an emergency. 4. Go easy on the alcohol! It is important to be alert at all times while operating your boat. 5. At the first sign of trouble, get everyone on board to put their life jackets on. If they’re not on, they won’t keep you afloat!

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BOAT DESTINATION

HINZE DAM A FISHING AND BOATING HIDEAWAY By Paige Hood

he day is Friday. You have had a long and hard week at work and you want to get in touch with nature and your adventurous side. You sit and think about places you have been on the Gold Coast and try to organise a Sunday family outing where you can forget work and enjoy being alive. You want to feel as far away from your normal routine and life, but do not want the hassle of driving hours to get there.

FOR FISHERS AND BOATIES........

Imagine a place in your mind where the sky is sea blue, the trees are grass green, the wind is warm, the water looks fresh to drink and there is not a thought in your mind. In fact, you feel at one with nature, at peace with yourself and happy living in the present moment in a place where you feel safe and secure. This place is a reality and it is called Hinze Dam.

Two boat ramps provide access into Hinze Dam. For visitor safety and to protect the riparian areas around the lake, boats and vessels are only to be operated from the designated launch points located at the Western Boat Ramp (NerangMurwillumbah Road) and Eastern Boat Ramp (Range Road) which are open for use. Fortunately, a boating permit is not currently required at Hinze Dam. However, Liz explains, “Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are not permitted on Hinze Dam but are permitted at Lakes Maroon and Moogerah in the Scenic Rim region.”

Hinze Dam is one of Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets, hidden away in the Gold Coast Hinterland, 30-minute drive from the glitter strip that is Surfers Paradise.

THE WATER AND THE DAM........

Hinze Dam is also a place which can attract much fun for fisher persons and boaties. Acting Manager External Relations Liz Kearins at Seqwater states, “Boating is a popular activity at Hinze Dam for fishing and nature lovers. Electric powered watercraft, sail craft and paddle craft are permitted on the lake.”

Hinze Dam is a manmade wonder built in 1976 and raised in 1989. In 2011, a 395-milliondollar upgrade of Hinze Dam was completed, which involved raising the wall by 15 metres, doubling the dam’s capacity and providing increased water security and flood mitigation.

Rigging areas were installed at both the Eastern and Western Boat Ramps at Hinze Dam earlier this year. The designated areas for rigging and de-rigging boats are reducing congestion around the ramps. The rigging areas are easily identified by line markings and appropriate signage. The access to the recreational facilities to the Hinze Dam is now via Advancetown Road.

As well as being a marvel for exploration, the Hinze Dam is the Gold Coast community’s main source of drinking water and fantastic recreational destination for friends and families where free facilities, such as children’s playgrounds, parks, walking tracks, bikes and horse trails. Refreshments are available at the View Café. There is also a Hinze Dam Interpretative Centre, barbecue areas, adequate car parking and toilet facilities for locals and tourists alike.

Other recreational activities that are allowed at Hinze Dam include canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Fishing is permitted on Hinze Dam from vessels, as well as from the shoreline of the Eastern and Western Boat Ramps. Liz states, “The Hinze Dam Fish Management Committee manage the dam’s fishing permit scheme which raises funds to stock the lake with fingerlings.” Fishing permits are available from selected retailers.

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The fishing opportunities at Hinze Dam are endless for freshwater fishermen. With an array of species of fish from Australian bass, gold perch (yellowbelly), silver perch, saratoga and Mary River cod, there is never a dull moment when you have an underlying excitement of catching one of them. The Hinze Dam Fish Management Committee released 80,000 bass fingerlings into the dam in 2014 which offers the fisherman a busting and bustling ecosystem beneath the blue waters of the dam. The funds raised to breed and release the bass fingerlings were done so through the permit applications. As an added bonus, many fish are prone to surface feeding which makes the Hinze Dam a fantastic fly-fishing destination.

RESPONSIBLE USE.......................... It is important to remember that aside from being a source of recreational and boating fun for people, the lake is also home to abundant wildlife. “It’s very important to ensure that all rubbish, especially fishing line and hooks, is disposed of properly to avoid serious harm to wildlife. We also ask visitors to be courteous to our neighbours. Do not launch, retrieve or beach on land around the lake, other than at signed, designated recreation areas,” Liz advises. Hinze Dam has a wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed and shared by young and old. It is a place to be respected for all its wonder and visited frequently for its sheer beauty and enjoyment of the nature that surrounds it. It is also a place to visit for electric powered watercraft owners and fishermen alike. It is important to note that boating regulations set by Maritime Safety Queensland are enforced in the area. All Seqwater recreation areas are open between 6am and 6pm, seven days a week. Visit www.seqwater.com.au for more information.

BOAT BUSINESS

ook out on the Broadwater! It’s a boat. It’s a floating shop. It’s a café. Yes, it is all of the above—it is the Seaway Café!

THE

SEAWAY CAFÉ FLOATING ON WATERS NEAR YOU By Andy Kancachian

But is this not the ice cream boat? To set the record straight, Seaway Cafe owner, Spiro Stamatopoulos confirms, “We are trying to move away from the term ‘ice cream boat’ and have branded the business as a café. Although the vessel was previously exclusively an ice cream boat, the new boat is a well-equipped café. We now sell fresh grinder coffee, cakes, toasties and various other food items that boaties can enjoy.” The Seaway Café has built a loyal following that is supporting the boating lifestyle for the new business owners. “Our best customers are those which are on the water for extended periods of time, such as day trippers, fishers, boaties on live-aboards, yachties, and those with kids. Our customers are on 3-metre tinnies up to 30-metre cruisers. We are fortunate that we have a captured market on the water as there are no other service like our café, where boats can pull up alongside and get a feed.” So, if you are wondering what the Gold Coast boaties are buying, Spiro reels off the list of topselling items: coffee, cakes, ice-cream, sausage rolls and pies. The unique vessel was purchased in mid-March 2015 and underwent a major overhaul to return the boat to seaworthiness. Spiro says, “The project was a ground-up rebuild using the original hull with

all new internal fittings such as benches, carpet, coffee machine, and equipment.” Spiro is no stranger to the water. “I have always loved the sea. When I was just 16, I worked on trawlers as deckhand and have always owned a boat from a tinny to a cabin cruiser.” Not only does Spiro cruise the waterways he also cruises the skies. “My other passion is aviation. I am a commercial airline pilot and recently sold a flying school and charter company.” Convenience is at the core of the business philosophy. “I can remember a day our family hired a pontoon boat from a company in Runaway Bay. We were moored up on the southern side of Wave Break Island when my wife, Elise, wanted a coffee and the kids an ice block. So we pulled anchor, steamed over to shops at Labrador, bought the essential items and returned to the same location. All well and good, but that process took about an hour away from our precious relaxation time.” To sum up the business, Spiro describes “We come to you—servicing the Broadwater areas at least three times a day. So if we miss you the first time, wave us down on our return.” Seaway Café services the popular Broadwater areas from Southport right up to North Stradbroke. The boat works with the tides as the vessel only does about five kilometres per hour. The best way to flag down the floating Café is a frantic waving of hands, or call on 0427-712-652.

SALES

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GUIDE

OR OUT? IN THE ENGINE CHOICE By AK Tucker Fishing and Leisure Boats

hen deciding on your boat, you will also need to consider whether you would want an inboard or an outboard engine, or an inboard/ outboard. In this article, we provide the basic information about these engines and their benefits and challenges. Ultimately, however, it is your own boating needs and personal preference that will affect your buying decision.

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

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INBOARD VS. INBOARD/OUTBOARD Mounted amidship, the inboard engine drives a propeller shaft that is fixed to the bottom of the hull and is steered by a rudder, whereas an inboard/outboard (also known as a stern drive) is mounted in the stern of the boat that drives a directional outdrive (or drive leg) that is mounted thru the rear of the hull (transom). An inboard engine provides greater stability for your boat, which is well suited for large commercial vessels, offshore work, and for some types of waterskiing. It is popular with commercial boats as it has a lower centre of gravity creating stability. The midmounted inboard is used for heavier vessels requiring more horsepower, as the size and weight of the engine would not be appropriate for a stern mounting. A boat with an inboard engine will be more difficult to load onto a trailer. If you plan to use the boat for slalom skiing, then the inboard engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s propeller with a separate rudder is popular as it produces little or no wake. The midship engine is not an ideal position for a pleasure craft, whereas inboard/outboards engines can be neatly mounted under the rear bench or swim platform. An inboard/outboard with its shallow draft will be easier to maneuver in shallow waters such as those around the Gold Coast Broadwater and estuaries.

The drawback is that inboard/outboards do not steer effectively unless thrust is applied; as a result, docking is more challenging. Inboard engines are located in the bilge of the boat and sometimes have restricted access through a hatch in the floor. This area is vulnerable to moisture and water damage. Similarly, the sternmounted inboard/ outboard is located in the bilge under the rear lounge or deck, which may have restricted access. However, some models have sealed engine rooms with space to store tools and equipment. For a sleek design and sophistication, inboard/ outboard engines are a popular choice. When towing with an inboard/outboard, the weight of the engine in the stern will create a wake, which is ideal for wakeboarding. Recreational boat owners may prefer the inboard/outboard engine tucked away which allows for free access of the rear lounge, full-width swim platforms, storage and outdoor showers. The inboard/outboard also allows space under the deck for a cabin with accommodation and amenities popular with cruiser boat builders.

Disclaimer

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

BOAT ENVIRONMENT

HUMPBACKS IN THE LIMELIGHT From May to November every year, the humpback whales stage a grand nature show in Gold Coast waters. JULIET SALTMARSH goes behind the scenes to interview (JAN)-OLAF MEYNECKE, the founder of Humpbacks & High-rises (HHR), a not-for-profit group conducting research on these magnificent mammals as they go through the Gold Coast bay.

How did Humpbacks & High-rises come about? Over five years ago, I started Humpbacks & High-rises, a volunteer community organisation dedicated to the research and protection of humpback whales and other cetaceans in urban coastal waters. As a marine scientist working and living on the Gold Coast for many years, it surprised me that there was very little research done on marine mammals in the Gold Coast bay. So, the idea was to raise awareness. As with all volunteer-based organisations, we have little or no funding, and undertaking research is, in general, a very costly exercise. I had the idea that we could ask some of our local whale watch operators to allow us to undertake research and monitoring from their boats. After a couple of meetings and introducing the idea, a number of operators started to support us. The response from a number of Gold Coast businesses has been fantastic, and in particular, students are joining our team for experience. We have up to 50 volunteers every whale season who help run the surveys, and about 100 who register their interest.

What does your research show, and why is there a need for it? We monitor humpback whales and detect changes in behaviour, pick up diseases, and any problems the animals might have. It is a natural resource that is generating millions of dollars for Australia and in return whales should be well looked after. We do this on an honorary basis, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think this is how resources should be managed.

Photos by Humpbacks&High-rises/Nicolas Rakotopare

What is the population of migrating whales in the Gold Coast waters? The total east coast population of humpback whales is now around 20,000 or above. We estimate that at least one third are visiting the Gold Coast bay during their migration. After the massive decline of all baleen whales, the Antarctic krill stocks increased and there was abundant food for the few animals that survived. The steady increase of about 10 percent [of the krill stocks] over the past decades is starting to see a slight decline in recent years and I think we are soon to see a slowdown in recovery of the population.

What patterns in the whale migration have you seen over time? And what other factors can affect these patterns? There appears to be a strong link with environmental conditions, especially with temperature. Last year the whales migrated inshore up north and offshore to Antarctica, which is the opposite of their known migration pattern. Also whales leaving the tropical waters almost two weeks earlier last year, likely due to the increased water temperatures. Another interesting change is the increase of newborn calves in the Gold Coast bay. Increase of boat traffic and water pollution [caused by cruise ships, for example] will certainly have a negative impact on the humpback whales. There are many examples from around the world, such as in Alaska and California, where large vessels collide with whales when crossing their migration corridor. These impacts need to be properly addressed and mitigated. But looking at recent developments in the Great Barrier Reef, this issue is not being dealt with.

I have also developed an app called WhaleTrails that everyone can use to provide us with information on location and behavior of humpback whales. The data is very important to get an idea of changes such as spread of diseases, injuries and population trends. We are specifically looking at resting hot spots in the bay and preferences for environmental conditions. Other research includes the study of bacteria in whale mucous and analysing tissue from stranded whales. Last year I managed to collect whale blow samples using a drone to look at hormones and DNA. The project will continue this year.

What is your opinion on shark nets? After 50 years of using shark nets in Australia, thousands of animals have been trapped and killed in the nets. In times of massive decline of marine life and mass extinction of species globally this is an unacceptable method. We are looking at six entanglements of whales from last year on the Gold Coast alone, which is not a high figure compared to the 6,000-8,000 humpback whale population. For boaties who go offshore, or those who are joining a whalewatching cruise, you can share your whale photos that can assist in the HHR research. For more information go to www.hhr.org.au/upload.html.

What new research methods are you working on? We have been using iPads for data collection with the number of surveyed whales updated in real time on our HHR website.

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT BOAT COMMUNITY ANGLER

OF SPANNERS AND MUD DIY CRABBING BASICS

By Luke Rafton

he Gold Coast has countless mangrove islands, mud banks and clean waterways with abundant food source making prime real estate for many crab varieties. Although I personally prefer setting pots between Cabbage Tree Point and the Pin Bar, with many great locations for both blue swimmers and mud crabs, you can catch crabs just about anywhere on the rivers, creeks, canals and waterways of the city.

VARIETIES The Gold Coast waterways are home

to blue swimmer crabs, mud crabs, coral crabs and spanner crabs (off shore).

STRATEGY

When catching mud crabs, set pots in mangrove creeks or deep holes in the main channels. Crabs are not keen on fresh water so the activity will tend to decrease depending on the rains. The coming months of August to October are early in the season, so bait-heavy and long soaks, ideally overnight, are best when the crabs are more active and likely to feed.

TRAPS (POTS) The round collapsible pots with

four funnel entrances work best for blue swimmers. The throw-and-go lobster pot-style with a single entrance in the top of the pot is more effective for mud crabs. Use a boat hook or a gaff to pick the float off the top of the water to save reaching so far over the side of the boat. Then, pull the rope until the pot is at the side of the boat. Be sure to give a really good shake to remove any mud or jelly fish.

BAIT Fresh bait for crabbing is always more effective.

For mud crabs, the best baits are chicken frames and whole mullet. For blue swimmers use oily bonito or tuna. If you want bait effective for either variety, try mackerel or Wahoo heads/frames, if available. Several manufactured crab pots come with built-in bait bags. You may also use oyster mesh bags which you can make yourself as they are harder for crabs to destroy yet still allow a lot of smell to be released.

RULES There is a limit of four pots per person over

the age of 16, with a maximum of 12 pots per boat. Pots must all have ID tags listing the owners name, address and contact number, as well as a light coloured float no less than 100 millimetre in any dimension. Likewise, the float must have an ID tag with the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details that match the ID of the pot. Only male mud crabs or sand crabs can be taken legally and must be 15 centimetres from point to point on the mud crab, while blue swimmers are 11.5 centimetres notch to notch. A bag limit of 10 per person also applies to mud crabs. Blue Swimmer crabs currently do not have a limit. Female mud and blue swimmer crabs cannot be taken, so must be returned safely into the water.

EQUIPMENT

You will need a caliper rule, an F-shaped tool used for measuring horizontal distances. Once you have a catch, you will require bailing twine to tie them up. Ice will keep crabs fresh and put them to sleep if being eaten the same day. Take plenty of extra bait. Also, do not forget your fishing gear to pass the time between sets.

HOLDING CRABS When attempting to hold

a crab, you require confidence. Otherwise, you are more likely to get nipped. Crabs are very aggressive and strong, so they should be approached from the rear while applying downward pressure on their back, so you can hold them by their rear two flippers. This is the safest way to pick up both mud crabs and blue swimmers as they cannot reach you with their claws if handled this way. Alternatively, use long handle bbq tongs and a pair of gloves. Do not forget to take band aids, just in case!

like nothing ever happened. The best storage is to tie mud crabs up and keep them in an esky or tub with a damp hessian cloth or towel over them. This keeps the crabs cool and quiet until you are ready to consume.

COOKING Blue swimmers will take 8-10 minutes

in a pot of boiling salt water, while mud crabs take approximately 15-20 minutes when they are uncleaned. You may prefer to clean the crabs firstly by removing the carapace and all the guts which will prove to be a cleaner taste. Once cleaned, blue swimmers will take 5-6 minutes in boiling salt water, while mud crabs will take 9-12 minutes depending on their size.

GOOD LUCK You can catch crabs on your own.

It is quick, easy and painless. When you offer friends or family a fresh feed of crabs, you will be amazed at the number of helpers willing to set bait and lift pots. Make sure your keep are full of meat by pressing gently but firmly beside the second back leg on the belly side. More importantly, be sure to stick to the rules! Always check out daf.qld.gov.au for updated crabbing rules.

STORAGE Blue swimmers will not last long out

of the water. The only way to keep them alive is in a bait well. Mud crabs, however, are very resilient and will survive several days out of water if they are not left in the sun. Mud crabs can survive three days out of water and if returned to the water will swim away

MARINE MAPS

PH 0432 710 892 56

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT SERVICE DIRECTORY

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

STEP 5: WORK WITH YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER

BOAT GUIDE

6 STEPS TO MAKING

AN INSURANCE CLAIM By Kyle Turner

STEP 3: CONTACT YOUR INSURER

STEP 1: CONTACT THE POLICE

You will be required to provide evidence to your insurer to validate the claim. You should take photographs of any damaged property and write up an incident report describing your version of what happened.

STEP 2: REVIEW YOUR PRODUCT DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

It may be a good idea to check your product disclosure statement to see if the particular incident is covered under your insurance policy and is not listed as one of the exclusions. This will also give you an idea of the amount of excess you will have to pay, if any.

STEP 4: PROVIDE EVIDENCE

You may also be required to provide documentation, such as: * Original receipts * Original police reports * Valuation reports * Medical certificates * Product make, model and serial numbers

WATCHING OVER THE BARS By Michael Brooks, President, Marine Rescue Currumbin

arine Rescue Currumbin has been based at Currumbin and operational for more than 40 years. The area of operation ranges from the Gold Coast Seaway to Point Danger, stretching as far as 50 nautical miles east of the Gold Coast shoreline. The group has 60 operational volunteer members. The operations base at Currumbin Alley maintains a physical watch over Currumbin Bar, as well serving as a Marine Radio monitoring station every day of the year. There are more than 12,000 vessel crossings each year at Tallebudgera and Currumbin bars, and rising, that are logged with us. We also monitor increased leisure activity, such as nonpowered watercraft, surfing, swimming, Jetski, surf boat and the stand-up paddlers at the mouth of Currumbin Creek, causing what might loosely be termed as a lethal cocktail of potential disaster. This high density of varied use in such a restricted navigable waterway adds value to our watch over the Currumbin Bar and Estuary. 58

Once the damage has been assessed and your insurance provider is satisfied that your claim is covered by their policy, then payment will be made.

You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to get the claims process under way. Depending on the insurer, you may be able to complete the full claim over the phone; others will require you to fill out written forms.

Vessel: Rotary 1

STEP 6: SETTLEMENT

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author, and are not meant to replace professional advice. These tips only serve as a guide in conducting your own research before filing your claims.

oating is fun, until it isn’t. Such as when you get involved in an accident or the boat is vandalised or stolen. Lucky your boat is covered by insurance. The next step then is to file a claim with your insurer. In such an unfortunate event of unexpected accident or loss, these basic steps will give you a snapshot of how to get your insurance claim underway. If you are ever affected by crimes such as theft, vandalism, or a serious accident, contact the police as soon as possible to report the incident.

Throughout the claims process you may be required to gather repair quotes and other information in order to assess the damage. You should work with your insurer during this assessment in order to get repair work underway, or alternatively agree on a cash settlement.

Our number of “rescues” is not high, around five in a year. (We are pleased about that!) Throughout the year, we respond to calls for assistance and advice—not rescue—while on patrol amounting to about another 25 or so calls for assistance. Our Radio Room team members are the unsung heroes—always there, but never seen. Arriving before dawn each day, they record all vessel activity through Currumbin and Tallebudgera. A lesser known fact is that they also make SILVERCORD calls daily to the elderly, disabled or incapacitated. This is a simple community service, saying hello and making sure they are safe in their homes each morning. Local radio stations also call in each morning for a surf and bar report. We welcome boaties into our base to view the Currumbin Bar from our Radio Room. It sits well above sea level and presents a panoramic view— very handy for local knowledge as the bar is forever changing. We also have radio communications with the Surf Lifesaving, to report matters of interest to Surf Lifesaving. Sometimes, we request they clear

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARKET VALUE AND AGREED VALUE? In the case of a total loss, a market value policy will allow for the value of the boat to be determined at the time of the loss, whereas an agreed value policy (the pricier of the two) will determine the value at the time of the acceptance of the policy subject to written valuation. a channel if the density of water users is too high for vessels to safely cross the bar. In the past, our rescue vessel and crew have been exposed to danger due to recreational water users behaving poorly, such as kite surfers jumping the towline while we are towing a recovered vessel through the bar, or surfers catching and then riding the same wave within a few metres of our vessel. In restricted waterways such as the Currumbin Bar, the members of the public need to know that in many instances, vessels have the right of way and may legally manoeuvre at a speed greater than six knots and close to other users while crossing the bar. This is not by choice but by necessity. We witness many close calls between vessels and other water users and see firsthand some aggressive behaviour. Most incidents can easily be avoided by proper knowledge of who has the right of way and why, as well as simple courtesy and patience between the users. However, there is no excuse for stupidity. To volunteer or offer funding support, call 0755341000 or email currumbin@marinerescueqld.org.au.

Vessel: Timana III AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT PROTOCOL

THE BOATS OF SURF LIFESAVERS

a 24-hour callout and search-and-rescue service (with an endurance of up to 10 hours). The 6.4-metre aluminium craft, powered by turbo-charged diesel and petrol engines, has increased white-water rescue capabilities, with operational areas including high seas, shallow waters and river mouths where a jet system is unmatched.

OFFSHORE RESCUE BOAT (ORB)

By Saira Manns, Surf Life Saving Queensland

hen it is a matter of life or death, every second counts. For Surf Life Saving Queensland’s volunteer surf lifesavers, who return to Gold Coast beaches from 19 September, a range of boating vessels are critical to their operation and achieving the organisation’s vision of ‘zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters’. Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) at each beach patrol are supported by an operations support network including rescue water craft (RWCs), jet rescue boats (JRBs) and offshore rescue boats (ORBs) to assist in reaching and retrieving patient—fast.

INFLATABLE RESCUE BOAT (IRB) Also known as rubber duckies, IRBs are rubber boats with an outboard motor manned by a driver and crewperson. A compulsory piece of rescue equipment at all flagged beach patrol arenas, an IRB

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can reach a maximum drive speed of 15-20 knots on flat water and provides a faster response and return time than traditional tube or board rescues.

RESCUE WATER CRAFT (RWC) More commonly referred to as jet skis, RWCs are fast, highly manoeuvrable pieces of equipment, ideally suited to the local surf environment, proven to be one of the most valuable pieces of rescue equipment used in patrol operations on Queensland beaches. RWCs are used for roving patrols along the coastline, as well as emergency rescue situations.

JET RESCUE BOAT (JRB) Operating in Queensland for over 30 years, the Gold Coast JRB is based at Currumbin, and primarily used as a surveillance vessel, as well as

ORBs are fully kitted-out emergency response vessels, carrying state-of-the-art rescue, lifesaving and medical equipment. Their speciality is search and rescue, with a strong emphasis on first aid and basic medical response and assistance, providing a 24-hour callout service, including multi-agency search and rescue operations with other marine rescue agencies. ORBs provide water supervision on weekends and public holidays year-round, and are also involved with special events and community awareness programs. Surf Life Saving Queensland’s operations support services have become a crucial development in surf rescue. The specialist skills set and rapid motorised response units, which are on call 24 hours a day, provide yet another layer of support in keeping Gold Coast beaches and aquatic environments safe. Applications are always welcome from members of the public who are keen to get involved by volunteering as a surf lifesaver and becoming part of the Operations Support team. For more information on how to join, visit lifesaving.com.au/membership.

EMERGENCY CONTACT

Complete list of limited coast stations for the Gold Coast region: Limited Coast Station

27 MHz Channels

VHF Channels

MF/HF Channels

Telephone

VMR Point Danger

88, 90

16, 67, 22, 73 2182, 2524, 4125

07 5536 9333

VMR Currumbin

88, 91

16, 67, 73

07 5534 1000

VMR Southport

88, 86, 91

16, 67, 22, 73, 82

2182, 2524, 4125, 4483

07 5591 1300

Coastguard Southport

88, 86, 91

16, 67, 21, 22, 2182, 2524, 73, 81, 82 4125, 6215, 8291

07 5531 1421

Seaway Tower

88, 86, 91

16, 67, 22, 73, 82

07 5591 2948

VMR 88, 86, 91 Jacobs Well

16, 67, 73, 82 2182, 2524, 4125, 6215, 2112, 2201

MODERN AUSTRALIAN CUISINE | WATERFRONT DINING EDGEWATERDINING.COM.AU

07 5546 1100

Important contact numbers to remember: OFFICE

TELEPHONE

Gold Coast Water Police

07 5509 5700 Duty Crew: 0408 758 599

Marine Safety Queensland-Gold Coast

General enquiries (business hours): 07 5585 1810 After hours incident reporting: 07 5539 7373

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol-Gold Coast

07 5583 5500 To report suspected illegal fishing activities in Queensland call the Fishwatch hotline 1800 017 116

Gold Coast Waterways Authority

07 5539 7350 To report navigation aid faults, navigation hazards or marine pollution incidents After hours: 07 5539 7373

Queensland Parks and Wildlife

General Enquiries on national parks, marine parks and forests, and fish habitat areas 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

FRESH SEAFOOD | SASHIMI | FISH & CHIPS THEFISHEMPORIUM.COM.AU

ONLY A 5 MINUTE WALK FROM SURFERS PARADISE FULL HANDICAP ACCESS AND 275 FREE CARPARKS CAPRI ON VIA ROMA, ISLE OF CAPRI, QLD 4217

...........................................................................................

Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar 07 5570 1624 7 Days 8am till late Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

The Fish Emporium 07 5539 9257 Lunch | Dinner

AUG - OCT 2015

BOAT GALLEY

CRAB WONTON SOUP By Sally Jenyns

he French, with their luscious shellfish bisques and sauces, have long known that crustacean shells are a valuable source of flavour. In this soup, the crab shells give enormous depth of flavour to a clear broth, while only a little meat is used in the wontons.

Ingredients CRAB SHELL BROTH

PORK AND CRAB WONTONS

4pcs 500-gr cooked crab shells (shells from 2-3 cooked sand crabs) 2 tbsp oil 1 brown onion, peeled and chopped 4 cloves garlic, bruised 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped 4 kaffir lime leaves 1 star anise 1 stalk lemon grass 4 coriander roots and stalks 1 cup dry white wine 6 cups water coriander sprigs to garnish

100 gr fatty pork mince 200 gr cooked, picked over crab meat ½ tsp white sugar ½ tsp fish sauce 1 tsp soy sauce 1 small garlic clove, grated 1 shallot, green part only, finely sliced 50 gr water chestnuts, diced 12 gyoza or wonton wrappers

PROCEDURE Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add shells and fry for a few

minutes, breaking shells as much as possible. Add remaining broth ingredients, except for wine and water. Fry for 5 minutes stirring well and pressing down on ingredients with a wooden spoon to extract maximum flavour. Pour over wine, boil and stir until almost evaporated. Add water and simmer for half an hour. Meanwhile, for the wontons, mix pork mince with sugar, sauces, garlic, shallots and water chestnuts. Gently fold in crab meat. Spoon teaspoons onto wonton wrappers and wet edges. Fold wrappers over to enclose filling and press edges to seal. Set aside, covered with a tea towel. Strain the broth through a sieve pressing down on ingredients to extract all the flavour. Pour into a clean saucepan and bring back to a simmer. Without crowding the pan, poach 3-6 wontons in simmering broth for 5 minutes. Once cooked, arrange 3 wontons per serving bowl. Pour over hot broth and serve immediately garnished with coriander sprigs and lime wedges for squeezing. Serves 4.

Sally Jenyns is a resident seafood cook and presenter on Channel 7’s Creek to Coast. She is the author of The Coastwatch Cookbook available at coastwatch.com.au.

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB Main Beach - Hollywell - South Stradbroke Island

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BOAT NEWS

AVOID WILDLIFE ENTANGLEMENTS: FISH RESPONSIBLY

Environment

IMPROVEMENTS AT DOUG JENNINGS PARK

Photo by Ian Banks

Destination

Image from GCWA

ishers are being urged to attend to lines and ‘think before they throw’ unwanted gear. Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast founder and operator Rowley Goonan said, “Every year I catch and treat or hospitalise about 100 birds, mostly swans, pelicans, gulls, ducks and cormorants that have been hooked by Gold Coast fishers. These sorts of injuries are entirely avoidable.”

fishing lines at all times. She advises to wrap lines into a tight ball and dispose of in a bin. Local diver Ian Banks also spoke on the damage fishing lines cause, after photographing a green turtle entangled in more than 20 snagged lines in the Seaway. His post has been widely shared on social media network and prompted a clean-up of the popular Gold waterway. To report injured birdlife, call RSPCA 1300 264 625. For more information on responsible fishing, visit fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

He said the Authority had consulted with community groups who have a special interest in the park such as the Friends of Federation Walk and Save Our Spit to ensure the new facilities deliver improved accessibility, safety and amenity. Clearing of vegetation along Seaworld Drive by City of Gold Coast started in May to enable the new facility to be connected to the Council sewerage network. To view the full Waterways Management Program visit gcwa.qld.gov.au

PADDLE CRAFT LAUNCH POINT AT HINZE DAM

Destination

ublic and visitor experience of Doug Jennings Park will be enhanced with new public toilet facilities. Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) CEO, Hal

an issue for some time and we are pleased to be solving the problem as part of our commitment to enhancing the community’s enjoyment of Gold Coast waterways.”

SAIL PARADISE 2016: A HIGH SUMMER REGATTA

Photo from www.visitgoldcoast.com

ayakers and canoeists can now access Hinze Dam from a dedicated launch point at the Western Boat Ramp. The new paddle craft launch point will help reduce congestion at the

Dennis said the launch point would provide easier access to Hinze Dam for paddle craft users. Moreover, shade shelters had also recently been installed over the picnic tables at the Western Boat Ramp. “Boaties and paddling enthusiasts can now enjoy a picnic under cover before or after their time on the lake.” Seqwater’s recreation areas are open from 6am to 6pm, seven days a week. For more information about Seqwater, visit seqwater.com.au.

Sailing

Photo by Michael Jennings

ail Paradise, Southport Yacht Club’s (SYC) spectacular high summer regatta, will

upper echelon of Grand Prix racers. A combined fleet of more than 70 is expected. Details for Sail Paradise 2016 can be found at sailparadise.com.au.

GIFTS OF SOPHISTICATION AND FLAIR

ecorum Gifts is a curated collection of hard-to-find gifts and striking homewares, many of which have a distinctive nautical theme. Store owners, Dave and Michelle List, stock an eclectic catalogue of reproduction historic nautical, aeronautic and automotive pieces. ”The store is for eagle-eyed buyers wanting distinctive and quirky items,” says Mr List. “Our inventory includes items of high standards reflecting sophistication and personal flair.”

These desired objects are mainly sourced from the Netherlands, USA, France and India. Mr List best 62

and wonderful high end giftware.” The collection includes portholes and nautical barometers, aircrafts and propellers, sextants and clocks, compasses and bells, alongside original paintings, handmade vases and artistic statues. Mr List says that the store is a place to shop if you have everything with model cars and ships just a few items you just cant buy anywhere else. “The marine village is an ideal location for our many nautical objects,” declares Mr List, as most of the store’s product lines would fit in perfectly aboard a yacht or complement a waterside home. 2015

Sustain. Enhance. Promote. North Stradbroke Island

Gold Coast Waterways Authority is working hard to improve waterways access and management across a range of initiatives. Our Waterways Management Program 2014-18 identifies more than 60 projects being planned and delivered over the next four years.

Steiglitz

THE BROADWATER

Here are some of the works that are underway.

South Stradbroke Island Coomera

New boat ramp at Colman Road, Coomera

Coombabah Lake

Coomera Regional Dredge Management Facility

Gold Coast Seaway

GOLD COAST CITY

The Spit

New commercial pontoon at Surfers Riverside Delivered June 2015

Southport

CORAL SEA

Hinze Dam Advancetown Lake

New recreational pontoon at Preston Park, Currumbin

Nerang River canals and lakes

Refurbished boat ramp at Winders Park, Currumbin Delivered June 2015 New recreational pontoon at Winders Park, Currumbin

Tallebudgera Creek

Currumbin Creek

COOLANGATTA

Several key dredging projects throughout our waterways network

For more information about our program of works visit gcwa.qld.gov.au NSW

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Great State. Great Opportunity