Groundswell March 2015

M AR C H

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2015

groundswell A r e g u l a r J O UR N A L f r o m t h e C r u i s i n g Y ac h t C l u b o f So u t h A u s t r a l i a

inside > Marine Academy > personality profile > bit of club history - part 2 > giant cuttlefish > Great weekend in stink boats > sailing in croatia > what worked - what didn’t > concubine’s sydney to hobart

Andrew Saies President

From the President Board of Management President Treasurer

Andrew Saies Chris Wood Wayne Coonan Peter Hall David Murray Glenn Spear Sam Tolley

Flag Officers Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodore

Geoff Boettcher Rowland Richardson David Knights

Staff Chief Executive Officer Craig Evans Admin & Ops Manager Jenny Krogdahl Finance Manager Marina Segodina Comms & Member Services Mellissa Vahoumis Leasing Coordinator Kirsty Winstone Receptionist Andrea Boylon Marine Academy Coord Matthew Young Racing Manager Jess Hargreaves Food & Bev Manager Mario Cataldi Head Chef Dorian Molga Port Vincent Marina Rob Marner Association Chairpersons Cruising Richard Lea Fishing John Colella Racing Rob Sellick Social Activities Pam Humeniuk Life Members Arthur F Carolan Geoffrey R Catt Richard H Fidock AO Graeme L Footer John D Gerard James A Henry (Dec’d) Malcolm A Kinnaird AC (Dec’d) Peter J Page Editors of Groundswell Gay Footer, Mellissa Vahoumis, Owen Mace, Don Burrow, Terry Lockwood Contributions to reception@cycsa.com.au Advertising in Groundswell Mellissa Vahoumis: Telephone 08 8248 4222 Groundswell is the official journal of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia Inc. Lady Gowrie Drive, North Haven PO Box 1020 North Haven SA 5018 Telephone: 08 8248 4222 Facsimile: 08 8248 5888 Email: reception@cycsa.com.au Web: www.cycsa.com.au Phone Port Vincent: 0414 611 110 Registered by Australia Post Publication No PP565001/00184 ISSN 1039-4230 Graphic design by Trevor Paynter Printed by Reflex Printing

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ith the completion of the western marina breakwater the Board can again bring new energy and attention to the core business of the Club which is the delivery of facilities and services to members, trying to give value to the majority of members and ensuring that our Club operates efficiently and effectively and with practices and budgets that are in line with comparable boating clubs around the country.

Generating increased revenue streams for the Club in order to continue to pay for the facilities and services we currently enjoy is the single biggest challenge for the Club. Of course there are differing views about what constitutes value. Opinions about price and quality often being shaped by personal expectations and comparisons particularly in the food and beverage area and members may have quite varied experiences at the different functions they attend. Hospitality is a very important aspect of the Club’s offering to members yet it is the one hardest to get right to everyone’s satisfaction. It has the potential to generate or lose income for the Club directly related to patronage.

The Board constantly hears feedback from members and management both positive and negative and tries to find a balance between affordability and quality while keeping the bar and kitchen open on weekends throughout the whole year irrespective of trading numbers and revenue. A fully commercial kitchen and bar would simply close up during periods of low or no trading but staying open and providing this service is what we do as a Club.

Our food and beverage staff work very hard to both come up with new initiatives to generate increased business as well as providing great friendly service to members every weekend throughout the year. They can only do so much and I would put this challenge to all members. Get out your diary and commit to bringing down a party of ten for lunch or an evening meal at the Club at least once before the end of the financial year. You will make good use of your hospitality credit and your family and friends will be impressed by the views out over the marina and will all hopefully enjoy what the Club has to offer. You might even find someone who wants to join.

The Club provides lifestyle options that are exclusive to members and therein lies the value of membership, though each of us will value those options differently and at different times in our lives.

If every Senior Member did this just once a year the impact on revenue to the Club and the bottom line end of year performance of the Club would be substantial and would justify and fund further improvements in the total hospitality service offering of the Club. If the revenues generated by such an initiative could be locked in by Senior Members committing to such a program, ie one party of ten once per year for five years, the Club might very well be in a position to fund the much needed upgrade of the bar, patio and dining areas sooner rather than later.

The Club is not just a place to park a boat. It has a long tradition of providing members a place for competitive and cruising sailing, fishing, power boating and social activities. The Club provides lifestyle options that are exclusive to members and therein lies the value of membership, though each of us will value those options differently and at different times in our lives. Let’s commit to extracting some value and putting some back by booking that meal for ten in the restaurant before the end of May! Andrew Saies, President Cover Photo: Jason Ward’s Concubine in the final stages of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Photograph: Image by Tasmanian Yacht Photography

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Craig Evans Chief Executive Officer

At the Helm

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s I put pen to paper for this Groundswell report it is 41 degrees but in general it has been a colder than average summer and wind strengths from the Christmas period up until now have not been conducive to good boating. Despite this trading in the hospitality area of the Club has been strong and many members have managed to make the most of the number of good days we had by getting out on the water.

The installation of solar panels at the Club by our new sponsor Solar Depot was completed in mid December and early signs show significant reductions in the Club’s power bill that should have the installation costs paid off in a very short period.

Club sponsors are a very important component to the financial viability of both the Club and the various Associations within the Club. There are a number of signs around the Club and our website recognising these valued sponsors. Please consider our sponsors when you next make a purchase and it is important you let them know of your association with the CYCSA. If your company would like more information about becoming a sponsor please give me a call.

In early November 2014 our Head Chef, Dorian Molga, was unfortunately injured at work. This injury resulted in a recent knee operation and thankfully Dorian is on the mend and we look forward to his return to full duties shortly. The injury has taken our Head Chef out of action over the Club’s busiest period of the year and I would like to acknowledge our Second Chef, Kim Tran, and our Food and Beverage Manager, Mario Cataldi, for assembling and managing kitchen staff to not only fill in over this period but to ensure that the high standard of food quality and service has been maintained for member and guest satisfaction. The hospitality area within a Club environment is particularly demanding in the busy periods. The diversity of menu between those dining in the bistro area, restaurant and often several private or Club functions that could all be occurring simultaneously, can often be very challenging for our small team in a modest single kitchen environment.

Over the Christmas and New Year period we lost CYCSA Senior Member Michael Wilde. Michael was the Chairman of the CYCSA Port Vincent Marina Committee. Over a number of years I have gotten to know Michael, his wife Anne and son Geoff. I have enjoyed Michael’s opinion on Port Vincent Marina, good and bad, but always constructive. I will miss his regular weekly phone calls and our occasional meetings. My condolences to Anne, Geoff and the rest of their family at this sad time.

Hardstand Berth Owners A couple of notes: • The Club has invested a great deal of time and your money in providing a new tractor for your use. We have explained that the new ‘Blue’ tractor requires users to be trained or inducted in its use. The new tractor is currently not in service due to the incorrect operation by a member who had not gone through the induction process. The induction process takes around 15 minutes. Please make sure you are inducted if you wish to use the tractor and if you are not then please do not attempt to use it.

The Club’s extension of the inner breakwater in the western basin at North Haven was completed in late 2014. Once commenced the project went very smoothly and during the seven month construction period the entrance into North Haven Marina was never closed, our boat ramp operation for the general public was never shut, we recorded zero workplace incidents, not a single complaint was received from the boating community or our neighbours and the project was completed within budget. For those of you who have taken the time to have a look at the breakwater extension I think you will agree it has been very well made, looks like it has always been there and will greatly improve wave climate conditions within the marina. I thank contractors Maritime Constructions, rock supplier (and Club sponsor) Southern Quarries and our engineers Atkins Maritime Engineering for their involvement in this project. I would also like to thank CYCSA members Graeme Footer and Graham Meyers for their assistance leading up to and during the construction period.

• After the launching of vessels at the Marina East boat ramp can you please ensure you return your trailer to your hardstand berth and not park it attached to your vehicle in the carpark or the lawn overflow carpark area. I can appreciate that it is easier to leave the trailer attached to your vehicle and park the rig in the carpark however it is not permitted as it unfortunately encourages the use of the exclusive hardstand boat ramp launch facility to members and others who are not hardstand berth owners and it also reduces the number of carparks that are available for Club operations. We also receive numerous complaints from hardstand berth owners who are trying to lease their berths asking why we allow trailers to park on the lawn while their hardstand berths remain unleased.

The depth at the entrance to North Haven Marina is lower than that which the government have a responsibility to maintain.

The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure have a responsibility to maintain a depth of 4.7m AHD. This equates to approximately 3.3 metres of water at a tide height of 0.0 metres.

In some areas of the marina entrance channel the depth is around a metre shallower than this. I advised the department of this in mid 2014 and we still await action although they indicated that dredging will commence in February/March 2015. For any concerned owners of deep drafted vessels please come and see me to discuss and view the latest bathymetric survey.

Early in February we said goodbye to CYCSA employee Laura Turner. Laura has been with the Club for ten years and has held many positions within this organisation. Laura’s most recent position involved Membership Services and Communications. She was a well respected member of our team and liked by staff and members. A farewell BBQ lunch was organised for Laura by CYCSA members Jacqui and Marty Heffernan and Trevor Kipling. The lunch attracted over a hundred people (see her group photo on page 9) which was pretty overwhelming for Laura but was confirmation of how much people appreciated and respected her involvement at the Club. Laura leaves for a journey throughout Asia with a one way ticket and no planned return date to Australia. Good luck Laura and thank you.

The CYCSA played host to the J24 National Championships in early January. I would like to thank the large number of volunteers who were involved and also our Race Manager, Jess Hargreaves, for making the regatta a success. Special thanks to CYCSA member and SA J24 President Jim Townsend for promoting the Club to host the event and for his organisation leading up to and during the event.

Craig Evans, Chief Executive Officer

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Geoff Boettcher Commodore

Commodore’s Report

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Yacht owners over the last few years have been struggling to find crews each week for racing. May I suggest that every owner looks at including one novice on their crew list to mentor him/her into a permanent position. Although it is easy to poach crew from other boats it is detrimental to not only your future campaigns but the Club. The Marine Academy has up and coming crew who have basic training and want to become involved in racing. Ask Jess in the Race Office to assist with introducing them into your crew or just take on a total novice who wants to be part of your team. You will find you will have a valuable loyal member for your future.

he position of Commodore gives me the privilege of being able to attend Board Meetings but with no voting rights. It is interesting to have an insight into the administration of the Club. The first year in my position I witnessed the construction of the new breakwater extension in the western marina. Unfortunately this was an expensive ‘must do’ operation but has further improved the wave climate comfort throughout the marina. As a result we hope previous adverse perceptions have now been addressed resulting in greater confidence and increased usage that will ultimately strengthen our Club and be of significant benefit to the entire boating community.

This is the time of the year when South Australia’s mini Sydney to Hobart takes place. The 65th Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race will be done and dusted by the time this Groundswell arrives in your letterbox.

To ‘yachties’ it is our great race of the year. This year the CYCSA will conduct the event and we have 47 starters including seven in Cruising Division. Interstate entries show five Victorian and one West Australian entry all trying to take some silverware home. For the Lincoln Regatta Week there are 33 entries including Cruising Division. The Hobart handicap race winner Roger Hickman, owner of Wild Rose, will be our guest speaker at the Port Lincoln Cocktail Event. I can recommend both these Port Lincoln race events to anyone who has not yet had the experience. With good sailing and great social activities these races always enjoy rave reviews from our interstate and local competitors.

I have passionately requested to the Board that our patio area receive a major revamp to heighten the standard for members and guests. The Club does need to promote weddings and conferences in our function area to ensure a steady income however having to use the patio area on these days does impact on our comfort. I encourage members in the meantime to support the Club events and the dining area to assist the Club in delivering a strong bottom line to help get our upgrade proposal over the line.

On the racing scene Concubine represented our Club in the 70th Rolex Sydney to Hobart in December. With extremely difficult finishing conditions Jason Ward and his crew managed a 43rd IRC Overall and 18th in Division 3. The crew then went on to the Festival of Sails Regatta in Geelong and had a Division 2 win in IRC and AMS. Andrew Corletto’s Shining Sea was in contention up until the last day of the regatta where conditions were favourable to Concubine leaving Shining Sea with a third in Division 2 IRC and a fourth in Division 2 AMS. Jamie Goodie’s Vertigo was having good results until he was pushed into the committee boat causing extensive damage but still claimed a fifth in Division 3 IRC and a sixth in Division 3 AMS while Seb Bohm was pleased with a sixth in Slipknot in the highly contested Sydney 38 One Design Fleet. In the Sports Boats Julian Newton’s Game On came in with a fourth in SMS. I encourage yacht owners to travel interstate to race when possible as the experience gained by a team competing against other similar yachts is invaluable and is also an excellent team bonding exercise.

From reports the Fishing Association’s Crabbing Day was a great success. Crabs were plentiful and the BBQ area, even though a sweltering day, comfortably catered for members and guests. Numbers were limited to 150 people and I understand these numbers may be enforced next year to make the day more personal and manageable. So please ensure next year you book early to avoid disappointment for this classic Club day.

The Social Activities Association has planned the popular ‘Boat Hop’ for Saturday 2 May and if the stars all line up and tide permitting we will endeavour to have Secret Mens Business available. You can then see first hand why you prefer to go cruising and keep away from race boats.

Westpac and the CYCSA will work in partnership to create a successful event comprising a sailing regatta and fundraising dinner in support of Surf Life Saving Australia. Westpac will take up a CYCSA Sponsorship Package with the objective of developing a long term mutually beneficial commercial partnership. I will be contacting boat owners asking for their assistance in staging a twilight style race on Friday 27 March at 3.30 pm. Westpac guests will participate as ‘crew members’ on Club members yachts and additional supporters will be invited to attend the dinner component. By offering your yacht and crew it will help us build an ongoing bonding tradition. I believe Westpac will be a great asset to our Club with their high value client base and professional marketing team.

The CYCSA played host to the J24 Australian National Championships in early January. A good fleet of 16 yachts took part in the regatta but the interstate competitors got the better of our local crews. Rob Hogan in Cookie Monster took out a third overall and Dave Nicholson in Such is Life a sixth. Doug Watson in El Fideldo OD Series gained a second. It is good to see the CYCSA hosting major sailing events and I am happy to report most interstate visiting crews were impressed with the Club facilities, race organisation and race course conditions.

Geoff Boettcher, Commodore

NEW MEMBERS Over the last three months the following people have joined the Club.

Please make them welcome.

Katherine Binks Brandon Bosworth Sam Calligaris Brody Cooper Juliet Crompton Lachlan Cuzner Catriona Edwards Lesley Edwards Shona Edwards

Barry Fidler Oliver Hankinson Eddie Hocking Kym Holly Amy Iovino Gregory Jackson Jessica Jones Annalise Judd-Ireland Danny Kearney

Dayna Kouwenhoven Kirstie Lewin Franz Lintl Chantal Macclelland Carly Maldari John McGuire Sarah Miller Jesse Mitton Matthew Pernini 5

Sue Prettejohn David Rice Jared Stevens Michael Tozer Callum Tyler Maria Vasardani Larissa Wegger Craig Williams Cathryn Wojcik

MV Kingfisher The world’s most unnecessary boat!

It all started at 7pm at the CYCSA Opening Day in 2011. It had been a good day with lots of discussion about sailing and fishing in the sea and a little conversation about the need for a riverboat. Cazza (Carol), Tommy Crabb and Greg were having a quiet lemonade and started to note the various features of a theoretical riverboat that would be moored at Cazza and Greg’s River Murray property ‘Kingfisher Lodge’.

There would be a small head and shower room, a comfortable but small cabin with a queen sized bed and then upstairs an open helm, dance floor and rear sitting area. Then came the discussion about the swim deck with the rear facing lounge so Cazza and Greg could talk to Duncan the Pelican just before sundown while the Canegrass Saltbush Lamb was simmering on the hydraulic lifting BBQ. But who would build the new member of the family? Tommy would head up the list and he would select the most skilled team he could assemble. Strangers and PJ would be there too. It would be the first vessel he would build on the family farm and the construction team would make the daily journey to the Lower Light Yacht Squadron, the centre of the universe as we now know it.

Cazza gave the nod once it was decided to showcase local South Australian trades and talent. It was now 10pm at the CYCSA and time to retire to let the subconscious thoughts take over. By the morning reality had set in that Cazza had really given the nod so we were now in implementation mode. Tommy and Greg decided to look around for an abandoned hull project or timber mould plug to start the ball rolling to satisfy their goal of recycling useable timber things. This could take weeks or even months and word of mouth would have to work overtime.

But then it all happened – by 11am Monday morning the reports were coming in from the ‘grapevine’, with several options to consider.

The best one appeared to be a cedar mould plug from a project past.

Later that week Tommy and Greg were having a lemonade with the Naval Architect, Fred Barrett, at the bar not far from where the plot was hatched and it was decided that Tommy would jump into the ute and make a quick trip to a paddock in Victoria to look at the prospect. If all was well Fred would be engaged to do whatever Naval Architects do, the team would make some noise in the shed for a while and before long Cazza would be talking to Duncan from the swim deck! By the weekend Tommy was briefing Greg on yet another purchase of a lifetime – Greg gave the nod and the plug was Lower Light bound.

In record time the lines were logged, Fred was engaged and the project underway, although a slight delay occurred while Tommy sailed his yacht Southern Light to Queensland with its new owner who was taking it on a quick trip to his home in Japan!

It took a few months to really get underway and over the next two years Tommy and his trusty companions (Strangers, PJ and even Cliff

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the dog who turned up later in the project) had a lot of fun and a bit of hard work. Greg worked on engine specs and all things technical and Cazza’s input included cabin layout, bed sourcing and most impressively, selecting the hull, cabin and interior colours that can be observed today.

Fred continued to provide design layouts and recommendations and provided really helpful performance charts for matching engines. When the project was hatched this new puppy would ply the River Murray at about ten knots powered by a 75HP chugger until Cazza and Greg’s son Heath thought he might like to water ski behind her. Some additional calculations, a lengthy conversation with Volvo, and it was decided to grunt her up with a couple of shiny new Volvo Penta 225HP turbo diesels.

The new cruise speed was set at 23 knots. Greg was in heaven – new gadgets were required like duo props, auto trim and split joysticks but he stopped short at ordering ‘virtual anchor’ where the vessel would stay in one pre-set position with no need to throw over the pick. Not much calling on the River Murray for that one and quite a few bickies were saved but were soon chewed up with other exciting gadgets.

While the engine folly was in full swing it was time to decide on the flooring. Teak didn’t fit, paint wouldn’t look the part, fibreglass wasn’t chic enough and then Stranger’s had the answer – Cazza and Greg were sheep station bushies and what better than the smell of hessian to bring the senses into a bygone era. Tommy found a new friend at the hessian shop, borrowed an iron and a certain Club dining room floor, and after two days a new fashion statement was created. MV Kingfisher has the only hessian deck in the world. Not even the floating things in Portofino can boast that one.

About the same time Greg’s ‘to do’ list was growing and at the top was sourcing the mooring cleats. Various samples were purchased but nothing quite looked the part. Something had to happen and while at Hamilton Island on a family holiday Greg found a little Italian vessel with a very good looking cleat. Onto the net and within weeks he was the proud owner of lots of stainless steel deck cleats from a little village south of Venice with ‘MV Kingfisher’ etched into the top face. Just the goods that were required and with a concealed swim ladder and carbon table legs being the next shipment sent from Italy, the air freight company ordered a new Maserati!

Along the way Tommy and Greg had the opportunity to engage some more really clever tradespeople including Jezza, Tim, Brad, JP and Willie. In amongst the action, at about the same time the jarrah windscreen mullion timber was being sourced from the decaying wool stores of a bygone era, Tommy heard the ocean calling and ducked over to Japan for a quick destination race on Southern Light. Some nifty navigation, two handed sailing, a can or two of beans and a silver bird south once more and he was back on the job.

Along the way Cazza and Greg became quite emotional about the level of skills that were assisting with creating this platform to talk to Duncan and felt confident that the project would meet their main goal – to showcase the fantastic local skills that South Australia has on offer. All these artisans require are on-going projects to feed their bears. Cazza and Greg’s vision of a European style riverboat/slippery ski boat was now coming to fruition and it was very much a team effort.

NEW BOATS This is another in the series of articles aimed at providing you with an insight into a few of the ‘new’ boats to the Club over recent months. While not all are newly built, most are relatively new to the Club and others have moved to new owners within the Club. We warmly welcome all ‘new’ boats and owners.

Editors’ Note: If you would like your

boat featured in this section of Groundswell, please contact Mellissa in the Club office or Terry Lockwood on the Editorial team.

TIFF-i-KNOW

moosh iii

After selling their previous loved boat Panache it took three years of searching before Terry and Meg Denham found and purchased their beautiful Bavaria 40.

Tom and Vanessa McDougall are the proud owners of a 2011 34’ Beneteau Oceanis called Moosh III. Moored on F18, she has settled in comfortably next to their other boat Scallywag which will be for sale shortly.

After an enthusiastic renaming ceremony with David Murray as MC and other great friends in attendance, all helped along with lashings of champagne and heaps of food to appease the gods, the boat was duly christened Tiff-I-Know. The eye is an image and the name is a play on words.

She was purchased from a member of the RSAYS in February 2014 so the delivery trip wasn’t arduous. The boat was built in 2002 and is the two cabin version with two bathrooms and amazingly spacious throughout. Terry also has an open log fire on board for warmth but I’ll leave it to you to ask him how. She is powered by a 55 hp Volvo Penta (Perkins) and is fitted with other modern instruments which Terry is still trying to get his head around.

The boat is very easy to sail with all lines going back to the spacious cockpit which is mainly under cover with a large bimini and dodger. This means no more going up on the foredeck in heavy weather which keeps Meg happy. (Happy wife, happy life).

Terry (Hagar) Denham, his old call sign from years in the transport industry, has been a Club member for 29 years along with his lovely wife Meg. Their first boat was a 26 foot home built variety out of the Port Adelaide Sailing Club with all the mod cons such as bucket and chuck it toilet etc. As they progressed Meg’s wish list grew to include a proper toilet, shower, fridge etc and now she is very happy as she has achieved all of the above and more.

Meg has had to make some adjustments for Terry’s visits to the chandlery with the credit card for “a bit of rope or a bit of chain” which usually results in coils of rope and metres and metres of chain and a larger bill than expected.

Terry and Meg are enjoying their local sailing with the possibility of some longer trips in the future.

Almost three years to the day MV Kingfisher was gently eased into the Port River around at Jim’s late one afternoon. Cazza poured a little champers over the bow (practising for the main launch party), the engines were kicked into life and the first journey to the CYCSA was undertaken. There are still lots of small jobs and the outside bar/galley is yet to be installed and the hydraulic lifting BBQ is nearly operational.

MV Kingfisher, registered number YC693S, will undertake sea trials in Gulf St Vincent, take a couple of trips to Port Vincent and beyond and will then be trucked to the River Murray and her new home at Kingfisher Lodge to join Duncan the Pelican, Kingy the Kingfisher and their feathered mates. Wombi the Wombat will check on her at ten minutes past midnight each night.

Wishing to upgrade without increasing the vessel length, Tom searched long and hard until he found Moosh III moored at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Melbourne. It presented all the modern comforts required with the added bonus of being near new with only ten hours on the motor. All the luxury extras and electronics were factory fitted and integrated so it was ‘step aboard and go’.

They sailed the boat back over a two week period staying in various ports such as Queenscliff, Port Fairy and Portland, waiting on weather and conditions. Tom recommends staying in Queenscliff as it has maritime history, a secret service base and an extremely fast flowing tide. The view over the Rip from Port Lonsdale is a must see for yachties as it is brilliant and watching the pilot boats in all conditions going back and forth through the Rip was an invaluable experience. The wind condition was usually south, south west and on the nose with the strength anywhere from 15-40 knots and the swell was generally southerly and measuring up to four metres so all up, not an overly pleasant trip back but they made it.

From time to time MV Kingfisher will be trucked back to the CYCSA for special events and will also be seen along the River Murray, up the Darling, the Lower Lakes and in the Coorong. She is going to be Cazza and Greg’s floating motor home.

Who knows what will happen when Tommy, Cazza and Greg have the next creative conversation and Cliff is already looking for another project to watch over!!! Duncan is not going to believe what he sees coming down the river.

Greg Patten

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xplore, Dream and Discover with the CYCSA Marine Academy is our motto and with summer now in full swing our students are certainly flocking to the water. All this activity requires a constant need for instructors and equipment to successfully and safely introduce, train and promote activities on the water for current and potential new members.

Recreational an

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ICC Assessment Before beginning an ICC get a copy of the ICC Handbook. The Handbook outlines everything that could be tested. During the assessment there is not enough time to assess everything but you need to be confident you can complete all the tasks and requirements in the handbook.

Courses were plentiful at the end of 2014 including a successful Yachting Australia Safety and Sea Survival Course with 20 students completing the certificate required for racing in events such as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This scheduled SSSC included our annual review from Yachting Australia done from time to time by their Chief Instructor which assessed our courses presentation material, safety management systems and our training equipment.

The review highlighted our instruction material, format and practical demonstrations are ‘above standard’ and a credit to the Club and our SSSC instructor Andy Shipp.

Common areas people need help in to gain an ICC are: Navigation - You are expected to be capable of using a chart to determine where you are and explain the features, depths and locate potential hazards. Plot a position and determine a course to steer from a compass. Use a tide chart and have a basic understanding of GPS. Regulations - You need to demonstrate you know the rules of the road. Know your navigation lights and shapes to recognise a variety of vessels. Show an understanding of IALA system and the responsibilities of small vessels in narrow channels.

On the water in early January students visited the Club for Start Powerboat, Powerboat Handling and Start Yachting courses. The Australia Day Long Weekend was a great success with a family preparing for charter and starting both Day Skipper and Competent Crew qualifications. With regular training occurring and qualified instructors our courses are always fun, enjoyable and informative regardless what the weather brings, instructors modify training and equipment to present the best opportunities to meet the syllabus for each course.

Safety - You have to be able to use and instruct crew on the use of safety equipment on board such as life jackets. Demonstrate how you prepare a boat before sailing including checks on the boat and the weather for the journey.

Practical Skills - You will be expected to demonstrate manouvres such as departing from a pontoon, pulling up to a mooring, demonstrating man overboard and handling under sail. While sailing you will need to sail a triangular course, select appropriate sail combinations and show awareness of the wind.

The Marine Academy Foundation has been busy updating our training equipment and at this point we are only halfway through so I will wait till the next Groundswell to report further on that.

As South Australia’s only internationally qualified sailing school we receive a lot of questions on ICCs, so..... here is my answer.

People who are not confident with either Navigation, Regulations and Safety can learn or refresh their knowledge by completing our online course Essential Navigation and Seamanship. It is a great course completed in 6-12 hours in your own time and includes great navigational tools for use on the boat including flexi plotter and callipers.

What is an ICC? An International Certificate of Competence is a direct assessment of your skills to run a boat. If you are required or recommended to gain an ICC then the place to start is to buy the ICC Handbook - available at the Club office and it explains all the ins and outs around its requirements and assessment process.

Sailing is universal but if you are not confident with yachts or just need some practise before being assessed then we can arrange a private half day lesson with one of our Marine Academy instructors. Alternatively if you want to learn everything from scratch we have a pathway to finish RYA Day Skipper that trains you to ICC level.

You will find an ICC is now required by most charter companies to charter a yacht. In simple terms it’s an international boat licence to charter in coastal waters around the world. If you are planning to charter on inland waters then you will need to do a further online test to gain inland approval. ICCs are different for both power and sail vessels.

ICC Application Once you are confident tests can be booked with Jess in the Race Office then all you need to do is turn up on the day with your passport, payment details and a passport photograph and then you complete an ICC Application Form. The tester will sign the completed form and send it with a copy of your passport and photograph for processing to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK. Your ICC Certificate will be sent directly to the address on the form. Processing times vary so you should allow up to six weeks for normal post and if opting for the fast track service allow approximately three weeks (this will enable you to receive an electronic copy of the certificate in a matter of days prior to receiving the hard copy by mail). Please note that the cost of testing is separate to the fee for issue of a certificate.

How to Gain an ICC? To get an ICC you will need to prove your competence by completing a practical and theory assessment for the category of ICC required. This test can be taken at accredited RYA-YA Training Centres which are accredited as an accredited ICC Test Centre such as the CYCSA Marine Academy. A RYA Day Skipper practical certificate for sail or power (or above) is sufficient to illustrate competency. Testers are not allowed to conduct tests away from their immediate Training Centre however it may be possible to be tested in your own boat at a recognised ICC Test Centre. If you use your own boat for the test the boat owner or candidate being tested is responsible for the vessel at all times.

I can’t end this Groundswell article without saying a huge thank you to our former staff member and colleague Laura Turner for her dedication in connecting people to the Club through the Marine Academy. I and all the instructors would like to say thanks and best of luck and we hope to see you on the water.

Categories of ICC The ICC assessment you take should be relevant to the type of boat you plan to use and the type of waters you intend to enter.

At the CYCSA Marine Academy we only run ICC for Sail. If you are looking for Power then contact us and we can provide you with some interstate options.

Matt Young, Co-ordinator – Marine Academy

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Profiling Club members who, through their long term commitment and outstanding support, have contributed significantly to the life of the Club.

GEOFF CATT

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eoff Catt recently joined the ranks of Life Members at the Club after serving on the Board for seven years including three as Treasurer and three as President. From 2009 to 2013 he then represented the Club as its Commodore, a position he held with great distinction.

Geoff was born in Adelaide in 1948 so we can claim him as a South Aussie even though he spent his first few years in central Tasmania where his father was an engineer on the Hydro Scheme. His formative years however were spent in the Barossa Valley where he attended primary school at Angaston and Tanunda and thoroughly enjoyed his secondary education at Nuriootpa High. He describes this time as a “fantastic upbringing” but admits that he didn’t develop an interest in wine until much later!

His ambition was to become an Army Officer but he had to wait until he was 19 to attend the Officer Cadet School at Portsea so in the interim commenced a Bachelor of Technology in Surveying at Adelaide University as this was an outdoor course! The army was calling however so he started Officer Cadet School in 1968 briefly serving in the Survey Corps before transferring to Armoured Corps in B Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. He received a posting to go to Vietnam in August 1972 but when Labor came to power they cancelled all orders after July.

...the ambience of a quiet haven, the fellowship of those around him and that special glass of red.

At around this time a certain young lady named Mavis came on the scene and so as newlyweds they spent 12 months in Dorset, UK while Geoff attended a course at the Royal Armoured Corps Centre followed by three months in the US. He then served in the 1st Armoured Regiment at Puckapunyal and in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Holsworthy as a squadron commander. He resigned from the army in July 1981 as a Major to become a financial planner, a career path he is still following with passion back in Adelaide.

Geoff feels that his time in the military engendered the spirit and importance of discipline and team work in him and believes that this in part led to his involvement in sailing and challenges on the water.

Geoff and Mavis have two children, David and Louise. In turn Louise has a daughter and a son and David and his wife Jess have just recently had a daughter. With three grandchildren both Geoff and Mavis are kept well occupied.

Geoff was instrumental, together with John Gerard, in the production of the Club History Book and he has also fostered a reciprocal membership relationship between the Naval, Military and Air Force Club and the CYCSA.

Sailing really became part of his life around 1990 when he joined the crew of Neville Slee’s Bandwagon – this continued for nearly 10 years and Geoff is very grateful to Neville for the opportunities that arose. In 1995 he crewed on Tess McGrath’s Leda in his first Sydney to Hobart and from then on he was hooked. He bought Liberator in 1999 and immediately began preparations for the 2000 Sydney to Hobart Race. He competed again in 2001 but it wasn’t until 2003 that he and his crew finally completed the race successfully.

Mavis has been very supportive of Geoff’s involvement both with the sport of sailing and the Club even though sailing is not her favourite pastime. They both love travel and caravanning and enjoy going outback with family and friends.

We thank Geoff for all he has done at and for the Club and know that he will continue to contribute while he enjoys doing what, as Jenni Paynter described in her profile of Geoff in the Club History Book “he loves best – the ambience of a quiet haven, the fellowship of those around him and that special glass of red”.

Geoff’s favourite cruising grounds are in Tasmania, particularly in the wilderness areas of the west and south coasts, and there are plans afoot to cruise there again later in 2015. The summer Twilight Series comprises a major part of his racing now but the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race always beckons!

Gay Footer

Laura’s Farewell

Photo by Gerry Colella

On a Sunday in February Club members were invited to farewell Laura at a BBQ. Chris Morphett gave a speech that expressed the views of all present, that we will miss her willing competence and warm friendship, and we wish her well in the future. (See Craig’s report on page 4.)

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Photo by Gerry Colella

A BIT OF CLUB HISTORY… The CYCSA wears a ‘Triple Crown’ of Sydney Hobart Winners More insights in to what it takes to win the blue water classic n the last edition of Groundswell we reported that in the CYCSA we have a unique situation where the Commodore and the Club President have skippered and the CEO has navigated, winning boats in recent Sydney to Hobart races. This is unique in Australia ….even more unique for South Australia where, prior to these three, there have only been two winners - Nerida in 1950 and Ingrid in 1952.

At that stage Andrew became a tad emotional so we decided to finish the Tiramisu and move on to Craig Evans who commented - “It was surreal for us on Ausmaid as well because we had actually thought we’d won in ‘98 but were pipped by Midnight Rambler then in 1999 we came third and so we’d learnt our lesson – don’t count your chickens!

Late last year Club President Andrew Saies, Commodore Geoff Boettcher and Chief Executive Craig Evans told their stories to our ‘reporter’ Geoff Catt during a special luncheon at our sister Club, the Naval, Military and Air Force Club in the city.

It was a long wait. We did sit on the dock, watch the flags and hope like hell as well but I actually can’t remember when we found out for sure! The day after was a fantastic feeling – like nothing else. After a second and a third we finally achieved it! I’m sure we got smashed but I can’t remember” he confessed sheepishly.

It was a snapshot into the personal ambition and lives, the emotions, the skills and leadership styles of three very different people. The first article in Groundswell captured the spirit of the luncheon and covered the reasons why they did the race, what preparations were required, the role of leadership in a successful campaign and their most terrifying and exhilarating moments (… sometimes one and the same!).

Back to Andrew Saies – “Yes it was pretty emotional. Like the others we knew we had a good chance but needed to ensure the ‘Derwent Shutdown’ occurred so that Love and War couldn’t sneak in at the last minute. The race was subject to the protest. We felt we had done everything correctly but obviously couldn’t celebrate. The protest hearing held at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania was draining – it went for about four hours and the final result was not announced until around 4.30pm on the 31st! It was a very emotional time!”

With a total of 39 Sydney Hobart campaigns under their sporting belts and with each wearing the Sydney to Hobart winner’s medallion the luncheon continued with a few more insights.

Geoff Catt then read an anonymous quote from one of the trio (Geoff Boettcher!), “With a keel and rudder full of inescapable weed, we crossed the finish at 1342 hours, gentlemen’s hours, to experience light refreshments from the adoring wives and girlfriends.”

As the Tiramisu (…. a popular coffee-flavoured Italian dessert made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone!) arrived, Geoff Catt noted an after race comment from one of the skippers that stated “The rum and cokes became more frequent, and by 2.00am on the 30th the boys let loose, confident they had won the Great Race.”

In reponse to the question: “How important was family support to you?”

Geoff Boettcher replied – “In a word, big! It’s vital that we know our wives, families and partners do care about us on the water. To be able to put so many hours on the water just to be able to get to do a Hobart you really do need their support- it’s got to be a life balance with plenty of give and take. To take so much time sailing you have to give a lot in return – have a balance. You have to give a lot to get the support that will enable you to commit a few years to the Sydney to Hobart and be able to jump on board at the start of each race knowing that everyone is comfortable and that they’ll be at the other end to meet you each time. They can keep in touch a lot more using Tracker now and that’s great. You need their backing to make things flow”.

This gave rise to the question: “What feelings did you experience when you finally realised that you had won the race?”

Geoff Boettcher answered – “Because we’re a bigger boat and crossed the line early even with a good result you just don’t know how the 50 or so boats behind are going. So we went and had a meal in our favourite spot in Hobart. But every now and again I’d pop out and check the flags to see if the wind had dropped in the Derwent – which usually happened about 1.30 in the morning! But you’ve just got to wait for the official results. On a personal note it was just surreal. It didn’t sink in for quite some time that we had actually won – not until the next morning when the gongs were presented and the media all around the back of the boat – that’s when it finally sunk in.”

Andrew Saies agreed and commented – “It’s always been important for me to have an appropriate work/life/sport balance. As part of that an aspirational goal for me was always to devote the ten years between age 50 and 60 to blue water sailing, specifically success in

And from Andrew Saies after his unique 2009 win when he had to sit through a prolonged protest hearing – “Without a doubt, it was the most stressful thing I’ve ever been through!”

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Improvements to Sail Storage Area CLUB NEWS

Ocean View College Student Project

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ou may have noticed some improvements that have recently been made to the old gravel pathway leading to the sail storage containers at the Club. Previously carting sails to and from this area was quite difficult due to the narrow path’s uneven gravel base. Not anymore!

A hardworking team of Year 11 students from nearby Ocean View College have now transformed this path into a wide fully-paved area. If you haven’t seen it yet make sure to check it out on your next visit, they really have done a fantastic job!

The project required students to undertake a site induction, measure levels, level the area, lay the base material, cut and place the pavers to suit and finish off the site. A service check during the early stages of the project meant they even discovered a water pipe that Club staff did not know was there!

Part of the College’s ‘Doorways 2 Construction’ Civil program, the project included a mixture of practical and theory tasks which the students took part in on one day per week. All tasks in the program are based on real projects ensuring that students gain relevant experience in the field. Successful completion means these students will achieve a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Operations – Civil.

Students and staff involved in the project are very proud of their efforts and thanked the Club for this opportunity. In turn we are very grateful for their hard work in improving this facility which will be a real benefit to our members for a long time to come. Keep your eyes open as they may soon be hard at work on another project around the Club in the near future.

Geoff Boettcher couldn’t contain himself saying – “Saies! I want to get one up on him!”

the Sydney to Hobart. The family has been a big part of the decision making process during this time and although not all of my children sail we’ve all had great and enjoyable times together in Sydney and Hobart. It’s essential to keep everyone happy.”

Andrew replied with – “There’s something in that but seriously, I love sport, I love the race – it’s a great offshore race. It’s a part of life”.

Craig Evans was already sailing when he met Julie and she has always been supportive of his adventures! In fact, their kids have been brought up thinking that Christmas Day is traditionally waking up for presents, having breakfast and taking Daddy to the airport!

His comment was – ”Family support is crucial even as a crew member. A good way to allay their fears and concerns is to involve them as much as possible.

Geoff Boettcher continued – “The camaraderie means a lot. To be able to give the crew an opportunity, to go for that common goal is very important. Three days in the elements, three days of tough conditions both mental and physical. Keeping the brain going, to be able to compete with the young guys; it’s a leadership test”.

Craig Evans enthusiastically responded with – “Scallop pies. But no, it’s the camaraderie and it’s just the best race!”

Ausmaid was officially missing for 36 hours on two separate occasions so it’s important to address the concerns of parents, partners and children. The best way for them to understand and respect what you do is to involve them as much as possible, to allow and enable them to be a part of it”.

As Geoff Boettcher concluded – “What else could you do at our age and still get such a buzz out of it, golf?”

Geoff Catt

Geoff Catt’s final question was: “And finally, in a word, despite the time commitments, the logistics, the dangers and the costs, why do you keep going back?”

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Photo courtesy of Neil Pentecost

Article by Owen Mace Photos by Sam Gaylard Cuttlefish Breeding Area in Northern Spencer Gulf, from my iSailor app.

The Rules

The PIRSA (Reference 4) website is a good place to check for the latest information on fishery closures, catch limits, etc. Currently there is a daily bag limit of 15 cuttlefish and squid together and a daily boat limit of 45. Obviously no fishing for Cuttlefish in the northern Spencer Gulf (north of a line from Arno Bay to Wallaroo) until the ban has been lifted.

S

outh Australia has some amazing marine creatures including seahorses, cuttlefish and even blue crabs that we looked at in the May 2012 edition of Groundswell. This time we’ll look at the truly astounding Giant Cuttlefish.

The investigation looked at the effects of water temperature, onshore wind, rainfall, pollution (remembering that Whyalla and Port Bonython are nearby), including sewerage, nutrients, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, shipping noise, tourism and other human influences, predators, prey (such as prawns and crabs), habitat changes such as algal blooms, disease and parasites.

You would have heard in the press that a few years ago there was a large decline in numbers of cuttlefish and that they have partly recovered but what is the real story?

Guess what the answer is? To quote from the report (Reference 2), “Despite a broad screening of the potential ‘causative’ factors, the underlying mechanism driving the recent reduction in the iconic cuttlefish population is unknown.” In other words - dunno.

First of all we need to understand that the Giant Cuttlefish is common right across southern Australia from Brisbane to Shark Bay in Western Australia, including Tasmania. They generally live on rocky reefs, sea grass beds, sand and mud sea floor to a depth of 100 metres. See Reference 1 for a general description of them.

Needless to say the authorities are keeping a close eye on these creatures and the good news is that this year’s surveys suggests a population in the area of over 57,000 cuttlefish now and they are larger, too. Go Giant Cuttlefish!

Giant Cuttlefish are related to the squid that are relatively plentiful in our gulfs. However there seems to be a separate and rather special population of Giant Cuttlefish that inhabit a small area in the northern part of Spencer Gulf along the southern part of Point Bonython (see chart). This group is known as the Point Lowly population. What makes this population special is that although it is the same species as the widespread Giant Cuttlefish this population comes together in large numbers to breed. Nowhere else in the world does this occur. Why? As with many questions regarding these animals - dunno!

Tricks of the Giant Cuttlefish

How clever are these suckers? They have three layers of special cells under the skin that allow them to change colour almost instantly.

What’s more they can change the polarisation of the light a bit like your polarised dark glasses. But get this - cuttlefish are colour blind!

However they can see the polarisation of light and it is possible that they communicate using the polarised reflective patterns on their skin.

Imagine talking through your skin!

What’s happened to the Cuttlefish?

But wait, there’s more.

When the Giant Cuttlefish was surveyed over a few years around 2000 it was found that there was something like 180,000 animals.

Surveyed again in 2006, the numbers had dropped to about 18,000 animals but by 2011, the numbers were down to around 13,500, less than one tenth of the numbers a decade earlier. EPA, SARDI, the SA Museum and the University of Adelaide swung into action to find out why.

The Giant Cuttlefish can change the shape and the texture of their skin to imitate rock, sand or seaweed and it is the only known animal to be able to do so. Have a look at the second picture where you can see the raised lumps all over it. Wow!

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Giant Cuttlefish

Biology and Ecology

Cuttlefish are members of the same family, cephalopods, as are octopus and squid. The Giant Cuttlefish is the largest cuttlefish in the world and can grow to over 10 kg! As we’ve already described in most places up to ten or so cuttlefish congregate to mate but the Point Lowly group congregate in tens, even hundreds of thousands. Why only the Point Lowly group? You know the answer by now – dunno!

Breeding takes place at the beginning of winter and is a tricky affair for these creatures. One or more males try to impress a female with their dazzling tricks displaying rapidly changing bright colours and fancy patterns. If two males are working the same female, watch out. I’ve seen a movie where all three swim around each other until the female gets sick of the game and lets go a cloud of ink. Tah, tah boys, as she serenely swims out of her ink cloud and waits for a more suitable mate. And why wouldn’t she? There are generally many more males than females.

Once the job is done (mating, that is) the female passes each egg in turn over the sperm that the male had previously deposited in her before attaching up to 1,000 eggs, some up to 1.8 centimetres in diameter, to the underside of caves. She leaves the eggs to hatch by themselves into baby cuttlefish, grow up into adults, go to university and eventually leave home to make their own way in life. If you want to learn some tricks of the cuttlefish mating, you can scuttle over to Reference 3 and look at the videos there.

Adult cuttlefish mate once and then die, the typical lifespan is one to two years and they are carnivorous, opportunistic and voracious feeders of crustaceans and fish.

Predators

Dolphins, seals, sharks, snapper, salmon and kingfish have been seen munching on our cuttlefish. And, of course, humans.

The Fishery

For many years, cuttlefish were used as snapper bait and around four tonnes were caught commercially each year. However in the mid-1990s some 200 tonnes were caught and it was recognised that the fishery was being over exploited. So the breeding grounds were closed to commercial fishing in 1998 and by 1999 a mere 3.7 tonnes were caught.

However a survey in 2005 revealed a 34% decrease in biomass since 2001 that was attributed to natural variability and illegal fishing during the peak spawning period. The closure was expanded to the entire spawning grounds in the Upper Spencer Gulf and it seems that numbers increased in 2006 and 2007. However in 2008 it was found that the biomass had decreased a further 17%. In March 2013 all fishing for Giant Cuttlefish in northern Spencer Gulf was prohibited until 27 March 2014 and this has now been extended until 14 February 2015.

Incidentally, recreational fishers caught about 1.5 tonnes in 2007/8.

Conclusion

There you have it – the extra-ordinary Giant Cuttlefish and our extraordinary population at Point Bonython. You might be interested to know that PIRSA is considering placing artificial “nesting boxes” elsewhere around the coast to encourage the Giant Cuttlefish.

Thanks to Sam Gaylard of the Environment Protection Authority of SA, for his help.

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepia_apama 2. http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/183970/ Cuttlefish_Breeding_Populations.pdf 3. http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/target_species/ cuttlefish 4 http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/recreational_fishing/target_species/ cuttlefish 13

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THE POWER OF SOME GREAT WEEKENDS SPENT IN THE PORT VINCENT MARINA IN ‘STINK BOATS’

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f you are looking for an easy ‘zip across the gulf’ for the weekend Port Vincent is highly recommended. Several weekends have been spent there, Christmas/New Year, Easter, January, and June and October long weekends. In a power boat it is a very easy one hour 30 minutes passage in comfortable and uncomfortable but manageable conditions.

and welcome in 2015. With the arrival of Rivive on Thursday morning we were set for a great social time. Sundowner, who had spent time at Kangaroo Island and was then holed up in Wirrina with gale winds, decided to come and see us after hearing what a great time and great weather conditions we were experiencing. Just as they were going around the Spit Beacon the Port Vincent New Year’s Day fireworks display started (and they thought it was for their arrival!). What an absolutely magnificent display of fireworks, it has to be the best one that we have seen; an absolute credit to the organisers and well done to the town of Port Vincent. Earlier in the day the main street was closed off for the Annual New Year’s Day Fair; stalls, displays, food, music etc. It is a nice stroll into the town from the marina. When it was too hot to walk back a few of the ladies went into the Ventnor Hotel and had a few refreshments and then were kindly driven back to the marina in the shuttle bus - too good!! Rob Marner is always helpful in assisting with booking of berths and good for a chat when he does his daily ‘check-ins’.

Last October long weekend several cruisers including Group Therapy, Never Say Never, Portofino, Rivive, ‘Ol Mutton/ Imposter’, B&B and Sundowner headed across the gulf.. A couple of boats took off across on the Wednesday afternoon with flat calm conditions as winds were coming up a bit on the Thursday and Friday.

After driving along the seafront at 7pm on Wednesday night with the sea looking like glass a spur of the moment decision was made: Let’s go now! We headed out through the North Haven breakwater at 8:30pm, my first night crossing, and although in the hands of a very capable skipper I was still a little anxious because the spotlight on the boat doesn’t light up the sea the way car lights light up a road! So with a bit of tutoring along the way regarding channel markers, red/green lights, which side to pass etc etc and setting a course on auto pilot, I casually asked what all the ‘yellow’ lights were – to which the skipper replied – ‘that is a ship going through the channel’... Mmm interesting!

So if you are looking for a quick an easy get-away weekend... you know where we recommend!

Glenda Hausler, Group Therapy

It is such a relaxing atmosphere in the marina and social gettogethers just happen. On the Friday night sitting around having Happy Hour watching yachts and other power boats arriving for the weekend, once they were secured in their berths, people headed around and joined us on the end of C row for drinks.

Saturday night it was B row’s turn to host a Happy Hour and after that C row people went back and had a ‘Barnacle Ricks for Seafood’ night.

Most of us left Sunday to head back in good conditions as the weather forecast for Monday was not favourable. Once back at the Club we continued our long weekend with a Happy Hour in the BBQ area and then BBQs on our boats and spent the night at the marina.

On our most recent visit Group Therapy and Never Say Never headed across on Wednesday morning 31 December in very comfortable conditions and settled in to say goodbye to 2014

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Summer 2014/15

This summer has been a great one for sailing with plenty of wind and not many blisteringly hot, still days. If only we could get the wind blowing in a favourable direction each time we head off. Fortunately with boats heading in every direction most of us had fair winds for at least part of our journeys. I know of boats that made it to Port Vincent, Stansbury, Edithburgh, Black Point and Wirrina not to mention many destinations on Kangaroo Island. There’s a photo opposite of a mob having fun at the Penneshaw Hotel!

Cruising sailors are a curious breed. While we love to get together to spin a yarn or share solutions to nautical conundrums we are also strongly individual in our cruising habits. This has been most evident in cruising events this summer with boats heading singly or in small groups to many different destinations. The Cruising Association tries to keep everyone up to date with all the different destinations on offer and we have had frequent opportunities to catch up with friends and fellow members on Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, along the Fleurieu Coast and even into Spencer Gulf.

Unfortunately we don’t have room for all the tales so why not come along to one of our ‘Second Saturday BBQs’ to catch up on all the gossip. On the 2nd Saturday of the month from 6.30pm in the undercover BBQ area at the CYCSA. All welcome – BYO everything.

Clipper Ship - City of Adelaide Perhaps one of the best ways of getting a large group together is with special events. A highlight in December 2014 for members of the Cruising Association and friends from RSAYS was a presentation of a special commemorative medallion to owners of boats which participated in the “City of Adelaide Flotilla” to mark the arrival of the ship in Adelaide and the 150th anniversary of its construction.

Attending were representatives of some of the following CYCSA boats: Andante, B&B, Baloo, Bella Dama, Brigadoon, Cabaret, Erkonda, Farr Star, Game Dancer, Geordie Bay, Hot Mustard, Jenny Anna, Lifestyle III, Paradox, Prime Time, Sahara, Selkie, Suzanne and Sundowner. All these boats helped create a magnificent atmosphere and really did the CYCSA proud at this significant Adelaide event.

Port Noarlunga Reef I personally had few holidays over the summer break but was keen to get Sahara to Island Beach (the southern beach in Eastern Cove, Kangaroo Island) for the annual New Year’s Eve celebrations with CYCSA cruisers. Port Noarlunga Reef forms an attractive natural harbour for vessels looking for shelter but it is not often used partly because it is not a major destination – most sailors are heading down the Gulf as fast as they can aiming for Kangaroo Island, Edithburgh or the secure marina at Wirrina. As I had a dinner to go to at Willunga on an opportune Saturday night I decided to chance a night anchored there en route to the marina at Wirrina where Sahara would have to stay moored a few nights until New Year’s Eve when we planned to make the final run to Island Beach.

The event was held on the main deck of the Clipper Ship and Richard Smith (one of the driving forces behind getting the

I had a pleasant sail to Port Noarlunga and was able to explore the two different approaches to the lagoon in balmy conditions in the early afternoon. The unmarked approach from the north-west is wide and opens into a large basin with 2.5 to 4 metres depth. There are a few large rooks close to the shore and the jetty but are easily avoided and as the reef is slightly higher on this northern side of the jetty and with the reef running north-south, it offers the best shelter from a big south westerly swell. The central break in the reef has small, indistinct, unlit lead-in beacons. It is clearly and accurately marked on my electronic charts and the opening appears narrow but is over 100 metres wide and opens into a beautiful sandy bottomed lagoon about 500 metres long and 150-200 metres from the reef to the shallows of the beach. A large ‘Gin Palace’ was anchored with a large crowd of youngsters enjoying the calm waters – swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. At low tide it is quite tranquil however the waves break over the reef at high tide and so it can become a little uncomfortable.

ship back to Adelaide) gave a talk outlining the hopes for the future display of the ship in a new precinct based on the historic “Fletcher’s Slip” in Port Adelaide. Those present viewed ambitious development plans, including concept drawings for new residential, commercial, historic and recreational areas of Port Adelaide, with interest.

Cruising The Cruising Association has reviewed the past practice of briefings for weather conditions and concluded that it is inappropriate for the Club to be advising on sea and weather conditions as each skipper must assess the merits of any journey planned in relation to the capabilities of the boat and crew. In many cases a set briefing has been pointless as individual skippers will prefer to leave earlier or later in the day, at slack water, high tide, the night before (so as to get a good berth or mooring), before or after a front or anticipated storm… While the sight of a large flotilla is an impressive one it is seldom possible to arrange with so many intensely independent individuals. We normally appoint a Cruise Captain for every organised cruise so that any cruisers wanting support or advice for the trip can have an experienced sailor to help out.

I decided on the slightly more sheltered northern anchorage as a 15-20 knot south westerly was anticipated overnight. Having anchored securely I left my AIS transmitting so I had the ability to remotely check the position of Sahara on my iPhone using ‘Marine Traffic’ to ensure the anchor was not dragging. If necessary friends were ready to take me on a mercy dash

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cruising Association so I could rescue Sahara before she washed onto the beach! Fortunately the technology was accurate and the anchorage was secure. We had a wonderful night at Russell’s Pizza Restaurant in Willunga. The only drama was returning by canoe to the boat around 11pm when the tide had come in and waves were breaking over the reef. The short, sharp chop nearly swamped my canoe on leaving the beach and I was looking like a drowned rat by the time I clambered aboard. My night aboard was a little bumpy but nowhere near as rough as the water outside the reef.

The New Year The main destination for many over the New Year break was Kangaroo Island with many boats anchored off Island Beach for New Year’s Eve. A small band of party animals from Kudos, School’s Out, Sahara, Grand AKT, From Russia With Love, Jenny Anna, Force Majeure and others attempted to see the old year out under torches on the beach. New Year’s Day provided some with the opportunity to do some racing in the annual Ballast Head Cup although many were in holiday mode and elected for a gentle cruise or a spot of fishing before looking for a safe mooring for the night. Even inveterate racing sailors chose to chase massive Kangaroo Island whiting rather than a finish time thus showing their true cruising credentials!

As with was last year strong northerly winds were expected and many boats sheltered in American River – not a mooring was free and a number of boats had to drop anchor in the tidal stream. Fortunately there were no mooring disasters although with the combination of strong winds and

Photographs by Adrian Wotton and Gerard Hughes

The last word…

changing tidal flow the boats were pointing in every which way! A tip for novices is to lift the floats onto the deck of your boat so as to avoid them clunking against the hull when the tide and wind are at odds. Something not possible with larger moorings like the heavy yellow one near the entrance of the river – one crew had a rather sleepless night as the massive yellow float drummed against the hull for several hours!

Finally, while I know my readers are all dedicated cruisers through and through, I would like to put in a plug for the Racing Association and the incredible effort that goes into making Twilight Races on Wednesday evenings such a great success. Anyone who has ever entered these races will have seen there are only two classes in the event each week: Cruising A (for bigger, faster yachts) and Cruising B. Spinnakers are not permitted and the races are never longer than two hours (often only around 90 minutes), the starts are around 6pm to enable crews to get to the CYCSA after work and a magnificent buffet after the race is always well attended. Racing in such safe and pleasant circumstances can be a wonderful way of developing your sailing skills, knowledge of your boat and challenge you to sail in directions you may not often choose when out cruising. It is also an extremely sociable event which is only enhanced by close finishes such as experienced by Kudos, Sahara and Wind Weaver.

The One and All made an appearance in Eastern Cove early in the New Year and, with challenging sunlight, the best pictures turned out to be those of the photographers trying to get a picture!

Large pods of dolphins accompanied many of the boats en route to Yorke Peninsula or Kangaroo Island. Their antics are a constant source of entertainment and a popular, if challenging, subject for many cameras.

Adrian Wotton really scooped the pool with the magnificent shot on the opposite page.

The Australia Day Weekend saw many heading to Port Vincent. The winds were due westerly on the Saturday so it was a long slog for those who chose to sail over but the trip back was on a magnificent reach and many made the trip home in record time. A few cruisers tried their hands in the Port Adelaide Sailing Club’s Port Vincent Regatta and were rewarded with a striking Australia Day Medallion commemorating the event. I suspect it will become a regular event on the cruising calendar.

We all know that while we might love the idea of perfect cruising conditions with favourable winds the realities of life at sea can mean a radical change in plans. Racing is an excellent way to hone ones skills to cope with the unpredictable situations found when cruising.

Richard Lea, Chair Cruising Association 17

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sailing in he Adriatic Sea is the part of the Mediterranean Sea which reaches deepest into the European mainland and the area belonging to Croatia is characterised by an attractive and diverse coastal landscape with as many as 1185 islands, islets, reefs and rocks. The Croatian coastline is 5951 kilometres in length.

The spread of the Adriatic islands is ideal for yachting as they stretch, with breaks here and there along most of the coastline, in a string from Rijeka to Dubrovnik. Usually not more than ten nautical miles apart, the islands form numerous channels, both between the mainland and themselves and between themselves alone. The mainland and the islands abound with bays, coves and ports, large and small, in which a mooring or anchorage can be found. These are ideal places to navigate by sail but also to cruise on a motor yacht or a sports fishing boat. No place is far away from another place and if you want you can spend the whole day sailing. If the weather turns bad or a strong wind picks up there is always some place nearby to find shelter. The island settlements are diverse, interesting and full of historical significance.

Many, like Korcula, Stari Grad or Vis, have their roots in antiquity.

Other settlements are of a more recent origin having emerged as fishing ports or as the ports of large island settlements located deeper inland.

In recent years the Croatian coastline and its numerous islands have become one of the most popular destinations for Australian’s who enjoy sailing or cruising and it is against this backdrop that twelve of us from Australia started our Croatian sailing adventure from the Adriatic town of Split renowned for its palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian, beautiful climate and cafe lifestyle. An overnight stay at a luxurious hotel was a good introduction to Croatia and gave us an opportunity to shake off jet lag.

Saturday’s are very busy at all marinas in Croatia because this is turnaround day for those ending their sailing and those checking in and so it was at our Kastel marina in Split. By the time we got our supplies at the local supermarket and had the yacht induction we did not depart the marina till after 5pm, reaching our next destination, 18

the island of Solta, just as the sun was setting. Our host was patiently waiting to get us moored safely.

Brudet or brodeto is a fish stew made in Dalmatia, Primorje and Istria. It consists of several types of fish and the most important aspect of brodeto is its simplicity of preparation and the fact that it is usually prepared in a single pot. This was our first dinner in our lovely secluded bay on the island of Solta followed by homemade red and white wines and local brandy which made the evening an unforgettable one.

We were sailing using two 45 footers (Salona Yachts). One yacht was brand new whilst the second was five years old and clearly showing signs of not being maintained to standard. The best approach in chartering yachts in Croatia is to have a yacht no older than three years or if an older yacht is being chartered to have it looked at prior to booking by a professional local skipper.

For the next two days we sailed and motored to the beautiful island of Vis. Access to Vis was limited in the past due to it being a naval base but is now open to nautical tourism. Interestingly cricket is played at the local cricket club. British soldiers spent time here during WW II and have left their mark in this way, a recent example of the historical richness which adds so much to the uniqueness of Croatia. For centuries many nations have colonised or occupied this part of the world including the Greeks, Romans, Turks, French, Venetians, British, Austrians, German and Italians.

This provides a historically rich and varied environment to enjoy today when sailing through, not least in the culinary domain!

From Vis with memories of a very stormy afternoon we headed for the island of Korcula and the safe harbour of Vela Luka. There was plenty of opportunity for a swim in a secluded bay with a sea temperature of 23-24 degrees.

Next was the island of Lastovo known for its crayfish. Again the mooring facilities were good with good anchorage, electricity and water as well as showers available. We took the afternoon to see the old town of Lastovo which is located inland and from where the local people used to attack Venetian merchant ships using

n croatia their very fast sailing boats. On one occasion the Venetian Republic sent their navy which attacked and fully destroyed Lastovo town.

The locals did not give up and rebuilt the township some years later. The island is noted for its 15th and 16th century architecture and there is a large number of churches of relatively small size, a testament to the island’s long-standing Roman Catholic tradition.

The crayfish lunch was special as we anchored our yachts outside the local eatery and chose the crayfish to be cooked. Whilst waiting for the meal we enjoyed tasting a variety of locally made beverages.

The crayfish dish arrived and was a memorable meal.

In the next few days we sailed back to Korcula and then on to Hvar island. To save time we took a day trip by mini-bus and ferry to the ancient city of Dubrovnik and spent time savouring this well known “Jewel of the Adriatic�.

Croatia has over 60 marinas located all along the coastline and the islands. They are always in demand and that is why it is important to arrive no later than 4.30-5.00 in the afternoon. This assures you a place in the marina or a place on the foreshore of a township with the usual facilities of water, electricity, anchorage and showers. We made sure that our arrivals were timely and were not disappointed.

The weather gave us opportunities for some good sailing and we motored when there was insufficient wind.

Our last day was on the island of Brac known for its famous marble used in building sections of the White House in Washington and the Swedish parliament. Here was also the last re-fuelling point for us prior to returning the yachts.

Our last berthing in the Kastel Marina at Split was a challenge due to a strong southerly wind and it called for all our skills to be applied. Split is where our adventure ended and we went our separate ways with lots of unforgettable memories of this beautiful and unique part of the world promising ourselves we would be back soon.

Neven Marovich

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RACING

Cruising A Ladies helm Liberator

Cruising A winners White Knight

Cruising B Ladies Helm Sea Snake II

Cruising B winners School’s Out

Festival of the Sails

The 2015 Festival of the Sails was held from 17-26 January 2015. This year the CYCSA was represented by five entrants: Concubine (Jason Ward), Game On (Julian Newton), Shining Sea (Andrew Corletto), Slipknot (Sebastian Bohm), and Vertigo (Jamie Goode).

Twilight Series 1 results

All of our boats were up there in the results with the crew from Concubine placing first in both Division 2 IRC and Division AMS congratulations to Concubine for this great result! Shining Sea also had a great regatta placing third in Division 2 IRC and fourth in Division 2 AMS. All results are as follows.

CRUISING A 1st White Knight – David Knights 2nd G-Wizz – Greg Patten 3rd That’s Life – Greg Manuel CRUISING B 1st School’s Out – Adrian Wotton 2nd Synergy – Mark Hutton 3rd Sahara – Richard Lea

Results

Ladies Helm Twilight Race

Division 2 IRC Concubine (Jason Ward) – 1st Place Shining Sea (Andrew Corletto) – 3rd Place Division 2 AMS Concubine (Jason Ward) – 1st Place Shining Sea (Andrew Corletto) – 4th Place Division 3 AMS Vertigo (Jamie Goode) – 6th Place Division 3 IRC Vertigo (Jamie Goode) – 5th Place Sydney 38 One Design Slipknot (Sebastian Bohm) – 6th Place Sportsboats Game On (Julian Newton) – 4th Place

Wednesday 12 December saw the first Ladies Helm Twilight Race for the season. A fleet of 20 boats skippered by ladies hit the water.

CRUISING A 1st Liberator – Janet Bonner 2nd Another Planet – Tracey Pegler 3rd The Gnome – Sue McCoy CRUISING B 1st Sea Snake II – Cristina Florea 2nd Sahara – Anna Gutulegen 3rd Synergy – Inese Lainis Ladies Helm Twilights are always a popular night and the next and final Ladies Helm Twilight for this season is scheduled for Wednesday 11 March. Please contact me if you are interested.

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ASSOCIATION 2015 J24 National Championships 8-11 January 2015

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he CYCSA hosted the J24 Class National Championships from 8-11 January 2015. We had a total of 16 entries which included five local entries. Day one kick started the regatta with stormy conditions and a breeze of 13 knots, flat seas and muggy temperatures. Race Officer John Gibson managed to get two races in for the first day which was marred by a series of protests which resulted in Pacemaker from Sandringham Yacht Club and our own No Eye Deer being disqualified from Race Two. Day two was another overcast day of racing but the conditions were good with breezes of 8-10 knots and flat seas. Four races were sailed and another protest was lodged which ended up being dismissed by the Protest Committee.

Day three was yet another overcast and wet day – everyone was talking about Janette Syme from Foolish Behaviour sailing before the start under an umbrella at the back of the boat! The day started out very light but increased to around 18 knots by the end of the first race which caught the fleet unaware but gave a fast and exciting kite ride back to the finish. Two more races followed the first and the wind steadily decreased so that the

final race of the day was almost a drifter. A fourth race was scheduled but was not held due to the lack of wind.

The final day saw three races contested and some bad luck when not one, but two, competitors suffered some facial injuries – the worst hit being Victorian President Doug MacGregor who got hit with a boom and lost a couple of teeth and required stitches. By the final race of the day the overall One Design winner Pacemaker had it in the bag and decided to watch the rest of the fleet start the race before they cruised home to start early celebrations leaving the rest of the fleet to battle it out for second and third positions.

The PHS winner was Foolish Behavior (Janette Syme, Manly Yacht Club) with Endless Summer (Steve O’Rourke, Cronulla Sailing Club) coming in second place and our very own Cookie Monster (Rob Hogan) placing third. One Design winners Pacemaker (Dave Suda, Sandringham Yacht Club) came in ahead of CYCSA’s El Fideldo (Doug Watson) with By the Lee (Brendan Lee, Sandringham Yacht Club) in third place.

It was a great regatta and once again all of our interstate guests loved the facilities and hospitality provided by the staff and volunteers at the CYCSA. The J24 States are coming up at the Club in March.

Jess Hargraves, Racing Manager

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What worked, what didn’t

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Didn’t – use the radar ($3k), solar panels ($500 each stored inside), small plotter ($500), sat phone ($1,135 + $60/month), portable VHF ($350), spare VHF ($450), spare autopilot ($2k), receiver radio ($200).

o we have done “the season” up north and it’s time to ponder what worked and what didn’t. We are nearly back home in Port Lincoln and did not make it to the Lousiades as planned for various reasons. We cruised the Coral Coast last year and cheated by freighting our yacht up and back ($14k) but have sailed up before. Our 30’ Endevour yacht had a refit ($40k at least) from new keel bolts to masthead tri colour prior to the trip. I used the equipment list from Jessica Watkins book True Spirit as a guide.

Worked – the iPad ($500 + $185/year) with a cheap navigation download was brilliant for navigation and using the internet to research ports and services at sea prior to entry. However the iPad does not replace a laptop computer which was sorely missed most days!

Worked – having each individual electrical item on a separate circuit, fused and with no integration of any instruments. Not the current fashion I know.

I had to make judgements about what to take, what we could afford and what we would leave at home. So here is the list which may be of interest to those planning a trip.

Didn’t – use the special bracket made to put all the instruments out in the cockpit.

Worked – we emailed friends and family with various dates and places they could join us and had over 20 guests which was typical of many boats. Most were ‘fi-fo’ that is they flew into say Mooloolaba and flew out of Gladstone. My wife Beth and I sailed the boat back to Brisbane by ourselves.

Worked – the new mainsail and number 2 jib ($3k) were used almost exclusively. We reefed down once, used number 3 jib and downwind spinnaker once. We don’t have lazy jacks, mainsail bag or furlers, but had sails either bagged or covered at all times when not in use. We use the motor, trim sails and always have a clean bottom so that five knots is maintained at sea.

Didn’t – ever get on top of list of jobs that needed doing. This was despite the refit where everything possible was new or rebuilt.

Maintenance is an everyday chore.

Didn’t – ever use number 1 jib, number 4 jib, trysail and reaching spinnaker.

Worked – at 30’ we were one of the smallest boats but the old ‘wine glass’ shaped hull is sturdy and sea kindly. It is also manageable physically and financially. The older designs can carry the gear required for longer cruises and behave better at anchor.

Worked – the deck shade ($300) from the mast to the stern was used when not sailing but the foredeck cover was not used much. A personal umbrella ($9) was used in the cockpit and was handy ashore.

Worked – new 30hp diesel engine ($10k), brilliant. Didn’t even have a fuel line connecting the engine to the fuel tank for six months, sounds impossible but it sucked enough through an overflow to work! Similarly feathering three bladed Australian made stainless steel propeller ($3k) improved our sailing speed but is not good in reverse.

Didn’t – have a bimini, a cockpit arch with solar panels and other junk sometimes appropriately called “the back veranda”.

Worked – the spray dodger ($400) sheltering the cockpit - used more at anchor than at sea as the wind was nearly always behind us on this trip.

Didn’t – use the outboard ($700) for the dingy. The outboard is a four stroke air cooled model so quite reliable but it’s quicker and easier for us to row the fore deck hugging dingy (homemade).

Didn’t – use the toilet holding tank ($650). What a complicated useless thing when there are no pump out stations.

Didn’t – use the wheels specially fabricated for the transom of the dingy so that it can be dragged up beaches or boat ramps. Going ashore in Queensland often involves mud so we used marinas to restock and explore from.

Worked – we bought most of the Australian charts from USA ($300) at about 1/10 of the price here in Australia. Beth liked the coloured Australian charts we had on board but I did not mind the imported ones. Contemplated going “paperless” but feel more comfortable studying a chart the night before a passage.

Worked – yes we had enough money, most normal (retired wage earners) had a budget of $50k to $100k per year and we spent about $70k. We returned home several times, ate out lots and were in marinas far more than intended (from $105 max to $8 minimum per night, yet cheapest was the best).

Didn’t – use the small desalinator ($3000) because the water was often too dirty in much of Queensland. When we could use the desalinator it was great not to have to be closely monitoring our water use. The eutectic fridge (homemade) was run twice per day for about 10 minutes at the same time as the desalinator.

Didn’t – need the two large 160amp batteries ($500 each). One would have been adequate especially when backed up by the little ‘gopher’ battery ($39) which held charge all year.

Worked – the 30kg plough anchor with 60m of 3/8 stainless chain ($1,250) which never dragged. Although the electric winch on the foredeck ($2k) never let us down it needs to be able to pull up the anchor in more than 12 metres of water.

Worked – the echo sounder ($300), auto pilot ($2,000), GPS ($400), AIS ($1,670), VHF ($400), LED lights and torches, TV/DVD ($200), cabin fan ($90), radio/CD ($100) were used every day.

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Didn’t – use the other heavy anchoring gear used in more southern waters including 40kg Fisherman’s or 25kg Danforth anchor nor all the new long nylon rodes for each anchor. Sea anchor fortunately remains in its locker.

Worked – the 150m long rope to pull over the boat by the masthead when grounded. The worst was when I was not paying attention in the Sandy Straits and then I was paralysed by all the alarms going off prior to hitting a bank at full speed on a falling tide. She was not impressed!

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Worked – the two folding bikes ($400 ea) which were great for exploring, restocking and exercise. Similarly the two inflatable kayaks ($1k ea) were used up rivers and estuaries far away from where we were anchored.

Worked - the wind vane (homemade) did nearly all the sailing and the autopilot was used for motoring. We just slept/read and probably did not keep as good a look out as we should have.

Worked – the memories and great experiences especially when shared with friends and family.

Didn’t – convince Beth nor myself that this is the way to live full time.

Worked – cruising on a part time basis and using the boat as a base to explore from. But I could see myself becoming a lonely, sad, grumpy old man in a marina somewhere in Queensland if I continued.

Mike Stockdale

Gold

BOAT PARTY

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he Fishing Association held its Boat Party on Friday 14 November.

A much subdued event when compared to previous such occasions but lack of sponsorships and reduced support from CYCSA members necessitated changes.

Nevertheless an enjoyable evening was had by 37 members and guests on the Marina East Ramp between rows B and C. Our thanks to members who brought their boats forward for the event, Romeo Macolino, Jim Smyth, Greg Patten and especially Leica Theodore and Theodore Marine, who not only put a boat forward but also added much welcome additional sponsorship. Our thanks also to Mario and the CYCSA staff for their help, especially the catering, which was above average.

Members enjoyed seeing what entertains others in their boating machinery (viz; Greg Patten’s Kingfisher), discussed many and varied fishing experiences and renewed their friendships with other Fishing Members.

We hope the word spreads amongst members that we can and do have excellent occasions for their enjoyment and thus our support will increase.

As the event was free for Fishing Association members it represented excellent value for money!

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25

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t had been a stormy few weeks leading up to the 70th anniversary of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. And I mean literally. We had had unseasonably wet, humid and stormy weather in Adelaide then Christmas Day in Sydney was fine and dry until about 4pm when the heavens opened and we enjoyed a thunderstorm from the rooftop pool of the Vibe Hotel in Rushcutter’s Bay. We arrived in Sydney a few days earlier for some training and preparation and were feeling relaxed and ready albeit a little nervous due to the forecast of a southerly buster on the first night of the great race.

Our team (pictured opposite) consisted of eight South Australians, one ex-South Australian (currently residing in WA) and one Queenslander who lives and works in Europe.

Although he was unpaid for this race his work in Europe excluded us from the Corinthian Division although we definitely considered ourselves in these ranks. We were proudly one of the youngest crews on the water with an average age of 32. Our bowman (Jesse Mitton) had just turned 18 only weeks before the race and our navigator (Jason Clark) bravely took on this key role at just 26 years of age in his fourth Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. We also had a father/son duo on board in the formidable pair of Anthony and Jesse Mitton.

The day of the race dawned bright and fine with moderate breezes. We were one of the first to leave the dock farewelling the kids and family and escaping the madness. The breeze was a moderate 12 knots and the harbor was still quiet but we knew that wouldn’t last. Sure enough, by the time the race started we had 25 knots of breeze and a large spectator fleet around us. We were on the second start line of three and got a good start tightly sandwiched between two bigger boats.

We exited the harbor under an outboard sheeted jib (after a brief stint down the harbor with the A6 up) then settled in hard on the breeze and soon changed down from our medium/heavy jib to the Number Four.

True to the forecast the first night was hard work. We were close hauled with 20-30 knots of breeze from the south and a strong East Australian current running quite close to land. The combination of wind against current made for a sea state with four metre swells, not comfortable for those of us prone to seasickness. Two of our crew went down on the first night and our watch system changed to exclude them until they were able to function again.

The wind and seas moderated overnight and day two was sunny and warm with the breeze having shifted around to the northeast. It was pleasant sailing and we had an opportunity to dry ourselves, our wet gear and the boat. We were well positioned in our division after this first night and were pleased to have come out of it so well and with no damage.

As the breeze strength started to build from the northeast we found ourselves running under the S4. There was still residual swell from the previous night causing some flogging of the spinnaker. Unfortunately after several hours of running our new S4 blew out without warning but no problems, we had brought a spare with us! (At the expense of the S2). So the spare S4 went up and the breeze continued to gradually strengthen. Two hours later we gybed successfully only to have the brace escape from the beak of the pole a few minutes later resulting in the S4 wrapped around the forestay. Not a pretty sight and the only way to get it down was using a knife! So we now had no S2 and no S4s. That left us with just an S1.5 and an A6. Despite our prayers for the breeze to build so that we could happily sail under the A6 the opposite happened and it moderated leaving us firmly in S2 and S4 territory for the next 30 hours of the race.

We all knew that this was ‘game over’ for us as far as results were concerned but we continued to sail hard heading out to sea to catch the currents. Finally on 29 December we had an opportunity to use the A6 in the breeze it was designed for after many hours of having it up by default.

The skipper was on the helm having a grand time getting the little First 40 up to a new top boat speed of 20.2 knots. He handed over to our very competent 2IC who was at the helm for less than ten minutes before the A6 exploded… just 30 seconds after the decision had been made that we were above range for this kite and we should take it down. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

So now we only had the S1.5 left. Of course the breeze moderated but the sea state was confused and we ended doing a very un-glamorous manouvre of poling out the jib. We are very glad that the helicopter did not fly over at that moment to photograph this! Mrs Skipper was frustrated and was noted to say: “This is s**t, let’s put the 1.5 up”. The crew reminded her that we should probably save the S1.5 as we needed at least one spinnaker for the Festival of Sails in Geelong.

We experienced the strangest of days on that last day travelling from Tasman Island around Cape Raoul and into Storm Bay. One of the crew swore it was the strangest day of yachting he had ever done. We went from two reefs and a number 5 jib to being almost becalmed, then back to one reef and the number 4 jib, then back to being becalmed. Just after 6pm on day four we had rounded Cape Raoul and were sitting in no breeze eating our dinner when a photographer and pilot in a light aircraft flew past us. They were flying very low and very slow. Two minutes later we heard the radio call from Mistral reporting that the aircraft had plunged into the water in front of them. We could clearly see Mistral’s mast about four nautical miles behind us. It was terrible news. There was apparently no debris and three boats in close proximity to the crash site were able to stand by. We continued on but with a pervading solemnity given that we had been so near to the loss of two lives.

After a typically difficult traverse of Storm Bay we finally crossed the finish line around midnight on 29 December. We were greeted by a small group of about a dozen family and friends. The crowds who welcome yachts into Constitution Dock during the day were nowhere to be seen but it was a satisfying feeling nonetheless.

The race had taken us three-and-a-half days to complete. It had been a largely downhill race with the exception of the first night and the home stretch in Storm Bay and up the Derwent River. I hadn’t foreseen the need for accommodation until the night of the 30th so it was off to Custom’s House until dawn for some refreshments and I believe some of the crew were still there at lunchtime the following day!

As anyone who has ever done this race will attest, it is a challenge as well as a character building and enriching experience. We’ll be back and we’ll try not to blow up so many kites next time.

Shevaun Bruland 26

Concubine’s Sydney to Hobart 2014

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Photo courtesy of Tasmanian Yacht Photography

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Association

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

THE INAUGURAL CAROLS ON THE LAWN

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he Social Activities Association is always looking for new ways to engage our members and so this year rather than have a formal Christmas Dinner we had ‘Carols on the Lawn’.

Linda McCarthy was approached to be the MC for this event as none of our committee had the necessary vocal skills and she suggested we involved the Swing High Swooners who are a disability group she mentors. This delightful group have many skills, including singers, musicians and even a barrel organ. The Swing High Swooners meet regularly to practise and our invitation was accepted with glee. We were their first ‘real’ gig and a lot of extra practices were held prior to Christmas to make their performances a delight to behold.

The night was overcast and hot as about 120 people gathered on the lawns to enjoy the performance. Linda started us off with her usual sense of fun and soon got everyone involved in the event. The Barrel Organ proved a great attraction and then the Swing High Swooners got us into the mood with Christmas Carols and a singalong. We sang all the old favourites and the kids present especially added to the atmosphere with the enthusiastic way they joined in even providing some of the entertainment when invited to dance and show us what they could do.

The main cost of this night was covered by the ‘Tree of Cheer’ raffle and this was drawn half way through the night, with Wind Weaver winning the main prize of the ‘Tree of Cheer’. I am sure there was much celebrating in that household that night!

T

he Children’s Christmas Party at the CYCSA is for many families the beginning of the Christmas Season. On the first Sunday in December families accompanying 45 children arrived to find the Jumping Castle installed, Christmas decorations transforming the BBQ area and Santa’s throne prepared ready for his arrival. As an added bonus the weather was perfect, warm, but not hot and no rain.

After a chance to give the Jumping Castle a good testing, games were played which included Pass the Parcel and all children were ensured a prize.

Santa arrived in a very boating way on board Sundowner, compliments of Vicki Pearce and David Henderson, and some old flares were used to create a lovely orange smoke cloud to make sure the entrance was special and Santa wasn’t overlooked.

A wonderful selection of presents was delivered by Santa and the feedback from parents and children alike was that Santa had got it “just right”. Very excited children waved Santa off and then did justice to the ‘afternoon tea’ designed especially for kids. We had fairy bread, watermelon, chocolate crackles, my favourite honey snaps and of course ice creams and lollies.

After another chance to enjoy the Jumping Castle parents packed up tired but happy children and waved the committee off with many thanks.

Some of the proceeds of the ‘Tree of Cheer’ raffle were devoted to help keep the costs of this event down and the Social Activities Committee would like to thank everyone who supported this raffle initiative and purchased tickets. I would also like to thank the hard working Social Activities Committee for again throwing everything into this afternoon to make it a success.

The last of the carol singalongs were accompanied by the flicking of our candles and we finished the night relatively early so that parents could take tired children home in preparation for the big day later that week.

Many thanks to Linda McCarthy and the Swing High Swooners for giving us a very special evening.

Pamela Humeniuk, Chair Social Activities Association

Pamela Humeniuk, Chair Social Activities Association

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28

Island Boats Prominent in 2015 Ballast Head Cup Adapted from an article written by Greg Roberts for the KI Islander

the Strawbridge Pointers well represented with eight local vessels partaking.

he practice of race handicapping has long been considered a black art that defies attempts at description. At the completion of the 13th running of Australia’s first yacht race of the calendar year, the Ballast Head Cup, the mysteries of handicapping had only spiralled deeper and some explanation was required as to how the placings were arrived at.

John Hamlyn’s bright yellow sloop Mystique was a wonderful performer and thoroughly deserved to take home the Jamie Cowell Memorial Trophy for top finishing new entrant. Ant Harris was back after a lengthy sabbatical with the unique cat rigged ketch Goshawk.

Andy Wood put together a seasoned crew for Samphire’s debut before a passing pod of dolphins lured them away from the starters pistol while Nick Pike felt the need to slow Dauntless down with his dinghy. Henk Levering’s Angels Wings was also a bright performer and quickened her pace once Henk shook the reef out of his crew’s huge grey beard. Andrea and Russell Coleman’s Trim was a late withdrawal but will be back with a vengeance next year with quells at the ready.

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Under water-board interrogation David Saies and his CYCSA race committee admitted to examining the rancid entrails of the 2014 Xmas turkey, spinning them around three times in an anti-clockwise manner, then casting them over their shoulders while cavorting naked on the start boat before tossing a book of logarithmic tables to see what page number appeared and then used a slide rule to calculate the average age in celestial years of each crews immediate family and pets, before rounding them off to the power of 10, to ascertain placings. This was the straightforward part.

More empirically derived details were not divulged due to a long forgotten seaman’s rite before they announced Greg Roberts’ Rubicon the handicap winner of this years race. Sometimes the sum of all known facts doesn’t equate to the truth but the Rubicon crew was ecstatic, not to mention shocked.

Much saner prognostications saw John Bolt’s Bogebada as runnerup and the highly credentialled Ibis II (Barry Uren) take third place.

Graeme Footer’s immaculate sloop Marnico needed no such chicanery as she cruised across the line to take line honours from Gary Sintons That’s Life for her second straight triumph.

The day had begun under grey skies and a stiff onshore eastnortheasterly of 25 knots giving the race a different feel with a long windward leg to begin for the first time in its 13 year history. The boisterous airs reduced the fleet numbers to 14 with

The reduced fleet saw all boats starting at the same time as opposed to the staggered starts of the previous two years. This led to a colourful and congested start line that was quite a sight for all onlookers.

The post race BBQ was again a hit with Stan Benjamin giving a colourful update on the RIG project at American River where the boat/ shed/museum/coffee shop is on schedule to be up and running for next years Ballast Head Cup. Once again many thanks to David Saies and the CYCSA organising committee for a great event that has become a fixture in Kangaroo Island’s holiday calendar. Accolades also Richard Pope from Celebrity, Brooke McLeay and Sue Pentelow for their assistance and to Robbie and Brec Waterman for making their boat Decanter available as the Committee Boat. The Kangaroo Island Yacht Club and Ian Willmott made two inflatable buoys available which improved the configuration of the course for the prevailing NE breeze also.

EDITORS NOTE: It should be noted that David Saies does an exceptional job on the handicapping and the results on corrected time show such.

29

Volunteers Required

“Is it time to shine?... ….give us a call.”

We are looking for Men and Women who are dedicated to promoting boating safety, to support Australian mariners and recreational boaties. You may be an administrator or a "hands on" person, there is a place for you.

We need regular members for:

Rescue Boat Crew Marine Radio Operators Public Relations Fundraising

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No Experience Necessary!

AVCGA will provide all the training necessary to get the job done.

Contact one of the Flotillas listed below or visit our website

Associate Membership also available North Haven - (08) 8248 4994

O’Sullivan Bch - 0418 146 796 Port Augusta - 0458 574 115

www.coastguard.com.au

Qualified & Experienced Shipwright Specialising in Fibreglass and Gelcoat

For Coast Guard Assistance Phone: 8248 6100

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Photo by Gerry Colella

Port Vincent - 0419 852 382

Kingscote (K.I) - 0407 611 255

Concubine’s Sydney to Gold Coast Race 2014

W

e arrived in Sydney on Thursday 24 July fresh off the powdery slopes of the New South Wales ski fields after a family holiday and after handing the children over to their grandparents made our way to the CYCA to find sunshine and warm weather.

Our Beneteau First 40 had departed Adelaide approximately two weeks earlier with a delivery crew on board and had arrived in Sydney after depositing one crew at Portland due to seasickness then experiencing a Chinese gybe in Bass Strait and almost losing another overboard except for his tether keeping him attached to the boat!

The boat had arrived in relatively good shape although a crease had been found in the boom at the point where the vang attaches.

(We have subsequently found out that these boats often experience weakness in their aluminium production booms). Some quick thinking

by Silas Nolan, our trusty boat manager, had the boom reinforced within a few days and thankfully we were still able to do the race.

Team photo (left to right, back row first): Jason Ward, Nicholas Deussen, Jesse Mitton, James Paterson, Jason Clark, Matthew Hansen, Luke Stephens, Shevaun Bruland, Scott Cavanough, Anthony Mitton.

The crew arrived in Sydney two days before the race ready to prepare and provision the boat and do a little training before our first major offshore race outside of South Australia. We had decided to do this race (384nm) as important preparation for the 2014 Sydney to Hobart Race. It would provide our young crew with valuable experience sailing a significantly longer race than any offered in South Australia and the opportunity to trial watches and crew combinations.

some of which we had never attempted before, even in daylight. The sea state was reasonable and it wasn’t even that cold compared to some of our overnight races in South Australia. Those Queenslander’s are soft! At about 3am the wind strength softened considerably and stayed that way all though the next day.

We woke on the first morning to check the overall results only to find ourselves leading not only our division but also the race! It had been a good night and we had sailed hard and handled the boat well, however with very light conditions and the southerly East Australian Current to avoid, it was now a whole other ball game.

Our crew was predominately South Australian with one Western Australian (an ex-South Aussie) and one Queenslander to provide local knowledge. One of our regular crew provided shore assistance by driving the support vehicle and Silas beat us there by a good margin on board Ichi Ban.

Unfortunately we were unable to hold on to this position throughout the second day which saw light reaching and upwind conditions. We lost touch with some of our divisional competitors as they headed inshore to ‘rock-hop’ up the coast in an attempt to stay out of the current. It proved to be a wise move in the end and possibly our biggest mistake was to not do the same.

The morning of the race Jason and I were feeling remarkably relaxed given the enormity of the task of getting the boat entered. We had achieved Category 1 safety status, despite it being a Category 2 race, getting it there and having it and the crew ready to go. This was in no small part thanks to Silas Nolan who put in a huge amount of work behind the scenes to ensure the boat was well prepared.

The final stages of the race were sailed in light and variable conditions of 4-12 knots from the west and north-west. We crossed the finish line at 12:15am on Tuesday 29 July after just over 59 hours of racing.

Line honours went to Wild Oats XI. The overall win went to Celestial, a Rogers 46 from NSW. Our divison (IRC 3) was won by The Goat, a Sydney 38 from NSW and we finished fifth in our division.

The morning of the race saw light conditions with the prospect of some stronger winds during the night followed by a generally light race. We had been warned that if the wind was coming from the west (off the land) then it could be a bitterly cold race with the wind travelling from snow-capped mountains to the sea. We were well prepared with beanies, ski gloves, new sea boots and multiple layers.

Southport Yacht Club remained open all night to accommodate parched yachties in need of refreshment. Still in my sea boots, thermals and mid-layer, I can say that an extraordinarily large number of jugs of rum and coke were consumed in the early hours of that Tuesday and was followed by a quiet flight home the following afternoon.

As one of the smaller boats in the fleet of 57, getting across the start line and out of the heads in very light wind was a challenge. We weren’t looking great as we passed South Head at the tail end of the fleet however we managed to be one of the first boats to pick up a strengthening shore breeze and gained a reasonable position to start the day.

All in all it was good experience, a very tactical navigational race and a lot of fun at the end. We are looking forward to turning right next time we exit Sydney Harbour.

The first night was a ripper. We had 12-20 knots of breeze varying between a dead run and a reach. There were plenty of gybes, sail changes and peels between the symmetrical kites and the Code Zero,

Shevaun Bruland

A spectacular venue for your wedding day...

Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia 31

Airlie Beach Regatta

C

ome to beautiful Queensland – blowing dogs off chains one day and horizontal rain the next! Not quite what the brochures portray but don’t believe that propaganda. It does seem to have been the reality for many of our visits and this year was no exception. “You should have been here last week!” is always the response from the locals.

Our long time friend Bryn Wooding moved to Airlie Beach many years ago and lives aboard his “retired” Petersen 38 Adrenalin, survivor of a number of Hobart races including the notorious ’98 race. Fortunately the boat was also the survivor (just) of a particularly windy race week.

A year ago on a visit Bryn made to Adelaide the idea was mooted over a few beers that we could get “the gang” together for a few quiet days of sailing in the Whitsundays, an offer much too good to refuse. Our early adolescent summer weekends were spent sailing Cadets and exploring the more remote mangrove swamps and industrial wastelands behind the squadron (RSAYS) and Airlie seemed a good excuse to gather together any who could make it from this disreputable bunch.

As well as Sue and me, David Cook was an early entrant with wife Cathy. From 1980 to 1983 Dave restored an ancient (and very wet) low wooded boat called Radiant but since then had not sailed for over twenty years. Erica Judell was keen to join us for a few days to catch up and also to visit her boat at its mooring at Airlie. Her brother Michael Judell had not sailed for decades but is a very talented surfer – just as well he lives at Byron Bay. We certainly needed everybody because Bryn’s boat is very ‘old school’ with runners and check-stays so letting these on and off at the right time tacking or gybing is essential if you don’t want to end up with the rig in the ‘over the side’ position!

blue skies and no rain made this the best day of the regatta. The glorious scenery is what sailing is about in this part of the world and the course made the most of it taking us out of Pioneer Bay and around the corner to the east and then south for a beat up the channel to White Rock and return via West Molle (Daydream Island). Once again the little boat demonstrated her brilliance to windward as we sailed through many of the division that started ahead of us, short tacking up the coast to keep out of the tide. This certainly earned a few beers on the reach and then more again on the run home to Pioneer Bay and the finish. This is what it’s all about! There would be few more beautiful areas in which to sail and although fresh (up to 25 knots) definitely no hardship!

Airlie is the warm up in the week prior to Hamilton Island Race Week and the opening race is traditionally due north to the Cones and back, starting in the bay and first clearing a turning mark to windward before the long run before the prevailing south-easter and a beat back to the finish. The forecast was for breeze freshening in the afternoon following the passage of a trough and we started in ideal conditions and threaded our way through the large fleet for the short beat before turning north to the Cone Islands and a long run in a gradually freshening breeze.

Unfortunately by the time we reached the islands the breeze had kicked in to a fairly solid 25 to 30 knots plus and the shape of the islands provided a focal point for us. We had no instruments of any sort so it was a guess but when white water is picked up bodily from the surface and hurled high through the air you can assume there is significant breeze. We were fully reefed before reaching along the islands and were still totally flattened and there was mayhem in the fleet around us. Rumgutz lost its keel but the support boat acted promptly to rescue the crew and the boat was saved in the end. Three other boats lost masts and there were numerous retirements. Adrenalin battled bravely on and after finally clearing the islands was a great reminder to me of what a beautiful thing an IOR boat is to windward in a fresh breeze (memories of Dictator in similar conditions). Once clear of the Cones conditions at least settled although the rain also settled in very steadily – so refreshing! The last little beat in to the head of aptly named Funnel Bay was long and arduous as once again the breeze intensified with big bullets and a heavily reefed furling jib is not very efficient but we managed to finish without incident and as a bonus with an intact rig.

Day three was the one from the brochure with only up to 20 knots and mostly less. This time it was out of the bay and a turn left (west) to Gumbrell Island and return to the finish. It doesn’t really matter which way you head in this part of the world it all looks fabulous and we saw much of it up close keeping out of the tide. This time we had leisure to savour it and enjoy each other’s company. Just a pity we couldn’t clone the day for the rest of the week because although the next day was also ideal sailing conditions it was a much needed lay day which we spent on Erica’s cruising catamaran.

Our last day racing saw ominous low grey scudding cloud and passing rain squalls and relaxing it wasn’t. This was another passage race via the Molle channels and I must admit to liking plenty of breeze but not everyone on board shared my enthusiasm. Unfortunately Adrenalin started to show some signs of age and specifically the weakness of wooden boats in the tropics. They are fine in salt water but the one thing they can’t abide is any ingress of fresh water and Bryn was aware that some had managed to find its way in to the cabin top. There was little to see but this had weakened the join between the cabin top and bulkhead at the front end of the cockpit and the halyard winches started to peel the cabin top. We managed to jury rig the halyards to finish but with a forecast the next day for more strong winds and rain this seemed a good point to retire gracefully in a respectable top three position in division at the end of that race. It was time to give the old girl a well deserved rest (and the boat needed one too!). ...continued on page 33

The following day conditions moderated somewhat but there was still promise of a very fresh south-easter in the afternoon. However 32

Secret Mens Business 4.5’s Hamilton Island Regatta

T

his year SMB was trucked to Airlie Beach where it was assembled in Hawke’s Boatyard shortly before delivery to Hamilton Island. Prior to being loaded in Adelaide at Theodore’s, SMB underwent bow modifications which increased the waterline by two feet. This was a major operation to help the boat handle the choppy seas off Adelaide as well as the Hamilton Island sea conditions. It clearly gave the yacht more balance and a cleaner entry resulting in more boat speed.

The Hamilton Island Race Week had light to moderate winds throughout the regatta. Prior to the first start we had some fun convincing the Race Committee that we did not come all the way to race in the Maxi Division as they only had three starters. They eventually compromised and although starting our Division with the Maxi’s we had our own results. Our first race was kind to us and we claimed a first in IRC Division Two. The next race we came in second but seemed to progressively slip down positions as the winds became more variable. We finished with a third place overall from a nine yacht fleet. A little disappointing from the good positions we claimed at the start of the regatta.

Overall the Hamilton Island racing fleet was down in numbers but the Cruising Divisions remained strong. I believe the skippers and crews are finding the island very expensive. It was interesting to see how the price of accommodation dropped as the regatta drew closer and numbers fewer. We opted for two houses to accommodate the crew which gave us the flexibility of eating at home some evenings. Next year the IRC National Championships are in Hamilton Island and they will certainly bring some of the top racing yachts back to the island.

Trucking SMB home added another adventure to the many sagas of the Secret Mens Business dynasty. One hour from Dubbo in New South Wales the truck ran off the road and careered for 100 metres into the scrub until it found a large tree. The truck was extensively damaged and SMB was reported holed. The driver was taken to hospital but luckily escaped major injury. Tim Cowen and I flew immediately to Dubbo to inspect the boat and organise repairs. It did not take us long to determine the boat was a write off. Fortunately there will be a new Secret Mens Business on the start line this year and I am confident we can regroup bigger and better.

Geoff Boettcher

So the next day we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the marina and watched the fleet heading out to do battle in the rain and tempest following which we assembled Bryn’s ‘Blowcart’ (one-design land yacht) on the vacant land by the marina. A very fun day was had careering around on the dirt in lots of breeze with tuition provided by the reigning world champion in his weight division (Bryn Wooding is a very keen exponent of the sport and will head to Nevada Desert next year to defend his title).

Our last day at Airlie may have been best spent in bed but we ventured out for a walk along the coast and to catch up on the boat at the marina. The sea was invisible all day behind the mirk and driving rain and without GPS I can’t imagine the fleet could have found its way around a course. This day was not in the brochure and we were not in the least envious of the crews out doing battle in it – very character building! We did enjoy the party at the club afterwards but felt sorry for the organisers as it finished early and peering out from behind plastic to see the fireworks in the rain is not what it should be about.

The next day the weather was clearing but not enough for us to escape Hamilton Island. The plane tried to land but on each occasion the visibility made it unsafe and they had to abort and running low on fuel it headed to Mackay. We met Nick George at the airport who had been

staying on his boat at Airlie and had been prevented by the weather from flying out the previous day from Proserpine so had taken the ferry to Hamilton to be met with the same problem. Sue and I missed a scheduled Adelaide party but were fortunate in managing to find beds vacant on the island due to the SMB crew not being able to fly in and we had a great night (with much improved weather) as Hammo celebrated the opening for their race week – wonderful bands and a very enjoyable night with the SMB crew who were there. Nick had to return that night by ferry to Airlie to sleep on his boat and was then woken in the early hours by the arrival of the SMB crew from Mackay by hire car all looking for somewhere to sleep. They arrived by ferry the next morning and in glorious sunshine the next day we flew home without further incident (for Nick it was a case of third time lucky!) while the SMB boys went off to do battle in much more benign conditions.

The weather is generally settled in winter in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands (unless Sue and I are there) but always pack everything because you may need all of it and more. As expected our leaving Hammo ushered in a beautiful week of racing for those fortunate enough to be staying on – but that’s another story…..

Rob Last 33

Berths for sale or lease

FOR SALE Marina East 8m twin: F01, F02 – from $66,000 C09 – reduced to $35,000 10m twin: A09, A10, A14, A16, A27, A29, A34, A35, A40, F04, F15 – from $40,000 A38 (price includes a sea pen further details available upon request) – $48,000 10m single: A02, A04, A08, A26, F07 – from $80,000 A03 – reduced to $75,000 11m twin: A41 – reduced to $52,000 12m twin: D38, E13, E16, E25 – from $63,000 E09 – reduced to $50,000 E24 – reduced to $48,000 E25 – reduced to $55,000 D35 – reduced to $52,000 12m single: D08, D18, D21, D23, E04, E10 – from $85,000 E06, E20 – all offers considered 13m twin suitable for catamaran: C22 and C23 – $75,000 each 13m single: C19, D40 – $105,000 14m single: A46, C30 – from $160,000 15m single: A47, B26, B31, B35, B36, C34, C37 – from $150,000 B25 – all offers considered 16m single: B14, B15, B16 – from $180,000 B21 – all offers considered as owner now residing overseas 20m single: A49 – $290,000 20m T Head: E34 – $325,000 ono

FOR LEASE

Marina East 8m twin: C03, F01* 10m twin: A14*, A16*, A30, A31, A32 11m twin: A42 12m single: D29, E21 12m twin: E13*, E19 13m twin: A43 15m single: A47*, B25*, C34* 16m single: B16, B21* Marina West (all single berths) 15m: M08* 17m: J06, J10 20m: K01, K02, K06*, K07*, K08*, K15 30m: K18 Hardstand 9m: 8*, 15*, 29, 45*, 50, 52*, 56, 60*, 80, 81*, 97 10m: 33, 106, 110, 131*, 132, 139, 146* 12m: 113

All prices include GST * Denotes berth for sale and lease

Marina West (all single berths) 11m single: M03 – suitable for catamaran – $80,000 14m single: M07 – $120,000 15m single: M08 – $155,000 MO3 – reduced to $150,000 17m single: J13, J19, J20 – from $150,000 J12 – all offers considered J18 – reduced to $99,000 18m single: M10 – $250,000 20m single: K06, K07, K08, L02 – from $235,000 25m single: M14 – $290,000 30m single: K16 – $475,000 Hardstand 9m: 8, 15, 23, 52, 57, 70, 81, 86, 100 – from $3,000 10m: 106, 131, 140, 143, 144, 146, 147 – from $6,000 12m: 114 – $8,000 Port Vincent 10m twin: A7, A9, A14, A21, A23 – from $30,000 A18 – all offers considered 12m twin: B29, B34, B36, B37, B39, C60 – from $33,000 B33 – reduced to $28,000 12m single: B45, B46, C51, C65 – from $42,000 12m single: C48 – reduced for immediate sale $39,950 12m single: C68 – reduced for immediate sale $37,950 14m single: D70, D71, D72, D73, D77, D78 – from $45,000 15m single: D83, D85, D86, D87, D89 – from $50,000 20m single: A12, B35 – $200,000

contacts Berth Sales Jenny Krogdahl t: 8248 4222 e: jenny@cycsa.com.au Berth Leasing Kirsty Winstone t: 8248 4222 e: kirsty@cycsa.com.au Port Vincent Rob Marner PV Marina Manager 0414 611 110

Notes on Purchasing/Selling Berths As per Marina Berth Agreement, a 10% commission is payable by the vendor on all berth sales.

If you are selling your berth and buying a berth of equal or greater value then your berth sale may be subject to a 5% commission payable to the Club (in lieu of 10%). The sale and purchase must be effected on the same day.

This will be at the discretion of Management.

Contractors Working at the CYCSA Occupational health and safety is of paramount importance at our Club and we have a responsibility to ensure that our environment is safe for members, employees, visitors and contractors alike. To achieve this the Club utilises a Business Management System which controls all aspects of quality assurance, safety and the environment.

As part of this system all contractors undertaking work on CYCSA premises (including on boats in the marina and hardstand areas) must be ‘registered’ with the CYCSA. This process ensures that contractors have been inducted by a CYCSA employee so that they are aware of safety and emergency procedures and also ensures that they have the appropriate level of insurance cover should anything go wrong.

As of 1st of March 2015 the Club is transitioning to a new requirement that all contractors hold a valid Marine Card to commence or continue work on CYCSA premises.

Marine Card training sessions have recently been held at the Club.

If you have missed out and need to obtain a Marine Card please contact Reception. Contractors without a valid Marine Card and insurance policy lodged with the office will be unable to work onsite.

Please note that this also applies for any members who may conduct work in a contractor capacity at the Club. If you are unsure if you fall into this category please contact Reception for more information.

34

CLUB NEWS

Please Note • To comply with the CYCSA’s requirements all contractors must wear Hi Visibility vests at all times whilst conducting work on CYCSA property.

• Contractors must seek permission and be trained by a relevant CYCSA Staff Member before using Club equipment such as the crane, slipway wedge, tractor, gernie etc.

• Any person on site who fails to observe Safety Instructions, any responsible safety directive given by CYCSA Staff, or statutory safety or environmental requirements, may be removed from site.

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