Groundswell September 2020 by Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia

QUARTERLY JOURNAL FROM THE CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

CIRCUMNAVIGATING KANGAROO ISLAND

CRUISING THE TOP END

PORT VINCENT DESTINATION RACE

COVID-19 CLUB UPDATES

SEPTEMBER 2020 1

South Australia’s Marine Services Precinct

Service Precinct Facilities Service Precinct Facilities

• Hardstand & fit-out sheds • Service berths • Your choice of contractor or we can arrange for you • Fully EPA compliant

• 24hr high speed refuelling (Diesel & Premium Unleaded) • High pressure cleaning • Pump out facilities

Call in for a tour of SA’s Marine Services Precinct. Enquiries: (08) 8423 6420 2

Allan Rice Crescent, Largs North

CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT President Treasurer

Dominic Rinaldi David Roper Geoff Boettcher Keith Finch Peter Hall David Murray Doreen Perrin

FLAG OFFICERS Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodores

PATRON

Jacqueline Heffernan John Sibly Adrian Wotton Jeff Dinham The Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR

STAFF General Manager Financial Controller Financial Administrator Marketing & Communications Berthing & Member Services Marine Academy Principal Racing Administrator House & Functions Manager Head Chef Port Vincent Marina Manager

Adam Hays Kerry O’Brien Melissa Norris Mellissa Vahoumis Sarah Belton David Royle Inese Lainis Frank Mammone Tony Bailey Rob Marner

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

AT THE HELM WITH OUR GM

COMMODORE’S REPORT

RACING REPORT

MARINE ACADEMY REPORT

SOUTHERN INVESTIGATOR

CLUB NEWS

CRUISING ASSOCIATION UPDATE

CRUISING THE TOP END

PT VINCENT DESTINATION RACE

BOATS AT THE CLUB

CIRCUMNAVIGATING KI

FISHING ASSOCIATION UPDATE

FROM THE GALLEY

COMMITTEES Members Committee Chair Fishing Association Chair Racing Association Chair Cruising Association Chair Social Association Chair LIFE MEMBERS

EDITORS OF GROUNDSWELL

Advertising & contributions to Mellissa: mellissa@cycsa.com.au 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

Jacq Heffernan Vlad Humeniuk Mike Holmes Adrian Wotton Rosemary Gould

7 14

Arthur F Carolan (Dec’d) 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 (Dec’d) Gay Footer, Mellissa Vahoumis, Pat Catley, Dianne Schwerdt Telephone: 08 8248 4222 Email: reception@cycsa.com.au Web: www.cycsa.com.au Telephone Port Vincent: 0414 611 110

Registered by Australia Post Publication No PP565001/00184 ISSN 1039-4230 Printed by Newstyle Printing Graphic Design by Mellissa Vahoumis Volume 37 | Edition 3 Cover image: Winter Racing by Neil Pentecost

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear Members Welcome to the September issue of Groundswell. Spring is now upon us and we look forward to longer and warmer days out on the water.

SINKING FUND

COVID-19

A summary of the Sinking Fund’s performance as at the conclusion of the Club’s financial year end 31st May 2020:

Since the June issue of Groundswell the Club’s restaurant and bar facilities opened subject to certain restrictions in relation to the number of people per m2. It was great to see many members and guests frequenting the Club on a social basis again and it felt like things were returning to some sort of normality. As you are aware, changes following recent outbreaks of COVID-19 now mean that members and guests will need to be seated at all times whilst in the Club. The Club is closely monitoring the Governments information and advice and management will keep you informed as the situation changes. MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE We have been updating members of the work being undertaken by the Master Plan Committee. This committee was established to oversee a master plan process. The first step of this process was to engage Nelson Architects to undertake a rigorous consultation process with all Club stakeholders and based on this information prepare a master plan. A four stage master plan has now been presented to the Board for consideration. The plan has been costed by quantity surveyors who have provided high level cost estimates. I congratulate David Murray for the significant amount of work he has undertaken in driving this subcommittee culminating with the Masterplan Report. CRANE UPDATE I am pleased to advise that the new crane jib is scheduled to arrive in Australia in early September. We anticipate it will be installed and ready for use by the end of September 2020 which will restore the crane facility to the original two tonne capacity. The delays were attributable to finding an engineering solution to our ageing wharf structure and we apologise to members for any inconvenience caused by the delay. SLIPPING The slip winch has been recently refurbished. Management is currently investigating solutions to facilitate the installation of a new winch. We have recently negotiated the purchase of a large cradle and have been refurbishing other cradles to increase our slipping capacity. I encourage all members to use our slipping facilities and take advantage of our offer to senior members to use slipping services for two days over the weekend and pay for one.

In May 2020 the Board approved $340,000 to be drawn down from the Fund to be applied to approved overwater asset expenditure as per the Funds mandate.

CYCSA Sinking Fund Performance 31/05/2020 YTD PORTFOLIO: 3*

Shares @ market value Preference Shares

Cash/Term Deposits Total value of Sinking Fund

31/05/2019 FY

1,607,995

28%

5,237,884

89%

688,467

12%

310,460

3,548,774

61%

315,792

5,845,236

5,864,136

Original investment

5,450,377

Return on investment to date

5,450,377 7%

INCOME GENERATED: Dividends received

213,296

161,311

Profit from sale of shares

386,352

22,514

599,648

183,825

NOTES* 1.

Cash is held in a seperate Sinking Fund bank account.

All income received from the Sinking Fund to date has been reinvested.

Profit on sale of shares was realised during the year before market correction due to COVID. Proceeds from the sale of those shares held in term deposits. Remaining shares will be held long term until the market improves and values are restored.

See you on the water and I look forward to seeing you all enjoying everything the Club has to offer. Dominic Rinaldi CYCSA Persident

FROM THE HELM

As I write this article we have just returned from seeing off our Marine Academy instructors on their first sail aboard the new training vessel Southern Investigator. It was a special morning with many hours of work from staff and volunteers culminating in an asset the Club can be truly proud of. The vessel itself features in this issue of Groundswell, once again thanks to all involved Our trusty old girl Academy 1 has been sold to a family based out of Kangaroo Island. Members may see her out and about on their travels so be sure to wave and let the new owners know you are from the CYCSA. It would not be 2020 without a mention of the COVID-19 pandemic and at the time of writing our friends in Victoria are battling to flatten the curve and New Zealand provides a reminder that this frustrating situation will not just go away. Here in South Australia we are doing everything we can to prevent a second wave. Once again we thank our members for their assistance to ensure the CYCSA is remaining a very stringent COVID-19 battling venue. Our record Members Draw jackpot of $1750 was claimed by Jo Atkinson on Thursday 30 July after 25 consecutive weeks of Phil Hoffmann Travel support. We welcome Marsh Insurance, the members discretionary insurance fund providers, aboard for the latest installment, once again commencing at $500 and growing every unclaimed week. It has been great to see some competitive sailing and solid fleet numbers back out on the water. The Plympton Cup drew a strong field of entries along with the Port Vincent Destination Race being well supported this year. I am looking forward to some long overdue warmth and in particular, with one eye on this year’s twilight season, we hope for a standout year of Wednesday evenings on the water as the summer of 2019/20 was very average from a weather perspective. We would love to see as many boats out on the water as possible with the inclusion of a ‘follow the fleet’ division for those wanting to cruise behind the racers, a great way to hone skill sets, participate and taste without getting yourselves in the thick of the action. By the time this article is published we will be very close to hosting the Commodore’s Dinner and Racing Presentation evenings and it is fantastic to see members’ events back at the Club. As a frequent attendee at the Social Association Committee meetings I must congratulate Rosemary Gould and her group for the great work and mountainous efforts they go to to deliver a robust social calendar for all Club members’ enjoyment.

Adam Hays with Jo Atkinson

With the upcoming future a constant unknown, this year’s Opening Day celebrations will be held to on a scale which we can change to suit the consistent restriction changes. Toned down from the usual Opening Days, we hope to still host a version which will honour the traditions of the day. A few ideas have been put forward to the organising team to discuss and as long as social distancing restrictions remain at two square metres, I’d encourage everyone to save the date of Saturday 31 October. Keep safe and I look forward to seeing you down at your Club. Adam Hays General Manager

FROM OUR COMMODORE

Activities within the Club are slowly returning to ‘normal’. Winter’s crazy weather has had days of glorious sunshine and days of wind, rain and hail! We were fortunate to cross the gulf and stay in the beautiful Port Vincent Marina for a few days in June. It was so lovely to see the marina filling up with both members and guests from other clubs and all sailors were diligently practising social distancing. It was a great opportunity to catch up with friends and loved ones after the period of lockdown. It was interesting to hear from fellow sailors that all had the same experience we had when crossing the gulf, dolphins everywhere and so excited to see us all. It would appear they missed us and were very happy to have us back out on the water again. It is also wonderful to see the hospitality side of the Club opening up again while strictly adhering to enhanced hygiene and social distancing. The Member’s Draw is incredibly popular and has become a great regular meeting place for many members. Racing has resumed with both the Winter Series and Two Handed Series bringing back that fantastic environment at the Club.

It is important at this time to reflect on what has been happening world-wide. We are fortunate that for most South Australians the pandemic has been handled extremely well. Now, though, is not the time to become complacent. Aside from all the information we receive on a daily basis regarding social distancing, enhanced hygiene and staying home and getting tested if symptomatic, we also need to be mindful of ours and others’ mental health. This has been an extremely challenging time and we are not out of it yet. If anyone needs support please come and speak with me or contact any of the mental health support groups online. Please be kind to each other and above all, stay safe. Jacqueline Heffernan Commodore

The Social Association are busy preparing for the Commodore’s Dinner and the following week is Racing Presentation Night. It certainly looks like a busy time coming up as we emerge from winter and move into the warmer weather. Plans are also under way at this time for Opening Day although it may be different to other years and is, of course, subject to change, so pencil in Saturday 31 October 2020.

Welcoming some of our newest members to the Club

The last three months have been enormously challenging for yacht racing everywhere in the world, with no exception for the CYCSA. The Club worked with Australian Sailing and local authorities to get boats out on to the water to start the winter season in June, a little over a month later than originally planned which is a great result. The Racing Committee thanks the Club volunteers and officials for getting things re-started. We hope to maintain a sense of normality as we prepare for the summer season, so fingers crossed. The Short-Handed Series has been tremendously successful this winter with a strong fleet of ten entries with six from the CYCSA, three from the RSAYS and one from the PASC plus at least two casual CYCSA entries in most races. The first race (13 June) was abandoned due to high winds, with Race 2 on 27 June held in very light conditions which is typical of the winter weather patterns. This race was won by Robert Large in Inukshuk, the re-named New Morning III, a Northshore 38 set up for double-handed racing. As a side note, Robert is aiming to compete in the Sydney to Hobart race this year in the new short-handed division. Second and third places were taken out by Take 5 (Steve Martin) and The Tribe (Dan O’Connell). School’s Out (Adrian Wotton) held out Inukshuk on AMS handicap by just 30 seconds to take the win in the unofficial AMS race. Race 3 on 11 July saw light conditions continue challenging the Race Officer to get all boats in before the time limit expired (apologies to The Bottom Line and Golden Cowrie who didn’t make the cut). The win was taken out again by Inukshuk from Touch ’N’ Go with School’s Out the best performing CYCSA entry. Finally Race 4 on 25 July saw a bit more breeze but it was still pretty light. First place went to The Tribe from Touch ’N’ Go and Shilo’s sailing couple, Tony (Snow) and Sarah Belton, new members to the Club. With two races left Inukshuk has a four point buffer over the fleet and we understand Robert Large has been ably assisted by CYCSA’s Guy Wogan-Provo, making them the team to beat this year.

The Port River Marine and Combined Winter Series got underway on 21 June with only five entries which is a little disappointing and due partially to the early decision by the RSAYS to not be involved in winter racing this year with COVID-19 except for the Plympton Cup. Nonetheless, those who have ventured out have enjoyed the camaraderie of being out on the water. Andy Shipp with Kinetic Energy won AMS and PHS handicaps across the board in a stiff breeze in Race 1 on 21 June. In Race 2 on 5 July under lighter conditions the chocolates went to Julian Newton with Game On 2 on PHS and Wayne Coonan with Doctor Feelgood 3 on AMS. For Race 3 which was being run by RSAYS as the Plympton Cup, the threatening strong wind warnings did not eventuate and the pleasingly large 26 boat fleet enjoyed a nice run to West Beach and back. The Plympton Cup winner, awarded on PHS, was Adrian Wotton’s School’s Out, with Game On 2 in third. On AMS Adrian was triumphant in beating Doctor Feelgood 3 from a fleet of 18 RSAYS/CYCSA entries. In Race 4 on 2 August Trevor Conyers with Rock On scored maximum series points and the AMS win with a number of visitor boats to fill out the fleet. At the time of writing Game On narrowly leads the PHS series from Kinetic Energy and School’s Out while on AMS, Doctor Feelgood 3 leads Kinetic Energy on count back, however they are carrying a DNC from the first race after not being able to get the boat in the water for the first race so it should make for a close finish. Mike Holmes FIEAust GAICD Chair, CYCSA Racing Association

MARINE ACADEMY UPDATE

It is exciting times for the Club and the Marine Academy with the commissioning of our new training vessel, Southern Investigator, over the months of June and July. A 2007 Beneteau Cyclades 43.3 purchased from a member, she is a contemporary cruising yacht originally built for charter work and saw service in the Whitsundays. Her standing rigging and mainsail have been replaced, new signage applied promoting the Academy in unmistakable style and regular maintenance and servicing of all parts of the boat completed. Without doubt she will be an inviting proposition to members and the public to start their journey of sailing discovery. We hope, like her predecessor, as a training yacht she will assist in the recruitment of new members once they get the sailing bug. Our Cruising Instructors have undertaken an induction process with the new boat and the picture below records the first occasion they gathered for their induction. Thanks must go to instructors Hugh Longbottom and Rod Hunter for the time and effort put in to bring the boat up to the standards required by the Royal Yachting Association for accredited training. The winter break has also seen the new season’s training program published. You can find all 46 courses covering the period September to April on the Club website under Training/ Course Dates and Bookings. We are pleased to be offering the same wide range of courses covering both power boating, safety and sailing. In particular we look forward to offering the ‘Out There Sailing’ courses over the summer and April school holidays. These Australian Sailing courses aimed at teenagers offer firstly a half day ‘taster’ and then, if interested, progression to two levels of three days of on the water activity involving learning to stay safe, sail, paddleboard and some power boat rides. Keep it in mind for your kids or grandkids during the summer break.

restrictions the Marine Academy is now back at normal operations, albeit with a COVID-19 Operations Policy and additional cleaning and screening measures in place. Let’s hope that this continues. Don’t let the current environment curtail your desire to be on the water or to join us to update your skills. Lastly, we must bid our faithful servant Academy 1 farewell and safe travels. She has served the Club as our training vessel for some 11 years and introduced hundreds of people to the joys of sailing. It is pleasing to know it has been sold to a family from the south coast and will still be seen the in waters around our gulf. David Royle Marine Academy Principal

The last two months of the 2019-20 training season were lost due to the COVID-19 outbreak resulting in eight courses being cancelled. I am pleased to advise that based on current

CYCSA instructors L to R. Hugh Longbottom, Brett Yardley, Rod Hunter, John Edwards & Vern Schulz

Photos courtesy of Beard Vision

CLUB NEWS

We welcome on board North Haven Marine as our newest Club sponsor North Haven Marine now has a solid footing as the business owners, Rob and Mandy, have purchased the two land titles of the shop and fuel berth. We love what we do and this now gives us the confidence to put long term commitments in place such as the recent acquisition of Pacific Australia Marine Safety. We can now service your life jackets and life rafts so just pop into the shop or give us a call to book in. The shop has been serving the Lefevre Peninsula community and beyond for over 25 years. We have always been about great service and maintaining competitive pricing for all your yacht and power boat needs from spare parts and rope including double braid, spectra and dyneema lines, which can be spliced in-house if required for both your halyards and sheets. Most people who come in are renovating or doing maintenance on their boat or yacht. We usually have a laugh and work together to replace worn or corroded fittings, frayed ropes or complete rewires with marine tinned cable for lights, batteries, navigation - you name it. Antifoul and paint in general is always on special along with bronze and stainless valves and fittings. Boat maintenance and keeping all your safety gear checked and in date should be your number one priority so come and talk to us if you have any questions as we are always ready to help. The shop and fuel berth is open seven days a week.

PROUD CYCSA SPONSORS Competitive pricing on all your marine needs & fuel! Just 5 mins from the CYCSA.

We are proud to be sponsors of the CYCSA and look forward to seeing you at the shop soon. Thank you for your ongoing support!

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S L I P P I N G AT T H E C Y C S A The Cruising Yacht Club of SA located at North Haven offers excellent slipping facilities for basic repairs and maintenance work. All bookings are to be made through the Club office. If you wish to book in your boat or inspect our facilities, please contact Club Reception to arrange a suitable time. Conditions apply. Phone: 8248 4222

BOUTIQUE SLIPWAY COMPETITIVE RATES CONVENIENT NO NEED TO LEAVE THE NORTH HAVEN MARINA

CLUB NEWS

Welcome Jo Pilmore With the announcement of the combined Women’s Series to be run by the CYCSA and RSAYS in the 2020/21 season and the increased focus on youth sailing, the Racing Committee has invited Jo Pilmore to provide ex officio assistance to the Committee. Jo has been a driving force in women’s racing in South Australia in recent years since graduating from the CYCSA Marine Academy a few short years ago. With numerous regattas (several Australian Women’s Keelboat Regattas) and a Sydney-Hobart under her belt, Jo is well qualified to work with the REX to help promote women’s sailing this year. Please join us in congratulating Jo in this role.

2020 SPRING SPECIAL Any boat listed for sale in September 2020 will only be charged 4.9% inc GST (min fee $1200 + GST) We do what no other SA brokers can or will! Included in this offer is: free assistance in boat presentation, $495 of advertising costs (free to vendor) to be listed on 12 sites. We handle all documentation, buyer inspections and settlements. Free appraisal reports to ascertain actual market value. CONTACT Rob: 0404 697 697 Graeme: 0419 700 113 Plus for the month of September receive 5% discount on any new Jeanneau power or sail ordered!

CYCSA Takeaway & Home Delivery Despite COVID-19 restrictions being eased in South Australia, times are still uncertain. We understand if you prefer not to dine out and are pleased to advise that the Club is still offering food and beverage available for pick up and home delivery Wednesday through to Sunday from 12 noon to 8pm. To view the menu visit our website: cycsa.com.au or simply scan the QR code below. Orders can be made online or by phoning the Club on 8248 4222

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CRUISING ASSOCIATION UPDATE Despite some chilly weather over winter our cruising community has been very active. A number of Club members sailed over to Port Vincent for the June Long Weekend and the common report was that it was very good to clear out the cobwebs and get back out on to the water again. Featured in this edition is also a story of the trials, tribulations and adventures of Take That Too. A number of members have expressed their interest in cruising across to Port Vincent for the October Long Weekend. Don’t forget to book your berth with the Port Vincent Marina Manager, Rob Marner, on 0414 611 110. Our popular cruising 2nd Saturday BYO BBQs will resume on 10 October 2020, albeit with social distancing in mind, so come along and join like-minded members. Given that we currently live in an ever-changing world please keep a lookout for future cruising events and activities via the Club calendar and through the SA Cruisers communication forum. Simply email your request to join to sa_cruisers@googlegroups.com Adrian Wotton, Chairman Cruising Association and Rear Commodore

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When Peter Donovan and Paul Judge set off on Take That Too in late 2019, their intention was to sail up the east coast and through to south east Asia. The boat had travelled as far as Cooktown and back to Cairns when the pandemic had the boys rethinking their international travel plans. Pete decided that perhaps, given the situation, it was best to bring the Adams 50 back to Adelaide for the 2020 summer and asked fellow Club members Matt Richards and Traci Ayris to jump aboard for the trip south. Arriving in mid-June the four mates provisioned the boat which was moored at Bluewater Marina in Cairns before heading out and turning right. The first hop was to Fitzroy Island for some snorkelling and hiking, followed by Orpheous to swim with the giant clams, then to Fantom Island in the Palm Islands Group. Fantom Island proved interesting to explore. A former leper-colony, the island’s fascinating (and disturbing) history was brought to light in a great documentary, later enjoyed at anchor. Next was a stay in Townsville’s Breakwater Marina, one of the best marina experiences of the trip, then down to Dunk Island where the resort was closed as it was still bearing the scars of damaging cyclones but the walking trails were open. From Dunk it was a leisurely cruise through the Hinchinbrook Channel to Airlie Beach then across to the Whitsundays. As the news of closed borders in Victoria came through, the rush to get down the coast didn’t seem so appealing and the tentative decision was made to leave the boat in Brisbane and return to South Australia while it was still possible to do so. In no hurry to get back to the cold while the South Australian-Queensland borders seemed to be safe, the foursome took their time to enjoy the Whitsundays. Butterfly Bay, Cid Harbor, Long Island and Shaw Island proved to be good anchorages in the prevailing southerly breezes. A brief stop in the Mackay Marina (a great marina but you need a car to get to the nearest supermarket) then it was a long jump out to Percy Island to visit the world-famous Percy Island Yacht Club. This is a MUST DO for any yachts travelling the Capricorn Coast. The A-frame on the beach contains memorabilia of yachts who have visited since the 1960s. Pick up some Island honey or top up on limes, use the great fire pit and kitchen facilities, hike the island and make new friends, there’s no place like Percy. This proved to be the most trolly-anchorage we’d encountered but a quick relocation east of the lagoon outlet proved to be a great idea and a good tip for those intending to stop in. The next leg was to Hervey Bay where we overnighted behind Woody Island, outside Kingfisher Resort on Fraser Island and Garry’s Anchorage, before heading in to wash clothes and re-stock at Tin Can Bay. Tin Can is a wonderful and picturesque stop for yachties with plenty of places to park outside the marina for boats without a deep keel. While the majority of the breeze came from the south, there were a few days when a lovely northerly kicked in to help Take That Too down the coast. On our travels along the coast we were fortunate to see some of our beautiful marine life up close including Angel Fish, Batfish, Wrasse, Manta Rays, Turtles, Humpback Whales, and Stingrays. With the border bubbles looking a little dubious, Peter, Paul, Matt and Traci finally jumped on a direct flight to Adelaide from Brisbane after packing the boat down in Manly’s East Coast Marina. They’d spent nearly two months aboard, entirely in Queensland. COVID restrictions are certainly impacting on the ability for cruisers to easily traverse Australia’s coastline and unless things change in a hurry it seems as if cruising closer to home will be pretty popular this summer. Traci Ayris

Cruising past Hinchinbrook

Per

CRUISING THE TOP END

Peter, Matt & Traci

rcy Island Yacht Club

Take That Too at Orpheous Island Photos by Traci Ayris

Venom and Locomotion

The annual winter race to Port Vincent was held on Saturday 8 August. The race consisted of two fleets, two-handed and fully-crewed. This year ten boats entered evenly spilt across the two divisions.

RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS:

The weather forecast wasn’t good: persistent showers; temperature below ten degrees and winds around five knots. On Saturday the crews awoke anticipating a long, wet and cold sail but overnight the forecast had changed to fine weather, the temperature 15 degrees and significantly, winds up to 16 knots from the south east. There wouldn’t be any tacking or gybing today.

Greg and Carol Patten Trophy for Fastest Monohull: Sintara (3hr 18min 36sec).

Although it can be tricky with a combined multi and monohull start, both fleets got away cleanly. The wind was perfect during the race, ranging from a beam to a broad reach. A few boats tried asymmetric spinnakers which proved challenging whilst the couple of boats using a Code Zero reaching spinnaker performed very well.

Two Handed PHS: 1st Tearaway (RSAYS); 2nd Golden Cowrie; 3rd Carioca da Gema

Venom soon drew away from the main fleet and made the finish line of the Port Vincent mid-spit beacon in the very fast time of 1hr 40min 10sec. The other multihulls were close behind in ideal conditions for their style of vessel. The monohull fleet stayed fairly bunched up with the lead boats finishing with four minutes of each other. Presentations were made by Board Member, Doreen Perrin, in the BBQ area followed by a night of celebrations and catching up. An informal return race was held the next day with Clockwork (RSAYS) taking out the handicap honours.

Greg and Carol Patten Trophy for Fastest Multihull: Venom (1hr 40min 10sec).

Greg and Carol Patten Trophy for Monohull on Handicap: Two Handed: Golden Cowrie Fully Crewed: School’s Out

Fully Crewed PHS: 1st Venom; 2nd School’s Out; 3rd Aquila Combined AMS: 1st School’s Out; 2nd Carioca da Gema; 3rd Clockwork (RSAYS) A special thanks go to Greg and Carol Patten for the donation of trophies for this event and the Port Vincent Dash. Adrian Wotton, Rear Commodore

Golden Cowrie, Steve Harrington & Wayne Grant

Rugged up on School’s Out

School’s Out crew

AdrianAdrian with Venom skipperskipper, RobertRobert Dunn Dunn with Venom

17 Tearaway and School’s Out

BOATS AT THE CLUB

This is another in the series of articles aimed at providing you with an insight into new boats and other boats of interest at the Club. Contact Pat Catley through the Club if you are interested in having your boat featured here.

SEDUCTION Seduction is not a new boat to the Club but her owners, Mark Moore and his wife Deb, are and they are very proud owners of the Farr 38 IMS Cruising Racing yacht. Seduction was designed and built by Binks Yachts to the highest standard. The simple but practical layout is the perfect combination for racing or cruising. She was designed to be comfortable for friends and family as a casual day sailor or for cruising to more exotic locations but she is also fast and stylish as a racing boat. She rates well and has had many successes along the way. The interior is very comfortable and Seduction can sleep eight, with a large practical V-berth, two large quarter berths and four bunk-style berths in the saloon. The galley consists of a gas stove, double sink and plenty of cupboards for storage, with a fridge and freezer close by. A central table makes for comfortable and friendly dining while seated on plush cushioned seats and she also has a well-positioned navigation station. There is a hot shower in the head and a cold water shower on deck for rinsing salty bodies after a swim in the sea. For entertainment after dark a TV and DVD player can fill the hours before sleeping to the sound of waves lapping gently on the hull. Built in 1995 of fibreglass, Seduction has a Volvo engine and Whitlock steering system and a Raymarine autohelm and GPS assist the helmsman. She has a full set of racing sails, Profurl twin-track furler and Harken winches and deck fittings.

Mark’s sailing history goes back to when he grew up in Woodville. He sailed socially, not competitively, in his early teens. They had a Cherub back in the days when you could drive your car onto the beach at Somerton Park, very near to where he lives now. After graduating with a degree in dentistry, Mark moved to Loxton in 1983 and settled there. It was a long way from the sea so sailing was put aside. He recently sold the dental practice and his commitment there ended. He moved back to Adelaide and still works a few hours a week. Buying a yacht wasn’t really on the radar, even eight months ago, but through a weird chain of events here he is, the proud new owner of Seduction. More boat than he probably needed but Mark is delighted with his purchase. Joining the CYCSA seemed like a logical thing to do and Mark did so at the start of the new membership year. He admits he has a lot to learn and in a way the sailing seems to be the easy part. It’s the mechanics and electricals of the boat that are a whole new world to be discovered. Mark would like to get involved in some Club racing once he has a little more experience and would definitely like to do some cruising with his wife and friends as they approach semi-retirement. Their three adult children are also keen for new adventures. Seduction has been beautifully cared for by the previous owners and Mark feels very lucky to own it. Thank you Mark for allowing me to profile your new yacht and I wish you, Deb and your family many happy sailing days ahead. Pat Catley

BOATS AT THE CLUB

SHILO It is always sad to see one of our yachts sold and move away from the CYCSA but it’s an even happier occasion when the new owners bring her back into the Club. Shilo is one such yacht, a beautiful Catalina 320, Hull Number 251 of 1,877 built in California in 1995 and now owned by Tony and Sarah Belton. Shilo spent the first 16 years of her life in Port Lincoln waters before coming to the CYCSA for the first time. For those who don’t know him, Tony is affectionately known as ‘Snow’ because from a small child he had, and still has, snow white hair. Catalinas have a reputation for being strong, reliable boats. They build the largest selection of honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain. For Catalina owners this means lots of extra value and enhanced sailing pleasure with the added bonus of excellent resale value - not that the Beltons intend to sell. Since bringing Shilo into the eastern marina Snow and Sarah have been racing in the winter two-handed races, accepting the challenge while getting to know their boat and enjoying being so close to the sea after many years of river sailing. Shilo is 9.8 metres (32’6”) in length with a roomy cockpit. Below deck she is fitted with six berths including a queen size berth in the aft cabin. The galley has all the conveniences you expect from Catalina Yachts and has a Westerbeke engine that makes her easy to handle when the wind dies. Sails and canvas work have been replaced since purchased in 2017 and many other items have been upgraded and replaced. Shilo is well set up for short-handed and solo sailing and Snow is often out at sea while Sarah is at work. Sarah and Snow’s two adult sons often race aboard Shilo and quickly nicknamed her the ‘racing caravan’. While doing a bit of winter and twilight racing the main purpose is just to get the owners, friends and family out on the water as much as possible, often accompanied by their border collie ‘Buddy’. They have done many trips to Port Vincent and sailed to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, covering well over 3,000 miles in three years. They feel they are still learning about boating and sailing and are happy to occasionally go outside their comfort zone. Sarah and Snow met and started sailing with their parents at the Port Adelaide Sailing Club at about age seven and eight but quickly moved on to race dinghies and keelboats in their teens. They sailed Holdfast Trainer, Heron, Fireball and Hartley TS16 classes at the Port River Sailing Club before buying a Spencer 30 called Rouseabout which they owned for ten years at the PASC before the big upgrade to Shilo. Sarah will be familiar to many as she is one of the efficient staff in the Club office, always happy and smiling and goes out of her way to be helpful. Thank you Snow and Sarah for all your help and I wish you many more happy and exciting sailing days ahead. Pat Catley

Edited by Gay Footer from the original blog by Alan Noble at: https://blog.arribasail.com/ It was Tuesday 28 April and after beating my 5:00am alarm clock by a few minutes I quickly loaded my car and was on the road by 5:30. The first stop was just around the corner where I picked up my sister, Cathie, and then continued on to North Haven. We were on Arriba and underway by 6:15 bound for Boxing Bay on Kangaroo Island. Our aim was to circumnavigate the island under sail power alone, a distance of some 500km. We got off to an excellent start and sailed to Boxing Bay in record time, covering the 65.6 nautical miles (122km) in just 8 hours 53 minutes, averaging 7.5 knots. We benefited from an ebb tide for the first few hours and 1.5m following seas to push us along. It had been so long, at least two years, since I sailed from North Haven to Kangaroo Island as all of my recent trips had been from the much closer mainland departure point of Wirrina Cove and I’d forgotten what a long day it can be. Ferris, my Border Collie, was wearing his doggie flotation device and settled in under the cockpit table. He got seasick early on but after that seemed reasonably content. When we arrived at Boxing Bay the wind was blowing 18 knots from the north so the north facing anchorage was untenable. Optimistically we tried to hook onto my mooring but gave up after three attempts. Even if we’d been successful it would have been a very bouncy ride with 1.5m seas rolling into the bay. We therefore motored 30 minutes around to the lee of Marsden Point which is partially protected from northerlies and excellent in NW winds.

According to the forecast, by late afternoon the wind was supposed to have shifted to the west but as of 21:00 the change had yet to happen. The Marsden Point anchorage was still a little sloppy on account of the wrap-around swell but infinitely better than Boxing Bay. Once at anchor I lowered Ferris into the water off Arriba’s stern for some swimming exercise as he had been cooped up all day. With a bit of encouragement he will swim around in circles and unlike the human crew, he earned himself a hot shower for his efforts and a rub down by the big dog, which he loved. Dinner was spaghetti leftovers from the night before, quick and filling. I managed to catch a good-size squid which I saved for a future meal. Cathie crashed at 8pm leaving me alone with my thoughts and my writing. Reviewing the weather forecasts suggested an anti-clockwise circumnavigation was the way to go. We returned to Boxing Bay on the Wednesday, hooked onto my mooring, and had a rest day. I unhooked Arriba from our Boxing Bay mooring at 06:55 on Thursday 30 April and motored out until we were just outside the protection of the bay and raised the mainsail. At 07:15 we were sailing WNW under full mainsail and jib. Our desired direction was due west to Cape Cassini but initially the best we could manage was 10° north of west (280°). Eventually the wind swung a bit more to the south and we could sail due west, albeit now several nautical miles offshore. We stayed on the same tack until well past Cape Cassini but then it started getting rough so we tacked for shore to reduce the fetch (body of open water). It was that sharp, nasty chop Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage produce so well. Waves are often less than a boat length apart making it impossible for the boat to fully recover from the previous wave before slamming into the next. I dislike upwind sailing but there was no choice if we were to have any hope of circumnavigating Kangaroo Island on this trip. We tacked several more times in and out until reaching Western River Cove at 2:32pm. By then we were ready for a break from the ‘rinse cycle’ action. The cove was calm with just a little swell wrapping around the western headland and we enjoyed a late lunch in very pleasant conditions. An hour later we raised anchor for Snug Cove which we reached at 5:30pm. I dropped anchor in the middle of the cove to give us the most room to swing and it was just as well because with the westerly swell wrapping into the cove we were swinging all over the place. Under such conditions Snug Cove is a little too snug for comfort but we were done travelling for the day so there we stayed. In retrospect I wished we had stayed at Western River.

Alan at the helm

I had a sleepless night and awoke at 01:50 to a large thump! I was reasonably certain it was just a big tug on the anchor combined with a loud splash but when you are suddenly woken by a sound you are really only conscious for the last part of the auditory experience so it is not always possible to discern its precise nature. When one bottoms out or hits rocks though, the thumping tends to continue until you take evasive action and that was not the case. I checked the chart plotter and the tide had fallen 0.8m. As a result we were now closer to the shore due to the anchor chain being stretched out along the seafloor. We still had 2.1m of depth, ample for Arriba, but we were noticeably closer to some scary looking rocks. Actually, all rocks are scary looking, especially in the dark. Of greater concern was the fact that we were now subject to more wave action making our situation less comfortable than earlier. Even so, rather than reanchor, I simply reeled in some anchor chain to pull ourselves

CIRCUMNAVIGATING KI

further away from the shore and reset the anchor drift alarm and went back to sleep. At 03:30 the anchor alarm started shrieking. It was raining and the wind direction was all over the place so reluctantly I decided to re-anchor in deeper water. Snug Cove is really NOT the kind of place where you want to be moving around in pitch black so I sent Cathie up to the bow with a big torch to spot rocks. Rocks seemed to be everywhere! After a great deal of trepidation I dropped anchor in four metres of water, closer to the entrance to the cove and as a bonus the new spot was calmer. After dropping one’s anchor it is always a good idea to make sure it has well and truly set in place. The consequence of a drifting anchor in this tiny cove is that we’d be set upon rocks in mere minutes so I decided to stay awake to monitor our position and I left one engine idling in case I needed to quickly move the boat. Our batteries were getting low anyway so they benefited from the charging. Fortunately all was good as we stayed put. It was drizzling and overcast and even with a half moon it did not get light until 06:30. By then I was well and truly ready to escape from Snug Cove. For future reference, don’t use Snug Cove if there is a strong westerly swell as it wraps into the cove. There were two moorings available but I’m loath to put my trust in someone else’s mooring, which may or may not be properly maintained. We weighed anchor at 07:13 and set sail for Scott Cove which as the crow flies was only 12nm away. Alas we were punching into a strong SW wind frequently gusting to gale force. It took us 4½ hours and 26.2nm to reach our destination as we tacked nine times and zig-zagged our way upwind. Right before we tacked towards shore the last time Investigator Strait was producing four to five metre seas and gusts were exceeding gale force at 36 knots. Sailing at 45° to these seas was manageable but timing the tack was important so as not to be broadsided. The forecast storm was upon us and it was definitely time to seek shelter. At 11:43 we reached Scott Cove. It was bliss with no more wind and only a little swell rolling in. We enjoyed a couple of hours of mostly sunshine before the storm hit in earnest. I took advantage of the anchor time to have a little nap, something I seldom do but desperately needed after last night’s vigil. We enjoyed comfort food of baked potatoes and lamb chops for dinner which was as much an excuse to use the oven to produce some heat as to make a meal. After that we relaxed while watching our first movie of the trip, namely, Sahara.

We were up by 7am and enjoyed a leisurely big breakfast. I was contemplating conditions out in the Strait considering just how soon we should depart. The forecast was for the cold front to move through and for conditions to start improving but squalls were still lingering. It was yesterday’s squalls that produced the gale force winds and it was something I was keen to avoid. At 08:05 I raised the mainsail with two reefs and unfurled the jib while still at anchor. Raising the sail at anchor is a neat trick providing the wind direction allows you to sail for open water. Don’t try it in tight quarters though. Conditions had indeed moderated with seas in the three metres range and the wind a steady 25 knots. We had to work up wind in order to clear the western end of the island, tacking back and forth into Investigator Strait several times. At 12:16 we completed our final tack of the day calculated to just clear Vennachar Point which we barely did. Cathie complained that I’d cut it too fine and she was probably right! We were still sailing at 50° to the wind but with the island now receding away to the SE we no longer had to head out to sea to maintain sea room. As we approached Cape du Couedic, the island’s south western tip, in impeccably bad timing the wind briefly dropped off to 10 knots. The light wind combined with the big seas on our nose absolutely killed our boat speed which dropped to three knots at times. Fortunately, in a catamaran any little gust is enough to propel the boat forward and we held our course, threading the needle between the two islets lying offshore from the cape. We finally rounded Cape du Couedic at 15:09 and were now sailing along the south coast. Conditions were simply superb. The wind was 18 knots from the SW and with two reefs still in the mainsail we were averaging a comfortable six knots. Convinced that the wind was not strengthening I shook out the two reefs and our average speed increased to 7.5 knots. The ride to Cape Gantheume was sailing at its finest. The beautiful, rugged coastline visible on our port side slowly receded as we cut across Hansen Bay as the sun set and the light faded. There are not too many sailors who have ever enjoyed that stunning stretch of coastline and I would encourage more to do so. We passed Cape Gantheume at 20:09 and adjusted our course 30° to the north for Cape Hart. The coastline was visible under moonlight for the next 20 nautical miles until Cape Linois and thereafter the coastline receded to the north as we cut across D’estrees Bay. We were now sailing on too broad a reach for

Remarkable Rocks

CIRCUMNAVIGATING KI the jib to be effective so I furled it and we sailed under mainsail alone. In daytime I might have raised my spinnaker but speed was less important than comfort and safety. By 01:00 the wind speed disappointingly dropped to a measly five knots and our boat speed plummeted to two knots. Entering the capricious Backstairs Passage without adequate sail power or engine power is unwise so reluctantly I fired up the ‘iron sail’ (aka, the engine). A circumnavigation of Kangaroo Island under sail alone would have to await another (third) attempt. Approaching Cape St Albans we suddenly found ourselves awash with white water and I was very grateful to have steerage. There was so much white water that my depth sounder was misreporting a depth of 0.8m. For a moment I was worried that I had inadvertently deviated too far offshore and entered a patch of water known as The Scrapers, about one nautical mile offshore from the cape. That was not the case though and we were just experiencing one of Backstairs Passage’s little moods. Once we rounded Cape St Albans we found ourselves in millpond calm waters and I anchored in 4.5m at 04:42 and promptly crashed. I slept in until 8am after enjoying 3½ hours of glorious sleep. The approaching high pressure system that had stolen our wind last night was now directly over us and had shut down the wind completely. Antechamber Bay was a mill pond and it seemed the last leg of our circumnavigation would again require the ‘iron sail’. It was now Sunday 3 May but we were in no rush to get going again so took advantage of the calm conditions to let Ferris have another swim off the back of the boat. Several pods of dolphins swam by but they appeared more interested in fishing than in us. Antechamber Bay is a great fishing spot for humans too and there were a couple of fishing boats on the water, the first we had seen in days. In the past I’ve hooked a bucket of Tommy Ruff in less than 10 minutes at this spot. I threw the squid jag overboard but they weren’t biting and I was feeling too lazy to fish with a rod. We eventually got underway at 13:53 and motored at 6.2 knots in light to non-existent winds. Once we passed Point Morrison it was a straight shot across Nepean Bay all the way to North Cape. North Cape was on our beam just as the sun went down and at 18.33 we hooked onto our mooring at Boxing Bay. That concluded our circumnavigation of Kangaroo Island, my second, Cathie’s first. We felt like royalty to be treated to such spectacular scenery and such splendid sailing with nary another vessel in sight most of the time.

Approaching Snug Cove

Day

Leg

Mode

Distance (nm)

Time

Avg. Speed

Boxing Bay to Western River

Sail

50.0