Groundswell May 2012

MAY

I

2012

A r e g u l a r n e w S l e t t e r 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 S o u t h A u s t r a l i a

inside > Big Fish under sail > Far West Coast > Racing Association Results > Lexus adelaide to Lincoln > Sultana Passage > Crabbing Day > Boat Hop > Blueys

Andrew Saies President

Board of Management President Treasurer

Andrew Saies David Hughes Wayne Coonan David Murray Henry Petersen Tom Tymons Chris Wood

Flag Officers Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodore

Geoff Catt Rob Sellick Rowland Richardson

Administration Executive Officer Craig Evans Administration Manager Jenny Krogdahl Finance Manager Marina Segodina Marketing and Membership Services Laura Cowley Leasing Coordinator Kylie Bottrill Receptionist Mellissa Gray Marine Academy Coord Matthew Young Racing Manager Jess Hargreaves Food & Bev Manager Mario Cataldi Head Chef Aaron Hill Functions Coordinator Michelle Matte Gardener Robert Gray Port Vincent Marina Rob Marner Association Chairpersons Cruising Keith Degenhardt Fishing Glenn Spear Racing Traci Ayris Social Activities Jacq Heffernan Life Members Arthur F Carolan Richard H Fidock AO Graeme L Footer James A Henry (Dec’d) Malcolm A Kinnaird AC Peter J Page Editors of Groundswell Gay Footer, Laura Cowley, Rob Perrin, Owen Mace Contributions to reception@cycsa.com.au Advertising in Groundswell Laura Cowley: 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

From the President

T

he Board welcomes Chris Wood who has been appointed by the Board to fill the casual vacancy created when Andrew Corletto stepped down recently. Chris, owner of the yacht Back Friday, brings considerable experience in business management, finance and corporate directorship to the position. Chris will also take over the Chair of the Audit subcommittee of the Board.

The Board continues to progress the extension of the inner breakwater in Marina West with dredge availability now a factor in commencing this work.

After some revision of the original plan and concept for the Port Vincent BBQ area, the Board has now approved a modest upgrade to this area that will improve functionality, shelter and aesthetics for berth owners and visitors from North Haven. I am very pleased that the Associations have agreed to provide funds and/or fund raise to assist the Club with this project. As previously stated, all other capital works projects have been put on hold until the boating economy and berth sales in particular improve.

Wayne Coonan and I, on behalf of the Board, recently met with management, Flags and Chairs of Associations as part of our twice per year exchange of information and issues.

Topics covered included Club moorings, Council rates, catering and hospitality and use and management of Club assets, particularly the various Club boats. Plenty of ground was covered and much agreed on. There will be further communication to members on these topics as their status is finalised.

It was also acknowledged that the annual financial reports of the Club and related entities are complex and not readily understood without some detailed knowledge and background as to how and why the various Club entities have evolved. I can assure members that the entities and their reporting conventions have been well thought through by previous Boards and the Club’s accountants and legal advisors with a key aim being to protect our assets.

It is for this reason that the Board has a Treasurer and an Audit committee to oversee the preparation of relevant annual financial reports for our external Auditors to examine and approve. However, I do acknowledge that some members may wish to see a more simplified view of the accounts, particularly in relation to the activities of the Associations, and I will take this up with the Treasurer.

From time to time, members may ask how their membership fees are applied in managing the affairs of the Club and it is a fair question. While the Racing Association for example may use the on-water assets almost exclusively, other members make more use of the food, beverage and hospitality services and facilities of the Club. I don’t think anyone would suggest that we should try to attribute the fixed costs incurred by all members in having a Clubhouse facility, that they may or may not use, back to individual Associations based on their percentage of use. The Board position over many years has been to use the membership fee to provide a range of services and facilities that meets the needs and expectations of the key interest groups, ie the Associations, within the constraints of a Board approved annual budget. The Board has not seen the Associations as individual cost centres that need to function within an income allocation based on the number of Club members who are also members of that Association. In essence, a membership fee enables the Club to provide and manage a range of activities and services that all members have the right to access and participate in. This approach has served the Club well in its forty year history with all interest groups within the Club coexisting in a spirit of goodwill that recognises the benefit that each brings to the whole Club.

Registered by Australia Post Publication No PP565001/00184 ISSN 1039-4230

Members should be aware that from time to time the Board receives formal complaints about the conduct of members. When such a complaint is received in writing the Board is obliged to follow a process that may result in disciplinary action against the member. For example, last year a member was terminated after the due process was followed as outlined in the constitution. Members and the Club expect a standard of behaviour and conduct that is fair and respectful of other persons and property. When these incidents arise there are appropriate processes for resolving the issue either within the Rules of Racing (if relevant) or within the rules of the Club. Members who choose to ignore those processes or the decisions that arise from them are demonstrating behaviour that is at odds with the culture of the Club and they may find themselves subject to formal complaint.

Graphic design by Trevor Paynter Printed by Reflex Printing

As the winter months set in let’s see all members commit to attending at least one of the functions on offer and get to know your Club and the people in it.

Cover Photo: Colin Burgin’s Twilight anchored in Whalers Bay, Thisle Island, during a cruise in January.

Photograph by Colin Burgin.

Andrew Saies, President 3

Craig Evans Executive Officer

At the Helm WARNING - Before your eyes glaze over or you flip the page it is important that you read the following information on proposed changes to council rates for marina berths.

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield now has a proposal that will incrementally reduce the rebate by 11% each year for the next five years until no discretionary rebate exists at all.

Further to this the City of Port Adelaide Enfield is looking at imposing a ‘minimum rate’.

CLUB NEWS

NEW MEMBERS

O

ver the last three months the following people have joined the Club. Please make them welcome.

Michael Burton Gregory Carter David Christensen Anthony Cullen Anthea Dabinet John Dempster Anthony Edward Mark Emmett Timothy Gill Mary Ann Harvey Aron Hausler Shane Hughes Patty Hughes

David Lilburn Steve Madaras Susan Mullins Adam Power Tracy Riches Luke Skravan James Thorpe Dan Topor Steve Turner Bruce Wauchope Timothy Whyte George Wilson

Many of you that have been around boating and marina berths in South Australia would be aware of the council rates that are charged for berths by various local councils. An inconsistency exists in both the rates that are charged to berth owners and also the methods on how they are calculated. Our members in Port Vincent are charged rates that are calculated using a standard ‘fixed fee’ combined with a relatively low rate in the dollar based on the value of their berth.

Berth owners in North Haven pay rates based on a relatively high rate in the dollar applied to the value of their berth and then the council applies a discretionary rebate.

When council rates were first introduced on marina berths in the late 80s or early 90s by the Port Adelaide Council a discretionary rebate of 64% was applied to the fee. This rebate was reduced to 55% by the council last financial year without any consultation to berth owners.

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield now has a proposal that will incrementally reduce the rebate by 11% each year for the next five years until no discretionary rebate exists at all. Further to this the City of Port Adelaide Enfield is looking at imposing a ‘minimum rate’. In the current financial year, 2011-2012, the ‘minimum rate’ for the City of Port Adelaide Enfield is $715.

At the moment the City of Port Adelaide Enfield achieves an income of $299,380 from rates that are imposed on marina and hardstand berths. With the removal of the rebate and the introduction of the ‘minimum rate’ the council will potentially achieve an income from berths of $1,140,016. City of Port Adelaide Enfield Councillors will vote on this matter at a meeting on 5 June 2012. The Club has strongly voiced objection to this proposal however I urge all berth owning members to look into these proposed increases and make your thoughts known to the Councillors. More information on this subject will be available on the Club website.

We are working closely with the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron and Marina Adelaide on this matter and the Boating Industry Association of South Australia has been attempting to have council rates on marina berths considered by the Legislative Council for a number of years without any result. The Council attempted to remove rebates in 2003 and over 400 berth owners marched on Town Hall. The time has come where berth owners once again need to be heard.

Despite numerous requests to the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) the required maintenance dredging of the entrance and navigational channel into North Haven has not been carried out. DPTI are responsible to ensure that a safe navigable channel with a depth of three metres at low water is maintained at North Haven. It is currently around 600mm shallower than that at the moment and I have been advised that locally a dredge will not be available until August or September at the earliest. Members with deep draft vessels please exercise caution when leaving or returning to the marina. If you want to know where the shallow spots are please come and see me, I have hit most of them.

The boating season has once again come and gone and as the weather changes it is time to consider boat maintenance and also the adequacy of your mooring lines. Mooring lines should be regularly inspected and replaced. With the extreme high tides and associated swell that we will receive from time to time over the next few months it is important that you have appropriate lines and regularly visit and inspect your vessel. It is also a great time to get your boat out of the water for routine maintenance. If you require any information or assistance on appropriate mooring methods in your marina berth or would like to arrange having your boat slipped for maintenance please do not hesitate to contact the Club.

In the last edition of Groundswell I reported that I would be attending the Advanced Marina Management School in the United Kingdom. A separate article has been written on this course that was held in February/March and appears on page 25 of this edition of Groundswell.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff and also the volunteers for their efforts over the busy boating period and racing season. I would also encourage all members to keep an eye out for the special events and functions that are being programmed by our associations and hospitality team over the winter period and ask that you please participate and enjoy your Club.

Craig Evans, Executive Officer 4

Geoff Catt Commodore

Commodore’s Report A

Looking even further ahead, the CYCSA turns 40 on 1 May next year and we are already planning some appropriate celebrations. As a precursor and to celebrate the first official meeting of the Club’s Board at the Naval Military and Air Force Club in November 1972, we are planning a commemorative dinner at the same venue on Friday 2 November 2012. Invitations will be sent to official guests shortly but interested members are invited to reserve this date in your diaries – details to follow later.

s we slip quietly through another great South Australian autumn and into winter, I can’t help but reflect once more on the diversity of activities and personalities that can be found in our Club.

Mavis and I were fortunate to be able to enjoy our Easter break with some of the crew from Liberator, other CYCSA members and a large contingent from the RSAYS at their 83rd Annual Regatta at Port Vincent. From competitive racing to jigsaw puzzle competitions to a progressive dinner on the boats, there was something for everybody.

By the way, Senior Members are reminded of our reciprocal membership arrangements with the Naval and Military – if you would like to take advantage of these very generous arrangements please contact Laura at our Club office for details.

I also saw the large fleet of CYCSA boats moored peacefully at Stansbury, reflecting the Cruising Association’s traditional Easter trip to that part of the gulf. A similar group of nine boats congregated at beautiful Brown’s Beach on Kangaroo Island, whilst further afield a few others have returned from a six week cruise to the Far West Coast - their exploits are recounted elsewhere in Groundswell. In all of these activities, good times are had, new friendships are born and older ones refreshed –they are great examples of some of the benefits to be gained from membership of a Club such as ours. And it’s good to see people using their boats and learning from each other!

Some time ago I advised that the Club and the RSAYS were together investigating the selection and acquisition of a fleet of sports boats to jointly encourage new members, particularly younger sailors, to our sport and to use these boats as an exciting stepping stone to crewing on larger keelboats. This process has taken a little longer than first planned but it is progressing. The two Clubs have agreed on a suitable vessel and the committee is now investigating funding and acquisition options to be put to the respective boards. We will keep you informed of progress.

The summer racing season has finished and the Racing Association’s Presentation Night was as enjoyable as ever, reflecting the terrific

On behalf of all members, I would like to congratulate David Tillett who has been awarded the Order of Merit by the South Australian Olympic Council in recognition of the fantastic work that he has done for yacht racing over many years.

Although winter is traditionally a quiet time in the boating season, activities at the Club continue. Marine Academy courses are in full swing, the Fishing Association is planning the annual Seafood Dinner, the Board and management are preparing another annual budget and weekend dining is as enjoyable as ever.

effort put in throughout the year by Traci Ayris and the Racing Executive, by Racing Manager Jess Hargreaves and of course, by all the volunteers who have helped to stage the various race programs – well done all. Congratulations also to all winning skippers and their crews. On behalf of the Club I had pleasure in accepting the Commodore’s Shield from a gracious RSAYS Commodore Peter Kelly in recognition of our team’s success this season – well done to all CYCSA PHS boats which produced the winning results.

Before we know it, the AGM will be upon us, Opening Day will loom and another summer will beckon!

On behalf of all members, I would like to congratulate David Tillett who has been awarded the Order of Merit by the South Australian Olympic Council in recognition of the fantastic work that he has done for yacht racing over many years. We also wish him well in his forthcoming role as Chairman of the International Jury for Sailing at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Looking a little further ahead, the Flag Officers will be hosting both our next Captain’s Table for new members on Friday 22 June (just let the office know if you’d like to come) and Opening Day of course which is to be held on Saturday 27 October – please put that one in your diary – we promise a fun day!

Meanwhile, on Saturday 23 June the Social Activities team is coordinating a new function – the first ever progressive dinner held entirely on boats in Marina West. These are great fun and give you the opportunity to mingle and enjoy dinner courses on other members’ boats – I’d suggest you get in early for this one!

And finally, as always, thanks to everyone at the Club who volunteers in some way – your time, expertise and assistance is greatly valued.

Geoff Catt, Commodore

5

NEW BOATS 34’

This is another in the series of articles aimed at providing you with a little 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 these ‘new’ boats and owners.

35’

36’

37’

38’

39’

40’

41’

42’

bogebada

julia

John and Vicki Bolt traded in their previous boat of three years, Force Majeure, a Bavaria 38, for their new pride and joy, Bogebada, a Bavaria 45 Cruiser.

Julia arrived at the CYCSA in February 2011. She is a Dufour Grand Large 405, a French production boat and won the 2010 European Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruising Category.

The new boat arrived in a box from Germany in November last year and was commissioned here in Adelaide by Alex Hayter who was very helpful in guiding them with the new boat and helped to prepare the boat for its maiden voyage to Ceduna in February.

Her owners, Richard and Julia Harries, had been thinking of getting into sailing for several years and after some background reading went to the Sydney Boat Show in August 2010. The plan was to look at Beneteau, Jeanneau and Hanse however the Dufour easily won the day.

Bogebada was chosen as a name after much deliberation. It comes from the Motu language on Papua New Guinea and as well as meaning Sea Eagle was, according to the local legend, the name of the first lakatoi or sailing canoe that started the annual Hiri trade cycle in the Gulf of Papua. This was the area where John spent some years of his youth sailing dinghies in the tropical paradise of yesteryear. Like the trading canoes who sailed north on the fair trade winds and home some months later on the rough monsoon winds, John and Vicki identified with that on some of their cruising in South Australian waters where they were often heading out in fair winds and coming home with some raging front! They enjoy watching the birds of the sea on their travels and the translation of Bogebada as Sea Eagle was the clincher. It sounded better than Haliaeetus Leucogaster!

She is a relatively stiff boat, with a GRP hull, three cabins, two heads, longitudinal galley and carries 400 litres of water and 200 litres of diesel. Internally she has excellent headroom, great space and ambient lighting, with good ventilation together with a 180 litre top and side opening refrigerator, multiple handholds all around the saloon, and easy engine access. Above, all lines return to the cockpit, she has twin helms and wide side decks for ease of movement. Oh, she also has a wine cellar - viva le France.

Julia was commissioned in the Pittwater and as their previous sailing experience amounted to intermittent recreational dinghy sailing, Richard and Julia volunteered for the delivery sail. Together with his son Dylan, Richard did some courses through the CYCSA Marine Academy and arrived in Sydney in early February, purchasing some wet weather gear on the way out to the Pittwater.

Their maiden voyage was to the West Coast and there is an article in this edition Groundswell of that cruise written by Chris Wood from Back Friday.

43’

44’

The delivery sail required a two day stop in Eden to wait out the weather and then five days from Eden to Adelaide with only an hour in Apollo Bay and an overnight “tidy up” stop at Rapid Bay. The trip was a great experience for novice sailors and included highlights such as beating into Eden against a 25 knot southerly with rain, thunder and lightning, eventually anchoring in Eden at 0200hrs; seeing cruise liners lit up like Christmas trees at night; the Bass Strait oil fields once again all lit up at night with their service ships at station; Wilson’s Promontory at sunset and, not to be forgotten, those cold night watches.

The new boat was selected because they were keen to have a more comfortable front berth and guests could enjoy the extra space as well. The twin wheels and walk through transom were a great advantage as was the fold down transom for fishing off the back of the boat and together with the in-mast furling to help them deal with winds of up to and over 30 knots, they really felt it was a great whole package.

Their cruise at Easter to Black Point was their next adventure and once again provided bounty for the hunter and gatherers.

45’

46’

In the last year at the Club Richard has been improving his berth vacating and returning. He is grateful to his concerned neighbours Mark (Sandcastle) and Kevin (Sachan) for their rescues during his early attempts.

Cruising is still their main goal and they anticipate that Kangaroo Island and the gulfs of St Vincent and Spencer will keep them entertained for some years. They hope to have the occasional foray into social races such as the highly acclaimed “Ballast Head Cup”, Australia’s first major sailing event of the year, especially if they are well treated by the handicapper.

They have sailed to Port Vincent with the family of six plus dog and Julia competed in the last few twilight races and seems competitive although they say they still have little idea about racing (starts, rules, buoy room etc, etc).

Julia is the only Dufour 405 in South Australia at the moment and if anyone would like to look over her Richard is more than happy to oblige. Last but not least, why Julia, well, she is named after the helm of his life, wife Julia.

47’

6

suzanne There is a beautiful new boat in C row called Suzanne and it is owned by new member to the Club, Don Howell.

Water sports is something Don has been into for a long time as he took up sailing in 1974 after rowing for many years – in fact he can still be seen out in an eight at the Port Adelaide Rowing Club. An 18 foot trailer sailer was followed by a 20 foot Sunmaid called Rythm + Blues which the family sailed on the Goolwa lakes for some 25 years. Retirement came and with more time to explore our gulfs, Don and his wife Suzanne bought a Beneteau 36” Clipper Oceanis and called it Rhythm + Blues II and sailed out of the Squadron.

Sadly Don’s wife had a long battle with cancer and could not handle the yacht so they decided to purchase a displacement hull cruiser and decided on a Clipper 40. Sue did not make it to see the boat arrive in Port Adelaide all bubble wrapped as deck cargo on a container ship. The boat was duly fitted out with all the electronics and clears etc and in February of this year Clipper gave Don a twoday handover and lessons plus the all important operations manual. Don’s three young granddaughters named the boat Suzanne after his late wife and their grandmother.

Don is rightly very proud of his new acquisition explaining that there are some 50 Clipper 40s in Australia and that his is the first with a hard top flydeck roof. Although it is 40’ in hull length it measures some 46’ taking into account the marlin board, anchor etc. Suzanne has all the tricks and treats; powered by a single Cummins 330hp engine, bow and stern thrusters, twin controls, three fridges including an icemaker, Smeg appliances, airconditioning and full Raymarine electronics. A 7kw Onan genset helps keep these toys running and together with two cabins plus a pull out settee in the saloon, Don is more than comfortable. She cruises at around 8.5 knots using some 17-20 litres an hour but at five knots she can consume only 2-7 litres an hour making it a most economical motorboat.

Don has already taken her down to Kangaroo Island and across the gulf to Port Vincent and Black Point and is planning many more trips on her. Passing members at the Club say that “she looks like a classic trawler Boat” and Don commented that the attitude to stink boats at the Club is positive. He is busy enjoying the facilities, staff service, food and friendship of the CYCSA and we congratulate him on his choice of boat.

END OF AN ERA…….

M

alcolm Kinnaird, one of the founding fathers of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia and its first President and a past Commodore, sold his beloved yacht Catriona, recently.

Malcolm is the first Life Member of the Club and his wife Diane was the first female member. With Malcolm’s declining health the decision to sell Catriona was inevitable, together with the berth, and Diane subsequently tendered her resignation to the Club. As an acknowledgement of her long term commitment to the Club and her support of Malcolm throughout his 20 year involvement as President and Commodore, the Board has bestowed Honorary Membership to Diane, a decision I am sure all members would support.

The following is what appeared in Groundswell in 1984 about the boat.

“A GREAT DAY FOR THE COMMODORE Well, at last the great event has occurred! Malcolm Kinnaird’s and his wife Diane’s beautiful 14 metre auxiliary sloop Catriona was launched at 4pm on Friday 21 September 1984.

A big group of family and friends, including visitors who made special trips from the United States and interstate, saw the Kinnaird’s daughter Catherine christen the yacht.

For Malcolm and his family, designer Alan Payne, builder Allan Smith, and many close friends, it was the culmination of a long haul. Although there were periods of inactivity – some of them prolonged – it was seven years ago when construction began.

The Kinnaird’s sons James, Angus, Duncan and daughter Kate, were aboard with their father when Catriona slipped gracefully into the water.

Graham and Gaynor Whyte produced a magnum of bubbly bearing a specially printed label incorporating Malcolm’s beaming countenance.

Intermittent heavy rain and squalls couldn’t dampen the happiness and success of a great celebration, which went on… and on… and on.

Congratulations, Commodore.”

Catriona is now berthed at the Squadron and took part in the 2012 Adelaide to Port Lincoln Yacht Race.

We all owe the Kinnaird family a debt of gratitude and wish them well.

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Who says you can’t catch big fish from a yacht under sail?

Kevin’s side of the story

W

ith great excitement and a little uncertainty, Mary and I set out on our first sail to Port Lincoln and the “Group” on Sachan, a 42 foot Catalina at Easter. I hoped there would be time to do a little fishing and diving on the way.

Mary’s side of the story

I had heard reports of tuna along the north side of Kangaroo Island so when the Abu overhead went into action about two hours out of Emu Bay I had no doubt what had attached itself to the other end of the braided line. But there were challenges. With a 3.6 metre inflatable on the back I had placed the rod on the ‘high’ side of the yacht. The wind was gusting over 20 knots, we were barrelling along at over 7 knots with all sails up when the fish struck, and we had a wind generator on the ‘fishing side’ that was just itching to cut the line.

I

couldn’t believe it when Kev grabbed the rod as the line screamed out. He had talked at length about catching a tuna and had the “Tuna Assassin” lures in a number of colours, ready for the challenge. I took the helm as he repeatedly shouted “… Into the wind, ….. more, …..slow it down” (I didn’t know how to “heave to”).

With great determination, he strained and struggled to bring the tuna alongside, as the boat pitched and rolled. He was wearing his full wet weather gear, but not a life jacket, and I had visions of disaster. The fish was not as important to me as keeping the skipper on board.

Mary did a great job turning the boat, but our slowest speed was still about 4 knots, so for about 45 minutes the fight was on. The drag was cranked up, my thumb blistered as I attempted to slow the line.

The fish fought hard having spurts of strength to keep me straining on the rod. Eventually, I could just reach the trace with my fingertips.

Mary handed me the gaff and I made a number of attempts to hook it in but it kept bouncing off the water as the boat moved up and down in the waves. With a final desperate effort I heaved it aboard.

In the final moments, when the fish and Kev were tiring, there was a flurry for me to get the gaff, pull the rod out of the way (trying not to get tangled in the line), and position the fish box for the landing.

As he slung it on board, blood sprayed everywhere. I hadn’t seen that happen on fishing shows! Utterly exhausted but very excited he looked with pride at the 20kg fish in the tub. My comment, “don’t ever… ever, do that again!”

Catching the tuna was a first for me, part of a memorable experience on the water.

9

Back Friday’s cruise to the

farwestcoast

A

fter two years of planning and long and late night discussions with David and Sally Rosewarne of Wallaroo who had cruised the West Coast two years prior and could not wait to repeat their experiences, a small group of local yachts locked in a departure date of Friday 17 February 2012 to set sail for a six week cruise to the Far West Coast of South Australia. The yachts were Back Friday, a 42’ Beneteau owned by Chris and Gina Wood from the CYCSA, Celebrity, a 50’ Bavaria owned by Richard and Megan Pope from the CYCSA, Bogebada, a 45’ Bavaria owned by John and Vicki Bolt from the CYCSA, Playtime, a 42’ catamaran owned by David and Sally Rosewarne from Wallaroo.

Unfortunately, Liberator (Geoff Catt) did all the preparation and departed but only made it to Port Lincoln as they experienced mechanical difficulties and Geoff rightly decided that the boat should return to Adelaide for repairs. A wise call from a very experienced yachtie.

Continued over page...

Photography by Chris Wood

10

11

The Planning Stage

West Cape to Whalers Bay (Thistle Island) - 35nm. Whalers Bay is a good anchorage in sand with protection from NE–W. Fishing around Thistle Island is good.

Six weeks can be a long time on the water and extensive planning went into ensuring that everything necessary had been considered, including but not limited to: -

Rigging checks

-

Safety equipment checks

-

Engine servicing and an extensive range of spare parts

-

Sail checks

-

Charts and Maps

-

Careful consideration of anchorages

-

Historical weather conditions

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Crew safety training

-

Communications

-

Larder and cellar provisioning.

Thistle Island to Memory Cove - 14nm via Hopkins Island to swim with the seals, and Snug Cove on the south coast of Thistle. Memory Cove was where all the boats met before heading west. It offers extremely good protection from SE–NW. We all went ashore here for a beach BBQ and toasted Matthew Flinders and in particular those of his crew that were lost from Memory Cove exactly 210 years before on 21 February 1802.

Memory Cove to Point Avoid - 51nm. Once you turn the corner along the bottom of Eyre Peninsular you start to experience large south westerly ocean swells. For sailors not used to large swells it is worth getting a precise forecast on swell conditions as well as wind and sea conditions as large swells can make the passage uncomfortable. We had a great sail to Point Avoid with an 18 knot SE breeze and cruised all day at eight knots. Point Avoid is again a protected anchorage from NE–SW and offers good holding in sand.

Our destination was the Nyuts Archipelago Group of Islands situated off Ceduna. These islands are numerous and quite remote however they offer good shelter, walking and fishing. In planning the trip one can find many protected anchorages on the way. The average distance sailed each day varied between 20 and 30 nautical miles, with the longest far west coast leg of approximately 50nm.

Point Avoid to Hall Bay - 47nm. We decided to sail to Hall Bay rather than to a closer anchorage at Sir Isaac Point and use this to springboard us out to Pearson Island. Hall Bay is an anchorage used by professional fishermen and is protected by a natural reef running parallel to the coast. Extreme care is required getting into this anchorage but once in it offers good protection from NE–W. It has several fishermen’s moorings.

A mid-February departure date with a late March return date not only gave us reliable weather but also gentle south easterly winds for our trip west, and south–south easterly winds for our return home which did necessitate some motor sailing. As with any extended cruise we experienced some weather changes that required safe anchorages.

Hall Bay to Pearson Island - 51nm. We set sail in light northerly conditions but before long we were all becalmed and had to motor some 25nm to Pearson. Pearson Island is about 36nm off the Elliston coast and has to be one of the best islands we visited. Standing about 230 metres high and visible for miles, it is like approaching Jurassic Park. There are two anchorages neither suitable for strong breezes from the north. We were lucky the wind dropped out and for the two days that we explored the island, conditions were very calm. We set up a beach tent to escape temperatures of 35 degrees and enjoyed a big BBQ on the beach and we swam with the seals in shallow waters close to shore. This Island is a “must do’’ and a major highlight of the trip if conditions permit. We caught our first tuna on route to Pearson, a very exciting experience especially dealing with it over the back of the yacht.

The approximate distance direct to Ceduna is only about 360nm as the crow flies hence with a carefully planned route and subject to weather forecasts, the Far West Coast and these magnificent waters and islands are right on our door step. Back Friday and Playtime spent six weeks cruising the region while Celebrity and Bogebada spent four weeks. To cruise this coastal region and experience all that it has to offer, including the fascinating maritime history, one should consider spending not less than five to six weeks. All boats changed crews and reprovisioned at Ceduna where there are extremely good services. Ceduna today is a major South Australian town and offers supermarkets, hospital, hotels, water from the Thevenard Jetty, laundry, mechanical repairs, airport, bus, hairdressers, fresh oysters and lots more.

Pearson Island to Flinders Island - 17nm. Celebrity and Bogebada said goodbye here and started moving west towards Ceduna due to their limited time. Back Friday and Playtime sailed 17nm to the south west coast of Flinders Island into a protected anchorage. There was a very distinct deep channel into the anchorage however the holding was in broken rock. Flinders Island is one of the larger Islands on the west coast and is still today run as a grazing property and is also set up for tourism.

Back Friday’s Route

CYCSA to West Cape – At 94nm it was the longest leg on the trip and about 25% of the distance to Ceduna. West Cape is a good anchorage at the bottom of Yorke Peninsular and offers protection from the NE–SW.

Flinders Island to Venus Bay - 32nm. Due to a strong SW front approaching we set sail early from Flinders Island and arrived at the 12

farwestcoast

entrance of Venus Bay with a 15 knot SW breeze. We lined up the lead beacons and followed the clearly marked channel to the eastern side of the jetty where we dropped anchor in sand. It is recommended that yachts don’t tie to the jetty as the very strong tidal flows can leave a boat seriously jammed against the jetty for hours, unable to move. We spent three days at Venus Bay sitting out a 30 knot south westerly with rain to accompany the amusement. Venus Bay is very protected and we were very lucky to be stuck here as it has a general store that sells groceries, beer, wines, newspapers, fuel and has a great little restaurant attached. The caravan park has a laundry and there are fantastic walking trails around the area.

Venus Bay to Sceale Bay - 41nm. Our original intention after clearing the Venus Bay entrance was to sail direct to Franklin Island however 28 knot winds and a large SW swell changed our course to Sceale Bay which is just west of Baird Bay and offers really good protection from NE through to SW in sand. There is a long white beach and a small holiday settlement with no services. It is really worth a visit if sailing east to west or west to east and the fishing is really good.

Sceale Bay to Franklin Island (part of the Nuyts Archipelago) - 42nm.

Welcome to paradise! Franklin Island is part of the new National Parks system and a permit is required to land here. The anchorage on the western side is in broken sand patches off a magnificent beach.

The island is in two parts, north and south, and is joined by a sandy isthmus. You will find Cape Baron geese, deadly black snakes and rare and endangered stick nest rats. We met Celebrity and Bogebada here with their new crews that they had changed over in Ceduna as they started their eastward passage home. A beach party to celebrate a birthday capped off the visit.

Franklin Island to Masillon and St Francis Islands - 19nm. We had a fantastic sail from Franklin Island in a 15 knot SE breeze direct to Masillon Island then on to the northern side of St Francis Island to find an anchorage. Masillon Island is just south of St Francis Island (about 34 nm off Ceduna) and offers protection from the S–SE in a very large rock cove however the SW swell can make this anchorage a bit uncomfortable. It’s really worth a visit although it has no beach for landing and going ashore however the fishing is good. We spent several days lazing around at St Francis Island and the northern anchorage is protected from all winds except anything from the north.

This island is also part of the National Park and has the ruins of past farming and grazing enterprises including old stone houses, yards, and a jetty making it fantastic for walks and fishing. A must see!

St Francis Island to Davenport Creek - 25nm. Davenport Creek is situated about six nautical miles from St Peter Island and 14nm west of Ceduna. Entry is by a tidal channel and the final anchorage is in a deep creek (about four metres) against high sand hills on one side and mangrove trees on the other. The anchorage offers 360 degree protection from all weather. Exploring the area on foot is really worthwhile and there is great fishing for whiting and blue crabs.

Another must see.

Davenport Creek to Thevenard - 12nm. Leaving Davenport Creek we followed the shipping channel to Thevenard jetty/port. We radioed ahead and arranged with Flinders Ports to come alongside the jetty to top up with fresh water. Back Friday had a watermaker fitted before the cruise which made life very comfortable. The staff from Flinders Ports could not have been more helpful.

Thevenard to Ceduna - 2.5nm. After three weeks we arrived at Ceduna and anchored off the jetty in three metres of water. We reprovisioned the larder and cellar, refuelled, went to the laundry and farewelled our first crew and welcomed our return crew by holding a Gala Dinner at the Ceduna Community Hotel. The girls visited the shops and hairdresser! We departed to retrace our trip home east.

The return passage

We decided to show our return crew as much as we could of our first three weeks plus more. There was nothing we had seen before that we would not revisit and with the prior knowledge of anchorages and approaches, things should be even better.

Ceduna to Davenport Creek - 14nm. Again the weather was perfect and the fishing really good and after a couple of days of beach BBQ’s and walking we set off to the Nuyts Archipelago.

Davenport Creek to St Francis Island - 25nm. Again the weather was good and after a quick visit to Masillon Island we returned to the northern anchorage on St Francis Island and explored parts of the island on foot that we had not seen on the previous visit. Overnight the wind came in from the north leaving us on a lee shore and we departed early for Franklin Island.

St Francis Island to Franklin Island -19nm. Franklin Island, as previously mentioned, is paradise. A beach BBQ, walks, swimming off the beach, fishing and just relaxing in company with Playtime - bliss.

Continued over page...

The Far West Coast of South Australia is a true secret and is better than many famous international cruising destinations.

It has so much history, the scenery is spectacular, it’s on our door step and is well worth the experience.

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Streaky Bay to Sceale Bay - 44.5nm. We motor-sailed into SE winds back to Sceale Bay. Sceale Bay has a new shelter shed on the seafront with a built in BBQ so we had dinner ashore and walked and explored the holiday settlement.

Hall Bay anchorage offers good protection and is really worth noting if travelling this coastline.

Hall Bay to Sir Isaac Point - 23nm. Sir Isaac Point is at the entrance to Coffins Bay and is a good overnight stop offering very good protection from SE–W in shallow sand.

It has a good beach however you need to moor about 500 metres off in about 2.5 metres of water. This peninsular is a National Park and also requires a permit but the fishing, particularly for whiting, is good. Sir Isaac Point to Point Avoid - 29nm. We anchored overnight at Point Avoid.

Point Avoid to Taylor Island - 55nm. After a long day motor-sailing into a light SE breeze, we arrived in Spencer Gulf and anchored off the western side of Taylor Island and stretched our legs with a long walk around the island.

Sceale Bay to Flinders Island - 48nm. We motor-sailed again into a 15 knot SE breeze and arrived on the north western side of Flinders Island late in the afternoon. The breeze picked up on arrival to 30 knots from NE making it very difficult to get ashore or over to Playtime. The following morning we moved anchorage to the south western end of the Island where we anchored before and explored the island on foot.

Taylor Island to Port Lincoln - 15nm. We arrived at Port Lincoln with the sun shining and arranged a berth at the Marina. After a bit of shopping we had a Gala Dinner at the Marina Tavern and said goodbye to Playtime who returned from here to its home port of Wallaroo.

Port Lincoln to the CYCSA via Thistle Island, Pondalowie Bay and Edithburgh -156nm. Back Friday spent the next week slowly cruising back from Port Lincoln. The weather was good and we arrived back at the Club after six weeks and three days away.

Flinders Island to Pearson Island, then back to Flinders Island - 34nm round trip. A day trip to Pearson Island allowed the crew to anchor off the beach and walk the island. Unfortunately the weather forecast indicated we would be on a lee shore if we were to anchor overnight so we back-tracked to Groper Bay on the NE of Flinders Island, a very protected bay. This gave us the opportunity to explore the northern part of the island, including shipwrecks along the rugged coast line and the shearer’s quarters that have been converted to a tourism location.

A great spot for a stay! www.flindersgetaway.com Flinders Island to Hall Bay - 42nm. A good sail in southerly breezes reaching 25 knots. We visited Hall Bay earlier in the trip but this time as we followed Playtime over the entrance reef, a freak 12’ wave broke over our stern causing Back Friday to surf into the anchorage.

The cockpit filled with water but luckily no water found its way down the companionway. It was a very scary experience and a lesson learnt - stand back at the entrance and count the wave sequences before entering. Once at anchor I continued to look across at the entrance and only saw two such “freak” waves over about a two hour period. The 15

My thanks go to my crews, Richard and Dimity Thwaites and Charlie and Jane Nott, together the other boats and crews, especially David and Sally Rosewarne from Playtime.

The experience was amazing. A very special thank you to my wife Gina who spent the whole six weeks on board with very few complaints.

Chris Wood, Skipper and Owner of Back Friday

Diary note

The CYCSA wil host a “West Coast Dinner” during August 2012. This will give interested yachtie, crews and friends the opportunity to hear from all the skippers, see photos, charts and ask questions. Hope to see you there.

farwestcoast

Franklin Island to Streaky Bay - 39nm. We had not intended to visit Streaky Bay however after departing Franklin Island the weather forecast was materially incorrect. The wind blew 35 knots from the east whereas the forecast was for 15 knots from SE. We reefed down and once we approached the entrance beacon to Streaky Bay motored the final eight miles to the jetty. We spent the next three days sitting out 30-35 knot winds in a much protected anchorage just north of the jetty in three metres of water in sand. Streaky Bay has all the services you require and we found a great new restaurant on the seafront which was world class with local produce and a great wine list.

RACING ASSOCIATION Jess Hargreaves

2012 J24 Australian Championships

2012 Great Southern Regatta Results

he 2012 J24 Australian Championships were held at the CYCSA over the Adelaide Cup Long Weekend (10-12 March 2012). The Club hosted ten interstate boats as well as five entrants from around South Australia including four home Club entries; Good Company, Vertigo, Such is Life and JJF.

Division One - IRC 1st Two True Andrew Saies CYCSA 2nd SMB 3.5 Geoff Boettcher CYCSA 3rd White Knight David Knights CYCSA Division One - PHS 1st Two True Andrew Saies CYCSA 2nd Taniwah Ron Parker RSAYS 3rd Aikin Caillin Howard RSAYS Division Two - IRC 1st Peer Gynt Paul Bull PASC 2nd Young Einstein Rob Sellick CYCSA 3rd Freedom Bob Schchinger RSAYS Division Two - PHS 1st Dejavu Craig Henderson PASC 2nd Dr Feelgood Jason Coonan CYCSA 3rd Troppo Sam Gaylard PASC Division Three - PHS 1st Mystic Raelene Bates PASC 2nd Lyra Jake Novick PASC 3rd Hawks Nest Steve Emery PASC J24 – One Design 1st JJF Doug Watson CYCSA 2nd Good Company Robin Townsend CYCSA 3rd Such Is Life Dave Nicolson CYCSA J24 - PHS 1st Such Is Life Dave Nicolson CYCSA 2nd Good Company Robin Townsend CYCSA 3rd JJF Doug Watson CYCSA

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The weather for the regatta was perfect with superb sailing conditions, aside from a few later than expected starts while waiting for the afternoon sea breezes to pick up. All scheduled races were sailed each day with a total of ten races. The racing was keen and extremely competitive for the boats that showed up to establish the top J24 teams in Australia.

It was a nail biting finish that went down to the last race finish positions but in the end Dave Suda and his crew on Pacemaker won the 2012 J24 Australian Championships by one point with Ben Lamb, sailing Fun 2, coming in second and last year’s winner Sean Kirkjian, sailing Sailpac, taking out third place.

In PHS the winner was CYCSA’s very own Jamie Goode and the crew on Vertigo, in second place Peter Stevens on Code Violation and OD winner Dave Suda on Pacemaker coming in third place. It is customary within the J24s that the PHS placing can’t be won by OD placegetters, so third on PHS went to Melbourne sailor Hugo Ottoway on Bruschetta VI.

2012 Great Southern Regatta

F

ollowing on from the record number of entries in the Premier’s Cup Regatta, we once again had an excellent fleet and a record number of keelboat entries which was boosted by the continued support of the Port Adelaide Sailing Club who provided 11 of the total 36 entries with 5 from the RSAYS and 20 from the CYCSA. In the lead up to the Regatta the weather forecast looked good for the Saturday with winds around 10 knots however Sunday was shaping up to be a potential disaster with winds of 0-3 knots forecast. Luckily the wind gods helped us out and we had enough breeze for the Race Officer to run all the scheduled races with all boats finishing within the time limits.

Race One saw excellent racing with the first 11 Division One boats finishing within four minutes on PHS. Division Two had eight in five minutes and although only three J24s started they were all finished within 30 seconds of each other. Race Two followed directly on from Race One on the Saturday and had another very close race result with the first ten Division One boats in five minutes and the first ten Division Two in seven minutes. The only real drama in this race was on the start line when Kaesler and Alliance had solid contact resulting in a crew member from Alliance injuring his leg. After the protest hearing Kaesler was disqualified.

The following day was a long race as the predicted 0-3 knots greeted the yachts at 11:30am. Thankfully the breeze increased and gradually built up to 11 knots. The Race Officer, John Gibson, set a good course for the conditions with plenty of opportunity to shorten course if required. The first mark was a gate off Point Malcolm, from there it was to a mark off Escort House, then to the Wreck Buoy and finishing dead downwind.

Division One and Two and the J24s completed the course in one-anda-half to two hours, whilst Division Three finished in two to two-and-ahalf-hours. It was a sunny day with very pleasant sailing conditions which culminated in a very successful regatta with great atmosphere.

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Twilight Series The second series of the Twilights was fraught with varied weather conditions with several of the races being abandoned or cancelled.

Series Two Results CRUISING A 1st That’s Life 2nd G-Wizz 3rd Another Planet CRUISING B 1st School’s Out 2nd Synergy 3rd Taurus RACING 1st Vertigo 2nd JJF 3rd Good Company

Greg Manuel Greg Patten Alan Hambly Adrian Wotton Mal Hutton Adrian Lawrie Jamie Goode Doug Watson Robin Townsend

Twilight Overall Series Scores Cruising 1st School’s Out 2nd G-Wizz 3rd That’s Life RACING 1st Vertigo 2nd JJF 3rd Good Company

Adrian Wotton Greg Patten Greg Manuel Jamie Goode Doug Watson Robin Townsend

Chairman’s Cup Sponsored by Channel 7 SALife TV

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he 2012 Chairman’s Cup was held in conjunction with the final Ladies Helm Twilight Race on Wednesday 28 March 2012. After two weeks of horrible Wednesday night weather we were finally blessed with perfect sailing conditions for our final hurrah for the season! We had a fantastic fleet of 23 boats, all but one helmed by a lovely lady. It is great to see such support of these wonderful evenings and it is obvious that the girls love getting behind the helm!

The 2012 Chairman’s Cup was sponsored by Channel 7 SALife TV and the Racing Association was very fortunate to have the special sponsorship for the evening. We also had representatives from Series Sponsors Phil Hoffmann Travel and Yalumba Wines in attendance for the evening which ended with lots of giveaways and prizes to farewell the 2011-12 Twilight Season.

A huge thank you to all our Twilight Sponsors for the year; Phil Hoffmann Travel, Yalumba Wines, Canegrass Saltbush Lamb, the Stag Hotel, Doyles Sailmakers, EverettBrookes Jewellers and Channel 7 SALife TV. Congratulations to our winner, Another Planet helmed by Tracey Pegler, winning the Chairman’s Cup for the second year running!

1st Another Planet 2nd Such Is Life 3rd War & Peace Jess Hargreaves

Tracey Pegler Laura Cowley Nikki Marcel

Chairman’s Cup - REX Chair Traci Ayris with winner Tracey Pegler, ‘Another Planet’ 17

LEXUS 2012 ADELAIDE TO

T

his year’s Adelaide to Lincoln Race was full of surprises and contrasts. The Cruising Division started in flat calm water but by the time the Racing Division got underway the wind was well and truly up with 20-25 knots from the south west coming up the gulf.

Scarlett Runner and SMB3.5 fought it out to get to Marion Reef first with Geoff Boettcher on SMB3.5 taking the honours but giving up that lead not long after when Robert Date and his crew on Scarlett Runner pulled out all the stops and once he took the lead did not give it up.

The race ran its typical course with the wind dying right off around 8am on Saturday morning and those who had not finished by 9am spent their time parked for some time.

The results of the race were as follows:

Racing Division IRC 1st Scarlett Runner Robert Date 2nd SMB3.5 Geoff Boettcher 3rd Two True Andrew Saie PHS – Division 1 1st Marnico Graeme Footer 2nd Aikin Caillin Howard 3rd Lucette Chris Pratt 4th Bullistic Paul Martin PHS – Division 2 4th Sculptor Michael Keough PHS Overall 1st Marnico Graeme Foote 2nd Aikin Caillin Howard 3rd Lucette Chris Prat One-Design 1st White Knight David Knights 2nd Asylum Derek Morrison 3rd Shining Sea Andrew Corletto Multihulls Only one Club boat completed the course as not finish and Aquila came fifth

SYC CYCSA CYCSA

RACE WEEK

R

ace Week was a great spectacle with a tight racing out on the courses. Megga’s BBQ was again a highlight of the week with great weather ensuring all had a good time.

Results for the Race Week were as follows:

Racing

IRC 1st Victoire 2nd Reverie 3rd SMB3.5 PHS 1st Bullistic 2nd Asylum 3rd White Knight One-Design 1st Shining Sea 2nd Asylum 3rd Another Challenge

Darryl Hodgkinson Alan Woodward Geoff Boettcher

CYCA RBYC CYCSA

Paul Martin Derek Morrison David Knights

CYCSA CYCSA CYCSA

Andrew Corletto Derek Morrison Jonno Bannister

CYCSA CYCSA RBYC

The Club had no entrants in the Cruising Division and only one entrant in the Multihull Division, Medosa

CYCSA RSAYS RSAYS CYCSA CYCSA CYCSA RSAYS RSAYS CYCSA CYCSA CYCSA Medosa did

Cruising Division PHS 1st Quarante-Deux 2nd Schools Out 3rd Liberator

Lloyd Cushway Adrian Wotton Geoff Cat

RSAYS CYCSA Megga’s BBQ. Photo: Andrew deLaine

MARNICO’S RACE 2012 was the year it all came together for Marnico. We made some improvements to the boat over the previous year and given that we crashed and burned in the previous two years, our handicap was mid range for our size and weight. Marnico is a 50’ performance cruiser and weighs over 18 ton and the weather conditions were just what the doctor ordered for her. With a brisk south-westerly to cross St Vincent Gulf which held until midnight for the tight reach along the foot of Yorke Peninsula, she was in her element. As soon as we cleared Emmes Reef we were able to get the kite up and held it all the way to the finish.

Not making any mistakes was our greatest advantage and obviously our couple of practice sessions paid dividends.

The majority of the crew had done several Lincoln races on Marnico and this year comprised myself, Peter Palm, Peter Lucas, Martin Angas, Jack Didyck and Sue Last from the Club and Craig Marshall from Port Lincoln and Dick Fidock came on as an additional helmsman. Thanks to all of them, it was a great effort on a great race.

Graeme Footer, Skipper and Owner

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Photo: A

ndrew d

eLaine

Craig Marshall, Graeme F PHS Overall award

TO LINCOLN YACHT RACE

Footer, Dick Fidock and Sue Last, ‘Marnico’ -

David Knights, ‘White Knight’ - One Design award

Scarlett runner’s skipper - IRC award

Scarlet Runner. Photo: Greg Pratt

Aquila. Photo: Andrew deLaine

19

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How not to go south by Sultana Passage (with apologies to South by Java Head, by Alistair MacLean)

Gerard Hughes, skipper of Setanta, finds that he cannot even blame the crew...

E

arly February last year my wife and I planned a week long trip to the north coast of Kangaroo Island. Prior to departing we discussed the trip with a few Club members all of whom were happy to pass on their advice. The recommendation was that Edithburgh would be a good kick off point then through Sultana Passage for a crossing to Emu Bay on the north coast of KI. From there we would cruise to American River and return up the east coast of the Gulf via Wirrina Cove to Adelaide. The following describes what went wrong.

It was over 40oC when we set out from North Haven with light winds forecast for the Gulf. Indeed they remained so light for the entire day that we spent much of the time under motor. The day was uneventful and once moored in the “dead end channel” at Edithburgh we launched the Zodiac and headed ashore. We paid a cordial visit to the Volunteer Sea Rescue hut, enquiring as to the latest forecast for the following morning, when we planned to cross to KI. “No change” was the reply, “much the same as today”, ie, light winds and no sea to talk of. Following a bite to eat at the pub it was back to the boat for a good night’s sleep with an early departure planned for the next day.

Day two and it was up on deck at daybreak with just a whisper of wind from the north east. Yes, it looked like a repeat of the previous day and being the lazy chap that I am, I decided to raise the main while sitting on the mooring and pointing directly into the wind. With the crew finally awake and breakfast consumed we slipped the mooring and headed north east out of the dead end channel not noticing that the wind had lifted slightly. Quickly out of the channel we turned to head south west to the first mark. We were on a dead run under main only and the wind had stepped up a notch or two. A look at the instruments confirmed 10 knots with short gusts to 15 knots. At this point I made the unconscious decision to continue. It was a mistake. Within minutes of proceeding to the first mark the passage narrowed and what followed was a roller coaster ride with little room for error. With a copy of the excellent notes in “Anchoring and Anchorages in South Australia” by James H Cowell in her hand, the crew read out the next heading at each mark, which we adhered to religiously. As we proceeded, the 15 knot gusts became a constant 20 knots with frequent gusts to 25 knots. Additionally, the wave height during the passage was increasing and wind against a rising tide added to the turmoil of the sea and the anxiety of my crew!

Once past that first mark there was no room to manoeuvre with the depth gauge at one stage indicating less than 1.5 metres under the keel with the reef visible on the port side and the beach to starboard. As we approached the second mark I realised we

would need to gybe, and did so in as controlled a fashion as possible in the now rough conditions and much stronger winds. From there it was on to the next mark and past Sultana Point with ever increasing seas. It was a gybe again at each successive mark and each time the transit of the boom was more rapid. With the bow digging into every fourth or fifth wave the possibility of broaching occurred to me. Boat speed was over 8 knots on the GPS (which I suspect is close to the maximum hull speed of a Duncanson 34) as we passed the final mark and had open water to manoeuvre. We had made it through without hitting anything and without broaching or other serious hull motion.

Time seemed to freeze during the passage but the time from when we slipped the mooring to reaching open water was less than 45 minutes. All that wind and sea had come from nowhere.

Once through the passage the wave height was about two metres on top of the swell and a passage to KI was no longer on the cards for genteel cruisers such as ourselves. With room to go about I decided on another gybe to take the boom wide out to the starboard side and then turn into the wind to drop the main. It was on this final gybe, which was poorly controlled by the skipper, that the boom shot across the boat with sufficient force to break the shackle holding the outer mainsheet block. The boom was now free to thrash about with the potential for damage to the rig. Fortunately Setanta has a long boom reaching back to the steering position and while steering the boat into the wind I was able to lasso the boom end using the headsail furling line which was to hand.

With the boom under control, engine driving forward and a pushing sea, we manoeuvred our way back up the passage and returned to our mooring to lick our wounds. The return passage took over twice that of the outward bound journey but we finally made it onto the mooring in a manoeuvre not without incident either but you will have to buy me a beer to hear the details.

So what were the mistakes and the lessons learned? Had all that wind and sea had come out of the proverbial “nowhere”? I don’t think so!

It actually came out of the early morning weather advice that I didn’t check. The BOM had issued an advice early that morning of a fast approaching low with a forecast of 30 knots plus. Mistake two was attempting to sail through a narrow channel. Not a good idea and in particular on a first passage. These were the two main mistakes and I feel sure there were others around boat preparation and points of sailing and in particular gybing.

The lessons learned were to thoroughly check weather conditions as close as possible to departure and use the motor to navigate narrow channels. The day following this misadventure, with winds of 20 knots+ plus from the south east and a following sea, we made a fast and comfortable passage from Edithburgh to Port Vincent at an average speed of over 7.5 knots, so all was not lost, just my pride.

21

he annual Cummins Crabbing Day was held on Sunday 12 February. This year we again encouraged the “participation” of as many people as possible in the fishing aspect of the day. We had 372 people in attendance and just over 60 boats fishing for blue swimmer crab. The day was beautiful, sunny mild conditions and calm seas. The catch was good with about 1300 crabs caught on the day. Prizes were awarded in all categories and most boats managed a good catch. It was pleasing to note that very few, if any, undersize or female crabs were kept.

Cummins again were naming sponsor of the event and many thanks to Andrew, John, and the team from their Adelaide office. Cummins again donated a generator for the raffle and just over $1,400 was handed over to our chosen charity, Ronald McDonald House. The Club has received an official receipt and letter of thanks.

Crabbing Day is the second biggest day on the Club’s annual calendar and the committee gets a lot of positive feedback

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from those in attendance. Our sponsors are valued partners and we again thank John Gerard from Custom Cartons, Ross Almond from Riviera and Andrew Craddock from Maritimo.

Crabbing Day is a large event and a lot of preparation is required.

My thanks to our fabulous committee all of whom actively helped in setting up, cooking, cleaning and of course planning the event.

Thanks also to all of the wonderful Club members who pitched in and helped in setting up and with the events on the day. It is great to see all of the associations and so many members working together to achieve a day that reflects so positively on the Club.

The food was excellent and the Club made sure that plenty of chilled wine was available to accompany the fresh seafood. Thanks to all of the staff for their help in making the day a success.

The annual Seafood Night, to be held on Saturday 14 July, will be a showcase of fresh seafood, cooking and fishing demonstrations.

Last year we were at capacity so mark it in your diary.

Glenn Spear, Chair Fishing Association

cruising Association

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he return of our traditional Easter in Stansbury via the Cutter Patch was slightly compromised by winds of 30+ knots for the planned Good Friday 6 April departure.

However, good weather earlier in the week had allowed Schools Out and Alpha Centauri to get down to Wirrina before the blow. Equanimity did venture out into the teeth of the gale but made it to Wirrina safely, albeit somewhat bruised and damaged after seeing gusts of 40 knots. A number of boats ventured across direct to Stansbury on Saturday, with the sea being surprisingly flat after the previous day’s high winds. Sugar’n’Spice, Far Star, Selkie, Portia, Baloo and Trinacria all arrived before nightfall. All available BBQ space on the lawns was taken up on Sunday afternoon as the crews came ashore and got the weekend socialising back on track. The return to the Club on Easter Monday was an exhilarating sail; broad reaching with quartering winds gusting to over 30 knots, with boats making the 32 nautical miles in less than five hours. Baloo and Trinacria left the previous afternoon for Edithburgh and Selkie and Far Star sailed up to Port Vincent to rendezvous with Eclipse before extending their cruise, taking advantage of the good weather forecast for later in the week.

The Cruising Association Committee extends thanks to everyone who took time out from their summer sailing schedule to attend the popular Second Saturday Barbecues over the summer season. Second Saturday BBQs will recommence on Saturday 8 September and are open to all members and their guests, power or sail, without charge.

The Committee is also delighted to announce that Charlesworth Nuts has renewed its generous sponsorship of the Association and we thank Mark Charlesworth for his continued support of the Association.

The Committee is considering upgrading the moorings at Stansbury and cooperating with the Fishing Association in an upgrade of the Black Point moorings after an informal canvass of members indicated broad support for the expenditure.

A “Cruisers Dinner” to recognise significant cruising achievements and promote cruising fellowship has been mooted to take place later in the year. Watch out for an announcement.

A cruise-in-company to Port Fairy is being planned for departure late February/early March 2013 to take in the 2013 Port Fairy Folk Festival which runs from Friday 8 March through to Monday 11 March 2013. Cruise captain will be Adrian Wotton from Schools Out berthed in the Western Marina at M05.

The Cruising Association Committee would also like to invite anyone interested in the aims and the work of the Association to give serious consideration to nominating for the Committee.

Members can contact me at any time on 0407 742 203 or perrinr@internode.on.net Robert Perrin, Secretary Cruising Association

23

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24

ADVANCED MARINA MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

C

YCSA Executive Officer, Craig Evans, was the recipient of the first International Scholarship offered by the Global Marina Institute and recently attended the Advanced Marina Management School in the United Kingdom and this is his report on that course.

The Global Marina Institute was recently formed as a result of the combined efforts of the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Marina Industry Association of Australia (MIAA) with the aim of delivering marina management and operational education and training of a similar International standard.

The course I attended was held in Poole, Dorset, on the south coast of England. A total of 14 marina managers from nine different countries (England, Ireland, Holland, Portugal, Turkey, UAE, China, Montenegro and Australia) attended the course.

I think that the most beneficial aspect of the course was the networking between the various marina managers and the exchange of experiences that we encounter in our particular operations. It was interesting to hear of marinas in China with three metre tidal ranges that freeze solid in the winter, inland canal boat marinas in the south west of the UK that are not able to operate due to the current drought that they are experiencing, the lack of electricity to more than half of the berths in one of the newest marina facilities in Dubai, a US$1B planned expansion to a marina facility in Montenegro and over 100 new marina facilities that have been approved in China that will provide over 40,000 berths to a country that is yet to establish a boating culture.

The content of the course included law, environmental management, marina design and construction, emergency planning, marketing, leadership and strategic planning. Also during the course there were a number of marina site visits and a major assignment to redevelop the nearby Poole Quay Marina.

Poole Quay Marina was the setting for our major assignment in which we had to analyse the existing facility, redesign it to meet a number of different criteria, carry out the required financial modelling and come up with a marketing campaign to launch the new marina. It was an interesting project, made even more interesting by having to work in teams of five people from five different countries. A lot of fun and some very long hours! There were tours of 16 marina facilities on the south coast and also inland marinas on the Thames I have not returned home with any great revelations on how we need to change things back in Australia. The high standards that are now being set by our respective marina associations have certainly created a level playing field in relation to the products and services that are provided internationally, but there are always little things that you pick up and noticeable differences in priorities across various locations and types of marina operations.

Craig Evans

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social Activities Association

2012 Bavaria Boat Hop

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T

he weather was looking a bit grim on the morning of the Boat Hop but turned to a perfect balmy day by lunchtime.

With over 140 “hoppers” taking part in this fantastic event things had to be well organised! Wine and cheese, along with tasting notes, had been assigned to each boat early in the day and all guests were welcomed with a tasting of fine Australian bubbles on registration.

The Club’s golf buggies went into overdrive with guests being ferried to and from Marina West and not a speeding ticket was issued on the day - well done Vlad, Vern, Mark, Henry, Phil and Morag!

As our guests moved from boat to boat and collected their raffle tickets for the major prize, a Phill Hoffman travel voucher, the Committee was busy cooking up a storm! A superb three course degustation with port to finish off the event was one of the highlights.

Another highlight was Johnny Starr, a brilliant entertainer, who wowed us with his amazing voice and very real puppets. The dance floor was packed from the first song and stayed that way all night. A cameo appearance by the two air swimmers surprised everyone.

Social Activities – Diary Dates Commodores Dinner – Saturday 28 July Please note that the commodores Dinner is a very popular event and bookings need to be made well in advance.

Our theme this year will exceed previous years so be prepared to be amazed.

Other dates: Cruising into Winter with Linda McCarthy – Friday 25 May Linda is very talented and always has the dance floor packed.

Progressive Dinner – Saturday 23 June To be held in the Western Basin, it is a new event for the Committee and details are to be advised.

CYCSA Art Exhibition – Friday 10 - Sunday 12 August Members, partners and friends exhibit their artwork for sale, with the Sunday morning function a highlight with premium wine tasting. Watch out for promos at the Club and on the website.

Girls Night In – Friday 19 October This promises to be bigger than Ben “Her”

This amazing event could not have happened without the kindness of the boat owners who volunteered their boats for this event, so thank you to the following: John and Vicky Bolt Bogebada Don and Judy Guy Force Majeure Glenn and Tracey Spears Lifestyle III Richard Lea From Russia With Love Barbara and Peter Page Serenity Joe Mezzino Minnon Ian and Lesley Patterson Sir Les Claude and Val Marchesi Adria Joy and Mark Hutton Synergy Bob and Natalie Turco Liquid Limo Owen and Delia Mace Cygnus 3 Maxine Timbs Days Like This Donna and Traci Ayris Two True This huge event was sponsored by Maurice Drent Boating, our very own Graeme Haese, who bought around the Dunrunner just so we could drool over it. Graeme’s speech was from the heart and he was genuinely delighted to be sponsoring the Boat Hop for the third year.

The photos in this article are just a hint of what a wonderful day it was and there are many more on the Club website.

Finally, a very special thank you to all the Committee. This is a function requiring lots of organisation and cooperation and the Committee and their spouses and friends worked very, very hard, not just on the day but over the weeks leading up to the Hop, to make it the success it was - well done.

Jacqi Heffernan, Chair SAA

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2012 Bavaria Boat Hop

Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia social Activities Association

Members, Partners and Friends

2012 Art Exhibition Now that the weather has turned cooler and your boating activities have slowed down it’s time to rekindle your artistic passions. The CYCSA Social Activities Association warmly invites members, partners and friends to show their paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures in an exhibition to be held over three days from 10 -12 August. Whether you are starting out or you’re a professional artist or somewhere in between you are all welcome to participate in this visual arts event. Further information will soon be available from both the Club office and the CYCSA website or contact Laura directly in the office for entry forms.

Exhibition dates: Friday 10 – Sunday 12 August Official Function: 11.00am Sunday 12 August All works for sale

Marshall W illia Donated by ms, Sky Melting into Se Art Images Gallery as fr a, giclee of oil on ca nvas, imag amed exhibi e 550mm x tion raffle 730mm prize

28

CITY EXCLUSIVITY AT THE NAVAL MILITARY AND AIR FORCE CLUB SA

I

ntroducing the Naval Military and Air Force Club to its reciprocal CYCSA members. Have you been into the city recently? Yes? Then be sure to visit this beautifully established exclusive Club conveniently located at the edge of Adelaide’s CBD. NMAFC is proud to hold a special reciprocal relationship with the CYCSA and invites you to acquaint yourself with a taste of old fashioned class.

There is currently an exciting development being bought to fruition between our two Club’s that we hope will not only inspire you but also provide you with the benefits of both city and yachtside leisure.

So why not book yourself in for dinner or attend our Open Day due to be held on Saturday 20th October 2012 from 11am.

Come visit Often referred to by its members as their “home away from home”, the Club offers onsite members only car parking, peaceful accommodation and reciprocity with over 100 Clubs worldwide.

Come to the Club for lunch, dinner or a casual drink in the members bar, hold a function or business meeting in one of our private rooms or even take advantage of our business hub fully supported by our administration team.

Have you heard of Waypoint? Come along and visit the Club for a tour and drink in our exclusive members bar with complimentary canapés. Hosted by WGCDR Peter Summers and regularly attended by Commodore Geoff Catt, Waypoint is a diverse group located at the Naval Military & Air Force Club, providing opportunities to expand your network of peers and business associates. To receive regular invites, please contact Ms Lizzie Carroll on 08 8223 2422 or emailexecutiveassistant@navmil.org

What’s new at the NMAFC? The Club has recently undergone some recent renovations, now boasting a fully equipped presentation room with a capacity of 40 people and theatre size projection screen, as well as redecoration to our elegant, fully serviced accommodation rooms.

The Club prides itself on its ability to bring people together, presenting a myriad of functions and events, including: Bremerton Wine Lunch Winter Carvery Guest Speaker Isobel Redmond MP Military History Night Penfolds Dinner

13 17 27 28 30

June June June June June

Special Offers The NMAFC offers a special, discounted membership category available to its reciprocal CYCSA members only. Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and save 70% per annum off the regular subscription rate.

The cost of membership is only $300.00 per annum, with no entrance fee, saving you an additional $1000.00. If you would like to discuss exclusive membership opportunities further we invite you to contact our membership consultant Ms Lizzie Carroll or Acting Chief Operating Officer Mr Stephen Diamond on 08 8223 2422. We will always be happy to welcome you in the Club should you wish to take a tour.

Stephen Diamond, Acting Chief Operating Officer

NMAFC • 111 Hutt St Adelaide SA 5000 • t. 8223 2422 • e. memberservices@navmil.org • w. www.navmil.org

29

Are you new to sailing? Want to find out how to get involved?

weekend courses would be a great place to begin the journey. It is a 12 hour course teaching everything you need to know to be a useful crew member.

Trying to get a foot in the door (or on the deck) of a new sport can be daunting. Who do I contact to try and get involved in sailing? Do I have to join a club? Where can I learn to sail? What other skills would be important to learn? These are some common questions and are gladly answered regularly by the CYCSA Marine Academy.

The next step is our Three Day Live Aboard Course designed for people who have completed the weekender or have some sailing experience and familiarity with a live aboard cruising yacht. This course builds heavily on basic cruising skills such as hoisting, sheeting and reefing of sails and all points of sail and manoeuvres. Topics like rope work, buoyage, safety equipment, boat checks and basic navigation are also built upon.

New topics and advanced skills practised during the weekend include rules of the road, meteorology, anchoring, berthing, man overboard drills, navigation and pilotage. A major focus is placed on living aboard and students will be involved in packing the boat with personal gear and provisions, sleeping arrangements and preparing food aboard. The weekend should be treated as an enjoyable long weekend away with friends as well as a valuable learning experience. The Marine Academy hopes this course will put you on the right tack to becoming a regular cruiser of the gulfs and possibly waters further afield.

How do I get started?

There are a variety of ways to get into sailing, the two easiest being to undertake a Yachting Australia Training Course or to start crewing for someone else.

The Yachting Australia Training Schemes are nationally recognised and span from beginners in small boats, yachts and powerboats, to sailing and racing offshore. These are taught at Yachting Australia approved Training Centres like the CYCSA Marine Academy. The CYCSA Marine Academy is a passionate member directed training centre providing a RYA/YA Shore Based Course, YA Power Boat Handling, Safety & Sea Survival Certificate, YA National Keelboat Program and Marine Radio Certificate. From our prominent location at North Haven on the Gulf St Vincent the CYCSA Marine Academy prides itself in promoting member and public boating activity.

Learn to operate a powerboat Intro Powerboat Find out how much fun can be had going powerboating! Appropriate for unlicenced, new and current boat licence holders, to develop a strong understanding of the rules and regulations to be safe and confident boaters through a three hour theory session. This Intro Course also includes a one hour private one on one practical lesson with one of our Marine Academy Instructors so you can ask specific questions and feel confident driving a powerboat and provides insight into the safe use of craft, the equipment they must carry, and knowledge of the aspects of seamanship, navigation and weather which govern their use.

Sun, breeze, breaking waves, fresh ocean air, propulsion by sail or engine - it doesn’t matter, out on the water is the place to be!

Learn to sail Intro Sail Here is a great place to start if want to find out if you like it or not before committing to a full weekend course. Come join us and enjoy being out on the water with our helpful and passionate qualified instructors for an addictive sailing experience. Two-and-a-half hours of hands on sailing to get a taste of what our full courses have to offer. Intro’s are run throughout the year on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesday Twilights and your own private bookings. All safety gear and refreshments are provided. If you are keen to learn to sail you don’t need to do an Intro Sail before starting a full course, why not just take the plunge!

Recreational Boat Licence Course Looking to gain a state boat licence? Did you know there is a practical alternative to sitting the theory test? The CYCSA Marine Academy runs a Yachting Australia Recreational Powerboat Operator Course that involves theory and basic practical components. On successful completion you will be eligible for the South Australian Boat Licence. Gain knowledge to plan a day trip, trouble shoot engine problems and rescue a disabled boat. The CYCSA Marine Academy recommends this as the only way to gain a boat licence!

The National Keelboat Program

Safety courses

The CYCSA is South Australia’s only Yachting Australia National Keelboat Training Centre. This program is Australia’s fastest growing and the best course to learn, develop and acquire the skills of sailing, to become an active club member and sailor. Courses are run over a weekend (12 hours) and include a YA Log Book, Introductory to Keelboat Text and YA Certificate. The Keelboat Program course has five levels to progress through; Keelboat Crew, Keelboat Helm, Keelboat Seamanship, Keelboat Spinnaker and Keelboat Racing, utilising the Club’s J 24s. It is nationally recognised and designed specifically for adults to become involved in small keelboats and trailer sailor competition and also appeals to people wishing to learn the ropes to go day sailing and cruising.

Safety Day Safety Sunday is a one-day course developed to provide an understanding of relevant marine safety issues that can affect every boater, specifically designed to encourage appropriate activity to local offshore and shorthanded racing. A fun hands on day learning situations such as dealing with a storm, man overboard, flares, epirbs, marine radio, lifejackets, liferafts and offshore rescues. A worthwhile course recommended for all active members.

Sea Safety and Survival Certificate Looking at going on an extended journey or a big race? The SSSC is a fantastic course to consider experiences and situations you will hopefully never have to deal with! It’s a Yachting Australia safety course and a requirement for offshore racing including the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. If you are looking to increase your sailing credentials and embark on some out of the way adventures, then this course is invaluable.

Sail Cruising Looking for something bigger? The Club owned Farr 11.6, Academy 1, is a great boat to develop skills for becoming a competent crew, day skipper and coastal skipper. So if you are looking at joining a crew, starting twilights or going on a charter, then one of our 30

“CYCSA Marine Academy – enjoyment, safety and knowledge for recreational boating and yacht racing”

Theory courses Day Skipper Theory The CYCSA Marine Academy is South Australia’s most prominent RYA/YA Shore Based Training Centre. Our Day Skipper Theory Course covers the basics of seamanship, weather forecasting and meteorology tides, collision regulations, construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat, emergency and safety procedures including distress calls, use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets, life raft, the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage, chart work, electronic charts, position fixing and plotting a course to steer . It is an in-depth course designed to take you from having little knowledge to being highly competent.

Recreational an

d Sports Boating

Marine Radio Are you using your marine radio without being qualified?

Gain the Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency.

This certificate is required for all people using VHF and HF Marine radios. Feel confident and secure knowing how to use the boats radio.

No matter where your interest lies the Marine Academy has something for you.

Matt Young, Marine Academy Coordinator

31

Blueys

Club member, Owen Mace, gives an insight into blue crabs

Blue Crabs Well, here’s something a bit different on a Technology Update – an article about blueys. It has been a helluva good season, so why not? Now I have to admit that the topic is not original: the suggestion came from a certain mustard coloured boat as it returned to its berth with no less than 40 crabs caught in a couple of hours.

I won’t talk too much about catching them – is there anyone in the Club that doesn’t know how?

If you are in doubt about the regulations, I have summarised the rules for South Australia in the sidebox. I will spend a little time on their biology, a recipe or two and perhaps how to eat them.

The WA Department of Fisheries has an excellent fact sheet (Ref 1) from which I have drawn material for this article. References 2 (PIRSA) and 3 (SARDI) are also very good sources of information about their biology and local catches. Thanks to the guys from PIRSA and SARDI with whom I spoke while preparing this article.

Biology and Ecology The blue swimmer crab is found in the intertidal estuaries of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (Asian coasts) and the Middle-Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. They are widely distributed in eastern Africa, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The scientific name for blueys is Portunus pelagicus. It is variously known as the flower crab in Asian countries and the blue crab, blue swimmer crab, blue manna crab or even, in some areas, the sand crab.

Our blueys look very similar to the Chesapeake or Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) that is found in the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific coast of Central America and the Gulf of Mexico (Ref 3). Like ours, they are delicious.

Interestingly, our bluey is a tropical species and the South Australian gulfs represent the southern limit of their habitat. They have adapted to our relatively cold waters by being active in the warmer months and less so during the colder months as we know from our crab season.

Crabs have eight legs consisting of two claws, three sets of legs for walking and two modified for swimming, which they do remarkably well.

Life Cycle Our blue crab is dependent on estuaries as the larvae and early juveniles use these habitats for growth and development. Prior to hatching the female moves into shallow waters in late summer and autumn and then releases up to one and a half million eggs. After hatching the larvae live in the estuaries and they feed on microscopic plankton. They move through several larval stages and within weeks they reach their final larval stage which is characterised by outsized claws to catch their prey. Then the larvae metamorphose into the crabs that we recognise and they continue to grow in estuaries which provide them with shelter and food. Obviously, they suffer huge losses and relatively few survive to reach our nets.

Early juveniles cannot tolerate low salinities for extended periods and so they seek deeper seawater during the winter when rainwater runoff enters from rivers. Male blueys are believed to become more territorial in colder water. Snapper are the main predators of smaller adult crabs.

Moulting If you think about it, a crab cannot grow by simply expanding its shell, its carapace. It has to moult fairly frequently, produce a larger carapace and then harden it. It must do so quickly because it is vulnerable to predators during that time. It is thought that they moult perhaps once a month during the warmer months and that it takes about a day to moult and for the new carapace to harden.

Reference 3 has a picture showing a crab moulting. There is a fair amount of their biology that is not well understood because of their short life, frequency of moulting and the difficulty of tagging them.

As we know, the crabs inhabit the shallow waters of the gulfs up to about 50 metre depth. They hide in the sand, mud and weeds waiting for prey to come by and then they grab it with their claws.

They are almost exclusively carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of slow moving creatures and they rarely consume plant material.

In South Australian waters, crabs close to the minimum legal size (110 mm) are approximately 14 to 18 months old, sexually mature, and the females have produced at least two batches of eggs within one season. Blueys can grow to 20 cm across the carapace and they live up to two to three years.

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How many are caught in SA waters?

The Rules

The commercial catch limit for blueys in the two gulfs is currently 620 tonnes each year. The catch by recreational fishers is difficult to quantify but it is thought that over a million crabs weighing a total of roughly 300 tonnes are caught by recreational fishers from boats each year. It is not known how many are caught by raking. Because it has been a good year for the commercial crabbers too, they are tending to throw back smaller, though still legal, crabs and thus more are available to us all.

In case you are not sure of the South Australian rules, here they are. The minimum legal length is 11 centimetres measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines. You are allowed a total of 40 blue swimmer and sand crabs per person and there is a daily boat limit of 120 blue swimmers and sand crabs. You must immediately return to the water any females with eggs. It makes sense to do so as they represent next year’s catch. I reckon all female crabs should be returned to the water because they may breed again after you return them to the sea.

Environmental factors such as water temperature variations, the relative strength of wind and current systems, and the amount and timing of rainfall affect the survival and growth rates of crab larvae and juveniles. This in turn leads to big fluctuations in the crab population from year to year and place to place, as we know. Interestingly, while it has been a great year for crabs caught from boats, I’m told that the rake fishers have had a terrible season: this just illustrates how fluctuations affect the fishery.

Have you read the Crabbing Day article in this edition of Groundswell? We caught about 1250 crabs this year.

Recipes Everyone has their own recipe and here’s mine for the record, with thanks to Namche.

I have a deep electric frying pan with a high lid. I half fill it with sea water and then set it to high. Once boiling vigorously, I put up to six crabs in the water. I stand the carapaces upright, folding the claws in so that the whole crab fits in the frying pan. The lid goes back on and I wait for it to boil again. Once boiling I leave them for a further six minutes to cook, no more, no less. Then I remove the now red crabs from the pan and plunge them into a bucket of clean sea water. The next half a dozen crabs go into the same water once it is boiling again. The frying pan cooks by steaming the crabs.

When the cooked crabs have cooled, I clean them (“back” them), break them in two and put them on ice or in the fridge. On occasions I have cleaned them before cooking – be careful as they can grab you with their claws unless they are properly “asleep”.

I don’t cook chilli crabs as I prefer the sweet flavour of the meat.

Eating Them There is a technique for eating crabs for those who haven’t yet mastered it. (Anyone?) First break the crab into quarters. Remove the swimmer and you should be presented with a nice lump of sweet meat. Do the same with the other legs. Then remove the last joint from each of the legs and squeeze out the meat. Remove the claw and squeeze out the remaining meat in the body.

Now for the claws. These can be tough and a crab cracker (or nut cracker) can be pressed into service to crack, not crush, the two large segments of each claw. Carefully remove the meat in one piece from each segment. I like to dip these two chunks of meat in seafood sauce. Yum-oh!

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While commercial crabbers have strict controls on what they keep, some of us recreational fishers are less well behaved when it comes to legal sizes. It is silly not to observe the rules because undersized crabs and female returned to the water will grow and be available later.

References 1. http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/ FactSheets/blue-crab-download.php 2. http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries/ recreational_fishing/target_species/crabs/ blue_crabs 3. Blue_Crab_Portunus_armatus_ Fishery_2009_10._Stock_Assessment_ Report_to_PIRSA_Fisheries_and_ Aquaculture.pdf 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portunus_ pelagicus

Berths for sale or lease

FOR SALE Marina East 8m twin: C09, F01, F02 10m single: A02, AO3 10m single: F07 10m twin: A09, A10, A27 ,A35, A39, F04, F18, 10m twin: F13 11m twin: A41 12m twin: D38 12m twin: E13 12m single: D16, E04,E05, E06, E10, E11, E20 12m single: D34 12m twins: suitable for Catamaran - E30/E31 13m twins: suitable for Catamaran - C22/C23 or $180,000 for both 13m single: D01 14m single: A46, C30 15m single: A47, B23, B25, B26, B31, B35, B36 16m single: B15 20m single: A49 Marina West 11m single: M04 15m single: M08 17 metre single: J05, J14, J18, J19, J20 20 metre single: K05, K06, L02 25 metre single: M14 Hardstand 9m: 7, 9, 11,13, 17, 24, 25, 30,37, 39, 52, 53, 54, 57, 65, 72, 83, 88, 95 10m: 102, 136, 140, 144, 146, 147 148 12m: 113, 114, 115, 127 Port Vincent 10m twin: A23 12m twin: B29, B33, B34, B37, C60 12m single: B27, B45, C48, C68 14m single: D70, D71, D73, D77, D78 15m single: D83, D85, D86, D87, D89 20m single: A12, B35

For information on all CYCSA

FOR LEASE from from reduced to F30 from reduced to

$62,000 $95,000 $87,000 $63,000 $59,000 $85,000 $90,000 reduced to $80,000 from $100,000 reduced to $90,000 each $110,000 each $95,000 $125,000 from $160,000 from $175,000 $225,000 $350,000 $90,000 $155,000 from $140,000 from $230,000 $290,000

from from reduced to from

$4,000 $6,500 $5,000 $8,000

$38,000 from $35,000 from $50,000 from $65,000 from $50,000 $200,000

Marina East membership fees and charges 10m twin: F18* please refer to 12m single: E05*, E11* www.cycsa.com.au 12m twin: D37, E08 13m single: D01 13m twin: C23 14m single: C29 Marina West All berths in Marina West are single berths 17m: J14*, J18*, J19*, J20* 18m: M10 20m: K01, K02, K06*, K07, K08 22m: K15, K18 25m: M14 30m: K16 Hardstand 9m: 17*, 24, 30*, 50, 52*, 54*, 62, 63, 65, 72*, 81, 89, 97 10m: 110, 130, 133, 137*, 139, 140*, 147*, 148, 150 12m: 03, 113*

Average Leasing Rates Marina Berths (per month) 8ms $300 14ms 8mt $280 15ms 10ms $320 16ms 10mt $320 17ms 11mt $340 18ms 12ms $455 22ms 12mt $400 23ms 13ms $465 24ms 13mt $465 30ms

Hardstands (per month) $500 9m $165 $550 10m $185 $650 12m $210 $700 POA POA POA POA POA

All prices include GST - * Denotes berth for sale and lease

contacts

Notes on Purchasing/Selling Berths

For Existing Berth Owners Considering Selling As per the Marina Berth Agreement, a 10% commission is payable by the vendor on all berth sales.

As of 22 October 2007 Board Meeting 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.

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Berth Sales Jenny Krogdahl t: 8248 4222 e: jenny@cycsa.com.au Berth Leasing Laura Cowley t: 8248 4222 e: laura@cycsa.com.au Port Vincent Rob Marner (PV Marina Manager) 0414 611 110

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Telephone: (08) 8242 0788 Cnr. Shipwright Rd & Allan Rice Court Largs North South Australia 5016

CONTACT SALES

Jim Theodore: 0411 426 838 Leica Theodore: 0413 871 070 36 sales@prms.com.au

prms.com.au prms@adam.com.au theodoremarine.com.au