December 2017 Tidings by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

DECEMBER 2017

TEAM MIRSKY WORLD NO. 1

ALPHA RACING 2ND IN YOUTH RANKINGS ZAC LITTLEWOOD STUNNING 3RD SURPRISES WORLD’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY © IAN ROMAN

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2017

Riviera 40’

$374,900

Highly optioned 2005 model with all factory extras including air-conditioning, dish-washer, fore-deck davit, teak decks, three bunk secondary cabin and a double trundle in the saloon along with the queen sized island bed in the master suite. Powered by Twin Caterpillar diesels and 9Kva Onan generator.

Jamie Dodd

Halvorsen 70’

0418 819 181

$494,500

Classical craftsmanship coupled with rich timber finishes distinguish this timeless motor yacht from more modern examples and the Halvorsen heritage is evident throughout this substantial long-range, live aboard vessel. Constructed in 1976 from double diagonal and triple diagonal Oregon. Twin GM’s

Jamie Dodd

0418 819 181

Ker 33’

$249,900 AM 43’

This exciting KER33 is the new benchmark for IRC in the racer cruiser division. Built by McConaghy Boats who are famous for building some of the worlds fastest and most exciting yachts, this semi - displacement racer was built to rate on the IRC rating system. Launched in 2015 and as New. Start winning.

Jake Flintoff

Peter Milner 83’

0402 905 911

Adam Scahill

NEWS FROM OUR FLAG OFFICERS Dean McAullay – Commodore Gary McNally – Vice Commodore Luke Paterson – Rear Commodore Sail Evan Moore – Rear Commodore Juniors Lloyd Clark – Rear Commodore Power

This West Australian built vessel is the perfect family home away from home with a courtyard sized cockpit where we spend most of our time when holidaying at the islands. The spacious interior offers a large saloon with a mezzanine galley, master cabin and a big fore-cabin. Iveco diesel and Onan 6.5.

Jamie Dodd

$1,490,000 Duncanson 40’

This substantial commercial vessel was constructed to the highest standards in 2002 by renowned West Australian shipwright, Peter Milner to 1B survey for 12 passengers and four crew overnight or 1D survey for 100 passengers in local waters. Capable of extended cruising to international destinations.

$189,900

0418 819 181

$109,900

Stealaway is a 1989 Duncanson 40’ with a light and bright interior ideal for coastal cruising and extended stays in your favourite location. In recent times she has had a full refit including new paint and interior fitout which gives her a smart modern looking appearance. Bonus 5Kva generator.

0419 847 439 Adam Scahill

0419 847 439

14 7

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

THE INAUGURAL PARMELIA BALL RACE John Longley

32 FESTIVAL OF SAIL 2018

10 COUTAS HEAD EAST Jim Wilshire 12 OGA RAID TO DUMBLEYUNG John Longley 14 A CORNISH COASTAL CRUISE Charles Colvin 22 ALPHA RACING Will Boulden

This boutique American vessel was sourced through a group of international brokers as the Mikelson brand is coveted by serious offshore fishermen while providing luxury for the family. Designed for seakeeping and fuel economy by the legendary Tom Fexas, she has crossed the Great Australian Bight east to west. Twin Cummins

Jamie Dodd

Meridian 38’

0418 819 181

$189,500

The Meridian 381 Flybridge cruiser is a great family entertainer with a large sun-bridge and plenty of seating. This 2005 example is very easy to handle due to its twin Cummins 330Hp diesel engines which provide ample amounts of torque for manoeuvring around the pens. Onan with Air-conditioning.

Jamie Dodd

0418 819 181

Caribbean 45’

$297,500 Harriscraft 45’

The Caribbean 45’ is a large volume cruiser produced here in Australia by one of the countries best manufacturers to the highest standards in the world. Renowned for their sea keeping abilities and perfect for our conditions here in WA with a massive 128 square feet of cockpit and accommodation for up to ten people if required. Twin GM diesels.

Jamie Dodd

Sunseeker 34’

0418 819 181

This is the one you dream of when constructing the perfect boat in your head, only its real and available now. Completely rebuilt in 2008 with all new engineering including a 650Hp Scania straight out of the box with only 239 hours use since installation. Auxiliary power is provided by an Aqua-Volt 8.5Kva generator. Massive deck and Tender.

Adam Scahill

0419 847 439

$109,900 Wellcraft 22’

From $99,000

Jamie Dodd

0418 819 181

With only two owners since new, this 2001 Sunseeker 34’ Superhawk has completed only 436 hours on the twin Volvo diesels and the Onan 5Kva generator has done only 155 hours. The interior is luxurious and provides overnight accommodation for four with a separate bathroom. Onan generator.

Adam Scahill

$229,000

0419 847 439

The 222 Fisherman is available to view now here at our Fremantle premises. The registered length is 6.71m making it eligible for rafting alongside at Rottnest and they a more than capable of doing the crossing. The impressive beam provides stability at rest if youíre simply entertaining or lounging about.

31 2017 29ER WORLDS Kieran Bucktin

42 MEMBERSHIP – NEW CLUB MEMBERS 44 THE BOSUN’S LOCKER Nathan Stronach

48 ASTERN – FROM THE ARCHIVES Basil Twine 51 VALE: WILLIAM (BILL) JACOBS Basil Twine 52 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CLUB STAFF Chief Executive Officer Accountant Communications Yachting Operations Mgr Sailing Administrator Yachting Operations Assistant Dinghy/Junior Club Power Administrator Membership Accounts Assistant Administration Assistant Bosun Receptionist

40 #RFBYCGOESABROAD

45 PROTOCOL AND RULES – FLAG ETIQUETTE Ron Fletcher

29 OPEN BIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Jonathon Everett and Jenna Everett

$399,000

39 MID-WEEK SAILING Brian Cain

44 TRAVEL GRANTS INFORMATION

24 LASER RADIAL WORLDS Zac Littlewood 27 ETCHELLS Ray Smith

Mikelson 50’

Front cover: Mirsky Racing Team, the new Match Racing World Champions, celebrate at the 2017 WMRT finals, China

Paul Bayliss Catherine Ramsey Deb Hanrahan Debbie Blaauw Sharon Skinner Jenn Suffield Casey Walsh Susan Ghent Karen Ozkara Zoe Rostron Nathan Stronach Pauline Rhodes

FLAG OFFICERS Dean McAullay - commodore@rfbyc.asn.au Gary McNally - vicecommodore@rfbyc.asn.au Luke Paterson - rearcommsail@rfbyc.asn.au Evan Moore - rearcommjuniors@rfbyc.asn.au Lloyd Clark - rearcommpower@rfbyc.asn.au GROUNDS STAFF Timothy Donahue, Laurie Martin, Shane Ramsey, Joel Sheppard PUBLICATION Registered by Australia Post Publication No 63312300018 To contribute or advertise in the next issue send your copy by Friday 2 February 2018 to pr@rfbyc.asn.au CONTACT US Keane’s Point, Peppermint Grove Western Australia T +61 8 9286 8200 www.rfbyc.asn.au rfbyc@rfbyc.asn.au

We value our members’ opinions. Feel free to send any comments, suggestions and feedback to rfbyc@rfbyc.asn.au

www.rfbyc.asn.au

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

DEAN McAULLAY COMMODORE

Our 121st sailing season is well underway and we have many members travelling to events for the championship season. At the Club we will enjoy many summer social occasions and host a few regattas too. In January we co-host the Etchells Australian Championship and we lead in to February with the inaugural JESS Match Cup followed by the Warren Jones International Youth Match Racing Regatta. We wish all members and their families a safe and enjoyable festive season. See you at the Club.

rfbyc.asn.au Club Activities Keep an eye on our weekly member email Gybe Sheet, distributed on Thursday afternoons. There you will find out what’s happening at the Club whether it be a social activity, on-water event, New Members’ Night, handy information seminar or just some interesting news about your Club and fellow members. #rfbycGoesEast Our annual social media campaign to follow our members at sailing events over the summer championship season is on again. We have 121 members signed up to our RFBYC Sailing Team and look forward to following their adventures using our team hashtag #rfbycGoesEast. Social Media Our Club is actively using social media to share interesting news, photos and information. Follow RFBYC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Club handles are listed below and there are links from the rfbyc.asn.au website. Facebook @RoyalFreshwaterBayYachtClub Twitter @RFBYC Instagram @rfbyc Volunteers Our Club welcome’s volunteers and we are very lucky to have an excellent pool of dedicated and enthusiastic members who are always keen to get involved. RFBYC volunteers are appreciated and whether lending a hand on the water or ashore, they enjoy the roles, new skills gained and camaraderie that goes along with it. If you or a fellow member is interested in finding out more, visit the ‘participate’ tab on the Club website for more information. Membership Enquiries Membership enquiry packs are available from reception or at the main noticeboard pigeon holes. You can also find all of the information including our benefits of membership table and handy question & answer sheet on the Club website under the tab ‘participate’. Contact the Membership Coordinator (Susan) with any questions. Our Club relies on the support of membership to continue to provide a wonderful facility and lots of great activities. Please encourage others to respect our Club by becoming a member. 4

OMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON to everyone! The Sailing Season is well underway and the Club is as busy as ever.

Our 121st Opening Day, the official start of sailing season, was a great day and as is now becoming tradition, incorporated the Dinghy/Junior Club Opening together with the inaugural Parmelia’s Ball Challenge Trophy rowing race in the St Ayles Skiffs. The day was a wonderful example of our Club at its finest. It was very gratifying to see so many members participating, whether it was keelboat sailing, joining the power boat raft up and sail past, dinghy sailing, rowing or just being at the Club and enjoying the atmosphere of the day. With our summer sailing program in full swing, we have seen high numbers of participants across all areas of activity. In particular we had a good number of entries and sailors at the ICR event held in November. We hosted the Governor’s Cup race finish which saw a large number of visiting sailors from RPYC join our members for plenty of post-race comradery. The Club has also co-hosted the IRC State championships with RPYC which incorporated the annual Rockingham Race Regatta. Ten Classic power boats also made the journey to Rockingham for an overnight stay and joining the offshore fleet for the onshore party. In November, I was very privileged to attend the Australian Sailing Awards held in Sydney. Our Club had a strong presence on the night with members and

www.rfbyc.asn.au

staff featuring prominently as finalists across almost every award category, together with our inaugural inductees in the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame. I would like to congratulate all of those members and staff who were acknowledged for their efforts and achievements in our sport. Most pleasingly I was able to accept on behalf of our Club, the award for Club of the year. This recognition is a true reflection of the high regard and wonderful reputation for which our Club is held. We can all be proud of this award and I thank all members and staff for their contributions to the Club activities that make this possible. I also wish to acknowledge our Training Centre Principal, Jenn Suffield who won the Sports Professional category, a worthy and justified recognition of her efforts in taking our Club to new heights of excellence. UPDATES

I would like to provide updates on the progress of some projects that the Club has currently underway. The Junior/Dinghy Clubhouse redevelopment continues to move forward in a positive manner. The Committee has engaged an architect to progress the design concepts into more detailed drawings based upon the working group’s needs analysis. Preliminary costings have prepared with a number of options and flexibility still on the table and we will be conducting information sessions in

the coming months to enable members to be informed of the proposed development plans. The Club Constitution, Rules and By-laws are required, due to legislative changes, to be revised into a more current format. Work is being done to plan the redrafting which will seek to incorporate the required changes and modernise elements of the document, to remove anomalies which currently exist due to the passage of time. We can all be assured that the process will not

Most pleasingly I was able to accept on behalf of our Club, the award for Club of the year. alter the fabric and philosophies of the Club. Information sessions will also be held to inform members as part of the change process. Members will have seen the new boundary fence and refurbished gates installed over the past couple of weeks. I am very pleased with the outcome and the way this presents the Club to the outside world, which will no doubt serve members for many years to come. Finally, I would to wish all members and their families a happy and prosperous festive season. To all of our sailors who are competing in events over the Championship period, good luck, favourable shifts and above all… have fun! 5

GARY MCNALLY VICE COMMODORE

EASON’S GREETINGS. It’s that time of the year when the Club is at its busiest with members and guests enjoying activities both on and off the water.

MEMBERSHIP

Sunday, 19 November the inaugural Junior under 12 “Welcome as a Member” function was held at the Junior/Dinghy Club. The Commodore and Flag Offices were present with members of the Membership Committee cooking a sausage sizzle. The next event will be later in the sailing season.

This year’s Opening Day was a great success with everyone enjoying the camaraderie that we are well known for. The party continued well into the evening. During November, the Club hosted the annual Melbourne Cup charity event with the nominated charity being the SAS Resources Fund. More than $45,000 was raised on the day. An indication of the generosity of our members and guests. This fund-raising event has been taking place for more than eleven years at the Club. Over that period, we have raised in excess of $250,000. My sincere thank you to all volunteers, sponsors and the members that make this happen. The Bowline continues to impress under head Chef Justin Hughes and Manager

Kate Clucas. Book early to avoid disappointment. UP AND COMING EVENTS

The theme of last year’s New Year’s Eve Party will be continued with fun for the whole family. Starting with a Twilight Sail followed by roving entertainment commencing at 7:45pm on the upper lawn area. The Commodore’s Concert will be held on Friday, 16 February 2018. Freeze Frame Opera with soprano Harriet O’Shannessy, tenor Jun Zhang and pianist Tommaso Pollio will entertain members and guests for this special event. Information on tickets will be available in the new year. The very popular Summer Sunday Session Series has returned, each session having a different style of music. For more information on this and

the upcoming events keep an eye on Gybe Sheet and Front of House e-newsletters. AROUND THE CLUB

As the gentleman would have noticed the male members WC is now complete and operational. The lift to the Athol Hobbs room is still at discussion level and I’ll keep you informed as to its progress. I am pleased to announce that Philippa Packer has taken on the role of chairperson for “The Friends of Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club” gardening group. This group is always seeking members to assist, so if you have a green thumb and spare time contact Debbie Hanrahan at the Club for details. Wishing you a joyous Festive Season and a Happy New Year.

LUKE PATERSON REAR COMMODORE SAIL

THE

2018 SAILING SEASON has started with a bang, with a whole range of Club and special events, and a new World Champion team.

The weather behaved for our 121st Opening Day, resulting in a fantastic day of racing. Opening day was quickly followed by the start of the Swan River Retro Series and the Governor’s Cup, which this year was won by Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Tony Finch on Vagabond. Once again, we enjoyed The Cruising Yacht Club of WA’s hospitality and some

often challenging conditions during the Rockingham Race Weekend. Through the “Youth Cup”, the Rockingham Race Weekend encourages young sailors into keelboat racing. Thanks to The Cruising Yacht Club of WA and all of our volunteers that made the weekend possible. This year the Rockingham Race Weekend formed part

of the IRC State Championships, which we ran in conjunction with Royal Perth Yacht Club. Congratulations to Gary McNally’s team on Back Betty, who finished second overall, narrowly missing out to FSC’s Obsession. MATCH RACING

The Mirsky Racing Team, representing RFBYC, became Match Racing World Cham-

pions after beating defending champion Phil Robertson 3-1 in the 2017 WMRT finals in Shenzhen, China. This is a terrific result for the team, and our Club. It’s pleasing to see so many of our members involved in this edition of the Tour, including the Mirsky Racing Team, Neptune Racing and Gilmour Racing Team (among others). Due to the success of September’s Sailing Institute Match Racing Regatta we will be hosting the inaugural JESS Match Cup, an open match racing event sailed in BW8s on 22 – 24 January 2018. While this event isn’t limited to youth teams, we are very pleased to announce that the best placed eligible youth team will win a wildcard entry into the 2018 Warren Jones International Youth Regatta.

ROLEX SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE

Craig Carter’s Indian and Peter Hickson’s M3 will once again head to Hobart this year. These teams have had a busy start to the season, and we wish them all the best and look forward to watching them leave Sydney this Boxing Day. #RFBYCGOESEAST

Make sure you stay connected with all of travelling sailors, coaches, race officials and volunteers by our #rfbycGoesEast campaign. With over 121 members registered with #rfbycGoesEast, we will be involved in plenty of national and international regattas, whether in WA or on the East Coast. Through Facebook and Twitter, you’ll be able to follow our yachties and their experiences. Come down to the Club on 15 December

www.rfbyc.asn.au

in touch with Jen Suffield at our Training Centre.

INTRODUCING THE WASZP

VOLUNTEER RETIREMENT

The Club recently welcomed a new fleet of Waszps, a one design foiling dinghy. We were therefore very pleased to announce that the Club will host the 2019 Waszp Games in February 2019. The 2019 – 2021 sailing seasons will be busy for the Club, as we also host the Etchells, Dragon and Flying 15 World Championships.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish John McQueen and his wife Ros all the very best with their relocation to Esperance in January. John has retired from the PRO role for Club Keelboat racing. He has held this position since 2010 and has also been RO for many special events and previous RO for dinghy racing. John has been instrumental in Race Management training of our volunteers which has been an invaluable service to the Club spanning over many years. Thank you, John. You will be missed.

LEARN TO SAIL COURSES

As we head into the Christmas Holidays, it’s a great time to start thinking about learn to sail courses for your friends and family. If you would like some information on our adult or children training courses, get

SEASON’S GREETINGS

All the best for a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. See you on the water.

EVAN MOORE REAR COMMODORE JUNIORS

LANNING FOR A new Junior Clubhouse is progressing with the appointment of an architect to the project. One of the options being considered is how the construction can be staged to minimise disruption and deliver rapid results. Demolition and rebuild of the ablution block could be the first stage followed by the clubhouse construction. We look forward to sharing a proposed design with members in the months ahead. In September, our Junior Club held an Annual General Meeting where they elected the 2017-18 Junior Committee. Congratulations to the following members on their appointment: CAPTAIN: LUCY ALDERSON

VICE CAPTAIN: TOM HODGE

SECRETARY:

2ND PLACE

MIA LOVELADY

ROSIE HENNESSY

TREASURER:

3RD PLACE

MARCELLO TORRE

JENNA EVERETT

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

O’PEN BIC SILVER 1ST PLACE

MOLLY ALDERSON DOMINIC BEER ROHIN KEHAL OLIVER MITTEREGGER RAFFAEL TORRE

We recently held the 2017 ICR with 176 boats and 215 sailors entered. The weather was glorious in the bay with perfect sailing conditions. Congratulations to the following sailors for their placings in the regatta: O’PEN BIC GOLD 1ST PLACE WILL DREW

from 6.30pm to farewell the team.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

GEORGE ELMS

2ND PLACE ANGUS CAMERON

3RD PLACE ALASDAIR CAMERON

FLYING ANT 1ST PLACE ELEANOR GREEN (RFBYC) & DANIEL BOWER

3RD PLACE TOBY WEBSTER (RFBYC) & JAMEEL WILLSON-IMAMDIN

MIRROR 1ST PLACE ALEX & CHARLOTTE O’BEIRNE

2ND PLACE PETER & ROHAN DEAN

3RD PLACE MICHAEL JUDGE & TYLER SPRUNT

420 1ST PLACE MARCELLO TORRE (RFBYC) & OWEN READY

2ND PLACE

LASER 4.7 3RD PLACE

JOSHUA PANG & LIAM FORRESTER

EZRA KAYE

29ER 1ST PLACE

LASER RADIAL 1ST PLACE ZAC LITTLEWOOD

CONTENDERS 1ST PLACE CLAY COOK

2ND PLACE SIMON BARWOOD

3RD PLACE

KIERAN BUCKTIN & SHANNON WRIGHT

2ND PLACE ANNABELLE DAVIES & MADISON WOODWARD

3RD PLACE AXEL FLEET (RFBYC) & JACK LUKETINA

RICHARD WHITAKER

Dinghy racing administration has been strengthened with the appointment of Chelsea Hall to the position of Dinghy/Junior Administrator. I welcome Chelsea back to our club. She is working closely with Jenn Suffield in the Training Centre and we are already seeing an increase in activity. A good example of this was 42 sailors enjoying the most recent Adventurers Club sail to Point Walter. I would like to congratulate Jenn Suffield for her

Sport Professional Award which she claimed at the Australian Sailing awards in Sydney. This award recognises her dedication and enthusiasm for junior sailing and we are pleased to have her at our club.  I wish good luck to the many dinghy sailors who are competing in regattas over the holidays. Don’t forget to register for the #rfbycgoeseast social media campaign so we can follow your progress.

LLOYD CLARK REAR COMMODORE POWER

ower Closing Day was a great success. This year we held the John Cowen Memorial Trophy Day in conjunction with our closing day time trial.

It was wonderful to welcome Bev Cowen and members of the Cowen family along to present the trophy and join in our end of season celebrations. We had 24 boats competing including 9 boats from Claremont Yacht Club.

LEM SHENTON MODEL 1ST ON CONSISTENCY – NAVIGATOR

8 KNOT CUP

PETER WISBEY

Xindi

SEASON RESULTS

ROB & EUAN CAMERON

THE NAIAD TROPHY MOST IMPROVED SKIPPER TIM CUMMINS

Havana THE CHARTER DAY TROPHY DAVID AND ANDREW JORDAN

Breakaway

PAT HEALY PERPETUAL TROPHY LOWEST NET SCORE IN A CONSISTENCY EVENT

Bronzewing Kate CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER UP – SKIPPER GEOFF WELLS

Xindi CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER UP – NAVIGATOR

Xindi

THE AVALON III PERPETUAL TROPHY –

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING SKIPPER

HAMISH BECK & CAMERON COX

BUN LYNN

Endless Summer

Queste

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING NAVIGATOR

WM SCHOLFIELD SHIELD 1ST ON CONSISTENCY – SKIPPER BUN LYNN

Endless Summer

PETER WISBEY

Endless Summer THE REAR COMMODORE POWER TROPHY JULIAN WRIGHT

BOAT HOOK AWARD RODNEY GREVILLECOLLINS

DECEMBER 2016, 150 members and their guests attended a Junior Club Foundation fund raiser held in the Roland Smith Ballroom to witness a stunning

musical performance by sisters Amy and Chloe Manford, the daughters of Sally and Michael Manford. The sensational performance by these talented young ladies was acclaimed by all fortunate to have been at the function. Having chosen to stay in Western Australia, Chloe has performed at a number of venues with her extensive musical repertoires while also pursuing a career as a Pilates instructor.

Amy has since moved to London and is now performing the role of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Phantom of the Opera” which is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End. A fantastic achievement! How privileged we were as members of the Club to be entertained by such outstanding talents.

GEOFF WELLS & DIANNE CLARKE

Endless Summer

DIANNE CLARKE

AMY MANFORD WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

The weather was superb for this year’s Rockingham Race. It was great to see the classic boat fleet out in strength. On the back of the success of the inaugural Twilight Time Trial event earlier this year, next year’s event will be held on Friday 9 February 2018 – so please get your nominations in! This is a fun event and a chance to catch up with time triallers from the other Clubs followed by a BBQ on the main lawn. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my Power Yacht Committee, Club staff, members and the numerous volunteers for their support throughout 2017. Have a safe Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all out on the water next year.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Morse Code

MARINE

Motor Yacht Care & Management

B A M B O O C H A R COA L

DEODORISING

E CO PACK Choice of two sizes, 15cm and 20cm. Pure linen cover with nautical design or plain. Fragrance-free, non toxic & eco-friendly. Removes odours & moisture like a sponge. Rejuvenates in sunlight. Available at boating shops, gift stores or online. kingpinteam.com Trade enquiries welcome.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

B O AT S

VA N S

HOME

Specialising in Shipwrighting Varnishing Antifoul / Propspeed Detailing / Polishing All services carried out by Morse Code Marine staﬀ 7/ 59 Forsyth Street, O’Connor WA 6163

Phone 0430 316 456 info@morsecodemarine.com.au

www.morsecodemarine.com.au 9

John Longley

THE INAUGURAL PARMELIA BALL RACE

THE

2017 OPENING DAY had a new event. A match race in the Club’s St Ayles skiffs was held for the first time and will be a regular feature of future Opening Days.

The Parmelia Ball Trophy, donated by Life Member John Walsh, is an actual cannon ball from the Bark Parmelia that brought the first settlers to the Swan River Colony in 1929. The Ball was dredged up in the sixties as a part of the Port of Fremantle works and by various correct channels made its way into the possession of John Walsh who subsequently deeded it to the Club. The Deed of Gift prescribes that a race will be held on each Opening Day between the holder of the Ball and a crew from a different section of the Club – Juniors, Powerboat and even Etchells. Considering this was to be the first such event and an initial holder had to be established, the Trustees of the Ball in their collective wisdom offered opportunities to the Dragon and Couta sections of the Club – those offers being quickly accepted. For several weeks prior to Opening Day the two crews, selected by their respective sections, trained hard under the relentless eyes of their coaches. The Coutas were stroked by Thomas Scott who came with an impressive list of credentials, including rowing for Cambridge Uni-

versity. At 3 was Peter Wauchope a Scotch College Rower in his day. At 2 was Marty Jurat with little rowing experience but mighty strength and in the bow was Judith Diedricks, a regular SAS rower and medalist in the SAS Nationals. Murray Kornweible, also an SAS medalist, coxed the crew. The average weight was 95 kilos so they were a big strong crew. This awesome combination was coached by the doyen of rowing coaches - Rory Argyle. The Dragons were stroked by Julian Harding who stroked the Christ Church eight whilst at school. Willy Packer was at 3. He had little rowing experience but a lot of advice to offer. Seventeen year old Ethan Low was at 2. He had never rowed before stepping into a St Ayles skiff and his father John was in the bow. He had some experience but can’t remember when. The wily Trish Ford coxed the boat and tried to control Willy. They averaged 85 kilos so were certainly the lighter of the two crews. Coach on occasion was John Longley. The race over 700 metres started out on Karrakatta Bank and finished in the lee of the Club. Members crowded to the north of the lawn and the VIPs watched elegantly

from the deck as the race got under way. It was an even start and little could separate the crews. As they approached the finish to the roar of the crowd they became separated laterally so it was very difficult to see who had won as they swept over the line. The crowd held its breath as the Finishing Judge, Charles Colvin, stoically with lips sealed strode to the commentators position and announced that the Dragons had won by two boat lengths. Jubilation broke out from the Dragon Bar as they realized that for the next year they would be recognized as the Holders of The Ball. Immediately mutterings were heard from various high-ranking Etchell sailors that this situation needed to be addressed and needless to say, the Coutas will not take this lying down. So the Dragons now await bona fide challengers from within the Club. If there are multiple challengers then a race off will be conducted prior to Opening Day next year. Rumour has it that the Dragon crew is already in preseason training.

top: the commentators with the Ball below left: the Couta Crew before the race below right: the victorious Dragon Crew

Jim Wilshire

COUTAS HEAD EAST

ITTING ON THE LAWN UNDER A TREE at RFBYC and feeling pretty chuffed on my 60th birthday after winning the inaugural Couta State Championships

in March 2017, a plan was hatched to compete in the Couta Nationals which were to be held for the first time in Sydney during early October 2017. How hard would it be to truck the boat over and hop onboard to show them how it’s done? The following week when I tried to explain to my partner 12

in Eclipse, Allister Ingles, how it wasn’t a sensible decision he was adamant that it was all or nothing and Eclipse had to make the trip. The seeds were sown for our trip east. Months later we quickly discovered it’s a long way to take a fragile timber boat. Andrew McMillan, our former fleet

captain, and the instigator in our folly had sensibly bought an old Couta boat from Kiama, south of Sydney, instead of taking Roulette from here. He had Couta-Tah set up in Sydney for his crew’s arrival. As our journey to Sydney unfolded, the truck hauling Eclipse dropped into a memorable pot-

www.rfbyc.asn.au

COUTAS HEAD EAST

hole 100 miles from Melbourne where the rudder bounced off, never to be seen again. Two spare rudders were found in Sydney but none fitted, so with help from Tim Philips, Wooden Boat Shop in Sorrento, a rudder blank was sent to Sydney to be built in record time. Eclipse was unloaded at the historic Woolwich Dock tucked in under maxi’s Wild Oats, Maserati and Bea Geste looking worse for the trip across and a bookend for yacht design and budgets. Planks had sprung and just about everything that could have rattled off, did – from the center case bolts down to stereo speakers, underdeck lighting and mainsheet traveler. In early October, we started the first race in the series with a leaky boat and bilge pumps that drained the battery overnight. The series started with drinks at Royal Prince Edward, which must be one of the most unique sailing clubs around and three doors up from the most famous Harbor side mansion. Seen here were some of the most immaculate yachts including Dorade, one of the most famous S&S designs. The PM and Sir James Hardy were guests of honor – the PM has owned a Couta boat for 23 years. The first races were the historic Thistle and Muriel Cups followed by the Gaffers Day at Sydney Amateurs Club. Eclipse came third on the day and Couta-Tah gained a special mention. I cannot express how it feels to sail on Sydney Harbor, it must be one of the most beautiful, most crowded and majestic waterways around. When we thought the ferries, ships, su-

www.rfbyc.asn.au

peryachts and all the other fleets were enough, float planes were added near the windward mark. The fleet then headed to Pittwater to prepare for the Nationals the following weekend. There was no wind for the feeder race north so we all had a leisurely motor accompanied by whales, dolphins and sea lions. For the remainder of the week we tried to stay afloat, stem the leaks, change mast rake, move jib tracks, finish rudder building and endlessly tightening bolts. After changing just about all the settings we found some boat speed. The fleet of 22 boats ranged from the 100-year-old Muriel right through to four new and fully optimized “Regatta Boats” each with two professionals onboard and on average 15 min quicker in a 2-hour race. These are equivalent to a craftsman built planked “Wally Yacht Style” crossed with a fishing boat, every detail has been beautifully resolved, most services hidden from view and they’re blisteringly fast and elegantly simple. How they can be built so well for around $150K is beyond me. After a good day sailing we entered the final passage race in 4th position off scratch, but a poor start and tricky Pittwater winds we dropped to 7th behind the 4 regatta boats and two vintage Couta’s similar to Eclipse but much better sailed and prepared. However, given all the issues since leaving WA and the limited time to rectify, it was a good result for the first West Australian-built Couta. Our objectives were a top 10 finish, learn and have fun to the point that we would consider

doing it all again another time. Eclipse is currently on its way to Portsea for their big regatta later in the year before she comes home to WA. We had no idea the amount of pain and worry turning up to an event in a broken boat would generate, however really appreciated having a mixed and willing crew working together as a team to put the boat back in

racing trim. I was lucky to have neighbors from my street Teague Czislowski and Seth Eggleston plus guys who have been sailing together since Pelicans, Rick Allison, Paul Burnham and Mason Trouchet. We had a large and comfortable house close to the Sailing Club in Avalon and a tremendous bunch of guys to sail against, plus fantastic help and hospitality from all the clubs with special mention to the two amateur clubs Sydney Amateurs and Avalon Sailing which rely on devoted mums and dads willing to help. 13

John Longley

OGA RAID TO DUMBLEYUNG

embers may remember that in February of this year Perth had its wettest day ever when it received 140mm of rain. What they may not know is that out in the Eastern wheat belt they had over 200mm! This extraordinary event had an amazing outcome in that Lake Dumbleyung, usually a dry salt lake, filled with water from that single system. Now this is not some tiny outback puddle. We are talking about a lake that is 13 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide and when full, is 5 metres deep in the middle.

he Old Gaffers Association, which many Club members frequent, heard via the OGA tom toms that the Lake was full and in prime condition to be Raided. A war room was established and plans concocted for what would be the most extensive Raid to the Lake since 2005 when there was last significant water and a few surf cats made the journey. On the morning of Friday 6 October while the City slept, from quiet base camps across the metropolis, nine OGA “C” Fleeters quietly hit the road. Moving separately so to present less of a target, they made their way down Albany highway, left at Arthur River, through Wagin and were shortly in Nat Fyfe country.

OGA raidto

DUMBLEYUNG

above: On the weather side of the lake

Just before arriving at the picturesque town of Dumbleyung, forward scouts pointed out the sign to the Lake itself. Most of us have been around for awhile and some would say that they had seen it all but as we breasted a small rise we were collectively gob smacked to see the vast expanse of the great Lake stretching out to the far horizon – a body of water that made Melville Water look like a bird bath in comparison.

arly arrivals had already launched at the Dumbleyung Yacht Club (yes there is one) and had sallied out in a cold 10 knot southerly to test the empty waters. Others held their fire and retired to the famous Grande Olde Dumbleyung Inn to work through the fine details of the Raid that would be held the following day. The pub that was built in 1913 is stunning. Although in serious need of a heritage grant from the European Union (they will never get one from Canberra) it is just a delight. Being steadily renovated by its new owners the grand old lady is just wonderful and boy do they know how to run a pub. The next day it was back to the Yacht Club but by then the Southerly had stiffened on to the lee shore making it a bit rough to launch the remaining boats.

No problem. Thanks to Royalties for Regions there was another facility for water skiing the other side of the lake. So after taking the 28km trip to get there, the rest of the fleet were able to launch and join up with the boats that sailed across from the Club.

e then spent the most marvellous day sailing on this vast expanse of water. There was nothing to hit above or below the water. There was no other traffic other than the ghost of Donald Campbell in the Bluebird breaking the world water speed record, just a wide expanse of water surrounded by wheat fields and woods. A spanking 15 knot breeze that shifted 10 degrees as regularly as a metronome provided perfect weather for the Raid and even some two boat testing later in the day. Oh to have had a fleet of Lasers and a well-laid course. After a great day of sailing it was back to the Dumbleyung Hotel for the speed shearing competition and karaoke night. What more could one possibly want? The good news is that if they get average rainfall for the next four years the water should last for most of that time. Maybe you might like to join us next year.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

The Grande Olde Dumbleyung Inn The Lake Dumbleyung Yacht Club

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Andrew Bockenek sailing Fala on the Lake

A CORNICH COASTAL CRUISE The romance of Cornwall, its offshore islands and coastal waters, is compelling.

cruise

ACORNIS H COASTAL I

became acquainted with the delights of the Cornish coast—its villages, fishing harbours, creeks, inlets and rugged coastline—over several decades on family holidays in the nineteen forties and fifties. I sailed in the sheltered waters of Gillan Creek and Helford River in a sixteen foot gunter-rigged open dayboat, which my father used to introduce his children to the challenges of family sailing. Later as a UK electricity industry trainee engineer, I was lucky enough to live and work in Cornwall during some of my university vacations, and I walked every mile of the coastguard paths from St Ives to Falmouth via the Land’s End and Lizard peninsulars. During this time I also visited the Scilly Isles. The romance of Cornwall, its offshore islands and coastal waters is compelling. Indeed, I have taken this affinity for Cornwall and Cornish tradition a step further – the topsail on my yacht Rosen is in the colours of the Cornish Kernow flag!

was introduced to Luke Powell’s book Working Sail – A Life in Wooden Boats by my brother. This book tells the story of Luke’s passion for building and sailing traditional wooden boats, in particular Scilly Isles pilot cutters. Having read the book and also investigated Working Sails website, I found that there was an opportunity to participate in sailing on the Scilly Isles pilot cutter Agnes which Luke and his wife now run as a charter-yacht business. Glenis and I planned to spend her long service leave travelling in the USA, UK and Europe. I persuaded her that whilst in UK we should book passage as charter guests on a six day voyage aboard Agnes from Falmouth to the Scilly Isles. Our charter was booked for the second week

in September. I eagerly awaited the prospect of some offshore sailing on a traditional gaff rigged yacht. Glenis’s anticipation was more reserved and somewhat apprehensive.

gnes is the sixth (of twelve) Scilly Isles pilot cutter that Luke Powell has built. She is an exact replica of the original Agnes built in 1841, which was the last pilot cutter to work out of the Scilly Isles as a pilot boat and hailed from the island of St Agnes. Agnes is chunky with a square forefoot and lute stern. The book describes that Luke’s decision to build an exact replica of a hull shape that hadn’t been used since the 1850’s was controversial. His opinion was that the original, able to stay at sea in conditions that kept other craft harbour bound, had value and deserved to be recreated. Agnes is 46ft stem to stern, 13ft 3in beam and maximum draft 8ft 6in, her 20ft bowsprit gives her an LOA of over sixty feet. Her displacement is 26 tons. She was built in 2003 to museum standards of authenticity no winches, a barrel windlass and heavy bulwarks. She is larch planked on sawn oak frames, her bright work is in opepe. A large gaff mainsail, staysail, jib, flying jib and topsail complete her impressive rig. However, in contrast to the original, she

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Charles Colvin

has a 60hp Perkins diesel auxiliary engine and modern electronic navigational aids. Her accommodation is a mixture of authenticity and modern practicality. Four fo’castle berths, two tiered berths amidships, a pilot berth and a transverse double berth aft. Shower with heads and an efficient galley. Her main cabin is lit by an opening skylight and oil burning lantern over the central table with bench berth seats and can be heated by a Reflex paraffin heater. All of which provides cosiness and comfort for meals and story-telling whilst at anchor. Agnes is a powerful and sea kindly vessel with a great heritage.

five hour train journey from Paddington to Truro brought us across the breadth of southern England and down to the west country. A quick change to the single track branch line and half an hour later we were in Falmouth. Returning to Falmouth was memorable and nostalgic for Glenis and I. It was our port of entry into UK when we had sailed our cruising yacht Racundra to Europe. More importantly, it was where we had got married shortly after our arrival there, on that earlier occasion. We, now, had a night to spend ashore before joining Agnes for our charter. One of the best features of Cornish villages, towns

and cities is the pubs. The Seaview Inn was no exception. A commanding view over the town and docks and out towards Carrick Roads and a very good meal, whilst being serenaded by a local men’s singing group —“One over the Eight”—was a promising start to our adventure. The following morning was cloudy and windy. Reporting to the Pendennis marina, we learned that neither Luke Powell nor his wife Joanna would be on board for our charter. I was quite keen to meet Luke and to talk to him about his life’s work of recreating these Scilly Isles pilot cutters. Joanna who greeted us assured us that we would meet Luke, but not until the last day in the pub! We piled into the dinghy and made our way out to Agnes, at anchor out from the main wharf. Our skipper was Jelte Hibma, professional sailor, Dutchman, who came originally from the island of Terschilling off the Friesian coast of Holland. The crew/chef was Melissa Williams, a formidable young lady, standing over six feet tall. Joanna had told us that two people had cancelled at the last minute so we would have more space. The other charter guests were the Dicker brothers, Tim and Paul, returning to Agnes for a longer voyage after a previous

That night we discovered just how cramped the fo’castle bunks were. The restricted space between the bottom and top berths and between top berth and deck head felt claustrophobic, but eventually tiredness overcame us in our cramped quarters and lulled by the gentle lapping of water against the hull we slept.

day trip. Tim, a fireman and small holding farmer from North Wales and Paul, a carpenter and furniture restorer near Salisbury in Wiltshire, have an ambition to own a small gaff rigged cruising yacht that they can sail together on Poole Harbour. Glenis and I were assigned to the fo’castle berths. An immediate reaction was that if the two who cancelled, had turned up, the fo’castle would have been crowded. Everything that I had read about Agnes was coming to life. She had a very solid feel about her just standing on deck. Having obviously been hard worked as a charter vessel, she didn’t look quite as bright and shiny as her photos in Luke’s book. Jelte assembled us for a briefing.

he weather forecast was not in our favour for a voyage to the Scilly Isles. Hurricanes that build in the central part of the Atlantic and bring awesome destruction to the Caribbean and gulf states and south-eastern seaboard of the USA, make their way back across the northern part of the Atlantic as low pressure systems, pivoting around the Azores high. There had been

three ferocious hurricanes in recent weeks. Glenis and I had been in the USA during the destruction of Houston and southern Texas by hurricane Harvey – the remnants of which now left us the immediate prospect of WNW Force 6-7, building to gale Force 9, over the next five days. There was no chance of going to the Scilly Isles; their shallow and unprotected anchorages were no place to be in a WNW Force 9 gale. The alternative plan was to sail east along the coast from Falmouth towards Plymouth, recognising that the return might be heavy going, even in the lee of the land, as the wind increased and backed. We had to make sure that we had time enough to return within our six day charter window.

elte and Melissa explained the layout of halyards, sheets and blocks and running back stays. No coloured ropes or double-braid on this vessel, all ropes are the same traditional laid variety and the same colour. No mast winches. Belaying pins and raw man power. In Melissa’s case – woman power; when Melissa swings on a halyard to tighten the jib luff, it stays swung on and tight! A very able sailor, she made a significant career change after sailing on one of the Clipper Round the World voyages, is now a qualified RYA instructor up to Yachtmaster offshore, and sails as mate/crew/chef on Agnes. Under her guidance the crew hoisted the mainsail – raise the gaff horizontal until the throat comes up taught, sweat up the throat, then top the peak. We hauled the anchor using the barrel windlass and made way down Falmouth harbour. Up went the staysail and jib and with the wind on our starboard quarter

we cleared Black Rock to port and made course to round St Anthony’s Head – the eastern headland at the entrance to Falmouth harbour. It was early afternoon and the remains of the ebb was under our keel. As Hilaire Belloc would have said: “We occupied the deep”!

ur first night’s destination was Fowey, across Gerran’s Bay, past Portscatho (I was first taken there as a child aged one in 1946) and the Bizzies towards Gull Rock and the major headland of the Dodman. We had earlier jibed onto port tack and were reaching comfortably along the coast with the wind now on our port quarter. The power of Agnes was increasingly apparent, she was galloping along. We were full and by, with a bit of weather helm easily managed with the steering tackle attached to her eight foot tiller. Past the Dodman and across Mevagissey Bay—Mevagissey is the village from which the Mevagissey Tosher derives. Similar to the Falmouth Working boat, but slightly smaller at twenty rather than twenty-eight feet. Toshing is dredging for copper which had in the past fallen off the hulls of copper clad sailing ships. The scrap copper made useful additional income for the fisherman that were normally using these craft for dredging for shell fish—towards Gribbin Head. The flood was beginning to make so we made our way between St Catherine’s Point and Lang Rock and into Fowey Harbour. Finding a berth alongside one of the raft pontoons provided for visiting craft we had completed our first passage on Agnes.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

he wind was still in the northwest and wasn’t significantly stronger so going further east was the second day’s plan. We were becoming more skilled at managing the heavy sails and took turns steering. Glenis wasn’t so happy with the ship or the voyage and spent most of the day reading in her bunk. I was enjoying the experience of sailing this traditional cutter, learning the pilots were delivered to their client craft and transferred to the sailing ships in all weathers by small rowing dories. Frequently the pilot was the owner of the cutter and his crew was a boy. These lads must have been tough and capable young people to sail these ships back to port after delivering their pilot. Our second day’s passage took us from Fowey, past Polperro and Looe and across Whitsand Bay towards the next major headland of Rame Head. This headland stands at the western side of the entrance into Plymouth Sound. On the eastern side stands Wembury Point and just offshore, one of the many lumps of rock in many oceans of the world called Mewstone – this one is called Great Mewstone These headlands and waters have witnessed much of British naval history including the departure of Drakes fleet to fight the Spanish Armada and the departure of large numbers of the Normandy landing invasion force. Steeped in history it’s a memorable coastline to cruise. Just beyond Great Mewstone lies the entrance to the Yealm River, which was our second destination. The river mouth is protected by a bar which has to be rounded. Hugging

the southern shore we sailed in. Our auxiliary was running as insurance. The tide was also flooding. Finding our port hand marker we then negotiated the dog leg to starboard. We rounded Warren Point and on the eastern side found a berth against a raft pontoon just off Newton Ferrers. We were now in Devon. This village has some of the most desirable and sought after real estate in south west England. We went ashore and after a short walk through the village we repaired to the pub – The Dolphin.

he previous two days had been cloudy and rainy. We were greatly encouraged when we woke to sunshine. However the wind was increasing and backing and Jelte wanted a reef in the main for our return passage westwards. Our destination was the Helford River. We left the Yealm River negotiating the river entrance with less apprehension than on our arrival. The wind was now more westerly, so we were going to have to bash to windward to clear the Eddystone Light. Close hauled on starboard tack Agnes was dipping her leeward gunwale, but powering along. Magnificent! She

was showing us what these ships could really do. We could see the Eddystone Lighthouse out to sea as we clawed our way to windward and to get sea room for our beat back towards the Lizard peninsular and Helford. Glenis was not relishing this at all. I, however, was enjoying the sailing. We made the Eddystone Light in good time and later tacked back towards the coast. Tim and I were very impressed when an enormous Tuna leapt out of the water not fifty yards from the boat. Fish are always very big when you don’t catch them. This must have been at least six feet long! Despite being in the lee of the land the sea was building along with the wind. Agnes was taking it green over the bow and frequently dipping her bowsprit. We unfortunately had lost a halyard, so Jelte decided to retrieve it. He climbed the mast by walking up the mainsail luff rings and then over the cross trees reached up to the sheave block and sent the halyard back down to the deck. A demonstration of skill aloft and familiarity with working at height whilst at sea. Later he told us about his sailing as first mate on Bark Europa – a three masted bark that sails out of Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsular. Jelte probably learnt to sail shortly after he could walk. Now in his early thirties and a Dutch master mariner holding a masters ticket in square rigged sail, he owned his first boat when he was five. His photographs of Bark Europa sailing in storm conditions in the Southern Ocean have to be seen to be believed. I felt privileged to sail on Agnes with Jelte and Melissa.

The wind was building further. We put in a second reef. The Eddystone Light was rapidly receding on the eastward horizon. The sea abated somewhat in the lee of the Lizard, but we didn’t make the mouth of the Helford River until after dark and, as we didn’t relish the thought of feeling our way through the crowded moorings on an ebbing tide, we beared away, back towards Falmouth and the sanctuary of her harbour. We were relieved to drop anchor off

the wharfs of the inner harbour and fall into our bunks. The wind was gusting Force 9, however we were secure in a safe anchorage – and in the morning Glenis found herself a much more comfortable berth on dry land in the Cutty Sark Hotel on the Falmouth waterfront.

elte decided to go for a short sail before going up the Fal Estuary. Passing Restronguet and Mylor Creeks on our port side we made our way up past Feock and Trelissick towards the King Harry Ferry – the lowest crossing of the estuary. We were now in more confined river waters. The scenery was wonderful. Old boatsheds and craft of ages past rotting on the banks. The occasional heron and other wading birds. Beyond and above the wooded river banks the ordered small stone walled farmland fields so typical of Cornwall. The river Fal is used to lay up large freighters. We came across four such craft floating well above their markings and beginning to rust. We headed up to Malpas at the confluence of the Truro and Tresilian Rivers. Again we found a berth against a raft pontoon. This time the local pub was the Heron. We ate ashore that evening. In the morning Tim, Paul and I walked to St Clement. Public rights of way abound and walking through the steep fields and woods reminded me of my walks through the Cornish country side fifty years earlier. We came to the church at St Clement. Nestling in the wooded banks of the Tresillian River it is less than three miles from the centre of Truro. There has been a church here for more than eight hundred years. A place of great tranquillity and beauty.

e cast off our lines and headed back down the Fal. Our plan was to sail across to the Helford River for the night. The wind had abated and the reach across to the mouth of the Helford was quick and comfortable. The ghost of my father was present as we sailed up to Nare Point, then back across to The Gadges and eventually past Dennis Head and Gillan Creek. My father learnt to sail with his university mates, back in the

nineteen twenties, on a converted Essex Oyster smack called Hilda Mary. In the nineteen fifties he showed his children the trials, tribulations and joys of sailing. My brother recalls these occasions with the words: “We never went very far, we never went very fast and just occasionally it was fun”! However sixty years on I am grateful that he instilled in me what sailing can and does offer. Back in the nineteen fifties the Helford River was free of moorings. Now it is cluttered and we wound our way through the multitude of craft. The following day was the last day of the charter. The wind had abated further and we planned to sail down towards the Lizard.

oy of joys we could hoist our topsail! We headed past the Manacles and on towards Coverack and Black Head. Almost full sail at last (no flying jib and we had to keep the main reefed because one of the reef points had torn out and the main was in danger of splitting further), Agnes again showed us what a fine vessel she is. Luke Powell’s ambition has been fully justified. We tacked back towards Falmouth and found a berth against the main marina wharf where we could unload the mainsail and get it to a sailmaker for repair. I went to see Glenis who I found in good spirits having enjoyed her three days of indulgence in the Cutty Sark. Later that afternoon we all met in the Chain Locker and I finally met up with Luke Powell. He is building a 60ft Falmouth pilot cutter Pellew for The Community Interest Company. One of the purposes of this venture is to train young people in the skills required to build operate and maintain these wooden ships. The Pellew is being built at the Rhoda Mary Trusts Heritage Shipyard in Truro. After a final dinner aboard, the following morning it was time to farewell Agnes and her crew. We hadn’t got to the Scilly Isles as originally planned but for myself I enjoyed the opportunity to cruise the Cornish coast instead. I was glad to have had the experience of sailing on this yacht. I would recommend it to anyone seeking the same.

One of WA’s most experienced Marine Electrical Specialists

Cummins Onan Victron Sealand ZF Marine Electrical Domestic & Auto Mechanical Service Spare Part Sales Desalinators

Providing service, installation and maintenance to the Marine Industry. 20 Egmont Road, Henderson, WA, 6166 P + 61 8 9410 5000 | F + 61 8 9410 5050

E admin@cullys.com.au | W http://www.cullys.com.au ACN 060 708 590 | ABN 30 060 708 590 | ECN000570 | EEHA 55160

Maritimo Models: M51 M54 M59 M64 M70

Maritimo 59 customise your own speciifcations, interior and layout From $2,111,000

COM

2008 Horizon E73

HP EN

2007 Horizon E73

$1,999,999

2008 Horizon E65

2009 Maritimo 550

SEN

TA LL O FFE RS

$1,180,000

1997 Conquest 55

$385,000

EXC

ELL

2007 Caribbean 40

$420,000

ENT

2009 Riviera 38

1996 Conquest 57

$399,000

2007 Jeanneau 50S

• Maritimo • Fine Entry Marine • Global Marine Design

$235,000

08 9243 6373

www.oceaneermarine.com.au

YOUR PREFERRED MARITIMO DEALER

2006 Searay 34

LAT

$390,000

TOP R

1990 Caribbean 42

$420,000

ACU

VES SEL

NV END O

$265,000

TA LL O FFE RS

IMM

KEE

1989 Conquest 48

$1,490,000

PRE

SEN

TIE YOUR BOAT UP AT OUR JETTIES! POWER AND WATER FREE OF CHARGE!

X60

WIT

$2,675,000

PRE

S51 S54 S59 S70

BOA T

$140,000

86 Southside Drive, Hillarys WA sales@oceaneermarine.com.au

OM INTERNATIONAL REGATTA

Will Boulden

USA GRANDSLAM ALPHA RACING

ALPHA RACING

BOATS: CHICAGO – SONAR DETROIT – ULTIMATE 20 OAKCLIFF – SM40

BOAT: J22

The OM International is a regatta held at Lake Ledro in the north of Italy, 15 minutes from the well-known Lake Garda. It is a picturesque location – mountains and traditional Italian buildings surround it. As the regatta is held on a Lake, the conditions tend to differ from traditional river and ocean style sailing, providing a great challenge for the team. The regatta saw 12 teams representing 10 countries, with Alpha racing being the only non-European team to take part in the grade 2 event. Alpha Racing had the perfect start to the regatta, winning each of the 4 races, leaving us on top of the leaderboard after Day 1. Day 2 started with a major thunderstorm, with lightning lighting up the mountains. The unpredictability of the breeze and lightning meant the race committee postponed racing until midday. The race committee then tried their best to get racing underway, however 6 and a half hours of sitting out on the water resulted in 0 races. This ultimately meant that Alpha Racing was still atop of the leaderboard! Monday was a much nicer day for yacht racing. With the clouds clearing and the blue sky from Saturday returning, the race committee reshuffled the schedule so there was no final series; instead the leader after the round robin would be crowned the winner. Knowing this, every race for the day became a final. Alpha went out full of confidence in their preparation and managed 7 straight wins, to convincingly win the regatta with a perfect scorecard. To make the day even sweeter Emirates Team New Zealand won the final race of the America’s Cup not long after racing finished, and team member Josh Wijohn, from Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, was able to pop the champagne for more than one reason. 24

www.rfbyc.asn.au

The USA Grandslam Series is the combination of the Chicago Match Cup, Detroit Cup, and the Oakcliff International, which are all international grade 2 events. The winner at the end of the series is awarded an invitation to the prestigious Congressional Cup, which is the only remaining mono hull match racing event currently on the World Match Racing Tour. The aim of the team going to America was to ultimately qualify for the Congressional Cup. This goal was ambitious given that this was our first attempt at the Grandslam and we were competing against seasoned veterans such as Scott Dickson (brother of former Americas Cup helmsman Chris Dickson), but we thought it could be achieved due to the fact that we had just come off a successful European campaign, and we had been given some good advice from RFBYC members who had done these events in previous years. The first event was the Chicago Match Cup, held from the Chicago Match Race Centre, at the foot of the Chicago CBD on lake Michigan. This event took off to a perfect start as we went undefeated and won the round robin giving us the option to choose our opponent for the quarterfinals. Unfortunately we failed to perform in the quarterfinal and went out in straight sets, dropping from 1st to 5th place. Some poor boat handling was identified as the reason for the shock exit and the team was determined to fix this for the next event.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

The second event on the tour was the Detroit Cup, held at the Bayview Yacht Club. The team arrived at this venue early to get some extra time on the water so that we could eliminate any boat handling errors that let us down in Chicago. This event had a big program with three round robins followed by a finals series. The team made a slow start, however came home strong going undefeated in the last round robin to qualify for finals in 4th place. This meant we raced Harry Price in the semi finals, who had won the first stage of the regatta convincingly. The team was ready and burst out of the blocks, annihilating Price’s team in the first race, and then backing this up with a convincing lead at the start of race two. However Price’s team fought back to win the Semi finals, in a very fiery and hotly contested series, placing us into the petite final. The team raced well in the petite final to place 3rd at the Detroit Cup. Oakcliff, situated just outside of New York City was the final stop on our American Tour. Most of the team had not been to New York City before, so on our day off we went into Manhattan for a day of sight seeing. Our most notable experience was visiting the 9/11 memorials only a week before the 16th anniversary of the attacks that killed 3000 people. After the first day of racing we had made a reasonably strong start to be sitting in 4th position, which we hoped would set us up well for the completion of the

double round robin. By the end of the round robin we had fallen into 5th and as a result we raced Chris Poole, who is an Oakcliff local, in the first to three wins quarterfinal. Our finals campaign was a mix of good and bad sailing as we tied the scores on 2-2, we had much better speed and strategy, however tactical decisions were letting us down. The final race would eventually go to Chris, after a penalty did not go in our favour and we could not clear it. Chris won this final 3-2, and went on to place second overall. The completion of Oakcliff was also the end of the Grandslam series. Alpha Racing had finished the series in 3rd position out of a total of 18 teams. We feel that this was a good effort for our first year in America, and we will go back again next year with nothing but winning in mind. At the conclusion of our trips away we come home with a new World Sailing open ranking of 14. We are also now ranked 2nd of all youth teams worldwide. A massive thankyou must go to Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, who, without the support that they provide, events like these would simply not be possible. We would also like to thank other sponsors SLAM, and Megat London. TEAM MEMBERS WILL BOULDEN – RFBYC JOSH WIJOHN – RNZYS THOMAS BLAAUW – RFBYC ANDREW BRIGGS – RFBYC NICK DEUSSEN – RFBYC PERON PIERCE – RNZYS

Zac Littlewood

LASER RADIAL WORLDS MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS 2017 ILCA LASER RADIAL YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 11 - 18 AUGUST 2017 MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS

I arrived in Medemblik, 40km north of Amsterdam, one week ahead of the event. Medemblik has a dedicated Regatta Centre, and racing is held on fresh water on ‘The Ijsselmeer’. I had sailed here two years ago in the 4.7 Youth World

Championships where I finished 11th overall, 2nd U16. This year I was one of 10 sailors in the Australian Team for this event (7 boys and 3 girls). We had two coaches, Tristan Brown and Laura Baldwin. Medemblik is generally known to have good breezes and our pre-regatta training provided us with a variety of wind. When our racing was underway, on most days the breeze was light, inconsistent and patchy.

LASER RADIAL WORLDS MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS This made the regatta very challenging especially when everyone was separated on two different courses with 270 boy entries and 120 girl entries. I didn’t have a very good first two days of the regatta after being given a BFD. From then on, I remained focussed and worked back from mid-100 overall to come out of the regatta with 10th overall and 2nd U17. I’ve included the very close final results below:

BOYS – GOLD FLEET RANK

SAILOR

DIMITRIS PAPADIMITRIOU

COUNTRY

GRE

212529

MATIAS DIETRICH

ARG

210833

NICHOLAS BEZY

HKG

171979

JOSH ARMIT

NZL

209259

ALEXANDRE BOITE

FRA

203855

YOSHIHIRO SUZUKI

JPN

204996

JIMMY MARCHAND

FRA

205709

GUIDO GALLINARO

ITA

202260

GREGOIRE PEVERELLI

SUI

210300

ZAC LITTLEWOOD

AUS

SAIL NO

199088

2017 ILCA LASER RADIAL MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 19 - 26 AUGUST 2017, MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS

As the Men’s Open Worlds commenced one day after the Youths finished, I made the decision earlier in the year to stay on and gain some additional big fleet experience. I had no idea what to expect and was the only Australian other than a Masters Sailor from NSW, and I 26

GROUP

U17

NET

(DSQ 70)

-22

-24

-32

-28

-29

-14

-19

-16

-22

-24

-31

-9

-46

-14

(DSQ 70)

100

-13

-35

100

(BFD 70)

-27

100

found out during the event that, at 16 years old, I was also the youngest competitor in the Men’s event. The regatta was held at the same time as the Radial Women’s World Championships, where my training partners Zoe Thomson and Elyse Ainsworth were also competing. For this regatta, the breezes were also quite light and inconsistent with the majority of the days being 5-6 knots. Many hours were spent waiting for racing, with the final day having no racing at all.

I had a slow start to the regatta, with a 33rd ranking overall out of 64 competitors after Day 1. I had to continue to remain focussed and started working my way up the rankings until I was 3rd overall on Day 4. I then continued that momentum and was able to podium finish at my first senior World Championships. (See extracts next page.) None of this would have been possible without the support of the Western Australian Institute of Sport, the Ron Tough Foundation Scholar-

www.rfbyc.asn.au

ship, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Fremantle Sailing Club, WA Laser Association, Peter Wainwright Family Award (FSC), and MonkeyFist Marine. 24 AUGUST 2017 – EXTRACT FROM DAY 4 REPORT

In the men’s fleet today, the most notable performance was from Zac Littlewood (AUS). After rounding the windward mark in fourth, behind Maxime Mazard (FRA), Scott Syndey (SGP), and Marcin Rudawski (POL), Littlewood worked into first with a significant lead by the final downwind. Littlewood finished ahead of the fleet, with Mazard and Daniil Krutskikh (RUS) taking second and third, respectively. Eliot Merceron (SUI) secured the win for Race 8, but Littlewood was right behind in second, and Ronan Wallace (IRL) in third. Overall, Rudawski remains in first place with 27 points. Mazard sits in second with 39 points, and Littlewood has risen to third with 49 points. 25 AUGUST 2017 - EXTRACT FROM DAY 5 REPORT

The Men’s fleet also set off on Race 9 after a general recall, and

www.rfbyc.asn.au

16-year-old Zac Littlewood (AUS) continued yesterday’s remarkable performance and sailed into a comfortable lead ahead of the rest. Marcin Rudawski (POL) followed in second ahead of Jakub Halouzka (CZE) in third. Race 10 began after two general recalls and black flag starts, under which Littlewood was disqualified for the race. Edoardo Libri (ITA) rose to the top for the second race of the day, leading Eliot Merceron (SUI) and Calvin Gibbs (RSA) respectively to the finish. Overall, Rudawski still sits in first with 30 points, ahead of Merceron in second with 41 points, and Littlewood in third with 50 points. 26 AUGUST 2017 - EXTRACT FROM DAY 6 REPORT

No races were sailed today, due to lack of wind. This concludes the Laser Radial World Championships, with ten races completed in six days. Congrats to young star Zac Littlewood - podium finish at the #LaserRadialWorlds! #AustralianSailing #letsgotokyo http://www.laserinternational.org/ blog/2017/08/26/2017-laser-radial-world-championships-day-6/ … (6:36 AM - Aug 27, 2017)

28 AUGUST 2017 - AUSTRALIAN SAILING POST EXTRACT

Zac Littlewood is maintaining a measured approach after announcing himself on the international stage by becoming one of the youngest Australians to secure a podium finish at a major regatta. The 16-year-old from Perth sailed beyond his years at the Laser Radial World Championships in Medemblik, the Netherlands, surprising the world’s best with a stunning third place overall. Just two days before the open event started, Littlewood finished 10th from 280 entrants at the Youth

World Championships and came second in the U17 Division. “Being the youngest person competing in the event made it even more exciting when I started having some good races, especially two race wins by a reasonable distance,” Littlewood said of the senior regatta, which was won by five-time World Champion Marcin Rudawski of Poland. “After a tough first day I had to remain consistent and focused as I couldn’t afford any more bad races. Even though the fleet at the men’s worlds was smaller (than the youth fleet), the competition was just as hard as the sailors were more experienced and strategic. “Going into this event it was more about learning and gaining international experience, so I’m really stoked with my result.” Littlewood, who sails out of Fremantle Sailing Club and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, and was accepted into the Western Australian Institute of Sport earlier this year, said his goal was now to qualify for the Australian Sailing Youth Team at the Australian Youth Championships in Queensland next January.

I would like to thank the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club for its support this year, it really made a difference and was much appreciated. 27

IMAGE © GEORGE VASKOVICS

Ray Smith

ETCHELLS SWAN RIVER

PHOTOGRAPHY © POSITIVE IMAGE KYLIE WILSON

THE

FOR SALESPACE SAILER 22 PENNED AT C19

$11,000 ONO

FOR SALE 37’ Halvorsen Cruiser “ATLANTA” PEN E9 $130,000 ONO THE OWNERS HAVE BOUGHT “NORLEN” AND SADLY “ATLANTA” MUST GO

“By Hook or by Crooke”

• WELL MAINTAINED IN ORIGINAL CONDITION • ATTRACTIVE FURNISHINGS • INTERNAL TEAK • VERY SPACIOUS • SLEEPS 6 • GAS STOVE • OVEN • 2 FRIDGES • ICE BOX • SEPARATE TOILET & SHOWER • VOLVO PENTA 165HP DIESEL W/ BOW THRUSTER • CRUISES VERY ECONOMICALLY AT 7 – 8 KNOTS • HINGED MAST PROVIDES ABILITY TO JOURNEY UNDER ALL BRIDGES • GREAT ROTTNEST BOAT •

Contact GERRY MURPHY 0418 942 242 gerry@beingthere.com.au

Please call Julian if interested 0438 525 580

GREAT RACING, ROTTO & RECREATION YACHT

ETCHELLS FLEET in Australia is buzzing. The Swan River fleet is all systems go in preparation for hosting the Australian National Championships in January 2018.

There have been several new entrants into the local fleet and the second-hand market has been left bare of virtually all boats. There has been a surge in interest from members from alternate fleets to join the most progressive one design fleet in WA, as well as an all-female team and a youth team. The local season has seen over 20 boats competing in the season long Metropolitan championships. This number is despite some of the locals relocating to the Royal Perth Annexe Fremantle to begin a planned training programme on the offshore race track. Perth boats will need to be at the top of their game with some of the hottest interstate competitors already confirmed to be competing in January. Magpie (Graham Taylor) has shipped his boat directly from the Worlds in San Francisco where he scored a 2nd place overall. Yandoo (Jeanne-Claude Strong) winner of several Eastern state events is doing likewise along with NSW State Champion Tango (Chris Hampton). An exciting innovation is the entry of a USA Youth team – 24 year old Connor Needham will be supported by the SREF to bring his crew and compete on a loan boat, this is seen as the beginning of a youth exchange programme in the class. With a couple of others from Queensland and New South Wales making the trek, a fleet of over 30 seems highly likely. One of the biggest questions will be, Can The Croc repeat the success it achieved in 2013 when it won the Nationals in a tough fleet, edging out Triad John Bertrand into second? Since delivery of 1402 (an Australian “Pacesetter” out of

www.rfbyc.asn.au

the new mould), the team of Michael Manford, Dean McAullay and Nicholas Gray have been virtually unbeatable locally. The RFBYC team will be keen to carry this trend into January to try to emulate their previous result. Many of the local Swan River Fleet are also looking longer term. Right now is a golden opportunity for Etchells sailing in Australia, with Queensland hosting the 2018 Worlds next October, and Perth only 2 years later in 2020. Having just visited Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron last week to compete in the Queensland State Championships, I can assure you that the excitement for 2018 is palpable. The club and fleet are on an extended programme of trial and training events culminating in the World Championships. With a large fleet of 39 for the Queensland States you could sense everyone is getting their ducks in row ready to peak at the right time next year. The locals have been joined by several teams from South of the border who have relocated to RQYS to begin their training programme in the waters that will host the event. The good news for the Swan River fleet is we are “on the pace”, with The Cure from RPYC taking out the event against stiff opposition. The local training evenings at RFBYC, RPYC and offshore are paying dividends with several experienced hands also helping others in the fleet to develop their level of competition. With the appointment by SREF of Gold Medal coach Grant Alderson as fleet coach, all teams will undoubtedly improve over the next few months.

The local Swan River Etchells fleet is in good hands lead by a very active Fleet Captain – Robbie Gibbs, ably assisted by several enthusiastic committee members. The Nationals and Worlds committee is meeting regularly to ensure that planning

for the event is on track and that we get the best support from the two host clubs – RFBYC and RPYC. It’s time to “Get Onboard” and support your local teams, and enjoy some of the best One Design sailing in the world- right here on your doorstep. We look forward to you being a part of our exciting next few years. 29

Jonathon Everett and Jenna Everett

OPEN BIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TRENTINO, ITALY

Cast away your worries

THE Gone in 180 seconds!

Now to put it all into perspective, Elliott is one level-headed chap. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy and a clearance diver by trade, so when he says, “… it was terrifying, so, so quick and virtually impossible to put out”, you’re sort of obliged to pay attention. Elliott has been kind enough to recount his experiences for us. “I used five dry powder extinguishers. All you get are facefulls of powder and toxic fumes. You cannot see or breathe and the powder comes back at you with interest. You only get the one chance to stop a fire aboard, so you must do it within about 30 seconds. Otherwise it is time to clear out. Powder extinguishers are hopeless in an engine room and I now have automatic foam installed”, said Elliott. “It all started at 0950hrs on Boxing Day, and I wanted to watch the start of the Hobart. So I put the TV on, switched to both banks and that is when it happened”, explained Elliott. A major short circuit had occurred when a cell in one of the deep cycle batteries had collapsed and instantaneously, the whole system was on drain. “As soon as I saw smoke from the battery isolator I tried to go back to one or off, but it had fused inside by that time and was rendered useless. I heard crackling, came out of wheelhouse, lifted the lid on the hold and used two extinguishers. The deckhead and bulkheads were all smoking, and I used another extinguisher on what I could see. I then went back down into the engine room and sprayed yet another.” “From there I went back to wheelhouse, fell into engine room in the black smoke that was already billowing furiously and crawled

aft along the deck, throwing the fuel isolators on and grabbing the mobile as I went. My dog, Tosh, was on the marlin platform already and he then jumped in the tinnie.” Interestingly, only a few weeks earlier that Elliott had installed a Stainless Steel 4WD style grab hook on the transom to hold the painter to the dinghy. “I reckon that if I had to actually untie the tender, then I would have been right in amongst that explosion”, recounted Elliott. “You know there is always a silver lining and thank God mine came in the form of the team at Pantaenius.They were just bloody brilliant. My previous insurer said they would not be covering anyone in Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach anymore. Pantaenius were happy to insure me on a swing mooring (after survey) and we’re all covered except for a named storm”, espoused Elliott. “Their rates are not high, and their service is exceptional. I rang them that afternoon and got a call later. Things moved so quickly, I really could not fault them in any shape or form. I’m telling everyone, because it was such a great experience after the most horrendous disaster.” Pantaenius appointed a surveyor within 24 hours at their cost. They then provided an independent report within days of the incident, so that settlement could also be reached within a few days.

Germany · Great Britain · Monaco · Denmark Germany Great· Britain · Monaco · Denmark Austria ·· Spain Sweden · USA · Australia Austria · Spain · Sweden · USA · Australia Pantaenius Australia Pty Ltd. · Shop 6 / 83 Parriwi Rd, The Spit, Mosman Pantaenius Pty Ltd. · Shop 6 / 83 1670 Parriwi Rd, The Spit, Mosman Sydney, NSW Australia 2088 · Phone +61-(0)2-9936 · info@pantaenius.com.au Sydney, NSW 2088 · Phone +61-(0)2-9936 1670 · info@pantaenius.com.au pantaenius.com.au pantaenius.com.au

GER14250 www.hqhh.de11/2015 11/2015 GER14250 www.hqhh.de

“It was all ablaze and we were off in just on three minutes”, was how Noel Elliott described the scene you see here. “The most horrendous thing is how quickly all the wiring burns. You’re encased in the stuff, so it’s a bit like being in a single garage with wires in all the roof and wall cavities, as well as the floor. Everything explodes and burns instantaneously.”

2017 OPEN BIC World Championships were held in Trentino Italy and sailed out of Circolo Vela Arco on the beautiful Lake Garda.

Australia was represented by 10 sailors – 4 from QLD, 1 from Vic and 5 from WA, consisting of RFBYC’s Rosie Hennessy, Will Drew, Jonathon Everett, Jenna Everett and Barney Woo from PDSC. 187 sailors from 13 nations filled the small township of Torbole, in the leadup to the event, which ran from 31 July till the 5 August. We arrived on the 28 July to collect our charter boats and get settled. Registrations and measurements followed the next day. The lake is well known for its near perfect sailing conditions. From early morning the Peler sweeps down the lake providing breezes ranging from 10-15 knots. Around midday the breezes drop out as the breeze swings around and the reliable Ora fires up the lake providing beautiful winds of 15-20 knots. The temperatures were reaching the high 30’s each day. We were coached during the regatta by Will Boulden, who had just completed the Moth Worlds in Malcesine, just down the road from Torbole. He was able to provide us with plenty of inside information on the local sailing conditions. We managed to get in some practice sessions on the lake before the regatta commenced, learning to adapt to the local conditions.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

The first day of the regatta started with the competitors briefing at 1100, with racing to commence at 1300. The first race day was a practice race, and gave us a good idea of the competition in the fleets. The fleets consisted of an U/13 division with 55 sailors in which Jenna competed, and the U/17 division which had 132 sailors competing, including myself, Rosie, Barney and Will. The U/17 fleet was divided into two separate fleets. The evening saw us attend the Opening Ceremony in the nearby town of Arco. We were bused from the Yacht Club into Arco, where we were met by all of our parents and supporters. After a parade through the town, with all countries proudly flying their flags, the event was officially opened by the Mayor of the Town of Arco. The next two days of sailing were a little like groundhog day, with the temps hitting the high 30’s and the predictable Ora coming in just after midday in time for the race start of 1pm. The race officers managed to get at least 3 races in each afternoon. I had a mixed bag of results, with my placing improving each afternoon as the breeze grew stronger. Jenna was having a good start to her regatta with some very consistent finishes in the top five.

Day 4 saw the Teams Racing. A hotly contested event with Australia the reigning Champions. We put in one team made up of Barney Woo and Will Drew alongside Kristen and Travis Wadley from QLD. I had the privilege of spending the day out on the water supporting and cheering on our Aussie Team. What I witnessed was an amazing show of team work, which produced outstanding results. The last race saw us fighting it out with the Presidential Team (made up from sailors from Denmark and Hawaii) for 1st place, which we won. Putting the Presidential Team in 2nd and a team from Hawaii in 3rd. Day 5 and the U/17 fleet was now divided into Gold and Silver, with all of us making it into the Gold Fleet. Temps were now hitting forty degrees, so getting onto the water was a relief from the heat in the boat park. The racing at the top end of the fleet was now very tough. I managed a couple of top 20 finishes, but then it went downhill from there with my results getting very inconsistent. Sean Herbert from NZ, who was dominating the earlier races and sitting comfortably in 1st place, was also starting to have some inconsistent finishes. For the last few races the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings were shared around the top of the fleet. I was very happy 31

Kieran Bucktin

2017 29ER WORLDS LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

OPEN BIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017

to finish of the regatta in 28th place. Congratulations to the podium winners, 1st Sean Herbert from NZ, 2nd Lisa Nuki from Japan and 3rd Lennart Frohmann from Denmark. Jenna on the other hand was having a great success in the U/13. Again the fleet was being dominated by the Kiwis with young Mathias Coutts sitting comfortably in 1st place. Jenna was very happy to actually finish ahead of him a couple of times.

She managed to hold onto 3rd place in the U/13 and also take away the medal for the 1st U/13 female. Congratulations to the U/13 podium winners, 1st Mathias Coutts from NZ, 2nd Pol Font Reyero from Spain and 3rd our very own Jenna Everett. I would also like to say a thank you to a few people: Will Boulden, for putting in an awesome effort on the water to coach and support us, having to run 3 different fleets and keep us all on our toes;

Travis Burtinshaw, who spent countless hours with us over the few months before we left and for being an ongoing support to us and the Open Bic fleet in WA; the club of Circolo Vela Arco for putting on a great regatta, we were well looked after by everyone and made to feel very welcome; and Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and the Ron Tough Foundation for their support.

A C TO N NORTH

Thinking of making a move in 2018?

The market is moving, speak to Andrew Gill today.

THE

2017 29ER WORLDS hosted by Royal Altimos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach, California saw 129 competitors from countries all over the world competing for the title. The regatta was made up of 19 races over 6 days with a variety of wind strengths and sea states. Having already competed in the US 29er Nationals the week before as a warm up, the WA team was ready to race in the first three days of qualifying with the goal to make the 50-boat cut off for gold fleet. The first day of qualifying saw a light 1st race with building breeze which gave 18knots and a lumpy race track. The day saw mixed results with us placing 5th, BFD-66th and 27th putting us outside of the top 50 with two days remaining. The following day of the regatta gave challenging light wind conditions with a choppy sea state with the added pressure that we need to put some top 20 races on the board to make qualifying. The first race of day 2 couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have started any better with a win in the first race and us leading the 2nd race up until it was abandoned. The results for the day where 1st and 19th putting us inside the top 50 gold fleet cut-off. Having only completed 2 races the previous day despite being on the race track for over 5 hours the last day of qualifying was going to be physically de-

manding with boats outside the top 50 pushing the racing for the opportunity to race in gold fleet. After being sent out an hour early to complete a catch-up race with us only to be sitting on the race track waiting for the LA sea breeze, race 6 started in 7knots with relatively flat seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. After the first race the light breeze built to a stable 11knots allowing a further three races being completed. Our score card for the day was a 4, 10, 38, 18 placing us inside the top 50 gold fleet cut in 23rd and qualifying as the 4th highest Australian boat. After qualifying for gold, we progressed to the finals series which consisted of 10 more races with competitors having only to carry their position in the qualifying to the final series. With nerves high, as we knew that everything was still up for grabs over the next three days, we left the beach in a light 8 knot breeze. We started of the day in awesome form placing 4th in the first race. However, with the building breeze our performance dropped off scoring a 39th and 37th leaving us outside our goal of the top 25 on the first day of finals.

The following day saw us sailing in the wind and we drew up a 50th a 39th in the breeze before the wind died off for race 3 of the day where we got in a 14th before the wind picked up again and we got a 39th. Day five for us saw some great performances still with some to improve on, leaving us keen for the final day of worlds with it all on the line. The final day of the worlds saw us eager to get out onto the racetrack as we were sitting in 33rd and eager to place inside the top 25 as our goal. The winds were light and fickle to start off, playing right into our wheelhouse. We scored a 10th a 17th followed by a close called 8th which in the end was the deciding race to place us inside or goal with 25th we were very excited to have completed the worlds in 25th with an range of performances and eager to improve. We have a lot of people to thank; especially our parents, coaches and Royal Freshwater Bay for assisting us and helping us get to where we are now. Bring on Hong Kong.

Andrew Gill 0439 955 725 B.Com (Property & Property Valuation)

andrewgill@acton.com.au 6/316 THE BOULEVARD, CITY BEACH PH: 9285 0111 ACTON.COM.AU/NORTH 32

www.rfbyc.asn.au

COMMODORE’S WELCOME

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

elcome to all participants and supporters for the 18th annual Warren Jones International Youth Regatta which returns to Perth City Waters in 2018. Showcasing our sport at the footsteps of the city in front of Elizabeth Quay will again be spectacular, providing for some exciting sailing.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club is delighted to once again host this event. This regatta is often thought of as an event which aims to provide competitors with the opportunity to gain the experience and competitiveness necessary to advance to the world stage. There is strong evidence that the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta has achieved that aim, and more.

hosted by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club in conjuncttion with Royal Perth Yacht Club

It is pleasing to see a mixture of Local, National and International teams. We are fortunate to have Sam Gilmour and his Neptune Racing team return to compete. Currently ranked 5th in the world, Neptune Racing have already proved themselves on the World stage. The Warren Jones Foundation Trustees must be very thrilled and rightfully proud of the positive impact this event has had on match racing in Western Australia. The very high standard of sailing is equally matched by the standard of race management and umpiring. My congratulations go to those volunteers selected to participate in this event. They combine with the entertaining commentators who bring the excitement and tactical manoeuvrers in real-time to the watching crowd of supporters. I invite you to enjoy the hospitality and facilities of Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and I wish all competitors the very best with their racing.

FESTIVAL OF SAIL SECTION Listen to the Warren Jones Regatta race commentary through 106.5FM or streamed live through Facebook THE WARREN JONES www.facebook.com/WarrenJonesRegatta INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA 29 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY CITY OF PERTH 2018

FESTIVAL OF SAIL Incorporating

THE WARREN JONES International Youth Regatta

Monday 29 January to Friday 2 February 2018

Dean McAullay Commodore g

ith the Warren Jones Regatta now well into its second decade, the fruits of the vision created by the original organizing group back in 2002 are now clearly evident.

History has shown that past winners of this event have gone on to great heights. Four previous competitors are now ranked by World Sailing amongst the top 10 match racing skippers worldwide. Torvar Mirsky, together with Lachy Gilmour, Cameron Seagreen and Damian Garbowski are the reigning world champions on the World Match Racing Tour. Of the 18 helmsmen who qualified for the finals of the World Match Racing Tour 2017 nine were Warren Jones Regatta alumni. Others were key members of America’s Cup crews at the 2017 defence in Bermuda. In addition to those past competitors who have had the opportunity and privilege of competing in the America’s Cup and other top level international sailing events, it is also pleasing to see some of the early skippers and crews now making their mark as business leaders, building on the teamwork and leadership skills developed through participating in the Warren Jones Regatta. On behalf of the Warren Jones Foundation, many thanks to the volunteers and committees, donors and sponsors who work tirelessly to make the event the success that it is. You have all done a remarkable job. Good luck to the competing teams for 2018. Ron Packer Chairman Warren Jones Foundation g

THE WARREN JONES STORY W

arren Jones of “Australia II” fame died suddenly on 17th May, 2002. His sudden and untimely death was a bitter blow to his many friends throughout Australia and around the World. Warren made a fabulous contribution to local and international yachting with perhaps his greatest achievement occurring in September 1983, when as Alan Bond’s lieutenant, he led a group of Australian yachtsmen to victory to win the 1983 Americas Cup from the New York Yacht Club for the first time in 132 years of competition. This feat brought Australia to the forefront of international sailing competition. Warren also became one of Australia’s leading businessmen and community leaders and played a big role in the development of young sailors. He had a down to earth nature, enormous amounts of energy, a competitive spirit, great courage and determination to reach his goals and was always ready to give the younger generation his words of wisdom and moral support. The aim of this yachting regatta, named in Warren Jones’ memory and started by his many friends and associates, is to give a new generation

of yachtsmen and women the chance to live their dreams – just as Warren did his. The Warren Jones Regatta trophy was gifted by the “Australia II” Jubilee Committee who was awarded the New York Yacht Club’s trophy in recognition of “Australia II’s” achievement as being the “Greatest Benefit to the Sport in 150 years of the America’s Cup”. The “Australia II” Jubilee Committee decided that the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta could use this prestigious award as a perpetual trophy for the event, named after Warren Jones, in a similar way that the America syndicate in 1851 was awarded their 100 Guinea’s Cup now called the ‘America’s Cup’ for future generations to race for. g

An extended addition of the official program will be released later in December 2017

FESTIVAL OF SAIL

IMAGES © MARTINA ORSINI THE WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

THE WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

www.rfbyc.asn.au

2018 REGATTA PROGRAMME

‘ALUMNI HITS THE BIG TIME’

n June of 2017 I raced for Oracle Team USA in the 35th America’s Cup held in Bermuda. To race these technologically advanced and physically demanding yachts, sailors had to push themselves to continually improve, whilst remaining committed to achieving team goals.

2018 CITY OF PERTH FESTIVAL OF SAIL INCORPORATING THE

WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA Saturday, 28th January – Friday, 2nd February 2018 Saturday 27 January

1000 - 17:00

Tackers & Discover Sailing activation in Elizabeth Quay

Sunday 28 January

1000 - 1700

Tackers & Discover Sailing activation in Elizabeth Quay

Monday 29 January

0700 - 0800 0800 - 1100 1130 1230 - 1730 1730 1830 - 2030

Team registrations & weigh-in at the Swan River Sailing office Crew Practice Daily morning briefing at The Rooftop by the Lucky Shag Racing Commences Sponsor’s Pro Am Race Competitors and Volunteers Barbecue

Tuesday 30 January

0800 - 1130 1130 1230 - 1900

City of Perth Women on Water event Daily morning briefing at The Rooftop by the Lucky Shag Racing Continues

Wednesday 31 January

1130 1230 - 1715 1730 - 2200 1830 - 2030

Daily morning briefing at The Rooftop by the Lucky Shag Racing continues Corporate Cup for sponsors and corporate guests Competitors & Volunteers Barbecue

Thursday 1 February

0800 - 0930 1130 1230 - 1900

Beach Clean Up with River Guardians and Clean Up Australia Daily morning briefing at The Rooftop by the Lucky Shag Racing continues

1130 1200 - 1500 1230 - 1500 1500 - 1830 1845 19:30

Daily morning briefing at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club Warren Jones Gala Luncheon at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club On water exhibition – details to be confirmed Finals racing Prize Giving Ceremony in Elizabeth Quay Wrap up Party at the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Friday 2 February

by Graeme Spence

our individual efforts transferred into efficient manoeuvres, boat speed and ultimately winning the regatta. In the 35th America’s Cup I raced along-side Kinley Fowler, 10 years earlier we raced together in the afore mentioned Warren Jones winning team. Since racing Foundation 36 yachts around the swan

Seeking out the highest level of competition available is the only way to improve. Shortly after losing the America’s cup to Emirates Team New Zealand, Oracle Team USA Founder, Larry Ellison, assembled our whole team to share a few words with us. After reminiscing about the team’s past successes, Larry went on to say that when competing against the very best in the world, you will not always win. At the time these words did little to detract from the bitter disappointment felt at our loss, however, on reflection, I have gained a great deal from these words. In my early twenties, I started my match racing career in Perth. At that time the highest level of competition available to me was the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta. This regatta is the only pathway available for young local sailors to race with six crew in an international competition. The first Warren Jones Regatta that I sailed in we did not win. We had a team of accomplished sailors, but lacked experience working together. We often crossed into each other’s roles, all talking at the same time or nobody talking at all. This was a bunch of champion sailors that had not yet evolved into an effective team. Three years later I was part of a winning team. This team arguably had less sailing talent than the team of three years ago, but that year we were the bench mark for preparedness and teamwork. Combining

COURSE AREA

river we have gone on to race a multitude of boats with different professional teams. Despite how varied sailing has become, the importance of working well as part of a team has not changed. The Warren Jones International Youth Regatta challenges young sailors to apply their knowledge, develop skills and create their own highperforming team. For many participants, like myself, developing these skills at a young age has prepared us for future successes. g

Regatta Sponsor Navigating World Markets for 20 Years

Information Desk 27 January – Friday MainMain Event Event Information Desk (Saturday 27(Saturday January - Friday 2 February, 2018 2 February 2018) The Rooftop by the Lucky Shag (Daily Morning Briefings, Pro Tackers Activation (Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 January 2018) Am Race, Opening Function, City of Perth Women on Water. Tackers Activation (Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 January 2018 Event Village & Optimal Spectating Area (Monday 29 January – Friday 2 February 2018) EventThe Village & Optimial Spectating Area (Monday 29 January - Friday 2 February 2018 Warren Jones Regatta Course Area (Monday 29 January Rooftop by the Lucky Shag (Daily Morning Briefings, Pro Am Race, Opening Function, City of Perth Women On Water) Friday 2 February 2018 Warren Jones Regatta Course Area (Monday 29 January – Friday 2 February 2018)

FESTIVAL OF SAIL

THE WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

www.rfbyc.asn.au

THE WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Creating Premium Communities

2018 Warren Jones Gala Luncheon Friday, 2nd February 2018 GALA LUNCHEON 12:00 - Pre Lunch Drinks 12:30 - Commencement of Luncheon featuring a Guest Speaker 15:30 - Conclusion of Luncheon

POWER BOAT CRUISE 15:30 - Board spectator vessels and depart to Perth Waters 17:00 - Approximate Time of Finals Racing 18:00 - Optional disembarkment at Elizabeth Quay

JUMP ABOARD, SUCCESS AWAITS

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club Gala Luncheon Only $180 per guest Gala Luncheon + Powerboat Cruise $195 per guest Tables of ten available upon request

Booking is Essential – Please Purchase Tickets via

swanriversailing.com/warren-jones-gala-luncheon Contact Megan Maxwell for further information +61 4 13 004 149 megan@swanriversailing.com

19:00 - Disembarkment at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Amex Corporation keeps the dream alive for the next generation through its many residential neighbourhood developments and supporting community groups & their initiatives. 2018 marks Amex Corporation’s 11th consecutive year supporting the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta. Perth • Melbourne • Brisbane

w w w .am e x co r p . co m. au

ASG and SMS have come together to form the genuine alternative in the IT services industry. We have what it takes to lead change through technology. We now offer a complete digital transformation service that is responsive, tailored and relevant. It’s on – success lies ahead.

To find out how ASG can transform your business, visit asggroup.com.au

A different view of insurance GENERAL INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE RISK MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL PLANNING PREMIUM FUNDING

Explore your city as it lights up with 52 nights of events and activities. See what’s on at visitperthcity.com Perth’s Premier Corporate Sailing and Regatta Management Organisation 17 ALTONA STREET, WEST PERTH WA 6005 TEL: (08) 9254 0350

FESTIVAL OF SAIL

WWW.GIBBSCORP.COM.AU

www.swanriversailing.com

THE WARREN JONES INTERNATIONAL YOUTH REGATTA

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Brian Cain

MID-WEEK SAILING

CTOBER 20 SAW THE END of another successful Mid-Week Autumn-Winter Series. Mostly we had about thirty starters on the more favourable days with a good gathering

in the bar afterwards. There are always a few days that the conditions could be termed severe, however there is a group of about twelve diehards that turn up no matter what the weather. The Contender sailors were a little more conservative choosing their days to sail. The Series was not without some strange weather conditions however it wasn’t till mid-September that we were forced into the only abandonment of race for the series, that day was due to a lack of wind rather than an excess of wind, those who opted to compete that day found more movement due to tide rather than wind. The wind gauge failed to register a breath of air movement for the primary propulsion required by the participants. From the series twenty-six race days there was twenty-five consistency races of which your best seventeen were to count in the overall result. At 1800 on 2 November the 2017 Mid-Week Autumn-Winter Series Consistency Prizes were presented by Commodore Dean McAullay, appropriately with Gail Manton, widow of the celebrated Denis Manton; following this part of proceedings was the presentation of the 21st Anniversary Race for the Gold Half Sovereign. CONSISTENCY RESULTS “C” FLEET CONTENDERS RFBYC PERPETUAL TROPHY “B” FLEET TANK PERPETUAL TROPHY - DONATED BY PAST COMMODORE BASIL TWINE

“IRC” FLEET RFBYC PERPETUAL TROPHY “A” FLEET DENIS MANTON MEMORIAL TROPHY – DONATED BY THE REGULAR MID-WEEK SAILORS AT THE TIME OF DENIS’S PASSING

21ST ANNIVERSARY RACE

The 21st Anniversary Race for the Gold Half Sovereign was the instigation of (at the time) Rear Commodore Sail Mark Cubitt (1996-1998) later Commodore (2000-2002). 1996 saw 100 years passed since the first race at the then RFBYC. So, it is now 121 years since that first race. Past Commodore Basil Twine has further information about the race and has developed a historic celebratory edition of all previous winners of this prestigious event. The annual Anniversary Race is an event for combined “A” and “B” Fleets and is run each year on the first Thursday of November. It is held in conjunction with normal weekly Mid-Week Consistency Races for “A” “B” “IRC” and “C” Fleets. This year we saw forty-two boats starting, of those, thirty-seven qualified for a chance to win the Gold Half Sovereign. The winner of the Gold Half Sovereign this year was regular competitors Adrian Momber and Rob Mennie sailing RF331 Calamari Run. Applause from the assembled was spontaneous as was the bell ringing. SPRING-SUMMER SERIES

The Mid-Week 2017/18 SpringSummer Series of twenty-five

consistency races is well underway and your participation on the water and in the Clubhouse is seen to be part of the extended function of your club’s activity (“Club of the Year”). Mid-Week racing is conducted every Thursday throughout the Summer except for just one Thursday - 28 December. Spring/Summer Start Times “B” Fleet…….15:10 “A” “IRC”……15:30 and “C” Fleet Contenders/ Dinghies……15:40. Note: Mid-Week 2017/18 Spring-Summer Series has some course amendments, you need to make sure you have the relevant copies. The current courses are as published in the 2017/18 Sailing Handbook. The Mid-Week Consistency Series would not be the enjoyable afternoon’s JAM sailing without the dedicated support from Club staff in the office the On-Water support from the maintenance crew and the bar and catering staff who make sure that all is in readiness for the weekly presentations. The Race Management Team would also like to thank our Mid-Week sponsors Spices Group for their continuous appreciated support.

BLACK TIE

SIMON BARWOOD

31 POINTS

BONFIRE

CLAY COOK

53 POINTS

AGAINST ALL ODDS

STEVE CLARKE

60 POINTS

JPEG

SHANN EVANS

60 POINTS

COSMOS

BARRY JOHNSTON

63 POINTS

SPIRIT OF OLYMPIA

DAVID MEAGER

TEAM SAAB

HARRY SCHMITZ

17 POINTS

APOKATO

KEVIN PALASSIS

37 POINTS

THREE GOOD WIVES

IAN CLYNE

43 POINTS

GYPSY

STUART CAMPBELL & GRAEME ZORN

KITE

GERRY MCGANN & RON HEEKS

70 POINTS

TEAM SAAB

HARRY SCHMITZ

74 POINTS

left page: top: 2017 consistency prize winner presentations centre left: “C” Fleet winner Black Tie centre right: “B” Fleet winner Jpeg lower centre left: “IRC” Fleet winner Team Saab lower centre right: “A” Fleet winner Gypsy bottom image: Calamari Run winners of the 2017 Gold Half Sovereign

63.5 POINTS

Amazing Views, Stunning Events Your Club

#RFBYCGOESABROAD

WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE the many members who travelled overseas for regattas since the last edition of Tidings.

JUNE

OMITTED IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

15 – 17

M32 SERIES SCANDINAVIA EVENT # 1 GOTHENBURG

Neptune Racing Team (Sam Gilmour, Mark Spearman, Adam Negri, Justin Wong) – 7th

23 – 26

O M INTERNATIONAL LEDRO MATCH RACE GRADE 2, LEDRO, ITALY

Alpha Racing Team (Will Boulden and Tom Blaauw) – 1st

AUGUST

OMITTED IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

30 AUG 3 SEPT

OAKCLIFF INTERNATIONAL OACKCLIFF SAILING CENTRE, USA

Alpha Racing Team – 7th

14 - 17

DBS MARINA BAY CUP – SINGAPORE SAILING FEDERATION MARINA BAY

Hardwired Racing Team (Luke Dobrich, Tom Hodge, Luca Brun, Kai Coleman, Murray and Andrew Buchan) – 5th

19 - 23

MENORCA 52 SUPER SERIES SAILING WEEK , MENORCA SPAIN

Ben Durham (Gladiator)

20 - 29

505 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNAPOLIS, USA

Mark Stowell and Adam Brenz-Verca – 31st

28 SEPT – 1 OCTOBER

RC44 CASCAIS CUP, CASCAIS PORTUGAL

Ben Durham (Katusha) – 1st Peter Nicholas (Artemis Racing) – 9th

30 SEPT 7 OCTOBER

OPTIMISTS ASIAN & OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS, HONG KONG

Mia Lovelady – 16th (Blue Fleet) Molly Alderson – 21st (Blue Fleet) Grant Alderson (Australian Team Coach)

WMRT MATCH CUP CHINA – FINALS

Mirsky Racing Team (Torvar Mirsky, Lachy Gilmour, Damian Garbowski, Cam Seagreen) – 1st Gilmour Racing Team (David Gilmour, Peter Nicholas, Joel Turner, Jakob Wilson) – 6th Neptune Racing (Sam Gilmour, Mark Spearman, Adam Negri, Justin Wong) – 15th

Leave your guests with a 5 star impression We understand the importance of a successful event and our members can trust Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club's functions team to take care of every detail.

SEPTEMBER

From seamless and professional boardroom lunches in the Ward Room to prominent award ceremonies in the Roland Smith Ballroom, to an exquisite cocktail party in the Athol Hobbs Room with balcony views over the Swan River. Our indoor function spaces and expansive lawns are your canvas. The spaces at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club are ideal for: Seminars and meetings, corporate dinners, fundraising events, training days or product launches.

NOVEMBER

3-8

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Phone: (08) 9286 8200 Email: functions@rfbyc.com.au

MEMBERSHIP NEW CLUB MEMBERS

ORDINARY

Member Edward Breese Russell Dredge Michael Nitsche Sam Gillham Wayne Zabora Neil Clegg Rowan Munchenberg Patrick Beale Barry Goodin

Proposer Seconder Andrew McMillan Mark Butler David Treleaven Rob Towner Ross Norgard Ian Graham Robinson Michael Hunt Julie Herron Peter Grant Dave Walling Mike Townsend Conrad Todd Chris Nelson David Yu Assheton Craven Martin Jurat David Thorpe Vice Commodore Gary McNally

ORDINARY 21-24

Member Proposer Seconder Michael Barblett Greg Leaversuch David Yu Susannah Packer Anthony Packer Peter Hammond ASSOCIATE

Member Melinda Dredge Kate Gillham Ali Williams Alex Taylor Joanna Munchenberg Cora Carter Karen Goodin

right: Junior New Members’ Welcome Function. Sunday 19 November 2017

Proposer Seconder David Treleaven Rob Towner Michael Hunt Julie Herron Mike Townsend Conrad Todd Harry Schmitz Trevor Lord Chris Nelson David Yu Ian Clyne David Lynn David Thorpe Vice Commodore Gary McNally

JUNIOR UNDER 16

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

For membership information, please visit our website rfbyc.asn.au and use the tabs ‘Participate’ then ‘Join the Club’. The menu on the left side of the page can be used to navigate through our membership section. Alternatively, membership enquiry packs can be collected from the main noticeboard or from reception. Questions to our Membership Coordinator, Susan Ghent, at the Club.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

Membership applications (with signature and endorsement of two Members with five+ years membership) must be submitted to the Membership Coordinator by post, deliver to the Club, or email to, membership@rfbyc.asn.au

Member James Ferguson Nicholas Gillham Eloise Goodin Ted Woo Jake Branchi Bryanne Zabora

Member Member William Gillham Jemima Austin Luella Goodin Oliver Austin Maxwell Goodin Elena Frank Josh Chatfield Sasha Monro Bruce McKinnon Chelsea Yujnovich Zachary Yujnovich Jessica Yujnovich

• Submit completed application forms to the Club by the last Monday of the month. • General Committee reviews applications on the last Tuesday of the month. • Ordinary membership applicants will be invited to attend an interview with the Membership Committee on the second Monday of the following month or thereafter. • Membership applications are placed on the notice board for a period of 26 days (except Juniors). • All membership applications which progress to the final stage of the membership process will be ratified by General Committee on the last Tuesday of the month.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Nathan Stronach

Ron Fletcher

THE BOSUN’S LOCKER AROUND THE GROUNDS

WE below: clipsal plugs and sockets; bottom: 15amp cable

PROTOCOL AND RULES FLAG ETIQUETTE

HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH a beautiful start to the sailing season. The relentless chilly days have passed, the sun is out and the flowers have started to bloom.

Recently we have seen the replacement of the boundary fence, the loving restoration of the front gates and the repointing of the brickwork at both the entrance to the grounds and the entrance to the Clubhouse. Soon to follow, we have planned a reworking of the garden beds with the assistance of The Friends of Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club Gardening Group and additional native plants to be added to the boundary. The marina has also been the focus of repairs and maintenance with corrosion treatments being applied to the jetty piles, engineer surveys of the Wharf and C Jetty, also prior to Open-

ing day we saw the installation of a new Dragon/Etchells hoist to the main wharf. The Grounds Staff are now taking on an extra role. To ensure safety and compliance to marina codes we are now conducting an in-house testing and tagging program for all shore power leads connected to the marinas shore power supply. This basic service is of no additional cost to you. If your shore power lead fails to pass a test or is inadequate you will be notified immediately. The good news, RFBYC Groundsman Shane Ramsey has now completed the required

training to conduct repairs to your shore power lead. The Club can now offer materials at cost plus labour as follows: Clipsal 15amp IP66 rated plugs and sockets $30ea The very best quality UV rated, tinned 3x2.5g 15amp cable $2/meter. Club staff labour will be charged at a minimum of 1 hour at $50/hr. Enquiries should be directed to bosun@rfbyc.asn.au Until next time, I wish you all favourable winds.

TRAVEL GRANTS INFORMATION

PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE is to extract the information from the by-laws in order to make it perhaps more “user friendly” and therefore a more easily accessible source of reference. The article will however also discuss the Club flag masts, the symbolic importance of the Club’s primary flag mast and the determination of the correct placement of flags at the halyard positions. It is with this understanding that the etiquette of flag placement onboard Club and other vessels becomes easily recognisable. FLAG ETIQUETTE

Flag etiquette from the point of view of a yacht club or boat owner is the visible expression of correct manners and recognition of the traditions associated with the correct display of flags, pendants and burgees. Flag etiquette is simple to understand and when applied correctly is guaranteed to enhance the pleasure of boating whether that be sailing or motorboat. RFBYC BY-LAWS provides advice as to the wearing of ensigns, Club flag or burgee and other matters pertaining to house flags, other clubs, times of display and salutes. RFBYC Club Constitution provides description of the Club Flag and Flag Officers Burgee’s.

uals, public, private and commercial organisations it may also be flown on government ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and small craft by virtue of sec.30 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981. The Australian Red Ensign is the proper flag to be flown by Australian registered ships. As an alternative to the Australian National Flag, it may also be flown by government ships, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and small craft. No vessel may fly the two flags simultaneously. All Royal Australian Naval Vessels fly the Australian White Ensign. FLAG MAST – SENIOR CLUB

DEFINITIONS

RFBYC Travel Grants are awarded to assist and encourage our members to participate at national and international competitions. The funds are derived from member donations and are awarded to help offset the costs incurred when travelling away. The following members received travel grants between September & November 2017:

THE

BUCHAN, ANDREW

$300

HAMMOND, ROBIN

$300

BUCHAN, MURRAY

$300

LOVELADY, MIA

$450

BUCKTIN, KIERAN

$750

NEGRI, ADAM

CLARKE, HAYLEY

$1050

SPEARMAN, MARK

$900

CUMMINS, TIM

$300

TORRE, MARCELLO

$600

FORD, TRISH

$300

TORRE, RAFFE

$300

GILMOUR, LACHY

$450

WONG, JUSTIN

$900

GILMOUR, SAM

$900

$1350

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Pennant (Pendant): Tapering flag. Burgee: Swallow-tailed flag bearing colours or emblem of a yacht club. Also an accepted description for a yacht club tapered flag showing same adornment. Standard: Distinctive flag. THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG AND THE AUSTRALIAN RED ENSIGN

These two flags are of prime importance in the first step to complying with flag etiquette. The Australian National Flag normally takes precedence over all other national flags when flown in Australia. Besides being the correct flag to be flown on land by individ-

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Fig. 1 Looking Towards Clubhouse

This impressive and statute mast is a most important feature of the Club in that it’s function is to symbolically show the existence of the Club and in the traditional manner, demonstrate command and respect by the display of correctly chosen and positioned flags. The mast represents again in symbolic form, the mainmast, yardarms (or crosstrees) and after mizzen of a square-rigged sailing ship. The position of the gaff, set to point over Freshwater Bay indicates the stern of a vessel and for the purposes of RFBYC, the stern of the yacht Club.

The determination of the stern therefore provides for the identification of starboard and port. Both therefore being as looking forward towards the Clubhouse from the river side of the mast. Flag etiquette provides that the national flag or ensign of the country in which a vessel is registered will be flown from the stern. This rule originates from an age-old tradition that the most important flag should be most prominently displayed and in the most important position. It follows that other flags will be displayed relative to their seniority. From sailing ship days, the after part of the vessel has been determined as the most important part and the ensign of the country in which the vessel is registered the most important flag. Standard practice was and still is, to fly the ensign from a flag staff at the vessel’s stern but alternatively in the case of a gaff-rigged vessel, the peak of the sail on the after mast. In accordance with maritime tradition, (see Fig 1), RFBYC always fly’s the Australian National Flag from the peak of the gaff on the Club’s main mast (1). Flag etiquette then provides that the next important positions are (2) the truck of the main mast followed by (3) the outer end starboard side of yardarm thence (4) the outer end port side of yardarm. RFBYC complies with this etiquette by flying the second most important flag, the Club Flag (The Standard) from the mainmast (2). RFBYC Flag Officers may and should fly their individual Burgees on formal occasions that they are in attendance at the Club such as sailing events during summer sailing season and power time trial events 47

during winter season. The purpose of which is to indicate the Commodore or his delegated authority is onboard and in effective control of the Club. In accordance with etiquette a RFBYC Flag Officers burgee will be flown from the starboard side yardarm (3). On the occasion of the formal visit to RFBYC of a visiting club Flag Officer, invitation will be extended to display their Club flag from the port yardarm (4) along with the Flag Officer’s personal Burgee. Should the club flag not be available then the invitation will be to display the personal burgee alone from the port side yardarm (4). If more than one flag or burgee is to be flown from a yardarm, placement for seniority is from outside in. If yardarm is not fitted with additional halyards, seniority is determined by the stringing of burgees from top down. These arrangements are in accordance with normal flag signalling. FLAG MAST – JUNIOR CLUB

Flag (the Standard) and/or Flag Officers Burgee at the starboard side yardarm (2). The port side yardarm (3) therefore being available should there be a visiting club participating or a visiting flag officer in attendance. SAILING VESSELS AND MOTOR LAUNCHES

In keeping with the seniority sequence of flag display a vessel on the Club register will in normal circumstances only display the Australian National Flag or alternatively the Australian Red Ensign, an RFBYC Club Burgee (as defined) or where applicable, a Flag Officers Burgee. Some members will be in possession of a House Flag that also may be appropriately flown. It should be noted that etiquette prescribes only one burgee should be flown and that being the burgee of the Club to which the owner is a member or where appropriate, the personal Flag Officers Burgee. House flags are required to be registered with the Club general manager by way of a sketch and description. They may be flown with or without an ensign and only when the owner is onboard. SAILING VESSEL ENSIGN

Fig. 2 Looking Towards River from Junior Clubhouse

BURGEE

A Club burgee or flag officers burgee will normally be flown from a staff at the main masthead but if rigging or masthead wind gear precludes this arrangement an acceptable alternative is a position at the starboard crosstree. HOUSE FLAG

A house flag may be flown with or without an ensign.

MOTOR LAUNCHES

The design of several modern day motor launches provides for the display of flags however some older vessels with stub or small masts do present a degree of difficulty. Notwithstanding this, flag etiquette can still be achieved within the facilities available. For vessels with a mast incorporating a crosstree the positioning for flag seniority is as previously described – (1) masthead, (2) starboard end crosstree, (3) port end crosstree. ENSIGN

The ensign will be flown from a flag staff affixed to the stern of the vessel.

It is however acceptable to fly only the burgee during hours of darkness in harbour or at anchor as this signifies the owner is in effective control of the vessel. Note: RFBYC by-law’s prohibit the flying of the Club burgee whilst a vessel is unattended in the Club marina. (Please observe this by-law as tradition provides for the errant boat owner to buy the bar if so requested by the Commodore.)

The Club flag and national flag are both raised and lowered at RFBYC as close to 0800 and sunset as availability of staff permits. When a vessel is on voyage the Ensign, Burgee and House Flag may be flown continuously day and night although there is no objection to hauling down the ensign and other flags during the hours of darkness or when out of sight of land or other vessels. Members’ house flag should be hoisted and lowered at the same time as the Club burgee. HALF MAST

The only flag to be flown at half-mast is the Australian National

Flag or alternatively the Red Ensign if aboard a vessel. It is acceptable to half-mast both the ensign and Club burgee onboard a Club vessel on the occasion of the death of the vessel owner. RFBYC practice is to conform to protocol and on the day of the funeral of a Club member fly only the Australian National Flag at halfmast. The flag is hoisted to the peak after internment has taken place. In the event of the death of a national dignitary or some other event, timing of half-mast procedures is in accordance with published official advice.

cance of our masts and Club flags. I commend to all boat owners who have yet to acquire a Club burgee and red ensign, to do so and proudly display both on all occasions you are sailing or motoring. To those whose flags are gathering dust, recover them from their locker and hoist them proudly to their respective positions aloft.

SUMMARY

BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

Clearly there are many other matters to do with flag etiquette but this article attempts to focus on matters to do with our Club, its masts and its array of vessels on the Club register. I hope it has explained some of the mysteries of correct flag procedure particularly to those boat owners who are a little unsure of flag usage and just anyone else who has always wondered the signifi-

REFERENCES

An article of this nature has required some careful research, a certain amount of “dusting off” one’s own knowledge and the assistance of knowledgeable friends and colleagues. RFBYC – Constitution and Rules A.H. Smout A.A.I.M. - The Flag Book HM Stationery Office – Admiralty Manual of Seamanship Vol 1 J.E. Milligan – Browns Signalling Commander R.L.Hewitt MVO RN – Flag Etiquette and Visual Signals (RYA publication) Australian National Flag Association

BURGEE

The Club burgee or flag officers burgee will be flown from the main masthead that is normally situated over the wheelhouse. If there is no suitable securing point over the wheelhouse it is permissible to fly the burgee from a staff affixed to the bow pulpit. HOUSE FLAG

Will be flown from the masthead over the wheelhouse or it is permissible to fly from a staff affixed to the bow pulpit (owner’s discretion is accepted). One flag not mentioned above is the Gin Pennant. A small tapering flag superimposed with a wine glass. Normally flown from any conspicuous halyard on a vessel, rarely before 1100 and signifies an invitation to partake in drinks onboard. Has been known to fly for lengthy periods into the hours of darkness. TIMES DURING WHICH ENSIGNS AND BURGEES ARE FLOWN

A vessel at anchor or in harbour will fly the ensign and Club burgee between the hours of 0800 and sunset.

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Quality workmanship

Engineering / fabrication / fuel cleaning

Traditional craftsmen

Desalination system sales / install / service Desalination service product sales Corrosion control / cathodic bonding / specialised testing available. Electrical / batteries / fume sensors Shaft & propeller replacement & repairs Driveline vibration issues Shipwright / carpentry / restoration Pumps & parts On board plumbing systems Survey / insurance inspections & reports

_____

The Junior Club has also the traditional yacht club mast except without a gaff (see Fig 2). The sequence of importance therefore is (1) the mainmast, (2) the outer end starboard side of yardarm, (3) the outer end port side of yardarm. The position of starboard and port in a mast of this configuration is determined in this instance in the same aspect as that of the Club’s main mast. On formal occasions, the mast is therefore configured with the Australian National Flag at the truck of the mainmast (1) and the Club

The Australian National Flag or Red Ensign is to be flown from the after part of the vessel. In gaffrigged vessels this is the peak of the sail on the after mast. In Bermudan rigged yawls and ketches this is at the mizzen masthead. In other Bermudan rigged yachts this is 2/3rds the way up the leech of the aftermost sail. In practical terms, however it will be found easier and entirely appropriate to fly an ensign from a flag staff affixed to the stern of the yacht.

In single masted yachts a house flag will be flown from the starboard upper crosstree. In schooners, motor sailers or yachts with more than two masts it shall be flown from the fore masthead. In yawls or ketches it may be flown from either the mizzen masthead or the starboard end yardarm of the mainmast.

Engine & Genset mtc / service / repower All general vessel maintenance & repairs

P: 9418 4402 E: sales@ajwshipwright.com.au W: www.ajwshipwright.com.au

Basil Twine

ASTERN FROM THE ARCHIVES

FROM THE ARCHIVES

AM ONE OF THE LUCKIEST people around. I come from a large family so I have a fairly large close family with lots of cousins. Add to this, Jenny’s family with whom my lot enjoy a great relationship and it becomes quite a tribe. I also have a huge extended family and that is called Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club. Although officially I joined the Club in January 1953 I had been sailing here for several years before that. My father was a member and my uncle David Brisbane (who was also my godfather) had been Commodore and my cousin Andrew Kingsbury is currently the longest serving member of the Club. My son—named Andrew after my cousin—is also a member. My father had advised me not to join and declined to pay my fees so it was not until I had left school and started work that I was able to become a member. Father also said “Don’t ever buy a boat, because it will keep you poor”. Hmm! Since then I have sailed in most classes and divisions at RFBYC and have actually owned boats in pretty well all those groups. Some of those boats I built myself and some I modified so that they better filled my needs at the time. On the other hand I consider myself doubly fortunate in that Jenny and her family are sailors bordering on the fanatical so it is easy for me to be deeply involved in Club activities and life. As a result of that we are both somewhat immersed in RFBYC and I would urge all members old and new to get involved: Sail if you can; participate in the SAS Rowing group; there is Cruising in Company; if you are a Power Boatie then get into Time Trialling; if you want to sail but don’t know how – we have lessons! (vee haff vays of teaching you to sail); volunteer to help out somewhere; join in club functions; use the dining facilities which

enjoy about the most spectacular setting ever. My involvement with RFBYC has been mainly selfish! Yes selfish because inevitably when I did something or became involved in something or sailed in a race at the Club I had fun, enjoyed the fellowship of others or helped the race winners look good because they had someone to beat. It is worth remembering, it is not the winner who is important in a race but the other competitors who make the winner look good. Without them there would not be a winner. I have many great memories from those 65 years with RFBYC; maybe sometimes a little foggy but never let it be said exaggerated, or distorted. OF THE HORNET DAYS

It was about 1961; anyway, the second year of Hornets at RFBYC and fleet members were trying to promote the class so we invited a bunch of “old salts” to sail our boats one Sunday afternoon with us crewing for them. There were about a dozen oldies accepted the challenge and they decided on a “fine” of 2 shillings for each capsize as a slush fund for fellowship after the race. I don’t remember the name of the chap who sailed my boat but it cost him 16 shillings. Fortunately, I became quite adept at righting it because the last capsize at about 50 yards from the finish was right in front of John Pool’s Willywagtail which would have sailed right through our mainsail and mast.

One Saturday afternoon around November 1966 Bob Finch was sailing under spinnaker near PFSYC when a strange looking grey coloured dinghy suddenly gybed and sailed right in front of him. Narrowly avoiding a collision Bob called out “Where the hell did you come from?” The response called back was: “ENGLAND”! The next morning (Sunday) the Hornet chaps were sailing a challenge from a group of visiting Royal Navy crew from HMS Victorious. The race was to be in our boats, 5 per team, a couple of laps around the bay – all simple, everyday stuff. Well our lot finished, put the boats away, showered and gathered on the top lawn with a beer or two to watch the last few visitors trying to cross the finish line and get the boats onto the beach. These fellows were supposedly accomplished sailors in “Bosun” dinghies which were kept on board their ship for use when in harbour – what Bob Finch had encountered the previous day. The Bosuns were 16ft, fibreglass, extremely heavy but stable and indestructible (bullet proof you might say). Good dinghy sailors they were not, but those RN chaps did show talent – they had brought a goodly supply of their “Pussers Rum” and demonstrated their prowess at consuming it. SHARPIES

Who remembers the “Sharpie”? I mean what we refer to as the “heavyweight”, derived from the 1930s, Olympic 12 square metre class. They were prolific on the river prior to WW2 and

www.rfbyc.asn.au

became popular at RFBYC in 1948 where they were the first one design senior dinghy. (The hull of the current Lightweight Sharpie is basically the same shape). They were originally a Gaff rig, however John Cuneo from Queensland turned his into a Gunter rig with an almost vertical gaff. They were colourful boats: Rolly Tasker’s Falcon series were all red, Bruce Robinson’s Wyvern was green, and there was Gordon Jones from another club who painted his Mariner black one side and white on the other. Des Peisse painted his boat silver and Barry Johnson’s boat was yellow. Jim O’Grady with John Baron-Hay and George Winning as crew in George Ross II (Black). They mostly had a symbol of some type on the mainsail. Vivid was a V with a bolt of lightning, the Falcons all had the profile of a red falcon and John Maxfield (with Phil Prosser in his crew) had a blue arrow on Betty. The last Australian Sharpie Championship (heavyweight that is) was about 1959. John Maxfield was our best chance but John Cuneo in Daring was the title holder. South Australia presented a formidable team of about five boats led by Jim Hardy (later Sir James) in Tintara. Another member of this team was a young 19-year-old tearaway named Fred Neal in a red boat with a pointing hand on the sail. He said he copied the symbol from a sign outside a Gents public toilet. Fred was one of Australia’s sailing characters and years later skippered the South Australian 12 metre yacht in the tests for a defender of the America’s Cup. Anyway, the SA mob sailed as a team and John Cuneo only managed to escape from

www.rfbyc.asn.au

Fred’s cover once and that was the only race he won. Jim Hardy won the rest and the series. One highly amusing incident occurred one evening over a BBQ on the upper lawn when a certain fellow who felt he knew the whole history of yachting in Australia was expounding his knowledge. Ian Gray who was one of Jim Hardy’s crew asked our Guru “Hey F………d do you remember a little 14-footer called Tom Thumb sailing from Tasmania - owned by a bloke called Mat Flinders I think”? Not to be left without a story our F……d replied: “Yair Gravy, good boat that, won the Aussie championships in …bla… bla…bla”. This was greeted by a stunned but brief silence. To this day I don’t think F…….d really understands. Rolly Tasker was our most famous Sharpie sailor, winning the Australian championship several times and a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne with Huck Scott as crew. MOTHS

Then there was the Moth class. Not the fancy foilers we occasionally see today but the conventional hulls and scow designs. There was one at RFBYC named Cabbage which always caused great mirth when it was read out as a place-winner. We had a huge fleet of them at one stage but like many “development” classes, new developments made existing boats obsolete. I recall John Russell who was a skilled boatbuilder of small boats, one day asking me to help him put his new Moth back on the roof rack on his car. It was a normal windy afternoon and even though he could easily lift the boat by himself he

needed someone to hold it down while he secured it otherwise it would have blown away. CADET DINGHIES

Let’s go right back: The first boat I sailed in was a Cadet Dinghy named Aeolus with John Flintoff. The other crew was Peter Eastwood. That first day was marked with a bit of a shock for the uninitiated when having rounded College Buoy and sailing on starboard tack a bowsprit from another Cadet suddenly appeared through our Jib. This was followed by raised voices and some “un-Scotch College like” language. Later, on the dinghy slips an older member was heard to say “I saw it. It was a clear case of Port and Starboard”. As a total novice I was most grateful for such a concise explanation. Sailing with David (Daisy) Cullen was a bit hazardous. A good sailor but Eros was just plain dangerous with bits of sharp metal everywhere, like the brass bailing strips across the bottom. This meant there was always a certain quantity of blood floating about. Andy White in Hero was different. Andy, who was always competitive, had inherited the boat from his two older brothers Jack and Bob. One day when leading the fleet with about 100 yards to the finish he tacked quickly and we capsized, filling up with water. Andy was furious. He said it was my fault: I did not ease the mainsheet enough and it was an absolute disgrace because that was the first time the boat had ever capsized since it was first launched and… and… Yes, that story caused some mirth when related years later to Jack and Bob. Syd Lodge was quite small but an accomplished sailor even 51

Basil Twine

VALE: WILLIAM HUMPHREY (BILL) JACOBS 3 MAY 1923 – 7 OCTOBER 2017

FROM THE ARCHIVES then, except that on light days if he “sat in” he couldn’t see over the gunwales of Danae. The Evans boys: Bill, Chris & Shann had Clio or Cloey as it was called. Bill was stoic and determined even then and I recall one opening day it was blowing like stink and everyone retired. Everyone except Clio that is. They actually capsized on a tack over near Dalkeith and swamped. Bill, ever resourceful had his crew swim the boat ashore, empty it out and then finish the race.

on John Cassidy. Now why you may ask did Casso, the youngest and fittest of all and then “Club Coach”, only manage third? The answer is that he was disqualified in one race for a Port and Starboard infringement. He was heard to say after losing the protest that he did not know which was more embarrassing – the lecture he received from the Protest Panel on the responsibilities of a coach or that he was protested by his “boss” the then Chairman of Sailing Committee who finished fourth.

FLYING FIFTEENS

DIVISION 1 (AS IT WAS IN THE 70’S)

The 1993 Australian Masters Games was held in Perth and included sailing – this was sailed in Flying Fifteens with a fleet of about 10 boats. Not a huge fleet you might say but if it lacked numbers it did have class. The series was won by former Australian Champion Nils Blumann with John Roberson (Robo) as crew. These two distinguished themselves at the registration by marking the tops of their completely bald heads with the letters FIGJAM. Now if you don’t know what that means then ask someone. Second was many times Australian Champion and once World Champion, Graeme Lillingstone. Third was the legendary and once World Champi-

Reveille was a Sparkman & Stephens 34 conceived by (then Lt Col) John Tout for the Army Sailing Club (ASC) ostensibly with the intention of enabling adventure training of Regular Army personnel. John being a member of RFBYC of course arranged for the boat to be penned at the Club and to sail under Club colours. Members of the crew were honorary members of RFBYC but there had to be at least one person who was a full member on board and preferably the helmsman. This became difficult at times with exercises and postings causing absentia so it became important for the two CMF soldiers who were mem-

bers of RFBYC to be allowed to join the ASC. It came to pass that there was a Teams Race against RPYC organised for a Sunday afternoon when Reveille was required to be matched against Morning Menace and I was the only helmsman available. Now the Menace was to be skippered by Terry Armitage, a cunning and capable sailor so I had to be on my mettle. Well we won the start and had Menace nicely tucked away about 50 metres below and abeam as we tacked up towards Bricklanding. There was also a little “Rainbow” dinghy well ahead but below – all on Port. We lost sight of the rainbow and suddenly there was a yell of “Starboard”. It was too late to duck behind so we had to “crash tack” resulting in a tangle of sheets and winch-handles. The cruel cheer from Menace cut deep as they sailed clear to take a comfortable lead. The RFBYC team did win the day but I couldn’t catch Menace. That little “Rainbow” from PFS was being sailed by the then state champion Peter Chappell and I have not let him forget the carnage he caused. Oh the memories! There are so many.

BIG QUESTION

Does anyone know how we acquired the big, two-part table in the Aubrey Sherwood room (see picture at left)? The first person to come up with some facts which can be confirmed will win a nice bottle of red: We need to know: • where it came from, • approximate date of acquisition, • the name of the person responsible, and • the circumstances.

ILL FIRST CAME TO AUSTRALIA almost by accident whilst a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and a member of ship’s company on HMS London, an escort ship for Australian and New Zealand troopships returning to Fremantle in 1944.

At a dance organised by the Rotary Club of Fremantle he met a young lady in a red jacket and thought her “outstanding Company”. He married Thora Helen Bateman fifteen months later. After periods of duty in Hong Kong and UK, he resigned his commission in the RN and in 1948 returned to Australia with Thora. Bill came from a family of seafarers so it was natural that he would develop a love of sailing. This began at a very young age, and a period in the Sea Scouts ensured he was a competent sailor in small sail boats before he entered Naval College. In 1957, having bought a house near the yacht club and having had ‘Stewie’ Ward build him an H28, Thora Helen, he joined RFBYC. Two years later he found himself a member of General Committee and shortly afterwards was prevailed upon by a very persuasive Vic Read to take on Rear Commodore Juniors. This was followed by Rear Commodore Power, Rear Commodore Sail, Vice Commodore and finally Commodore. During his two year term as Rear Commodore Sail he was also Chairman of the fledg-

www.rfbyc.asn.au

ling Cockburn Sound Regatta. Although this took a fair amount of time he used it to build an excellent relationship with the Navy. Bill only held the position of Commodore RFBYC for one year as it was his contention that he had done his bit and that the Club needed the experience of as many past flag officers as possible. Most of Bill’s sailing at that stage was done on the river but he did sail Thora Helen in many ocean races including the Gordon Craig and several Bunbury and Return Ocean races. Having sold Thora Helen to Ken Tregonning he then had a 44 footer, Three Sisters, built from Jarrah by Frank Crocket. This was not a racing yacht but a very good cruising boat and he subsequently sailed it to the Eastern States and cruised quite a bit of the East Coast. Sadly, she was wrecked off Coral Bay in WA. Three Sisters was followed by Quinco (an Adams 40) also built by Frank Crocket but from fibreglass. In this boat he competed in the 1987 Cocos Island race and then sailed single handed from Fremantle to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. It was his intention to sail from Coffs

Harbour to New Zealand but a mishap with a broken shroud and a cyclone changed his mind. He was also homesick and missed Thora so he sold the boat and came home. The next boat was Araminta a 28 footer which he purchased in 1990. In this boat he cruised South to Quindalup and North to Shark Bay and commented “I reckon I got more fun per dollar from her than almost any of the boats”. This boat he kept at Fremantle Sailing Club from where he could conveniently slip across to Rottnest and “catch a few crays”. Sometimes Thora went with him but mostly he went on his own. It was a ‘leave pass’ as long as he had some crays left when he got home. His last boat was Ann Rebecca, launched about a year ago so that the fit-out could be completed in the water with the help of his “young” crewman Rob Perrin. Bill was a delightful bloke, an adventurer and a great humourist. In later life he regarded his love of the sea, sailing, Thora and the fun they enjoyed at RFBYC as “the golden years”.

above left: boat building; above middle: racing Thora Helen above right: Sailing Quinco

(This article is produced from an Oral History Interview by Heather Campbell on behalf of the CPM Group at the Grove Library and recordings of eulogies by his children).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CHANGING THE FACE OF BOATLIFTING & VESSEL MAINTENANCE IN WA 2 DECEMBER

ROCKINGHAM RACE REGATTA PASSAGE RACE

3 JANUARY 2018

TWILIGHT SAIL

2 DECEMBER

IRC YOUTH CUP SERIES (ROCKINGHAM RACE REGATTA)

4 JANUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

6 JANUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE (SPECIAL COURSES)

9 JANUARY

ETCHELLS 2017-18 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

2 DECEMBER

2017 WA IRC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS PART TWO RFBYC

2 DECEMBER

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

3 DECEMBER

CLUB DINGHY RACING

10 JANUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

3 DECEMBER

ROCKINGHAM RACE REGATTA - ONE WINDWARD/LEEWARD RACE AND PASSAGE RACE

11 JANUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

13 JANUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

14 JANUARY

SWAN RIVER RETRO YACHT SERIES RACE 4

17 JANUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

18 JANUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

3 DECEMBER

IRC YOUTH CUP SERIES (ROCKINGHAM RACE REGATTA)

3 DECEMBER

2017 WA IRC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS PART TWO RFBYC

6 DECEMBER

TWILIGHT SAIL

20 JANUARY

ADVENTURER’S CLUB

7 DECEMBER

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

20 JANUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

9 DECEMBER

ADVENTURER’S CLUB

20-21 JANUARY

#GIRLSWHOSAIL CAMP

9 DECEMBER

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

21 JANUARY

CLUB DINGHY RACING PM START

10 DECEMBER

CLUB DINGHY RACING

22-24 JANUARY

2018 JESS MATCH CUP

13 DECEMBER

TWILIGHT SAIL

24 JANUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

14 DECEMBER

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

25 JANUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

16 DECEMBER

ETCHELLS SYD CORSER REGATTA

27 JANUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

16 DECEMBER

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

28 JANUARY

CLUB DINGHY RACING

17 DECEMBER

DINGHY FLEETS CHRISTMAS PACER CHALLENGE

29 JANUARY 2 FEBRUARY

WARREN JONES YOUTH MATCH RACING REGATTA

17 DECEMBER

ETCHELLS SYD CORSER REGATTA

31 JANUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

20 DECEMBER

TWILIGHT SAIL

1 FEBRUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

21 DECEMBER

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

3 FEBRUARY

WINDWARD LEEWARD RACE DAY

31 DECEMBER

NEW YEARS EVE TWILIGHT SAIL

7 FEBRUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

8 FEBRUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

10 FEBRUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

11 FEBRUARY

CLUB DINGHY RACING

11 FEBRUARY

SWAN RIVER RETRO YACHT SERIES RACE 5

14-16 FEBRUARY

ETCHELLS SPRINT SERIES

14 FEBRUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

15 FEBRUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

17 FEBRUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

18 FEBRUARY

9ER SPRINT SERIES

18 FEBRUARY

CLUB DINGHY RACING PM START

21 FEBRUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

22 FEBRUARY

SPICES GROUP MID WEEK RACE

23 FEBRUARY

70TH BUNBURY AND RETURN OCEAN RACE

24 FEBRUARY

ADVENTURER’S CLUB

24 FEBRUARY

KEELBOAT CLUB RACE

25 FEBRUARY

CLUB DINGHY RACING

28 FEBRUARY

TWILIGHT SAIL

31 DECEMBER 2017 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 5.30PM TILL LATE

www.rfbyc.asn.au

WE SPECIALISE IN: • Lift & Launch (200t & 65t lifters) • Antifouling • Painting • Engineering • Prop Speed / Gold • Polishing • Stainless fabrication • Aluminium fabrication • Hydraulic plumbing • Shipwrighting / decking • Skippers available for pick up and return

Recognised for quality and value by Perth's best marine service providers including Rottnest Express, Fremantle Sea Rescue and a roll call of charter boats. You too can maintain your leisure vessel with the best in the business.

T: 08 9430 7623 M: 0427 876 408 E: info@northportmarine.com.au northportmarine.com.au

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

31 December | Doors open 5:30 DJ Jol from 7:00 - late Live entertainment for the whole family from 7:45 - 9:45

Bookings: rfbyc@rfbyc.asn.au or 9286 8200