Issue 2 2021
WOMEN WHO SAIL AUSTRALIA A Fearful Passage WWSA CAIRNS: Jeanneau Cup Series
JEANNE SOCRATES
Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race
SV Rhona H: a Small ‘Tall Ship’ Proudly sponsored by SisterShip Magazine! Women Who Sail Australia
Contents Features 3
Welcome to WWSA
4
Brisbane to Keppel: Christine Hunter
8
Connection and Belonging: Leonie Smith
11
SV Rhona H: Julie Porter
15
WWSA Spotlight: Gaye Jennings
17
A Fearful Passage: Anne-Marie Nielson
20
Harbouring Doubts: Carolanne Clement
27
SheSails @ NCYC Regatta: Deborah Wallace
36
My Favourite Anchorage: Sue Drummond
38
Ivy’s Escape: Lanise Edwards
42
WWSAs In Action
44
Jeanne Socrates in Cairns: Pam Douch
48
My Club: Port Stephens Yacht Club
50
Mackay Reef Surprise: Justine Porter
54
What would WWSA do? Christmas Trees on Board
Published by: SeaScribe Pty Ltd. ABN 636577789 Editor: Shelley Wright Postal Address: PO Box 83 Anna Bay, NSW 2316, Australia. www.womenwhosailaustralia.com Email: admin@womenwhosailaustralia.com Contact the above email for advertising rates.
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Šcopyright 2021 SeaScribe Pty Ltd. Original editorial and advertisements in this magazine are copyright and exclusive property of SeaScribe Pty. Ltd. Reprinting of any material in whole or part requires the written permission of the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor.
COVER: WWSA member Ruth Boydell aboard Black Dog. Women Who Sail Australia 2
Welcome to Women Who
Sail Australia! WELCOME to Women Who Sail Australia! It’s our birthday! Seven years ago, on the 14th January 2014, Women Who Sail Australia (WWSA) was founded for a small group of women, friends on cruising yachts, to stay in touch on Facebook. The group has grown from those original ten friends to over 4000 members (all women) in 2021!
WWSA is as a place for women who love boats and the marine environment to connect, share, and have fun. Once a year we hold a get together, known as the Gathering on the Bay, where women interested in boats come from around Australia and New Zealand to meet for three (or more!) days of workshops, talks, and social activities in beautiful Port Stephens, NSW. Unfortunately the ongoing COVID-19 situation has meant our next Gathering on the Bay, due to be held in March 2021, has been postponed. WWSA burgees and shirts are available from our online shop: www.womenwhosailaustralia.com
ABOVE: WWSA birthday cake made by Justine Porter.
Wishing you blue skies and a sweet sailing breeze,
Shelley Wright Founder WWSA Editor SisterShip Magazine
In this issue we chat with WWSA group member Gaye Jennings, go racing on the Queensland coast and Sydney and Newcastle Harbours, and bring you stories of fear, courage, and humour. So, sit back with a coffee or sundowner and enjoy our WWSA stories. We’d love to hear yours too, be sure to send them in for future issues! Women Who Sail Australia 3
2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race: a first for a new sailor By Christine Hunter Rum was the drink of choice for me and my new friends as we crossed the finish line of the 2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race. It was 6.15 am, sunrise, Sunday the 2nd of August and I didn’t drink rum – until then!
I was toasting the completion of my first ocean yacht race with the crew of Fruit Salid 3, the beautiful Beneteau First 40. My exhaustion-infused elation had me celebrating and reliving many ‘firsts’ with these five men, all unknown to me just 48 hours prior. The skipper and his crew were celebrating many firsts too, all of which would make great stories of salty tales as is expected after such an exhilarating challenge.
New to sailing at the age of 50, an ocean yacht race was a dream for me, which then became a goal. I was in a hurry to participate in such events and gain experience to learn and contribute productively to the next event, and the next! I was thrilled to be a part of this team, congratulating, exaggerating, laughing, and learning after our two days and two nights at sea together. But even more The finish.
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impressive were the skipper and his crew who welcomed me on board just 16 hours before the race began. The only female, the oldest crew member, and no ocean racing experience.
The start.
How did this eventuate? I had lost my job, and recently completed my last treatment for breast cancer, so I had a bit of spare time up my sleeve. Advised of the side effects of radiotherapy, I had put the weekend aside to spend on the couch recuperating. My friends all advised me that I should indulge myself and do whatever makes me happy: reading, knitting, eating, Netflix. All good ideas. All things I love. But I happened to love sailing more! The seed was planted at a routine Wednesday afternoon sailing, (WAGS) just two days before the event. My skipper from the magnificent Archambault 40, Broadsword, mentioned to me that a yacht needed a lastminute crew member for the Brisbane to Keppel Race on Friday. He knew of my goal to sail in an ocean yacht race and thought I might be interested. Hesitating, I simply asked, ‘Would you take me if you were going?’ ‘Yes’ was his answer. Buoyed by his confidence in me I considered it. I was willing. I wanted it, but maturity and common sense filled me with questions. So, I slept on it. My adventurous spirit prevailed and on the Thursday morning I decided I’d rather be sailing than lying on a couch. I asked myself, ‘surely I won’t notice the side effects and symptoms if I’m at sea, sailing, doing what I love?’ I tracked down the yacht that needed crew – too late, position filled. I’d made up my mind and my determined plan was to sail tomorrow in my first ocean yacht race. The planets were aligned! I sent a message to RQYS (Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron) with my inquiry; ‘I’d like to sail in the B2K, tomorrow, does anyone need crew?’ The race organiser understood and
asked for my dossier, my resume. I didn’t have much to offer except something like; ‘I’ve been sailing for three years, crewing for two years, participated in the ‘SheSails’ regattas in Mooloolaba and Newcastle (I did not mention my placings!), I’m fit(ish), don’t get seasick, can pack a spinnaker in a hurry, and I am a registered nurse with medical skills.’ Not quite enough for an ocean race, so I also mentioned that I had trekked in remote places including The Kokoda Track and Everest Base Camp, that I am resourceful, stoic, capable and most importantly, positive. Fingers crossed! This message went out to all the skippers participating. By 3 pm that same afternoon, Fruit Salid 3’s owner and skipper, Mark Drobitko contacted me and said he could do with one more crew member (after all they would like longer sleep breaks!). We met briefly. Mark decided he liked my ‘can do attitude’ and said that I needed to be on board tomorrow morning at 7.15 am. It was happening and I needed to get equipped. I borrowed wet weather gear and thermals, bought a Personal Locator Beacon, chocolate coated coffee beans, and new deck shoes (a slippery mistake!). Oh, and I told my adult sons that I would be incommunicado for several days at sea, then packed my bag. Women Who Sail Australia 5
I arrived at 7 am, met the crew and familiarised myself with Fruit Salid 3. The conditions gave us an invigorating first day. 25-30 knot south easterly winds had us surfing down welcome, silky waves, accompanied by dolphins and whales close enough to touch. Our spirits were high. The atmosphere was filled with our confidence, enthusiasm, and excitement. I was incredibly happy indeed to be in this surreal environment. We blew the first kite at sunset and I learnt that it is exceedingly difficult to get a kite down the forward hatch and companionway s i mul tan eo us l y, w i th s ix p eo ple enthusiastically participating in this emergency. This may explain the extent of the damage to those of you who have experienced this! My shift comes around quickly that first night. At 2 am I am hunched down in the cockpit, shivering, teeth chattering in the cold drizzling rain and I ask myself ‘why?’ as I had momentary thoughts of a hot bath, a soft bed, and a stable toilet. I remember that I am ‘stoic’ and must shift these distracting thoughts to keep my enthusiasm alive (I know I cannot disappoint them). Then as if on cue, the stunning silhouette of a dolphin appeared as it leapt out in front of me, a black shape in the night gifting me with the present. Alerted, I look up and notice an ethereal white rainbow, a phenomenon projected onto the moonlit horizon. Its veil of delicate silk inviting my imagination to explore beyond it. I am certain the man in the moon ‘winked’ at me and I wondered if I was dreaming. But I was wide awake and silently grateful for the gentle, welcome rain. I could see the glow of a companion yacht in the distance. I think of them as a sailor does, with meaningful best wishes for smooth sailing. I felt privileged to be a guest in this exhilarating aquatic theatre, choreographed by nature. We trim the sails, eat Tim-Tams and I am warmed by the activity.
I wake, on my first morning to nausea. This is not meant to happen; I don’t get sea-sick! So once again I know I must direct my thoughts elsewhere. I look at the sunrise with awe and admire the surprising, intermittent performances of whales breaching, their slaps and blows in the distance, and join the verbal applause with my crew as we delight in such displays. Still nauseated, I hum ‘Edelweiss’ to myself (the only song I know all the words to), eat one salty chip, and feel better, for which I am grateful as the exceptional catering has me eating heartily with these men as the day progresses. We blow the second kite that night. No more kite packing. After this ‘all hands-on deck’ event, we watch the numbers on the tachometer drop. Our skipper emerges and articulates the expletives that is expected by a seasoned sailor as he watches the dollar signs dissolve into the sea before him. He composes himself and remains positive and reassuring. I’m impressed. We sail on. The second night of my first ocean yacht race is energising and I know I’ve made the right choice. I think big. I make plans and continue to dream. Docked at sunrise and with Fruit Salid 3 at rest, we eat burgers and absorb the enthusiastic welcome of those who greet us. The stories continue. We are loud and preserved with rum and salt. It feels good. We feel heroic. We congratulate ourselves as one, we are a team. As the celebrations continue ashore, I return alone to my bunk and quietly reflect. I feel grateful for the inspiring sailors I have met over the past three years, female and male, young and not so young, for sharing their honest stories of endurance and resilience, all infused with humour, all unique, all impressive. Without these stories, I would not have had this experience. I recall bravely asking Stacey Jackson at her 2019 International Women’s day talk on her Volvo and Sydney to Hobart races, ‘How old is too Women Who Sail Australia 6
old to sail these ocean races?’ her reply, as expected, was ‘you’re never too old’ and gave examples of mature women who continue to sail professionally and continue to inspire. Jeanne Socrates is a perfect example. Resting from the rum, I contact my Broadsword sailing mates via email, update them, and thank them for supporting me, equipping me, and enabling me with the opportunities to prepare for my first ocean race. They reply with hearty congratulations and I miss them. I climb Fan Rock at Double Head to celebrate. Fruit Salid 3 looks peaceful from this distance, and I admire her. I feel a connection to this magnificent, capable lady, and I continue to ponder on her name, ‘How could something so exquisite be christened with the name Fruit Salid 3?’ well that is just another story that only her owner can tell! I was thrilled with this experience to say the least, but more notable was the opportunity gifted me by like-minded persons who ‘got it,’ a silent understanding, no explanation
needed, a serendipitous gift. Thank you, Mark, Dan, Mick, Tom, and Evan. So, what’s next on my liquid horizon? I’m not sure, but my bag is packed and I’m ready to set sail again… tomorrow!
The celebratory climb up Fan Rock.
he celebratory climb up Fan Rock
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Connection and Sense of Belonging by Leonie Smith
Watsons Bay, Lizard Island (Shelley Wright).
It is a basic human instinct and need to belong to a tribe of likeminded people. Many thanks to the members of WWSA and the wonderful women who contribute with generosity of spirit. Sharing your stories of sailing challenges, accomplishments, ideas, frustrations, fears, advice, and knowledge in an authentic and genuine manner. Creating a community environment that is openly encouraging, nurturing, kind, supportive and inspiring.
end would be most valuable.
We finally met in person at Lizard Island and there is no truer example of WWSA connections. I tell this story of sisterhood‌ I mentioned to Justine that I was a descendant of Captain James Cook’s brother, BELOW: Restorative cocktails after the walk to Cooks Lookout (Leonie on left, Justine on right).
Whilst I am not a newbie to sailing, this year, in the most challenging and uncertain times, my DH (dear husband) and I transitioned into retirement and living on board our yacht Sens de la Vie. Pursuing, with a leap of faith, our long-held dream to sail the top end of Oz to the Kimberley. Along the way I have been fortunate to meet some of the members personally – Pam, Eva, Lynette, Justine, and others. I was elated to finally meet Justine Porter in person. I had private messaged Justine six months before meeting her and we formed a friendship and connection. I had a sense that we needed to be connected and her knowledge of the top Women Who Sail Australia 8
these ancestral settlers in Australia from Hinton Blewitt, England. I am a sixth generation Australian, birth name Cook.
A life goal I thought was not achievable was made possible by kindness, generosity, and connection via WWSA member Justine.
I was pleased to arrive here at Lizard Island and absorb the history but was not confident I could do the climb to ‘Cooks Lookout’ to pay homage to my ancestors.
Extraordinary experiences have happened to all us in a year of difficulties, challenges, and uncertainty throughout the world for women, their families, and communities.
Justine exclaimed, “You have to do this, come with me in the morning”.
My enduring thanks to all members of WWSA for keeping it real, positive, encouraging, and entertaining – giving sailing life on board balance (if that is ever possible for sailors).
Her supportive encouragement gave me the confidence to give it a go. With my health disabilities I packed a bag with a book and drawing gear fully expecting I would only make it a little way up the track. Sailing sisterhood: never leave a fellow sailing woman adrift. Justine’s patience, understanding, and kindness, and in the company of our supportive DHs, enabled me to achieve a goal of entering my name (née Cook) in the journal at Cooks Lookout.
My sailing experience has been enriched by the storytelling helpful advice and knowledge from the inspirational community of Women Who Sail Australia Life can be “Gloriously Messy” but above all of life’s messiness – be kind.
Justine signing the Cooks Lookout log book.
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The Rhona H By Julie Porter
SV Rhona H By Julie Porter SV Rhona H taken from SV Derwent Hunter.
I must go down to the sea again, the lonely sea and the sky and all I need is a tall ship and a star to steer her by …. (John Masefield)
Register of Ships is the regulator of all things of registered boat ownership. It was a steep learning curve.
That line has always intrigued me but the tall ship part especially so.
We soon noticed the bell had 1942 marked on it with the name Rhona H. Definitely the bell belonging to the vessel, but a mystery when the registry had listed 1947 as the vessel’s date. Rather than get a new date inscribed (a tough ask on a cast bell), we started to investigate the origins of the vessel. It became a story of intrigue and one that has led to many connections and stories of Tasmanian maritime history.
Most people tend of think of tall ships as the big square riggers, either alongside with the yards overhanging the wharf, or out at sea with lots of canvas as they navigate the oceans. However, our tall ship happens to be a small, tall ship. Built in 1942 by Ned Jack, with the hull of Huon Pine, the decks Celery Top and the masts Oregon (or more correctly Douglas Fir), SV Rhona H is the oldest and smallest operating tall ship in Hobart. She is now a 52foot, gaff rigged, topsail ketch, fitted with a suite of clipper canvas sails. It was with some sense of awe that I signed the document giving me 32 shares in January 2014: my partner Charles owning the other 32. Little did I know then that boats are owned with 64 shares and the Australian
The boat was indeed built in 1942. She was first called Jessie (or Jessica) after the first owner’s, (Frere Youl) daughter. Mr Youl had commissioned the boat and she was built as a gentleman’s recreational fishing craft, rigged as a ketch, specifically to ply the waters of Bass Strait and the Tasmanian Northwest Coast. Sadly, he had to sell the boat and Max Hardy purchased it in 1946 and renamed her Rhona H after his then girlfriend, Rhona Bird. The Rhona H spent many years based in Stanley where she was used as a cray and couta boat traversing Bass Strait and the Women Who Sail Australia 11
islands and delivering her catch to Queenscliff in Victoria or back to Stanley in Tasmania. She would take fish one way, and on her return was also used as a trading vessel, so joining the fleet of vessels that were used as trading vessels in the 1940s and 50s. Max was so successful as a fisherman he needed more room on deck. He removed the main mast, and she became a sloop for many years. Her life as a cray boat continued and there is a long pedigree of owners and families having custodianship of her until she was purchased and prepared for the 1988 Australian bicentennial and tall ship event by Murray Young. She didn’t quite make that event, as with all things ‘boat’, the timeframe didn’t go to plan. Murray had the vision to restore her to a ketch with the addition of topmasts with the view for chartering and sail training. He did a remarkable job, however, the B O A T (bring on another thousand) kept resourcing and Rhona H was again sold. She continued her life as a charter vessel, again plying the waters of Bass Strait with Bruce Potter, and the southern region and Southwest Coast, including Port Davey, with
Captain Murray Smith. You may wonder why this is all significant in the realm of Women Who Sail Australia… When we purchased her, our aim was to ensure we preserved a piece of Tasmanian
RIGHT: Model of Rhona H as made by Max Hardy for his daughter Cindy in 1950. BELOW: Rhona H.
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maritime history in Tasmania. There are so many stories, each create their own chapter in history: the boat that had the first electronic fish finder in Tasmania (rudimentary as it was); one of the last (if not the last) boats built by shipwright Ned Jack with his son Edwin; and the boat that Max Hardy used when he discovered crays on the NW Continental Shelf. Our way is a little different. The Rhona H is now operated by Heritage Sailing Tasmania with an all-volunteer crew. You will see her on the River Derwent on most weekends with her sails set and, over summer, she has extended options including Bruny Island and twilight sails. Sailing with us allows the ship to continue its operations with a mission of embracing traditional sailing and nautical skills whilst showcasing an historic Tasmanian vessel and waterways.
More than just a sailboat ride, it’s an authentic sailing experience and an amazing way to see Hobart and surrounds as well as contribute to keeping Hobart’s oldest and smallest tall ship afloat. Sailing with the all-volunteer crew gives the experience of how the trading ketches of old sailed and plied Tasmanian waters. Even though she was built as a fishing boat, the rig allows us to emulate the ketches of old. We ALWAYS set the sails and all ages are welcome. Kids (of all ages) love to take the helm, steer the ship, haul on lines, and ring the bell and we promote all measures to enhance and support the protection of our environment. Health promotion is inherent in all our activities and we celebrate Mental Health Week each October. We welcome new crew and offer opportunities to learn in a non-threatening environment. WWSA members Kaz Clarke, Julie Porter, and Alis Wood aboard Rhona H.
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Women Who Sail Australia recently had three members on board together, which was great as we farewelled the SV Derwent Hunter as she departed Hobart for her trip back to warmer climes following her winter sojourn in Tasmania.
Julie Porter.
It’s something a bit special having such collegiately onboard and we love to welcome fellow WWSA sailors! Fair winds and maybe another instalment another time!
www.rhonah.com.au
Tall Ships James Craig and HMS Bark Endeavour in Tasmania.
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WWSA Spotlight
Gaye Jennings Vessel name and type: Schionning GForce 17C
WildFire
a
How long have you been sailing and what lead you to start? First experience was on a mono RL24 at Eagle Point, Victoria, 25 years ago. A gust of wind had the boat heeled over. Of course, the kids thought it was marvellous, having enormous fun – woohoo let’s do it again! Me, I was packing my bags and getting off at the first opportunity, which was two seconds later as we were still tied up alongside (rolled eyes). I gradually progressed to a Super Tramp Trimaran. The Skipper loved it on windy days – for me the seas had to be as flat as a pancake, with sunny days – after all a girl has to work on her tan with a drink in her hand. Apparently, you need wind to sail? I then upgraded to ‘cruise ships’. Now that was the life, very decadent, and no wind required. Somewhere, somehow, along the line the Skipper convinced me to go ‘sailing’. Most people buy boats – but noooo we had to build a boat, and a big one at that! Crazy stuff. We launched two and a half years ago, sat in Queenscliff Harbour, Victoria, for approximately two years while we finished off the boat and explored Port Phillip Bay. We left in March 2020 and got as far as Paynesville in the Gippsland Lakes before COVID-19 hit. So, definitely still got the ‘L’ plates on but learning every day, especially thanks to WWSA. Who do you sail with (family/pets)? Captain Clint and Lady (Pomeranian - aka the
environmentally friendly vacuum cleaner) Favourite location(s): Any berth close to cafes, good restaurants, and hairdressers. Docklands Melbourne was perfect for this. At the moment all locations are largely new and exciting. Just loving the sunrises and sunsets at sea or on the lakes. What do you find the most challenging about sailing/cruising? The lack of ability to control expenditure - eg BOAT (Break Out Another Thousand!). The poor reliability of marine parts that break just out of warranty. Understanding the intricacies of weather. The overwhelming knowledge of how much I don’t know and still have to learn. What do you find the most rewarding? Definitely the meeting of new people. Kindred spirits and sharing different locations with fellow boaties and the subsequent friendships made Women Who Sail Australia 15
Best wildlife encounter you’ve had on the water: Just loved having the dolphins, seals, and various birds frolicking and greeting us as we came through the Lakes Entrance Bar. Most essential item (other than safety equipment) on board: Without a doubt ‘Marriage Savers’ (headsets) – worth every cent and best investment. At 17 metres we are a tad large and communicating can be tricky. With the ‘Marriage savers’ I now don’t have to screech just have to get the Captain ‘to listen’. Funniest thing that has happened to you while cruising/sailing: Many funny things have happened along the way from – first bed making experience with the Captain and the interesting positions we found ourselves in (ear covered - lalalala), to being ankle deep in you know what when the loo shate itself at 5.00 am, to my first experience on the radio signing off to Marine Radio Victoria with “Bye Hun”.* But it was
the funny anecdotes that many of us WWSA woman shared through the recent Victorian COVID-19 lockdown that really helped save the day. The camaraderie developed and laughter shared, kept us entertained daily and certainly gave us all something to look forward to. Many great friendships were formed, some with people we are yet to meet. Humour certainly does help the world go round. What do you enjoy or find helpful about being a member of WWSA? Love, LOVE, WWSA. I came across WWSA by accident and joined immediately. The learning, the friendships, and the annual Gathering on the Bay in particular are just amazing. I consider WWSA an investment in my sailing education and knowledge bank and recommend the group to any woman sailor I come across. * You can read Gaye’s humorous VHF tale in the January 2020 issue of
SisterShip Magazine
www.sistershipmagazine.com
BELOW: Gaye wearing her ‘marriage saver’ headset.
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A Fearful Passage By Anne Marie Nielson I am asleep below, it is midnight. What is it about midnight? I am seasick as usual. I wake up to a strange slap on the hull, husband yelling, and then that ominous sound of water coming into the boat. I last heard that at midnight on this same stretch of water between Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast, that stretch of water without safe anchorages unless there is no wind. There is wind... I get up and ask husband what is wrong. “The foresail sheet came loose. I think it’s caught in the prop”, was the tense reply. I vomit over the side then gulp and calm my fear, he is mega stressed, I won’t tell him about the water coming into the boat – yet. Flap goes the sheet, looks like the prop has cut it. Phew... Husband gets the flapping sheet under control, but whilst doing so, the banging sheet sets off the life jacket and it inflates. More drama. I wind in the sail with the roller reefing. Husband is now calm enough for me to tell him the news of the water. The bilge alarm hasn’t gone yet, that is a relief... Then beep, it goes. I tell him the news. Beep, beep... goes husband. I take the wheel, and I vomit again. Quick, get the hand bilge pump going. So thankful we checked it and replaced rubber before we left! He pumps away, bilge alarm silences. We breathe a sigh of relief. He investigates. It is the stern gland around the propellor shaft. The loose sheet must have shocked the shaft and broken the gland. We decide to keep the motor running, because if we don’t we may not have enough power to keep the bilge pump running, and even if we stop the engine the shaft keeps
rotating because of the wind. If he puts his hands down to fix the stern gland, he could really hurt himself in these bouncy conditions. The bilge alarm goes again. It has only been a few minutes; the electric bilge pump is not coping! We take a deep breath. Les pumps with the hand pump. It stops. We pray for safety. We look at each other. I say it is time to tell Marine Rescue. If the electric pump fails, we will sink! We then radio Cape Byron Marine Rescue; it is one o’clock in the morning and we are so thankful they answer. We tell them the situation, and that we were ok now, but if the electric bilge pump stopped working, we were in trouble. It was a ‘pan pan’ but we just didn’t want to say those ominous words. They kept in contact with us once an hour. It was reassuring that somebody knew what was going on. We kept going, motor sailing managing 6 knots or, so. The auto helm kept us on track once we settled the sails down. Neither of us could sleep. The bilge alarm went every few minutes, pump, pump, pump, vomit, beep beep, interspersed with calls to or from Marine Rescue. Dawn came. We were off the Tweed River entrance. Marine Rescue suggested we go in, but the entrance is dodgy at the best of times and the swell was over 1.5 metres. All we could do was look longingly at shore. We ate brekky. I couldn’t keep mine down. Pump, pump, beep, beep. I put a ‘help’ post on Women Who Sail Australia. My sisters responded with wisdom and love, but we just could not do what they suggested in these conditions. Women Who Sail Australia 17
It was Easter Thursday; we were due to go on the slip for our annual haul out the following Wednesday. We rang the Boat Works. Yes, they could haul us out that evening or on Good Friday, but it would be more expensive. We rang a sailing mate who was moored on the jetty there. He kindly offered to move his big cat sideways so we could come into the booked-out Boat Works. He purchased a very solid electric pump to see us through until Wednesday. All we had to do was get there! Of course, ‘Murphy’ struck and we had to enter the Gold Coast Seaway a bit after high tide. Not ideal conditions for crossing the bar but we made it in. Next hurdle, a shallow Coomera River on a falling tide, with the shallowest bits reached right on low tide, at dusk. More grey hairs appeared. Phew we didn’t ground... We made it to our berth 18 hours after the sheet overboard incident and turned off the engine. We rang Marine Rescue to let them know the good news. The heroes had pump out boats on standby at various locations along the way... So thankful for them. Husband asks me to put head down into bilge to insert the new pump hose, I almost pass out with nausea and exhaustion. He gets pump going, then puts broken rubber seal back in place. Miracles, no leaks until we turn the engine on, on a windless approach to the slip.
That trip was the first ever that I uttered the words during that fateful morning off the Gold Coast, “I want to fly home!”. There were two more times over the next five months I said those words, but that is another story. I was thankful that I had a family wedding to go to in Perth, and left husband on the boat to start haul out work. I came back a few days later, refreshed, but pleased it was another three weeks wait before we set sail for New Caledonia. I am glad I faced my fears and we did that journey, including the return trip back through those fateful waters between Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour again. However, being continuously seasick for seven days on the trip to New Caledonia, combined with boat expenses, missing family, and other factors meant that we have now sold our beloved Grace 7, Hallberg Rassy 38. We truly believe she was tougher than her owners. We had grace indeed. Yet despite the seasickness and fear that I experienced, if somebody asked me to crew tomorrow, I would seriously consider it. I miss the ocean, the movement of the boat, the exhilaration of being powered by the wind, the beauty of sunrises, the hearing a whale blow on a night watch, the stars, the freedom, and even the adventure!
Women Who Sail Australia Find us at: Web: www.womenwhosailaustralia.com Email: admin@womenwhosailaustralia.com Facebook: womenwhosailaustralia Instagram: @womenwhosailaustralia Women Who Sail Australia 18
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HARBOURING DOUBTS By Carolanne Clement “... pressure coming... ferry closing fast... tack!... lift!... Etchells... tack!... gust!... knock... Optimists... tack!... ferry… boat below is calling water... tack!... gust... where is Bradley Head safe water mark?... STARBOARD!... ferry... tack!... more pressure... KNOCK... tack!... ferry... tack! TACK!... watch this idiot windsurfer across our bow!... tack!... that was a first finish gun – that surely can’t be for us?”
I once declared, “Thank goodness I’ll never find myself racing on Sydney Harbour”. I’d just watched the start of yet another Sydney to Hobart race and my head was spinning at the sight of the white-water washing machine that had resulted from a mass of both competitors and spectator vessels.
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My husband Mark began racing dinghies out of Wangi Wangi, NSW, as a twelve-year-old and I learnt to crew on a 470 in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, during my university days, so it was inevitable that we would continue sailing and racing together from the time we met. For three decades I’ve enjoyed the luxury of familiarity and wide expanses of water that racing on Lake Macquarie offers, where there is an occasional crowding at a rounding mark but nothing too overwhelming. By 2017 we’d reached our goal of retirement and fulfilled our dreams of a brand-new boat that would allow us to travel far and wide as well as occasionally race. Our Jeanneau 51, we named Beyond Cool, came with the bonus of becoming part of the Jeanneau social
group and the chance to compete in races and rendezvous that are held anywhere from Wollongong to Lake Macquarie and of course including Sydney Harbour. So inevitably, and despite my declaration, I have indeed found myself twice crewing in a race around the cans in the harbour city over the past few years. But on both occasions, they were short courses, conditions were pretty benign and each time we had the expertise and local knowledge of a guest crew so my anxiety levels were pretty minimal. This year was to be our blue water cruising year to New Caledonia and beyond, but of course this also being the year of ‘the pandemic’ our plans were shelved. We found ourselves provisioned and sitting in
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Newcastle Yacht Club’s marina with nowhere to go. Swansea Channel, which has been causing keeled vessel skippers more and more headaches of late due to its silting issues, had become too shallow to allow us to return to our berth at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. So we became exiled and found ourselves wiling away the weeks in glorious Port Stephens until channel dredging would give us our ticket home.
“I’ve entered us into the Seven Islands Race as the first of three in the Jeanneau Cup
series on Sydney Harbour in a few weeks’ time”, were the words my husband recently and quietly uttered, falling upon my ears with a deep resonance that heralded an alarming interlude in my sloth-like existence over these past few months. 2020, aka the year of suspended animation in every sense of the meaning! My fitness levels were at an appalling level of ‘UN’ and to add to the woes were a few extra kilos that my leisure wear just seemed to accommodate without drama. Before I knew it, we had upped anchor and were heading south to Sydney
Megan Nixon (WWSA) was also cruising the harbour that day and snapped us as we passed her. INSET: Flying the WWSA burgee!
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Harbour on the most perfect of days, full of sunshine, a friendly breeze and an almost non -existent swell but for me also a slight tinge of anxiety at the thought of throwing ourselves into the white wash that can be Sydney Harbour on a weekend race day. As the race was being conducted by the very friendly Middle Harbour Yacht Club we anchored overnight at nearby Chinamans Beach, a stone’s throw from crew pick up and the starting line. Our three guest crew members were friends and all Jeanneau owners, two of whom have been separated from their boats since COVID-19 hit. Whilst Mark diligently went about preparing the boat and studying the course, I threw myself into preparing for the post-race dinner party we’d planned. I simply didn’t have time to discuss any of the race details including the course, but I did recall the skipper remarking we’d be plagued with light winds. Not a good start as we were unavoidably still in cruise mode and heavy with an abundance of nonrace gear such as paddle boards, fishing rods, a barbecue, and a huge portable freezer. Race day: the heat is early and intense with flukey, but light, winds. We’re ready to go and I note that my WWSA burgee is proudly
flying on starboard, though I’m the only female participating on board our boat. The crew arrive and there’s a quick briefing about techniques and who’s doing what. I’m the understudy for all positions except helming, making sure everything’s going to plan and jumping in to cover anything that’s being overlooked or not done correctly. I’m also calling the pressure so that our sails can be constantly managed for optimal control and speed. The start is crowded and takes place in a tightly restricted area between the MHYC marina, a mooring field, and the Spit Bridge, that requires expertise to negotiate the abundance of contenders, gusts, and the clock that is steadily counting down. I’m too busy watching and checking to worry about the near misses and the sudden unexpected moves of boats around us. Finally, we’re away at the 18-minute mark with ten boats ahead and three behind in the Jeanneau Div handicap start. Off to clear water and a sense of relief to at last be out on our own where we can finely tune our boat and reach maximum speed. We gybe and make our way around Middle Head and then look for the Sow and Pigs. What on earth is such a reef doing in the middle of one of the world’s greatest harbours?
Photo credit: Marg Fraser-Martin on behalf of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
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The heat is building and so is the wind. In fact, it’s becoming wild, forceful, and unpredictable with all the drama of a determined westerly. The reality bears no resemblance to the forecast and it’s now even more vital to call the pressure so as to avoid problems and ‘stuff-ups’. The traffic is building. Every club on the harbour I’m sure is running a race at this same time and as far as the eye can see there is a mass of sails ahead. With ferries having right of way over sail it’s a full-time job to call their position, predict their paths, and stay clear at all times and the Fast Cats simply intensify that pressure, given they can be upon you within seconds. The temperature is now 43 degrees and there is no relief. Our water bottles are hot to touch and no amount of drinking is quenching our thirst. I have no idea what time it is, but I realise we haven’t eaten, and the extreme conditions are now quite frankly threatening our wellbeing. I call for the crew to eat and keep cool. One disappears below to douse himself with water but it’s of little
help. We finally run the gauntlet of ferries and traffic around Circular Quay and pass under the iconic bridge where finally there are way fewer racing boats, but I’m daunted by the length of the course as we continue heading west. By now I’ve managed to down my lunch but now feel physically strange. I’m thinking it may be low blood pressure and am concerned I may become a liability and affect our ability to race so I uncharacteristically announce I’m taking a break. Another crew member follows me down below where we position ourselves on the low side with legs elevated in an attempt to recover. It works! After ten minutes out of the sun I’m beginning to feel normal so it’s back to work on deck. By now Snapper Island is in sight. Once we round that and its neighbour, Spectacle, we have completed the first half of the course and can begin to head east with the wind on our port quarter. Once our sails were set, the run home provided the opportunity to relax a little and relieve a bit of the pressure and tension that had been constant for the last few hours. I Dodging ferries.
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admonished myself for not having studied the course prior to racing, but then again perhaps I was better off not realising just how long this race was going to be. We picked our way up the harbour, again dodging and weaving until Middle Head eventually loomed large before us indicating our turn for home for a windy beat to the finish. But home was going to be hard fought. With temperatures soaring it seemed like every pleasure craft in Sydney had decided to drop anchor in and across Middle Harbour. Add to the mix suicidal wind surfers, runabouts, paddle boarders, canoeists... How we managed to make that finish line unscathed I’ll never know. Though I have to say the skipper has exceptional skills and did a brilliant job. Our crew too were resilient and capable. As we crossed the line, I can’t tell you the sense of relief and the look of astonishment on everyone’s face as we heard a finishing gun. In disbelief we took stock and gradually realised we had managed to pass the ten
lower handicap contenders in our division to take out the win. With survival as my only priority, particularly in such conditions, I hadn’t even considered a victory and besides, how do you even spy your competitors when there are hundreds of boats around you? But oh, how sweet it was and with my WWSA burgee proudly flying for all to see. As I finally grabbed that first celebratory drink and sat back to relax, I looked around and laughed, “Good grief I know we don’t quite look the part having two paddle boards attached to our starboard lifelines but no-one realised we were racing with my fishing rod still in its holder!” Postscript: Now safely back in the tranquil beauty of Lake Macquarie the skipper has let it slip that we should head back to Sydney Harbour mid-January for the second race in the Jeanneau Cup! It’s not lost on me that this next race is also known as the combined Bedlam Point and Chaos Cup. Sigh... I’m thinking I may have something else on that day.
Beyond Cool. Photo credit: Performance Boating Sales.
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SheSails @ NCYC Open Regatta and 2021 Calendar of Women’s Regattas By Deborah Wallace The end of 2020 seemed to return to a perceived norm and there were a few weeks of great yacht racing around all clubs. The last weekend in November saw the annual SheSails Open Regatta held at the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, open to all female crews. In its third year, 13 crews represented clubs from around NSW and the ladies from Mooloolaba were lucky enough to take advantage of the lifting of the Queensland border closure to fly down for their second SheSails Open Regatta. Sailing manager Kelly Dawson, from Darwin Sailing Club, also
attended the weekend to learn more about the operational aspects of the regatta. The weekend commenced with some of the ladies gathered on Friday evening in the cool of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club bar for drinks and dinner. That evening I met and received a warm welcome from our SheSails Ambassadors for NCYC, Mary Holley and Jan Howard, as they introduced me to some of the ladies that I’d be seeing over the weekend. I spoke with Mary and Jan about the Newcastle SheSails program which began over 10 years ago. It was their vision to get more women and girls of all ages to share their passion for the sport of sailing, develop skills and nurture others, and expand their knowledge and capabilities in an open and encouraging environment. The NCYC SheSails program has set the standard for the rest of the nation’s women’s programs, and has seen many take up the sport and enjoy the pleasure of sailing every week. This weekend brought together six teams Women Who Sail Australia 27
from the NCYC, and teams from Mooloolaba Yacht Club, Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Port Macquarie Yacht Club, Australian Defence Forces (ADF), and this year saw Sailing Women’s Network sponsor our first competitive team. Saturday morning was an early start at the NCYC for coffee and to meeting up with my friend Gemma Burns, the Australian Sailing NSW|ACT SheSails representative, whom I buddied up with for the day on one of three transfer RIBs. This provided me a great opportunity to meet and chat with the teams
as they changed yachts during the six race program for the day. Olivia Price, Silver Medalist from the 2012 London Games, was the providing the on-water commentary as well as the guest speaker at the event dinner. Liz Borberg was the skipper on Sailing Women’s Network (SWN) and with Jess Tavener, Emma Byrne, and India Howard, made up the team defending their 2019 title. Each team had to complete three races over the day and the SWN team went on to win the first two races. The wins over the next four included: 1st - Race 3 – Sanatra (LMYC/NCYC) – Natalie Butterworth, Tracey Hanson, and Sarah Gamble 1st – Race 4 – Alfredisiacs (RPAYC) – Nicole Butcher, Lisa Ratcliff, Gemma Rasdal, and Maike Muth 1st – Race 5 – Knot Shore (LMYC/NCYC) –
ABOVE: Mary Holley, Gemma Burns, Olivia Price.
Newcastle is a working harbour.
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Nina Tolhurst, Erin Killey, and Grace Buchan 1st
– Race 6 - Sanatra (LMYC/NCYC) – Natalie Butterworth, Tracey Hanson, and Sarah Gamble The teams had to contend with temperatures in the high 30s and strong gusts exceeding 20 knots at times. Tugs and a cargo ship entering the harbour saw a change of course for the second half of the race programs. The weather was set to worsen on the final day with temperatures in the high 30s (and possibly into the 40s) with high winds. Race 7, The Battle of the Bubbles, was the final non-point score race for the day with Knot Shore Team getting in a few seconds before the Sailing Women’s Network Team and Mooloolaba Women’s Team in third. What a great day of racing and endurance from the teams on such hot day and in the gusty conditions.
combinations. Ladies of the ADF – Courtney Smith, Carol Sedgman, Julia Whitwell, Juanita Furney, all but one had sailed before. They are all currently serving in the ADF and Julia came all the way from Canberra to compete. It’s a real family affair for the Teams of Sanatra (LMYC/NCYC), Knot Shore (LMYC/ NCYC) and Bouyane (LMYC) who saw mothers and daughters race against each other. Ultimately, the top two team combinations included mothers and daughters taking out the first two places of the Regatta.
During the regatta I had the opportunity to chat with some of the ladies, to find some interesting facts about their team
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With the extreme conditions promised to return with even greater temperatures and increased winds, the NCYC announced due to safety concerns there would be no racing on the second and final day. This saw the final placing with the first two spots on a count back for first and the overall winner of the regatta, and our congratulations going to: 1st Sanatra (LMYC/NCYC) – Natalie Butterworth, Tracey Hanson, and Sarah Gamble (top right). 2nd Knot Shore (LMYC/NCYC) – Nina Tolhurst, Erin Killey, and Grace Buchan (middle right). 3rd Sailing Women’s Network – Liz Borberg, Jessica Tavener, Emma Bryne, and India Howard (bottom right). During the weekend there were a number of conversations about the Mooloolaba and Darwin Regattas coming up in 2021. Mooloolaba has been running a very successful Women’s Development Program along with a Women’s Keelboat Regatta for the past few years and the Mooloolaba Women’s team that attended Newcastle would love to see some of the NSW teams attend in 2021. Now is the time to plan and I’ve put together a calendar for some of the racing events throughout the year to enable some basic planning, in the hope the borders will be open and we will be able to attend these types of events. These dates will be regularly updated on:
www.sailingwomensnetwork.com.au If there are any other clubs wishing to add their women’s regattas to the calendar please get them to reach out directly and I can include the dates, and links to the details on their websites.
I look forward to meeting more of our readers and Facebook friends in 2021.
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Regatta snaps
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STATE NSW
CLUB TMYC
NSW
LOCATIONS Toronto Rushcutters Bay
REGATTAS She Skippers Sydney Harbour Women's Keelboat Series MYC Helly Hansen Women's Challenge Women's Keelboat Regatta The Women's Regatta
DATES (2021) 14 Feb
NSW NSW NSW
Manly Mosman Double Bay
MYC MHYC DBSC
NSW
Kirribilli
RSYS
Ladies of the Sea Coaching Regatta MYC Helly Hansen Women's Challenge SHESAILS OPEN REGATTA WOW Regatta
2-3 Oct (Long Weekend)
NSW NSW NSW
Mosman Newcastle Point Piper
MHYC NYC RPEYC
QLD
South Townsville
TYC
TBA
MYC
Townsville Gal’s Regatta Mooloolaba Women's Keelboat Regatta
QLD
Mooloolaba
VIC
St Kilda
RMYS
Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta
12-14 June
NT
Fannie Bay
DSC
NT Women's Keelboat Regatta
21 Aug
CYCA
28 Feb 28 Mar 21 8 May 21 25 26 Sept
21 Oct 21 Nov 28 Nov
25-27 June
sailingwomensnetwork.com.au Sailing Women's Network is a private Facebook group, founded in May 2018, for like-minded women who enjoy and participate in inshore and offshore yacht racing around Australia and overseas.
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Down Under Rally Offshore Cruising Course getting great reviews! For the past few years the Down Under Rally has held their very popular Offshore Cruising Preparation Course around Australia in venues in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. In April 2020, in response to requests to make the course available to those who are unable to attend the course in person, the Down Under Rally made the entire two-day Offshore Cruising Preparation Course available online. The course was recorded and the recording then professionally edited to break down the two days of content into 10 easy to watch sessions of about 1 hour per session, all of which are available to watch as a series online and on demand. During the course John and Leanne share their experiences, the lessons learned and the knowledge gained, along with the experiences they have had sailing to and cruising in many different countries.
Woman Who Sail Australia group member Gaye Jennings recently had this to say about the course: “If you are thinking about ‘living the dream’ either coastal or blue water sailing – or feel your sailing skills have slipped because of the unplanned hiatus many of us have had due to COVID-19 – do yourself a favour and do this online course with the team from Down Under Rally. I can honestly say this was the best course the Captain and I have done. We have learnt much about sea safety and survival, boat preparation, the must haves on your boat, latest technology tips, crew preparation etc. Additionally, John and Leanne have real experiences they can relate to on both monos and catamarans where as many courses we found were geared specifically towards monos. Overall the team provided us with the ‘realities and practicalities’ of cruising/sailing in comparison to the ‘romantic notions’ in the glossy magazines.” To learn more about the Down Under Rally Offshore Cruising Preparation Course visit: www.downunderrally.com/events
John and Leanne Hembrow.
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My favourite anchorage
CANOE COVE Fortescue Bay Tasmania By Sue Drummond Canoe Cove is a small dent in the larger Fortescue Bay and is protected by a sunken wreck. The photo above is looking out to the east from behind the wreck to ‘The Lanterns’, three rocky islands at the tip of Cape Hauy. The wreck gives a modicum of protection from the east but lots of protection from the south. It is quite shallow, but despite this we were able to get out mono with a 2.3 metre draft in and anchor. It is within the Tasman National Park, so quite isolated and the surrounds are spectacular
The bay was originally used as a timber mill. A dredge, used in the construction of the original bridge spanning the Derwent, was sunk in 1953 to provide a haven for the fishing boats. There are no signs of civilisation except the walking track to Bivouac Point, some kilometres north. I’ve anchored there three times and enjoyed a serene and natural ambience.
If you are sure of the weather and your anchor, you can do quite a strenuous walk out to Cape Hauy, the last cape of the Three Capes Walk. You need to get a permit from the National Parks office at Fortescue Bay for a small cost but the walk and the views are worth it. At the tip there are high wires climbers use to access the Totem Pole and Candlestick from the Cape. Watching the climbers scaling the dolerite columns is, for me as a height phobic, terrifying. Women Who Sail Australia 36
ABOVE: The Candlestick and Totem Pole RIGHT: The Bay. LEFT: The Beach.
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Ivy’s Escape By Lanise Edwards We were well overdue to haul Easter Rose out of the water for antifouling and maintenance. The last time this expensive chore was completed we stayed in a holiday house for three days. This time, with three weeks of hard work ahead of us, we decided to stay onboard. Fortunately, the boatyard in Bundaberg had actual steps rather than a ladder, which made access to the boat possible. A ladder was not going cut it for myself or Ivy our old Labrador. The steps were steep and initially Ivy refused to climb them as she could see the ground beneath, this unnerved her. After some consideration we tied shade cloth underneath the steps. Ivy was happy to walk up and down with us following and holding her lead. With that hurdle overcome we began a daily routine of sanding and grinding to prepare the hull for a thorough paint and overhaul. Ivy spent most of her days on a lead sleeping in the cool shade of the boat or on deck as we worked on Easter Rose. After 10 days on the hardstand Ivy had a good routine and waited for us to escort her down the steps for her morning walk. I guess I became comfortable and secure in the knowledge that Ivy would not attempt the steps alone. l should have known her better.
In hindsight it was very likely she had been scheming her ‘great escape’ for several days! This is Ivy’s style, and I underestimated her tenacity and cunning.
One morning I woke early, let Ivy off her lead in the cockpit and ventured back below decks to prepare a well-earned coffee. Still in my mismatched PJs I eventually came back on deck with coffee in hand, noticing Ivy was not in the cockpit. Aching all over from the previous day’s hard work and noticing last night’s shower had not removed residue paint from my hands and feet, I glanced around. Still no sign of Ivy. Surely, she was not brave enough to go down the steps alone? I was mistaken. As my foggy morning-brain stepped up a gear, I knew I had to act quickly. Our old Labrador was more than capable of sneaking off once my guard was down. And it was. Ivy could not have chosen a worse time! My antifoul splattered body and odd pyjamas looked a sight, not to mention my knotted hair also sprinkled with primer and other paint residue. There was no time to waste, with a busy road out the front and miles of river and esplanade, not to mention trucks and workmen with forklifts. Ivy could be in danger and oblivious to it. I bolted down the Women Who Sail Australia 38
steps without further thought and paced around the large yard peering in every corner. No sign of Ivy. Surely, she could not have gone far? How long had she been gone? I had no idea. I figured it was early and no one would be around, so I chanced running out onto the road in my PJs. I noticed some workman on the road and asked if they had seen a black Labrador. They glanced at me slightly oddly, I obviously didn’t realise how I looked. They both pointed, stating that she had gone one of two different directions. I was confused and had to take a guess which direction she would head. This meant crossing the road and walking to the esplanade pathway. I scanned up and down and kept calling her name in an increasingly loud, agitated manner, as I became aware that the world was waking up and people (normally-dressed people!) were appearing.
Too late to return to the boat, I forged on. Finally, in the far distance I spotted a black
dog near the seafood co-op skip bins. This had to be Ivy. Ivy loves a rotten smell to investigate! I ran back to the road and towards the co-op. Now many people were present. Some just stared. I must have looked like a madwoman on a mission, covered in weird blue paint with war-like smears of silver primer on my face and in my hair. My mismatched PJs, lack of a bra, and crazed look must have topped it off. I yelled to Ivy as I could see it was definitely her. She froze, and I thought my search was over. Ivy glanced around, then turned her back to me as if she had no clue who I was and could not hear me. Her hearing is acute; however, she had no intention of stopping or responding. By now I was a woman possessed, frustrated and cranky. I scolded her from a distance and demanded that she, “Come now!” I was infuriated. My voice obviously loud, people enjoying a relaxing morning coffee at the cafe stared. Beyond
Ivy aboard Easter Rose.
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embarrassment at this point, I was hellbent on catching Ivy before she ate some gruesome morsel of rotten seafood that would result in a very messy aftermath! I ran quickly towards her, approaching the bins as Ivy snorted, sniffed and kept chewing something revolting on the ground. Still completely ignoring me, she was obviously obsessed with her find. I took advantage and cornered her. Once an arm’s length away Ivy looked up at me as if to say; “Oh I didn’t see you, what’s the problem?” Grimacing I attached her lead and pulled her away from the bins. I had her in my grips and she acted as if she did not have a clue why I was angry or what the drama was! I marched her back down the road, appearing like an abusive crazy dog owner as I muttered more than a few expletives under my breath. By this time the road was busy, workmen and boat yard staff had arrived. Yachties and locals were strolling by the café, enjoying their morning walks. I wished I could have shrunk into the asphalt as I became excessively aware of my PJ-clad appearance. I trudged back to the boatyard with Ivy. BELOW: Memphis.
Frank.
Entering the yard people were out working on boats. I held my head high and picked up my pace towards Easter Rose, shoving Ivy up the steps and collapsing in the cockpit. It was then that the humourous side of my morning hit me and I began to laugh hysterically. Emerging from the cockpit my husband asked where I had been. I rolled my eyes and replied, “Oh just for a walk!”
POSTSCRIPT: Sadly in 2020 Ivy crossed the rainbow bridge. She is greatly missed. Recently ‘Frank’ joined the crew of SV Easter Rose. The photo above was taken when he was 10 weeks old and had been on board Easter Rose for only 12 days. Though tiny, we think he has Ivy’s loving, cheeky, inquisitive nature. I’m sure beautiful Ivy is sending her approval from over the rainbow bridge. Our rascally boat cat ‘Memphis’ appears to be enjoying puppy play and has been a surprisingly amazing big brother to little Frank.
Ivy’s story appears in ‘Voyaging Pets’ and is reproduced here with permission from SisterShip Press. Women Who Sail Australia 40
People will go to extraordinary lengths to keep their families together, and for many this includes fourlegged members. While it is easier to travel with pets these days, it’s not always smooth sailing with animals onboard. Our writers expose the depth of love for their furry friends, with touching, humorous, and unusual pet yarns. Canines and felines of all shapes, colours, and sizes feature in this pet anthology but also prepare to meet Patch the sailing guinea pig, Pi-Rat, and Roger the cheeky booby bird! These are cruising companions who love their life onboard and add a new dimension of adventure for their devoted families.
www.sistershippress.com
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WWSA In Action
ABOVE: The first race of the Women’s Helm Regatta at RGYC, Victoria. Laura Corà Macolino on the helm, Emmy Oudman on the winch, and Bella the Labrador as mascot! LEFT: Amanda Anderson, Justine Porter, Lyn Battle, and Wanda Huxham, Cairns.
BELOW: Michelle Alderson.
ABOVE: Laura Corà Macolino and Janet Torode on their maiden sail aboard SecOnda. Photo credit Morgan Images.
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Jeanne Socrates visits WWSA Cairns By Pam Douch 2020 has been a year of trials and tribulations for all of us, some more than others. But in September, the Cairns WWSA members had a special treat in the form of a visit from Jeanne Socrates, the oldest woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world. This diminutive woman can only be described as a powerhouse in the world of sailing in her quiet unassuming way. Born in Lymington, UK, and based in Victoria, BC Canada, Jeanne has for the bulk of this year been “homeless” due to COVID-19. Jeanne was visiting Australia (and due to speak at the annual WWSA Gathering on the Bay at Port Stephens in March) when the COVID lockdowns began. Not being a Canadian citizen, she has been unable to return to her home. Instead, she has spent the last five months travelling around the outback of Australia, driving from the southern corner of WA, along the coast, through the Kimberley, into the Territory, down to Alice Springs and Uluru, back up to the three ways and across to Queensland where she headed to the Gulf and Karumba before arriving in Cairns, after travelling in excess of 10,000 km. She has probably seen more of our country than most Australians! For a person who did not start sailing until she was 48, Jeanne has logged over 100,000 miles during four circumnavigations, two of which were solo non-stop. Her tenacity to see through tasks to the end can be exemplified by the number of breakages she
had on her last circumnavigation. These would have tested anyone’s resolve, and probably pushed most of us into calling it quits, but for Jeanne it was just another reason to see the task through to its completion. Some of the problems she had to deal with included knock-downs, instrument failure, shredding her genoa, climbing the mast to repair her wind instruments, and tearing her main. The three metre tear in her main happened just off the Falkland Islands and it wasn’t until after rounding the southern-most cape of Stewart Island, NZ, that it was repaired. Anyone who sails the Southern Ocean is up there in my book, but to do the majority of it without a main is a mammoth achievement. Experiencing all these setbacks added another dimension to her voyage, she was now two months past her scheduled arrival which meant facing severe conditions in the Southern Ocean and the possibilities of cyclones whilst crossing the Pacific. Then there is the issue of provisions – I struggle with provisioning for 50 days, so I’m unsure how I would cope with provisioning for 320 plus days.
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While she no longer retains the title of the oldest person to circumnavigate the world solo and non-stop, she is still the oldest female to do so, and the oldest person to do so via the five southern capes. This remarkable woman has many stories to tell. I look forward in anticipation to her book. The Cairns get-together was originally just going to be few ladies and their partners to meet Jeanne, but word got around and about 50 people turned out in celebration of this courageous lady. Thanks must go to the Cairn Cruising Yacht Squadron for hosting this event, especially considering COVID-19 restrictions, and for their support of Woman Who Sail Australia. It was a fabulous way to spend a rather miserable Saturday afternoon. Thanks also to Jeanne for giving so freely and willingly her time. Jeanne Socrates. Justine Porter presents Jeanne with a WWSA burgee. Photos: Trish Chalmers
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WWSA My Club
PORT STEPHENS YACHT CLUB
ABOVE: Aleta Huthnance, Marian Sampson at the helm, and Joanne Killalea aboard Cherylle Stone’s Sub Zero.
Supporting women sailors Port Stephens Yacht Club aims to increase the number of female members on the water with the 2021 Marineoutlet.com.au Women’s Pointscore Series, an eight race series which requires competitors to include one female in any crew position. There are currently three boats in a fleet of 20 racing with female skippers.
http://www.psyc.com.au/ RIGHT: Kelly Hammond at the helm of Sub Zero, Port Stephens. Women Who Sail Australia 48
ABOVE: Cherylle Stone (left) being presented the trophy by Mrs Holman.
WWSA Cherylle Stone and her catamaran Sub Zero took out Port Stephens Yacht Club’s annual ‘Jack Holman Memorial Race’ recently. Jack was an active and very popular member of the club for many years and his life was sadly cut short. Each year, the club runs this race in his memory, running a fixed course to Shoal Bay and back, passing his favourite local pubs. Jack’s family have donated a substantial amount of money to the club to encourage ongoing sailing within Port Stephens. PSYC had this to say, “This year Cheryl and Sub Zero are our winners of the prestigious race - a notable feat given the fresh, gusty southerly conditions and only two crew members onboard! Well done!”
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Mackay Reef Surprise Justine Porter
Looking back towards the mainland as Red flew away.
It’s cyclone season, however we decided to stay within the cyclone belt in Far North Queensland, Australia, to take advantage of the beautiful warm tropical days between storms. Not many sailors like to risk being up here, but we have a solid performance blue water catamaran, Shima, and a plan for any cyclonic weather. We lived in the territory for 20 years and are well accustomed to cyclones and the dangers, but also know it is a stunning and variable time of year with so much to offer the more adventurous sailors. The public moorings are generally vacant, and you can go out to stunning reefs and often have them to yourselves! On the downside, sometimes the variability of the winds swinging a full 360 degrees in a 24-hour period can make choosing anchorages challenging, and the lightning belts on ridges are often ferocious and something we fear more than the storms themselves. We chose to go out to Mackay Reef, a beautiful sand cay north of Port Douglas with stunning coral and plenty of fish to play
Red.
with whilst snorkelling, to sit out some stormy weather on the Great Barrier Reef. We like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA) courtesy mooring buoys. They are well serviced, rated for up to 35 knots, and to us are preferable when the winds shift during these storms from the south east to north west. We enjoyed a day with our great friends on Sugar Baby, did some snorkelling in our fashionable ‘stinger suits’ (as this is also the deadly Irukandji jellyfish season) and then had sundowners on the sand cay. Three years ago, green sea turtles returned and started nesting here again. What a beautiful sight to see several piles of sand with huge tracks leading to their nests! To our dismay the high tide eroded a nest and we watched several eggs tumble out and Women Who Sail Australia 50
get sucked out to sea. With wines in hand we jumped to attention and gently scooped them up, dug a hole, and buried them again. Will they survive? I don’t know. Some say they won’t as the eggs need to be up a certain way. Others say they might as they have seen nests that have been destroyed by feral pigs, but the remaining eggs moved and buried, some did survive. My question to a group of fellow sailors as to whether I should just accept they won’t survive and scramble them for breakfast saw a lively debate and consensus was to give them the chance! (Note that I was joking and know that they are protected!) Our friends left for the safety of a yacht club, but we chose to stay at this lovely cay and sit out a storm, forecast to be only 15-20 knots. Storms were expected at night for two days with sunny fair days between. We hoped to see if the other turtle nests would hatch overnight as we have been told they are due having been made 52 days ago. (Still no baby turtle tracks yet, but we wait in hope.) The wind started swinging from the south to north and we felt the humidity and heat increase, clouds begin to form in bulbous whites and greys, and the horizon start to darken as the swell lifted and small white caps established themselves. Thunder could be heard rumbling in the distance. The weather forecast was still reasonable, and we were prepared. The sun began to set and then the storm really rolled in with force, the swell increased to 2 metres and the wind picks up to 30 knots sustained. Shima had three sturdy mooring lines attached at different angles to strong, double plated cleats but she bucked in the swell, the lines stretched and groaned as she rode the waves. The bow dipped the prodder into the water, lifted and sent the stern down for a drink too! Dinner was crackers and cheese as cooking was out of the question. Even a shower took a mean effort to stay upright with Shima riding the waves. I felt that gnawing anxiety, did we make the right choice
Turtle nest on the cay.
to stay here?
A sleepless night as the mooring lines creaked and groaned, the bow roller developed an annoying squeak as the lines slackened and tightened, why did I not grease that earlier? Too late now, lightning flashed across the ridge on land 11 nautical miles away and stunning spider lightning made the sky glow while the wind howled. Suddenly, at 5 am, it was all over. The sun peeked its face over the horizon making the sky glow pink and orange, welcoming a hot sunny day with just 3 knots of breeze. My husband got a fright as he went on deck for his morning coffee and disturbed a bat on the awning. Startled, it swooped at him and flew out to sea. No, little bat, that’s the wrong way, land is the opposite direction, where are you going?
We have had many birds aboard Shima over the years but never a bat, especially this far from land. How strange! But within an hour the lone and tired bat headed back to Shima, landing on the end of our sail bag. He looked exhausted. Yes little Women Who Sail Australia 51
fella, you went the wrong way, it’s alright you can rest here! The gentle breeze swung Shima, and the bat moved to the other side of the bag to be in the shade, watching us carefully as we kept our distance so as not to frighten him. He needed to rest and looked defeated and exhausted. We watched him closely and wondered, will he survive? The day is very hot, can we help him more? I posted some pics on Facebook and asked for advice from some yachtie friends. Within minutes I had bat experts and wildlife carers on the phone helping us out! Some discussed online whether we could cook him with the turtle eggs, apparently bats are a delicacy in PNG, who knew? But this little fella wasn’t going to be dinner and those eggs weren’t getting scrambled! We followed the advice to let him rest, put out a bowl of fifty per cent apple juice and water, and gave him a strawberry, one of the last of the last few onboard. Later we offered him a pear.
Red.
The bat expert told me they are very smart and quickly figure out we are going to help. She said to look him in the eye (without sunglasses), talk gently, and not get too near until he trusted us. She said they are as smart and quick learning as a dog. We discovered he was a juvenile little red flying fox, so we named him Red. We popped a strawberry in the sail bag clip to encourage him to the shady side, put the apple juice on that side too, and let him rest. Sometime later a little red plop fell through the window, a chewed-up piece of strawberry with not a drop of juice left in it. We snuck outside to look. He had relocated to the end of the sail bag, this time he looked at us inquisitively and seemed less afraid. His eyes followed our movements and he looked much happier in the shade with an increasing breeze. We decided it’s time to try the pear. As bats do carry lyssavirus we certainly didn’t want to get scratched or bitten, nor did we want to scare him, so we devised a cunning plan. My hubby attached half a pear on the end of his fishing rod so he could go behind the sail bag and dangle it over the top. I snuck to the front to help direct the dangling pear and of course to video tape our efforts! My heart leapt as the pear dangled. Red looked at me, looked at the pear and then his wing stretched out. I held my breath and watched in awe as he grabbed the pear and started munching. Delight swept over me success, one happy bat, two ecstatic crew! I snapped some pics and we left him to eat his food in peace. About an hour later there was a mess of chewed up pear skat on the deck and Red sleeping peacefully in the sail bag. Relieved, we sent the pics and video to the experts and they reassured us that he looked healthy and that the pear was probably enough energy Women Who Sail Australia 52
for him to find his way back to the mainland later in the evening, to forage for his favourite food, eucalyptus blossom. I certainly don’t have that treat in my boat stores! The afternoon sun was getting low in the sky, Red had snoozed and was looking alertly at us. We decided to give him the other half the pear, hoping to give him enough energy to be able to make it back to the mainland. This time it swung a little low, but he chewed on the top. I got my hubby to pull it up with the string. Red stared at me and clung on then adjusted. Those big eyes gave me a look that I read as thanks. Red returned to his munching and spitting all over our decks! We went back inside, peeking out every half an hour, transfixed by this cute and vulnerable creature. The sun set. We waited and watched with a wine in hand as he continued to snooze. I started to think we might have a new pet, then suddenly he popped his head out, climbed up the mast a bit and just hung there dangling in the breeze. My hubby and I
watched, still transfixed. Red looked around, opened his wings, climbed a bit more, and tucked his head in. We face palmed ourselves, oh no he’s not going to leave. Behind me my hubby talked in a silly voice pretending to be Red, saying, “Oh but I love those pears, why would I leave them, this bag is cosy”. I giggled but willed Red on. The rays of light faded through the low clouds, soon he wouldn’t be able to see the land. Then, at last, he looked at us, opened those wings out strong and proud, and launched himself off the boat. As he turned out to sea, we both panicked, no Red, not that way, land is the other way. The dark was seeping in as he turned, looped the boat, and headed towards the coast, phew. His wings did big long spirited flaps and in a very short time his silhouette disappeared into the horizon. Goodbye Red, hope you find some sweet eucalyptus blossoms and a proper place to sleep, we enjoyed your company and have a new appreciation of little red flying foxes! I guess tomorrow we will go to the sand cay and see if there are any baby turtle tracks, what a fabulous place!
Reproduced with permission from SisterShip Magazine March 2020
Mackay Reef (Photo Veronica Forrest). Women Who Sail Australia 53
What Would WWSA Do? WWSA members share their onboard Christmas trees! RIGHT: Barbara Joyce Cole’s onboard tree. Barbara says, “I bought it in a little shop in Port Stephens years ago. It is 25 cm tall. I put all of our Christmas decorations and lights including the repacked glass tree into a sturdy watertight tub after the holidays. It gets stowed away until the next year. We collect at least one small item in each year and for each country we visit to add to our Christmas tree ornament collection. On the boat I hang the ornaments from lights strung above the main salon settees. Got to do holidays even on a boat!” BELOW: Adriana Frisco’s ocean themed Christmas tree.
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RIGHT: Carol Johnstone’s handmade tree: milk bottle caps covered in fabric, and glued together with a few decorations. BELOW: Julia Roberts’ on board tree.
ABOVE: Anita Hamilton bought her tree (which has 12 volt lights) from a car accessory shop in 1999. LEFT: Shelley Wright’s daughter hand stitched this tree from felt. It hangs in the saloon of her boat.
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Books by WWSA Members
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Facing Fear is the inspiring true story of Lisa Blair, who on 25 July 2017 became the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica. She very nearly didn’t live to tell the tale. Seventy-two days into her circumnavigation, when Lisa was more than 1000 nautical miles from land, the mast of Climate Action Now came crashing down in a ferocious storm. In freezing conditions, Lisa battled massive waves and gale-force winds, fighting through the night to save her life and her boat. Following her ordeal, Lisa relied on her unbreakable spirit to beat the odds and complete her world record. With unwavering focus and determination, she sailed home, completing her journey after 183 days. This is the story of her remarkable voyage.
www.lisablairsailstheworld.com Women Who Sail Australia 57
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