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June/July 2011 Issue No 157 ple

The Bay of Plenty & Coromandel’s own watersports news. Phone 07 578 0030

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02 WATERLINE

HIGH TIDES JUNE 2011

The Bay of Plenty’s own boating, fishing, diving, yachting and watersports news.

PH 07-578 0030 FAX 07-571 1116 PO Box 240, Tauranga.

1 The Strand, Tauranga email: brian@thesun.co.nz

Waterline advertising & editorial deadlines Edition

Deadline August 2011

15 July September 2011 12 August October 2011

16 September For advertising, call Sun Media’s specialist marine consultant Jo Dempsey 07 928 3041 email jo@thesun.co.nz Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/Waterlinemagazine

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W ac ky c p ti N con e

Send us the best silly caption for this photo, and we’ll top off your day with a fine Waterline cap. brian@thesun.co.nz, Fax 07 571 1116, Waterline, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

This month’s winner from Bubbles “Stick your chest out son, it seems to scare them!” ”

Thanks to our other entries “Mines WAAAY bigger than yours” From Lois “I hope my legs don’t look too fat in this picture son”.

From Kerri “Look Dad! A Sea Cucumber!” “No! No! No! This isn’t Waihi, it’s Papamoa!”

From Adam

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th

0:21 1:06 1:50 2:35 3:20 4:07 4:55 5:44 0:23 1:16 2:11 3:08 4:06 5:05 6:02 0:47 1:42 2:34 3:24 4:13 5:00 5:45 0:21 1:06 1:51 2:37 3:25 4:14 5:05 5:55

JULY 2011 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We

0:34 1:23 2:10 2:58 3:46 4:35 5:25 0:04 0:57 1:51 2:48 3:47 4:47 5:45 0:30 1:24 2:14 3:01 3:46 4:29

0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7

6:31 7:16 8:00 8:45 9:30 10:16 11:05 11:56 6:36 7:30 8:27 9:25 10:23 11:21 12:17 6:59 7:53 8:45 9:34 10:22 11:09 11:55 6:30 7:16 8:02 8:50 9:39 10:28 11:17 12:05

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3

12:41 13:24 14:06 14:50 15:34 16:20 17:08 17:59 12:50 13:48 14:48 15:50 16:50 17:49 18:44 13:10 14:02 14:51 15:39 16:25 17:11 17:56 12:42 13:30 14:20 15:12 16:04 16:56 17:45 18:33

0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7

19:05 19:48 20:31 21:14 21:58 22:44 23:32

1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9

18:53 19:51 20:50 21:51 22:52 23:51

0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

19:38 20:28 21:18 22:05 22:51 23:37

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8

18:42 19:30 20:20 21:12 22:04 22:55 23:45

0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5

0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

6:44 7:33 8:21 9:09 9:58 10:48 11:40 6:17 7:10 8:06 9:04 10:03 11:02 11:58 6:42 7:34 8:24 9:11 9:55 10:38

1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7

12:53 13:39 14:26 15:13 16:01 16:50 17:42 12:34 13:31 14:31 15:33 16:33 17:32 18:27 12:51 13:41 14:29 15:14 15:57 16:39

0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3

19:19 20:05 20:50 21:37 22:25 23:13

1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

18:36 19:33 20:32 21:34 22:35 23:34

0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3

19:18 20:07 20:54 21:38 22:20 23:02

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8

Tauranga tide heights in metres.

Bowentown: subtract 5 minutes from Tauranga (both HW and LW) Katikati (Kauri Point): add 30 minutes to Tauranga (both HW and LW) Whitianga: High Water subtract 2 minutes from Tauranga HW tide; Low Water add 2 minutes to Tauranga Low Water.

Every effort has been made to ensure that these times and tides are correct, no responsibility will be accepted for any inaccuracies, omissions, or misuse or misinterpretation of the values for tides and times published. Times used in the tide predictions are in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST1).

SKI LANES

WATERLINE 03

Another ski lane shut-down attempt thwarted Regional Councillor Raewyn Bennett’s second attempt to close the Hunter’s Creek ski lane has been sidelined by other BOP Regional Councillors.

Raewyn’s motion at a recent BOP Regional Council committee meeting was left on the table, says chairman John Cronin.

“Council wanted to re-look at it, but at the moment it’s a lie on the table position,” says John. “They are wanting to look at what is actually binding and what is discretionary, but you also have to take into account the public expectations of how they view it. Council hasn’t determined when it will come back. It’s not on the agenda to put it back there at the moment.”

Raewyn was one of three commissioners that considered the future of the Hunter’s Creek water ski lane – in the Tauranga Harbour between Rangiwaea and Matakana Islands – as part of the recent Navigation Safety Bylaw Review.

The review, which took nearly two years, recommended the Hunter’s Creek ski lane remain open –against the wishes of

Rangiwaea Island residents and supporters who attended bylaw review submission hearings at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club.

“Raewyn has a view that it shouldn’t be there,” says John. “She was one of the commissioners and got outvoted on the commission, and is trying to talk councillors into a position which at the moment council has made no decision on.”

The motion to close the Hunter’s Creek ski lane was seconded by councillor Doug Owens who says he supported her motion so the committee would have a chance to hear what she had to say.

“It’s just normal,” says Doug.

“I don’t think the debate’s been fairly heard. From what I could see in the submissions for whatever reason the iwi didn’t really participate and obviously some sort of protest.

“This is all news to me. I just wanted to find out the background to what was going on. Also the boating interests and the skiers have not been consulted effectively, and Raewyn Bennett had her say and the motion is left on the table I would guess the conversation is yet to be had.”

Raewyn Bennett did not return calls.

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FISHING

04 WATERLINE

Capturing great fishing moments A helicopter hovers above a fishing boat in the Bay of Islands.

Three high definition cameras are pointed in the fisher’s face – capturing every strain, every difficult catch of the day. This was life for Tauranga man Scott Henderson on filming of the ITM Fishing Show earlier this year.

Scott was selected from thousands of applicants along with seven other keen fishers around the country, all competing for the honours of host Matt Watson’s fishing apprentice.

A passionate fisher, Scott says he made a “ridiculous video” to boost his chances of getting selected– hoping to fulfil his dream of travelling with Matt around the world should he successfully win the show.

“I am the school liaison through the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and I always tell kids if they are passionate about something to follow their dreams.

The winner of series gets to go on every fishing trip with Matt Watson for a year overseas. I thought, that is absolutely awesome. You had to put in a fishing CV on Facebook and submit a 2 minute video and 80 words, so I thought without a

Scott Henderson with daughter Hana and her first fish. good video it is a lost cause. I just made this ridiculous video of me doing things like diving off my boat into daughter’s paddling pool, and my ‘man-cave’ with my outboard-powered jet ski.”

Scott joined four men and three females on the show, which saw the finalists com-

pleting series of challenges over eight days.

“In the first episode shown, we were rock fishing in two teams and I managed to pull in 17 pound snapper off the rocks.

The next episode was fishing for Kingfish, with no assistance from Matt or the judges and we had to film the action ourselves.”

The series is currently in its third episode, with judges deciding the outcome of who will be the fishing apprentice.

Another Bay of Plenty contestant, Adam from Mount Maunganui, was the first eliminated due to back problems, but Scott says the two remain “good fishing buddies”.

Scott says the whole experience was very “surreal” to be part of the unique show.

“It was really interesting to meet Matt.

He has a good crew around him. It was surreal driving around with helicopters hovering few metres above you, camera pointed 30cms away from your face when you were trying to fish, a microphone on all day so it captures everything you say.

When you watch it on the TV, you have moments of trepidation of how they are going to portray you but that is all part of the fun.”

By Laura Weaser

TAURANGA BOAT SALES

WATERLINE 05

06 WATERLINE

ENVIRONMENT BOP

Boating Safety Stay safe on the water this winter

Across 3 Vertical movement of water 5 Word spoken on radio to indicate distress 6 Which frequency is used for International VHF radio distress 9 The instrument used to lay off your course on a chart 12 A depression or area of low atmospheric pressure rotates which way in the southern hemisphere 14 A Danforth is a type of what 16 Pulses used by a radar to detect objects 17 A maritime unit of wind speed 18 If you're sailing with the wind coming from your port side, which tack are you on 19 Name for cold flow of wind down steep hills or mountains Down 1 What colour is a distress flare?

2 Radio silence period is for how many minutes each half-hour 3 Name for sideways thrust of propeller 4 An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure 6 Stowing heavy objects high up on a boat will reduce this 7 Where do you obtain a radio callsign from 8 A compass in a wooden boat should point to 10 Used to make your boat more visible on radar 11 The cause of sea waves 13 An emergency position indicating radio beacon is commonly called this 15 Line on a weather map used to join places of equal atmospheric pressure

HARBOUR DREDGING

WATERLINE 07

Dredging hearing resumes

The Environment Court appeal against Port of Tauranga Ltd plans to deepen harbour channels has been adjourned until August.

The adjournment was in April after four weeks of hearings, and was made to give the parties the opportunity to resolve some issues.

“We’ve had some good productive meetings to date and hopefully we can reach some resolution,” says Port of Tauranga ceo Mark Cairns.

PTL wants to remove 15 million cubic metres of sand from harbour channels to enable the port to accommodate bigger ships.

The plan is to deepen the channels by up

to 3.3 metres enabling the port to accommodate ships up to 14.5m draught at low water and with an overall length of 347m.

Typically, these ships can carry up to 7,000 TEUs twenty foot equivalent container units. Dredging is expected to be carried out in stages to match market demand.

The challenge to the plan is from Te Rununga O Ngai Te Rangi Iwi which opposes the port’s plans on two main issues – preservation of kaimoana and cultural.

The iwi’s resource management unit manager Reon Tuanau says the iwi is concerned about the strength and status of Tauranga harbour’s Mataitai reserve.

The reserve came into effect on September 2008. The Mataitai reserves are established under the Fisheries Act, under the Waitangi Claim Fisheries Settlement

Act 1992. “We feel that the Crown’s obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, where the Mataitai reserves stems from, is not met,” says Reon earlier.

The iwi has issues with the Central bank pipi bed, Te Pari Taha, and the Tanea Shelf.

The iwi don’t want boulders removed from the shelf, which is a natural marine habitat, and is also the focus of the cultural issue.

“We see Mauao as an ancestor of ours, and how its been described is having the Tanea boulder shelf removed would be like cutting the toes or toenails- whichever way you look at it, off our tipuna, our ancestor,” says Reon.

The court resumes on August 4, at a location yet to be advertised.

By Andrew Campbell

SUVA SAILING

08 WATERLINE

The journey to Suva Sunday 15 May, forecast, “westerly 35 knots, rising to 45 knots for a time tomorrow, severe gale warning, seas becoming very rough”, at 1700 hours the Lagoon catamaran Isabella departed for Suva.

headsail to settle her down.

Breakfast was a non-event, plenty of food, just no one to put it in. The beam seas were definitely getting interesting. The odd one slammed onto the cabin windows and went right over the top of Isabella sending the coffee maker for a tumble along with heaps of other stuff. Isabella wasn’t wasting any time, we recorded 16 knots on the speed

On board, owner skipper Mark Scapens, accompanied by John Martin who was making his offshore debut, and myself.

Two reefs and some jib rolled away and we were off leaving Mayor Island to port.

Mark heated up dinner but he is the only one interested, John managed half but I knew if I just threw mine straight over the side I would definitely save time and energy. Isabella was trucking along making good speed, seas large and white topped.

Coming straight in on the beam they threw us around and made things very uncomfortable. John, who was by now talking to the bucket in the cockpit, was apprehensive of the noise and motion of the cat as she powered nor-east. Seas get rougher and we bore away 10 degrees and rolled away more

log. The first day’s run 210 miles.

This was the way we sailed north, in a hurry to get above New Zealand where we knew conditions would ease and by Tuesday we achieved our goal and the seas grew less boisterous, food became interesting

and life far more enjoyable. DVD’s became our evening entertainment. With the noise the cat makes as she sails and the generator going, the dialogue is often pretty much up to your imagination but nevertheless it still made a good interlude to the day.

By Wednesday we were motor sailing through an area of light wind to reach the SE flow 100 miles north of us. We passed two large Humpback whales lolling about on the surface.

SUVA SAILING

WATERLINE 09

Waiting for the seas to calm A Booby bird swooped by, landed on the foredeck and stayed the night. We presumed it was a she and call her Dolly. Dolly was not at all afraid of us and joined John and I as we hoisted the gennaker at dawn.

The gennaker flipped Dolly off her perch and she fell into the sea landing on her back with legs in the air. She did not look amused! The gennaker kept trying to wrap itself around the forestay before we could set it. With the jib set, the retrieval sock was going to wrap around the roller furler as we roll the jib away. With the jib rolled away, as the boat lurches about in the sea that is running, it keeps wrapping the whole sock around the forestay.

We abandoned the exercise in favour of breakfast. It was not long before we had too much breeze for the gennaker, as the SE trades kicked in.

Friday morning we were closing on South Minerva Reef in 35 knots of wind and seas that had built to 6 metres. John and I were in the fly bridge helm station on top of the cabin, (a Lagoon innovation) when a big

wave caught us side on, Isabella lurched over and the wave poured over the top as we hung on tight, now that was getting a little too interesting. The coffee maker took a fatal tumble off the bench and down the stairs into the port hull and lay mortally injured (Mark tried CPR but it never recovered).

John took over the helm from the autopilot and surfed the big ones hitting 18 knots. Isabella showed no tendency of burying her bows. Seas were such that a gybe to try to get into the lee of the reef was not an option so we headed for North Minerva 20 miles NE. We hand steered in order to make as much east as possible between the bigger sets of waves and slowly gained the lee of North Minerva. Down came the sails and out came the fishing gear.

John was the first one to get a hook up and fought a big Yellow Fin Tuna for

ages, got it to the boat but I lost it as I tried to gaff the thing. John was gutted but I knew my reward would be great in Heaven!

Mark was next with a Mackerel Tuna, then I got a Rainbow Runner and next a Yellow Fin of 25-28 kilos. That’s all we could freeze so inside the reef we went.

Two nights were spent in here waiting for the seas to calm down. Snorkelling and wading around was fascinating but when we showed John the shark hiding under the coral bommie that was the end of our fearless aviator’s diving career.

It was still blowing 35 knots when we left Minerva but as we sailed the 380 miles to Suva it moderated and we entered Suva under screecher and full main in perfect conditions. Passing a nice Prout catamaran that had gone up on the reef in the entrance to the harbour the night before, a reminder that vigilance is always necessary, even when you only have 1000 metres to go.

The trip took six and a half sailing days for over 1300 miles giving us an average of around 200 miles a day. Mark is a fun guy to sail with, John was totally wrapped with his first offshore passage and we all had an excellent adventure.

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TAURANGA YACHT & POWERBOAT CLUB NEWS

10 WATERLINE

CLUB NEWS

TYPBC NEWS Tauranga Marine Industry Association

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Omokoroa Boat Club

Mt Maunganui Yacht Club

TYPBC Women on Water

Focussing on tactics of racing Recently, the women of WOW deviated from their normal course and took time away from Tauranga Harbour.

Their destination? Lake Rotoiti, where they teamed up with the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron and participated in an exciting and educational weekend of lake racing.

Rotoiti proved a fantastic place to focus on the tactics of windward/leeward racing.

Light air on Saturday provided the perfect chance to work at keeping the kites full, while the blue skies provided a beautiful canopy under which to sail.

After the completion of four races (in which six boats competed), everyone met back at the Squadron’s clubhouse for the prize-giving and barbecue. The crews from the fastest three boats (on corrected time),

Major Tom (first), E-mail (second), and Convergence (third), all received bottles of wine, chocolate, and Squadron shirts.

Sunday, although a bit cloudier (and possibly fuzzier owing to the festive meal

and epic game of Scattergories at the bach on Saturday night), proved to be another successful day, with seven boats taking part in two long-distance races, and a picnic at Big Sandy Beach in between. Sunday’s three overall winners (whose scores were worked together on handicap from both long-distance races) were Major Tom, Wairua Express, and E-mail. A barbecue, and more wine, chocolate and shirts ensued.

As the weekend concluded, there was general consensus that the Lake Rotoiti trip should happen not just every year, but twice each year—so why not come along to our next event and see what WOW is all about?

For more information about WOW’s upcoming programme, e-mail wow. tauranga@gmail.com. And, lest we forget, a special thank-you goes to the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron!

Soon after the Lake Rotoiti weekend, WOW members met for their Annual General Meeting. The election of committee members saw Megan Harris take the helm as WOW’s new Chairperson, with Fi Charman taking over as Vice Chairperson. The other committee members are: Secretary, Deanne Mitchell; Treasurer, Diana Moulds; Boat Allocation, Delwyn Hodgson; Events Coordinator, Susie Pierce; Waterline Contributor, Nicole Harris; Merchandise Coordinator, Irene Ewens; Sponsorship Coordinator, Tina Jennen; Website and Communication, Diana Moulds; and committee General Members Sue Cook, Gill Needs, and Paulien Eitjes.

By Nicole Harris

TYPBC NEWS

BoPSAT Sailing opportunities BoPSAT is gearing up for its 2011/2012 series of 100 Go Sailing days.

These are being planned to commence in October 2011 and will coincide with the start of the Volvo Ocean Race, in Alicante, Spain.

Go to the BoPSAT.com website and register your interest in sailing and you’ll go in the draw to win one of 100FREEGo Sailing days. These day long sailing experiences, will be held at the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club, Sulphur Point and Bay of Plenty students between the ages of 8 and 12,

who register their interest online, as well as going into the draw for a FREE days sail, they will also go into the draw to win one of five poster of CAMPER, Emirates Team New Zealand’s Volvo Ocean Racing Yacht, signed by Skipper Chris Nicholson and the whole crew.

For Bay of Plenty students 13 years and older, check out the website and see what amazing sailing and Windsurfing opportunities are available for you!

If you’ve already done some sailing and you’d like to get out on the water again, give Roy a call on the ‘Bat’ phone below.

That’s one for us older guys. We’re getting out on the water with the Tauranga Yacht & Power boat, for their Winter Series. You don’t even have to own your own boat, you can hire one from BoPSAT Sailing from as little as $20 for the day.

Blo-kart me down!

After a huge amount of publicity and all the stops were pulled during the promotion of the Trade Me auction for the Blokart and the sail, but unfortunately it didn’t sell. We were hoping that the Blokart and sail, which has been signed

by BoPSAT’s Patron Dean Barker, Grant Dalton, CAMPER skipper Chris Nicholson and the entire crew of Emirates Team New Zealand’s Volvo Ocean Race Yacht, would raise in the order of $6,000 to $8,000, for the youth of Christchurch.

Having quite a few friends and family members living in Christchurch, I know how much this type of support would mean to the community there.

It’s not the end of the road by any means, we’ll just have to find another way to sell it. On a positive note, all the publicity lifted BoPSAT’s profile hugely. We received live interviews on two radio stations, Newstalk ZB and Classic Hits and the Press Release went to every Yacht Club

throughout New Zealand.

We just failed to find that somebody, who was happy to dig deep in order to assist. We know they’re out there somewhere and we’ll just keep looking.

On the evening of the day before the close of the auction, the Blokart Trade Me auction page was receiving on average, a hit every 20 seconds. In total it received 5101 views, with 108 Bidder/ Watchers. BoPSAT’s website stats also went off the Scale, with visits up by over 300%

The Blokart Pro, was generously donated by Paul and Matt Beckett of Blokart International Ltd and Paul reckons that Blokarts are the only land based sail craft that goes upwind like an AC45 and Paul should know, he invented the Blokart.

Get in touch, if you know anyone who’d like to take Paul up on his ‘boast’, with this uniquely signed sail.

If you ‘LIKE’ what we’re doing and you want to keep in touch, you can go to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BoPSATSailingand tick the ‘Thumbs Up’.

For more information contact: Roy Walmsley Ph:07 541 2341. E: roy@ bopsat.com. Web: www.bopsat.com

TAURANGA YACHT & POWERBOAT CLUB NEWS

WATERLINE 11

12 WATERLINE TYPBC NEWS

The view from the back With a boat left in Auckland at the end of a summer cruising season, the idea of racing her home in the Auckland Tauranga race held a lot of appeal.

I contacted my friend Carl Swete and after gaining our cat3 certificate and PHRF, Fiddlestick found herself entered in both B and short handed divisions.

Being a Carpenter 29 fitted out with a cruising rig we were under no illusions that our perspective on the race was going to come from somewhere near the back of the fleet.

We crossed the start line in a respectable position and drifted our way down the harbour with the other 40 boats. By the time we broke clear of the Motuihe channel we had established a firm hold on a position of third to last.

Competition

Our closest competitor was the 106 year old C class yacht Wairiki. She was a beautiful sight ambling along under its full rig into the sunset against the back drop of the Coromandel Ranges. She finally disappeared into the night amongst the cluster of navigation lights that were slowly pressing their way northward ahead of us.

Fiddlestick had secured her spot at

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TYPBC NEWS

the rear of the field. It wasn’t until late afternoon before we were finally treated to a good breeze.

We clung onto the back of the pack before falling into a hole off the tip of Cape Colville.

Frustration set in as we sat doing 360s with sails flapping hopelessly trying to catch any breath of air. Nature came to the rescue in the form of dolphins playing around the boat in pools of phosphorescence. The bright lights of Auckland city glimmered away in the distance as we sat and watched the gaggle of navigation lights disappear around Channel Island ahead of us. Any hopes we had of a respectable finish vanished into the darkness with them. We were soon joined by another yacht emerging out of the night. It too fell victim to our own demise by falling into the same hole as us. It was Begorrah, a Lotus 9.2.

Waiting for the breeze

After sitting for an hour and a half the breeze finally kicked in. With the help of a can of Red Bull the energy levels started to soar again. We set off in pursuit of the fleet. It soon became clear the Begorrah was closely matched to us in both speed and performance. We almost crossed tacks at one point but Fiddlestick defended her position of second to last with vigour.

By daybreak we were abeam Mercury Cove. Both Carl and I had managed a good hour or two of sleep. Our duel with Begorrah had seen us trade positions for last place several times. A check on the radio brought more comforting news.

A large portion of the fleet was just passing the Hole in the Wall some 7 miles ahead. We could just see outlines of white sails on the horizon.

The 106 year old C classWairiki.

TYPBC NEWS

WATERLINE 13

miles ahead. The wind continued to fade.

Fiddlestick began to wallow in a sloppy sea that was being fuelled by an easterly swell. Ahead we could see Begorrah had fallen victim to the same plight. She too sat floundering and going nowhere. The fleet disappeared over the horizon and once again our hopes of a respectable finish were dashed.

An attempt to catch up on sleep while we wallowed resulted in me revisiting the joyous feeling of seasickness; a condition I had not suffered from since I was a kid. For about two hours we sat and tossed and turned.

At last the north east wind that had been forecast kicked in. Being the last boat in the fleet we were first to get the breeze. We snuck past Begorrah and began charging our way down the coast at around 7 knots. Most of the fleet were around Slipper Island still wallowing in the light airs that we had just escaped.

Slowly sails began appearing on the horizon again. By 1 o’clock we were passing SlipFiddlestick skipper, John Martin. per Island ourselves,

A glimmer of hope shot through our veins as we realised that we had been able to cling on to the back of the pack.

A short sharp squall came through that saw Fiddlestick overpowered.

After a bit of debate we elected to make a sail change and not risk damaging our light weight headsail. It was a tactical mistake that would cost us dearly. No sooner had we done the sail change when the wind dropped again. By the time we hoisted our number one again, Begorrah sat some 2

Fiddlestick crewman Carl Swete.

locked in a battle with Begorrah. They had managed to edge ahead and we were unable to close the gap. We hoisted our spinnaker and once again regained the lead. This time Fiddlestick reached speeds of over 8 knots as we surfed down the small swells. Begorrah responded by hoisting a gennaker and slowly overtook us once again.

We crossed the finish line around 6.20 that evening about 100m behind Begorrah. We had fought valiantly but for all our efforts managed to claim the title of being the last boat home.

Prize giving the next day would see us land in 4th place in B division and 3rd in the short handed. It was a result that exceeded all our expectations and dreams.

One that I will remember forever. Many thanks to all those members and volunteers that worked the many hours both on the coal face and behind the scenes to make it such a success.

By John Martin

TYPBC NEWS

Exceeding expectations and dreams

14 WATERLINE

TYPBC NEWS

TAURANGA YACHT & POWER BOAT CLUB NEWS

Trailer yacht prize winners Trailer Yacht Division prize-winners for the 2010-11 season were presented with trophies during the Friday evening’s celebrations in the Clubhouse on 13 May. Bob Smyth on White Heat, the first Trailer Yacht in Division 2, Paul Sloan on Harmony 4 , the first Trailer Yacht in Division 3, John Burns on Mintaka summer series first Trailer Yacht in Division 4, John Burns also won Friday Night’s Two Handed Trailer Yacht series, Most Line Honours and Best Trailer Yacht for the season. Neil Turner on Itsallgo won the Tohe Trophy for striving throughout the season.

The cruising group awards were, Ron Stephens on Lilly presented the Seamanship Trophy, Joy Baker on Wizard, the Crewmanship Trophy and Bob Shaw on Le Ghost, the Cruising Trophy.

Caption: Trailer Yacht Division prize winners: Joy Baker, John Burns, Coral and Ron Stephens, Bob Shaw, Neil Turner. Absent: Bob Smyth and Paul Sloan.

OBC NEWS

WATERLINE 15

It is a joy to see the building extensions clad in and dry, at last.

Singles: Gary Paul Cosford, and Aaron Barnes We hope you enjoy your membership!

AGM – Reminder!

This will be at 3pm Sunday 26 June, at the club. The club needs more committee members, and there is a nomination form attached.

Building progress Steve and the boys have been really busy and the effort is well rewarded by a great job nearing completion.

There will be some changes and inconvenience as we have the entry and toilets relocated so please bear with us as we near the finish.

Painting both exterior and interior will be required and Sean and Steve are on the look out for brush wielders and plasterers so if you can assist contact the boys.

We are due to meet with Western Bay Council staff shortly to progress the concerns they appear to have over our project and we will report back probably at the AGM. With the AGM and Prize Giving coming in at the end of June now is your chance to nominate or be nominated for the Committee. We have several nominations already and some good candidates on offer but there is always room for more (Well to a maximum of 12 on the general committee).

Also, if you have fished well or sailed (no many sailors this last year!), or rowed, or pooled, be sure to attend the Prize Giving to receive the award for your efforts!

It will be a busy year with the new extension to be populated and furnished, a huge party to be held and the Rugby World Cup coming up in October for big screen watching!

It is great to know that the Bar Trade and Catering Contract are both going well and every one appears to be enjoying the early winter.

This is my last term as Commodore and I have enjoyed the challenges that the club has presented. However, it is great to see the growth we as members have achieved gives a real sense of the Club becoming the place to be in the upper harbour.

Thank you all for you support! One more Comment before the AGM then see you there.

New members-

At the May committee meeting the following new members were welcomed: -

Great progress by Willow Builders – the extensions have been closed in, the deck finished, and fitting out has started. Sean has been busy painting the southern end.

You can see Murray Bell working on the wiring in the interior shot.

The new veranda on the new deck will have glass walls to preserve the great views while providing shelter from the southerlies.

child and their chosen junior sport.

In 2008 a group of community residents set up the Omokoroa Family Festival as a vehicle for the local junior sporting codes and community groups to raise much needed funds. This event has been running for 3 years now and has been a great source of income to participating groups as well as providing an opportunity for the Omokoroa community and wider community to come together to showcase what is good about our area and socialise. It is also a great opportunity for businesses to promote themselves to the community.

This is a once a year event and requires the following from you parents; (Remember that there will be a number of participating groups who will also be helping in the same areas.)

Quiz nights are back

The Omokoroa Boat Club has started the winter quiz nights, with the first being held in the club rooms on Wednesday evening (11 May). These will run once a month through to September.

Seven teams took part on the first night, with very close scoring being a feature. The lead changed several times, and the winner emerged with a ten out of ten on the last round of Sporting Questions.

• First with 80 points were Sean and Marilyn McPherson, Kay Ducat, and Adrienne Jamison.

• Second on 77 were Hugh and Heather Reynolds playing with Brent and Trina Watts.

Three teams finished within 2 points of second place, so the contest did go down to the wire!

There were ten rounds of multi choice questions prepared by Geoff and Sue Gripton, with each round of questions having a common topic. These included the Royal Wedding (what colour was the Queen's dress?), World capitals (State Capital of Florida is?), the sporting week (Which team is currently bottom of the Premier League?), and History (How long did the Six day War last? My favourite!) The truth was out there, in one of the three possible answers given with each question.

Help for fundraising

As like most clubs and community groups the Omokoroa (club / group) needs to fundraise for equipment. This helps keep the fees down and ensures that your children have the resources and equipment to learn and train with to make sure they have the best possible means of enjoying and excelling in their chosen sport. Commitment from parents is necessary to support your

1. One or two persons to sit on the Omokoroa Family Festival committee. This Committee meets once a month to put ideas on the table and work on planning.

2. Parents to help with any phone calls that need to be made to confirm or book stallholders/advertisers 3. Parents to help set up on the day and pack down at the end of the event.

4. Parents to do a 1 hour shift on the day of the event as security around the perimeter 5. Parents to roster on any gold coin activity that the junior Football Club will provide on the day to raise extra funds and provide activities for the children.

6. Parents to roster on the entrance gate for about 1 hour during the event.

As you can see, this is not a lot of your time involved for such a large return. The more parents who take the time to be involved and support your child /children and their club the less work.

The Festival Committee now have all the working documents to follow the organising, planning and set up of this event. All the participating sporting groups have to do is follow the template and time lines.

We look forward to a great football season and look forward to your support for the Omokoroa Junior Football Club.

Please call John Budden on 07 548 1180 evenings!

John Budden, Commodore.

OMOKOROA BOAT CLUB NEWS

A busy year at Omokoroa

MMYC NEWS

MOUNT MAUNGANUI YACHT CLUB NEWS

16 WATERLINE

Gaining Volvo race insight Recently the new Round the World Volvo yacht Camper arrived in Tauranga.

The yacht had left Auckland the afternoon before and sailed down which took about 12 hours to arrive at Salisbury wharf around midnight.

Next morning unfortunately the weather was not kind - raining and windy - but

the crew and ground crew were met by members of the Mount Maunganui Yacht Club and soon after hot showers supplied at the Port of Tauranga and breakfast at Mount Ocean Sports Club the crew were ready to greet the public and” show off” their new yacht.

That night Grant Dalton spoke to a crowd at Mount Ocean Sports Club. He gave us an insight into the Volvo race that starts in 11/20011 and the new course around the world it takes. He also spoke about Emirates Team New Zealand and where they were at present in planning for the 2013 challenge in San Francisco.

We were also privilege to have the crew present from the yacht and they answered several questions from the floor.

Grant Dalton asked that the proceeds from the night were given to Youth Yachting Canterbury who had lost nearly all their yachts in the recent earthquakes.

From the night the Mount Maunganui Yacht Club has been able to pass on to the Camper team $2000 which they will pass on to Yachting New Zealand for Disbursement in Canterbury.

Next morning all those involved with the Camper Yacht had breakfast again at Mount Ocean Sports Club and left the harbour under sail for Gisborne, their next port of call. It was a great two days spent with the Camper crew and all the best for their challenge around the in the Volvo race when it starts.

By Wendy Souter

The winter series has begun Game on! The 2011 MMYC winter series has begun. Sunday 15 May commenced with a barbecue brekky and briefing at Pilot Bay which was conducted under extra ordinary conditions with sunshine and no wind.

Thanks to the Weather Gods and Bernie and Wendy, the fleet of 15 boats had 5 to 25knots, a nice long 16NM (30km) course and a swift incoming tide to race with.

The usual suspects lined up for the “B” division mass start at high noon. The Force 10 duo of Tom and Rita sailed a great race giving the handicap committee some work to do. Gillian and Code Zero battled for 2nd place. Silas Marner had her core crew

onboard and Antares gave spectators a great exhibition of roundups, how easy they are to perform and how quickly she can recover and sail on!

The “A” division boats were well represented. Line honours was given to Otway and an assurance that she’ll be the boat to chase over the season. Rigmarole was one of the couple that showed off her kite and Marbles sailed well despite having some “dodgy” crew onboard! The battle between Hanse Free and Windarra will continue with Arthur probably requiring neck surgery by the conclusion of the season.

Finesse must have been carrying all her summer cruising pots and pans, placing well back in the fleet… or it could be that her skipper was still “swanning” around the Kingdom of Tonga. Duty Free and Season

Ticket will also have the handicap committee scratching their heads. Wizzard kept the fleet busy trying to predict her next move. Santana scorched up to the start line a tad late with engine blazing, after digging a channel out of her berth at the Bridge Marina.

Only those well crewed boats dared to fly kites in the blustery conditions. The wind was unpredictable, bouncing bullets all around the base of the Mount at the start and keeping the crews busy. Nearing the end of the race, a big blast of wind came rolling down the harbour accompanied by a good deluge of rain giving the wet weather gear a test for the coming season.

Thanks to those skippers and crew for opening the season with a great race.

By Jim McCrone

MARINE NEWS

WATERLINE 17

Good work if you can get it The yacht Supermario’s visit to Tauranga encapsulates in one boat the reason why the Tauranga Marine Industries Association is trying to get its message out there to cruising yachties.

Since arriving last December Supermario has had a major refit with osmosis work done on the hull, a new teak deck laid, a stainless steel toe rail and stern gantry to support solar panels and wind generators, new sails, bimini cover and a lot of internal work.

Supermario is a Grand Soliel 52 built by Cantiere del Pardo in 1994 and owned by Paolo Grazzini.

Tony Arnold and Paolo Grazzini.

The work - well into six figures – was all done by TMIA members, apart from peeling the hull for the osmosis work which was carried out by an Auckland contractor.

Paolo Grazzini likes it here, and he’s told his friends, some of whom have also turned up for work on their boats.

He found the place by chance, says Paolo.

He was looking for somewhere to get work done while cruising across from Tahiti and Tonga, but he never saw anything about Tauranga, not at the Taina Marina, Papeete or in Tonga.

Cruising skippers all have laptops, and Tauranga doesn’t come up on a search for boatyards, says Paolo.

Another skipper handed him the TMIA booklet that was scattered across the South But the reason Paolo picked Tauranga was because bridge marina manager Tony Arnold replied promptly to his emailed requests about facilities.

Tony has had superyacht experience in Italy and speaks Italian, French, Portugese and Spanish.

“Tony was faster to reply, some of the other places didn’t reply,” says Paolo. “I came here and Tony drove me around to meet all the people. After that I decide to come back, I was here in a week.”

Paolo first emailed Tony from Tonga, and again after clearing customs at Opua and sailing to Auckland.

The boat has been in the green shed on the bridge marina hardstand since December and was returned

to the water late May. The job has also resulted in Hutcheson Boat Builders becoming one of only two New Zealand owners of HotVac machines, which apply vacuum adhered heating pads to hulls to accelerate the drying process during the osmosis treatment. The TMIA have already sent out over 250 cruisers booklets to the marinas and chandleries, yacht clubs and customs in Tahiti to lure the next wave of overseas cruising boats that pass through in June/ July.

By Andrew Campbell

SEA GYPSIES DOWN UNDER Have a read of the first 20% for free; you’ll be amazed as it contains actual experiences of cruising folk who share their stories of storms, shipwrecks, man-overboard, pirates / gunshot victims, diving experiences, shark attacks and helpful advice passed on by those who have already been there.

Anyone who has dreamed of throwing off the shackles of everyday life and running away to sea will find this book invaluable. It paints a true picture of life on board - the highs and lows - and gives expert advice on avoiding the pitfalls that many novice sailors fall into.

With a foreword by Grant Dalton and interviews with Sir Peter Blake's crew on Seamaster, this book puts you among the sailing greats.

Whether you're an armchair sailor or a real old salt, these interviews with genuine people living the dream will entertain and inspire you. Enjoy! http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37512 smashwords.com is another new company like ‘amazon’ just type in the title and the authors name on ‘Google’ and your ipod, ipad, iphone, computer will do the rest…

PENGUINS

18 WATERLINE

East Cape penguins starved East Coast beaches starved to death, says DOC. Their deaths were blamed on Petrobras’ seismic survey of the Raukumara basin by protestors attempting to disrupt exploration of the basin just north of East Cape.

Necropsy results from Massey University finds the penguins died after a prolonged period of starvation and exposure.

Eighteen little blue penguins from two different sites including those found washed up at Waihau Bay were tested says Ranger, Biodiversity Assets, Jamie Quirk.

No food was found in the stomachs of any of the 18 penguins, which included

eight adult females, five adult males and five young.

Twelve died of starvation/emaciation, five died of starvation/emaciation/exposure and one died from exposure/hypothermia and an infection.

The health of penguins is measured as a body score with a maximum of nine. The body score for 12 of the penguins was 2/9 and the remaining 6 scored 3/9.

“The penguin deaths are linked to the La Nina weather patterns which have reduced the amount of baitfish available.

The empty stomachs and low fat reserves leading to low body score are the result of this poor food availability” says Jamie.

Lack of communication sparks search An almost rescue on Queen’s Birthday weekend is a timely reminder for boaties to factor shorter daylight hours into decision making processes.

A search was about to be mounted for 18 year old Steven and 11 year old Brad Cameron who were reported two hours overdue at dusk on Monday, June 6.

A bit of lateness, a missing cell phone and that was all it took.

The boys’ mother, Janette, couldn’t see

the boys from the car park at the end of Matapihi Road.

They were down by the bridge and couldn’t get the 4m dinghy across the sand at low tide. The attachable wheels didn’t work.

“They tried to do that, but the wheels sunk into the sand,” says Janette.

“They couldn’t pull it across the sand and the tide was right out.”

It was getting dark and with no sign of them, Janette rang the Coastguard and the police.

The police called out the Coastguard

TECT rescue boat and the crew were just setting out when the boys showed up.

The boys are experienced in the boat, they have life jackets, but Steven’s cell phone was recently stolen.

“It’s now a rule that they must always have a cell phone on them,” says Janette.

A torch wasn’t part of the equipment because the fishing trip was expected to be completed in daylight hours.

The boys are embarrassed about it all, says Janette. They didn’t want to leave the dinghy, and the 11 year old didn’t want to be left alone with it as it was getting dark.

Answers to crossword from page 6 Across 3 5 6 9 12 14 16 17 18 19

Tide Mayday Sixteen Parallel Rule Clockwise Anchor Radio Knot Port Katabatic

Down 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 10 11 13 15

Red Three Transverse Barometer Stability Coastguard Magnetic North Reflector Wind EPIRB Isobar

WAIRIKI

WATERLINE 19

Looking at the big seas NIWA scientists are using special modelling techniques to build a long record of wave conditions to use for predictions of future coastal conditions.

CanvasLockerWL910

Some of the biggest waves on the planet pass just south of New Zealand, with the south western end of the South Island taking the biggest of them.

“Generally it’s one of the higher energy coasts in the world, certainly down southland and the West Coast. A bit further south in the Southern Ocean you will get bigger averages,” says NIWA scientist Dr Richard Gorman.

“The height of the waves relates to the danger facing our coastal areas. The most dangerous place is along the south and west coast of the South Island, with Fiordland seeing some of the highest waves. Wave heights average three metres on a typical day, but reach over ten metres at times.

“Wave heights in the North Island average around two metres on much of the west coast, and one metre on the east coast.”

The scientists are looking at the existing climate and at how future projections of climate change could affect wave height.

This NIWA research programme will develop and produce regional projections of waves, swells and storm surge on a national scale. The projections will support local

3a Landscape Road Tauranga Email: w.oldham@clear.net.nz

Tel: 07 576 3009 Fax: 07 576 3092 Mobile: 027 627 5448

government, engineering and planning consultants in making decisions about adapting to climate change in coastal areas.

“If you want to know about climate you need a long record to base it on. Unlike the data from meteorological stations, some of which have been in place for over 100 years, that length of record is not available for waves where the longest record from Baring Head near Wellington is only 15 years.

So we use numerical modelling to fill in the gaps in the record,” says Richard.

“We are looking to complete the project late next year and have the results available through a new web-based system.”

By Andrew Campbell

CREW CUT

20 WATERLINE

There are many reasons to choose a project The story behind Noel Reeve’s decision on his current project is a mix of nostalgia and New Zealand boating history.

Crewcut’s pre purchase inspection on the hard.

He’s restoring Crew Cut, a John Hacker 23 which was one of four boats built to that design in New Plymouth in the mid 60s.

Crew Cut’s original owner Dennis Lobb then sailed her off overseas; Lord Howe Island, Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, The Solomons Norfolk Island…

Noel with his work in progress.

His traveller’s tales were printed in Seaspray, a now defunct but then popular New Zealand boating magazine – and were the inspiration for a 20 year old Noel. It’s now named Amokura and is still in Lyttelton.

“I had to get married and got rid of it – I lost two boats to that marriage.” He says.

The designer John Hacker was a naval architect based in Dunedin in the 50s and 60s, says Noel. He designed a lot of steel fishing boats, tugboats and a number of yachts.

He’s built other boats since then and Noel and his wife Natalie operate the Luv Boat in Tauranga after spending seven years cruising on board Kyrie, a 43 foot Wilf O’Kell design that Noel launched in 1980.

Noel’s always had boats. He built his first boat when he was eight and in the years since he’s only had two weeks when he didn’t own a boat.

He found Crew Cut on Trade Me five months ago, and it wasn’t long before they were up in Auckland inspecting the yacht that played an unknowing part in his boat building career.

“A young fellow had bought it, had it about a year. It wanted a lot of work,” says Noel.

Crew Cut where she will be for the next year or so, on the cradle under the tarp.

CREW CUT

WATERLINE 21

Rebuilding the gulley “It had been sitting at Whangarei for about 30 years. Nobody had been on her for about 30 years.”

Built of strip planked Oregon with laminated spotted gum ribs, the hull was sound, but there was a bit of dry rot about the chain plates and a few cracks in the deck, which was built in transverse planked kauri.

“They didn’t have plywood in those days,” says Noel.

The cabin roof is double diagonal kauri and the deck beams are longitudinal to preserve headroom. It’s a solution that seems to work says Noel.

The interior has been stripped, Everdured and painted. He’s now in the process of rebuilding the galley, forward cabin and generally tweaking the interior.

“I’ve rebuilt the galley. I had to raise it another 100mm for the oven we got,” says Noel. “Which is something that worked out.

I’ve got myself a knife and fork drawer now.”

Crew Cut came with a good mast, Tufnell winches on the mast and bronze deck winches. She’s also got a good suite of sails, a legacy from an earlier attempt to change the rig.

She still sails like a witch, says Noel. On the delivery voyage under a reefed mainsail Crew Cut was heading towards Tauranga at eight knots – pushed along by a 25 knot or so northerly.

With three quarters of a ton of lead in the keel, Crew Cut is very stable.

“When Natalie and I come on board off the dinghy and walk around the deck, it hardly moves,” says Noel.

By Andrew Campbell

Crew Cut arriving by truck at the Wairoa.

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CLASSI

22 WATERLINE

Call FOR SALE

Finance for all marine finance 07-574 0002 or 0274 435 524 available 7 days

VistaCRaFt 14 - 14.2ft Fiberglass, mariner 40hp, Johnson 6hp aux, new paint, ski pole, high pole, new rod holders & cleats. Very tidy and economical boat.

Great for harbour fishing and skiing/wakeboarding. $4300 ono. Don - 021 298 6647 PElin FOR salE - 28’, professionally built, reconditioned Nissan ED 33 110HP diesel engine, mint condition. Comes with dinghy and outboard. $49,000. Ph 07 579 4128 or 027 291 2929. staRlinG FOR salE - “CARPE DIEM” 1130, Professionally built & launched oct 1994, Built on same jig as “Helter Skelter” (1131), This yacht and fittings are in excellent condition Has been compliant with Bow Jig. Extras include Aluminium Beach Trolley, Road Cover and Spare Mast. Asking Price $3,900.00. Telephone 021 120 7060.

YaCHt FOR salE - 7mtr catalina yacht trailer sailor. Trailer warranted, registered and ready for the road. Pop top cabin, sleeps four, dual batteries, VHF & CB radios, stereo system. Price $17,500 neg.

Ph (07) 542 3102 or 027 628 7900.

GanlEY timERidER, 38 ft Steel Sloop. Proven offshore yacht. Well maintained & equipped. Excellent condition. Professionally built 1992.

Sleeps 6-7. Interior attractive light woodgrain. Large water & diesel tanks, 50hp Nissan engine, Fleming windsteering. $189,000 ph (07) 8627455 or email srlobb007@hotmail.com CatamaRan - 3yr old 11.4 mtr, Roger Simpson, Wildside, Twin 10 hp Yanmar, Diesels. 3 Queen, Size Double berth. Galley. Nav Station, Heads. Saloon. Usual instruments. Ph 07 866 5157 or email cox. wall@xtra.co.nz. lidGaRd 7.9m - Launched approximately 1956. Kauri planked, powered by 60hp nissan diesel, 7.5 knots cuise, economical at 5 ltrs/ hr cruising Accommodation for 2, toilet, gas cooker, game rigged.

Electronics include VHF, GPS, chartplotter, depthsounder. Vessel is in sound condition. 027 447 2393.

WatER PumP - 25PSI, Sureflow. As New $120. Ph 0274 333 220.

BOat and sulPHuR POint maRina BERtH 26ft hartley sedan launch. View boat and full details at berth B43, Sulphur Point. Boat $23,000 ono. 8 metre marina berth $16,036 with launch. Has cruised and fished to Mayor, the Mercs and Great Barrier. Ready to go again.

Passed insurance survey December 2010. Ph 07 543 4099 or 027 239 6445 main sail - 7.5oz, hoist 43’ 7”, foot 14’ 9”, 5 reaths, 5 7/8 slides, very good condition. $400 ono. Ph 021 243 5555.

FOldinG PROP - briski, 16 x 12. 25mm shaft. Right handed NZ. $500 ono. Very good condition. Ph 021 243 5555 OmOKOROa mOORinG - Prime location opposite Boat Club. Suitable for up to 40ft boat $8000. Recently surveyed - September 2010. Ph 548 2314.

QuaRtER sHaRE in VindEx 10 mEtRE launCH - Shaft drive, 180 hp Ford Diesel Turbo, Sleeps 6, two showers, 3 steering stations cruises 10-12 kts. This syndicate has been operating successfully for 6yrs. A great opportunity to enjoy the pleasures a launch offers whilst sharing the costs. Based at Tauranga Bridge Marina. Price $20,000 Ph 548 2314.

YaCHt - Moonraker 26ft keeler. 5 sails, 4 stroke vovlo 2 cyl inboard motor. Fully serviced. Starts every time. Hummingbird depth sounder, marine radio, radio cassette, toilet, gully, includes 2 burner stove. 6 berth. 20l water tank, 20l fuel tank, last slip March 2010. Draft 4’6”, 8’ 2” beam. 2m fibreglass dinghy. $12000. 07 548 2114 or 027 548 2114.

HaRtlEY ts18 - ‘Antares’ is in really good condition. Trailer has WOF. She has been beautifully built inside and out with painted wood interior

and can sleep up to 4 people. Comes with Honda 5HP outboard motor with stand for easy storage. Drop keel makes her a great family boat for going to places in and around the harbour. She has had new aluminium mast and rigging by Mike McCormack and new winch and guide bars added to trailer, for easy launch and retrieval. All ready to go for 2011. Asking price $4,500 ono. Phone Ian Gray 07 578 5022 or 027 572 9439.

4.95 aluminium mast and sail - plus centre board, rudder and anchor. All in V.G. condition. Open to reasonable offers. Please ring 576 0294 (has answer phone). mOORinG - C6 The Strand, Town Reach, Tauranga, new survey. Upto 10.5m. $1000 spent on survey. $4000 ono. Contact 07 307 9097 or 027 307 9009. mOORinG FOR salE - Waikaraeo Estuary #5. Good position, good swing, good depth. Fully rebuilt. Suit up to 29’ boat. Phone 07 576 1309 tROJan tRailER YaCHt - 7.5m plus marina berth. New antifoul, new rigging, 5 sails, 2 spinnakers, 8HP yamaha, autohelm, all in good condition. View B39. $31,000. Ph 07 576 3461 or 021 0279 5289.

YaCHt - 26’ vanderstadt centreboarder, on launching trailer in hardstand. Very nice condition. 8HP yamaha outboard, alloy s/s rig. $12,990 neg. Ph 0274 272 054.

OHOPE mOORinG FOR salE - #28, 50m from wharf. Excellent condition and serviced. $1500 or trade trailer sailer and cash difference.

Ph 07 345 9080 sPinnaKER FOR salE - off Davidson 32. 11.5m-6.8m, orange/ white. In good condition $600. Phone 06 868 8328

TO RENT

mOORinG - town reach by Kestrel. Newly surveyed. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616. mOORinG - Waikareao Estuary. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616. mOORinG - Tanners Point. Excellent position, available for rent or for sale. Ph 07 570 0333 mOORinG - Omokoroa, best position. For rent or for sale. Ph 07 570 0333. mOORinG to rent or buy Tanners Point. Ph 0274 915 616. mOORinG - Omokoroa. Phone 021 114 739. mOORinG tO lEasE - Tanners Point. Suit launch or multihull. Long term. ph 5490091 sWinG mOORinG - for rent or sale at Tanners Point. Recently serviced. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616. mOORinG - Pilot Bay, suitable for 28-38’ yacht. In reasonable order.

Available 10 months of the year, from 1st March to 31st December. Ph 021 960 720

WANTED

sWinG mOORinG by Tauranga Bridge marina. Long term. For 8 tonne boat. Phone 021 963 399. mOORinG tO BuY - either Bridge marina area or slipway side of Pier at Omokoroa.

Phone 0276 769 802. sHaREs in launCH - and marina berth. 30 to 40 feet. Cash buyer, what have you? Phone Malcolm 576 6443 mOORinG tO BuY - Te Puna, shallow mooring fine. email simon. ifes@gmail.com. Phone 07 552 4694 WantEd tO REnt: Swing mooring for 25ft yacht, also short term marina berth. Phone/text Marc, 027 200 2316.

HaRtlEY 16 Fibreglass trailer sailer. Ph 07 576 0207. sPinnaKER to fit a Noelex 30. Ph 06 868 8328.

DIRECTORY

WATERLINE 23

BATTERIES

FISHING & DIVING

Ph/Fax: 07 578 8056 25 Marsh Street, Tauranga 0274 894 056

Ph/Fax 07 575 9056 15 Newton St, Mount Maunganui Ph/Fax 573 4493 155 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke

Battery Warehouse

Battery Direct NZ Free delivery in NZ www.BatteryDirect.co.nz sales@batterydirect.co.nz 0800 267 468

BOAT MAINTENANCE

Big Fish Bait and Tackle Co

Blue Ocean Charters Ltd Ph 0800 224 278 www.blueocean.co.nz email: info@blueocean.co.nz

Mount Dive Shop

GemCo Ltd

15 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui Ph: 575 4418

Hutcheson Boatbuilders

MV Manutere Brett Keller Ph: 07 552 6283 0274 351 353 Email: fishingcharters@xtra.co.nz

R63 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui Ph 572 2411

Ph:07-578 8312

Robert Page Engineering 27 Glasgow Street, Tauranga Ph:07 578 4171 www.robertpage.co.nz

Matamata Motor Trimmers & Upholstery Boat clears, canvas work, upholstery Ph: 07 571 4421 Cnr Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Tauranga

Tauranga Marine Charters

INSURANCE

Tauranga Insurance Ph: 571 0405 195 Devonport Rd, Tauranga

KAYAKING

Oceanz Stainless Engineering

Canoe & Kayak BOP

BOAT SALES

Viking Kayaks

Ph:07-571 4130 30-34 Mirrielees Road, Tauranga www.southernoceanmarine.co.nz

Challenger Boats

142 Newton Road, Mount Maunganui Ph 07 575 0497

Ph:574 7415 3/5 MacDonald St, Mt Maunganui OPEN 7 DAYS 9-5pm

Specialising in fishing and recreational kayaks.

0800 529 253 www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

www.challengerboats.co.nz

MARINA

Ph 07 579 9716 email: tauranga@gulfgroup.co.nz www.gulfgroup.co.nz

Ph: 07 575 8264 Fax: 07 575 8369 VHF: Ch 73 “Bridge Marina”

Gulf Group Marine Brokers

Hutcheson Boatbuilders 07-578 8312

Mastertech Marine 60 Whiore Avenue, The Lakes, Tauriko Tauranga Ph:579 4240 www.mastertech.co.nz

Tauranga Boat Sales

Bridge Marina, Harbour Bridge Ph: 07-575 0512 www.taurangaboatsales.co.nz

CHANDLERY

Steves Marine Supplies Ph: 07 578 9593 18 Cross Road, Sulphur Point, Tauranga

DELIVERIES Ross Hislop

Ph: 07 543 1023, mob 0274 770078 Email: hislopra@xtra.co.nz

ELECTRONICS

Bay Marine Electronics Steven Gillett Ph: 07 577 0250 www.baymarineelectronics.co.nz

FINANCE

AFB Accept Finance Brokers Ph: 07 574 0002

Tauranga Bridge Marina

RIGGING

Mike McCormick

Ph: 578 3071 59 Mirrielees Rd, Tauranga

TRAILERS

Prescott Trailers

Ph 07-573 9130 29 Station Rd, Te Puke www..prescotttrailers.co.nz

Greerton Engineering Ph 541 0024 64 Maleme Street TAURANGA www.greertoneng.co.nz

CLUB CONTACTS

Mount Maunganui Yacht Club Ph: 542 0305

Omokoroa Boat Club John Budden Ph: 548 1180 Alan Roberts Ph: 579 1967

Tauranga Game Fishing Club Keith Allen Dr, Sulphur Point Tauranga Ph: 578 6203

Tauranga Marine Industry Assn.

PO Box 13303 Tauranga Steve Glover www.tmia.co.nz or secretary@tmia.co.nz

Tga Yacht & Power Boat Club PO Box 14352 Tauranga Ph 578 5512

FISHING

24 WATERLINE

Doing well on snapper Patchy is the only way to describe the weather in The Bay over the last month.

15 NEWTON ST, THE MOUNT. 575 9056

155 JELLICOE ST, TE PUKE. 573 4493

OPEN 7 DAYS

OPEN 6 DAYS

The small windows that we have had have seen some excellent fishing.

Good numbers of boats have been heading out during these periods and some good reports have come back in.

The snapper fishing is still hot in most areas up and down the coast, fish still holding in shallower water. We have normally seen a slow down by now but we have had a couple of good stir ups to keep the fish in feeding mode and the water is still warm.

From other areas, we have reports of nice snapper off the beach at Papamoa and Matata for the surfcasters, not lots of fish but some nice specimens up to 3kg landed. Softbaiting off the rocks at The Blow Hole has been very successful, mainly trevally gurnard and kahawai, the odd snapper, the bait fishos also having some success. The Cut has been productive on both sides for both snapper and kahawai. The beach longliners continue to have success. The fish were biting very aggressively during the new moon period, I guess they don't have to worry as much about sneaking up on their prey.

The harbours are still fishing well, good numbers of snapper up to 4kg. Just outside the Tauranga entrance around 'A' Pole, gurnard, snapper and trevally. Heading North up towards Bowentown and Waihi and South past Town Point and Pukehina, I have had lots of reports from kayak fishos. Both them and the boaties doing well on snapper, trevally and gurnard in the 15-20m zone, the snapper are not massive but are in very good condition, lovely eating fish.

Not a lot from the mechanical jigging fraternity but those straylining a pilly on a good solid rig and using fluorocarbon leader have been doing well in the usual jigging spots. Those targeting the deeper water for bass, bluenose and gemfish also doing well over the last couple of weeks.

The big stir ups after from the storms definitely have a positive effect on the fishing, the large amount of food suspended in the water and the water temperature still being relatively warm will keep things going for a few more weeks at least.

There are still lots of skippies around, they have been incredibly close to shore on occasions, there is still time to fill up the freezer.

The research vessel Tranquil Image left Tauranga recently, heading for the Kermadec group of Islands. This is the latest in a series of research trips by five scientists under the umbrella of NIWA and the Te Papa Museum. Their objective is to discover new species and also look for known species at various water depths up to 1000m. So far they have identified several new hagfish species. They take samples by dropping baited traps down to various depth, the traps also have cameras attached so not only do they catch fish but they can also see what is going on down there.

The competition calendar is almost at an end for this year, there are still a few tournaments to run that have been postponed from bad weather and some end of season fresh water events.

The Tauranga Game Fishing club held their Kids Fishing Competition recently, they were lucky to get the window of opportunity.

There were a good number of kids entered and some nice fish weighed in, the heaviest snapper at just over 5kg. Other species weighed were kahawai, tarakihi, gurnard, mackerel, trevally and spotties. Great to see the kids getting involved.

The Tauranga Club also kicked off their annual broadbill drift, this competition runs until the end of June.

The fishing is still good out there, being ready to go is the key so we can take advantage of the smaller windows of opportunity as they present themselves.

By Bruce Weston

FISHING

WATERLINE 25

Snapper in their eyes We had spent the first few days revelling in the fine weather and calm seas on the outside coast of the island and around Arid Island.

Eventually we had to go around the top end and head down the inside. Last time we did this trip the inner bays and headlands produced some very nice Boar fish, so I was pretty keen on having a plate of tasty Boary again.

Skipper John dropped Graeme and Steve off at a headland as they still had snapper in their eyes. He parked the boat up in a nice sheltered spot known to produce boar fish.

I geared up and slipped into the water. It was warm and vis was maybe eight metres.

The bay we were in was reasonably shallow, maybe 10-12 metres to the bottom. Kelp was growing on the rocky ledges and slopes of the islands, but stopped as it hit the finer silt of the bottom. This just looked great.

Dropping down the kelp covered slopes I would cruise along the weed line and sneak out to any weedy promontory that caught my eye. A few startled pan-sized snapper scooted off, but no Boar fish or John Dory.

Great Barrier 2011, with the Mount Maungaui Underwater Club.

The school of small snapper trailing along behind me grew steadily.

Eventually, off in the distance I saw a reasonable sized snapper, but as Boar was the target I kept my focus. The mob grew bolder as my ‘disinterest’ in them grew.

They would approach closer as I surfaced and slink away when I dived down. Still no target species and a good look at rent-acrowd identified a very nice sized specimen.

Time to change the plan.

The gentle slope of the rocks did not leave me a lot of cover so it was time to berley up. At the top of the slope, kina could easily be seen on the barren patches.

The plan was to grab a few kina from the

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shallows, swim out over the slope, to where it was deeper, then crack the kina open and let them drop down the water column. At first the masses of small snapper would wait until I swam off before descending on the kina, but as the frenzy grew they became more reckless, grabbing the kina pieces as they drifted down. I kept my eye on the bigger specimens.

They were wary, but were missing out on the feast. Finally even the big boys were taking the kina from right underneath me. The next time I laid down the berley I had my gun. This scared the fish a bit, but remaining calm I just swam back a few more times dropping the feast until once again the bigger snapper were right under me, their heads down in the weed. Lining up I shot the first one, stone dead, instantly.

No fuss what so ever.

After dealing with catch I looked back and saw the feast was still going on. Dropping down to the weed I crept back. A nice snapper popped its head up, its mouth full of kina. That was its last meal. I swam back to the boat, one happy spearo, two snapper but no boar fish.

By Glen Grant

26 WATERLINE

HARBOUR ENTRANCE

Watch your depth

Boaties using Ohiwa and Opotiki harbour entrances are facing potentially hazardous conditions as a result of the shallow depths.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has recently been confirming water depths by taking soundings of the harbour entrances.

Brian Spake, the Harbourmaster for the Eastern harbours says that the entrances have shifted and that the water is also shallower: “Both Opotiki and Ohiwa harbours are enclosed by sand bars, and the best available water lies to the west (Opotiki) or north-west (Ohiwa) of these entrances�.

Any boaties using these entrances need to be aware of the changes to avoid any risks when leaving the harbour or returning across the bar. If you are using the Opotiki entrance, the Regional Council says the deeper water lies next to the western beach in the direction of Moutohora (Whale) Island. Mr Spake says that boaties should cross the bar heading out to the north-west on a compass (magnetic) heading of 310 degrees and inbound bar crossings should be carried out with a south-east heading of 130 degrees. "The shallow inner bar extensions will need to be further negotiated once they are across the main outer bar", Mr Spake said.

The conditions in the Opotiki harbour entrance are particularly hazardous as the water is very shallow with the Opotiki bar entrance only 0.6 metres above chart datum. The lowest tide predicted to fall over the next three months is 0.3 metres and the Regional Council says that the shallowest depth for the Opotiki entrance would consequently be 0.9 metres. As a result the Harbourmaster has restricted all vessels navigating the Opotiki Harbour entrance to two hours either side of low tide.

The Ohiwa Harbour (with a bar depth of 1.1 metres above chart datum) and Whakatane Harbour entrances (with a bar depth of 1.9 metres above chart datum) are currently unrestricted but will be monitored during the coming months. The Thornton (Rangitaiki River) entrance (with a bar depth of just 0.3 metres above chart datum) has a three hour restriction either side of low tide in place for all vessels.

Anyone using the Eastern Bay of Plenty harbour entrances should be aware of the potentially dangerous conditions and make appropriate trip plans.

By Lucy Brake

BATTERY WAREHOUSE

MAKETU BAR

WATERLINE 27

Traffic lights for coastal bars It may be some time before it’s known which if any bar crossing in the Bay of Plenty will have traffic lights installed.

The government is looking at installing signal lights on dangerous coastal bars as a safety measure.

The first bars to get the lights will be the Buller and the Waimakariri bars, ACC Minister Nick Smith announced recently in Greymouth.

“Coastal bars are high risk areas in which 12 New Zealanders have drowned in the past decade,” says Nick. “It can be very difficult to assess how dangerous conditions can be, particularly from sea. This initiative is about improving safety by warning boat users when a bar is at its most dangerous.

“The conditions on coastal bars change quite rapidly with the tides and flood flows from rivers. Lives would be saved by boat users delaying crossing the bar until conditions improve,” says Nick.

The marine traffic lights are being trialled as part of a joint injury prevention initiative from ACC, Coastguard New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Maritime New Zealand.

SLNZ will be picking the 30 sites, but the organisation is unable to say yet which ones they are or how they will be picked.

The first lights will be trialled at Greymouth next year and the Waimak in 2013.

ACC has contracted Coastguard New Zealand to evaluate another 30 sites around New Zealand for potential use of the tool.

The traffic light warning system could be viewed by boat users on shore and at sea to indicate whether conditions were safe-green, hazardous-orange, or dangerous-red, based on wave, flow, tidal and weather information.

ACC invested $100,000 in the Coastal Bar Risk Management Tool as part of its drowning prevention strategy. The tool analyses information from incidents and near misses at specific coastal bars.

“There is no substitute for good boating skills and safety judgement but these modern tools can help improve the safety of our most dangerous boating sites,” Dr Smith said.

By Andrew Campbell

Spending a life at sea Shining white, gliding, flapping, gliding …suddenly there above the water, now skimming the waves, now lost against the sky.

Sometimes just one lord of the air, then 3, or 4, together but apart. Up, up, then DIVE! Wait, watch … …18,19,20… yes, there it is, on the water, head up as it swallows.

The Australasian gannet is a true seabird, landing to breed in huge and noisy colonies, but spending most of its life at sea, usually in the highly productive shallow continental shelf and inshore waters. It is a huge bird, some 90cm long, wingspan up to 2 metres, weight 2300gms.

Black trailing edge to the wing and some black tail feathers set off the gleaming

white body. Buff-yellow head and bluish grey bill complete the finery.

Inflatable airsacs beneath the skin of the lower neck cushion the impact of those spectacular plunges from 20-30m above the water.

Dive depth is usually shallow, but the birds probably also use wings and feet to power after fast-moving fish. They also make shallow surface dives. Saw-like serrations on their cone-shaped bill secure the slippery small fish and squid they feed on.

Our three mainland gannetries are well known – Muriwai, Cape Kidnappers and Farewell Spit. Over 20 more are on less accessible islands. Parents share the 44day incubation of their single egg, then care for the chick for more than 100 days.

In turn they forage, returning to regurgitate food for the young one. One study logged

493 trips, ranging from 86-400 kms, for one bird in a breeding season. The fledged chicks head off to Australian waters, returning usually at 3-7 years, ready to breed around age 5.

Adults range widely in New Zealand and Australian seas over the winter, covering thousands of kilometres.

They have been seen flying at altitudes of 2500m. Time of return to the different gannetries varies, probably related to water temperature affecting food availability.

The New Zealand gannet population is stable, around 55,000 breeding pairs.

Most breeding grounds are protected from human disturbance. Black-backed gulls will steal eggs if the birds are disturbed. Oil spills are a major threat.

Please name me when you see me – I am takapu, the Australasian gannet.

28 WATERLINE

Is research really necessary?

I’ve had some pretty amazing young people on board studying whales, dolphins and boat interactions with the same.

I wonder whether they are wasting their time and should be using their youth to explore the earth on an individual basis, to enjoy and play while they still have the strength and power that youth offers.

I wonder whether they wouldn’t be better rewarded sailing the Pacific as crew on a yacht or tramping in the remote highlands of Borneo. Getting to know different cultures, climates and engaging and connecting with nature in a much more pure form than simply gathering spurious information and filling in clipboards while their youth silently slips away.

I don’t know about this growing interest for ‘research’. It seems that there’s a lot more people studying a lot of things about seals, dolphins, whales, rare fish, fauna flora, the sea bed, the surface, water columns and salinity. Researchers have always been a part of the waterfront but there seems to be a lot more of them in the last year or two. What on earth are they trying to find out that isn’t already known?

I wonder what the point of more ‘research’ is when so much is already known about the over-all decline in the health of Marine ecologies the world over.

Much of the ocean’s natural balance is destroyed already.

Growing population That which is not destroyed is rapidly getting to that point. With a growing world population, which equates to the population increasing by the population of Japan each year, being forced to find space to live, clean water and food the ocean is the food basket, albeit (research supports this) finite and temporary. Pressure on marine resources will not stop and unless the cause of human population increase cannot be identified (I know it’s obvious but that’s not the underlying biological factor) and reversed.

In fact it could be argued that the onslaught of industrial pillaging of the oceans is complicit in increasing the populations as the food thus gained is aggressively sold to markets quite alien from this food source. One biological fact (research supports this too) is that life will expand to fit the available food source.

Research already shows clearly that humanity needs to recede behind ecological boundaries and allow the sea (and the land) to recover and heal. Modern research is driven by a failing disastrous economic

model that is creating more problems than it can solve. The state of nature, the state of the ocean, is clearly the invective of the surrounding human society. The quality of care and utilisation of nature will always be clearly reflected by the eco-system utilised.

If the utilisation and exploitation is out of whack with the natural physical laws, then there is literally no other future than increasingly rapid depletion and change.

Research that supports this premise is already proven and available. Honest results of decades of research advocate change and even how the much needed change should have taken place. Still, not only have essential changes been ignored but there is a persistence of disingenuous research that appears to do little more than search for loopholes. It seems that research has become an industry which is more interested in the self sustainability of whatever research institute is involved.

Credibility

Some, just a few it seems, honest scientists have studied diligently but are frustrated, and often attacked, by the status quo if their research produces results in controversy to that which was desired, perhaps by funders, or which may put the ‘credibility’ of the research agency in doubt.

Knowledge is no longer power, credibility is power and knowledge may have been relegated largely to opinion while research is used as public promotion of the institute with the help of spin doctors and public relations firms. Such agencies as DOC and universities are partnering with private enterprise to fund ‘research’. Such partnerships would really beg the question that research obtained could not be without bias.

Regardless, there won’t be any loopholes found or flaws in any research that honestly portrays the state of the ocean.

The science supporting the state of local marine ecologies, harbours, fish stocks, water quality etc., is robust. No new researchers will change those findings no matter how much public funding is thrown at them, no matter how much corporate partnering DOC or other Govt. agencies involve themselves with, no matter how much sanitizing of resource strippers is attempted by the spin doctor PR companies.

It’s stuffed mate and getting stuffed-er’.

Enjoying the ocean while letting it get on with the business of its recovery is, as I have found for the last 30 years or more, remarkable. To sail, to enjoy the fauna and flora in a non exploitative way has been my life for many years. I long ago discovered that engagement with nature, its beauty

BUTLER’S VIEW

and wildness, its unpredictability is still, addictively fascinating. I can go to sea, watch and engage with animals in a way that, to the uninitiated, would seem surreal. To fishers everywhere my world may seem bizarre. Scientists are likely to see my activities as folly and selfish. Some academics have embraced my philosophy. I believe I have no need to disgrace myself while I’m a guest of nature and I find I have no need to kill or otherwise exploit flora or fauna in any way in order to fully enjoy my life on the water.

I wonder if one day researchers will study how people (like me) can get the best sense of well being from the ocean.

Whether as much contentment can be had sailing, perhaps accompanied by a pod of dolphins, a whale or a few mysterious albatross rather than that achieved eating a fish burger or being pissed and not catching fish. Perhaps researchers may find that Government spending on health, for example, will be substantially reduced if people learn to de-stress themselves by engaging directly and co-operatively with the forces of nature. Perhaps people will find reducing their intake of booze, tobacco, drugs and food is easy while mentally engaged with the sheer pleasure of being surrounded by ocean or while actively participating in diving, sailing, swimming, snorkelling and the like.

Connecting people

People are largely disconnected from nature, results of more research, so any activity that connects people with the natural energies, such as surfing using wave energy, wind surfing, using wind energy, which doesn’t require major expenditure, which is popular and social and simply sustainable must surely provide the essence of life in abundance.

I wonder if one day youthful researchers will be allowed to present their findings with passion, when their findings are accompanied by their spontaneous travels and oceanic experiences. Perhaps such research will show there’s great hope for the future of people, not just the ocean or the planet but for people. Imagine people individually empowered to fully enjoy the experience of life.

Perhaps by being inspired by the examples given by young people living a good life to the full, other people living in places like New Zealand will be healthier, physically and mentally, de-stressed and living a life connected with natural laws.

A fine life that fully reflects the beneficial effect that a 100% pure clean green environment can give.

GREEN SAILOR

WATERLINE 29

Maketu’s green sailor After 15-years running the Galapagos Island’s first yacht charter business, Maketu’s Julian Fitter knows a bit about sailing and protecting wildlife.

Maketu environmentalist Julian Fitter with a Tristan Albatross on Gough Island (South Atlantic) Supplied Photo by Tui De Roy The passionate British-born environmentalist and writer recalls arriving in the wildlife haven in 1964, when the island group off Ecuador was still a far-flung destination attracting less than 300 visitors a year.

Arriving on the Charles Darwin Foundation’s first support vessel Beagle he was enchanted by the wildlife haven, and was soon sailing around the islands on a converted fishing boat developing his own charter business. Combining the roles of captain, cook and tour guide – he carried most of the work himself in the early years.

“We also had a deckhand onboard. I remember we had one good one, but they varied widely,” he laughs.

The converted fishing boat carried six passengers on trips that were as varied as his guests. “In those days we just went where we wanted to, it was a lot freer.”

“It was very relaxing in those early days.

I particularly liked it when we had bigger groups of 15 or 20. We would go out with three boats and have a great time,” he says.

“The people who got to the Galapagos in those days were very adventurous and lots of fun.”

Problems with the converted fishing boat soon had him soon returning briefly to England to source a more suitable boat – a 46 foot cutter – which he then sailed back with his family.

The more he saw the Galapagos group’s amazing wildlife the more important he believed it was to protect island ecosystems – where isolation has enabled wildlife to develop uniquely. Thanks to the introduction of predators including cats, dogs and rats and other predators the once abundant iguanas and giant turtles had become much rarer sights on some islands.

He ran the charter business for 15 years – witnessing rapid growth in Galapagos tourism – before being approached by the Falklands Island government to do something similar.

Julian was confident his experience with tourism in the Galapagos would lead to similar success on the small fishing boat he had converted to a live aboard charter. But he faced the challenge of an undeveloped tourism market and far shorter seasons (“six months if you’re lucky, compared to a yearround season in Galapagos”).

“Sadly it was a venture ahead of its time.

However thanks to this experience I was able to help set up Falklands Conservation which continues to be main conservation organisation there.”

He continues to be actively involved in the organisation, along with the Galapagos Conservation Trust which he helped set up in 1995.

Julian – who first came to New Zealand in 2005 to write a book on Albatross with a former neighbour from the islands – believes New Zealand can learn a lot from the Galapagos eco-tourism experience.

“We can look at how tourism is used in Galapagos as a sustainable resource, the chief income earner for the islands, using its amazing biodiversity. Here our tourism is not mainly based on our even more amazing biodiversity!”

He has continued to pour his efforts into writing wildlife books and environmental projects both in the Galapagos and here.

A priority is returning Maketu Spit to its natural state so it continues to provide a good natural defence to the harbour and encourages the return of birdlife. As chair of the Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Group he has

helped put together a five year biodiversity management plan to remove pests on the Maketu spit – including rodents, pines and pampas – and encourage the return of native vegetation and birdlife, .

“We want to return it to as close as possible to its’ original state.”

Julian says the project’s main aim was to restore the ecology of the spit to help it maintain its strength as a coastal barrier, to protect the land around the harbour from sea storms.

“Maketu harbour is extremely well recognised for its bird life so hopefully the work we are doing will also help the bird populations recover.”

Monitoring of the endangered New Zealand Dotterel numbers nesting on Maketu showed an increase in numbers this year, but Julian says it was too early to sure this was due to work on the spit.

He expects the five-year plan to be approved soon for funding by Western Bay of Plenty and Environment Bay of Plenty councils and DOC. The wetland group hopes to soon expand its efforts to protect the environment in neighbouring areas such as Lower Kaituna, Maketu and Little Waihi harbours.

“We are small and new and it takes quite a lot of resources, so do not want to bite off more than we can chew.”

When he has free time he still loves to get out on the sea in his 36 foot classic wooden 1930s Herreshoff designed ketch.

“I enjoy it. It’s partly the sailing and part of it is just messing about on the boat.

“But I don’t get out enough now because the house we’ve bought is taking up my time.”

By Hamish Carter

MAYOR ISLAND

30 WATERLINE

Tuhua quiet for the winter Mayor Island’s accommodation is closed for the winter and will re-open labour weekend.

Landing on Tuhua is prohibited unless accompanied by an island kaitiaki.

It was a busy season, with visitors enjoying good weather in spite of the occasional storm, says Tuhua Trust Board spokesman Jason Ake. “There’s not a lot of action that takes place out there over the winter period,” says Jason, although the trust board will continue with some clean up work over winter.

“We’ve got a couple of working bees that we arrange with DOC primarily around the upkeep of the tracks and maintaining

those for the next season, as well as taking a more focused look at some of the breeding programmes that they have got over there.”

Tuhua is being used as the breeding site for orange-fronted Kakariki, which are being returned to the North Island for the first time since the 1800s.

They are thriving on the island as is a native hibiscus that has been propagated and planted by Tuhua Trust Board kaitiaki over the summer.

A reported sighting of a rat on the island at the start of the season is considered a false alarm.

It triggered an intensive rodent monitoring and control regime which found no evidence of rat presence.

The trust board and DOC staff remain vigilant for any pest animals that could be transported to the island on boats and continue to encourage visitors and boaties to follow bio-security protocols and report sightings of any unwanted pests on the island.

The 2010/11 season is the third year of a business partnership between the Tuhua Trust Board and Department of Conservation that aims to encourage island visitors, while working to minimise risks to the island’s pest-free status.

Tuhua is a privately owned island and the trust board asks visitors to respect it in the same manner as they would their own properties.

’Tis the time for the projects With winter shortening the fishing time, many a boaties turn to projects – excuses to settle up in the man cave instead of braving the winter elements.

Scott Henderson’s project featured briefly on his video entry to become Matt Watson’s apprentice on the ITM Fishing Show.

His video clip showed Scott jumping into his daughter’s paddling pool in his dive gear, and a glimpse of his project.

“I’m converting a jetski into an outboard powered, fishing Harley Davidson with handle bars and all the rest of it on it,” says Scott.

“There will be Harley handle bars and dragon on the front with flames coming down the side – and everything.

“It’s a winter project. Last winter was the hull and transom and everything and this winter I’m working on more the engineering side, like getting the steering sorted and work out how somehow to integrate it.”

He obtained the hull as a wreck. The engine and jet unit have gone, making room for a dive tank holder and fish bin.

He has to design and built a steering system and work out engine controls for the 30 horse Yamaha outboard engine on the back.

“I don’t know if it’s going to work, I’m just keen to give it a go. It’s been float tested. I floated it with the engine on it.

It’s got an integrated pontoon design as well so I’ve got little pontoons on it to stabilise it when you are at rest, and a few safety features like a manual bilge pump.”

By Andrew Campbell

Scott and his project.

GULF GROUP

WATERLINE 31

SOLE AGENT

SOLE AGENT

SOLE AGENT

SOLE AGENT

32 WATERLINE