Waterline September 2014

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

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Families afloat Sunshine and a light breeze saw about 100 people trying out sailing on keel boats as a yacht club fundraiser that is also becoming a good membership recruiter.Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club commodore Nigel Rippey says while the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club open day was originally aimed at adults, children signed up for learn to sail classes last year after trying their hands at wind surfing, and sailing on the Lasers or the Tornado catamarans.

He’s had more inquiries after this year’s open day. Last year the club signed up two full learn to sail classes as a result of the open day.

“A lot of those who signed up last Father’s Day are still sailing with us today,” says Nigel.

About 20 keel boats took part, taking mothers, fathers and their children for a day’s sailing.

“Everyone’s having a great time. There are all ages from adults to even a one-year-old out on a boat believe it or not.”

02 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

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

Phone 07 578 0030 Fax 07 571 1116 No.1 The Strand, Tauranga. PO Box 240, Tauranga. email: brian@thesun.co.nz For advertising, phone Tasha on 07 928 3677 email tasha@thesun.co.nz

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SEPTEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 03

Head turner arrives

Carl Smith with Formula One.

An imported Auckland race horse turning heads in Tauranga is not going to be around for long, according to her new owner Carl Smith.

Formula One is one of five 16m class boats built for the World Formula One Yacht racing series of 1992/1993.

The series was abandoned in 1993 and the boat left idle after the last round. She was sold about 1997 and fitted with an engine and brought to NZ Cat 3 standard.

The boat was extensively modified and refitted in 2004, including the carbon grand prix Transpac 52 rig, water ballast, single rudder, T keel with trim tab.

It’s not the kevlar and carbon hull, but the Southern Spars carbon rig, the deck gear, including a suite of carbon Harken winches that Carl bought the boat for.

“It’s a donor boat.”

He’s got a Kevin Dibley-designed canting keel 40 footer in the works and expected to be launched about Christmas. The plan now is to sell it when completed to finance the new hull.

Meanwhile, he’s sailing Formula One. Every Sunday morning Formula One and crew will head outside the harbour and get to know the boat.

It weighs only five tonnes and has a mainsail with no reefing points.

He’s been told the main can handle winds up to 40 knots before it has to be lowered and the boat sailed off the jib or genoa.

“When we were coming down from Auckland we had about 28 knots as we were coming down the coast, but we were delivering the boat so we weren’t pushing it. We were only sitting on about 14 knots with it,” says Carl.

He’s intending to race Formula One in all the coastal races; the round Karewa, White Island races, the Auckland-Tauranga race. He’s not interested in the Auckland-Russell race.

“That race doesn’t interest me at all; it’s just a run to a piss up now.

Quite a boring race and I lose two weeks taking the boat up to Auckland, doing the race and getting the boat back. It’s never appealed to me.”

It’s also an opportunity for local sailors of all experience levels, says Carl.

“We race with 10-14 people but you don’t have to have 10-14 fully experienced racing crew on-board.

“You can take out people that are relatively new to it. They pick it up as they go, and the more they pick up the more involved they get.”

“We go out there to enjoy ourselves. The boat is going to give us a few scares. If I’m not enjoying myself, I don’t believe I should even be out there.

“We just don’t play around in the harbour, we go out the entrance and play out there somewhere.”

His plan is to leave the bridge marina at 11am Sunday, returning at 3pm. Carl believes he can get in and out at any tide. One hour from low tide he’s still got 800mm of water under the three-metre keel.

The red, white and blue paint job comes with a story, says Carl.

He’s been told it by several people but hasn’t been able to confirm it.

The boat was one of five or seven built for a world series that never got off the ground.

Formula One was originally Dennis Connor’s boat in that series.

The Perth-built boat was taken over by a French match racing team before being bought by the bloke Carl bought it off.

“I don’t know how true it is being Dennis’, but that’s why it was painted that colour.”

By Andrew Campbell

SEPTEMBER 2014

04 WATERLINE

Merc puts sting in Scorpion’s tail The latest cabin boat from Sportcraft Marine in Tauranga has launched with a sting in its tail.

The Scorpion 610 Cabin is armed with the new generation Mercury four-stroke outboard, a 90hp four-cylinder 2.1 litre single overhead cam, with multipoint fuel injection.

Merc’s new engines not only look very cool, but are sweet performers, judging from our review on the Tauranga Harbour with Sportcraft’s Jayson Hurley.

He describes the Scorpion 610 as a fantastic family boat; and teamed with the new Mercury is an affordable, economic and capable rig.

The Scorpion 610 Cabin boat offers an excellent balance of cabin and deck area to suit the keen fisho, to the whole family and overnighting.

This hull design accommodates well for all water activities with excellent performance all round.

Built with very wide gunwales, which make for additional seating, the Scorpion 610 Cabin is the only 6m boat on the market today that offers this amount of room and practical functionality in a boat under $40k!

The standard package consists of everything you need to get on the water, including two single pedestals that swivel 360 degrees, have storage underneath and upholstered comforta-

ble squabs, two tote tanks, canopy, cabin bunks with storage and carpet linings, anchor pack, six rod tubes, bait station, on-road costs, VHF marine radio and aerial and a colour Sounder/ Fishfinder.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, Sportcraft Marine can alter and customise new boats to suit your needs.

“The customer is involved as much as possible,” says Jayson.

That was certainly the case for our test boat, built for keen fisho Dave and his family, who have moved up from a Fyran recently – and require a boat that will handle conditions in and out of Tauranga harbour.

Dave is a keen trout fisherman and requires a boat that’s easy to tow and manoeuvre, and a good traveller to make regular trips inland to the Bay of Plenty’s trout lakes.

The owners spend plenty of evenings overnighting, so a good-sized cabin with full-length bunks was an important consideration for them.

Sportcraft can fit-out the Scorpions to any level, including all comforts of home if required, or simply a stripped-out fishing machine. There’s provision for a portable toilet between the bunks, which are a full 1.9m in length for overnighting, and any number of seating configurations to suit the customer.

The cockpit in this mode is simply huge. The interior layout is wide, clean and uncluttered,

“Th T e Scor c pi pion 610 pio 0 Cab ab a bin in boa at offe ffers ff rss an a eexc xccell llleent en ntt balanc bal anc a n e of cabi b n and and dd dec eck arrea ea a too ssu uitt thee keeen en fish ho, to the he wh hole l fa f mil mily and nd ove veerni rniggh ght h ing ng” n

with wide side decks and six built-in rod holders around the gunwales.

The underfloor is a completely sealed compartment, providing a heap of intrinsic safety buoyancy; in fact all the Scorpion boats are built to, and exceed, the CPC ratings. With high sides to the cockpit this gives good height for added safety, especially with small children on board.

This review boat was fitted with two batteries and two tote tanks, with a third reserve tank able to be stowed under a forward bunk.

Construction is a sturdy 5mm plate on the hull and 3mm topsides. It’s all Lloyd’s marine grade alloy, which Jayson believes offers the best longevity and appearance, is lighter and easier to clean, and is very strong.

Quiet running The hull is strakeless and thanks to intelligent design, means the shape does the lifting, not ribs. It also contributes to the quiet running, with very little road noise considering it’s a big tinnie. Some well-placed interior marine carpet helps too, plus gives a bit of warmth and comfort in the right places with the cabin being fully lined.

The new Merc is almost a story in itself.

These big, black, beautiful machines are unlike most of the four-strokes available today, needing little servicing. From new they only need a service at 20 hours or three months; then 100 hourss or 12 mont hour months hs there tthereafter. hereafte here afterr. afte Provided those services are followed, Mercury offers offe rs a five five-yea yearr warranty warranty warran ty on on all all their their outb outboard oard five-year range rang e, irres iirrespective rrespect pective ive of horse h orsepowe powerr size si ze. range, horsepower size.

The enti entire re head, head, engine head engine and cam shaft shaft unit unit is is non-serviceable; so there’s no labour involved in checking or changing seals, or other servicing hassles.

The fuel economy performance is proven, says y Jay JJayson, yson, with the Mercuryy be ingg the most being efficient, powerful and lightest in the fourstroke range.

There’s no pumping of the fuel line required if the motor has been sitting; it features a selfpriming pump.

WATERLINE 05

SEPTEMBER 2014

An affordable and delightful mid-sized family boat The same engine block is standard through the 75hp, 80hp, 90hp, 100hp and 115hp range, with variations on the exhaust baffling, injection and computer making the differences between the horsepower ratings.

Troll control Another unique feature to the new Mercury FourStroke is a digital Troll Control function. It’s an easy dial-up speed on the dashboard, to control trolling speeds from below normal idle, up to 1000rpm or as slow as 550.

This is a fascinating piece of technology that will have any lure fisho salivating. Perfect for the lake, getting that perfect trout speed and may even mean that some boats can dispense with the auxiliary troll motor.

We had the Scorpion just ticking along perfectly, with fingertip control of the speed available with exacting precision, right there on the dash.

All the Mercs are standard with Smartcraft gauges, very clean and smart, and a hint of retro, in chrome, black and white; stainless steel prop and remote box.

NMEA2000 software interfaces with GPS plotters, sounder, engine data available on screen.

On the water the Scorpion felt wide and stable, easily urged out of the hole and soft riding, dry and smooth. The handling was everything you’d expect from a modern, well-designed trailer boat, only quieter than most aluminium hulls, probably due to the absence of chattering strakes. The Merc provided a heap of stoke and the 90hp seemed ample, unless you’re also a ski/board fanatic in which case the 115 might be worth a look.

It wasn’t an overly choppy day out of Tauranga, but the Scorpion felt very capable in all conditions we encountered. Jayson assures me he gets plenty of enthusiast reports from owners of their capabilities, including great reports of its ‘following sea’ assured handling.

On the early runs the dash was reporting fuel burn at a low 13 litres per hour, 3600rpm and 25mph. A bit later in the day, it was 12.5L/hr @3500rpm, 22mph.

Affordable value All up the Scorpion is a delightful mid-sized family boat that can offer anything from basics upward, depending on the intended use and almost unlimited custom additions, all available right here in the Bay. It rates highly for affordability, with package prices for the standard 90hp two-stroke at $39,950. Engine upgrades, such as for a four-stroke 90hp, add $3900.

For the 100hp, add $4420 to the base price and 115hp is plus $6000.

As Sportcraft Marine is now the only Honda and Mercury authorised dealer in the Bay, other options from the Honda and Mercury range of outboards are also available with upgrade figures upon request.

Our thanks to Jayson of Sportcraft Marine and to owner Dave, for allowing us to have the first run in his new baby. May you have many happy hours in troll control.

We’re sure the trout are trembling in anticipation!

SEPTEMBER 2014

06 WATERLINE

Ensuring safety on the water Moorings All swing moorings are authorised by the Regional Harbour Master and administered by the Regional Council. Boats must be approved to the mooring by the Harbour Master’s office and every moored vessel shall clearly display an identification name or number.

If you are renting a mooring you must apply to the Harbour Master’s office and complete a Mooring Lease Form.

• Check that the Mooring Inspection is current • Check that the headline isn’t damaged • Check that the mooring is the right size for your boat with regard to weight and swing.

If you are interested in purchasing or leasing a mooring please contact the Moorings Officer at Moorings@boprc.govt.nz or 0800 884 880 to add your details to the Enquiry List.

Boat wake Please be especially careful with your boat wake when passing small dinghies and also when passing the mooring barge, which often has someone’s boat rafted alongside.

Remember the 5-knot rule when passing

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within 50 metres of another vessel or person in the water.

Boating checklist 1. Check the marine forecast and tides before leaving 2. Take two means of communication that work even when wet 3. Carry a correctly sized lifejacket for each person 4. Ensure you carry plenty of fuel, oil and water 5. Avoid alcohol 6. Be a responsible skipper – complete a Coastguard Boating Education course.

Divers Divers are required to exhibit a dive flag from their vessel when diving. This is the International Code A Flag, which is a burgee flag, white and blue – white to the mast and blue to the fly. The flag must be a minimum 600mm square and of a rigid construct so that it can be visible to vessels approaching from different directions. If you are navigating and

see a dive flag, or are operating in a known dive spot, slow down to 5 knots or stay 200 metres away and keep a good look out for signs of someone in the water.

Lifejackets No article would be complete without a reminder about the importance of having the correct number and size of lifejacket on board for the full complement of people on the vessel. Make sure everyone is aware of where the lifejackets are stowed, how to put them on and that they are on board to be used – not just in an emergency situation.

Winter is a good time to pull out all your lifejackets and check them over. Make sure the fabric and straps aren’t rotting or mouldy; check the lights and/or whistles.

Keep them in an easily accessible, dry place.

Inflatable life jackets will need to have the canister checked ensuring the green bobbin is in place and the gas canister is not corroded, or has been discharged.

Contact the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Maritime Office for Recreational Harbour Guides, chartlets or to report any navigational hazards or damaged or missing beacons or lights out on 0800 884 880.

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WATERLINE 07

SEPTEMBER 2014

Coastguard’s night vision Rescue searches at night have become a lot easier for Tauranga Coastguard volunteers thanks to thousands of dollars donated by two community organisations for new night vision goggles.

The Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa and Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust have each donated about $6000 for the coastguard’s purchase of three pairs of goggles, worth a combined $16,000.

Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker is thankful for the donation and says the three pairs of goggles are being between Tauranga, Waihi and Maketu coastguards.

“The extra visibility we get at night [with the goggles] is just a real improvement. If we’re ever looking for anything, the chance of detection is

Keith Owens and Simon Barker. so much greater with night vision goggles as opposed to just spotlight,” says Simon.

“They’re basically like looking in daylight.”

Simon says this donation is Tauranga Coastguard’s third pair of goggles, but gives a first pair to Waihi and Maketu.

“When we’re out there, if we can get more people with them, it gives better coverage,” says Simon, who says the goggles were

shipped from Canada.

Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa Keith Owens says the money was raised from the club’s annual charity yacht regatta – and this year the coastguard is the sole beneficiary.

“We have supported them on one or two past years, but they’re always a very worthy cause and are deserving of that support.”

By Zoe Hunter

Inventive new soft-top solution a hit Tauranga boatie Dave Horne has come up with an alternative boat canopy that is so simple, he’s wondering why no-one has thought of it before.

“I had owned a seven-metre alloy hard-top vessel for about eight years and enjoyed the protection it offered,” says Dave.

“The only downfall I found it to have was the visibility when creeping into shallow spots or around rocky out crops, when a good view of the bottom was required.

“And the night vision was poor trying to spot markers and other boats at night through the windows. Half of the time [I was] going all the way home with my head out the window.”

So when it came time to upgrade, Dave took the opportunity to “get it right.”

He’d made the decision to sell the present boat, so started researching what to replace it with and decided on a soft-top.

“My previous boat was a Southern Sports that I thoroughly enjoyed. The new boat ended up being a Lazercraft – and funnily enough was built by Southern Sports in Dunedin. Both are renowned for soft riding and toughness.”

Dave says the downfall with the soft-top was first the amount of wind it caught; even more so with the front clear in place.

Second was the flapping, and third was the lack of sun protection left by the big hole above the two front seats for the front clear.

He thought there must be a better way to have a soft-top that allows the great visibility, less drag from the wind; and can be closed down to keep occupants safe and dry when needed.

“This got me thinking about designing one

myself, as there’s nothing on the market to do the job.

“I had this idea of a soft-top that was flattish and could close to the windscreen. A bit of research led me to Tig Art Ltd, owned and operated by Chris Thompson. After a phone call Chris came out to my home and we started getting the basics down on paper.

“We decided to go ahead and start, and do the necessary adjustments as it came together,”

says Dave.

“Before construction started I got Chris together with Wayne Hart from Hideaway Upholstery, whom I had dealt with for all my vessels in the past. We nutted out the finer details and made sure we were all on the same page.”

Dave says it wasn’t long before Chris started the construction of the new top.

With only one visit to his workshop to answer a few questions within two days, the first part was complete.

“I was most impressed with the quality of the work and the speed it was done. By the end it did look like a work of art and almost seemed a shame to cover it up,” says Dave.

“Then came Wayne’s turn. After the best part of a day it was covered and looked great. I noticed straight away on the trip home how much less drag there was, as it towed so much easier. I could hardly wait to sea-trial it.”

The very next weekend Dave took Hoki Mai out and was rapt the canopy did everything he wanted. No wind noise, lots of sun protection and Chris had made the top to come down in three stages, at 100mm increments and close on the forth.

In the closed position it’s almost the same as a hard-top, except the side windows aren’t there.

“Now I enjoy great visibility loads of protection from the elements and can be completely closed up for those not so nice trips home. “[It] Begs the question why wasn’t this done before,” say Dave. “[A rigid soft top that closes to the windscreen] Not that hard really!”

08 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

Local legend to launch book Storytelling comes easy for 75-year-old sailing legend Jimmy Gilpin and it is no surprise given he’s lived a life to the fullest.

Now people have the chance to peer into Jimmy’s world with the launch of his autobiography at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club recently.

It took Jimmy four years to complete his tale ‘Winners Are Grinners’ which recounts his life at sea, on land, and everything in between.

When Jimmy finally got his hands on the final product his grin from ear-to-ear said it all.

“I am hugely proud of this book. Two hundred people were invited down for the event, so that was bloody good.”

The legend of Jimmy Gilpin began at age 12 in 1951, when he won both the Tanner and Tauranga Cups three years straight.

He is the only sailor to accomplish the threepeat and was also the youngest to win both competitions.

Not bad for a local boy from “small town Tauranga” which he reckons had a population of about 6000 people at the time.

“I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but I just seemed to be a natural at the sport,” he says.

“There was something special about sailing that I could never put my finger on.

“Even now, if I had two hours to kill I’d be happy to just stand on the wharf and watch the boats.”

Jimmy says he embraced his inner writer after undergoing a knee operation in 2010.

His knee would ache so badly he could not “get a wink of sleep” and instead spent his nights wandering about his Papamoa home.

One particular night he sat down in front of his computer and “just began doodling”.

“I started thinking about what to write, then about all my yachting experiences.

“From there away I went.”

Jimmy passed on a few passages to local author and historian Max Avery to peruse, who suggested he turn them into an autobiography.

He ended up tapping away at the keyboard most days or “when the spirit took me” and found the writing process an interesting experience.

“It’s funny. At my age if you asked me for my phone number I’d really have to think, but I can visualise most of the races I took part in back in 1951.

“The real struggle for me was using the proper computer programmes and I made so many mistakes.”

Once completed Jannine Wilkinson, a friend of his son Drew, helped edit and format his manuscript for publication.

“We’re now thick as thieves which is great, I

Jimmy Gilpin really want to thank Jannine for all her help.”

Last month’s launch, a private invite-only affair, had Jimmy looking forward to catching up with some of the “old Tauranga faces” who attended.

This included former mayor Noel Pope – a guest speaker at the event.

It was also a family affair with his two sons, Drew and Victor, sharing MC duties for the afternoon.

“My family are all absolutely rapt with the book and I am just absolutely delighted to be sharing this book with them and the community.”

To purchase a copy of Jimmy’s autobiography Winners Are Grinners visit:

By David Tauranga www.jimmygilpin.co.nz See the December issue of Waterline for a review of Jimmy Gilpin’s ‘Winners Are Grinners’.

WATERLINE 09

SEPTEMBER 2014

New Maketu boat is busy

“The current rate is $75 per year, which is much less than the $280 per hour towing fee for non-members.”

Maketu Coastguard’s Eastpack Rescue boat has undertaken 28 rescues this year, adding to a busy first year’s service.

Since beginning operation in 2013, the Eastpack Rescue boat has towed stranded boats back towards Tauranga and back into the Kaituna River.

The crew has also recovered boats about to capsize and crash onto rocks, rescued canoes off Town Point and Pukehina Beach and searched for missing people in the sea at Papamoa.

Eastpack Rescue boat is the fastest response crew for Motiti, Papamoa, Maketu, Pukehina and Matata areas of the coast.

Equipment upgrades for the coming season include night vision goggles, thanks to Tauranga Rotary and TECT. Another recent addition is a VHF track finder radio and personal locator beacons – with supported by funding from TECT. Maketu Coastguard also received vital funding from First Sovereign and Acorn Foundation to purchase new medical equipment.

The unit is currently seeking to boost memberships across the region, and is especially inviting boaties, kayakers, divers who use the waters around Motiti, Papamoa, Maketu,

Pukehina and Otamarakau areas.

This part of the coast is covered by Maketu Coastguard directly including Motiti, which is a very popular area for boaties and divers.

If you regularly use the boat ramps and cross the bars at Bells Rd, Kaituna Cut and Pukehina then maybe you should consider joining.

The current rate is $75 per year, which is much less than the $280 per hour towing fee for non-members.

A new membership with the Maketu Unit will also extend to membership of the Eastern Bay region of coastguard, which stretches from Napier around the coast to the Coromandel, including rivers and lakes.

Maketu Coastguard is holding a Bar Crossing Training Day on October 12, 2014.

This will be free to all current paid members and $85 for non-members.

The popular day is an opportunity to

update skills with the help of the rescue boat crew. The Maketu unit is seeking funding for a new ATV, so they can tow the tandem jet-ski trailer and launch quicker for coastline searches.

“If you venture onto the sea, lakes or up the rivers in this region, then having a current Coastguard membership is a must,” says spokesperson Julie Cross.

“You cannot always rely on phoning a friend when your motor breaks down, but you can rely on Maketu Coastguard and their dedicated and highly trained volunteer crew,” says Julie.

“At $75 it’s simply value for money which you cannot put a price on.”

To join, call 07 533 1390 from 8am-5pm to get a form, or download one from the website: www.maketusearescue.com or email: maketucoastguard@gmail.com and a form and information can be sent to you directly.

10 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

Many factors It was great to see so many new sailors competing in the Winter Series and enjoying and learning from the racing.

Young or old, experienced or a greenie, it’s a thrill to win – knowing your sailing was consistent during the series, and that you were better at reading the wind, the tide, or just remembering to sail the right course.

It probably meant nothing broke or fell off your boat and you managed not to break the rules, forget your watch or neglect to put that top batten in the sail.

There are so many factors that have to come together to be a success in sailing.

Good sailors put in a lot of work, both on and off the water, to reach their goals – it’s not just what happens on the day but also good preparation.

Maintaining your boat in tip top condition means a few visits to the chandlers like Steve’s Marine.

Steve’s Marine was sponsors of the Winter Series and we were Bruce Kendall, Coral Headey, very fortunate to have their supFinn Croft and Alastair Gifford. port with some lovely prizes.

Steve has also given many young club members their first dose of work experience; and through working at Steve’s they’ve improved their skills and knowledge in many boat DIY areas and learnt how to make the tea, do the dishes and count thousands of nuts and bolts at stock take. Thanks Steve.

While the club was in a sort of ‘winter hibernation’ many TYPBC members were sailing in the European summer.

It’s a great credit to the club to note just how many TYPBC sailors are competing overseas, both at the Olympic level and in the youth classes.

Just to get to the point of being able to compete at these events is a real achievement; and TYPBC has a stronger presence than most among the sport’s top level.

Our NZL Sailing Team sailors Peter Burling (49er), Jason Saunders (Nacra 17), Tom Saunders (Laser), Molly Meech (49erFX), Sam Meech (Laser) and Andrew Murdoch (Finn) have been back and forth between NZ and Europe.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke won Gold at the 49er European Championships held in Helsinki Finland; and Molly Meech with Alex Maloney took away the Bronze in 49erFX. Jason Saunders and Gemma Jones were 19th at the Nacra Europeans in France.

The NZL sailing team then headed to Rio to train at the Olympic venue and take part in the Rio test event.

The NZL team performed very well with a gold medal in the women’s 470 and bronze in Men’s 470. Peter Burling and Blair Tuke took gold, while Molly and her partner Alex Maloney brought home bronze.

Andrew Murdoch (Finn) came sixth, with Sam Meech (Laser) in ninth.

Jason and Gemma (Nacra 17) finished sixth. All are now at the ISAF World Championship in Santander, Spain.

TYPBC was also represented at the ISAF Youth Worlds by Trent Rippey in Laser Radial and Sam Barnett and Zak Merton in 420.

The ISAF Youth Worlds bring together the very top sailors in each class from each country.

Selection to the team is decided by winning the selection trial regattas during the domestic season.

The New Zealanders are selected in March and then have to train right through winter before heading off to compete in the European summer.

SEPTEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 11

Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club

in i winning at sailing

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

more than 3800 young competitors from finishing position.

This year, as part of their training, the NZ all over the world, the opening and closing Trent and his father, Nigel Rippey, headed team attended the British Youth Championceremonies in the 60,000-seat stadium was to the Laser Radial Youth World championships in Weymouth in April. nothing short ships in Dziwnow, Poland, where This gave the team the opportunity to of spectacular. there were seven qualifying races continue to race – with the NZ season over The whole sailed and four final races with two – and to adapt to international travel and experience discards. conditions. for the young There were some interesting From April-July the team trained most athletes was conditions with a sea fog that would weekends in Auckland; and whenever they absolutely roll in at different times of the day. could they fitted training in around school amazing – one In one race some competitors and a lack of light. They also trained hard in they’ll never were unable to finish as the sea fog the gym, on their bikes and running. forget. came in and obscured the marks.

The 2014 Youth Worlds took place in The venue Fortunately, all sailors made it back Tavira, Portugal, where the conditions were for the to shore safely. hot and the breeze was mostly soft and light.

Coral Headey in Nanjing. sailing was There was a variety of wind condiThe regatta is nine races with one discard for Lake Jinniu, tions, with the 420s and Laser renowned as a light wind venue, and a 2000mostly light wind in Radial. There were seat spectator stand – which was sold out the early part of the long waits onshore every day. regatta and the last most days for the Coral started off well but only three of the couple of days seeing breeze to come in. six days of racing actually wind speeds On Day two that Opti Green: took place due to a lack up to 18 meant a 9pm finish!

1st Joshua Blackie of wind. Coral was fairly knots.

Trent sailed well 2nd Andrew Stretton pleased with her overall Trent’s top to finish eighth 3rd Teaghan Denney result of 16th, beating girls result was out of a fleet of Opti Open: Winter series Lasers. who were in the top 20 at second in 57, and with a top 1st Sydney Cunliffe the last Techno Worlds in Race 2 of placing of fifth.

2nd Harry Bailey July.

Sam and Zak finished 17th with a top score of the qualifying series; and with sixth 3rd Blair Mellsop Looking back on Kiwi placing in the top 10 race results, sixth. The 420 pair then flew to Travemunde, P Class: winter and European overall he finished 12th in the world Germany, to compete at the Open 420 World 1st.

Tom Maidment summer we certainly have out of a fleet of 159 boys.

Championships; and Trent went to Poland to 2nd Brodie Maxwell a lot to celebrate as a club Also in Europe in early-July was compete at the Laser Radial Youth Worlds.

3rd Niamh Dillon and much to look forward Alex Hart, who travelled to Turkey At the 420 Open World championships Starling: to as we approach New to compete at the RSX European there were 111 boats in the Open fleet, with 1st Sara Dodds Zealand’s summer season of Championships in the Youth Men 84 boats in the Ladies fleet.

2nd Elly Warren 2014/2015. division.

The championship is 12 races with only one 3rd Jason Hewitt Plans are well underway With 67 young windsurfers on drop possible, run during seven days with one Laser Radial: for the club to once again the line, five qualifying races were reserve day.

1st Dylan Mckinlay employ coaches for the The first four days were a light four-12 knots completed and some days of racing 2nd Tjitske Binkhorst summer so everyone wantwere lost due to an excess of wind. and the fifth day produced 12-18 knots.

3rd Scott Inglis ing to learn to sail can get However, Alex was dominant in Sam and Zak started well with a sixth in the Laser Full: the opportunity and others the wind, achieving bullets in both opening race and recorded a race win in Race 1st Ben Warren can build their skills in 4 – and, together with a fourth in Race 6, they of the two finals races and going 2nd Werner Hennig racing – who knows who on to claim first place in the Silver advanced to the Gold fleet.

3rd Barry Cutfield we may see next on the Fleet.

The first day of finals served up a very 3.7 national and international The Youth Olympic Games were difficult race in light winds and big shifts in 1st Chris Mitchell stages. held recently in Nanjing, China, pressure and direction, resulting in only one 2nd John Elliot The TYPBC’s centreboard and TYPBC’s own Coral Headey race being completed.

3rd Graham Roberts division’s Winter Series has was part of a three-strong NZ sailMany teams recorded their worst score, so Zephyr: just concluded – with 100 ing team. the next day saw an early start and three races 1st Andy Knowles boats taking part across 10 The sailing competition at the scheduled. With a fifth and an eighth Sam and 2nd Hansie Eicholz classes.

Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Zak moved up to 11th.

3rd Ian Watson Sailors from Taupo, comprises four medal events: Men’s The regatta turned out to be very highOpen: Rotorua, Hamilton and and Women’s, One-Person Dinghies scoring and no pair in the Gold fleet scored 1st Mark Gardyne Auckland joined the local and Windsurfers. more than one race win, making for a very 2nd Rob Ebert sailors. The series’ prizegivCoral was representing NZ on the tough regatta.

Boards: ing was held at the end of Techno windsurfer in a fleet of the Unfortunately the final day produced no 1st Coral Headey racing and trophies awarded top girls in the world, supported by wind whatsoever after a quite spectacular 2nd Max Van der Zalm to place-getters. her coach Bruce Kendall. thunderstorm on the last morning and 11th 3rd Alex Van der Zalm The YOG was a huge event with (and eighth in Youth) was Sam and Zak’s

By Christine Headey

12 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

Women on Water

Smudge ladies set to race again Spring is in the air and back in my step, as I look forward to the upcoming summer sailing season.

This year Women on Water starts on October 16 – and Smudge, with her all-woman sailing crew, will be getting right into the new season by competing in the Annual Coastal Classic race at Labour Weekend.

This 120 nautical mile race leaves Auckland for Russell on the Friday and attracts about 160 yachts. We won’t be the first all-women crew, but will still be a minority class.

Despite our disappointing finish in the Auckland to Tauranga last Easter, we enjoyed the sail down the coast – so much so, we decided there and then to enter the Coastal Classic.

It made a nice change from inner harbour racing.

Our crew of Smudge ladies met through Women on Water and during the last three years we’ve combined our skills and experiences to form a fluid group of ladies who’ve competed in a variety of events.

These include regular club races, the 2012 and 2013 NZ National Women’s Sailing Championships, the 2014 TaurangaWhitianga Race, and the 2013 and 2014 Windward- Leeward series – plus the infamous 2014 Auckland-Tauranga Race.

It was with great pride we entered the last Auckland-Tauranga race as the first all-women crew . To represent the Women on Water division of the host club was a real privilege.\ It was a bitter disappointment the weather got the better of us, and we were unable to finish the race. We intend to compete again, in the

TYPBC Women on Water

and helping out with Sailability. We’re looking forward to having her back with us for the Coastal Classic.

Aimee and I have been exploring the Hauraki Gulf, enjoying the islands and inlets, familiarising ourselves with all the buoys and beacons.

It gives me great pleasure to share my passion for sailing with my daughter Aimee, who is the novice of the crew.

Smudge herself has had a lick of paint and her rigging tweaked.

Ten years ago I was a nervous, middle-aged lady, who only learned to sail because my husband wanted to sail.

Through joining Women on Water, I’ve become a competent sailor, with enough confidence to skipper our boat – with and without my husband on-board. I’ve made many new friends and been given the opportunity to explore other parts of the world under sail.

I hope anyone reading this will be inspired to give sailing a go – regardless of their age or gender.

Racing or cruising, sailing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

The Smudge crew: from left; Delwyn Keyworth, For more information about Jacki Holt, Laura Vonk, Leslie Board, Aimee Ritchie the upcoming WOW season view and Rhonda Richie. the website: www.yacht.org.nz or email: wow.taurnaga@gmail.com ing in the PacRim Regatta in Bellingham, USA, Or you can come along to the information/ this month. registration night Thursday, October 9 at 6pm Lisa recently returned from Fiji after competat the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club. ing in the NZ-Fiji race on-board the local boat You can follow Smudgeladies on Facebook at: Squealer of which she’s a part-owner. www.facebook.com/smudgeladies Laura Vonk has settled into windy Wellington.

By Delwyn Keyworth, Chairwoman WOW She’s sailing with the Worser Bay Yacht Club Easter race in 2015.

But the Smudge ladies haven’t been idle during winter. Leslie Goddard and Jacki Holt have continued racing their trailer yachts with the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron on Lake Rotoiti.

Both Leslie and Delwyn Keyworth have been cruising the coasts of Australia to. And while Leslie and her husband enjoyed the Whitsundays, Delwyn has been delivering a yacht from the Gold Coast around the top of Australia, through the Torres Strait and down to Broome.

Both these ladies, along with Fiona Harrison and Lisa Knapton, are part of the team compet-

BATTERY WAREHOUSE

WATERLINE 13

SEPTEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

BoPSAT

Fleet upgrading and expanding While most sailors have been off the water, BOPSAT’s trustees have been busy.

We’ve been working on winter maintenance for our fleet, and successfully applied for grants to upgrade and expand our fleet for the coming season. As a result, our Optimist learn-to-sail boats will sport new rigs and sails by summer; and we’ll have two more Topaz two-handed boats.

We’ve kept our Sponsor-a-Sailor programme alive with Merivale School during winter, taking our six learn-to-sail graduates out for a day on a large catamaran, to see another aspect of sailing and how it relates to what they have learned.

CLUB NEWS

More fun is coming up with some radio control sailing; and when it is a little warmer, there will be a fast and wet blast each on a Tornado racing cat. That should take us through into summer when they can start a level two sailing course, probably in Topaz boats. We’ll also get another group of six started during summer.

September has seen the Acorn Foundation’s Wills Month, giving everyone the chance have a bequest to an Acorn fund – including our Sail for Life fund – added to their will at no cost with most lawyers in the region. The fund is currently sitting at about $36,000 and will start to generate income towards our programmes when it hits $50,000, so we’re also

looking for immediate cash donations, which will qualify for a dollar for dollar subsidy and a one-third tax credit. Contact BoPSAT or Acorn for more information.

First out of the blocks this year with team sailings is Otumoetai College, with training in our 420s starting in late-September, followed closely by Tauranga Girls’ College at the start of Term 4.

We’re looking forward to seeing Aquinas College and Tauranga Boys’ College in due course, and we might even see Trident High School from Whakatane making a weekly trip over to train here.

By BOPSAT chairman Stuart Pedersen

Omokoroa Boat Club

Omokoroa Boat Club news Fresh from a successful annual general meeting, and election of a largely-new committee, the club enjoyed a fantastic mid-winter Christmas party, with Fork’N View chef Wayne producing his usual masterpieces for a dinner of 80 members.

The Social Committee hired an excellent band and a great night was had by all.

The next milestones for the club are the enlargement of the kitchen, to accommodate more “space” for the kitchen team and provide an upswept counter.

It will be farewell to the old bar/server, which has lasted at least 30 years!

Then the north deck is due to have its canvas roof replaced, which in turn will allow for painting the north gable end and tidy up of the deck and rail.

We also celebrated the completion of the boat shed extension – only one year in planning, obtaining council consents, and construction.

On a sad note we have farewelled a long-time member, sailor and harbour monitor, Murray Crapp. His service of remembrance was most humbling and it was noted Murray wouldn’t have wanted to be there.

Ella Coulston, widow of the late Dick Coulston, a long-time patron, has also sailed away in her 99th year.

Sailing news We’ve sailed an almost windless winter series – we picked all the fine

An almost windless winter series.

days though – and had five yachts out during six events.

The overall winners were the Reynolds, with their Cav.30 Wayleggo, second was Greg Molesworth with Chico Too, third Brendon Cooney with Konini, and Lloyd Berent and Culprit fourth. Well-sailed all.

The summer series for seniors and cadets will be on our website – www.omokoroaboatclub.co.nz – under ‘Sailing’.

Also the summer social programme for the club will be posted on the website.

By John Budden, Sailing Convenor

14 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

Tauranga Fish and Dive Club – a club for all Would you like to learn more about Tauranga’s hot fishing spots? Or perhaps you’d like to relax in a family-friendly atmosphere after a day out in the water.

If so, you should consider joining the Tauranga Fish & Dive Club.

Our clubrooms are located beside the Waikareao Estuary, close to the public boat launching ramps at Sulphur Point.

We offer you meals, a licensed bar and new friends.

Neptune’s Gallery is operated by well-known chef Stephan, who creates delicious and reasonably-priced meals which are very popular with patrons.

If you have a successful day on the water you can bring in your own

fish and Stephan will provide you with an exciting fish dinner for a nominal fee.

During each club night, the usual meat raffles, bar tab raffles and club draw add to the evening entertainment.

A number of social events are held during the year, including talks from guest speakers.

Last season, ‘Big Angry Fish’ co-presenter Nathan O’Hearn and New Zealand kayaker Tim Taylor attracted a full crowd.

Strong support for the All Blacks is also evident during our popular big-screen rugby nights.

Fishing competitions are held during the year, targeting snapper, trevally, terakihi, gurnard, kahawai and yellowtail kingfish.

The children’s Christmas party is also popular, with lolly scrambles, Santa visiting and a fishing competition. Last year every child who entered took home a rod and reel.

Our club also runs the Placemakers Kids Fishing Competition, where prizes for caught fish and spot prizes include kayaks, scooters, bikes and fishing gear.

Again, every child goes home with something.

The Tuesday Night Fishing Competition is held during February and March, when snapper are prevalent in the harbour. Nocturnal visits by bronze whaler sharks add to the excitement.

The clubrooms are also available for weddings, meetings and other functions. Views of the harbour, forever-changing with the tides, make this a popular venue. Most memorable sights are the water reflections of red and gold as the sun sets behind the Kaimai Ranges.

Families and members of the public are welcome to come down and see first-hand what our club is all about. We hope to see you soon.

New generation waterproof casings

The new generation of waterproof cases for iPhones are so slim and light, you hardly realise they’re there. Plus, they still have all the features available to the user.

The latest Survivor Catalyst waterproof case for the iPhone 5 is tough yet stylish, and we’ve road-tested it this month.

Rated waterproof to three metres, the Survivor offers total access to the charge port, full function touchscreen, microphones, speaker and camera.

The casing is sealed to keep out water, dust, sound and drop shock protection up to 1.8 metres. It makes it ideal for the beach, pool, surf, sand and snow environments.

The latest cases that protect gear from falls, dust, dirt, wind and rain are highly effective and functional. Best of all, they don’t restrict use of the gadget.

The easy side latches allow quick and simple installation of the phone.

The clear audio performance is impressive and the results from the camera are unaffected by the slim housing.

I found the Survivor casing actually improved the handling of the phone, making it easier to grip and operate, than without the case. There’s a full range of colours.

Griffin Technology offers an extensive range of personal technology accessories, including headphones, cases for iPad, iPhone, Kindle and Samsung Galaxy; music and business technology.

The Survivor Catalyst is available online at http://griffintechnology.com/

WATERLINE 15

SEPTEMBER 2014

Oodles of scallops on offer The recreational scallop fishery opened September 1, with the daily limit the same as last year – at 20 per person per day.

The Coromandel scallop fishery extends from Cape Rodney to Town Point. The commercial season began July 15 and closes December 21. The recreational scallop fishing season lasts from September 1 to March 31.

Thanks to a two-year-old discovery by fisheries scientists, the one-month-and-ahalf edge the commercial dredgers have over recreational fishers isn’t going to affect the shellfish’s availability.

In times past, the annual scallop take was set by annual surveys of the fisheries. But that all changed after the discovery in 2012 of a huge mother lode of untapped scallops in the Hauraki Gulf.

The 2012 survey included a large new

area in the Hauraki Gulf that hadn’t been surveyed before, says Niwa fisheries scientist James Williams.

“That showed there was a large biomass of scallops out there in deeper water that hadn’t been fished before – and that’s where most fishing by the Coromandel fishers has been conducted in the last three years.”

They still fish the Mercury and middle Barrier grounds depending on weather, but the mainstay during the last three years has become the Hauraki Gulf, says James.

There hasn’t been a survey since 2012. The fishery is monitored by the scallop dredgers reporting their catches – not only what they take, but how long it takes. When it takes longer to fill up, they move on, says James.

“They have got their own rules about what they need to be able to open an area up for fishing; and then when to stop fishing in that area once they have taken a certain amount,” says James.

“They haven’t struggled to get their catch

in the last few years. They do have their own management in play, done in conjunction with what was seafood industry council.

They open an area to fish, and once the catch-rate reaches an agreed limit they will close the area for the rest of the season.

“The survey showed there was a large biomass out there and on that basis the total allowable commercial catch was increased and the requirement to do an annual survey... well, there was no requirement in the last two years.

“But that’s not to say it won’t happen again.

I imagine there will be a survey next year of the whole stock,” says James.

The discovery increased the total allowable commercial catch from 22 tonnes to 100 tonnes.

Recreational and customary allowances were also increased from 7.5t to 10t and the allowance for other sources of fishing-related mortality was increased from 11t to 33t meat weight.

By Andrew Campbell

16 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 17

Oct 31st, Nov 1st & 2nd

18 WATERLINE

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SEPTEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 19

Summertime dreamin’ The long, lazy days of summer are just around the corner.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to spend them on the water with your family aboard the lovely Riviera 37 ‘Caprice’?

First launched in 2004, this hard-to-find twin-helm Riviera 37 has all the features to provide safety and comfort on the ocean.

Her twin Cummins 370hp diesels with only 1600 hours give a smooth ride with a cruising speed of about 21 knots. The 9kw Onan genset quietly supplies the power needed for those long weeks of relaxation.

The roomy twin cabin layout features an island double berth forward along with twin singles in a separate cabin.

An ample salon area gives plenty of room for end-of-the-day meals and evening chatter. Whether it’s fishing, diving, or outdoor relaxing, the large cockpit makes it all easy.

‘Caprice’ is currently offered for sale by Tauranga Boat Sales asking $395,000.

Make time now to view her on our Bridge Marina Sales berth.

Contact listing broker Brett Eaton at 0274 592 982. Be ready for summer!

20 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

Inshore rescue assets After going bigger, local coastguards are discovering smaller craft better suit local conditions, as is demonstrated with two recent purchases.

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard’s 7.7m Sealegs at the beginning of this year and they’ve been training up on it since.

Sealegs have steerable retractable wheels, hydraulically-driven and are powered by an on-board 25hp motor. It means the boat can drive across sandbars and mudflats that are a feature of the Tauranga Harbour. In the water the amphibious rescue craft is driven by a 200hp Suzuki outboard engine.

Whitianga Volunteer Coastguard is also adding to its fleet by going smaller, launching Endeavour in July. Endeavour is a 4.8

BOAT SUPPLIES

metre Naiad rigid inflatable powered with a 70hp Yamaha outboard.

Endeavour is small enough to work in the shallows of the Whitianga harbour and the region’s smaller estuaries, such as the Purangi, and is light and easy to tow to other areas of the coast if required.

The 4.8m Naiads are popular work and recreational boats. The Whitianga Coastguard boat is the 142nd off the production line. In Coastguard trim it carries two batteries, large transom lockers, large anchor locker with foredeck, and an enlarged console to mount the electronics.

Being a training boat, this one is fitted with radar and similar electronics to the larger Whitianga Naiad nine metre rescue boat. And like all Coastguard boats, it’s fitted with a safety satellite tracking system which

WATER SPORTS

automatically transmits the position of the boat back to the Whitianga base every two minutes.

It joins the larger twin-engined Naiad and will be used for lighter duties closer to shore and training.

Project manager John Masters and president Stuart Brown worked with sponsors Sky City, Trillian Trust, Pub Charities and Trust Waikato.

The Whitianga unit has about 20 rescue crew volunteers, of which six are qualified skippers; and four radio operators.

Endeavour was blessed and launched, with the assistance of Coromandel MP Scott Simpson and local dignitaries.

The Waihi Beach Coastguard also attended in their large Naiad, using the occasion as a training run along the coast.

FISHING GEAR

ACCESSORIES

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MARINE SUPPLIES

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Phone: 5789593 Email: info@stevesmarine.co.nz

Shop online at www.stevesmarine.co.nz

WATERLINE 21

SEPTEMBER 2014

Coro fishing charters early on MOSS Waipapa Bay-based Mussel Barge Snapper Safaris is one on the first small maritime operators in the country to be certified under Maritime New Zealand’s new Maritime Operator Safety System.

Mussel Barge Snapper Safaris operates three boats, taking people on snapper fishing charters in Coromandel mussel farms, averaging 800 trips and about 10,000 customers each year.

The introduction of MOSS is the biggest change in the industry in 15 years, replacing the Safe Ship Management system that required operators to work through a safe ship management company to develop

a safety system for their vessels.

MNZ compliance manager central Pelin Davison says MOSS enables a direct relationship between operators and Maritime New Zealand.

“MOSS makes operators responsible for developing a safety system covering not only their vessels, but their entire operation.

“Operators no longer have to work through a third party to develop safety plans. After all, the operators know their businesses best and are the ones best-placed to assess the risks and hazards of their operations.”

Owner/operator Darryl O’Keeffe, who is also president of the Thames/Coromandel Charter Boat Association, says the MOSS process has real benefits in preparing a Maritime Transport Operator Plan.

“It made us be proactive about the process of assessing risk,” says Darryl.

“We sat down as a team and discussed our

business requirements. It made our skippers aware of every issue in the health and safety plan.

“Our staff are more aware and more responsible for the plan, which now fits our business to a ‘T’.”

The principles guiding MOSS are: • Improving safety by putting a greater focus on vessel owners and operators operating safely.

• Creating clearer lines of responsibility for the day-to-day safe operation of vessels.

• Providing effective and efficient regulatory oversight by MNZ. • Making it easier for operators, surveyors and MNZ staff to support safe vessels and safe operating practices.

Further information on MOSS is available on the MNZ website: http://www.maritimenz. govt.nz/Commercial/Safety-managementsystems/MOSS/default.asp

Danny’s big row on hold post-surgery Tauranga man Danny Sunkel’s trans-Tasman row is on hold again while he recovers from surgery to his wrist.

The boat is nearly ready to go – about 95 per cent kitted out – but Danny’s been going through the operating theatre after apparently pulling tendon off a bone in his wrist.

He’s been in surgery in November 2013, February 2014 and again in April.

Danny says he’s spent virtually one year in a cast or brace, and as a result has lost a lot of muscle mass, flexibility and strength.

He resumed training in June, focusing on rebuilding flexibility and then strength, followed by endurance. Hopes of rowing this summer have been dashed with a specialist telling Danny regaining

his strength will take him longer than a summer.

He’s considering his options: Push the campaign out to January 2016 – or take the boat to Aussie next year and row from Aussie to New Zealand in SeptemberDecember 2015.

The original plan was to row for Australia from the Hokianga in the summer of 2013.

Danny’s also considering a different row in a different location and time window.

One such option would be to ship the boat to California and row to Hawaii. His least-preferred option is to have someone else row the boat.

He approached his sponsors with his concerns and has been supported.

“I was honoured to find, of those I spoke to, they were all fully supportive and dismissive of my idea of putting someone else

in the boat,” says Danny.

“The general consensus of those spoken to is that this is my campaign for cancer and that it should be me in the boat, if at all possible.”

Danny’s original plan was to row both ways across the Tasman in the unique Craig Loomes design rowboat built out of foam and carbon at Pachoud Motor Yacht’s Sulphur Point shed.

It’s a self-righting trimaran with a wave-piercing hull and other wrinkles like sliding outriggers instead of a sliding seat – a development Danny says will make rowing it a far more energyefficient and easier task than the lifeboat-style boats.

The main hull of the selfrighting multi-hull is 10.8 metres.

With the side hulls the length overall will be about 11.8m.

The porpoise-like wave-piercing bow of Danny’s boat is a solution

to a big problem facing long distance rowers – the boat slows down every time it encounters a wave. The wave-piercing bow breaks the wave, allowing the boat through the wave crests with reduced loss of momentum and less effort.

Fully-loaded it will weigh about 900kg-1000kg with Danny on board, which he says is about the same or slightly heavier than most solo rowing boats. He also had built a “trans-Tasman trailer” legal in both jurisdictions. The trailer is built with help from Inex Metals and Trojan.

Complete Engineering and Hydraulics Ltd manufactured the custom submersible stainless hydraulic rams for the tilting trailer. The trailer has to tilt to make the rowboat a road-legal load in two countries. It is just more than 11m long and almost three metres wide.

22 WATERLINE

Situations Vacant

SEPTEMBER 2014

For Sale 4.95 ALUMINIUM MAST AND SAIL - plus centre board, rudder and anchor. All in very good condition. Reasonable offers considered. Please ring 576 0294 for more info.

CATAMARAN 32ft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; inboard 30hp diesel engine, shower/toilet, 7berth, Autopilot, Bow Thruster. Great for coastal conditions or live aboard. Excellent condition. Ph: 07 570 0333 CRUISER 32ft WITH MOORING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has a 160 Ford turbo diesel engine, game rigged, 2x helm stations, 2x fridges and freezer, radar, chart plotter, depth sounder. Has a shower toilet, live bait tank, sleeps eight. $38,000.

Ph: 07 570 0333 FARR 6000 TRAILER SAILER Good condition but electrics need attention. Includes a choice of 2 outboard motors. Has WOF and rego. As new squabs. Main, Jib, storm jib, spinnaker, assymetrical spinnaker, porta potti and other extras. Now reduced to $7000.

Trailer and outboards recently serviced.

Phone Keith at 07 552 0215 LAUNCH - Steel launch 30ft to 10ft. Little use View B46 Tauranga Marina. $34,500. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712 MOORING FOR SALE OR LEASE Tanners Point. Easy access, sheltered, min depth 2metres. Please phone 07 549 2008 MOORING FOR SALE OR RENT DW 7DQQHUV 3RLQW &HUWLÂżHG PRRULQJ Ph: 0274 517 759.

MOORING - Waikaraeo Estuary #5. Good position, good swing, good depth. Fully rebuilt.

Suit up to 29â&#x20AC;&#x2122; boat. Phone 07 576 1309.

NOELEX 22 0DUWLQ 0DULQH IDFWRU\ EXLOW ÂżEHUJODVV /DXQFKLQJ 7UDLOHU $ JRRG FOXE ERDW $3750.00 ONO Ph 027 494 8005 SOLE MARINE DIESELSole - 20hp, excellent condition, $3000.

Ph Ian 570 0333.

VOLVO MTR 200 HP x2 $14,500 each. 140 HP $8500 or to be run in.

FORD 250 HP $6500. May trade. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

LAUNCH - Steel launch 30ft to 10ft. Little use View B46 Tauranga Marina. $34,500.

Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712

For Rent TOWN REACH SWING MOORING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For sale or rent. Phone Peter 027 491 5616 or 578 0230.

MOORING FOR RENT -Town basin, TA10, will take up to 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; boat. Phone Ian, 5700333.

MOORING FOR RENT - Waikaraeo Estuary. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

Wanted WANTED - Mooring suitable for 50 foot yacht /16 ton - in Bridge or Pilot Bay area for lease or temporary swap. We have a mooring in Scots Landing Mahurangi which we could swap for up to one or two years use. Please phone Mark 021 933 821 WANTED Volvo 200HP or 230HP. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

Trades and Services BATTERIES Battery Direct Nz www.batterydirect.co.nz sales@batterydirect.co.nz 0800 267 468 BOAT MAINTENANCE Matamata Motor Trimmers & Upholstery Boat clear, canvas work, upholstery Ph: 07 571 4421 CNR Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Tauranga

FINANCE AFB Accept Finance Brokers Ph: 07 574 0002 or 027 4435524 Available 7 Days KAYAKS Viking Kayaks 6SHFLDOLVLQJ LQ ÂżVKLQJ DQG UHFUHDtional Kayaks 0800 529 253 www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

WATERLINE 23

SEPTEMBER 2014

CHEESE STUFFED CRUMBED MUSSELS WITH SAFFRON SAUCE

Ingredients

2kg fresh mussels 2 glasses of white wine (sauvignon blanc or pinot gris) Two-three garlic gloves 100g ricotta 50g parmesan shavings Chopped parsley Squeeze of lime juice Cracked black pepper Fine polenta/maize cornflour for dusting Medium size pinch of saffron threads 2 eggs 125ml milk 200g fresh breadcrumbs (grated frozen bread works well) 300ml fresh cream

Method

Soak the saffron threads in a splash or two of the wine, then have a taste to get in harmony with the dish. Wash and clean the mussels. Remove any loose hairy bits then heat a heavy bottomed saucepan large enough to easily contain all the mussels .When pot is hot put all the mussels in, whatever is left of the white wine, the garlic, and a little water. Cover and shake a few times.

Steam the mussels until open and remove each one by one into a bowl of chilled water. Discard any that don’t open after 3-4 minutes cooking. Keep reducing the liquid left in the pot. Add a little water so you have a total of half a litre. Add soaked saffron and reduce. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the two cheeses, the parsley and the pepper. Add a splash of lime. Stir and the mix will thicken with the extra acid. Drain the mussels. Remove any hard lip-like appendages or crabs from inside the mussel and fill with the cheese mixture. Seal closed into little pods. Dust with the cornflour or fine polenta and refrigerate.

Now check the sauce. It will be salty from the mussels, so add more water if required to balance out then reduce in the cream until thick.

Once the mussels have set in the fridge about for half an hour, dip in beaten eggs and milk then in the freshly made breadcrumbs. Allow to set again until required. To serve, pan fry mussels until golden brown in a little oil and butter for flavour. Drain and serve on a little of the strong favoured mussel saffron sauce and balance with some wilted spinach - absolutely delicious.

SEPTEMBER 2014

24 WATERLINE

Astrolabe dive site The Rena wreck is cleared for use as a dive site, if the owners and insurers’ application to leave the remainder of the wreck on Astrolabe Reef is approved by the Environment Court.

Contained in the resource consent information – now available online – is a report from Tauranga commercial diver Shane Wasik, who says diving the Rena will be safer than other New Zealand wreck dives.

“The hazards of diving the wreck by recreational divers acting within safe diving practice guidelines, and within the limits of their level of experience, are not considered to be significant when compared with other wrecks already in New Zealand,” says Shane.

That’s if all the suggested mitigation measures are undertaken, along with wreck access management procedures, education materials and monitoring – as detailed in the consent application’s Wreck Access Plan and Monitoring Plan.

“As with any other wreck, the Rena will never be completely ‘safe’ to dive,” says Shane.

“However the proposed measures will make sure that divers of average experience can explore the wreck in relative safety, and the site is left in a responsible manner with more mitigation than other accidental wreck sites in New Zealand currently provide.”

There are risks, as with all recreational diving, says Shane.

And with the accidental nature of the Rena and challenging environmental conditions at Astrolabe Reef, there are potential risks to divers who want to explore the site underwater.

The reef was considered an ‘advanced’ dive before the Rena struck the reef on October 5, 2011.

“As such the expectation is that divers should already be adequately prepared to dive there, regardless of the wreck,” says Shane.

“The Rena hasn’t been artificiallyprepared and scuttled as a diving attraction, so will have potential risks common to other accidental wreck

sites that recreational divers visit in New Zealand.”

Before the Rena collided with it, Astrolabe Reef was a notable recreational diving site – both in the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand.

The reef has a unique topography with gullies, plunging walls, shelves, caverns and caves and is exposed to prevailing west or south westerly winds and oceanic swells.

But since the ship struck the reef an exclusion zone has prevented recreational diving on the reef.

The exclusion zone will be lifted and public access restored, as part of the resource consent proposal.

The wreck only occupies a fraction of the total reef area, so those wishing to explore the reef and not undertake a wreck dive will still be able to once the exclusion zone is lifted.

The Rena is the biggest of all New Zealand wreck dives, has the greatest depth range and gives the easiest access to depths exceeding recreational limits.

The wreck site, including debris field, is estimated to be spread over an area of about 10,000m2 and ranges from about one metre (bow section) to 56m in depth at the lowest point of the aft section.

As part of the proposal, a Wreck Access Plan is to be provided which includes measures such as vessel manoeuvring arrangements and moorings, safe diving areas, safe boating guides and recommended operating conditions.

The implementation of this plan is considered to minimise many potential dive safety hazards to recreational divers on the wreck of the Rena, particularly immediately after the exclusion zone is lifted and interest in diving the wreck is likely to be at its highest.

The wreck and debris field occupy less than two per cent of the entire area of Astrolabe Reef. Even if the area above the normal 30m maximum recreational diving depth of the reef is considered, the wreck still occupies a very small proportion of the reef.

Normal diving exploration of the reef will continue much as it had before the Rena grounded, says Shane.

“However, it is noted, as result of

leaving the wreck on the reef there will be that divers will want to explore the wreck.”

Following the grounding and breakup of the ship and work done to reduce the bow section to below LAT -1m, what remains of the bow is now in several sections. The proposal is to leave these sections on the reef.

Debris field The proposal is to leave the structural hull parts, equipment, containers and cargo in the debris field surrounding the wreck, following further clearance to remove where practicable: TCCA canisters, aluminium ingots, inorganic material, entanglement and other hazards to a depth of 30m below low water.

Aft section including any remaining cargo: Parts of the hull structure of the aft section have broken off, and part of the accommodation block has been removed. The proposal is to leave what remains of the aft section, including structural material, equipment and cargo still within it, the engine room and the accommodation block to the level of D Deck.

Potential risks unique to the Rena site include penetration opportunities at depth, entanglement hazards, wreck stability and souvenir collecting.

To address these potential risks, the salvors say they’ve removed – as far as practicable – spilled wire cargo and aluminium ingots to reduce the potential hazards of entanglement or risks from amateur salvage.

The proposed Wreck Access Plan also outlines education materials to be prepared on potential risks and safety considerations for recreational divers who wish to explore the site.

This includes a code of conduct for site-users, interim surface management procedures, to mitigate hazards in the first two dive seasons after the exclusion zone is lifted – and visitation is expected to be high, with an information website and leaflets.

The Monitoring Plan also proposes monitoring the wreck and updating educational materials to identify any significant changes in the wreck’s condition.

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SEPTEMBER 2014

to t be returned The Rena wreck is cleared for use as a dive site, if the owners and insurers’ application to leave the remainder of the wreck on Astrolabe Reef is approved by the Environment Court.

These measures are unprecedented for treatment of an accidental wreck site and are considered as pro-active measures for managing recreational diver safety, as part of the proposal to leave the remains of the wreck on the reef.

The dive site report is based on the assumption divers will not descend deeper than 30m and remain within the nodecompression limits of their dive profile.

Analysis of diving accidents and fatalities on shipwrecks worldwide finds very few involve a direct link to the wreck itself, for example: collapse of structure.

The main problem factors are due to the diver making a critical error, undertaking diving beyond their training or experience, breaking safe diving practices or poor decision making.

There is also a trend of a high percentage of fatalities involving underlying medical conditions; a common theme in scuba diving incidents worldwide.

The Rena is unique in New Zealand accessible shipwrecks in that it has the highest depth range profile

(1m-56m) of any wreck.

The same depth profile is also available on the reef, however divers are now more likely to visit greater depths as there is an attraction to do so, says Shane.

It’s considered the most attractive part of the wreck is around the remains of the accommodation, aft most cargo holds.

The shallowest depth of this area is about 24 metres. The initial depths on the Rena are consistent with other New Zealand wrecks, which would average about 15m-35m.

Deep diving presents higher risks, such as decompression illness, increased gas consumption, higher inert gas loading and nitrogen narcosis.

These risks are present for any deep diving, however given the depth profile of the Rena there is increased opportunity for divers to undertake deep diving.

Professional dive centres, dive clubs and professional trip leaders are currently required by health and safety legislation to provide safety measures during excursions.

This includes dive planning and

supervision, along with carrying specific diving first aid measures, such as oxygen administration equipment.

In this respect there’s likely to be a level of self-policing over diving behaviours on the site.

The responsibility to manage their own diving practices during excursions lies with the individuals, divers and groups who choose to visit the wreck.

It would be unreasonable to expect any requirement of the owners to directly influence the behaviours of visiting divers.

However, the provision of education materials is considered to be a proactive means of advising visitors on how to do so safely, given the opportunities presented by the Rena.

Information on the application for resource consents to leave what remains of the wreck of the Rena and associated debris field on Astrolabe Reef is now available online through the Rena Project and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s websites: www.renaproject.co.nz and www.renaresourceconsents.org.nz

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Fishing for a good cause

Break out your rods and grab your tackle because the AVLogic and McDonald’s Tauranga Charity Fishing Competition is on September 20.

From left: Organisers Steve Rolfe, John Warder and Mike Speed.

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Local anglers get your rods at the ready because the AVLogic and McDonald’s Tauranga Charity Fishing Competition is back again this month.

Into its third year the competition has cemented its place in Tauranga’s event calendar with its goal to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House in Auckland.

Organisers Steve Rolfe, John Warder, and Mike Speed are promising an amazing event filled with fun, prizes, and hopefully, even better fishing.

The competition will be based at the Mount Sport Centre and open to all recreational land or sea based anglers. Anglers will drop their lines at 6am and have until 4.30pm to land the big one.

Prize giving will be held from 6pm which will see Ronald McDonald House CEO Wayne Howett as guest speaker plus musical entertainment from local group GAP. Mike Speed says the trio were over the moon with last year’s competition and thanks to the support of sponsors and over 200 entries, the competition raised $13,000 for the Ronald McDonald House.

This year they’re aiming their sights even higher and hope to lure in more entries.

No-one knows better than Mike how much good the Ronald McDonald House does for families undergoing extremely difficult times.

Five years ago Mike’s son Ryan was admitted to Auckland’s Starship Hospital with major heart abnormalities.

While Mike’s “little fulla” was in Starship the family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for nine weeks.

Tragically, Ryan died at four months but Mike says during this period his eyes and heart were opened.

“We learned so much about life, charity, and the good things random strangers can do for you.

Mike says entries are now open and “absolutely everyone and anyone” is welcome, even if you don’t fish.

Non-anglers can register as a social entry which still puts them in the draw for prizes randomly drawn throughout the day and at the evening prize giving which closes out the event.

On the day there will also be plenty of entertainment for the kids, food and a cash bar for the adults provided by Mills Reef Winery.

Along with Mills Reef a number of businesses have also jumped on board to sponsor the competition and includes AVLogic, McDonald’s Tauranga, Impact Engineering, Mitre 10, Torpedo7 and The Rock 94.2FM to name only a handful.

Mike says they are always looking for more sponsors to get involved with the competition.

The AVLogic and McDonald’s Tauranga Charity Fishing Competition takes place on September 20.

All proceeds generated by the competition go directly to the Ronald McDonald House in Auckland.

Entries cost $30 and are open to both land and sea based anglers. It is a measure only competition. A briefing for the competition will be held at the Omanu Golf Club, Matapihi Rd, on the evening of September 19.

To enter or for more information about the competition visit fishing.avlogic.co.nz

By David Tauranga

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Greenhouse gas, global warming and the fish A few weeks ago I read an article in which an American scientist forecast the demise of New Zealand’s shellfish industry.

Apparently global warming has altered the marine environment to the point where many species, particularly clams on American aquaculture farms, are having trouble surviving – and, the assumption is what’s happening there must happen here.

Or not. North Americans – in fact most of the Northern Hemisphere – have done very nasty things to their oceans in the name of progress, and spent centuries working on the principle ‘Under the water is out of sight, and out of sight is out of mind’.

Not that we’ve been much better, there’s just fewer of us, more ocean to hide in; and we haven’t been at it as long. Nevertheless, there is substance to the warning and a looming problem we can’t ignore.

It’s not so much global warming that’s the worry; although that is having an impact on our coasts through increasing storm frequency and ferocity, as well enticing warmer water species into our once-chilly seas.

The problem lies in the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere, then being absorbed into the ocean. On the one hand this is a good thing, because it removes a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere and slows warming But on the other hand it’s very bad, because some of this CO2 combines with hydrogen in water to form carbonic acid H2CO3 – the same compound that puts the fizz in your fizzy drink.

This is a natural cycle that’s been going on for millions of years, but for most of this time CO2 levels have been stable and the system has been in equilibrium, with about the same amount of CO2 coming out of the water as went in.

That equilibrium has been badly rocked during the last 20 years or so, with dramatic rises in levels of anthropogenic – man-made and yes, it can be identified – CO2 leading to

a measurable rise in the level of carbonic acid and a corresponding drop in the pH of sea water.

The pH is acidity or alkalinity measured on a scale of one-14. Seven is neutral and the lower the pH the higher the acidity – and the higher the pH, the more alkaline or caustic.

The change isn’t huge and wouldn’t be noticed without sophisticated equipment. But as Professor Chris Battershill from Waikato University says: “In the marine environment even very small changes can have very big effects”.

And the effect of an acidic ocean will be very big and spells trouble for many species, especially shellfish like mussels, oysters, pipi, tuatua, cockles and paua – anything that has a hard shell.

These animals make their shells from a form of dissolved calcium carbonate called aragonite, which is very hard but dissolves in even slightly acidic water – so a slight drop in pH makes maintaining a shell very difficult.

Anyone who has ever put a paua shell in a fresh water aquarium will probably have seen the problem up close – unless their aquarium water is particularly hard, being high in dissolved calcium, the paua shell slowly disappears.

As it dissolves it counteracts the acid building up in the aquarium through natural processes, including CO2 from the aerator, and maintains a healthy aquarium environment.

The same thing happens in the sea, but there the shells are often attached to living animals that have to divert energy from growth to maintenance when the pH drops.

This is hard enough for adults with established shells, but it’s in the very early stages of life that most marine species are particularly susceptible.

While they’re free swimming as plankton in the open ocean, shellfish have very limited time and energy to begin making their shells in preparation to settling down – particularly species like paua, which have a very short

larval phase of just seven-nine days to start their shells.

The first brick is always the hardest and if they’re slowed or prevented from making shells many will die or start life with a weak, incomplete or deformed shell.

A bit like concrete that’s been laid in the rain – a lot of hard work and it may not come out as planned or be very useful.

Potentially this is very bad news for shellfish farmers, professional and recreational divers and all lovers of kaimoana fritters.

And it may not be too far in the future.

Some kaumatua have already been heard to complain of stunted and deformed pipi in some estuaries.

But what of other species? Fortunately crustaceans such as crayfish and crabs are not at such high risk because they make their shells from magnesium calcite – a form of calcium carbonate not as easily dissolved as aragonite.

They also have a protective layer of biological material over their shells that isolate them to some extent from the surrounding water.

Kina are another matter, but much less is known about how they are affected. In the Northern Hemisphere some sea urchin larvae are suffering badly while other species are thriving, so for New Zealand kina it’s a case of ‘watch this space’.

Then there’s the biggies; the finfish. They have inbuilt pH regulatory systems so aren’t noticeably affected by slight fluctuations, although there appears to be very little known about impacts on their more vulnerable early life stages as eggs and larvae.

The danger for finfish lies in their food supplies. The marine food chain starts with plankton, and this is where the major impact of acidification takes place; and alterations in the base of the food chain will have a ripple effect all the way up to the fishing line.

Just how big that ripple will be is a big unknown, but it’s unlikely to minor.

Oh, and if you haven’t seen the Great Barrier Reef yet, perhaps now would be a good time.

By Graeme Dobson

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Wishing on fishing As the spring weather begins to be felt, the fishing begins to improve for baitfish pilchards, anchovies and mackerel – and for the sea mammals, birds and fish that feed on them.

That means dolphins, whales, gannets and other seabirds, and snapper will be taking advantage of the smorgasbord to condition up for spawning, which can take place several times during spring and summer.

The Wish4Fish charity held its winter fishing classic on August 30 with prizegiving at the Marble Bar. Funds raised from the contest are going towards the charity’s project Noah, the long-term goal of owning and operating a purpose-designed wheelchair-friendly charter boat.

The weather was terrible, with a solid easterly battering away all day, but they still had 85 entries, says charity spokesman Bryce Dineen.

This is the first winter competition they’ve held.

“It’s been pretty awesome actually. The support for a winter competition in trying conditions has been awesome.”

Bryce says 67 kahawai and one snapper were weighed in. All other categories were drawn as lucky angler prizes.

“The majority of fish caught were kahawai because the competition was restricted to the harbour due to weather conditions and the safety of our anglers competing.”

The current Wish4Fish project is an alloy cat that will provide a large single surface, allowing wheelchair fishers’ deck and cabin access without having to negotiate a step.

They’ve had a look at a few concepts, says Bryce, but they are not yet in position to sign a contract with a designer or builder.

“Our main focus is fundraising,” says Bryce.

Wish4fish is a registered charity, aimed at giving the disabled and less mobile the opportunity to go fishing. Bryce is chair-bound following severe spinal injuries suffered in 2007.

While in traction he came up with the idea of allowing people of all ages, with physical and mental disabilities and impairments, the opportunity to enjoy saltwater recreational activities, such as day trips and fishing trips.

Fishing teaches many life skills from socialising and bonding, to being able to provide food for the dinner table, says Bryce.

Fishing also has its ups and down, the highs of catching a fish after learning the patience to do it, the lows of coming home empty handed; and the determination to put the bait back on the hook and put the line back in the water.

Wish4Fish charters Tauranga charter vessel the MG Sport Fisher, which has been adapted for wheelchair access, but the ultimate aim is for the trust to operate a purpose-designed boat.

Bryce started Wish4Fish to help overcome his frustration at trying to go fishing from a chair. But the charity is not just for the wheelchair bound, says Bryce. There are a lot of people with minor or major disabilities or simply living in resthomes, whom he believes will benefit from ongoing access to the water.

Anyone who wants to help out in anyway or be involved can email Bryce at bryce@wish4fish.co.nz or call him on 021 616601.

Wish4Fish’s big wish.

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SEPTEMBER 2014

C Craig and d Al Ali Davies aboard b d their new home.

From housetruck to houseboat A background in planning and building prefab accommodation, and good tool skills made the decision to buy the former Great Barrier ferry an easy one – but it didn’t make the work any easier for Craig and Ali Davies.

The distinctive former ferry with its forward pilot house, the long midships accommodation section and stern deck house was a Pilot Bay fixture for a year or so, moored just off the beach.

Craig and Ali, who were living in an 11m house-bus in the South Island, saw the opportunity on TradeMe. The 16m by 4.2m launch was suffering from years of not doing much, and Craig says he bought it for the price of the twin Caterpillar 3208 engines.

“The rest of the boat was free,” says Craig.

The former Okahu was built by Weco in 1980 and the engines have done only 4000 hours. “You should be able to get 10,000 hours out of them.”

The boat has been on the Bridge Marina Travelift hard stand since April; and Craig and Ali started the five-and-a-half-month job removing a collection of rubbish that included all the former squabs and lot of additional weight. Three skip-loads came out of the boat, says Craig.

“And we filled the one here.”

When the boat came out of the water in

April it weighed 22 tonnes. When Bruce Goodchap levelled it out in August, so Craig and Ali could move on-board their new home, it still weighed 22 tonnes.

That’s after they gutted it and rebuilt the interior with a macrocarpa-lined and teakfloored galley, a saloon and master bedroom, a new toilet, a tiled shower and bathroom and added a reserve fuel tank.

Some changes are weight-saving. Craig added 15m2 of solar panels from AA Solar in Auckland, and swapped out the lead acid batteries for lithium house batteries.

The solar array produces 10kw a day in summer and about seven kilowatt in winter.

He’s got two inverters, one a back-up. Navigation instruments and interior LED lighting is on 12volts but all the rest is 230volts 50hz.

All the appliances, the fridge, laundry, TV, sound system, are all off the self mains power appliances.

There’s a water maker that can produce 44 litres of fresh water an hour and gas hot water.

“We wanted to be self-sufficient,” says Craig.

The couple ran their South Island-based business out of the bus, which went through a few alterations and additions during that time, as a photo montage in the galley shows.

“We lived on the bus for eight years,” says Ali. “Craig always wanted to live on a boat but I wanted to do the bus thing first. But he never shut up about boats, so we got a boat and sold the bus.”

They bought the galley kitchen from Bun-

nings, which intended on photographing it for their marketing. But it didn’t fit like the kitchens they built into the prefabs. The deck curved, the walls curved and the deck head wasn’t straight either.

“But we had the room, so why not,” says Ali. Starting in April, they stayed with relatives until the boat was liveable. They took their first time out at the end of August, and promised themselves they’d make Whitianga’s scallop festival in early September. The relaunch and re-naming is planned towards the end of September.

Post-launch plans at this stage are to just head out, maybe a shake-down cruise to the Barrier and return to Tauranga for a family Christmas.

“We will just cruise around New Zealand for the first few years, see how the boat goes,” says Craig.

He’s got room for 2.4 tonnes of fuel, enough to go to Tonga and back, plus a reserve tank “just in case”.

Efforts at researching the boat’s history haven’t been very successful. It operated as a Great Barrier ferry; it may have been a spectator boat at the Auckland-based America’s Cup, but not much else is known.

The builder, Whangarei Engineering Company, has since changed hands. There are believed to be a couple of similar designs still afloat; one on the lower Waikato and the other somewhere in the South Island lake country.

By Andrew Campbell

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Arohanui

A token of affection

Arohanui was launched in September 1965. The hull is designed by LJ Hacker of New York, and the cabin and interior is from the late Andrew Donovan, who was well-known in Auckland’s marine scene as a yachtsman, boat builder and designer.

Andrew and the first owner’s son handselected a single kauri tree from Northland from which Arohanui was built by the Lane Motor Boat company in Totara North.

Construction is a combination of double diagonal kauri and plant and batten sheathed in fibreglass. The cabin coamings are Burma teak and the interior teak and mahogany.

Arohanui was launched at 45ft LOA and 14ft beam but was extended to 48ft by the second owner, who also repowered her with twin 300hp Iveco diesels giving her a cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 20 knots.

Arohanui is still largely original except for mechanical, electrical and instrument upgrades.

She has 6’4” headroom, overnight accommodation for six guests in three twin cabins, toilet and holding tank, an internal shower and cockpit shower, fridge/freezer, four burner stove and oven, spacious saloon, side opening doors, roomy cockpit and a very large boarding platform.

Arohanui is currently in SSM survey and is on the market at $250,000. Classic vessels like this rarely come on the market. Contact Brian Worthington at Gulf Group Marine Brokers for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER 2014