RAN SAILING ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Transcription

RAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER -
April 2008
Picture courtesy of Lisa Bronte
Editor: Cyril Latimer
RANSA SYDNEY SQUADRON (ACN 050 0990548)
New Beach Road, Edgecliff, NSW 2027
Ph: 61 (0)2 9363 9939 Fax: 61 (0)2 9363 0352
Email: ransa@bigpond.com
Website: www.ransa.com.au
APRIL 2008 Table of Contents General Events Calendar for the Remainder of 2008...............................................................................................3 Sailing Calendar for the Remaining 2007‐08 Season ................................................................................................4 Editorial ....................................................................................................................................................................5 The Commodore’s Report ........................................................................................................................................6 RANSA in the News ...................................................................................................................................................7 Olympic Legacy Marina ....................................................................................................................................7 d’Albora Marina Development ........................................................................................................................7 NSW Parliament ...............................................................................................................................................8 The Vice Commodore’s Report .................................................................................................................................9 RANSA Retains the Admiral’s Trophy .................................................................................................................... 11 The Challenge Trophy (Saturday 7 June) ............................................................................................................... 13 News from HMAS Cerberus Sailing Club ............................................................................................................... 14 The Rear Commodore’ Report .............................................................................................................................. 16 Profile: Richard Staines and Esquisse II ................................................................................................................ 18 Cruising News ........................................................................................................................................................ 22 Blue Peter ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 Yaraandoo .................................................................................................................................................... 24 Tainui ............................................................................................................................................................. 24 Questions and Answers ......................................................................................................................................... 27 Vale ........................................................................................................................................................................ 27 New Members ....................................................................................................................................................... 27 Newsletter Email List ............................................................................................................................................. 27 APRIL 2008|
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Calendar for the Remainder of 2008
Friday 2nd May
RANSA Prize Giving
Saturday May 3rd
RANSA Winter Saturday
Series starts
Wednesday 7th May
RANSA Winter Wednesday
Series starts
Friday 30th May
Mexican Night
Saturday 7th June
Inaugural Challenge Cup
(Separate Sailing
Instructions)
Saturday 14th June
Combined Clubs Race
(Separate Sailing
Instructions)
Friday 27th June
Arabian Night
Wednesday 23rd July
RANSA Winter Wednesday
Short Series Starts
Friday 25th July
Irish Christmas in July
Friday 22nd August
Prawn and Trivia Night
Friday 19th September
Function TBA
Friday 24th October
Cocktail Party
The RANSA Boatshed
is available for hire for
functions held by
members and their
guests at very
reasonable prices.
Saturday 25th ----Sunday 26th October
RANSA Birthday Weekend
Consider holding your
next function at
RANSA.
Tuesday 4th November
Melbourne Cup Lunch
Sunday 14th December
Christmas Breakfast
APRIL 2008|
FUNCTION HIRE Please direct enquiries
to the Office for prices
and availability.
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RANSA Sailing Calendar for the Remaining 2007-08 Season
Day Fri Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Mon Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Wed Sat Sun Wed Wed Wed Wed Wed Date 2‐May 3‐May 7‐May 10‐May 14‐May 17‐May 21‐May 24‐May 28‐May 31‐May 4‐Jun 7‐Jun 9‐Jun 11‐Jun 14‐Jun 18‐Jun 21‐Jun 25‐Jun 28‐Jun 2‐Jul 5‐Jul 9‐Jul 12‐Jul 16‐Jul 19‐Jul 23‐Jul 26‐Jul 26‐Jul 30‐Jul 2‐Aug 6‐Aug 9‐Aug 13‐Aug 16‐Aug 20‐Aug 20‐Aug 23‐Aug 24‐Aug 27‐Aug 3‐Sep 10‐Sep 17‐Sep 24‐Sep Subject ANNUAL PRIZEGIVING Start Saturday Winter Series Start Wednesday Winter Series
Twilight Series Wednesday Series Saturday Winter Main Short Main Short Series Series 1 1
1
2
2
2 3 3
3
4
4
5
5
4 5 Naval, Service and Local Members Challenge (SSI)
Queen's Birthday NPS 6
6
Combined Clubs Race 1345
7
6 8
8
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
1
7 8 9 10 11 Sydney to Gold Coast Race (CYCA)
13
2
14
3
15
4
16
5
12 13 14 Fire Extinguisher Inspection Crew Day Equipment Audits APRIL 2008|
Time 1800
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
NPS 7
Start Wednesday Short Series NPS 17
18
19
20
21
6
7
8
9
10
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1300
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1250
1345
1700
1250
1000
1345
1345
1345
1345
1345
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Editorial
Goodbye and Thanks Sinead. Sinead Joyce, as you all know, has been Editor of the Newsletter for the past few years, and has done a wonderful job keeping us up to date with RANSA activities at home and the fortunes of members abroad. Sinead has decided to step down as Editor and take a well earned rest. On your behalf, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Sinead for such a long and distinguished Newsletter Editorship. This issue is packed with news: The Olympic Legacy Marina Agreement; RANSA Regatta and Admiral’s Trophy Report; Twilight and Sunday Series Results; The new Naval, Service and Local Member Challenge Race; Progress on the RANSA Objection to the D’Albora Development Application; Second Reading Speech of The Liquor Bill 2007; Commodore’s, Vice Commodore’s and Rear Commodore’s Reports; HMAS Cerberus Sailing Club News; Cruising News from Blue Peter, Yaraandoo and Tainui. Our Profile in this issue is of the redoubtable Richard Staines, Owner/Skipper of Esquisse II. The Newsletter caught up with Richard recently, and quizzed him on his long experience of racing Hood 23s. Q&A. Finally, we are to have a Q&A Section where members can submit questions to ransa@bigpond.com.au or clatimer@bigpond.net.au on any of RANSA’s activities, and the Editor will attempt to retrieve answers – see the Q&A Section for examples Cyril Latimer
APRIL 2008|
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The Commodore’s Report
Dear Sailors and fellow members, One season ends and another, thankfully, begins. Our highly successful twilight season has concluded with record fleets, and great sailing for all, with two races abandoned due to unseasonable winds. The season was slightly shorter with the early Easter. We hope that winter will be better. The big news has finally broken. After considerable work and effort by the Infrastructure Subcommittee and Squadron Committee, and the initiative of NSW Maritime, RANSA and Sailability have agreed to incorporate a new jointly owned company called Legacy Marina Ltd. This company will lease and operate the Olympic Legacy Marina and Hardstand for the benefit of all sailors. Minister Tripodi attended the historic signing of the agreement between the organisations on Monday 14th April. NSW Maritime is to carry out work to the infrastructure to bring it up to standard before the handover. In the meantime the new company is expected to manage the infrastructure. This is the start of a new beginning for RANSA as our access to the water is now assured for the long‐term future and is one step in the strategic plan for RANSA’s next 60 years. My thanks goes out to all who have been involved in this effort, attending many meetings, and giving freely of your knowledge and expertise, over the last few years to achieve this result. The terms of the agreement and lease are confidential, so please don’t ask, but you will see new and improved security in the area in due course. One of the instant requirements is that the marina gates be kept locked, and your members key will allow you access. The BEM Subcommittee has provided new tools in the work area to facilitate maintenance of members’ yachts. The BEM and House Committee have been working on the problem of our old bar fridges which have finally expired. If anyone has contacts or expertise in this area, or could help with replacement or new ideas, please send me an e‐mail through Janet. The good news on the sailing front is that by the end of this month we will have four Flying Tiger 10 M’s at RANSA. They are proving to be a popular new one‐design class of affordable sport boat which should provide close racing in the RANSA fleets. Thank you to all of the volunteers who have worked so hard on working bees, and volunteering your respective skills for the benefit of our club. If you haven’t filled out your skills survey, please do so as we are always looking for help in this organisation. Our network of enthusiastic volunteers means that RANSA is able to maintain its affordable position in the sailing community, for the benefit of all members. I ask you all to keep flying the flag. The Burgee and Flag etiquette is on our website under “About us”. Adrian Gruzman Commodore RANSA APRIL 2008|
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RANSA in the News
Olympic Legacy Marina to be shared
NSW Maritime Media Release
An agreement was signed today to share the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Legacy Marina ‐ to give access to recreational water facilities and make great use of an important harbour site. Under the agreement the NSW Maritime‐
owned marina in Rushcutters Bay will be shared by Sailability NSW and the Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association (RANSA) to advance community access to the sport of sailing, particularly among the disabled. Sailability NSW promotes on‐water activity for the disabled and RANSA promotes sailing and the art of seamanship in the Royal Australian Navy. NSW Maritime has also given a commitment to undertake $60,000 in repair works on the marina, which will take place over the next couple of months to ensure the two groups have the best access to the facility. The Legacy Marina was built in 1998 and named by the NSW Government as a legacy to the sport of sailing following the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. It comprises 10 floating pontoon berths and a hard stand capable of storing 22 boats. The hard stand is serviced by two of the largest cranes of their type on Sydney Harbour. Both RANSA and Sailability welcomed the commitment of NSW Maritime to restore the marina and hard stand. "We look forward to establishing a world‐class facility for sailors with disabilities at the site," Sailability NSW President Grahame Rayner said. "The facility was specifically designed for sailors with disabilities; it will be good to see the site used more fully – for the benefit of both RANSA and Sailability." "Guaranteed access to the marina enables RANSA to plan for the future," RANSA Commodore Adrian Gruzman said. APRIL 2008|
RANSA Objection to d’Albora Marina
Development Application
Squadron recently lodged an objection to an integrated development application lodged on behalf of d’Albora Marina, Rushcutters Bay, regarding a proposed expansion of the use of their marina in order to berth very large vessels. After careful consideration RANSA ultimately objected to the development application because Squadron Committee formed the view that: 1. The development would have a severe detrimental impact on the adjacent Sir David Martin Reserve and the purposes for which the Reserve Trust was established. 2. The development would result in a hazard to the safe navigation of vessels in the waterway channel between the Sir David Martin Reserve and Rushcutters Bay. 3. The development would have a severe detrimental impact on the time required to access emergency services by sailing based organisations that utilise Sir David Martin Reserve. 4. The development would result in a decrease in visual aesthetics for the area. 5. The development would result in a significant increase in demand for parking in the area. RANSA formed the opinion that if consent is granted to the proposed development it will provide berthing for a very small number of very large vessels to the detriment and safety of the users of the adjacent Sir David Martin Reserve and to the residents of the area. |Page 7
The detailed letter of objection can be viewed on the noticeboard in the boatshed or from the office. Thank you to those who assisted RANSA in reviewing and evaluating the potential impact of d’Albora’s proposal We are still awaiting notification of the outcome from Woollahra Municipal Council. NSW Parliament Second Reading
Speech of The Liquor Bill 2007 (Now
The Liquor Act 2007)
The following extract from Hansard reflects recent lobbying by the RANSA Squadron Committee and the Commodore regarding RANSA’s liquor licence. The Hon. DON HARWIN [The Hon. Don Harwin M.L.C. BEc(Hons) Member of the Legislative Council, Liberal Party member, Opposition Whip] [3.56 p.m.]: “I do not propose to go through the bills in detail…The matter of liquor licensing is complicated and the changes proposed in these bills have generated a considerable range of responses from the community and affected stakeholders. I shall put on the record concerns raised by Commodore Gruzman of the Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association. The proposed reforms enshrine concessions currently extended to surf lifesaving clubs in recognition of the important role they play in the community and their reliance upon fundraising activities for revenue. I am sure that no member of this House would quibble with that. The Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association suggests that the same rights and conditions enjoyed by surf lifesaving clubs under the principle Act should be extended to sailing and yachting clubs. Commodore Gruzman noted that, like surf lifesaving clubs, sailing and yachting clubs are largely dependent on social functions to generate APRIL 2008|
revenue to fund safety and rescue facilities, along with facilities to members. Many smaller sailing clubs are not registered clubs, do not sell takeaway liquor and do not have any gaming machines to fund necessary rescue boats, portable defibrillators and other ancillary rescue equipment. The Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association is a not‐for‐profit organisation operated on an entirely voluntary basis. It organises sailing events on the harbour throughout the year, several of which involve members of Sailability, an organisation for sailors with disabilities. The club provides start boats and rescue facilities. Like many such sailing and yachting organisations, the association's premises are leased from the local council, and the terms of the lease prohibit the club from seeking a certificate of registration under the Registered Clubs Act 1976…Given that surf life saving clubs and sailing and yachting clubs are organisations that facilitate sporting and recreational activities and provide rescue facilities on a not‐for‐profit basis through fund‐raising, they certainly seem to have a case and an argument for similar treatment under the Act. I believe that is worth looking at. Commodore Gruzman has suggested that sailing and yachting clubs be granted either the same rights and conditions as surf life saving clubs, or a limited licence permitting at least two functions per week, or an on‐
premises licence to sell liquor and hold private functions at the club premises to cater for the club's own functions. I request the Minister to consider the concerns that have been raised by the sailing association and the recommendations it has made when drafting the regulations over the coming months.” |Page 8
The Vice Commodore’s Report
It’s been an exciting few months on the water at RANSA with the 2008 Annual Regatta ‐ which incorporated the Admiral’s Trophy – being a closely fought contest along with the conclusion of the very competitive Friday Twilight series. RANSA Regatta The regatta was held on a warm, sunny day in February and once again raised funds to support the Sir David Martin Foundation. The Foundation, named after the highly regarded former Rear Admiral and past Governor of NSW, supports youth programs that assist marginalised young people in our community in making the steps towards a positive future. Entrants in the regatta competed on behalf of their yacht club for the Admiral’s Trophy – awarded to the Sydney yacht club that performs best overall in five of the divisions that make up the regatta. All Sydney yacht clubs were invited to compete. The regatta once again attracted a fleet in excess of 70 yachts which this year also included a number of classic yachts. A total of 11 clubs were represented in the various divisions. Unfortunately due to longstanding training requirements, the RAN was unable to provide the start‐finish vessel and this honour was taken by Taurus, a Kingston 880. Unlike last years start to the regatta ‐ in rain and blustery conditions – the Race Committee managed to hold on to all the numerals that comprised the “handicap start sequence” that sent boats around the course! After two full laps of the harbour the competitors returned to the RANSA boatshed for the festivities, feast, and the prize giving. RANSA would like to acknowledge the generous support of the 2008 Regatta Supporters: Cook+Phillip Park, Hood Sailmakers, Bill Wilson at Paddington Fresh Foods, and Maggies Austrian‐German Restaurant at Pott’s Point. And of course many thanks Janet Doyle, our tireless Assistant Secretary, for coordinating the regatta and ensuring that it was run flawlessly and with its usual military precision. The fantastic effort of our House Committee must also be acknowledged; the feast back at RANSA was superb. Congratulations to all the divisional winners for their achievement. And once again RANSA has retained the Admiral’s Trophy – though the winning margin is becoming tighter each year. This is the fifth consecutive year that RANSA has retained the Trophy although we still have quite some way to go in overturning RPEYC’s record of 12 consecutive wins from 1987. Nonetheless well done to all. Twilight Series Results The 2007/08 RANSA Friday Twilight races have proved to be as popular as ever with fleets of 60 to 70 boats quite common. Division 1 saw the addition of a new and emerging competitor in the APRIL 2008|
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form of the first Flying Tiger 10m One Design club racer on Sydney Harbour – Fortune of War – owned and skippered by the Commodore, Adrian Gruzman. RANSA now boasts a fleet of four Flying Tigers ready to attack Sydney Harbour. They are a new, very affordable sports‐boat class. Friday Twilights this year were not without their disputes; this season controversy on the race course often ended up in the Committee Room! Protest outcomes are posted on the Sailing Committee Notice Board and should be regarded as compulsory reading by all competitors. The Friday twilight pointscore races for 2006/07 have now been finalised and results for the overall series and the Twilight‐Lite (post‐Christmas series) are as follows: Main Series
Division 1
1st
Amon Ra (N.Jones) 2nd Obsession (Obsession Syndicate) 3rd Panther (S.O’Rourke)
Division 2
1st Wild Blue Yonder (T.Rhodes/D.Nevell) 2nd Sylvara (D.Giddings) 3rd Evelyn
(B.Watkins/C.Josling)
Division 3
1st
Higgy Baby (D.Walker) 2nd Megisti (M.Bryant/G.Hetherington) 3rd Black Diamond (Ross
Walton)
Short Series
Division 1
1st
Amon Ra (N.Jones)
Syndicate)
2nd Panther (S.O’Rourke) 3rd Obsession (Obsession
Division 2
1st
Evelyn (C.Josling/B.Watkins) 2nd Sylvara (D.Giddings) 3rd Wild Blue Yonder
(T.Rhodes/D.Nevell)
Division 3
1st
Higgy Baby (D.Walker) 2nd Desire (J.Lenehan) 3rd Black Diamond (Ross Walton)
Congratulations to divisional winners; especially Amon Ra, Higgy Baby and Evelyn who, in order to win their series, on average had to consistently sail better than all the other competitors in their division. I look forward to seeing the skippers and crews of the winning yachts at the club Prize Giving night in early May. Sunday Series After a break of quite a few years since past Commodore Max Kean’s efforts, RANSA once again held a Sunday race series over summer. Unfortunately numbers were extremely disappointing with many boats that had previously expressed an interest not entering the series. While there were more ambitious plans upfront the series ultimately comprised “around the buoys” races. APRIL 2008|
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The courses were about an hour‐an‐a‐half to two‐hours in length and were, in fact, perfect for both spinnaker and non‐spinnaker entrants. Crews were back at the RANSA boatshed by around 1445hrs and everyone who participated immensely enjoyed the race. Max Kean ensured that the BBQ was operating at full capacity for those who returned to the club. Indeed this series confirmed to me that there are few things more pleasant than spending a day on the water followed by a lazy Sunday afternoon at the RANSA boatshed – whether sitting out on the parade ground looking across to the Sydney Harbour Bridge or whether taking advantage of the shade and views offered by the new deck in the boatshed. The combination of great location plus the company of good friends is immeasurable. I hope you will consider joining us next year in the Sunday Series. Peter Edwards Vice Commodore RANSA Retains the Admiral’s Trophy
The RAN Sailing Association (RANSA) at Rushcutters Bay has again retained the Admiral's Trophy in the club’s annual regatta in support of the Sir David Martin Foundation. This was despite the best efforts from eleven different Sydney yacht clubs to end RANSA's four year winning streak. The seventy‐one entrants in the 2008 RANSA regatta competed on behalf of their yacht club for the Admiral’s Trophy. The Admiral’s Trophy was first presented in 1987 and is won by the Sydney yacht club that performs best overall in four of the six divisions that make up the regatta pointscore. This year there was also an additional division for classic yachts which did not count toward the pointscore. All Sydney yacht clubs were invited to compete in the regatta and eleven clubs were represented in the divisions. All proceeds of the regatta are donated to the Sir David Martin Foundation. The Foundation, which is a charity administered by Sydney City Mission, was named after the extremely well regarded Rear Admiral and former Governor of New South Wales. It supports youth programs that assist marginalised young people in our community in making the steps towards a positive future. The 2008 regatta was sailed on a sunny Sunday on 24 February in blustery conditions. The APRIL 2008|
breeze shifted from a westerly at the start to an easterly and then to a sou'easter during the race. Wind strength oscillated with each shift. In addition to the vagaries of the breeze an added challenge this year was the visit of "The Two Queens" to Sydney. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II were in Sydney on the day of the regatta and there was a very significant increase in recreational boating traffic compared to a “typical” Sunday on the harbour. But despite occasional cursing by skippers about the amount of wash from power‐boats, the fleet remained good natured about this additional obstacle. A handicap start was used in all divisions. This means that slower rated yachts start early and the faster yachts have to chase and overtake them to take the lead in the race. The boat the crosses the finish line fist is the winner for the division. Division 1 was won convincingly by Ophir, a 10 metre one‐design “Flying Tiger”, from Drummoyne Sailing Club. Bruce Tavener, skipper of Ophir, finished seven minutes ahead of The Tavern, a Sydney 38, skippered by Ian Guanaria from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) which in turn was just over one minute ahead of RANSA member Robert Skol's Scarlett O'Hara. Tavener had further good reason to celebrate | P a g e 11
his win since Ophir finished between 13 and 30 minutes ahead of four other Flying Tigers, a relatively new and reasonably affordable one‐
design sports boat, also in this division including brand new Fortune of War, owned and skippered by RANSA Commodore Adrian Gruzman. In Division 2 Ray Stone from the CYCA sailed his Sydney 32, Razor's Edge, to victory finishing one‐and‐a‐half minutes ahead of Gondwana, a David Lyons designed Robertson 950, skippered by RANSA Vice Commodore Peter Edwards. Phillip Grove's Diana, a modified Hick 30 from Balmain Sailing Club, finished in third place after tussling with Gondwana from the last mark to the finish line. Diana obtained an overlap after the mark rounding but problems with their kite hoist saw Gondwana finish 35 seconds ahead. In Division 3 Rob Briet in Shemozzle, a Northshore 34, finished nearly three minutes ahead of fellow RANSA member Norm Longworth sailing Aurelia II with Joka, a Cavalier 28 from Sydney Amateur Sailing Club (SASC), taking third place. While other divisions saw some close racing it was Division 4 that provided the closest results of the overall regatta with Clewless?, skippered by well known SASC member Guy Irwin, taking first place by the smallest margin possible: a mere one second. Esquisse 2, a Hood 23, skippered by RANSA's Richard Staines was second with Brotherhood, another RANSA Hood 23, just 44 seconds behind in third place. Hood 23's despite their age remain a very competitive and inexpensive boat and provide an opportunity to join a Class that retains a very strong and very loyal following in Sydney Harbour. Division 4 also included Lunasea, a Sonata 8 from Greenwich Flying Squadron as well as Pink Panther from Parramatta River Sailing Club. Both yachts performed very well finishing less than four minutes behind Clewless? And APRIL 2008|
although nowhere near as close as Guy Irwin's victory, other boats in the division were less than ten seconds apart from each other. There was plenty of lively conversation about tactics and disasters back at the RANSA clubhouse. Of the 13 starters in this division just 15 minutes separated the first and last boats. Divisions 5 and 6 were non‐spinnaker divisions. In Division 5 Phil King from the CYCA skippered Salona to a solid win over RANSA's Richard Hutcheson on Capella, a Bavaria 36, while fellow RANSA member John Fraser skippered Troubadour, a Beneteau First 31.7, to third place in the division. Division 6 was won by Steve Wawn on Pleasure II representing Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club while second place was won by Enya, another Hood 23 from RANSA. Third place was won by RANSA members Bill Watkins and Cathy Josling on their Moody 31 Evelyn. Only one and a half minutes separated first and third place after two and a half hours of racing. Division 7 was set aside as a classic yacht division which, although it did not count toward the overall Admiral's Trophy result, was nonetheless strongly contested. The CYCA yacht Caprice of Huon and skippered by David Champtaloup sailed an excellent race to secure an emphatic win. Caprice of Huon had the latest starting time of all boats in the entire regatta meaning she was regarded as “the gun” or fastest boat – certainly in her division. Champtaloup helmed her to finish ahead of both Nina and Tamaris from SASC who took out second and third place respectively. The efforts of Rear Admiral Nigel Berlyn AO RAN (Rtd) from RANSA and Bill Gale, the classic division representative at SASC, are greatly appreciated in recruiting this division for the RANSA Regatta and in helping support the Sir David Martin Foundation. | P a g e 12
On‐water rivalries were soon forgotten back at the RANSA Boatshed where competitors took full advantage of the opportunity to relax on a sunny Sunday afternoon and to discuss the day’s sailing while being entertained by jazz band Red Hot Pappas. The boatshed also provided an ideal vantage point for those still there at 18.00hrs to watch the departure of the Queen Victoria and it's salute to the final voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II. At the end of the regatta RANSA retained the Admiral’s Trophy for the fourth consecutive year, narrowly beating the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia who were second and Sydney Amateur Sailing Club who took out third place. The full list of Admiral’s Trophy results can be viewed on the RANSA website www.ransa.com.au. The regatta received generous support from Cook+Phillip Park Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Hood Sailmakers, Bill Wilson from Paddington Fresh Foods, and Maggie’s Pott’s Point Austrian‐German Café Restaurant. For serving members of the Royal Australian Navy – regular or reserve forces – RANSA membership is available for $77 per annum. A Naval membership category is available for past members of the RAN, WRANS, and RANNS or navies of other nations who have served with the RAN or officers and men and women of any Commonwealth Navy and the Royal Marines. Service Membership is available to serving or past members of the Australian Army and RAAF. A Local Membership category is also available. RANSA is committed to involving serving members of the RAN and the defence forces as well as the local community and would be pleased to receive feedback regarding interest in establishing a Laser or Taser Class at Rushcutters Bay utilising the former HMAS Rushcutter Sayonara Slipway for storage and launching. APRIL 2008|
The Inaugural
Challenge Trophy
(Saturday 7 June)
Naval, Service, and Local Member Challenge A challenge is hereby issued by the Sailing Committee to owners of yachts to race on behalf of their membership category in the inaugural Naval, Service and Local member challenge to be held on Saturday 7 June (the Saturday of the June long‐
weekend). The membership category with the best overall results from the three Saturday divisions (two spinnaker divisions plus a non‐
spinnaker division) will win the Challenge Trophy – a new trophy donated by the Commodore. Yachts from other clubs will still be eligible to win divisional prizes, but the trophy will be awarded to Navy, Service (Army and Air Force) or Local Member category. Are you up to the Challenge? | P a g e 13
News from the HMAS Cerberus Sailing Club
The Bill Tamo Night Race (Westernport)
As was anticipated the Westernport Bill Tamo night
race provided different challenges usually not
experienced during day racing.
While the fundamentals remained the same a closer
attention to detail was crucial for a successful finish.
The start of the race proved uneventful and most yachts
crossed the start line without too much positional
jostling. After the start civil twilight quickly faded to
nautical twilight. More compelling, was prior to any
yacht reaching the first mark astronomical twilight had
certainly set in making tactical decisions more demanding than usual under the cover of
darkness.
For many crews night racing unquestionably verified
that not paying close attention to tactical positioning
equalled being rolled very quickly. The environmental
conditions allowed a good first reaching leg around the
first mark and consequently a good run leg to the second
mark. Several skippers decided not to utilise the
conditions to fly their spinnakers, however most crews
used the 10-15 knots of usable downwind conditions to
their advantage. Unfortunately, the near perfect wind
abated to around 3-5 knots after rounding the first mark
which necessitated increased downwind angles and an
opportunity for a number of yachts to come within striking distance of the leading groups.
Navigationally, the first leg of the race was predictable. A well marked channel from the entrance
of Hastings until rounding Tortoise Head West Cardinal Mark provided skippers with ample
situational awareness and safe passage.
However, once the West Cardinal mark was rounded
little in the amount of navigational aids were present to
provide that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with well lit
navigational aids. Nevertheless, utilising Tortoise Head
West Cardinal as a stern mark and calculating speed,
time, distance and charted contours proved quite
adequate to clear observation point. Once around
observation point crews altered course to starboard and
made their way south to the second rounding mark
positioned off Newhaven.
APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 14
Experiencing light winds the start of this leg proved to be tedious and necessitated a high level of
concentration to keep spinnakers flying, however, as
forecasted the wind strength did increase and allowed
for a more direct course to the mark. On rounding the
Newhaven mark crews prepared for the beat back to
Hastings and as luck would have it the wind did finally
increase to 10-15 knots. Coupled with moon rise this
presented quite pleasant conditions.
The beat back to the finish line was completed quickly
and for many yachts big gains were made. The
oscillating winds proved quite advantageous allowing
some skippers to open considerable leads or catch near rivals. At the completion of the race crews
were justifiably weary. However, this was unquestionably compensated by the enjoyment and
challenges that night racing in Westernport provides.
Place
Owner
Yacht Name
1
Steve Coulton Starlight Express
2
Peter Randall
3
Yacht Type
Sail No Hours Mins
Secs E/Time Handicap
C/Time
S&S 36
4994
6
21
0
381
0.78
297.18
Blue Moves
Carter 33
HA1
6
28
25
388.42
0.778
302.188
Mark Halden
Maitresse
Noelex30
122
6
27
24
387.4
0.79
306.046
4
Rod Meagher
Miracle
Northshore33
3499
6
29
40
389.67
0.787
306.668
5
Peter Marshall
Lady Penrhyn
Swarbrick
3809
6
37
24
397.4
0.786
312.356
6
K O'Sulivan
Penzance
S&S36
B360
7
9
55
429.92
0.732
314.699
7
Joe Attard
Snug
Bavaria 38
B38
6
52
27
412.45
0.776
320.061
8
Peter Russell
Wild Goats
Sydney 36CR
M123
5
57
40
357.67
0.913
326.55
9
Sean Hamilton
Infinity
Adams 31
2999
7
37
38
457.63
0.73
334.072
10
Rob Allica
Ocean Blue
unknown
HA532
7
23
57
443.95
0.765
339.622
11
Brad Taylor
The Colonel
Noelex 30
5199
7
20
5
440.08
0.793
348.986
12
Ken Walters
Charlotte
Swarbrick
3810
7
3
40
423.67
0.826
349.949
DNF
Kevin Baensh
Wanderlust
Swanson 38
HA49
0
0
0
0
0.765
0
Pete Marshall Skipper, Lady Penrhyn HMAS CERBERUS Sailing Club APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 15
The Rear Commodore’ Report
RANSA Regatta What a great day! Crews on over 70 boats experienced perfect sailing conditions before returning to the boatshed where family and friends joined them to enjoy eating and drinking in the festive atmosphere provided by the jazz band. Many thanks to all those members who helped out behind the bar and with the preparation and serving of the food. A very special thank you to Lynn Forrester, Donna Marshall and Marianne Waters who spent many hours in the galley in intolerable heat. Pirates Day In perfect weather conditions eleven pirate ships did battle on the water; the crew of two of the vessels actually continued to wield buckets back at the marina. Thanks to all those who participated and made it so much fun for the kids (both young and old!). Some very unlikely looking pirates APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 16
Cruising Activities Kate Dixon and Jeff Robinson are organising some non‐racing activities such as a Bantry Bay raft up, dining and overnight stay up river, visits to the Naval museum on Garden Island. If you would like to be notified of these events, please give Janet your contact details. Working Bee The last working bee was a hive of activity ‐ scrubbing, sweeping and polishing left the place sparkling. Thank you to the following: Simon Carless, Cathy Josing, Bill Watkins, Warren Davy, Brenton Booth, Mike Wicks, Lynn Forrester, David Steele, Ray McAlistair, Judy Lee, Richard Matthewman, Tom Smith, Julie Breen. My apologies to anyone I've missed. Please refer to the calendar in this newsletter and make your diary entries now. This year we start on May 30th with an evening of fun ‘south of the border’. No, you don’t have to travel to Melbourne; stay right here, don your sombreros, and enjoy margaritas, mariachis and all things Mexican. Robyn Morton Rear Commodore APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 17
Profile: Richard Staines and Esquisse II
Our profile in this issue is of Richard Staines, the owner/skipper of Esquisse II. Originally from Coggeshall near Colchester in East England, Richard is known by everyone, but particularly by his fellow Hood sailors, as a respected, resourceful and canny skipper. Richard is also a man of compassion and great patience, evidenced by the fact that he tolerated the Editor as crew on Esquisse for several series. In those days, the other crew members were Sid Gargiulo and John Reid, and while I learnt many things on board Esquisse, one of my most important lessons was on the joys of fruit cake with cold beer after a race. John was the supplier of the cake, but I hear that sadly when John left, the cake left with him! Sid still crews on Esquisse II, as do Andrew Pidgeon, David Burt and Lou Ryan. that sailing was going to provide many more options and I enjoyed doing all the various Newsletter: How and when did you get into courses. Sail Australia was located in sailing? Lavender Bay and they started the idea of social races on Saturdays for their ex‐
Richard: When I was living in England I students in much the same way East Sail played cricket on Saturdays and Sundays in does today. summer, so the only sailing I did was a few The really good thing about booze cruises with a this was that if someone “When I came to Sydney in 1983
friend who had a yacht. showed some aptitude they I soon decided that sailing was
But this was enough for were quickly given the going to provide many more
me to realize what great fun could be had on the options and I enjoyed doing all the responsibility of skippering one of the boats and this water. various courses.”
helped develop potential skippers much quicker than Newsletter: Have you just crewing on a boat. always had your own boat, or did you crew in your early days? I did this for about five years, finishing up as an instructor at Sail Australia. I then did Richard: When I came to Sydney in some crewing for a couple of seasons on the 1983 I played cricket for a couple of seasons, Harbour. but went to Sail Australia Sailing School during the winter months. I soon decided Newsletter: How and when did you acquire APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 18
Newsletter: How long have you been a Esquisse II? RANSA member? Richard: I'd always liked the idea of Richard: I joined RANSA in September Hood 23s, mainly because I thought it was 1997, and in my early days with the Club, the only boat that raced on the Harbour as a three or four Hoods would come up from class that I could afford. So in March 1991, Port Hacking for the Hood State together with a friend from Sail Australia Championships. Indeed, they provided the days, we purchased Esquisse II from a winning boat, Brotherhood, for four of five syndicate in Middle Harbour. years running. Ian Short used to sail with them and Incidently, the boat was make their sails and the originally owned by Ken “Hoods used to race offshore in
Harbour fleet obviously Wooley, the well‐known JOGs about thirty years ago.”
thought that Ian Short Sails architect, and the story is made the difference, that he named the because it wasn't long before we were all original boat Esquisse (French for “sketch) going to Ian for our sails. while working on a sketch of the rig. Newsletter: Have you had much offshore We had a crew of ex‐instructors from Sail experience? Australia and really did believe that we would see off all the other Hoods without too Richard: Not a great deal. We did take much trouble ‐ how wrong we were! Our Esquisse up to Pittwater under spinnaker in first race series was a RANSA winter series a 10‐12 knot breeze – the longest time we back in the days when Janet used to crew on have ever had the kite up. The problem was boats instead of running the series. The top getting back. We tried several times, but just Harbour boats in those days were Marian, couldn’t get past Barrenjoey. There was Karloo and Insight, sadly none of which race water all over the deck and no lifelines. We nowadays. ended up doing a race in Pittwater in a series run by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Eventually, one of the crew sailed her back in good weather without trouble. Hoods used to race offshore in JOGs about thirty years ago. In fact, a crew member was drowned offshore when the boat went down and he was unable to release his safety harness. Newsletter: You've had quite a few successful harbour racing series on Esquisse. Which would you say was your most memorable and why? Richard: My crew and I have had some fantastic seasons on Esquisse. We have, at Esquisse 2 some stage, won virtually every series and regatta that we have entered: Hood Championship; RSYS scratch and handicap; wins in the summer point‐score and RANSA APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 19
in the boat and his girlfriend on the helm, we Winter Series wins. Additionally, we have were on a tight reach with the spinnaker up just completed an enormously successful when the tiller snapped in two and as we Summer Series with the Squadron in broached, seeing both of them washed out of Division 4, winning three of five series the back of the boat. Even they could see the including the main series. This, I believe, funny side ‐ once we got them back on shows what a super little boat the Hood 23 board! is. We raced for most of the season as the 'gun‐boat' but were the smallest in a fleet Newsletter: Do you have any thoughts on that had boats of up to 28 feet in length. the future of Hoods in harbour racing? Perhaps knowledge of this might encourage the likes of Brotherhood, Tinto, Hoodoo, etc., Richard: I would love to see a regular to give it a go next season! Hood 23 fleet of eight to twelve boats racing every week, as there was when we first had Newsletter: Who would you regard as your Esquisse, but suspect this to be wishful most formidable racing opponent(s). Boat, thinking. You can only get the pleasure and skipper and crew, and why? enjoyment out of a Hood 23 if you actually race it and Richard: There have been some top We were on a tight reach with the it's a great disappointment that so few of the Hoods sailors in the Hoods spinnaker up when the tiller
race nowadays. I try to with none better known snapped
in
two
and
as
we
race with a crew of five than John Stuart Duff broached my partner on the boat
every week and, obviously, who, even when we first had Esquisse, was the and his girlfriend were washed out this is not always possible, but having a potential of doyen of the fleet. But, of the back of the boat.
five people enables us to of course, there have race with three to five been many others, people generally. including the Italian 49‐er skipper at the 2000 Olympics who, needless to say, won the Newsletter: Are there changes you would State Championships that year. And, of like to see made at RANSA? Any advice for the course, in recent years our main rival has RANSA Sailing Committee? been Noel O'Brien but, unfortunately, even he and Hoodwinked have departed the Richard: I always enjoy the winter scene. series at RANSA. I always say it's more relaxed after the RSYS summer season and Newsletter: What was your scariest we will just take it easy. But as soon as it moment on the water? starts we go at it hard as ever. The one thing that I've always thought is that the race Richard: In recent times being hit by a should start an hour earlier at 12.00 but I'm 45 knot southerly last October when we not sure if this would make the windless started a race on a short course because of light winds! days any better. Newsletter: What was your funniest Newsletter: What makes your blood boil on moment on the water? the water? Richard: Power‐boat wash and Jet Richard: Probably during an early boats! RANSA Winter Series with my then partner APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 20
over the years. What changes have you Newsletter: In your opinion, what are the noticed during you time sailing? qualities of a good skipper? Richard: One sees more bowsprits and Richard: I'm not sure if I'm the best asymmetric spinnakers than five years ago, person to answer this. But assuming the and the introduction of affordable skipper has good helming skills, which is a Sportsboats, such as the Flying Tigers, will basic prerequisite, I believe he should always be an interesting development to watch. be considerate of the crew. All of the crew must be involved as much as possible and Newsletter If you had your sailing time not just weight on the rail. It's also over again, would you do anything differently? important that they are encouraged to learn and understand sailing and in this way develop Richard: I sometimes into even better crew. think that I would like to “Always be considerate of the
Finally, if you're like me have done more offshore crew. All of the crew must be
and get a bit shirty when sailing – I guess everyone involved
as
much
as
possible
and
things go wrong, just thinks that they would not just weight on the rail.”
make sure you don't let it like to do a Hobart. My go on and on and opportunity to do a remember that the sooner Hobart came along at a it comes right the better. I read once time when I was booked for a trip home to someone saying that after a mishap, the rest the UK for Christmas. However, I should say of the race starts from now. that there is always plenty of action on the harbour, and I revel in that. Newsletter: Boats and rigs have changed APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 21
Cruising News
The full text of all Cruising Reports will be found on the Cruising page of the RANSA Website.
http://www.ransa.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=28119
Blue Peter
down the river and had one of the famous We spent seven weeks at Sanctuary Cove steaks at the Breakfast Creek Hotel (can’t marina partly because of the weather but understand why we’re not losing weight!). mainly so we could spend time with family and friends over the festive season. We did From Brisbane we went to Scarborough at manage to have a permanent invitation to the northern end of Moreton Bay where we have late afternoon drinks with the local got stuck for 3 weeks with the weather. boaties when we were around and they They have a very large marina and it took us looked after our boat when we were off a good 5 minutes to walk from the boat to gallivanting. Peter (Stewart) came up for a the marina office. Scarborough has a good weekend before Christmas and he helped us bus service and we twice went down to see organizing the strops for the dinghy and our friends in Redland putting rubber tubing Bay (for $5 each) and around it. We all had a caught up Ian Kelly, an old great night at the “We spent my birthday lunch at
navy friend of Greg’s. He Australian Outback Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant,
got us fired up about a Adventure which was very
well
know
in
the
area.
back up for our hard drive really well done. so we got a local computer guy to set it up At then end of January we We had a huge seafood and fruit
for us and we now have a took the car back to my platter for two and couldn’t even
mirror image of sister in Stanthorpe and finish it.
everything and can also in mid February we back up to the back up. It moved on from Sanctuary We
waddled
back
to
the
marina
seems inevitable that Cove to anchor off and had to lie down.”
hard drives crash with Stradbroke Island and monotonous regularity, went to the Tipplers usually just out of Tavern, Jacobs Well (the warranty. We spent my birthday lunch at local pub) and North Stradbroke (no pub) Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant, very well and then on to the Brisbane River where we know in the area. We had a HUGE fresh anchored off the Botanical Gardens and seafood and fruit platter for two and couldn’t spent five days while the weather poured even finish it. We waddled back to the most of the time but it didn’t stop us from marina and had to lie down. Needless to say seeing some of the sights. We spent a very there was no dinner for us that night. enjoyable few hours going to the Castlemaine Perkins XXXX brewery. On to Mooloolaba where Rod and Del kindly let us tie up along side their boat on their It was lucky that the cost of admission wharf. Stuck with the weather for nearly 3 included 4 glasses of whichever beer you weeks we took advantage to go to Australia wanted to try. We also tried the Belgian Zoo which was well worth the effort. It being Beer Café and took the tinny five miles back APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 22
some time practicing our fishing skills but so (another) very wet day, together with almost far Greg has caught is Tshirt, the pontoon everyone else at the zoo that day purchased next door and then a canvas awning on a cheap plastic ponchos and all tramped nearby yacht. It’s the old story, the first fish I around looking like dorks. The zoo is very caught cost a thousand dollars, thank well laid out and we certainly got our goodness I didn’t catch two!! (however as at exercise. We also caught up with Kerry the time of writing we haven’t caught Goudge who was my skipper on two of my anything with 4 fishing rods, mountains of Sydney to Hobart yacht races on Women on lures, and crab pots – still we are having Water. She lives at Coolum, not far from fun). We are currently on our way to Tin Can Mooloolaba so we had a chance to catch up a Bay and Greg has two lines and hand reels couple of times and she drove us all over the trawling out the back of the boat. If Sunshine Coast and we saw places we would everything goes off at once it might be too never get in to by yacht. It was great to catch much for his dicky ticker. He said he was up. catching us breakfast but it might be cereals! We bought ourselves a 12v hookah system While on the Gold Coast, Paul, my brother in (mainly in case we get anything around the law, helped me make a mosquito net. It took bottom of the boat) which we finally tried us some time to find the out in Rod and Del’s pool. material so I bought It has a 6m hose to a float “The first fish I caught cost a
plenty to cover all tank and an 8m hose to the thousand dollars.
eventualities even if we regulator. As Greg loathes want to sleep outside. cold water I tried it out a We now have a net 10 couple of times and it Thank goodness I didn’t
metres long and 6 works like a charm. We catch two!!”
metres wide, will need to buy a weight interspersed with belt as I’m one of these curtain weights. It’s an absolute work of art people who can easily float on top of the and is commonly called the bridal veil but it water and I had to hang on to the bottom of works, covering all windows and the hatch. the pool with Rod’s weight belt around my People may mock it but they’ll be jealous in neck and my bum and legs bobbing about on mangrove country. the top of the water. I dismissed all smutty comments about in‐built floatation devices. We are thoroughly enjoying the cruising life as it’s just so wonderful to be able to explore We came across a shop in Kawana Shopping anything we want to and have the time to do Mall which advertised $20 off each pair of it. We are not living within our present shoes if you traded in an old pair. We income, but that has been helped greatly by relinquished our pseudo $5 croc look‐alike the increase in interest rates and increase in plastic shoes which were worn through and medical insurance without a corresponding each got a pair of REAL Crocs for $30 each – I increase in our income. I wonder how others don’t think we’ll go back to the cheap ones cope. now. Well, that’s all from us. We will spend a We went exploring in the dinghy right up the couple of weeks in Tin Can Bay and catch up Mooloolah River a couple of times – it with some friends of friends who have spent doesn’t take long to get right away from years cruising around to the Kimberley civilization and even on a Sunday we only region so we want to pick their brains. Next saw about 5 other boats. We also spent APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 23
is poking up the Mary River to Maryborough, over to Fraser Island and then on to Bundaberg – there’s the next 2‐ months taken care of. Yours in sailing Veronica and Greg (hopefully soon to be ‘fisherman extraordinaire’) News from Yaraandoo
Sue and I sailed across the Pacific this year (2007) and are currently wintering in Port Townsend, Washington State, USA. We sailed the 9070 nms crossing in 70 sailing days so “Yaraandoo II” did us proud, especially as it was about 80% hard on the wind. We stopped in New Zealand, Raiatea, Hawaii then into WA. We then cruised up the inside passage to the top of Vancouver Island and explored Desolation Sound and lots of the famous Rapids (you have to get the tides right as the tidal currents can be up to 14kts!). After exploring Vancouver and it’s local waters, we “Our plan is to sail up to Alaska
this summer, down the west coast
before another winter then wander
back across the Pacific.”
came south through the Gulf and San Juan Islands back to WA. For Dec and Jan, we have been exploring Puget Sound. Great scenery, but it sure gets cold, in fact we have been frozen in literally, at two anchorages and had to use “Yaraandoo II” as an icebreaker to get out. Locals tell us this is the wettest and coldest winter in years! Our plan is to sail up to Alaska this summer, down the west coast APRIL 2008|
before another winter then wander back across the Pacific. Best wishes to everyone Mike Powell Tainui
14.12.2007. I've been enjoined by Christine not to write a travelogue. But golly it's very difficult to avoid superlatives in this part of the world. The grand fjord of Seno Iceberg was free of eponymous white bricks until we reached the head. We turned the engine off and sat in awed silence, barely 200 metres from the towering face of the glacier. After some days of bleak weather it was calm almost warm, with measurable visibilty. What a privilege to be here. I took to the dinghy for photos but scrambled back on board as a small house fell off the ice wall and crashed into the bay. Despite thunderclaps and grumbles the glacier is not in heat. At least, it isn't calving. Again, I suppose it is too early in the season. There's nothing humdrum about glaciers, I say. They make extraordinary noises and they're too big, mysterious and blue to be boring. Like whales and depression, they make you feel small and a bit tearful. With falling barometer and freshening NW winds we made for a little cove on the S side of Isla Vittorio. Ahead through the mizzle loomed the ghostly apparition of MV Capitan Leonides, a freighter wrecked on Banco Cotopaxi in 1968 while carrying sugar to Valparaiso. The captain was on the bridge when she hit but the pilot was resting below after the Angostura Inglese transit. Fuel for legal argument there, hey? | P a g e 24
The ship's graceful lines are still apparent and we were both touched by this lifeless, rusted thing. A lonely reminder of human frailty in these unforgiving waters. bottom is mud. The first down anchor is buoyed and we can let the lot go if we have to get out in a hurry. The experts in Patagonia tell me this is the best setup ‐ 2 anchors 30' apart, on one rode. Separate As light failed, our rodes is not “The ship's graceful lines are still
approach to Isla Vittorio apparent and we were both touched by recommended because was brightened by a of variability in this lifeless, rusted thing.”
school of frolicksome williwaw direction. You dolphins who showed tend only to be hanging us the way into the anchorage. Another on one anchor at a time. I am more than picturesque, secure, all‐weather spot happy to take their advice. surrounded by mogotes ‐ tiny forested islets Let me tell you about tying the boat in among which look like champagne corks. Tied in the trees in small caletas. Another adventure among the trees we huddled below for 2 entirely. I have found the learning curve as days while wind and rain tried steep and slippery as the shoreline. This is unsuccessfully to trouble us. what happens:‐ first you launch the dinghy, On 13 December we came south through the get all your lines ready, take a deep breath shallow channels of Angostura Inglese, with and survey the scene. Then, after dropping its cross‐over leads and brisk tides. Now and setting the anchor, you back the boat we're anchored at Puerto Eden (population into the chosen slot. Tainui doesn't reverse 140), whose brightly‐painted little houses in docile fashion, so there's lots of filling, cluster around the bay. The colours, set backing and cursing till she has been lined against a grand backdrop of snow‐covered up. Well, sort of. Then one of us (usually me) mountains, have come as something of a jumps into the dinghy, ties the shoreline shock after the soft round his waist and the shades of grey we've dinghy painter round one grown accustomed to. ankle, and rows like “Let me tell you about tying the
buggery. Speed is of the boat in among the trees in small
Puerto Eden is apparently essence because by the caletas… there's lots of filling,
named after a British time you reach your backing and cursing.”
warship but details are chosen tree the the breeze scant. I am sure some will have taken charge RANSA military historian and Tainui will be moving in an unsavoury will be able to fill in the details for us. The direction. bay is well protected from prevailing nasties from the north, but I could imagine south‐
You scramble and stumble ashore up westerlies being miserable here in winter. slippery rocks or steep banks and tie the line The barometer is high and I don't expect round a stout tree. It is usual for me to fill at terrible weather in the next 12 hours, least one gumboot with icy water during this although the weather systems cycle through bit, but I heave a sigh of relief when Dave very rapidly it seems. takes in the slack and the boat swings back round. Once the first shoreline is attached, Perhaps with an excess of caution we're the other 2 or 3 can be laid at a more using two 60lb ploughs on a single 180' rode leisurely pace. Finally, you let out more of 3/8" chain. We're in 30' of water and the anchor chain and winch all 3 lines in, till the APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 25
have faded from a summer season well ended or a more distant past. There are few tourists, all over the age of 80.Fewer cars. Hotel Argentino is huge, Tomorrow we ferry our 10 plastic fuel grand and faded. Like Teatro Colon in BA. It drums out to the boat. Also, I'm getting a has a real casino, with timber floors and local lad to dive and inspect Tainui's forefoot blackjack tables. From the faded photos you ‐ we shook keels with Chile in an intimate can tell it was once a resort for the elegant and unexpected way a few days ago and I'd rich. You can hear the flutes clink, see the like to know where and how much of a mark backless silk frocks and smell the cigars. The the rochas left. sort of place Chris would have wanted us to stay. 15.04.2008. The long trip up from Tierra In Uruguay there is no time limit for yachts, del Fuego is finally over. It has been a strain‐ only for their crew. It is safe, secure and 1200 miles of persistent headwinds, short there is no corruption. Tainui will enjoy a steep seas and the minor but constant well‐earned rest here for the winter while anxiety about the mast. After a lumpy my bloated mortgage is given cursory crossing of the the River Plate estuary we attention. had an easy night landfall on Piriapolis, whose well How I love the boat. little harbour has an all “Tainui sat gratefully, stern to with weather approach. It was a line to a buoy, profoundly still at She needs topside paint late but the helpful last. We tippled in silence under a
but looks just beautiful in Uruguayan Prefectura the bay, waiting patiently million stars.”
officials completed our for the travel lift driver to arrival formalities in finish his languid siesta. about 10minutes. Tainui sat gratefully, stern Tainui has served us well ‐ continues to do to with a line to a buoy, profoundly still at so. last. We tippled in silence under a million stars. The endless succession of improvements, repairs and modifications has produced a On the rocky seawall old men fished, young boat which is dry, functional and lovers whispered and cats prowled. comfortable. In cold climates, that is. From here north to the Amazon and then Cuba we Piriapolis is a cross between Sans Souci and will have different priorities ‐ insect screens, Atlantic City. There is a long, deserted refrigeration and sun awnings. Now, finally, beachfront promenade with empty cafes, the hatches are all open and the boat light iridescent blue water and Collaroy sand. and airy. Ian is rummaging around in the Gum trees, cool breezes and cloudless skies. food lockers and I'm about to start cleaning Sedate mansions from a past era and neat, six months' expired vapours off the tasteless cottages with tiny pebblecrete deckhead in the aft cabin. Soon she will join lawns. I can't work out whether its charms eight of her colleagues on the hard, while we fly home. boat is in the desired position. Then you go below for just rewards. The whole exercise takes us a good hour, though we're getting a bit quicker at it. It is very good exercise. APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 26
Questions and Answers
Please send any questions you may have about RANSA procedures, activities or operations to: RANSA@bigpond.com or clatimer@bigpond.net.au The Editor will direct your queries to an appropriate member of the executive. Question from The Editor: What implications will the new Legacy Marina Agreement have for members of RANSA wishing to tie up their boats overnight or carry out maintenance at the marina? Will working berths be available? Will there be formal arrangements made like those governing use of the RANSA Slipway? Question from The Editor: Why, on Sailors’ Radio, does Andrew Powell keep interrupting John Sturrock, just when he is at his most interesting? Don’t forget to tune in to Andrew Powell’s Sailing Programme each Saturday, 8.0am
9.30am on 107.3 FM. Vale
RANSA's sympathy goes to Doug Murchison on the recent passing of his mother Joan Murchison. New Members
RANSA welcomes the following new members: Joshua Bignell, Adam Blaiklock, Rob Garnock, Ian Grimwood, Anne Higgins, Eddie Hammond, Simon Horauf, John Maguire, Jim Mant, Donna Marshall, John Riley, Darren Rushworth, Ed White, Peta Wilcox. Newsletter Email List
NEWSLETTER EMAIL LIST: If you wish to go on the email address list for notification of the Newsletter on the website please email your address to ransa@bigpond.com. Only members who have advised RANSA that they would like to continue receiving a hard copy through the mail, will do so. Copies will also be available from the clubhouse. If any member has any item of interest, which they would like, included in our quarterly newsletter please forward to Cyril Latimer or Janet Doyle at RANSA or by email to ransa@bigpond.com APRIL 2008|
| P a g e 27

RAN SAILING ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Transcription

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