APR/MAY 1996 $4.95* (NZ $6.50 inc Gsn PP297537/00113

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CRUISING YACHT CWB OF AUSTRALIA ~¢ Wild weather women _A race running over ,.. 129km on foot, up and down three mountain peaks. A voyage across 317 nautical miles of open ocean. From the Commodore's Desk Changes in the Wind

nds of change are blowing across the Australian WYachting Federation and the Yachting Association of NSW as pressure mounts for improved perform­ ance from both organisations. Many sailing clubs throughout Aus­ tralia are now openly questioning the A YF and YANSW role in our sport and particularly the lack of support or pro­ motion of ocean racing. In NSW, huge fee increases recently More than five years after the maxi yacht Rothmans achieved the fastest elapsed time in the 1990 Sydney-Hobart, imposed by the YA has fuelled specula­ a model of the yacht was unveiled at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia by Steve James, general manager tion about the management and direc­ of Rothmans of Pall Mall, Australia Ply Ltd , watched by Commodore David Fuller and Michael Spies , an tion of this organisation which is strug­ Australian crew member on the yacht. Following a protest under Rule 26, Rothmans was penalised 10%of gling with internal problems. placings, costing her the line honours trophy and second place on corrected time. (Pie: Peter Campbell) It is no secret that there have been huge personnel problems within the for a new direction in the administra­ A YF and YA where senior staff have tion of offshore racing has supported What's Coming Up moved out only to be reinstated follow­ Australian Offshore's endeavours to attheCYCA ing intervention by the governing body. work within the existing A YF structure. In the meantime, the emergence of a We understand that Australian Off- APRIL 1996 shore's submission to the • Inaugural Marinasses Women's ·"The eye~ in recognising A YF has been endorsed by many boat owners, clubs Short Course Regatta, Elliott 5.9 the need for a new direction and the A YF's working yachts, Sunday April 14. Limited to in the administration of party w ho considered the 10 teams, entries close April 1O with Sailing Office. offshore racing has proposal. We look forward to a new supponed Australian era of offshore racing and a • Cruising Division's Easter Cruise Offshore's endeavours to revitalised administration. to Lake Macquarie, April 5-8, de­ The CYCA was pleased tails from Sailing Office. work within the existing AYF to receive a magnificent half stnacture" model of the maxi Rothmans • Digital Winter Series commences from their recently ap­ Sunday, April 21 , with Jill Mclay group known as Australian Offshore pointed general manager, Steve James. Trophy for women skipper. Notice clearly underlines the lack of confidence Rothmans finished the 1990 Sydney-Ho­ of Race at Saili ng Office. in the A YF's administration and signals bart in controversial circumstances due the need for a much needed boost for to a breach of the advertising rules. • Digital Winter Racing Series offshore racing. However, she holds the lowest elapsed pointscore begins Sunday, April 28. The CYCA, in recognising the need time for the 1990 race. -'A April• May 1996 ..

MAXIIELL 'S VIDEO COLLECTION, PHONE 1800 249786 (Outside Sydne y) P.0.BOX 575 Avalon Beach , NSW 2107. DIRECT 9973 2277 (Within Sydney)

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1HE CRUISING YACHT • • • • CWB OF AUSl'RALIA New Beach Road, Darling Point • NSW 2027 Phone: (02) 363 9731 Fax: (02) 363 97 45

RAG OfFICERS AND DIRECTORS COIIIIODORE: DAVID FULLER YICE-coMMODORE: PETER BUSH REAR-COMMODORES: JOHN KEELTY HUGO VAN KRETSCHMAR TREASURER:EDPSALTIS DIRECl'ORS: MAURICE CAMERON, GEOFF CROPLEY, JOHN KIRKJIAN, LES McCLEAN, KERRY ROXBURGH, HANS SOMMER,

CIIAIIIIAIIN.. a.u■ COMMITIUS MANAGEMENT & FINANCE: COMMODORE DAVID FULLER SAR.ING: VICE-COMMODORE PETER BUSH YARD & MARINA: REAR COMMODORE JOHN KEELTY HOUSE: DIRECTOR HANS SOMMER GENERALMANAGER:BRUCEROWLEV SALING MANAGER: PHIL THOMPSON

EDll'OII Peter Campbell (02) 869 8197 • DBIGN/PRODUCIION Hardy Graphics (02) 719 1963 changes in e d RIM SEPARA1IONS Halagraphics Pty Ltd (02) 544 1530 ADYEll'l'ISING Jan Cooke (02) 452 2093

PIIIILISIIED ay Jamieson Publishing OWNERS SEEK IMS CHANGES - ear 200 owners of 4/34 The Esplanade, Cronulla, NSW. Phone: (02) 544 1501 ocean racing yachts attend CYCA s '.IS ~orum, seeking Fax: (02) 5441502 Subscriptions: (02) 5441501. changes ...... 8 Net addreu: http://www.merlin.eom.au/offshore/

EDITORIAL OFFICES: Peter Campbell & Associates, 64 LIRING TACK FOR OFFSHORE RACING - Australian Boronia Avenue, Cheltenham NSW 2119. Yachting Federation considers ar-reac" g proposals on Phone/Fax: (02) 869 8197. CompuServe 100036, 2315. national management of offshore rac ng ...... 11 EDrrORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: MELBOURNE· Kevan Wolfe (03) 560 8674. HOBART• Bruce Montgomery (002) 24 2196. PERTH • John Roberson (09) 430 4944. offshore & insl1ore BRISBANE· Ian Grant (07) 349 9147. UNITED KINGDOM: Bob Fisher+ 44 (1590) 68 2267.

ADVERTISING: AMERICA'S WHAT? - Is the America's Cup being Jan Cooke, Phone/Fax (02) 452 2093 or overshadowed by the Whitbread and oth er major ocean Jamieson Publishing, 4/34 The Esplanade, Cronulla, NSW 2230. Phone (02) 544 1501 Fax (02) 544 1502. marathons ...... 12

DISTRIBUffON: GETTING THE GONG - Sun sh in es on the fleet at Network Distribution Co, 54 Park Street, Sydney 2000. Wollongong's Belmore Basin ...... 13 The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia nor the Publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this ROCK-HOPPING TO MOOLOOLABA - Autumn classic publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without will be the decider for the Blue Water Pointscore and the the written permission of the Publisher. Telstra National Business Directory Sydney Regatta ...... 14 • The cover price of $4.95 (NZ $5.95) is the recommended maximum charge for this publication. WILD WEATHER WOMEN - Tough sailing PRINTED BY ROTARY OFFSET conditions for WOW's Asia Pacific Rega-a .·-······ ...... 16

-»April• May 1996 offshore & inshore

GULF GALLOP IN SA - Veteran Ke ith Flint leads the fleet home again in the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race ...... 22

PUFF, PEDAL & PEDESTRIAN - Boags Australian Three Peaks Race attracts wider interest...... 24

MAGICAL MOMENTS - Olympian Colin Beas he I wins inau­ gural NSW championship for Magic 25 class, Ian ("Barney") Walker wins the Nationals ...... 31 profiles

PHIL THOMPSON & "SYDNEY" - CYCA Sailing Manager and the Club Cat survive the Sydney to Hobart ...... 20 special features

GO WHITSUNDAYS - Guide to racing, cruising, and bareboat chartering in the Whitsunday Islands ...... 33 new colmnns regular features ELECTRONICS AFLOAT ...... 18 GOOD READING ...... 30 FISHER AT LARGE ....••.•...•••••.•..•.••.•••••••••••.••.••...•.... 55 FROM THE COMMODORE'S DESK ...... •..•...... 3

DESIGNS OF THE 90s ..•.•...•...... •.••...... •.•.••... 27 COVER: Grins from winners .... Janey Treleaven and her FASHIONS AFLOAT .....••••...... ••.....•...... 48 crew, Belinda Morrison and Jo Oikkenberg, after scoring nine succesive wins in the student division of the 1996 WOW WEATHER FOR MOOLOOLABA ...... ••••...... •..••. 50 Nortel Womens Asia Pacific Regatta. Janey, 15, was th e NEW PRODUCTS •••...... ••...... ••...... ••. 52 youngest crewperson in the last Sydney to Hobart, saili ng on Rager. Inset: Ocean racer AMP Wild Oats will be making a OPTIMISING ••...... ••••••.••...... ••...... •••..••..•...... ••.• 56 strong bid to become the 1995-96 Blue Water Champion in NEWS FROM ALL PORTS ...... 58 the deciding Sydney to Mooloolaba race. Ian Mainsbridge OFFSHORE & INSHORE CALENDAR ...... ••...... 66 took both pictures.

April• May 1996~ See Cha

early two hundred Austral­ ian yacht owners who race offshore under the Interna­ tional Measurement System have unani­ mously urged yachting administrators to adopt a simpler application of the IMS in achieving handicap results for long ocean races, in particular the an­ nual Sydney to Hobart. The owners from New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria were at an national method of measuring and yachts prior to the tar o · he race in the IMS forum organised by the Cruising handicapping ocean racing yachts. form of scratch hee . Yacht Club of Australia in the wake of In the end the consensus was clear. t pre-con­ criticism of the methods used and the Everyone accepted that the International struct the course for he ydney to Ho­ delay in determining overall and divi­ Measurement System was the fairest bart, and other ma1or ocean races, on sional results for the recent 51st Sydney method yet developed for measuring the eve of the race ar , ba ing their to Hobart. the optimum performance of ocean rac­ assessment on the be t wea her and cur­ They heard speakers representing ing yachts. The real problem lay in the rent information available, together various sections of the ocean racing fleet application by race committees of IMS with historical weather data. - grand prix racers, modern cruiser/ to determine an equitable result for all The more emoti e que hon of per­ yachts, small and centage time allowance for crui er/ racer 11Scott Jutson, speaking on behalf large, old and new, yachts as against grand prix racers and of other leading Australian over a varying range between other and newer cruiser/ rac­ of sailing conditions. ers, was discussed at length. The forum designers, stressed that while the While no formal urged technical administrators to ex­ results of the 51 st Hoban were 11an voting was taken, the amine ways of automatically incorpo­ IMS dream" which should have seen overwhelming mes­ rating this in each yacht's IMS certifi­ sage to yachting ad­ cate rather than having clubs apply an the CYCA applauded as the world's ministrators was that: arbitrary allowance for cruiser/ racers. best practice, the system had 1. There must con­ CYCA Vice-Commodore Peter Bush, three perceived faults" tinue to be an overall who chaired the meeting said the views winner of the Sydney expressed at the forum had given a clea r racers, older cruiser/ racers, and vet­ to Hobart race rather than just divi­ mandate to the CYCA sailing commit­ eran yachts, together with race admin­ sional winners because of its traditional tee to look at a single fi gure based on istrators and yacht designers - explain status and its media value for sponsors. IMS certificates, a pre-constructed specific problems that had arisen since 2. IMS handicaps should be a single course, and the availability before the the IMS replaced the old International number, based on a time on distance start of scratch sheets and he promised Offshore Rule (IOR) as the major inter- factor, which must be available to all early action. The Club' ailing Com- -» Apr i I• May 1996 An IMS Forum organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in the wake of the last Sydney to Hobart attracted the largest gathering of owners ever seen in Australia - outside of the 50th Hobart briefing. OFFSHORE's editor, Peter Campbell, was there. mittee has already begun a detailed should have seen the CYCA applauded • Results available as yachts finished; analysis of the demands of the owners. as the world's best practice, the system • Pre-race scratch sheets for com­ He said that differing views had been had three perceived faults. petitors; presented on the application of percent­ Firstly, there were no progressive Elimination of optimising which a age credits to cruiser/ racer yachts and results, which limited media involve­ single point system allows; the sailing committee wo'u]d also seek ment; Secondly, results came late be­ It was better than using the Ocean technical advice on how a more equita­ ca use course construction was not course as it was flexible, in that it could ble system could operate within the IMS formed until most yachts had finished; account for full upw ind or downwind if measurement mechanism. Thirdly, there was no pre-race scratch necessary. Overall results and divisional Major speakers at the forum included sheet for competitors to use during the results could be calculated from the same prominent yachtsman Syd Fischer, de­ race. construction. signers Iain Murray and Scott Jutson, "In considering a solution we have Discussing controversy over the Australian Yachting Federation offshore kept it within the framework of one Cruiser / Racer credit, Jutson said the committee chairman David Kellett, simple fact: The Sydney-Hobart is an application of a percentage was quite while owners of older cruiser /racer international event and it should use arbitrary, which could be applied by yachts and veteran yachts had their the recognised world handicap system race committees from between 0.5 and 5 views strongly represented by local club for calculating the overall winner if it is per cent of the elapsed time. sailors Frank Walker from the Royal to maintain its status, particularly in the "The ideal situation is to include a Prince Alfred Yacht Club and by Bill light of a potential IMS racing circuit in calculated adjustment in the certifica te Ratcliff, a former director of the CYCA. the Pacific area," Jutson said. to eliminate the need for this type of All major Sydney clubs were repre­ "The answer to the three objections divisionalising," Jutson added. "As de­ sented while the views of yacht clubs in which will retain the best of the IMS signers and technical advisers to the Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia system can be achieved by using a TCF Australi an Yachting Federation, we were also presented to the meeting. fora pre-constructed course which amal­ would support this." Scott Jutson, speaking on behalf of gamates the weather patterns." Syd Fischer, a former Admiral's Cup, other leading Australian designers, Jutson said the benefits would be: Kenwood Cup and Sydney to Hobart stressed that while the results of the 51st • Progressive results can easily be race winner and currently the owner of Hobart were "an IMS dream" which calculated; the Farr 50 IMS grand prix racer, Raga- A pr i I• May 1996C:» muffin, went in to bat strongly on behalf acknowledge that perhaps a 1% credit of owners of IMS racer class yachts. allowance for the modern cruiser/ racer He said a poll of the majority of grand is too much," Murray added. He agreed prix owners, in particular those who that a more equitable system for all types competed in the recent Sydney to Ho­ of yachts would be for it to be taken into bart, showed that only 7% of Australian consideration in the rating of boat. He owners supported the current system urged the CYCA to prepare a submis­ using the IMS race committee guide. sion to the IMS technical committee and "We want a time on distance factor said his design team would be willing to created for the course for each yacht work closely with the club. which must be available to the yacht Murray, the designer of the last two prior to leaving the dock, " Fischer overall winners of the Sydney-Hobart stressed. race said there must always be an over­ "Quite simply we want: a scratch all winner. "A race of the nature of the sheet created before the race; a course Sydney-Hobart, certainly from a spon­ constructed from available weather be­ sorship and marketing point of view, is fore the race, including historical lost without an overall winner, cer­ committee has suggested an additional weather data over a long period. tainly for people outside our sport," handicap allowance of,1% to be applied "We want everyone to have an idea Murray added. to cruiser/ racers racing in mixed fleets. of how they are performing against other Frank Walker, speaking on behalf of However, even within the cruiser/ racer yachts in the race at any time during owners of Cruiser / Racer yachts of what division there are differences in per­ that race. We, the owners, want fast he termed the "Never a Dull Moment" formances between the older and newer answers. Our crews want fast answers. type, said that of the 415 IMS certificates yachts." The media demands fast answers." on the books of the Australian Yachting CYCA member fo r 34 years Bil l Federation, 277 were Ratcliff, a veteran of31 Sydney-Hobarts, Ml suggest that the cruiser/ racers, 95 were rac­ and representing owners of Veteran suitability of a ers and 44 were unspecified. yacht , expressed similar sentiments. "I Pointing out that the fin d that the current race management sliding scale be examined cruiser/ racer classification system u ed by the CYCA is unaccept­ before the stan of the next had come into existence as a able both in term of how results are cur­ sailing season" means of separating pur­ rently calculated as well as how the IMS pose-built race boats "built information is applied", he told the Forum. Iain Murray, speaking primarily on specifically to exploit the IMS rule", Ratcliff, the owner of a 23-year-old behalf of owners of modern cruiser rac­ Walker said ocean racing was now wit­ Sparkman & Stephens 34, said it was ers, such as his own-designed and highly nessing rapid growth of a new genera­ essential that all yachts, old and new, successful Bashford/ Howison 41s said tion of cruiser/ racer. racers and cruiser/ racers, be allowed to that many owners had bought this type "In order to keep boats on the water compete in e ents on an even playing of yacht with the expectation that there there needs to be a mechanism to over­ field. He described as an "absurdity" to would be some recognition of the fact come the differences between the older provide the same percentage allowance that their yacht had been built to spe­ and later designed (Cruiser / Ra cer) for all Cruiser /Racers, from a new cific cruiser/ racer standards. boats," Walker told the Forum. "The Bashford/Howison 41 to yachts of 30 "However, I would be the first to Ocean Racing Council IMS technica l and 40 yea rs old. .,/j, MAURICE DRENT BOATING SERVICES CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF AUSTRALIA NewBeachRoad,DarlingPointNSW2027Tel: (02) 363 9945 Fax: (02) 327 8534 EXCLUSIVE BROKERS TO THE C.V.C. AND AGENTS FOR ® * JEANNUU 1~1 2 b~ _i!i_ ~April• May 1996 muffin, went in to bat strongly on behalf acknowledge that perhaps a 1% credit of owners of IMS racer class yachts. allowance for the modern cruiser/ racer He said a poll of the majority of grand is too much," Murray added. He agreed prix owners, in particular those who that a more equitable system for all types competed in the recent Sydney to Ho­ of yachts would be for it to be taken into bart, showed that only 7% of Australian consideration in the rating of boat. He owners supported the current system urged the CYCA to prepare a submis­ using the IMS race committee guide. sion to the IMS technical committee and "We want a time on distance factor said his design team would be willing to created for the course for each yacht work closely with the club. which must be available to the yacht Murray, the designer of the last two prior to leaving the dock, " Fischer overall winners of the Sydney-Hobart stressed. race said there must always be an over­ "Quite simply we want: a scratch all winner. "A race of the nature of the sheet created before the race; a course Sydney-Hobart, certainly from a spon­ constructed from available weather be­ sorship and marketing point of view, is fore the race, including historical lost without an overall winner, cer­ committee has suggested an additional weather data over a long period. tainly for people outside our sport," handicap allowance of.1 % to be applied "We want everyone to have an idea Murray added. to cruiser/ racers racing in mixed fleets. of how they are performing against other Frank Walker, speaking on behalf of However, even w ithin the cruiser/ racer yachts in the race at any time during owners of Cruiser /Racer yachts of what division there are differences in per­ that race. We, the owners, want fast he termed the "Never a Dull Moment" formances between the older and newer answers. Our crews want fast answers. type, said that of the 415 IMS certificates yachts." The media demands fast answers." on the books of the Australian Yachting CYCA member for 34 years Bill Federation, 277 were Ratcliff, a veteran of31 Sydney-Hobarts, Ml suggest that the cruiser/ racers, 95 were rac­ and representing owners of Veteran suitability of a ers and 44 were unspecified. yachts, expressed similar sentiments. "I Pointing out that the find that the current race management sliding scale be examined cruiser/ racer classification system u ed by the CYCA is unaccept­ before the stan Of the next had come into existence as a able both in term of how results are cur­ sailing season" means of separating pur­ rently calculated as well as how the IMS pose-built race boats "built information is applied", he told the Forum. Iain Murray, speaking primarily on specifically to exploit the IMS rule", Ratcliff, the owner of a 23-year-old behalf of owners of modern cruiser rac­ Walker said ocean racing was now wit­ Sparkman & Stephens 34, said it was ers, such as his own-designed and highly nessing rapid growth of a new genera­ essential that all yachts, old and new, successful Bashford/Howison 41s said tion of cruiser/ racer. racer and cruiser/ racers, be allowed to that many owners had bought this type "In order to keep boats on the water compete in events on an even playing of yacht with the expectation that there there needs to be a mechanism to over­ field. He described as an "absurdity" to would be some recognition of the fact come the differences between the older provide the same percentage allowance that their yacht had been built to spe­ and later designed (Cruiser / Racer) fo r all Cruiser / Racers, from a new cific cruiser/ racer standards. boats," Walker told the Forum. "The Bashford/ Howison 41 to yachts of 30 "However, I would be the first to Ocean Racing Council IMS technical and 40 years old. ~j MAURICE DRENT BOATING SERVICES CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF AUSTRALIA NewBeachRoad,DarlingPointNSW2027Tel: (02) 363 9945 Fax: (02) 327 8534 EXCLUSIVE BROKERS TO THE C.V.C. AND AGENTS FOR ;1 * JF.ANNEAU [c$nv] J f?-:?~~ -~- ...... , ... Cl»April • May 1996 .Lifting FOrOffShore Racing National promotion and management of offshore yachting in Australia is about to change tack, if new proposals are adopted by the Council of the Australian Yachting Federation. Peter Campbell summarises the plan.

ar-reaching changes to the na­ mittee. The proposals reflect the conclu­ Examples of on-line services include tional management of offshore sions of a working party of the A YF safety and current rating certifica tes; and related sailing is proposed in Board comprising Bruce Dickson, Robert race entry forms; a national handicap­ a series of recommendations Green, David Kellett and Mark Lockie ping d ata base; race results; news pages fmade by a working party of the Austral­ in conjunction with Grant Simmer, Geoff to disseminate current information to ian Yachting Federation in conjunction Ross and Robin Crawford representing clubs and all participants; discussion of with representatives of the Austral­ Australian Offshore which initiated the groups to bring participants Australia ian Offshore organisation of yacht own­ plan as a result of extensive surveys of wide together on specific issues. ers and their advisers. yacht owners. The proposals for Australian Off­ The proposals would see the forma­ The recommendations have been pre­ shore's year one include: tion of the Australian Offshore Sailing sented to State yachting associations and • Investigation and implementation Association(" Australian Offshore") as were due to be discussed by the A YF of a national PHS system. a new division of the A YF, incorporat­ Council at its late March meeting. • Co-ordination of a national off­ ing the existing technical functions of A first year plan presented to the shore program of races and regattas. the Offshore Committee and its various States and to the A YF Council envisages • Obtaining sponsorship for Austral­ sub-committees. the election of a Committee of Manage­ ian Offshore activities so that services Under the plan, Australian Offshore ment of Australian Offshore by mid­ can be expanded and improved. will be responsible for the national man­ June this year for the 1996-97 financial • Co-ordination of existing technica l agement of sailing relevant to offshore year. It is proposed for the first election and regulatory functions, including capable yachts, subject to the ultimate that a "ticket" of candidates be devel- Australian submissions to the Offshore control of the A YF Board and Council. oped by representatives of A YF and Racing Council. The main charter of Australian Offshore Australian Offshore which will pro­ will be to: vide wide representation w ith the "Provision of services will be • Promote and develop the sport of highest level of expertise. a priority under the proposals offshore and related sailing. Provision of services w ill be a pri­ with promotion and • Be highly service orientated, with ority under the proposals with pro­ development being attacked yachts clubs and participants in the sport motion and development being at­ at two levels" recognised as prime customers. Much tacked at two levels: of this service will be on-line, utilising • Direct communication with par­ • Initial work on setting up a na­ the internet, as is happening overseas. ticipants through a quarterly newsletter tional race management service. The existing regulatory and techni­ and attractive on-line services up and The proposals from the working party cal functions handled by A YF staff mem­ running within the first year; include a detailed budget plan which ber Tony Mooney would continue, as • Service to clubs. The initial focus includes provision for a technica l trainee would the technical sub-committees will be on getting clubs and state yacht­ to understudy / assist Tony Mooney and with representation from State Offshore ing authorities on-line, training them in also develop the nati onal PHS handi­ Committees in their technical manage­ effe ctive use of on-line services, and capping system and help get clubs on­ ment roles under the direction of the providing content which helps them, line and effecti ve in using the potential Australian Offshore Management Com- which they need or they want to access. of on-line services. ~i April• May 1996-- THE • Amer1 what? The New York Yacht Club recently called a meeting of potential

challengers for the Last year's America's Cup winners - Team New Zealand America's Cup 2000 lenger of Record. The Challenger of be the only New Zealand defence syndi­ and already there Record is meant to be independent and cate and that there will be no defender appears to be represent all challengers, but by accept­ trials. Under the present rules Team ing the role, the NYYC appears to be in New Zealand will be able to build and controversy on the conflict with its own challenge for the develop four boats while the challeng­ horizon. Kevan Wolfe Cup and the other challengers. ers will only be able to build two boats. This became evident at a meeting of According to the waterfront scuttle­ assesses the current about 12 prospective challengers at the butt, Team New Zealand has become a status of the NYYC earlier in February. The NYYC closed shop and many of New Zealand's believes that there is a need to change top sailors and designers have been vir­ Auld Mug. the way the America's Cup has been run tually locked out. It is a decision that is over the past 10 years and sees itself as splitting the New Zealand sailing com­ playing a big part in the changes be­ munity. cause of its 130 year association with the Many Kiwi sailors, such as Chris Cup. However, the NYYC Challenger Dickson, who skippered New Zealand's The America's Cup is of Record Committee is already ques­ first America's Cup Challenger Kiwi in danger of being tioning many of the sections of the New Magic, in Perth in 1987, are already look­ overshadowed by Zealand rules protocol which it readily ing around for overseas syndicates to other major world agreed to and Robert James, the Vice join. events 'such as the Commodore of the NYYC, counter­ Dickson, who has recently joined the 1997-98 Whitbread signed in San Diego last May. Royal Perth Yacht Club, is obviously Round the World Race and the 1996-97 The NYYC Committee undertook to positioning himself to join a foreign syn­ Grand Mistral World Race, which starts issue prospective challengers with a list dicate. Rod Davis, who steered from Marseilles in September, and an­ of the areas that they consider needed to oneAustralia, could also defect. And other major event being planned in Mel­ be changed by the middle bourne that nobody is talking about at of February. By the end of ''According to the watelfront the moment. the month nothing had scuttlebutt, Team New Zealand With the defence of the America's been seen. has become a closed shop and Cup in Auckland still four years off it One of the major issues has already become embroiled in con­ is the type of sails that chal­ many of New Zealand's top troversy over the rules and many pro­ lengers can use. In 1995, all sailors and designers have been spective challengers are reviewing their syndicates were able to use vinually locked out" options. the then state-of-the art 3DL When Team New Zealand won the sails that are only manufactured in the given the protocol's three year residency America's Cup in San Diego last year, US. Under the present rules only the US rule there is not much time to join an syndicate head, (Sir) Peter Blake, an­ syndicates will be able to use the tech­ overseas syndicate. nounced that he was going to clean-up nology in New Zealand - this could It has been estimated that the Ameri­ the Cup and make the rules fair for all. already give the American challengers ca's Cup could be worth between $700- After their win, the New Zealanders an advantage. 800 million to the New Zealand economy were very quick to issue a protocol for Team New Zealand, which is based and now that they have the Cup the the next defence of the Cup and accept at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squad­ RNZYS intends to do everything they the New York Yacht Club as the Chal- ron in Auckland, has decided that it will can to keep it. ~i

--Apr i I• May 1996 They may be the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's races, but it was Middle Harbour Yacht Club yachts which cleaned up most of AMP Wild Oats sails out of historic Belmore Basin for the return Wollongong-Sydney race . Part owner Bruce Foye's the top placings in the grandfather was captain of a coastal trader which used the same port many years ago. (Pie - Peter Campbell) Wollongong weekend , as Peter Campbell reports. Wollongong's historic Belmore Basin the Stone and his evergreen Kings Cross in breeze was down to a gentle 10 knots, the IMS Racer class. Kings Cross finished the sun was shining and the crews were second on corrected time to Ragamuffin he weather had been diabolical all very thirsty. in race south and first on the return race. week ... rain, strong southerly That's the way it continued all week- Another Middle Harbour yachtsman, t winds, heavy seas offshore. The end.Forthecrewsofthe35yachtswhich James Mark Anthony, sailed his US- forecast was foreboding for the Friday made it to Wollongong, and their friends built Tripp 47 Abracadabra into first place night race to Wollongong .. .s trong south­ and families who drove down the coast on corrected time under Performance er lies right on the nose and nasty, 1ump y to meet them and stay overnight it was Handicaps in both weekend races. How- seas off the New South Wales Coast. a relaxing Saturday and two equally ever, he subsequently withdrew the What's new' That has been the accu­ enjoyable medium distance ocean races. yacht from the PHS division of the Syd- rate weather forecast for almost every The loca ls enjoyed it, too, with a couple ney Regatta pointscore to concentrate year since the CYCA' s South Coast "fl ag of thousand spectators lining Flagstaff on the IMS category. officer" Colin Wilson convinced the Club Hill to watch the fleet start on the Sun- Infinity III's time for the return race, to put an annual passage race to the day morning. sailed in an 8-12 knot nor'easter, was 'Gong to link in with the'city's Festival But back to the results .... The race slightly faster at 6 hours 34 minutes 47 of Seafood and Sail. south was for the Trade Winds Trophy, seconds but it was nea rly. double the It looked the same sort of wet and the two races counting towards the record time she took in 1995, surfing windy weekend for the Wollongong CYCA's Blue Water ·16The locals enjoyed it, too, with a weekend of February, 1996, with a fleet Pointscore, and also as the of near 50 yachts entered for the 45 first two races in the Telstra couple of thousand spectators nautical mile Friday night dash to the National Business Direc- lining Flagstaff Hill to watch the Illawarra coast, followed by a day of tory Sydney Regatta. fleet Stan on the Sunday morning." R&R at Wollongong, day race back to The race to Wollongong Sydney on the Sunday. saw a boat-for-boat dual to w indward north under spinnaker in 3 hours 32 As the afternoon wore on, CYCA of­ between Martin James' Farr 66 Infinity minutes 50 seconds. ficia ls warned owners of smaller yachts III and Syd Fischer latest Ragamuffin, the This, of course, favoured the small er to exercise "prudent seamanship" in purpose-designed Farr 50. Infinity III yachts with Kings Cross winning the IMS heading to sea on a dark and stormy finally got the gun off Wollongong's division from the Bashford / Howison night. They took heed and the fleet di­ Flagstaff Hill by a mere 54 seconds. Both 41 Sycorax, skippered by another MHYC minish ed. So did the wind and boatscutabout 17 minutesofftherecord, member, Michael Quinn. Third place sea ... eventually. with Infinity III covering the 45 nautical went to Brian Sa unders' Farr 31 Wildfire It was lumpy outside the Heads but miles in 6 hours 46 minutes 34 seconds. from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. as the 36 starters continued south, the While the CYCA's Infinity III got the Under overall PHS hand ica ps Abra- headwinds and seas abated but still gun in both races and Ragamuffin won cadab ra won from Adria (Ch ri s Gorman, strong enough to give the leaders a the Trade Winds Trophy on IMS, the RP A YC) and Kim Williams' Rock ' n Roll, record-breaking beat to windward. By most successful sailors were from Mid- skippered by Kim Williams, also from the time the tailenders had berthed in die Harbour Yacht Club, led by Ray MHYC. ..ii April• May 1996-- Rock-ho to the Suns Coast Middle Harbour Yacht Club's annual Sydney to Mooloolaba race remains one of the great long races on the Australian East Coast and this year's 33rd race to Queensland will be no exception, predicts Peter Campbell.

hile the 1996 Telstra Na­ tional Business Directory W Sydney to Mooloolaba race will lack the glamour maxi yachts of 1995, Brindabella and Tasmania, the Amazon, Peter Walker's Steinmann 70, now sporting a carbon fibre mast, will start short odds favourite for line 469 nautical mile dash up the New South honours in the Telstra National Business Directory Sydney to Mooloolaba Race . Ian Mainsbridge captured her in Wales North Coast to the Sunshine Coast action during the recent Sydney to Hobart. of Queensland will again be a test of seamanship and sail trim, daring one place in the fleet by Peter Walker Victorian yachtsmen unfamiliar with the rock-hopping navigation and astute tac­ and his might Amazon. yacht. Also in with a line honours chance tics. Unless it is a howling sou'wester all will be Infinity III, Martin James' Farr 66 StartingoffWatsons Bay at 1300 hours the way north then the Steinmann 70 which broke her own record in the re­ on Saturday, March 30, this will be the must have to rank an odds-on favourite cent Sydney to Wollongong race. 33rd annual race to Queensland waters for line honours. However, if such hard A reported "burn-out" of crews after conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht running conditions prevail the compe­ the intensive competition of the South­ Club. Racing will be under IMS and tition could come from the Gladstone ern Cross Cup and Telstra Sydney to PHS handicapping, with divisions, but race record-holder, Kerry Spencer's Bob­ Hobart has been given as a reason for no overall winner on corrected time. sled, another Steinmann creation. fewer yachts lining up for Mooloolaba With Tasmania gone to the USA and These two stand out as the big boats this year. The 1995 race attracted 63 Brindabella up for sale since owner to beat although Andrew Short and his starters and when OFFSHORE went to George Snow hung up his sea boots after extended Innkeeper Petaluma Wines did a press Middle Harbour Yacht Club had another disappointing Sydney to Ho­ number on Bobsled in the last Pittwater received just over 50 entries. bart, this year's race will open the way to Coffs Harbour race. However, Bob­ Some potential entries are heading for a well-deserved return to number sled was under charter to a group of further afield in the Royal Queensland C.April • May 1996 Wildfire gets an early break on Rapscallion atter the start of race three of th e Nati onal Business Directory Sydney Regatta. Both are heading for Mooloolaba on Above: Sycorax will be the only Bashford/ March 30. (pie • Peter Campbell ) Howison 41 in th e fleet heading for Mooloolaba and is expected to be a strong contender in th e Cruiser/Racer class . (Pie - 2KY (Bob Mulkearns, MHYC) is another Peter Campbell) close enough in the pointscore to upset the fina l result in the IMS Racer class. Lett: Kings Cross was one of the few yachts In the IMS Cruiser Racer class the to carry spinnaker as fl eet dashed fo r th e Heads atter th e start of race three of th e Iain Mu rray-d esign ed Bash ford / National Business Directory Sydney Howison 41 Sycorax, skippered by Regatta . Kings Cross headed th e Michael Quinn from MHYC, headed pointscore atter three races and will be one the pointscore after three races in the of the favoured yachts in the NBD Sydney­ Sydney Regatta from the Beneteau 47 Mooloolaba race. (Pie - Peter Campbell) Yendys, skippered by another MHYC yachtsman, Geoffrey Ross. Yacht Squadron's inaugural race from mandatory Sydney to Hobart. After Impeccable, the Peterson 36 skippered Brisbane to Gizo in the Solomon Islands. eight races only the merest of points by 74-year-old Jo hn Walker from Of the 20 boats in that race, starting separated the two top yachts in the IMS MHYC, was leading the PHS pointscore Good Friday, nine are from NSW al­ Division- Ray Stone's Davidson/Jutson and looking good to again be Champion though three of the entrants, Ninety 36 Kings Cross from MHYC and the Farr Yacht of the National Business Direc­ Seven, Henry Kenda ll Akubra and the vet­ 43, AMP Wild Oats, owned by Bruce tory Sydney Regatta. Another Middle eran Fidelis, are racing to Queensland Foye and Lance Peckman from the Harbour boat, Kim Williams' Rock 'n with the Mooloolaba fleet. CYCA. With one discard Kings Cross is Roll was a close second with Exocet MHYC had offered to include a dou­ on 373 points and Wild Oats on 370, but (Howard Elliott, RSYS) in third place. ble-handed division for the Short­ with each discarding their two worst Handed Sailing Association but a vari­ Apart fr om these yachts which have races so far, the margin is just one point. ety of problems reduced the likely fi gured well in offshore racing results The outcome of the NBD Sydney number to just three and they then de­ throughout the _summer and in the Syd­ Regatta is likely to be still wide open cided not to race north this year. Simi­ ney Regatta, the 1996 Sydney­ when the fleet dashes down the Har­ larly, the Club offered to include a divi­ Mooloolaba fl eet is a very classy one, bour and turns left for Mooloolaba. sion for ocean racing multihulls but this including the 1993 Sydney to Hobart When OFFSHORE went to press only was not taken up by owners. IMS w inner Cuckoo's Nest, now racing three races, the medium distance races Nevertheless, it is a significant event as Rapscallion and owned by Dick on the ocean racing program as the last to and from Wollongong (see separate Voordehake. of seven short, medium and long races story) and the first of four short ocean Another one to watch will be The for the 1996 National Business Direc­ races off the Heads, had been sailed. Last Picasso, Bob Robertson's new NSX- tory Sydney Regatta and the final long At that stage, Kings Cross led nar­ 38, which sailed impressively to finish ocean race to decide the Cruising Yacht rowly in the IMS Racer class from Raga­ second overall in the Pittwa ter-Coffs Club of Australi a's prestigious Blue muffin and the Farr 31 Wildfire (Brian Harbour Series. Water Pointscore for 1995-96. Certainly, Saunders, RSYS). Improving with every The motor yacht Lauriana w ill again most of the best IMS and PHS ocean race is the Queensland-owned Murray be the radio relay vessel for the 469 racing yachts in the Sydney fl eet are ILC 40 Bit o' Fl uff which is being skip­ nautical mile race to Mooloolaba. heading north. pered north by Ed Psaltis with a crew The Blue Water Pointscore is decided based on his former yacht Hall Chadwick • Meteorologist Kenn Batt gives his on the best six out of nine long ocean Nuzulu which he sailed to victory in ad vice on how to play the shifts and li fts races over the summer, including the two previous Mooloolaba races. Skilled up to Mooloolaba, Page 50. ~i April• May 1996 .. Women's sailing in Australia took another positive step forward when the Royal· Sydney Yacht Squadron hosted the Women on Water J24 Asia Pacific Women's Regatta on the Harbour. wom ShOWt Sailing Skill

he 1996 J24 Asia Pacific Wom­ en's Regatta was the fifth organ­ ised by Women on Water, the organisation founded by ocean t France in 1994 and the great victory of After a week of at times dramatic racing skipper Kerry Goudge five years ago. This year it took on a new meaning Susan Walters in winning the IYRU sailing in strong, gusty winds, the over­ with the regatta including an impres­ Nations Cup women's match racing all champion was 1988 Olympic sailor sive two-day coaching clinic under the grand final in San Francisco last year. Karyn Gojnich who was a member of direction of Nation's Cup world cham­ Other fine international performances Susan Walter's winning team at the pion Susan Walters. over the past year have been the ongo­ IYRU Nation's Cup. Skippering the More importantly, the sponsorship ing success ofboardsailor and of WOW by Nortel Australia, a former Olympic aspirant Natasha .,"lhe crew pelformed major sponsor of the Sydney to Hobart, Sturges in the Mistral class, does not just cover a yacht in the Hobart the IYRU World Youth Sail­ very well together as race and this regatta. WOW is now an ing Championship gold organisation with more than 600 mem­ medal by Sarah Blanck, and a team and, most bers and with the Nortel sponsorship the Laser Radial world cham­ importantly, we had the group also runs regular coaching pionship win by Heidi workshops and clinics to raise the level Gordon. great fun!' of women's sailing. Another innovation at this The standard of sailing achieved by year's Asia Pacific Women's Regatta also Computer Results Team, Gojnich won Australian women has been underlined saw the introduction of a students divi­ seven out of the nine races. by the success of the Hobie 16 crew sion, sailing Yngling keelboats and this The record fleet, sailed by some 90 Kerry Ireland and Vicki Tanner in the series attracted entries from New Zea­ women from NSW, Victoria, Western IYRU World Sailing Championships in land. Australia and Queensland, had to con- ~April• May 1996 tend with gusty winds of tlp to 20 knots. Above : Olympic sailor Karyn Gojnich at the helm during In one race, four women went over­ her outstanding victory in the WOW Nortel J24 Womens board in wild broaches, several yachts Asia Pacifi c Regatta. She and the Computer Results were damaged and the weary crews team won seven of the nine races. came ashore with a few black eyes and at least one case of concussion. Wisely, dent Libby McBride, finished second race officials cancelled the rest of the with the West Australian State cham­ day's racing. pion crew, skippered by Nicola Davies, Although the Computer Results team third. dominated the regatta, race results were The Yn gling division for students was close with less than four seconds be­ won by the Mu sto Crew, skippered by tween the first four boats in race eight 15-year-old Janey Treleaven, who fin­ and six seconds separating the first two ished first in all nine races. Crewing in the final race. with Janey were Belinda Morrison and "It was a very challenging regatta Jo Dikkenberg. with strong competition from a number Janey was the youngest participant Above : The Mothers Under Mast team battle to hold of crews," winning skipper Karyn in the 1995 Sydney to Hobart race, sail­ their spinnaker during the WOW Notel J24 Womens Gojnich said. "The crew performed very ing on Ra ger. Belinda and Janey are Asia Pacific Regatta in a fresh breeze on Sydney Harbour. well together as a team and, most im­ both students at SCEGS Darlinghurst portantly, we had great fun." and sail together at the Cruising Yacht Top : Mothers Under Mast team sailing MUM in the The Royal Queensland Yacht Squad­ Club of Australia's Youth Sailing Acad­ Wom ens Regatta .... a week of heavy weather sailing in ron entry, skippered by university stu- emy in Elliott 5.9s. ,,Ji J24s. April• May 1996~ GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS> Myths and Realities The latest in GPS matine navigation units by RB Kydd This downgraded accuracy is Number of Channels: There are sin­ ince the late 1980s when the lei­ achieved by the application of what is gle-channel sets, single-channel sure marine market started to called Selective Availability. (SA) Watch multiplexing sets, multi-channel sets buy and use GPS equipment · out for it on brochures. Any manufac­ and multi-channel multiplexing sets. All there has been more misinfor­ turer quoting an accuracy of better than the manufacturers have their pet Smation put about with regard to what it 100m without referring to SA is trying phrases. In basic terms a GPS requires to will and won't do than perhaps any the pull the wool over a prospective work on the signals from three or more subject outside politics. Despite this and client's eyes. satellites at a time to provide a two­ perhaps because of it, as a brand new In practical terms the current accu­ dimensional fix. piece of technology, it has been accepted racy does not detract greatly from the Just about all current units on the and fitted to thousands of craft Aus­ potential benefits of a GPS unit. You market today work well enough to sat­ tralia wide. may not be able to find your favourite isfy the needs of all but the most exact­ It may be fair to assume that a tech­ fishing hole in one pass, but you will ing marine applications. It is the speed nology with such wide acceptance is save a lot of fuel steaming in a 100m of the processor that governs the per­ well understood by those that use it. circle looking at the sounder. formance rather than the number of Sadly this is not always the case. Many All weather: GPS operates on a very channels. installations may be accidents waiting high frequency (L Band) line of sight In lay terms, it is fair to say that the to happen: Following are some of the from a number of satellites. As a result it more channels the better and an 8 or 12- common miss-conceptions and real ben­ is truly an all-weather system. Most channel set with full or partial efits that GPS provides. marine sets are capable of operating in multiplexing will give ultimate perform­ Accuracy.: The GPS is a US Govern­ rain falling at a rate of greater than ance. Software needs to be different for ment system supported by and financed 25mm per hour with a properly installed different environments. For example, a by the US Pentagon. As such its primary antenna. GPS that has been designed to work reason for being was military and it is Portable: Portable GPS units have properly in a helicopter will be too still controlled by the US military. The been perceived as better value for money twitchy on a boat. thought of an unfriendly force being than installed units. This is' not always Which Manufacturer? At last count able to decide which window of the the case. If you have a genuine need for there were 32 brands of GPS on the White House to send its message portability there may be good reason market in Australia. through sent shivers down their mili­ for going for one. But remember, when Current thinking in the GPS world tary spines and there was talk of with­ the chips are down and it's raining cats suggests that the total R & D spend by drawing civilian access totally. By this and dogs and you want to know where the GPS industry far exceeds what is time, however, the number of civilian you are, do you want to be standing out likely to be recoverable from the market uses had snowballed and the resulting the back of the boat peering at a small (huge as it is). From this, one may con­ compromise has resulted in a system LCD screen? External antenna kits often clude that there are likely to be some that is accurate to around 100 meters. It make the price prohibitive when com­ falls ( Some brands have come and gone does not matter how much you spend, pared with an installed unit. Antennae already) and it is thus prudent to steer what brand you buy this is the system do not always work well inside or under clear of names that rely solely on GPS accuracy. a bimini top, particularly in wet weather. for their survival. ~j c»April • May 1996 Canon Australia continues its proud association with the prestigious Canon Sydney to Gold Coast Yacht Classic.

Canon prides itself on being involved in sporting events of this stature. Canon RELIABILITY STRENGTH INNOVATION THE HOBART Towa the Millenn The 1995 Telstra Sydney to Hobart is over. The tales have been told, the rum has been drunk, the New Year toasted in Hobart's Constitution Dock and the competing yachts have World Class Competition ing, Thompson says, is a great leveller. "You talk to the crews and you know gone home. But for the In world terms, the Sydney to Hobart is that Larry Ellison and Rupert Murdoch, one of the world's three great classic man who oversees the both of whom sailed on Sayonara, would ocean races and, Thompson believes, have been given consideration because running of one of the the most challenging. "From an Aus­ of age and who they were, but they tralian perspective, everyone wants to world's three great ocean would still be expected to pull their do the Sydney to Hobart. Once you've weight. If they couldn't do the hard yacht races, the planning done it, your next aim is to compete in yards up on the foredeck or the bow, the Admiral's Cup and the Kenwood doesn't stop. JANE they'd still be expected to do the cook­ Cup. If you're competing internation­ ing or the washing up, things that may SANDILANDS reports. ally, you meet a lot of people from other be outside their daily experience." countries and the feeling is that no mat­ The 1995 Sydney to Hobart was the ter how many other races you might first in which Thompson had sole re­ have competed in, unless you've done sponsibility for all operational aspects. n the very early morning at Syd­ the Hobart, you've never quite made • While this meant he had far less contact ney's Cruising Yacht Club, there it.,, with yacht owners and crews, he re­ are two lone figures going about Setting aside its reputation for being gards the running of the Sydney to Ho­ their business. One is 'Sydney to the most gruelling and unpredictable bart as an important career challenge, IHobart' the Blue Burmese cat. The other ocean race, challenging the world's best particularly for the experience it gives is Phil Thompson, Sailing Master at the sailors, Thompson sees its fascination - in the management of a significant pub­ Cruising Yacht Club and Race Director and that of yachting generally - lying lic yachting event in the lead-up to the of the Sydney to Hobart race. elsewhere. "If you look at yachting 2000 Sydney Olympics. A competitor in fifteen Sydney to compared with other sports, there is a Hobart races and involved in various very short time span in which you can roles with the CYCA for just on eleven be good. Look at rugby league - players Impact and Infrastructure years, Thompson is steeped in the mix­ are old by the time they're 30. With The race has a huge impact on Sydney. ture of practicality and mystique which yachting, you have a group of people It is the only recreational yacht race in surrounds the race. who can be any age, male or female, and the world where the Harbour is de­ And there are probably few better as long as they're prepared to work as a clared an exclusion zone: no aircraft, no qualified than Phil Thompson to talk team, they'll do well." commercial shipping, no ferries. This about yachting and its challenges. For Using the 1995 Telstra Sydney to alone, Thompson says, takes a huge many years, he sailed between 10,000 Hobart as an example, Thompson cites amount of administrative time, not to and 15,000 miles each year both in Aus­ the inclusion of yachts such as Sayonara mention the organisation of hundreds tralia and internationally, gaining and Brindabella, the so called 'glamour' of thousands of spectators, lining the knowledge and experience of all aspects maxis. "The appeal for the business­ harbour and in craft on the day. of ocean racing. Now, as well as his men who own and sail these yachts is "The bodies concerned with the race responsibility for the Sydney to Hobart, that they don't often get the opportu­ - which is not simply a yacht race but an Thompson oversees the running of the nity to compete in another sport which important public event- are the Water­ Youth Academy, the Slipway, the Ma­ gives them the same camaraderie and ways which control the Harbour, the rina and the Club's sailing program. competition at the same time." Yacht- Water Police, Harbour Control, control-

El»April • May 1996 ''Resamax now has a superior, convenient, 1 /1 mix fairing cream" says Mario Manno . Australian marine craft building and supply identity and managing director of Resamax Australia

Phil Thompson - Sailing Master at the Hobart Cruising Yacht Club and Race Director of th e Sydney to Hobart Race 11and no filler you mix ling the port activities, Civil Aviation, The Future together yourself the Department of Transport and vol­ comes near it in For Phil Thompson and the Cruising unteer bodies including the coastal pa­ Yacht Club, the foc us is now fi rmly on performance and price" trol and coast guard ." the2000 Sydney01ympics, with the Club Resamax Fairing Cream is designed Already they are planning the 1996 as the host for all yachting events. As for fine fairing of boat hulls but may be Sydney to Hobart, having regular six part of the long-term Olympic involve­ used in any filling application. Excellent weekly meetings on ways to improve ment, which w ill obviously put the bonding ability makes it suitable for most the Boxing Day spectacle. And the 1995 Cruising Yacht Club in the world spot­ substrates, even below the waterline. race was the first run-through for the light, Thompson fee ls that the time is volunteers who w ill be involved in As the name implies, Resamax Fairing ripe for a number of changes. Cream goes on as smoothly as cream, crowd control fo r the 2000 Sydney Ol- "The Club now has a real opportu­ giving an easily sandable finish - yet, it ympics. . nity to move fo rward. The biggest chal­ cures to a hard, resilient polymer with As well as local bodies, at the Federal lenge we have to face is that many peo­ all the strength of an epoxy. level, the Australian Maritime Safety ple want to do things the same way they Authority _has a strong involvement in An equally exceptional product is were done 50 years ago." the race, along w ith the Bureau of Mete­ Resamax Epoxy Glue The bottom line fo r Thompson is that orology and now also CSIRO, with its a superior, non-shrink, pregelled the Club should seize the opportunity increasing technological abili ty to map adhesive, in practical I: I mix ratio, offered by the 2000 Sydney Olympics to movements in the ocean floor, showing aimed at all marine applications where be world class and centre stage. "We've the currents which affect conditions for high bond strength and gap filling sa ilors. always had links w ith other major cl ubs qu~lities are required. Resamax Epoxy Media coverage of the race increases running major events. Now we need to Glue will cure at low temperatures, each year, now well beyond domestic be making links together in an interna­ eyen on damp surfaces. sporting interest. tional code, so that co,-ripetitors from For more information on the outstanding Over 500 million homes in Europe around the world understand the rules Resamax range of marine products, and Asia will this year see the race fea­ and they know they're playing the same please phone or fax Mario Manno at game as you are." tured on television, over a quarter of a Resamax (Australia) Pty Ltd million people had access to the Telstra Balancing the varying and sometimes 10A Wilmette Place, Mona Vale 2103 diffe rent needs of the Club and its mem­ Home Page of the Internet during the Telephone (02) 9997 4066 bers, Thompson says, isn't always easy. race and there is always huge coverage Facsimile (02) 9997 4511 in ra dio, print and electronic media. "Sometimes I get disill usioned with the Mobile 0 18 023 088 This also, Thompson says, adds another politics and power plays, but I've lea rnt dimension because the media want cam­ that although you mightn't agree with era links and other communications with the way things are going, what actuall y the yachts during the race, making more matters at the end of the day is that you demands on both participants and race stay true to yourself - and go on to ac h­ organisers. ieve your part in the big picture." Quality products an d ~i good oldfash ioned service April• May 1996~ Galloping -- Across ~- SA's Gulfs --5500 A low pressure system west of Tasmania turned the weather for this year's Fosters Adelaide to Port Lincoln race from summer into winter-like conditions, reports Tim Nelligan who skippered Echelon in a rjemanding race.

he 1996 Adelaide to Port Lincoln race presented the near record fleet with most unseasonable weather, providing the fleet with testingt sailing conditions throughout the 151 nautical mile race across the Gulf of St Vincent and into the wide expanse of Spencer Gulf. Overall winner of the Fosters 46th Adelaide to Port Lincoln race was the former Sydney 40-footer Beyond The cause was a stationary low pres­ Thunderdome, now owned by Adelaide yachtsman David Urry. (Pie• Port Lincoln Times) . sure system west of Tasmania which intensified in the days leading up to the old Royal South Australian Yacht Squad­ and were able to lay Cape Spencer on race. It gave the fleet south to south­ ron member Keith Flint. Aboard Grand one tack. Seduction, a new Binks-built westerly winds of 35-40 knots for much Tasman Wild Thing were owner Grant Farr 38 IMS, was able to sail high to of the course, which took them be­ Wharington, National Tasar champion windward from the start to Cape Spen­ tween 18 and 95 hours to complete. Brett Young and America3 crewperson cer to maintain seventh place in the The rough conditions on the Friday Marcia Porter. fleet. afternoon saw the start moved into the However, once out into the Gulf, Skippered by Cruising Yacht Club of Port River, opposite the container ter­ Helsa/ II took command to lead from South Australia member Trevor Skin­ minal, presenting an exciting spectacle Grand Tasman Wild Thing and Graham ner, Seduction outpaced similar sized for people lining thew harves. The winds Williams' Davidson 50, Prime Example. boats to claim second place overall. On were still strong and gusty inside the The next group of boats beating to IMS, the Port Lincoln yacht Pandemo­ river, with the Melbourne SO-footer, Marion Reef included the Farr 40, Prime nium, sailed by John Hood, also did Gee-Whizz, being dismasted before she Factor (Hayden Jones), the eventual well on the breeze to maintain a strong even got to the line. overall winner Beyond Thunderdome chance of handicap honours. First out of the river in the Division 1 (David Urry), Stand Aside (Jim Manion) On the hard reach from Cape Spen­ fleet was Grand Tasman Wild Thing, char­ and Santana II (Ivan Samanzia). cer, Helsa! II, Grand Tasman Wild Thing tered and skippered by Port Lincoln After seven to eight hours of hard and Prime Example could only two-sail yachtsman Steven Kemp and David beating to windward into a sharp 10 reach whilst the 40-foo ters managed to Buckland, followed closely by the fa. and 15 foot chop and the 35 to 40 knot carry spinnakers in the gusty condi­ mous Helsa/ II, skippered by 74-year- winds, most boats made Marion Reef tions. Overall and IMS winner, Beyond

--Apr i I• May 1996 Keith Flint, the 74-year-old Adelaide yachtsman who notched up his sixth line honours victory in the Running under spinnaker along th e sandy coast of Spencer Gulf during the 21st Port Lincoln Race Week which Fosters 46th Adelaide to Port lincoln ocean race. (Pie followed the Fosters 46th Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race . (Pie • Port Lincoln Times). • Les O'Rourke).

Thunderdome, made up a lot of ground sailed by RSA YS member Bill The Victorian yacht Reverie, skip­ in 30 knots with sailmaker Ray Brown Strangways. With ten Sydney-Hobart pered by Allan Woodward from the helming the Davidson 40 perfectly in races credited to four of the crew, they Royal Brighton Yacht Club, sailed a con­ difficult conditions. were able to tackle the race with confi­ sistent series to post a 3-4-3-5-4 scoreline After some 18 hours of racing Helsa! dence. With two reefs in the mainsail to beat Grand Tasman Wild Thing, skip­ II crossed the finish line just under two and a number four jib, Tradition was pered by Port Lincoln Yacht Club mem­ hours outside her own record to give able to lead the Division 2 fleet out of the bers David Bucland and Steven Kemp. owner Keith Flint his sixth line honours Port River. Maglieri Wines, which Geoff Vercoe win to Port Lincoln. Grand Tasman Wild Tradition finished about six o'clock had sailed across for Lincoln Week after Thing finished half an hour later with on the Saturday evening to win Divi­ repairing the damage suffered at the Prime Example a close third finisher. sion II by more than half an hour from start of the Adelaide to Port Lincoln Overall and IMS winner Beyond Amourette, an Elan 33 sailed by Alan race, dominated the IMS results. Thunderdome is Adelaide yachtsman Down from the RSA YS. Third place A well deserved Division II victory David Urry's first race boat in three went to Turilawa, a Lotus 10.6 skip­ went to Jigsaw. After deciding not to years. He previously raced a number of pered by Warren Matthews from the race in the rough conditions from Ad­ yachts with "War Games" in their names RSYS. elaide, owners Bruce Harris and David but then took a break from sailing be­ Bice from the Cruising Yacht Club of fore buying the !OR-designed, IMS­ Lincoln Week Regatta SA, made the effort when conditions optimised 40-footer from Sydney and To Victorian yacht moderated to sail across for Lincoln seemingly giving her a new lease of life Fortunately, the Lincoln Week Regatta Week Regatta. Jigsaw scored 2-1-2-6-2 on the racing circuit. was sailed in much better weather, with to just edge out Whyalla yachtsman In Division II, the conditions suited mostly 10 knots of breeze and fine and Dean Ryan, sailing Orion which placed perfectly the Duncanson 34, Tradition, warm sunny days. 1-2-4-2-5. .,ii Mo refeatures,less money! Silva NEXUS Network Compare Silva NEXUS with other top brands and see how much more you'll get for less$$$. Find out how you can start with just the NEXUS 'Multi ' (and transducers) to give you all log/speed/time , depth, wind and compass functions , then expand later for much less cost than other systems, Flexible, expandible, multi-functional with highest integration at lowest price. No other system wi ll give you so much information in one in strument. Easy installation. Easy to use. Unbeatable value.

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April• May 1996-- Victori yachts Bid For P1:a'Jif The Boags Australian Three Peaks Race around the coast of Tasmania at Easter incorporates some innovative changes designed to broaden mainland sailing interest as Julian Burgess reports.

elbourne to Hobart year after breaking his steering on the in 1995 after her runners got lost in fog line honours winner Flinders Island to Coles Bay sailing leg in the Freycinet National Park after the Vendetta and the Vic­ and having one of his runners break­ yachts berthed at Coles Bay on the Tas­ mtorian SO-footer Gee-Whizz are the early down on the Freycinet run. manian East Coast. Skipper Bruce Guy, favourites for the 1996 Boa gs Australian Despite the setbad:, Vendetta won however, was in the winning 1991 crew. Three Peaks which starts from Beauty the Tilman Trophy for all-round excel­ Top Scottish runners Elspeth Scott Point on the Tamar River on Good lence in the race. and Helen Diamantides have been Friday. With the inclusion of Steven Neal's signed up by Gee-Whizz and a New Zea­ Vendetta; owned by Hobart medico SO-footer Cyclone and perpetual Three land team, including 1994 runner Russell John Saul, is an Inglis 47 while Gee­ Peaks competitors Nick Edmunds (Hap­ Prince will be aboard a 40-foot catama­ Whizz, to be skippered by Ben Doolan, hazard) and Richard Edmunds (Wild ran. was a sistership until undergoing an Card) in their Radford 47s, the 1996 race A fleet of 25 yachts, one of the biggest will be one for the big in the race's eight year history, has 11A fleet of 25 yachts, one of the boats. With yachts re­ entered and includes multihulls and biggest in the race's eight year stricted to crews of only motorsailors as well as regular ocean history, has entered and five (three sailors and two racing yachts. runners) the sailors defi­ The Australian Maritime College's includes multihulls and nitely do it tough on the seamanship training ship Wyuna, a ra­ motorsailors as well as regular SO-footers. dio relay ship for the Sydney to Hobart ocean racing yachts." Interestingly, the 1992 in the 1980s, will act as safety ship for race record of Victorian the race. Iain Murray revamp and being extended yacht, Wild Thing, only fell last year As a lead-up to the Three Peaks and to SO-foot. when Wildcard covered the 320 nautical to boost mainland participation, Aus­ While Gee-Whizz is tackling the de­ miles of sailing and 130 kilometres of tralia's oldest ocean race, from manding combination of ocean sailing running in 2 days 16 hours 13 minutes. Queenscliff to Low Head has been re­ and endurance bushland and mountain At least three top international run­ vived as the Bass Strait Challenge, start­ running for the first time, Vendetta's ning teams are competing. Britons ing pm Saturday, March 29. The aim is skipper is a veteran of the race. Adrian Davis and John Coyle will sail to get Victorian yachtsman to spend He finished a disappointing sixth last on the Farr 40, Niaid, which finished last Easter in northern Tasmania, either

~April• May 1996 COP-R-BOTE 5 year Antifouling

"S ince applying COP-R-BOTE to our rudder the hull has received two coats of our old antifouling - having done the Hobart and many more ocean miles the rudder remains in perfect condition. We have now applied COP-R-BOTE to the rest of the hull.' John Williams, joint owner of Victorian Yacht "Bacardi" • Effective - developed in Australia for our cond itions - unlike similar imported products • Reliable - 5 years in the Australian marketplace • Extremely hard, fast racing surface - will not scrub off • More than twice the copper content (2000g Cu/litre) • Unaffected by long periods out of the water • Low Environmental impact - 1/14 the release of heavy metals - exempt from Victoria's new environmental laws • Effective Osmosis barrier For free information pack - phone or fax: NSW Distributor - Michael Storer (02) 310 0462

Top: Crowd of wellwishers at Coles Bay to send off Southern Cross Television as her runners fi nish the gruelling Freycinet bush and mountain run on the Tasmanian East Coast. I I I I I Above: Tamar River yacht Adams Appl e beats past a rugged island as she nears Lady Barron on Flinders Island in last year's Boags Three Peaks Race. (Pie - Peter Campbell)

Left: Laun ceston yacht Ericsson powers towards Lady Barron on Flinders Island at the end of the first leg of th e Boags Australian Three Peaks Race last yea r. Note the cycling rli=iJ arrangements on the transom to enable the crew to use 'peddle power' in light winds and MARINE & SAFETY EQUIPMENT through the Dunnalley Canal - allowed under the rules of this unique event. (Pie - Petr Campbell). cruising the Tamaar or competing in the Three Peaks. Four Victorian yachts contested the first Queenscliff to Low Head race in 1907 for the Rudder Cup.

RACE FACTS: Modelled on a British event, the Boags Australian Three Peaks Race starts off the Inspection Head wharf at Bea uty Point on the Tamar River at 2pm on Good Friday, April 5. After a 90nm sail to Lady Barron on Flinders Island in eastern RFD (Australia) Pty Ltd BRISBANE: Bass Strait, two of the five crew members must run 65km to MELBOURNE: 36 Randall Street, the summit of Mt Strzelecki and return. 129 Herald Street Slacks Creek OLD 4127 A 127nm sail to Coles Bay on the Tasmanian East Coast for Cheltenham VIC 3192 Phone (07) 3808 8918 a 33km dash up Mt Freycinet is fo llowed by a 100nm sail to Phone (03) 9532 1822 Fax (07) 3808 8957 Hobart and the final run to the summit of Mt Wellington and Fax (03) 9532 1949 SYDNEY: 3/7 Kent Rd Mascot 2020 return to the Wrest Point Casino. Phone (02) 667 0480 ~ More information is available from Race Development I I I Fax (02) 693 1242 (/) Manager Alan Rider on 01 9 970 100 or the Boags Austra lian Three Peaks Race office on 003 371 201. ,J£ Specialists In Safety & Survival Equipment April• May 1996~ New! Compact Collection diesels from Volvo Penta.

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BRISBANE SYDNEY MELBOURNE HOBART ADELAIDE DARWIN PORT MORESBY LAE (07) 3899 1522 (02) 4111868 (03) 9696 3741 (002) 34 7266 (08)347 0011 (089) 84 32n 21 3590 42 4465 EASTERN ENGINE PTY LTD Importer and Distributor• 70 Banya Street, PO Box 78, BULi MBA, BRISBANE OLD, AUSTRALIA 4171 . Tel: 61 (0)7 3899 1622, Fax: 61 (0)7 3899 1045 (*Except WA) AAA1063/M ,,, es1gns-~• / I 1 oFthe , : '---➔ 90 S• New Hick Designed for performance handicap racing. By Kevan Wolfe

fter creating much con­ troversy with his boats de­ signed for the IMS rule, such aas Joint Venture 1 V, Chutzpah and Atria, Melbourne designer and builder, Robert Hick has done a complete about face. His latest boat is designed for per­ formance handicap racing. Hick says that most boat owners don't want to get into IMS because of the cost and the fact that the rule is changing so much. He points out that only 19 boats competed in the IMS Division of the recent Nissan Regatta, while 112 boats competed in the two Performance Handicap divi­ sions. "The minute you create a rule you The latest Hick 30 - designed for perlormance create obsolescence," said Hick. "Every time we design a boat to the IMS rule other owners complain because our one design, which was the plug for the The keel is mounted on a very strong boats beat them." production mould, went into the water framewith a hollow fibreglass fin and Hick says that with an IMS boat, peo­ just in time for the first race of Nissan an 800 kilo beaver tail bulb on the bot­ ple have to spend a lot of money on Regatta in January. The crew was still tom. The bulb has reduced the displace­ fittings and equipment they don't want. screwing bits and pieces on as it went to ment and if required extra ballast can be Many of the overnight races are losing the line. The boat finished fourth out­ added through the top of the tapered fin popularity as people don't have the time right in Performance Handicap Divi­ which has been moulded in two pieces or are unable to get crew who can afford sion One. and saves some 200kg on an aluminium the time to be away at weekends, so The production boat will be con­ one. most people tend to compete in the day structed from balsa and E glass and has A big feature is the ease in which the races ... especially in Melbourne. two ring frames in the bow and stern keel can be unbolted. It's a simple mat­ The prototype of Hick's nine metre with bunk fronts either side of the keel. ter of undoing six bolts and the keel ca n

April• May 1996~ either be taken right off or allowed to slide up into the cabin, leaving just over half a meter underneath. This makes it ideal to put on a trailer or a truck and take it off to major interstate re­ gattas such as Ham­ il ton Island Race Week. There is none of the paraphernalia, as Hick puts it, of stoves, sinks and tables in the cabin that people don't want for day racing. Although there is plenty of space on the built in bunks and headroom for about six crew to sit down below and have a can or two after a race. Two pipe cots can also be mounted under the cockpit. "But if I put them in no-one will use them," said Hick. The rig is a conventional Spunspar aluminium mast with double swept-back spreaders that do away with the need for runners. It carries the same sail p Ian·as his IMS 30, Atria which won its division in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart, a main, a number one and three and a masthead and a hounds spinna­ ker. The main is also cut with a conventional roach. Hick says that big roaches only get caught in backstays. "I have tried to come up with a compromise between a day sailor and a keel boat that will go fast and will be easy to sail," he said. "A lot of boats in the search for speed have been w~ weath&r 9ear, difficult to sail and I have been very careful to design this one $fe)l over thoLtsan~ of sea. with a big rudder and a little fuller in the bow so that it won't qS Cup, Admrrals· CuR and nosedive and to make it more comfortable to sail. The -r~ul s w~i weqttrer gear The huge four metre-long cockpit has ample room for a t p}adicatliesit}n, safety and crew of five or six without people falling over each other. f6r seri s sailors. "I have tried to design a boat that is not a great outlay and one that people can jump into and go fast. It's a boat that l8'naoprn~ cbatep n1tan people can feel that they don't have this big investment just .·Its fab'r e~erier has a ~ft sitting in a pen depreciating." gt looJ(s and (eel$ great. Seams The boat sails and handles like a dinghy and gets up and w&ldeQ 1QO% wat~rproof. planes downwind, and unlike most lightweight boats it also ~e lininQ system for sails fast upwind. mtdrt and condenMtion Robert Hick has not made up his mind what to call the · trot. design yet, he is thinking of the Hick 30 One Design, the HM 9000 or being totally unconventional and calling it the Lizard Gt.ENl'fBOUijl

El»April • May 1996 two International Youth Match Racing 1000th Student At cycA Regattas. Another feature of the winter program and a major goal for the Acad­ sailing Academy emy is to provide opportunities for youth youth sailors to crew aboard keel yachts he Cruising Yacht Club of Austral- sport. Racing rules, tactics, physical in the popular Digital Winter Series with ia's Youth Sailing Academy has fitness, compaign planning, sail trim the CYCA. celebrated its third year of opera- and boat maintenance are just some of This has been an excellent vehicle for t young sailors, both boys and girls, to tion with the 1000th student completing the subjects covered over the 20-week a Learn to Sail course in the Academy's course. Students in the Advanced course develop their keel boat sailing skills over fleet of Elliott 5.9s. have many incentives to do well as there two to three months and then make Established as the result of the enthu- are representative teams selected to com- their offshore coastal racing debut in siasm and hard work of a small group of pete in the Youth Interclub Regatta and the Gold Coast Classic. .,/£ prominent club members, mostly ocean racing yachtsmen, the prime objective of the Acad­ emy was to build up a nucleus of well-trained young crew mem­ The bers for offshore racing and one­ design yachts. That objective in itself has been achieved, with more than 40 students crewing aboard yachts in the Sydney­ Range of Luxury Gold Coast Classic and the Syd­ ney-Mooloolaba races while at least another 20 now have one or Motor more Sydney to Hobarts in their logbooks. The CYCA Youth Sailing Academy has gone far beyond Sailers that basic concept and its mem­ bers and the Elliott 5.9 fleet is now an integral part of the Club's activities. Importantly, it has been well supported by corpo­ rate sponsorship. However, the Academy needs new sponsors for several of its yachts - support The Buizen 48 offers all the luxury that receives wide exposure as one could ever expect from a motor the boats are seen almost daily sailer. Luxury is not at the expense of performance, being on Sydney Harbour. demonstrated in 'Eclipse' finishing Located at the CYCA in 2nd in Division B in the 50th Sydney-Hobart. A superb Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, the combination of filout and an Youth Sailing Academy is a extensive equipment inventory have fulltime training centre for youth resulted in a truly remarkable craft. aged 14 to 21 to receive expert Mastercraft is proud to announce sailing tuition utilizsing the Aus­ the launch of the Buizen 40. The yacht incorporates the high level of tralian Yacht Federation's Train­ quality construction and interior fit· ing Scheme. out already seen in the Buizen 48. The Academy conducts three Mastercraft Marine is produc·ing a magnificent Yacht to compliment types of course - Learn to Sail, their range of motor-saile rs . Versatility is the Zeston 36's Intermediate and Advanced. reputation . In th e same craft you can experience all the pleasure and Most students start off at the In­ exhilaration of a fine sailing yacht as termediate level, as they have well as the open plan and powerful performance of a motor cruiser. The been active in dinghy sailing for yacht is comfortable, easy to handle under sail or power and well several years. mannered in all weather conditions. The Advanced courses, con­ Manufactured In Australia by: Mastercraft Marine Pty Ltd ducted over every weekend dur­ 57 Myoora Road Terrey HIiis NSW 2084 • Phone (02) 450 2170 • Fax (02) 450 2472 ing the winter months, fine tune C._ Yaoht..... • jflMYC) Mltaa. ltfMt. h....,-t NSW ltN • "'-(02) N7 t 144 ilM,rtce Dr9nt ■ ..tlft9 ..,,,kl•* New ...oh 111110M. Dtlr1Mf ~oint NIW 2027 • "'-(02)~ ..... • J■ - IOI) 327 H:M the sailor in all aspects of the April• May 1996 .. sailor second. He conveys the lure of your position on the race course. the lonely ocean and the challenge of For a start, buy a copy of Rick White's pitting oneself against the worst that the new book "Sailing Drills." After you sea and storm can do. buy the book, don't just put it on your Distributed by Cardigan Street Pub­ bookshelf; take it out and execute some lishers. RRP $34.95 hb. drills. They apply to all sizes and shapes of sailboats - and are currently being "Rescue in the Pacific'' used by the US Olympic team contend­ A true story of terror and heroism - by ers. Tony Farrington "Sailing Drills" contains a collection " ... there was no point in deluding of drills Rick White has used in his them about the storm's ferocity, or the many sailing clinics in the US. Each horrible night they were in for. Better drill has a clear diagram and well­ they should be prepared for what lay worded explanation listing the number ahead. Allowing them to cling to a false of boats required, marks needed, what ''Around The hope might encourage them to risk their the practice is, goals to be achieved, how Big Blue Marble" own safety .... " Jon Cullion of Kerikeri to set up the drill, how to executive, and The BOC Challenge 1994-95 Single­ Marine Radio Centre. some additional helpful hints. handed Race Around the World - By In June 1994 a dangerous "bomb" "Sailing Drills" is available from Nigel Rowe. storm caught dozens of cruising sailors Sports Books Australia, 23 Palm Tree "I stared up at the black, angry sky by surprise as they voyaged north from Drive, Safety Beach, Victoria 3926 or ph: and closed my eyes. Dear God, save us New Zealand. This is the true story of 059 810 734 at $44.95 plus $3.00 postage. from this hell. What had started as a how nine yachts struggled to survive dream, to sail around the world, had the hurricane-like conditions. "Cruising the New South become a living nightmare." Their calls for help were answered Wales Coast" Twelve years after launching the first by Jon Cullen of Kerikeri Marine Radio A sailors guide to the ports, anchorages, BOC Challenge, Nigel Rowe set sail Centre who initiated a massive air and rivers and lakes of Australia's First State. aboard his boat, Skycatcher, on the first sea search. Royal New Zealand air and - By Alan Lucas. leg of the 1994-95 race. The man who, as navy crews battled their ways through This is the fourth edition of this out­ head of corporate relations for the multi­ the storm to rescue those in peril - a standing manual of cruising the coast of national BOC Group, had staged the story that was detailed in an edition of NSW, fully updated and revised by first three Challenge races, could no OFFSHORE later in 1994. Alan Lucas. First published in 1976, longer resist the urge to compete in this This is the story of the heroic men this edition was compiled from research most challenging of events himself." and women on the yachts, in the planes, and surveys compiled aboard his clas­ For the first time the dramatic story on the ships and on land who were part sic wooden ketch, Renee Tighe, during of this sea drama. Author 1994 and 1995. ''Basketball fans learned from Tony Farrington interviewed It is, without doubt, the most com­ Michael Jordon that practice can most of those involved and prehensive and up-to-date guide to the make someone who was cut from his book is both a shock course ports, anchorages, rivers and coastal in survival for bluewater sail­ his high school team a great lakes of NSW and this edition also in­ ors and a riveting human cludes Lord Howe Island, that unique player. yet somehow sailors drama for sailors and non­ World Heritage listed island some 320 think that it's unsportsmanlike sailors alike. nautical miles east of Port Macquarie. to actually practice sailing their "Rescue in the Pacific," Alan's latest book is not only the boats well." Tony Farrington, published outstanding book on cruising the coast by McGraw-Hill Australia. of NSW with its excellent charts and of the race is told from the perspective of RRP $39.95 he. port maps, but contains a wealth of gen­ someone taking part in this gruelling eral information on the history of this 27,000 nautical mile, single-handed race "Sailing Drills" fine coast. If you are cruising beyond around the world. How to sail better, smarter, faster, safer NSW, add his other books to your li­ More than that, as one of the origina­ - by Rick White and Mary Wells. brary, such as the famous "Cruising the tors of the BOC Challenge and the per­ Basketball fans learned from Michael Coral Coast", "Cruising the Solomons". son who has masterminded it ever since, Jordon that practice can make someone "Cruising Papua New Guinea" and Nigel Rowe has a unique insight into who was cut from his high school team Cruising New Caledonia and Vanuatu." the ultimate test of yachting skills and a great player. Yet somehow sailors "Cruising the New South Wales seamanship. think that it's unsportsmanlike to actu­ Coast", published by Alan Lucas Cruis­ "Around the Big Blue Marble" is a ally practice sailing their boats well. It's ing Guides, 3-15 Kurra\ a Ave, Point gripping story of the race written by an not, but since many of your competitors Clare, NSW 2250, ph: 043 r 3545. RRP author who is communicator first and a won't bother to, practice will improve $52.00. ~· --April• May 1996 The Pittwater Regatta provided spectacular racing and was a showcase of yachting technology. Magic 2sri Wave111ei Wand on Pittwat

lympic yachtsman Colin Beashel returned to Pittwater, 0 where he learned his sailing Queenslander Rod Coles and his crew in action during the Magic 25 NSW State championship on Pittwater. skills, to win the inaugural NSW cham­ (Pie - David Everdell) pionship for the Magic 25, the innova­ tive new one-design keelboard class in the Miami Olympic Regatta which First Magic 25 Nationals designed by Iain Murray. Hosted by assured him and David Giles a place in To Victorian Ian Walker the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, the the Australian Olympic team for Savan­ Sailed two weeks after the NSW cham­ regatta not only provided spectacular nah, was in magic touch in his first race pionships on Pittwater, the inaugural round-the-buoys racing for both spec­ in the new class. TAG Heuer Australian championship tators and competitors but it also was a He won his first race at the helm of for the Magic 25 was conducted over showcase of yachting technology and Bainbridge then notched up a consistent three days by Middle Harbour Yacht the resourcefulness of Australia's ma­ string of 4-3-4-4 placings, and finished Club. The series attracted 20 yachts rine industry. with three straight wins to win comfort­ with skippers and crews from Queens­ These fast, simple and strict one-de­ able from Wilmot, steering Nightmare on land, New South Wales, Victoria and sign yachts designed, built and rigged Helm Street, third place going to Murray, Tasmania. by Australian expertise, brought to­ helming his own boat, IMA. The winner was Olympic yachting gether some of Australia's bestknown In fourth place was Queenslander team aspirant Ian ("Barney") Walker yachting names and, significantly the Stuart Bishop sailing with event attracted a world class sponsor in a local crew on Harken 1'Jhe fleet of 16 boats enjoyed who just edged out Kerli Tag Heuer wristwatches. , close, spirited competition There were other firsts in one-design Corlette (Sailing Scene) and Mooloolaba's Mal keelboat class racing: these 25-footers whilst blasting across Pittwater Grey, better known as a are sailed with three to four crew on champion Hobie 16 sailor, at speeds in excess of 20 knots" trapeze (under strict weight rules); the at the helm of Sunstate. championship was sailed over an inno­ The fleet of 16 boats enjoyed close, from Victoria, who is aiming for the vative series of eight short-course wind­ spirited competition whilst blasting Atlanta team berth as the Soling keelboat ward/ leeward courses with a final mini­ across Pittwater at speeds in excess of20 skipper. He comfortably won the eight marathon that took in most of Pittwater knots. The concept of identical hulls, race Magic 25 series, scoring three wins, and lower reaches of the Hawkesbury sails and masts provided all competi­ a second, a third and a fourth, plus a River; and there were cash prizes for the tors the opportunity to sail on a "real" disqualification for a PMS (premature placegetters. level playing field. starter). The tricky west to south-west winds Walker finished with 17.25 points, well clear of Pittwater sailor Jason offered the local sailors a slight advan­ RESULTS: Rowed on 29.75 points from a consist­ tage as Colin Beashel finally triumphed 1, Bainbridge (Colin Beashel, RPAYC) 1• ent seruies of 6-7-6-2-8-5-3-3-1, third ahead of long time rivals Jamie Wilmot 2-4-3-4-4-1-1-1, 16pts; 2, Nightmare on place going to former Laser world cham­ and the Magic 25 design team, Iain Helm Street (Jamie Wil mot, MHYC) 2-5- pion and Barcelona Olympian, Glen Murray and Andy Dovel!. 5-1-3-1-5-9-2, 23.5 pts; 3, /MA (lain Murray, RPAYC) 7-1-2-14-1-6-ret-3-5, Bourke on 40.0 points from placings of All three skippers and their crews 38.5pts; 4, Harken (Stuart Bishop, RQYC) 9-2-2-8-16-8-6-5. Apart from Walker and sailed with solid consistency through­ 6-13-1-5-8-3-6-4-9, 41,75pts; 5, Sailing Rowed) the heat winners included Vic­ out the series. Scene (Kerli Corlette, RPAYC) 3-3-9-10- torian Nigel Abbott, who won three Beashel, just returned from a second 7-5-2-10-3, 42 pts; 16 starters. races. ~A April• May 1996 .. The Moorings® New 1996 Charter Yacht Range The Moorings present the 1996 range of custom built Beneteaus. Designed and built for serious cruising. Comprehensively equipped to meet every need and superbly maintained by the world leaders in charter yacht management. Moorings 352 A two cabin 35 footer with a saloon and galley configuration designed by Beneteau for The Moorings. Moorings 383 A brand new model this 3 cabin fast cruiser will be a huge success. Moorings 463 A new Bruce Farr 46 footer with 3 staterooms each with private shower and toilet. Moorings 464 The 4 cabin version of the new 46. Moorings 505 The brand new and recently Developed jointly by The Moorings and arrived in Australia Moorings 505 Beneteau this Bruce Farr 50 offers 4 double cabins, each with private faciltities. When you buy a Moorings Beneteau there are no extras. The package is complete and includes NSW and Qld survey and delivery to the Whitsundays. ~ The Moorings® The Best Sailing Vacations In The World. Call Trevor Joyce at The Moodngs today on (02) 667 4055, fax (02) 693 2437 or write to: 2/809 Botany Rd, Rosebery, NSW 2018 Feb • Mar 1 996 ~ . GO 1tsundays Cruising and Racing in the Tropics •••

The East Coast of Australia is blessed not only with a pleasant coastal climate for most of the year but also with some of the finest waterways in the world for cruising and racing under sail. Of these, one particular section of our coast stands out as a magnificent area for both island cruising and highly competitive yacht racing - the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland.

The Australian bareboat charter fleet is centred on the Whitsundays, its islands have distinctive tropical resorts, and the area rightfully boasts several famous regattas - from the Great Whitsunday Fun Regatta with its topless figureheads to the international Hamilton Island Race Week and the new Hayman Island Big Boat Series. OFFSHORE Yachting magazine has long been a supporter of sailing in the Whitsundays, publishing extensive previews and reports of the major regattas as well as cruising guide feature articles. To enable yacht owners, potential charterers (and their crews) to plan ahead, OFFSHORE presents Go Whitsundays '96 - a guide to cruising the Whitsundays, a guide to bareboat charter organisations and facili­ ties, as well as a preview of the big spring regattas at Hayman Island, Hamilton Island and at Airlie Beach, plus the new long ocean race from the Whitsundays to Port Vila in Vanuatu.

April• May 1996~

peration of the new Moorings base in The Whitsundays com­ menced last April and the fleet based on Hamil­ ton Island now numbers nine yachts, all built and equipped by Beneteau to a Moorings specification that has evolved over 25 years in the charter industry. This specification includes modifica­ tions to the stem fitting and anchoring system, 240 volt shore power, expanded battery capacity, more powerful alter­ nator, auto pilot and GPS navigation systems VHF radio, 5 stack CD player with internal and external speakers, bimini, mechanical refrigeration system, duplicated pressure water pumping system, acrylic maintenance free floorings, solenoid switch on the LPG system, gas barbecue, plus of course the necessary modifications for Australian survey requirements. In fact, Beneteau in the USA have a production line dedicated to construc­ tion of Moorings yachts that turns out nearly two yachts every week. Many cruising sailors have called in at The Hamilton Island base over the past nine months and commented fa­ vourably on the high standard of the yachts and the equipment on board, some having had less than pleasurable experiences on older yachts chartered from other companies. Moorings char­ terers have without exception com­ mented on service, professionalism and quality in their post-cha,rter briefings. Above: Yachts at anchor Chalkeys Beach

New Bruce Farr 50 Right: Moorings 405 Joins the Fleet alongside in Hamilton The most recent addition to the Hamil­ Harbour ton fleet is a brand new Bruce Farr de­ signed 50 footer developed jointly by Previous page top: Beneteau and The Moorings. The Moor­ The new Moorings 505 ings 505, which offers accommodation Bruce Farr 50 footer in four double cabins each with private adapted from the shower and toilet, will sit unrivalled at successful First 5315. the top of the Whitsunday bareboat fleet. Other features of the yacht include air­ Previous page bottom: conditioning, 240 volt generator, CD Life on the open waves player with internal and cockpit speak­ ers, bimini and dodger. The yacht will added to the fleet. This customised ver­ New Bruce Farr 46 also be offered on a fully crewed basis sion of the Beneteau Oceanis 351 has a In July of this year The Moorings will with all meals and beverages included salon and galley set-up that was origi­ import another brand new yacht from in very competitive charter rates. nally designed for The Moorings and the Bruce Farr, Beneteau stable, the the two cabin configuration offers plenty Moorings 463. This yacht uses the same Two cabin 35 footers of space for two couples or a family of 4- hull as the successful cruiser/ racer - the scheduled to alTive in May 5. The 352 is based on the First 35s6 and first 45f5 Yendys, which finished second In May, two new Moorings 352' swill be so offers spirited performance. in class D in the 1995 Sydney-Hobart --April• May 1996 Yacht race, and offers a three cabin con­ Top: Looking towards figuration with en-suite shower and toi­ Whitsunday Island from let in each cabin. The design and layout Chalkeys Beach of the 463 reflects the emerging trend at the top end of the charter industry for Above: Interior shot more space, comfort and privacy in a of the 505. Above: : Moorings 3600 Catamaran and monohull at anchor in Cid Harbour yacht that still offers good sailing per­ formance. A four cabin version of the same yacht - The Moorings 464 - will Moorings Advantage charter yacht own­ contact Club Seafarer, the exclusive gen­ arrive shortly after the 463 . ership programme which offers guar­ eral sales agent for The Moorings in anteed returns, reciprocal access to the Australia, on (02) 693 5401 or toll free on entire global Moorings fleet and main­ 1 800 221 484. Moorings Advantage tenance standards that are the bench For details of The Moorings Advantage Chaneryacht Ownership markofthecharterindustryworld-wide. charter yacht ownership programme All of the yachts in the fleet are Austral­ For more information on chartering contact Trevor Joyce at The Moorings in ian owned and managed under The with The Moorings in the Whitsundays Sydney on (02) 667 4055. .,i! April• May 19964!» THE CARIBBEAN

THE SOUTH PACIFIC

THE MEDITERRANEAN

I ! 1'beo 1•~ I IJe"' fleet . u 11 - • IVbitsua:: tbe1 M(X)rin°' •••• 1s 1 .&.A&. "'"t,'-' - - - Whether it be the Caribbean, South Pacific, Mediterranean or Australia, Club Seafarer brings you a world of sailing holidays. For enquiries and reservations contact: Club Seafarer Unit 2, Harcourt Estate, 809 Botany Road, Roseberry NSW Australia 2018 Tel: 61 (02) 693 5899 Fax: 61 (02) 317 2258 Toll Free: 1800221484 T / A Lie: 2TA 003091 A Division of The Travel Group A.C.N. 003 735 206 The Whitsunday Bareboat Chanering Islands of North in the Whitsundays Queensland are the most popular he islands, bordered with coral boat operators in the Whitsundays are: reefs and white sandy beaches, Australian BareboatCharters, PO Box bareboating range from uninhabited national 357, Air lie Beach, 4801. Ph: 079 46 9381, t park protected islands to famous fax: 079 46 9220 or free call: 1800 075 000. destination in tropical island resorts such as Hamil­ One of the largest charter operators in ton, Hayman, South Molle and Australia, this operation has a range of Australia, offering Lindemann. Australian designed and built yachts unequalled cruising in Skippering a charter yacht, you can specifically for bareboat charter in the choose between exhilerating day sail­ tropics. tropical waters among ing between islands, fishing, snorkel­ • Charter Yachts Australia, PO Box ling or scuba diving, bushwalking on 18, Airlie Beach, 4802. Ph: 079 465 388. 7 4 islands sheltered by the islands or exploring coral reefs; This company has a fleet of more than 30 barbequing aboard or going ashore to yachts and cruisers for bareboat charter. the Great Barrier Reef. an island resort for dinner among the At the top of range are the Benetea u 325 palm trees. yachts, ideal for two to six people. 293, Airlie Beach, 4802. Ph: 079 46 7400 Most charters start from either Airlie • Cumberland Charter Yachts, PO or toll free 088 075 013, fax: 079 46 7698. Beach, Shute Harbour or Hamilton Is­ Box 49, Airlie Beach, 4802. Ph: 079 46 This multi-award winning company has land with all bareboat charter yachts 7500 or freecall : 1800 467 500, fax: 079 been based in the Whitsundays for 14 fitted out and equipped for tropical 6230. Operating for more than 14 years, years. Recent additions to the fleet in­ cruising. Beneteau and Catalina are the this company has taken delivery of more clude the latest Hunter Legend, the most popular modern yachts and they than a million dollars worth of cruising Catalina 320 and the Beneteau 350, all can accommodate up to three couples in catamarans in the past year. designed specifically for the tropical luxurious comfort. The major charter • Queensland Yacht Charters, PO Box sailing of the Whitsundays.

in conjunction with EXPERIENCE -i-:o"'r v" VANUATU CRUISING \c~&'-11,,,.,.oc" YACHTCWB WHITSUNDAY DOES COUNT. .. SAILING CLUB ► presents the R UNDERWRITING SERVICES PTY. LTD. PARADISE TO PARADISE

OCEAN CLASSIC J ust ask any one of our c:~r::r~~s\;;:;ind •Q'.~C's 17 years Whitsunday chartering experience does make the difference. Friendly, professional service and above all, a large AIRLIE BEACH TO PORT VILA fleet of the newest boats with the latest gear, and an 1200 NAUTICAL MILES equipment li st that includes as standard what others wi ll charge you extra for.You can charter one of our yachts, ~ft, AIRV~TU .Mc!tgaole ~ v~ SATURDAY -~~ catamarans or cruisers - whatever you choose, it' ll be the best ava il able and all at a most affordable rate. JUNE 1st 1996 For the best Whitsunday Boating Holiday call NOTICE C>F RACE QYC now and book your boat in paradise. For further information please contact 1-800-075-013 WHITSUNDAY SAILING CLUB P.O. Box 495 Airlie Beach, Q.ld. 4802 Queensland Yacht Charters Phone: 10791 466 138 .KM>.< ~ Airlie Beach, Whitsundays Fax: 10791 467 573

April• May 1996 .. The 74 islands of the Whitsunday Passage ...... Chaner limits

• Sail Whitsunday, PO Box 929, Airlie Beach, 4802. Ph: 079 40 4070, fax: 079 46 7044 or freecall: 1800 075 045. Boutique charter company of 13 vessels from 28-foot to 47-foot LOA. Specialising in a high standard of service quality and person­ alised service. Winners ofTourism Award in 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1995. Operating from Abel Point Marina. Bill and Jacinta Lipson - directors. • The Moorings, Unit 2, Harcourt Estate, 809 Botany Road, Rosebery, NSW 2018. Ph: 02 667 4055, fax: 02 317 2258. The world's largest yacht charter organisation, The Moorings established a charter operation in The Whitsundays last year, with a range of specially-designed Moorings 383 two-cabin cruisers, a new 41ft, four-cabin catamaran and the new, Bruce Farr designed SO-foot Beneteau First 53f5. • Tropical Sailing Holidays, Suite 6, 370 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067. Ph: 02 419 7544 or toll free 1800 222 014. fax: 02 413 2215. Range of luxurious, modern Beneteau yachts ranging from the First 285 with berths for four adults through to the Oceanis 350 which sleeps six to eight people. • Mandalay Boat Charters, PO Box 273, Airlie Beach 4802. Ph: 079 46 6298 or freecall 1800 075 123, fax: 079 46 6211 . A range of economy and deluxe vessels available for charter, from 25-ft to 47ft. • Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, PMB 25, Mackay 4741. Ph: 079 469 232 or freecall 1800 075 111, fax: 079 469 512. • Whitsunday Escape, PO Box 719, Airlie Beach 4802 . Ph: 079 46 5222 or freecall - 1800 075 145, fax: 079 467 301. Has a range of catamaran cruisers, houseboats and a variety of yachts, with accommodation ranging from four to eight peo­ ple. There are also a range of fully crewed charter yachts available as well as day cruises aboard such famous yachts as Gretel, Anaconda. Siska and Apollo. ~£ CI1»April • May 1996 Whitsunday To Pon Vila Race in June The progressive Whitsunday Sailing Club will conduct the inaugural "Paradise to Paradise" ocean marathon, the Whitsunday to Port Vila Race, starting from Pioneer Bay, Airlie Beach, on June 1.

he 1200 nautical mile race across the Coral Sea and into t the South Pacific for both monohull and multihull yachts is being sponsored by the internation­ ally known A.P. Marine Underwrit­ ing Agencies Ltd of Melbourne. Race director is ocean racing yachtsman Dave Harper who pre­ viously has organised the success­ ful Shell Coral Sea Classic. "The Whitsunday Sailing Club and the Vanuatu Cruising Yacht Club have combined to offer a major yacht race in the Pacific and we are in­ deed fortunate to have a major --The new heart-­ marine company as our sponsor," Harper said at the announcement of the race in conjunction with A P of Whitsunday cruising! Marine executives Peter Stockwell, usy Abel Point Marina is the premier Whitsunday coast with fuel, gas, workshops, Alex Chin and Alex Low. BWhitsunday cruising destination. It is the marine brokerage, convenience store, kiosk, Entries close with the departure point for many day and extended laundry and full bathroom amenities· cruise and bareboat charters, and is very Abel Point Village _ open May , 6 Whitsunday SC on May 6 with the 9 notice of race now available from popular with private cruising holiday makers. And, from May 1996 visitors can soak up the major yacht clubs. In fact, the club Why berth at Abel Point Marina? marina atmosphere - visit the restaurant, bar, The marina has more that 200 berths, available new cafe; see a sailmaker at work, have a look already has received its first entry, in s sizes from I Im to 24m, all of which are at what boats are for sale, book a day or the famous 21-year-old maxi ketch protected and safe. Public transport stops at the extended cruise or a bareboat charter - and Anaconda II. door and it is the only location on the park in spacious comfort. The 25.4m Anaconda II, a vet­ For berth bookings and more details, ask the knowledgeable staffi eran of 16 Sydney-Hobart races for her previous owner Josco Grubic of Adelaide, is now registered in the Whitsunday Islands charter indus­ Open 7 days 7.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am - 5pm try and is skippered by David weekends and public holidays Walker. Her long waterline length Phone (079) 466 695 • Fax (079) 467 620 and huge sail carrying capacity will • VH F 16 & 68. 27 Meg 88 be well suited to the 1200 mile course and Walker is currently sign­ ing up crew for the exciting new race. Race director Dave Harper will compete in the race himself, skip­ pering Rick Hardings' 1995 Coral Sea Classic champion, Sterling Sil­ ver. "We already have had more April• May 1996C. than 30 requests for the notice of race," Harper said. Apart from the race to Vanuatu, the progressive Whitsunday Sailing Club has races throughout the year and has several other major events coming up, starting with Fosters Classic of three races onApril6-7. OnJuly13, 20 and 21 the club will run the XXXX Series which includes the 140 nautical mile Round the Whitsundays race. Following on from Race Week at Hamilton Island, the club expects a strong fleet to line up for the Hogs Breath Race Week, a series of six races off Airlie The famous Race Week "beach party" is part of the attraction of the Hamilton Island regatta. Beach, including Olympic and longer courses. Commodore Geoff Smith, who most expensive perpetual trophy ever in Australia. sails the famous old ocean racer, offered for competition on the Austral­ Hayman Island Yacht Club commo­ Mercedes V, is even planning an IOR ian coast. Melbourne businessman dore, Sir James Hardy, commented: division for such veteran races, based Richard Ladley has donated the trophy, "The inaugural Big Boat Series at on their last certificate. called the Whitsunday Vista Cup, to the Hayman Island set new standards on Then will come the highlight of sail­ Whitsunday Sailing Club. the Australian and international sailing ing in the area, The Great Whitsunday The first competition for the scene. The series could only be com­ Fun Race on September 14. Sponsored Whitsunday Vista Cup will be this year, pared with those I have experienced at by CUB, The Fun Race attracts between with racing at Hamilton Island in late the Aga Khan's exclu sive Costa 350 and 380 yachts and itt is mandatory August and at Airlie Beach in early Sep­ Smeralda resort in the Mediterranean - that each yacht carries a living figure­ tember. All types of ocean racing yachts and the Hayman Island event was supe­ head, usually topless! will be eligible to compete for the tro­ rior." phy under a PHS handicap, including This year the regatta will span five "America's Cup" gold grand prix IMS racers and record-break­ days and comprise six races. The third trophy for regattas ing maxis such as Hammer of Queensland day will be a lay day where competitors A magnificent gold and silver ewer, and Bobsled. and guests will rendezvous for a party based on the America's Cup, has been Racing for the trophy will involve six on a beach at a nearby uninhabited is­ donated as a unique perpetual trophy highly competitive races in the XXXX land. .ii for two regattas in the Whitsunday Is­ Ansett Hamilton Island Race Week fol­ lands - for the highest searing yacht lowed by another six races for the Hog's under the Performance Handicap Sys­ Breath regatta. What's On in the tem in the XXXX Ansett Hamilton Is­ Further information on the Whitsundays land Race Week and the Hog's Breath Whitsunday Vista Trophy and the Hog's April 6-7 - Fosters Classic, th ree races, Race Week off Airlie Beach. Breath Race Week from Geoff Smith at Wh itsunday Sailing Club. Hand-crafted by a Melbourne jewel­ the Whitsunday Sailing Club on 079 466 June 1 - A P Underwriting Agencies inau­ gural Whitsunday to Port Vil a (Vanuatu ) ler and valued at $7000 it is one of the 138. ocean race, 1200 nm , Wh itsunday Sailing Club. Hayman Island Resort which will again play host to the Five-star Sailing For July 13, 20, 21 - XXXX Round The TAG Heuer -Ansell Australia Big Boat Series in August. Hayman Island Wh itsundays Races, 140nm, Whitsunday Sailin g Club . Australia's newest prestige regatta, the Au gust 18-22 - TAG Heuer - An sett Au s­ TAG Heuer - Ansett Australia Big Boat tralia Big Boat Se ri es , 6 races , Hayman Series at five-star Hayman Island Re­ Island Yacht Club . sort, has been scheduled for August 18- Au gust 24-31 - XXXX - Ansett Australia 22 this year, bringing it ahead of Race Hamilton Island Race Week, 6 races , Hamilton Island Yacht Club. Week at Hamilton Island. Septembe r 7-13 - Hogs Breath Race Week, Last year's inaugural regatta, won 6 races, Olympic and longe r courses, by Kiwi Chris Packer's Thai Airlines In­ Whitsunday Yacht Club. ternational/Starlight Express, was voted September 14 - CUB Great Whi tsunday by competitors and officials as the most Fun Race, li ve figureheads mandatory , Whitsunday Sailing Club . enjoyable offshore yacht series staged

«!»April• May 1996 Wanning up in the Whitsundays Allowing for his excess enthusiasm generated by a welcome change from Tasmania's midwinter chill for the comfortable warmth of the Whitsundays, OFFSHORE'S man in Hobart, Bruce Montgomery again gives a glowing report of bareboat chartering aboard a new Catalina 320 .

• n the space of a comparatively short as your bathwater when you fi gure it's flight, from Hobart to Proserpine, time to get out. The Catalina 320, Sheer Bliss, at anchor off an island resort in th e Whitsundays. (Pie Bruce Montgomery). one gains an understanding of After m y initial v isit to the Australia's diverse w inter climate. Whitsundays last year on a chartered Leaving Hobart at latitude 43 de­ Catalina 34, I went back to the islands Islands, but the special place of that grees south on a winter's morning, the this July to make a circumnavigation of cruise was a quiet anchorage named temperature was only 6.5 degrees. Three the group, to look at some of the lesser Maureen's Cove at the northern end of planes and seven hours later and at 20 known islands and to test sail one of the Hook Island. degrees south, it was still w inter in Aus­ new range of Catalinas, the 320. Here we spent more than two days, tralia but the ai r temperature was 26 In 1994, I, my w ife Vicki and Hobart sheltered from the south-east trades, degrees and the water in Whitsunday sailing mate Tony Hale called in to the snorkelling with the reef fi sh and swim­ Passage was 23 degrees, about as warm resorts at Hayman, Hamilton and Long ming with a huge manta ray, which

Catalina Redesigns Its Range

Catalina Yachts USA introduced its C320 in 1994 - an exciting new design that successfully combined the best modern features and construction 'with Catalina's hallmark comfort and value. Based on a high performance and high volume computer optimized hull design, the 320 is light on the helm and tracks well under sa il or power. The model was so favourably accepted that the company not only redesigned its existing range - 28MKII , 30MKIII , 34MKII , 36MK II , 42MKII - but added several new models to complement the fleet - the C250, C270, C400 and C380 .

The range is the logical result of America's most experienced sailboat - builder continuing to listen carefully to the needs and desires of experienced sailors. All sailors desire speed under sail , easy motion and predictable handling characteristics . The hulls of the Catali na yachts are high volume, and easily driven, with a fine entry, firm midship section, and smooth run aft termin ating in modified reverse transoms with uncommonly spacious and functional boarding platforms.

There is no question that you can buy a more expensive sailboat. However, for the specific needs of the majority of sai lors, you cannot purchase a better sailboat value than a Catalina.

To inspect Catalina yachts please contact: Catalina Australia, The Spit Bridge, Mosman Ph: (02) 9960 5511 Fax: (02) 9960 5451 PO Box 90, Milsons Point NSW 2061

April• May 1996C!» patrolled continuously along the coral beach. Stirred by those memories and those of the splendid evenings imbibing in the cockpit as the prawns roasted in the garlic on the barbecue, we opted this winter to concentrate on the natural el­ ements, the "free range" aspects of the Whitsundays. An owner contracted to Queensland Yacht Charters (QYC) at Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach had just taken possession of a brand new Catalina 320, Sheer Bliss, from the Catalina Australia Bareboat chartering in the Whitsundays .. .. the Catalina 320, Sheer Bliss, reaching past one of the 74 island which distributor, Norman Ambrose of Syd­ make up the Whitsunday Group in Farr North Queensland.(Pic • Bruce Montgomery) ney. QYC invited a test sail of the boat which they regard as perhaps the opti­ mum for short-handed, bare boat char­ us. On the last night, moored at the galley has a 5.8 cu.ft ice box, a deep food ter work. Palm Bay Hideaway resort on Long Is­ storage bin between the gimballed dou­ The 320 is imported from the US. land, we still had enough food left to ble-burner gas stove/oven and twin There are 13 so far in Australia, three of feed a small army. That small army duly sinks .. Non-immediate bottles of wine them now in the Whitsundays. As its ·arrived in the form of a starving female and beer went into the lockers beneath name suggests, it is 32 feet (9.91m) long, crew aboard another bare boat charter the port settee or under the navigation has a 29 h.p. Perkins Perama diesel en­ who had seriously underestimated their table. gine, is fitted with a single-line reefing hunger on the high seas. They took all A note of caution: the water on board system to the mainsail and standard our surplus provisions and in return we was undrinkable. It may have been due self-furling genoa, with all sheets com­ took their garbage back to Abel Point. to the virgin state of the tanks or to the ing back to the cockpit, which is fitted Not a bad deal from their point of view! presence of chlorine in the water at Abel with a dodger and stern awning. This year, we decided to be canny. Point which we are not accustomed to, The boat has accommodation for We again used The Airlie Birds, but but even coffee made from the yacht's seven with a spacious double cabin aft, selected our groceries from their sup­ water was undrinkable. double berth in the forepeak and the plied self select list. We thought it would The most noticeable feature of the saloon table and port settee able to sleep be more economical. The bill came to 320 is its space both below and above another three. However, for those who $604.70, due, in no small part to the 4kg deck. The saloon is airy, well-ventilated, demand a little privacy in their lives, the of King and Tiger prawns on our list! comfortable and enhanced through the boat is best suited to four, at the most I'm certain we had economised on the use of ash and teak trim. The navigation five, people. For three, it's a dream and grog order. Perhaps next time we'll re­ table has a lift-up lid to reveal the full quite manageable under sail and attend­ vert to their initial recommendation. complement of dividers, parallel rules, ing to the anchor. Abel Point Marina, owned by a Syd­ pencils, handbooks, log books etc. Last year, we ordered our provisions ney business syndicate, is a half-hour's Like the equipment aboard last year's through a local firm, The Airlie Birds, drive from Proserpine Airport ($20 re­ Catalina 34, the only obvious item not turn on Sampson's supplied by the charter company was a "On the last night, moored buses) and a 10 minute pair of binoculars, which we believe are walk from the centre of a necessity when navigating around sev­ at the Palm Bay Hideaway the backpacker resort of eral of the marked but submerged rocks Air lie Beach. The marina to be found, particularly in the southern reson on Long Island, we office is open 0800-1800 extremes of the Whitsundays. still had enough food left Monday to Friday and The switchboard, above the naviga­ 0800 to 1700 at the week­ tion table, was clearly set out, and again to feed a small army!' ends. Keys to the marina logical. The boat was fitted with a stereo gate and shower block tape/radio as well as VHF communica­ opting for their partial standard cost a refundable $20. tions radio, used to make the twice daily provisioning package, $23 per head per The marina has laundry facilities ($2 sked to QYC at 9 am and 4 pm, the day, which was to have given us suffi­ and $1 coins), a fuel berth with diesel, witching hour for charter boats sailing cient food for five days away but allow­ ULP, LPG, super and outboard mix in the Whitsundays-the anchor must be ing for a couple of nights ashore, eating available. There are marine mechanics down for the night by 4 pm! at resort restaurants. That cost us $551 and a marine electrician on site and a The bathroom, opposite the galley, and included what I described as a "lib­ chandlery. contained the pristine head, vanity ba­ eral order" of wine, beer, soft drinks Storing the food aboard the Catalina sin and main shower (there is a second and bottled spring water for the three of 320 was not a problem .. The C-shaped near the transom). All plumbingworked --April• May 1996 perfectly. Hot water after 15 minutes of engine power! The great advance in the 320 is the spaciousness of the cockpit - a beamy 3.58 metres (11ft 9in). The coamings and seats are generous and comfortable and the middle section of the pushpit on the stern unclips to form a boarding ladder which swings over the transom, down to the rudder. There was much better instrumenta­ tion at the wheel than on the Catalina 34 tested last year - wind direction and speed, true and apparent, boat speed and depth - absolutely fundamental for both navigation and anchoring in these waters. The anchor presented us with the major headache - its fairlead on the bow was too short, resulting in the stock Close up of the transom and cockpit of the Catalina 320 .. .features which make it an ideal yacht for bareboat of the anchor perpetually fouling on the chartering . (Pie- Bruce Montgomery} drum of the genoa self-furler. My only other criticism of the boat in designed at the mast but the clew end TheChaner this shake-down cruise was the first reef, was ragged. We were not blessed with Queensland Yacht Charters, founded which, is a single-line reefing system, great winds for the week, but the in 1980, operated by Adrian and Suzette but is in effect two-lines, with the clew Catalina was a pleasure to sail, quick to Pelt and David Berry. Ph 008 075 013 end of the reef supposed to self-adjust accelerate as the breeze strengthened, Charter rate for the Catalina 320: Off as the reef is hauled into position. We light and responsive on the helm, easy peak: $360 per day, $2520 per week; found that the first reef came down as to trim from the cockpit. Peak: $399 per day, $2793 per week .../j LOUD HYDRALIGN Australia's largest range of feathering propellers for sailing yachts HF Radio 255 mm dia (1 0") to 1000 mm dia (40") shaft sizes up to 65 mm (2 1/2 ")

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April• May 1996E9 • • • • EXCLUSIVE The Cruising Yacht Club • ofAustralia is proud to present a range of club products available exclusively through mail order for Offshore readers. Just fill in the coupon with your selections and send or fax to: CYCA, New Beach Rd, ANCHOR BADGE Rushcutters Bay. ,/( EC24 Ideal for jackets and Fax: 363 9745 .//4 bags $32 ;7 ,IL "Kathleen " by the fr late Jack Earl ,,....,..:

CYCA 15" BURGEE EC22 $34 CLUB WINE CYCA 12" BURGEE EC23 $27 CYCA Kathleen White - wood matured semillon EC26 CYCA 'Rani' Red CYCA CLUB TIE EC20 Cabernet Shiraz Colour: Navy with CYCA EC2 7 Burgee. $22.50 $9.50 per bottle takeaway

$110(dozen) per case • .. ·. , Delivery Sydney $10 per case.

WATCHES CYCA gold band ~ CYCA -~=~~:::; watch EC29 $45 SYDNEY­ CYCA leather band C't,hcr1t1.'f • .'iJur 'r~ jfi l 't \,t1t "1•~l~ HOBART watch EC30 $40 CYCA & RYTC Burgee $22.50 . J SCARFEC32 Pure silk crep­ WEB BELT de-chine$75 Leather tipped with CYCA ribbon. Colour: Cream webbing and navy ribbon. Sizes: 28'1/30'1/ 32''34''36"38''38"40" $35 CLUB PRODUCTS AVAILABLEFROMTHECLUBORBYMAILORDER

$65 CLUBJERSEY EC2 CLUB SAILING JERSEY EC3 CLUB T-SHIRT ECB 100% cotton, block stripe jersey, rugby 100% cotton, long sleeve sailing jersey. 100% cotton, Lycra rib neck, top stitched collar and p laquet ( with rubber buttons) Patched shoulders and elbows. Lycra rib shoulder and neck line, loose sleeve. longer back tail with 3/4 sleeve. cuffs. Rugby p laquet and collar (with Colour: Navy Size: M/I/XIJXXL Colour.· Navy/Mustard Size: M/I/XIJXXL rubber buttons) longer back tail. Colour: Navy (White p laquet and collar) Size: M/I/XIJXXL

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CLUB YACHT/ES SHORTS EC5 CLUB POLO SHIRT EC4W CYC4 C4PEC6 100% ston·e washed cotton, 5 pocket with 100% cotton with 3 button f ront plaquet. 100% cotton stonewash cap in Marine elastic draw string waist. (Belt loops as Loose sleeve with longer tail. Knitted collar with contrast peak. Adjustable strap at well), longer style. with Navy and Gold stripe. back. One size. Also available ... Colour: Washed blue Size: MIL/XL Colour· White Size: M/I/XIJXXL CYC4 C4P STRAP EC25 $5 ~------7 1 Please send or fax to: CYCA, New Beach Rd, Rushcutters Bay. Fax (02) 363 9745 1 Style Description Size Qty Price Total

\ Method of payment, please tick 0 Sub total Postage up to the first 3kg (2 garments) $7.50 $39.95 Cheque □ Money Order 0 Each additional kg $2.00 Payable to the CYCA Total 50TH SYDNEY-HOBART Bankcard O Visa O Mastercard O Amex Diners O Exp. Date ...... / ...... BOOKEC28 ~~------Name ______~ Address ______All garments made in City ______P/code ____Phone. ______j ~ Australia ~ ignei:______~

------• 10n for the Whitbread skipper Lawrie Smith, wears Henri-Lloyd . High Seas For over 30 years Henri ­ Llyod has been providing sailors and adventurers with foul weather clothing of quality and integrity. The Henri Lloyd range caters for every situation - reef jackets and deck coats which can be worn inshore, around the club or to the footie - right through to the Trans­ Ocean Offshore Range - the ultimate protection for ultimate conditions ... Mooloolaba Meteorology

ith the sub-tropical ridge (STR), or belt of high pres­ Wsure, positioned on aver­ age south of Sydney at this time of the year, racing to Mooloolaba can either be relatively easy under, say, SW or SE flow or rather tricky under a sea breeze/ land breeze regime or a mix of the lot! YOU should keep a close eye on the position of the STR, and for that matter the general weather pattern, on a daily The start of the 1995 Moolooaba Race basis at least a week before the race as its position may be north or south of the Cold fronts are generally less intense coast and typically its speed will vary average track. To achieve this you will than their winter counterparts and hence too along the coast, strongest near river have to rely on the daily newspaper often shallow, but be aware that the odd valleys, high mountains close to the coast weather map or better still Weather by intense front may rear its ugly head, SO and over the southern Qld coast. Fax an Infofax product to monitor this BE PREPARED. As a general rule, NE to situation (latest surface weather map NW winds ahead of the front will turn Some problems at this 019 725210, directory on 1800 630100 SW to SE across the state as a high time of the year: and many, many others at 55¢ per min.) pressure system moves eastward be­ • The East Coast Low can be a prob­ Please remember that to the north of hind the front, then back either rapidly lem, especially a late tropical cyclone or the STR, there is general easterly or slowly to the NE as the high estab­ a tropical low that has moved south windflow, to the south, general west­ lishes itself in the Tasman Sea. from Qld waters. Imagine running into erly flow and in the middle basically The sea breeze can be a regular occur­ the situation off the northern NSW very light winds. With light winds, local rence at this time of the year and is coast/southern QLD coast which oc­ winds, such as the seabreeze and the generally less intense than its summer curred over the period 15 to 17 Feb. landbreeze will tend to dominate. colleague. It becomes more regular as earlier this year which the master of the If the STR is to the south of the state, you head north. It generally commences Q.E.2 described as the"some of the worst which may well be the case during this during the late morning/ early afternoon weather that he has ever encountered". years race since over this summer the after an overnight land breeze. The most For two days the ship, plying between mean position of the STR has been south common sea breeze direction along the Brisbane and Sydney, encountered gale of Tasmania. If this is the case then SE NSW /QLD coast is from the NE, but to storm force winds from the south and winds will not only predominate but this can be modified by the orientation seas between 10 and 20 metres!! Ex­ may also provide a showery onshore of the coastline. treme running conditions for yachts rac­ influence along the coast and the adja­ The land breeze starts to become a ing north to say the least! This was an cent inland. At times a trough of low more dominant overnight feature of the east coast low. pressure may be generated in coastal race track at this time, especially as you • Severe thunderstorms, with their waters roughly parallel to the coast and sail north. To benefit fully from this attendant problems can still occur at this in turn enhances the shower activ­ breeze one will have to be positioned this time of the year. Their problems ity as well as the wind speed. In fact, within a few miles of the coast espe­ can be associated with damaging winds, this trough can veer the wind direction cially from midnight onwards. Its direc­ damaging hail, very heavy rain and from more into the south over waters be­ tion will vary between SW and NW time to time, waterspouts over the wa­ tween the trough and the coast. depending on where you are along the ter and tornadoes over the land. Keep

C?l»April • May 1996 your eyes open to the west for development along the moun­ tain ranges as thunderstorms are steered by the winds at around a height of 4 to 5 km above the ground, which on average over coastal NSW are from the west. This means that storms develop along the ranges and move toward the coast, killing say, the seabreeze that has been blowing for most of the afternoon. The seabreeze or the surface wind at the time is replaced for a short period of time by strong to very strong winds, which may cause a lot of damage to water craft. Be aware that even a non-severe thunderstorm can create prob­ lems, especially from a wind point of view. The moral of the story is, DO NOT trust any thunderstorm cloud. BE A WARE TAKE CARE! • With a fairly straight coastline 1md few offshore report­ ing points it is often assumed that coastal stations are repre­ sentative of conditions at sea, which may be far from the case. Wind speeds may be 25% to 50% stronger than over the land. The extent of seabreezes seaward is not well known. • The East Australian Current (EAC) which brings warm water from the Coral Sea into the cooler Tasman Sea can run with speeds up to 4 knots around the continental shelf and can spawn a number of eddies to the south of the main current, is generally felt by yachts racing north during this race. Its meander1ngs will be elaborated on at the pre-race briefing. • The NSW coast is largely exposed to deep ocean condi­ tions, and swell forecasting poses a major problem. Even when the local weather pattern is unfavourable for swell generation, a tropical or extra tropical system sometimes Get a free thousands of kilometres offshore has the potential to produce HOOD Sailing a moderate or heavy swell along the NSW coast with little warning. A deep low located in the Tasman Sea will usually cap & belt generate a south to southeast swell (sometimes east) along the NSW coast. with every GENERAL HOOD • Your race strategy will of course be initiated and changed by the prevailing wind and ocean current conditions. Never just Riverton hang in close to the coast just for the heck of it, just because Jacket. someone told you that this is the only way to go fast to Mooloolaba. Assess the ~ eather and ocean current situation very carefully because there just could be a chance that the Great for sailing or leisure. wind say 10 to 15 miles offshore could be 10 to 15 kt stronger than the wind closer inshore (strong westerly"flow would be Just $259 + $10.00 postage, handling & ins. a good example coupled with little or no current). • Get as much weather information that you can from the ORDER FORM many sources available during the race e.g. your visual obser­ Fax to: (02) 9905 0900 or Post to HOOD SAILS vations, Penta, VIS, HF weatherfax, Coastal Patrol, Coast P.O. Box 217, Brookvale NSW 2100 Guard and if you are very lucky the World Wide Web via your Please send me _ _ HOOD Jacket (s) suitably equipped onboard laptop or PC.Dream on Kenn??!! • Kenn Batt is available for meteorological advice and and my FREE Hood Cap and Belt for $269.00 tuition. He can be contacted after hours on (02) 99180749 or Name work hours on (02) 2698622. Phone ______Address ______A HUGE APOLOGY ______Postcode__ ___ In my last article, "More on Sea Breezes" Feb / Mar 1996, I Chestsize______Waistsize______regrettably omitted to mention my principal reference source Sizes S M L XL XXL (please circle) for the article as that written by Roger Badham of Marine 0 Visa O Bankcard O Amex O Cheque/Money Order Weather Services and titled Success Sail Meteorology Notes, 1989, which also includes a Sea Breeze card (1990) . My sincere CardNo. ______apologies Roger. Exp. Date _ /_ Signature ______• Kenn will be conductig a marine meteorology course at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia AUTHORISATION: I hereby authorise Hood Sailmakers Pty Ltd to debit commencing May 27 and running for eight weeks. Further details from Kenn on (02) 269 8622 or my Credit Card for $269.00. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. the CYCA office on (02) 363 9731 . See you there! April• May 1996CJ» winches and windlasses for marine craft. Research and development saw Muir design a patented automatic freefall anchor windlass which drops the an­ chor by remote control. Muir is now regarded as a world leader in marine technology.

Revolutionary Atlas For Aust Mariners A revolutionary new atlas is changing the face of Australian maritime naviga­ tion. For the first time, "Crawford's Mariners Atlas: Port Stephens to Jervis Lightweight Racing Bay" brings together the Royal Austral­ ian Navy's charts for this section of the Winches From Lewmar NSW coast into one convenient volume, at new A-3 size. ewmar has introduced an extensive This means that mariners can now range of new racing winches, com­ purchase a product with all the benefits prising six sizes from the 440 Astor of a complete set of naval charts for less to the 111 Astor, which are aimed at Lewmar's new 440 racing winch than $50 - a saving of $230. A full range Iserious designers and competitors look­ of charts is included in the atlas, from ing for the latest design and material pie extension of the briefcase. The result an overview of the coast between Port technology. is a "portable office" that offers satellite Stephens and Jervis Bay to the ap­ Lewmar' s racing winches have a wide telephone, fax and data facilities when proaches to Broken Bay, Port Jackson diameter drum for enhanced efficiency the vessel is under way. and Botany Bay, to large-scale, fully and Lewmar's patented Wavespring Further information: Telstra Cus­ detailed charts for inshore navigation. self-tailing jaw, capable of handling tomer Service Centre - 1800 810 023. For those requiring a guide to major today's slimmer, smoother lines under enclosed waterways, the atlas also con­ heavy load. Aerospace technology used canadian Autopilot For tains MSB Waterways maps for the in the design and material of the winches Australian Market Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers; includes special aluminium alloys, high Lake Illawarra, Georges and Woronora strength heat-treated pawls, and low A full range of Canadian-made ComN av rivers and Chipping Norton lakes, friction bearings around the gear spin­ marine autopilots and accessories are Tuggerah Lake, Lake Macquarie and dle for exceptional strength and dura­ now available in Australia through Syd­ the Myall Lakes. There are also many bility. ney-based Rubin Marine. Among the pages of general information about boat­ Further information: Peter Shipway, latest is a model 1440 Hand Held Auto­ ing in NSW. Barlow Distributors - ph: 02 318 2128 or pilot which gives you complete autopi­ Further information from distribu­ fax: 02 319 1858. lot control in the palm of your hand. tors, Garry Allen Pty Ltd, ph: 02 725 2933. Satcom-M Briefcase The portable controller comes with a Finds Its Sea Legs snap-on dash mount bracket and can be used at multiple steering locations with Beneteau Chose Titan STN Atlas Australia, with the support optional second station hardware. The Winch Handle Products of Telstra Corporation Limited, has re­ unit is designed for inboard, outboard Beneteau Yachts are renowned for leased a mobile version of the Satcom-M and sterndrive power boats as well as satellite communications briefcase for cruising yachts, which allow the terminal to be used in The Canadian-made autopilot by ComNav Further information: Rubin Marine, marine applications as well as on land. ph: 02 439 233 or fax: 02 439 2278. The first of its kind in the world,. the mobile briefcase terminal uses sophisti­ cated mechanical interlocking devices Muir Engineering Finalist to activate marine software installed in For Expon Awards the briefcase. This enables it to lock onto Tasmanian-based Muir Winches Aus­ the marine tracking antenna usally loc­ tralia was one of the 37 finalists for the ated on the mast or cabin top of a vessel. recent Australian Export Awards. The The marine "tracking" antenna has marine machinery manufacturer posted also been adapted and installed with export earning of $1.9 million for the new software so that it becomes a sim- 1994-95 financial year with exports of C!» Apr i I• May 1996 choosing the best quality fittings for lenges: high thrust, low power con­ their range of yachts. For Beneteau sumption; quiet operation; and storm­ yachts fitted out in Australia, the com­ proof weather protection in producing pany has chosen local manufacturer, the Navico Tillerpilot 100 and the Navico Titan, to supply winch handle pockets Corus Tillerpilot 300. for all new models As well as Navico's 10-year world­ wide experience in Tillerpilots, some Geoff Cropley of Titan in Sydney is highly experienced internationally com­ now working towards an order which petitive sailors contributed their exper­ will mean that all Beneteau yachts are tise, drawing on personal experience in supplied with his revolutionary com­ some of the world's most arduous long­ Corus ® Tilerpilot 300 and hand programmer posite light Titan winch handles. distance sailing events, including the Route de Rhum, the Round Britain and Navionics CD-Rom CORRECTION Mini-Transat races. Chan Breakthrough The Navico Corus Tillerpilot 300 can Navionics, the leader in electronic Offshore magazine apologises for be conducted directly to Corus instru­ ments and most NMEA 0183 GPS re­ charts, has introduced a breakthrough an error in the February/March 1996 ceivers, allowing an easy switch between products that provides chart custom­ issue's "What's New" column, in steer-to-compass, steer-to-wind and er's needs in minutes, using a Navionics relation to Brindabella's Fraser steer-to-GPS modes. CD-Rom that be opened by a computer Sails FS Plus mainsail. Further information: Coursemaster novice. Autopilots, ph: 02 417 7097 or fax: 417 "For the first time, there is no need Fraser Sails did build an FS Plus 7557. for dealers to stock a wide selection of mainsail for Brindabella to use in electronic charts, creating taxable in­ the Hobart race. However, un­ canon Announces New ventory that can go out-of-date and known to Offshore magazine, the might not sell fast enough," says Dr sail was replaced prior to the start Binocular Range Guiseppe Carnevali, founder and presi­ of the Hobart race. The replace­ Canon Australia now has a complete dent of Navionics. "Instead, a customer range of binoculars - from the recently­ ment sail was a more conventional can see what he wants on a computer released flagship 12x36 IS model incor­ one built from woven Kevlar with screen, order it and have it five min­ porating maximum stabilisation tech­ utes." glued and sewn seams. nology, to the compact 8x22A with a Navionics technology has com­ folding design that allows it to fit into a pressed more than 9,500 nautical charts Offshore magazine apologises if pocket or purse. and port plans into a single CD. The this error has mislead our readers. Five new models have been released, customer can display the ports he wishes Navico Tillerpilots Offer offering top-quality optical performance to see, in all zoom ranges and in full including field flattener lens elements colour right on the dealer's PC. When High Performance (many utilising aspherical design) which the choice is made, the dealer inserts the After major technological advances and reduce the curvature of field for excel­ Navionic's Microchart into the PC and a radical new design, Navico's new lent edge-to-edge sharpness and con­ in moments the customer's electronic Ti llerpilots are now available through trast. The 8x32WP and 8x23WP models chart is ready. Navico's Australian distributor, also offer a nitrogen-filled waterproof Further information: Navionics Aus­ Coursemaster Autopilots. construction. The binoculars are avail­ tralia, ph: 02 99391054, fax : 02 99391341 Navico has tackled four design cha!- able from selected Canon dealers. or free call: 1 800 807 948. ~i

NATIONAL GPS,Electronic Charts andYou Qiu A seminar for everyone who puts to sea. MARITIME MUSEUM DARLING H4RBOUR Seminar, Museum entry, trade display and refreshments $35, cheque or credit cards accepted. Sponsored by Bookings are essential. Phone (02) 552 7544 or fax (02) 281 3182. Am&.~ Australian Maritime 9.00am until 1.00pm, Sunday 2 June 1996 Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour. Safety Authority

April• May 1996C!» Onrni§Urng Yacht Cllub of A1ul§tbr;a1U;a1 ~ ]h1omrne oif ttlh1e lau□rno1u[s §y(dbrney-JH[(O)bcaurtt ]ll«11ce ~ oifife1rs its 1 □rnemrnbe1rs caurn 1Unnu □rn«11tclh1e(dl 1r«1urnge oif p)]no)(dlil][ cts caurn (dl se1F\vices~

Although best known for its impressive racing calendar including the Sydney­ Hobart Race, Canon Sydney-Gold Coast, Digital Wmter Series, Mount Gay Twilight Races and the Southern Cross Cup, the CYCA means much more to its members, guest and visitors. Ashore, members can entertain guests in the restaurant or relax on the promenade deck and enjoy a quiet drink and a meal from the bistro.

The clu6 auo o!ferd: • Twilight & weekend social sailing • Serious ocean racing • Great luncheon venue right on Sydney Harbour and close proximity to the CBD • Youth Sailing academy training school • A strong cruising division • Permanent marina berths • Conference and function facilities • Member's nights • Club merchandise

The CYCA wiLL he clo,1e[y M.Jociated with the .1ailing for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Game.1.

If you are a boat owner, crew member or just someone who enjoys meeting up with friends in the perfect setting, now is a good time to visit the CYCA in Rushcutters Bay to discover the benefits of membership.

M[e1ornlbHe1rnlh1ip tL§ (Q)peirn Jrn(Q)\W \t{Q) ca1llll ca1ge§!! JP'lle«itse cornt«iHct H«itHn«it oir G«itlbirielllle oirn (oi) 363 973il OllF Jfax (oz) 363 9145 for det«itills. New Beach Road, Darling Point , NSW 2027 --April• May 1996 The Fisher Column

Meeting The Rules on could direct beneficiaries to the right York Yacht Club, the Challenger of Cnaiser Racers causes, but that would probably be seen Record - and other syndicates were rep­ as undemocratic. It might have helped resented by proxy. It forecast a heavy in the case of the most recent announce­ assault on the Cup when the Royal New t Key West Race Week, Richard ment of the registration of a syndicate Breeden's Nelson/Marek 46, Zealand Yacht Squadron defends in in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Bright Star, was the overall 2000. The United States was quite the It is difficult to say much about the atop boat, chosen from a quite complex most heavily represented with seven Sussex Challenge, an amateur entry into formula based on the closeness of the different groups present. the Whitbread Race without causing leading five boats in each class in every Among those was Vincent distress. At a press conference called at race. It is a very reasonable way of Moeyersoms for the America3 Founda­ the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we were choosing the best boat from a number of tion. He was however non-committal, regaled by 42-year-old Jacky Mac­ classes and there is nothing arbitrary 'My presence here should not be seen as Gillivary into her belief that she could about it, yet this year, it caused a few an America3 commitment, the event is win the next race with Hetman squeals. so far away that its hard for anyone to Sahaidachny, which would prove be­ Bright Star, skippered by 1984 Olym­ make serious plans.' Bill Trenkle, yond all doubt that a W-60 that is a ton pic silver medallist in the 470 class, Steve representing Dennis Conner Sports overweight is the right boat for the race. Benjamin, an exact hull sister of Titan, agreed with him, but did say that if DC This self-admitted Corinthian from which was a member of the South Afri­ mounted a challenge it would be Eastbourne - 'I'm the ordinary house­ can team in the Champagne Mumm through the USA YC which Conner wife mother of two. I woke up one Admiral's Cup, was sailing as a cruiser/ formed in 1989 and which now has more morning and said, "Gosh, it's a nice day racer and thus able to claim one percent than 400 members. - I'll do the Whitbread."' - has to be deduction from her elapsed time. Both John Bertrands were present, joking. I thought she was when she It was all tied into just how much the skipper ofoneAustralia keen to con­ made that statement, but I was wrong accommodation she had below and the tinue his assault to become the man to in giving her the benefit of the doubt. shape of her cockpit coamings. I had to win it twice for Australia while the She was serious and thus terribly out of admit that there were few other 46 foot other was there to represent an unde­ place. cruiser/racers that I knew which had clared American syndicate. There was Mrs. MacGillivray claims 500,000 pedestal grinders in their cockpits, but one other Australian syndicate repre­ miles of cruising and racing - about the rules are rules and under the IMS, Bright sented, from. the Southport YC in same as Peter Blake - and admitted that Star qualified for her allowance, and I she was not 'one of the well-known, Queensland, where the oneAustralia reminded myself that the IMS is, princi­ high-profile names usually associated and Syd Fischer syndicates were berthed pally, a cruiser /racer handicap rule, with the Whitbread.' Yet, she has con­ before heading for San Diego. and not a grand prix one. Oh, the vinced Bupa International to part with In addition, there were two syndi­ ironies of life. money and a number of other Sussex cates from Canada, one including Bruce Kirby, three from France, and one each An Amateur's Dream concerns to do likewise to pay for her indulgence. Her admitted budget was from Britain, US Virgin Islands, Italy, For the Whitbread well below that of others who aim to Japan, Russia and Switzerland. The Another of life's ironies is that there are win the race, only $2.5 million Nippon Challenge, which has an­ people who have the gift of convincing nounced that it is ready to begin its others that they can achieve more than 21 Syndicates At America's assault on the Cup for 2000, was repre­ their capabilities. This often results in Cup Challengers Meeting sented by Emili Muira and John New­ valuable resources being misdirected There were 21 syndicates represented ton, while Laurent Esquier was wearing and those who could produce the de­ by 39 people at the first meeting of the two hats; for the St. Francis YC, in which sired effect unable to progress without Challengers for the America's Cup - the Larry Ellison ofSayonara is said to have the necessary backing. If only it were ina1,1gural meeting being held at the an interest, and also for the Yacht Club possible to have an ombudsman who West 44th Street clubhouse of the New Costa Smeralda of Italy. ../i April• May 1996Cl» Optimising

The Facts About defining the shape of the keel. The ballast requirements are often your Foils rule driven . In IOR where the bulk of The foils on you sailboat are as critical as the lead was internal and stability was your sails in terms of performance on all penalised in rating the keels became points of sail. They are equal partners in quite fine and small and the planform creating the lift needed to get you up­ shape then became a derivative of the wind or hold you on track on a reach designer's need to massage the lead into and, like your sails, the more efficient the right place for the rating . Many of they are the faster you will go. Unlike the fantastic shapes were driven by this. sails they cannot be adjusted on a con­ Simple Force diagram showing relationshiop In the modern IMS boat stability is still bewtween foils and sails ventional sailboat so they must embody rated but light weight boats are accept­ a range of compromises so that they can able so that more lead must now go on do the many jobs required with the great­ was all the rage and enormous efforts the keel to keep the boat upright. As a est efficiency and the fewest downsides. were made to achieve a marketable result the planform shape has changed Efficiency in a keel or rudder is de­ shape . The enlightened observer today dramatically to straighter leading and fined by the ratio of lift production to its would want to know why IMS keels are trailing edges with faired in bulbs at the necessary partner drag. Given that a so different. Well, with keels, it's horses bottom. This is a rule driven change and certain task, say a tack, requires an ac­ for courses. Let's look at the two princi­ should not lead one to think one shape tual physical amount of force to be ple foils separately. is better or worse than the other. Taken generated by the rudder to turn the boat to the extreme you can look at the Ameri­ a "good" rudder will do this job but The Keel ca's Cup class where stability is unrated generate less drag than a "bad rudder". The keel is a static foil unlike the rudder, but draught is limited. The solution is a In this same way it can be seen that a is generally twice the surface area, and, straight foil and an enormous bulb car­ more efficient foil could be smaller over­ in the case of yachts, carries as much as rying up to 80% of the displacement. all to do the same amount of work. 50% of the total displacement in lead Horses for courses. What defines a good or bad foil? Most ballast. The primary job list for the keel Within the constraints of a particular people think it is the profile shape of then reads as follows : provide a control class or rule then what is critical in keel planform since this is the most readily surface for sailing and carry suitable design? Foils are like sails in that they visible part. The trend to highlight this ballast to provide for adequate stability. have a cambered shape with a measur­ area was stongest in the latter days of These requirements are somewhat con­ able depth, a location for that depth, an IOR when the elliptical planform keel tradictory but they go a long way to entry angle and so forth. The difference

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Cl»April • May 1996 is that a keel or rudder is symmetrical and generally uses a single foil shape that must adapt to a wide range of condi­ tions. The cross sectional shape is then the real workhorse of the foil. Two identical keels can produce markedly different performance if the cross sectional shapes are different. There are a variety of issues the designer must resolve when selecting a good cross sectional shape for the keel. The two most critical are performance characteristics and the ballast carrying ability. In terms of performance one must consider the aspect ratio of the foil, the operating speeds of the yacht, and the angle of attack. Angle of attack is basically the angle of the foil relative to the direction the boat is moving. A keel will operate at Odegree angle of attack running square at which time it is doing no work. In this situation it needs to effectively disappear so the least frontal area and skin friction . will be desirable. However, when you turn the corner the keel will be operating at up to three degrees angle of attack due to leeway and it then gets back to the need to produce lift efficiently. Thus a good keel foil would hold a lot of lead volume for its thickness and be very efficient at low angles of attack and also have very low drag downwind. This lead carrying ability can be defined by a concept known as the prismatic or box coefficient. In other words if you put a rectangle around the shape how much area of the rectangle does it fill. A commonly used keel section such as the NACA 64 may carry as much as 12% less volume for a given thickness than a modern high performance keel section.

The Rudder The requirements for the rudder are quite different. First, the rudder does not have to carry ballast so its thickness and planform shape is not constrained that way. Also unlike the keel the rudder operates at potentially high angles of attack (i.e., tiller up around your neck) and, as a result, the ultimate stall angle, which is when you lose it , must be as high as possible. Structurally rudders must carry a stock and the choice of materials determines the final thickness of the blade with carbon generally producing the best balance of weight and strength. The selection of the cross sectional shape then is based on this new set of criteria and thus you would correctly expect the rudder section to be quite different to the keel. The issue of stall angle generally drives the point of maximum Access the thickness (draft in sail terms) further forward to between 30- 35% of chord length and the leading edge is generally fuller and more rounded than the ideal keel section. The thickness of the rudder is also an issue with thicker foils generally being Offshore more stall resistant but creating higher drag at low angles of attack. For rough offshore sailing a very thin America's Cup style rudder will be a potential nightmare even for an experi­ enced helmsperson. yachting In searching for the ideal foil it should be noted that all the published literature is aero space related and much if it is not applicable to sailboats. This is because the effective design range of these foils is determined for much faster rates of flow Home Page over the foil than yachts tend to experience so the best foils are designed for the specific application . Finally, the real fault of most sailboats lies in the execution. Typically keels are not symmetrical around the centreline and on the very unfair. A good set of templates and a few days in the shipyard can work wonders in this area and will certainly be • the performance equal of a new mainsail. Same applies to the rudder the results here being generally felt immediately by internet. the steerer. A good rudder requires less helm movement to tack and will hang on when the going gets hairy. Your speed http://www.merlin.eom.au/offshore/ out of tacks will be noticeably improved as well. ~• April• May 1996Ci» classes, the ferrython and the schooner race, competitors and spectators had the amazing spectacle of an aerobatic display by the Royal Air Force Red Ar­ rows, including low level flights over the harbour, seemingly just a few me­ tres above the water. Adding further tradition and national pride to the 160th Australia Day Regatta on Sydney Harbour was the gesture by the Regatta sponsors, Philips Electron­ ics, in handing out 1000 Australian Red Ensigns to participants and spectator craft to fly on the day. Fittingly, the 160th Australia Day Regatta was the final on-the-water offi­ Australian Teams cial function for His Excellency, Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair, Governor of New Likely For Major South Wales, and Patron of the Aus­ Offshore Regattas tralia Day Regatta. He and Mrs Shirley Sinclair lunched aboard the Flagship, ustralianyachtsmenarework­ Quest, the Nelson/Marek 43 owned by CYCA HMAS Sydney, watching the Regatta ing towards mounting inter­ yachtsman Bob Steel will go to Hawaii for Kenwood racing and the Red Arrows aerobatics. national challenges for this Cup after contesting th e New Zealand IMS Regatta in In total, 550 inshore and offshore rac­ year's Rolex Commodore's Auckland . (Pie - Ian Mainsbridge). ing yachts, dinghies, catamarans and aCup and next year's Champagne Admi­ model yachts took part in the Australia ral's Cup, both conducted by the Royal their interest in representing Australia Day Regatta on the Harbour, Pittwater, Ocean Racing Club out of Cowes on the in the more internationally prestigious the Parramatta River, Botany Bay, Isle of Wight off the south coast of Eng­ Admiral's Cup -Sydney yachtsmen Syd Cronulla, Middle Harbour and Manly, land in July/ August. Fischer, with a new Ragamuffin built to up the North Coast at Taree and on In addition, it seems certain there the ILC 46 rule, and Robert Skinner with Narrabeen Lake and Hinkler Park. will be at least three yachts representing his Mumm 36, Emotional Hooligan, and Winners of major trophies on Aus­ Australia at the Kenwood Cup in Ha­ Melbourne yachtsman John Calvert­ tralia Day included: waii in August this year - Syd Fischer's Jones, with a new ILC 40 . • Lord Mayor's Cup and Victor Farr 50 Ragamuffin, Warwick Miller's The 1997 Admiral's Cup will be held Everson Cup for 18-footers: Prudential Reichel/Pugh 60 Exile and Bob Steel's fromJuly28 through to August 14, com­ (Rob Brown, Sydney Flying Squadron). Nelson/Marek 43 Quest which placed prising nine races and ending with the • City of Sydney Sesquicentenary second overall in the Telstra Sydney to Fastnet. In a bid to increase competition Cup (ocean race): Red, Hot n' Blue (Bruce Hobart. (only eight teams challenged in 1995) Thomas, Cruising Yacht Club of Aus­ Quest went to New Zealand in March the RORC is inviting challenges not only tralia). to contest the Royal New Zealand Yacht from countries, but from "regions" • Dangar Memorial Cup (Sponsor's Squadron's Air New Zealand IMS Re­ which may include two or three coun­ Trophy): Over the Edge (P.Taylor and gatta and will go direct from there to tries. Thus, a country with a single yacht Partners, Royal Sydney Yacht Squad­ Hawaii. or two yachts may join forces with a ron). The Commodore's Cup will include neighbouring country. an Iain Murray-designed Bashford/ Inaugural Ocean Race Howison 41 and a BH 36 exported to the Sydney's 160th Australia To Solomon Islands UK. Builder Ian Bashford and sailmaker Day Regatta Success A fleet of 20 Australian yachts will set Grant Simmer are expected to be closely Strong support for Sydney Harbour's sail from Brisbane on Good Friday, April involved. The third and smaller yacht in 160th Australia Day Regatta on Sydney 5, in the inaugural ocean race to the the team has yet to be determined. Harbour and the traditional Australia Solomon Islands. Organised by promi­ The RORC have announced a ban on Day Regatta at Geelong, together with nent Royal Queensland Yacht Squad­ all professionals competing in the Com­ more Australia Day regattas on other ron member Dayle Smith and sponsored modore's Cup to maintain it as a waterways, has underlined the signifi­ by Solomon Airlines, the race has at­ corinthian event and stepping stone to cance of the traditional on the water tracted a talented fleet of racing and bigger series like the Admiral's Cup, celebration of Australia's National Day. cruising yachts from Queensland, New Southern Cross and Kenwood Cup. Each The 160th Australia Day Regatta on South Wales and Victoria. team will comprise three yachts with Sydney Harbour had more than the The race will take the fleet on an 1175 the racing before Cowes Week. usual colour and excitement. Apart from nautical mile course through the Coral Three owners have already indicated the keen racing between cruiser/ racer Sea to finish at Gizo, capital of the West- Cl»April • May 1996 em Provinces of the Solomons. Race headquarters w ill be at a n ew tourist hotel but marina facilities are limited to 20 yachts. Heading the fleet is Ninety Seven, Andrew Strachan's Farr 47 which took line honours in the 1993 Sydney to Ho­ bart and has since sailed across the Pa­ cific to Hawaii for the Kenwood Cup as well as sailing under charter to Hong Kong in the 1995 Admiral's Cup. Another former Sydney-Hobart line honours winner is the veteran sloop Fide/is, originally from New Zealand but now owned by a syndicate of Syd­ ney yachtsmen headed by Nigel Stoke. The spectacle of Sydney's 160th Australia Day Regatta ranged from a regatta for radi o-controlled model yachts Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Yacht through to the gaff-rigged Ranger class yachts on Sydney Harbour while overhead the RAF's Red Arrows Club will be strongly represented by aerobatic team swooped low over the flagship, HMAS Sydney. two ex-IOR, Farr 40s, with Commodore Richard Hudson skipperin g Indian Pa ­ his famous 52-footer, A/star, which he Queensland Cruising YC), Aussie Spirit cific and Rear Commodore Bruce Sta­ has sailed in short-handed race around (Peter Cassidy, RQYS), Fine Toleran ce ples sailing Witchcraft II. Indian Pacific Australia, to Japan and across the Pa­ (QCYC) and Public Bar (John Davies, won the Sydney-Hobart on IOR cor­ cific and fully crewed to Hobart and Gold Coast Cruising YC). rected time back in 1984 while Witch­ New Caledonia. craft II has won just about every race Queensland entries include Skedad­ Australian Schools north from Sydney to Queensland wa­ dle Again (Rodney Smith, RQYS), Fontana Championship ters, plus the Lord Howe Island race. (Ray and Eve Foreman, Mooloolaba YC), The 18th Coca Cola Australian Second­ Australia's grand old man of the sea, Ivanhoe (Heikki Valsanen, Southport ary Schools' Sailing Championships and Alby Burgin, now in his 80s, h as entered YC), Windjammer (Thomas Lee Clough, the 21st annual NSW Secondary Schools'

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April• May 1996C. Championships will be sailed in con­ sweep through to w_in the "Dash for junction with the 30th annual Combined Cash" to a mark off Brighton. High Schools Championships at the As the yachts headed down the bay Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on Lake Mac­ in the evening breeze Future Shock quarie from April 9-13. moved away from the fleet and was not Entries are expected from around headed. Australia for this annual regatta which Division A was highlighted by the has produced many the nation's out­ race-long duel between the two Iain standing sailors in later y·ears. Racing Murray-designs, Edge Computer Local will be in classes for monohull skiffs, Hero Gock MacAdie) and Sea view Chal­ dinghies and yachts, for slower lenge Again (Lou Abrahams) which monohulls, catamarans and were rarely more than a hundred me­ sailboards. tres apart throughout 13 hours of sail­ ing. At the finish Challenge finished Tena Finna Takes Out three minutes in front but Local Hero Revived Apollo Bay Race took out the prestigious Tam O'Shanter Terra Firma, the overall IMS winner of Trophy on corrected time from Chal­ the Telstra Sydney to Hobart, has con­ lenge Again and Bruce Eddington's The classic timber yacht Cyan, winner of the Royal tinued her winning ways by taking line Dixie Chicken. Sydney Yacht Squadron's historic Milsons Cup. (pie• and handicap honours in the revived Over the 55 mile course for Division Peter Campbell) Queenscliffe to Apollo Bay race in Bass B, first place went to Amicus Gohn Strait. The Iain Murray-designed 41- Stenford) from Law less (Mario Electronic Chans Kalpokas) and Alibi (Theo Korbel) with footer, owned by Scott Carlile and Dean Seminar at National Wilson from the Royal Yacht Club of fastest time going to Island Trader Gohn Victoria, sailed the 55 nautical mile Chatham). TheJisuma Trophy, awarded Maritime Museum course in a slow 10 hours 30 minutes 30 for best corrected time in the overall A sextant and paper chart have been the seconds. fleet at the end of 55 miles, went to mariner's navigation tools for centu­ Terra Firma defeated Chris Gendala' s Future Shock from Local Hero and ries. Very soon they will virtually be­ Peterson 30 Stampede from the Royal Amicus. come museum pieces as satellite navi­ Melbourne Yacht Squadron, for IMS Sandringham Yacht Club holds regu­ gation and electronic charts rapidly take Division first place with Kevin Williams' lar non-spinnaker races on Wednesday their place aboard vessels from Cole 43 Rangatira taking third. The PHS afternoons and Thursday evenings, and runabouts to supertankers. division saw a deadheat on corrected this year the concept was extended into By far the most common means of time between the Dubois 40 Hi Time We the Mazda Overnighter, with these satellite navigation is GPS or the Global Went, skippered by Rob Hampshire from yachts sailing a shorter course. Line Positioning System. GPS can offer the the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, and the honours was taken by 84-year-old Ron mariner positioning accuracy down to Navy's Swarbrick 36-foot~r Scarborough Langman and his crew of veterans one metre. The fix, along with the course of Cerberus, with Rear Admiral Peter aboard Margaux while corrected time and speed, can then be displayed auto­ Briggs at . the helm. Third place to went to Brighton sailor Mark Burton in matically on an electronic chart. Stephen Collis' Adams 12 Aggro from Marjanal. While GPS and electronic charts have the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron. enormous potential to increase safety at Milson Cup Win To sea and will make the task of navigating Future Shock Back Classic yacht Cyan much easier, there are hidden dangers for the unwary. To Winning List One of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squad­ The Australian Institute of Naviga­ Peter Hansen's pocket maxi PL Lease ron's most prestigious annual races is tion recognised the need to inform boat Future Shock was the star performer of for the Milson Cup, commemorating users of the latest developments in navi­ Sandringham Yacht Club's Mazda Over­ one of the founders of the club. It is held gation technologies. The Institute, along nighter race on Port Phillip, overcom­ over a short ocean course off Sydney with the Australian National Maritime ing some of the disappointment that Heads and this year attracted more than Museum and the Australian Maritime followed the yacht's forced retirement 90 competitors, from regular ocean rac­ Safety Authority are jointly sponsoring from the Sydney to Hobart following an ers to yachts which do most of their a "Charts and You" seminar at the Mu­ altercation with a whale. The Elliott 55 racing in the Harbour. seum in Darling Harbour on Sunday, was not only the fastest boat over the 70 Winner of the Milson Cup, based on June 2m with speakers from yachting, nautical mile course, but also collected Performance handicaps, was the classic academia and the Navy. two trophies on corrected time. timber sloop, Cyan, owned by A seabreeze enabled the fleet to pro­ wellknown Squadron members Deidre vide a spectacular spinnaker start for Crichton-Browne and Bill Manning. 11 Metre One Design clifftop watchers, with Future Shock Cyan is a regular competitor in short Aust Championship setting a huge red and white kite to ocean racing in the combined clubs fleet. One of the growing club racing classes

«l:»April • May 1996 in Australia is the 11:Metre One Design and a strong fleet contested the fourth National championship, hosted by the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club over the Australia Day long weekend. The class has grown to 22 boats, mostly based the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on the Harbour, and at Sandringham Yacht Club on Port Phillip. There is also one new boat in Perth. Lake Macquarie provided near perfect conditions which saw close competition throughout the six-race series with the five different winners and the title decided tactically on the last heat. Ultimate winner Jamie McPhail set the pace with True Blue in winning the opening heat but 1995 champion Steve Stuart then notched up two successive wins with his new boat, Clear. However, Clear had placed only seventh in race one and after heat four, won by Sold By (Simon Grosser), the pointscore leader was still True Blue. Michael Nash, the former Australian NS14 champion, took out race five in Razzle Dazzle, only 12 seconds separating the first six boats. Going into race six the championship was still open with Steve Stuart and Jamie McPhael covering each other to place fourth and fifth. The end result was McPhael winning the Australian title with a net 11 .75 points from Stuart on 14.5 points, third place going to Gosford sailor Michael Turner, sailing consistently in Nella G to finish with 15 points.

Sydney-built Morning Glory Wins cape to Rio Race Sydney boat-builder John McConaghy has produced another internationally successful yacht from his Mona Vale complex, with the Reichel/Pugh-designed, ILC-70, Fancourts Morning Glory taking line honours in the 1996 Rothmans Cape to Rio race in record time. German software magnate Hasso Plattner and his crew of professional yachtsmen sailed the course in 14 days 14 hours 52 minutes to slice 12 hours, 18 minutes off the previous record held by Broomstick, the downwind flyer which contested the 50th Sydney to Hobart.

Peter Gilmore Wins Eunos Australia Cup By John Roberson By winning the Eunos Australia Cup in early February, Peter Gilmour moved closer to reclaiming the top spot on the Omega Rankings, a position he was pushed out of in May last year by Russell Coutts. Current incumbent is American Ed Baird, who took over the top spot after winning the world championships in Auckland back in November. Gilmour came home to Perth for this the first event on the 1996 grand prix circuit, his aim to put his name on the trophy for a third time, and so equal the record achieved by Rod Davis two years ago. However Davis was not about to make it easy, now representing New Zealand again, he came to try and chalk up a fourth win. While these two headed the list of talent who accepted the Royal Perth Yacht Club's invitation, the field was full of rising young stars and one or two old war horses. The Australian, British, New Zealand and European match racing champions were amongst the twelve invitees who came to do battle on

April• May 1996«l» the Swan River's Matilda Bay. They were Dave Clark of Perth, Stuart Childerley who was also Britain's Finn representative at the Barcelona Olym­ pics, surprise winner of the Kiwi cham­ pionships was Ray Davies, an Auck­ land Laser sailor, while Denmark's Sten Mohr holds the European title. America's Cup sailor J .J . Isler became the first woman skipper to sail in the Australia Cup, while Neville Wittey came back for his third attempt at the trophy. The two groups sailed a double round robin, so guaranteeing every competi­ tor at least ten races. The top four from each group then progressed to the main double round robin, from which the top four wentinto the semi-finals, and hence to the finals. Peter Gilmour in a close race with Kiwi Gavin Brady during the ro und robins of the Eunos Australia Cup. Eliminated at the end of the first stage were Ray Davies, Stuart Childerley, J.J. daily rounds. Chappell, crewed by Stuart one tanners which competed in interna­ Isler and Andrew Bell. The main round Skeggs and Graeme Johnson, blasted to tional One Ton Cups and the Admiral's robins saw some tough competition, four bullets in six races, driven by a Cup in the 80s. with Rod Davis heading the leader board seabreeze that was rarely less than 15 Elliott said that he had always wanted early on, but when it came to the cut for knots, and often up around 25 knots. to race in the Whitbread but until now the semi-finals the order was Peter Third place went to another Western he had not had the opportunity. He said Gilmour, Rod Davis, Sten Mohr and Australian, Michael Manford, who im­ that the team would include prominent Neville Wittey. proved as the regatta progressed, with yachtsmen from previous Joint Venture Gilmour selected Wittey as his semi­ these three skippers the only race win­ campaigns, an experienced marketing finals opponent, and defeated him in ners. Iain Murray, sailing Dennis manager and Ron Elliott, as project two straight but hard fought races, while Conner's boat, was a late entry and the manager. Davis handed out a similar defeat to lack of preparation showed, but always Many of the crew who have sailed on Sten Mohr. In predominantly light comfortable in strong winds he finished the Joint Ventures in the past are now winds Gilmour controlled every match fourth, despite a disqualification after a international names in yachting. They of the finals, to take the trophy by three protest with Manford. include New Zealand's America's Cup races to nil. winning helmsman, Russell Coutts and The whole regatta was contested in RESULTS: Olympic representative and former sauna like. conditions, with Perth expe­ 1. Lulu • PeterChappell/Skeggs/Johnson, World Etchells Champion, Colin riencing the beginning of what was to 6 pts; 2. No Jacket Required • Peter Beashel. become the longest heatwave on record. Conde/Baron-Hay/Hillier, 10. 75; 3. The The team expects to start building its Croc · Michael Manford/Rowell/Mill er, 16.75; 4. Menace IV • lain Murray/Jarvin/ Whitbread 60 yacht in Melbourne in RESULTS: Coxon, 26 ; 5. Five Circles • Ian Brown/ June and given their long association 1. Peter Gilmour, Aus; 2. Rod Davis, NZL; Anson/Northcote, 31; 6. Bandwagon• Skip with the Bruce Farr design office it will 3. Neville Wittey, Aus; 4. Sten Mohr, Den; Lissiman/Rosser/Phillips be the latest Farr design. 5. John Cutler, NZL; 6. Gavin Brady, NZL; "We are putting together a campaign 7. Gordon Lucas, Aus; 8. Dave Clark, Aus; 9= Stuart Childerley, Gbr; 9= Ray Peter Elliott announces to win and our professional approach to Davies, NZL; 11 . J.J. Isler, USA; 12. Whitbread entty the race will match that of our sponsors Andrew Bell, Aus . and our club," Elliott said. "We are go­ By Kevan Wolfe Melbourne sailing identity Peter Elliott ing to have a good go." Chappell's Etchells Title has confirmed that he will head a team So far 38 syndicates have registered By John Roberson to compete in the 1997 Whitbread Round for the race which starts at Southamp­ Just occasionally a venue lives up to its the World Race. ton in September 1997 and organisers reputation, and Fremantle did just that Elliott said that the team will be called are expecting a fleet in excess of 20 yachts for the Etchells nationals in January, Team Joint Venture Australia and will to start. and local skipper Peter Chappell rev­ be based at the Royal Yacht Club of Five syndicates have registered from elled in the conditions, while Victoria. Australia but only two will probably Queenslander Peter Conde kept pray­ The Elliott family is well known for start-Team Joint Venture Australia and ing for the Fremantle Doctor to miss his its series of Joint Venture 40 foot (12.lm) John Bertrand's Team Bertrand. .,Ji «!»April• May 1996 portant than the individuals within it, 'I based on preserving the past, and one of propose to keep pushing this proposal his additional requests is that the Olym­ as hard a r can.' pic entries should be based on the rYRU At the November meetings of the world rankings, taking the top twelve at IYRU, Endean had addressed the Coun­ a given date. cil early in its deliberations and well The IYRU is known to have had long before the voting for the Sydney disci­ discussions with the Chairman of the plines took place. The Star and Soling World Match Race Sailing Committee lobbies worked hard to ensure that there and while appreciating his point of view, would be a fleet/match event in 2000 can only act within the guidelines of the and not an all-match race event - that roe, who will only give an additional way, both their classes were ensured of event for women. survival for another four years. The rYRU will have an attempt to put The likelihood of an eleventh class a women's match event in Sydney. There IYRU Asked to for 2000 which might be allotted to a are 23 countries ranked on the Women's Review Match Racing in women's match race event, does not list, which is a sufficient number for the Olympic Games find great favour with Endean who be­ rYRU to recommend this to the roe. For By Bob Fisher lieves that to hold such an event while the men's event, the option may be to there was no men's match racing would allow 16 boats into the 2000 Olympics. paper submitted to the rYRU by 'create a riot in the sailing community,' There are other lobbies afoot at its Chairman of the World Match and feels that he could not support such present and doubtless the mid-term a Race Sailing Committee, Richard a move because he believes that 'women meetings of the Union will hear a number Endean (NZL), suggests that an Open have not achieved sufficient depth in of other options, one of which, from Match Race event in Sydney in 2000, the discipline to sustain an Olympic Denmark, is that the Soling is retained will have 'an incredible benefit to the event.' as the fleet racing keelboat at the ex­ sport.' Endean believes that whatever deci­ pense of the Star and that J-22s be used Endean says, that as a firm believer sion is made should reflect on what is for men's and women's match racing in the adage that the sport is more im- best for the future of sailing and not events. ,/£ Why rely on anything less

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MARCH APRIL 2 China Sea Race, Royal Hong Kong 29 Fremantle-Albany ocean race, YC. Hong Kong. RPYC/PRSC, Perth, WA. 28-4 Antigua Week. 30 National Business Di 'ectory Sydney­ Mooloolaba ocean race MHYC JUNE 4r 22-30 Kiel Week, Hamburg, Germany. APRIL 15-16 New York Annual Regatta, 5 VB 48th Brisbane to Gladstone New York Yacht Club, USA. ocean race, QCYC. 21 Newport-Bermuda Race, USA. 5 Brisbane to Gisa'., S0l9mons Islands, JULY ocean race, ROYS. 15-19 Cork Week, Royal Cork Yacht Club, 5 Boags Australian Three Peaks Race, Cork, Ireland a Point to Hobart, Tasmania. 6 Easter Regatta, Olympic 20-4 Games of the XXVlth Olympiad, Savannah, . Youth 91asses, Sy-dney Harbour, Georgia, USA. Classes: Soling, Star, SW. Tornado, 470 men, 470 women, Finn, Laser, Europe (women), Mistral men, Mistral women. ralian Secondary Schools' pionship, Belmont 16' SC, lake AUGUST cquarie. 5-16 Kenwood Cup Hawaii International Ocean ies Day Race, Jill Mclay Trophy, CYCA. Racing Series, Honololu. ital Sunday Winter Series opens, CYCA. SEPTEMBER AUGUST 21 Grand Mistral World Yacht Race, leg 1, Marseilles to Cape Town. 3 Canon Sydney-Gold C081JQ"8 ~11: 18-22 TAG Heuer-Ansett Au NOVEMBER Hayman Island YC. 9 Grand Mistral World Yacht Race leg 2, 24-31 XXXX-Ansett Australia R'1M Wamilton Island Cape Town to Sydney. Race Week, Hamilton Island YC. 21 Newport-Bermuda Race, USA.

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