Four Thousand Miles To Windward Is This Cruising?

Splash 2002 and Over The Top in Degrees of Freedom Mike Reynolds & Nicki Alderton

Cruising Section AGM Dinner 18th July 2003 Sailing Club

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Overview

Degrees of Freedom - Preparation

Fremantle to Darwin Splash 2002 - Cruising in Company

Darwin to Brisbane - Cruising Alone

Lessons Learned - Going the Wrong Way can be fun!

Splash 2005 - Your Opportunity! Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Specification

The Specs - Safe, modern, fast, blue-water cruising yacht - Excellent windward performance - Easily sailed by two person crew - Fixed dodger - Variable draft

The People - Malcolm Runnalls design - Peter Milner build - Marine Projects fit out - All excellent local expertise

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Design Interior Layout

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Reality - Below View of port side (facing aft) and of navstation

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Reality - Sailing Race Start & Stark Bay Cruise

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Work-Up for the Splash

Cruising and Racing - Local & Quindallup cruises - Local, Geraldton & Bunbury offshore races - The result was a well-prepared yacht we knew how to sail

Problems Found & Resolved - Forepeak flooding in heavy seas due to faulty inspection hatch - Heavy helm fixed by rudder modification - Modified HF ground & antenna - Replaced spectra backstay with wire - Only problem NOT fixed was propellor pitch

Other Preparation - Radio, first-aid & safety courses - Assisted in planning of the Splash Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_intro.fm FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Fremantle to Geraldton 210nm/51hour beat, 3.0knot VMG, divert to Jurien

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Jurien Bay Happy Splashers Relax in Port

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Geraldton to Carnarvon 270nm/40hour reach, 6.75knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cape Inscription The last strong winds of the Splash

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Carnarvon Fascine Great location - Poor holding

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Carnarvon to Exmouth 220nm/50hour reach, 4.4knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching North West Cape Warming Up

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Exmouth Great welcome from the whole town

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Exmouth to Dampier 170nm/44hour beat, 3.8knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 The Three Degrees Nicki, Laura & Kath enjoy Happy Hour

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Towards the Sunrise Eastward along the coast

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Vigilant Entering the anchorage

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Dampier to Broome 350nm/78hour beat&reach, 4.5knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Flying Foam Passage Magic Sailing

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Broome to Koolama Bay 400nm/112hour beat&reach, 3.6knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Balmy Evenings Donking Along with Cold Beers

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Koolama Bay Kimberley Respite

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Koolama Bay to Darwin 290nm/42hour reach, 6.9knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Darwin Arrival Sail-Past in Fannie Bay

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Darwin! 1910nm/433hours/35days => 4.4kt VMG, 51%seatime

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2002.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Darwin to Sommerville Bay 160nm/36hour beat, 4.4knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Van Diemen Gulf Overfalls & Whirlpools

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Sommerville Bay Unexpected Stopover

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Sommerville Bay to Jensen Bay 260nm/60hour beat, 4.3knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Jensen Bay, Wessel Islands Top Spot (when it finally stopped raining)

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Jensen Bay Bakery Fresh Bread!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Two Island Bay, Wessel Islands Surrounded by circumnavigators doing it the easy way

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Wessel Islands to Cape York 330nm/79hour beat, 4.2knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Traffic! Note Big George the light weather vane

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Possession Island Anchorage View west at low tide

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Possession Island Termite Mound and Turtle Skull

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cape York to Lockhart River 160nm/41hour beat, 3.9knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 In the Trades Flat water in the lee of reefs

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Lockhart River Arrival Big Mangroves and Big Crocs

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Lockhart River Twilight Fantastic Spot

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Lockhart River to Lizard Island 200nm/56hour beat, 3.6knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Sunset over Australia Big George => Little Wind

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Passing Flinders Island Little George => Big Wind

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching Lizard Island Looks great but will they sell us a beer?

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Lizard Island Cooks Lookout in background

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Watson Bay Anchorage Reef is a field of giant clams!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cooks Lookout As seen by Captain Cook!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 The Book on Cooks Look Messages from all corners of the world

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Lizard Island to Cooktown 50nm/8hour fetch, 6.2kt VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cooks Landing Spectacular but poor holding

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Endeavour River View from Grassy Hill

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cooktown to Dunk Island 170nm/48hour beat, 3.5knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching Dunk Island They will sell us beer!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Relaxing at Dunk Island Muggy Muggy Beach & Mount Kootaloo

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Dunk Island to Hinchinbrook Island 30nm/7hour fetch&beat, 4.3knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Short-Tacking Down Channel Little George helms while we navigate

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching Gayundah Creek Wonderful Scenery

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Anchored in Gayundah Creek High Tide

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Hinchinbrook Channel to Bowen 130nm/41hour beat, 3.2knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Early Morning Departure Beware moving sands, static rocks & local experts

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Bowen to Gloucester Island 15nm/3hour beat, 5knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching Gloucester Island Late Afternoon

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Gloucester Island to Hamilton Island 40nm/7hour beat, 5.7knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Hamilton Island 1545nm/386hours/26days, 4.0knot VMG, 61% seatime

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Hamilton Island Marina Now for Race Week - Anyone remember how to gybe?

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_overthetop.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Race Week Degrees of Freedom

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Cruising Division Too many charter boats with written-off deposits!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Brindabella All the famous names present

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 RAAF Roulettes Just like Cowes Week, only sunny!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Whitsundays Flat water, sunny skies, nice wind (some of the time)

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Palm Bay Classy resort with moorings for a few boats

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Palm Bay Mooring Stern line to a palm tree!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Palm Bay Resort Now this IS a holiday!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Mackay Marina Excellent facilities (except no travel-lift)

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Mackay to Island Head 110nm/26hour beat&reach, 4.2knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Island Head Approach Very Light Airs

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Island Head Beautiful, Well-Protected Inlet

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Island Head to Bundaberg 180nm/29hour reach, 6.2knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Sunset over Great Keppel Island So many places still to see!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Bundaberg to Fraser Island 60nm/10hour reach, 6.0knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Great Sandy Strait Anchored with chartered launches

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Fraser Island to Brisbane 110nm/29hour beat, 3.8knot VMG

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Approaching Brisbane Sunrise over Moreton Island

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 East Coast Marina 460nm/94hours/9days, 4.9knot VMG, 44% seatime

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_hionward.fm, page FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 General Lessons Learned

Prepare - The Boat (structure, rig, sails, engine, electronics, systems) - The Crew (experience, training, confidence) - The Cargo (provisioning, spares, books)

Enjoy - Cruising in company (Splash) gave us confidence in the boat - Cruising with a small crew gave us more confidence in ourselves - Cruising two-up was the pay-off (Cooktown onward)

Result - Saw lots of amazing places and things - Proved our new boat and both became better sailors - Had a fantastic time, and now know we enjoy cruising! - Enjoyed cruising TOGETHER! Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_lessons.fm, page 1 FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Technical Lessons Learned

Design - Every boat should have a hard dodger! - Modern boats do NOT need to follow the Trades!

Navigation - Think as much about wind strategy as wind tactics - Up north, think as much about tide as about wind!

Watchkeeping - Watchkeeping judgement is usually learned the hard way - Only enough sail area to keep at the target speed - Radar fantastic in traffic & reduced visibility - Talk to traffic (they want an uneventful passage too!) - Monitor VHF 16 all the time

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_lessons.fm, page 2 FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Successes & Failures

Successes - Monitor windvane - HF and SailMail - Navstation, Navmaster software & Seafarer charts - The Boat

Failures - Propellor pitch incorrect (still not correct - want a new prop) - Roller Furler set-screws worked loose (Harken replaced) - Fresh Water Pump relay failed (replacement mailed to Cooktown) - Genoa Car smashed coachroof window (not fixed yet - patched) - Monitor weak link broke (changed tacking technique)

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_lessons.fm, page 3 FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Statistics

Fremantle to Brisbane via Darwin - Approx 3900nm route distance (waypoint to waypoint) - Approx 5500nm logged over the ground (GPS) - Approx 4500nm sailed to windward - Over 900 hours underway over 70 days (54% sea time) - Overall average VMG of 4.3 knots - 300 engine hours (75% charging, little motoring after Darwin) - Hundreds of tacks, dozens of reefing operations and a few gybes

Darwin to Cooktown (3 crew, 3 weeks, 1300nm) - 280 litres fresh water (used for drinking, washing up & washing) - 20 litres of other drinks - 40 cans of soups, stews, vegetables etc - Cheese, savoury snacks, chocolates etc - Fresh bread Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_lessons.fm, page 4 FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 versus 2002

Splash 2002 - Racing and Cruising Divisions - Notice of Race made it formally a race - Required full AYF Cat 2 safety standard - Started 1st June, finished 6th July - Raised $130,000 for charity (twice the anticipated sum) - It was a great cruise-in-company

Splash 2005 - Notice of Event rather than Notice of Race - Will be a rally, not a race - Will be a cruising event - Will require full AYF Cat 2 safety equipment - Expected start 23rd April, finish 14th June

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 Itinerary

Provisionally: - Fremantle - Two Rocks - Jurien Bay - Geraldton - Denham - Carnarvon - Exmouth - Dampier - Broome - Thomas Bay - Samson Inlet - Koolama Bay - Darwin

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 Concepts

Lead-In Events - All sorts of non-sailing events prior to the Splash - In 2002 had quiz night, piano recital, raffles, parties, auctions - Some lead-in sailing events in 2005?

Sponsorship - Each boat finds a sponsor and raises funds (like the Bash) - In 2002 there were more sponsors than boats - Target of $5000 sponsorship per boat

Defined FINISH TIMES - Start individually, finish as a fleet at each port - Maximises publicity (tried, proven & fun in 2002) - Start early, congregate near the finish, then short sail to finish - Finish is a sail-past (like FSC opening day), not a racing finish Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 Boat & Crew Safety

Boat - AYF Cat 2 Safety Equipment (Life Raft, HF, EPIRB) - Proven cruising capability including heavy weather & overnight - Qualifying voyage (eg Quindallup direct) may be required

Crew - Two crew minimum - One senior first-aider - One licensed radio operator (MROCP) - 1/3 crew to have Safety at Sea training (Occ Health & Safety) - All inexperienced crew to have Safety at Sea training - 2002 training courses were a great way to meet all Splashers

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 Overall Safety

Shore Safety Support - 4WD equipped with VHF, HF & satellite comms - 4WD will tow runabout for assistance in ports - Local Volunteer Sea Rescue groups coordinated by FESA

Fleet Safety - Radio skeds within the fleet for mutual support - Spread of fleet to be restricted to maximise mutual support - Distance offshore to be restricted to aid any SAR operations - Boats may be paired & required to be within 1 hour of each-other - Some boats will have satellite phones, email & tracking devices

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003 Splash 2005 Just Do It!

Degrees of Freedom agmtalk_splash2005.fm, FSC Cruising Section AGM Dinner 2003