mainsheet SUMMER 2012

SQUADRON BALL Saturday 9 March 2013

MYORA CUP Saturday 16 March 2013

We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and Safe Boating over the summer season. Published by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Squadron Saturday 9 March 2013 7pm for 7.30pm Boardwalk Pavilion $150 per person Savouries aboard boats on Bill Kirby Jetty followed by a sumptuous three course dinner (beer, wine, bubbles included) Ball Black tie attire S Entertainment by band ‘Swing Central’ RSVP by 23 February 2013 Phone 3396 8666 Members only Numbers limited – book now! Code Flag K Squadron from Commodore Greg Clarke Saturday 9 March 2013 7pm for 7.30pm Boardwalk Pavilion I’ve always been a great believer In the Squadron’s case these • retain the Goodwill Trophy for a $150 per person in preparing for the next day, the include: 4th consecutive year Savouries aboard boats on Bill Kirby Jetty day before… the next week on the • improve our corporate • introduce some innovative followed by a sumptuous three course dinner Friday before and the next year on governance powerboat events (beer, wine, bubbles included) the last working day of each year. • freshen up the Constitution • increase member benefits Black tie attire to better reflect our current • set up and maintain an Asset Ball This enables me to review the operations Management Plan Entertainment by band ‘Swing Central’ S current period, tick off those • further develop our sailing • introduce a new point of sale RSVP by 23 February 2013 ‘things to do’ I have achieved program (juniors/Tackers and keel system to ease congestion in peak Phone 3396 8666 and reprioritise those things still boats/Elliott 7) periods Members only to be done. It also gives me the • maintain our position as the Although I am proud of our Numbers limited – book now! opportunity to add new goals for Number 1 regatta venue in the ensuing period. Queensland achievements this year, I am more • refine our financial performance excited about the year ahead as we I find this process enables me to measures continue to improve the Squadron’s download overnight or the weekend • ongoing support of our sail and facilities and services. all those things I want to achieve power cruising groups In so doing we will hopefully stop and to attack them with renewed Finally we must add to our list for doing those things that are not vigour and focus at the start of the beneficial, start introducing things next new day, week …. or year. 2013 some new exciting goals to ensure both Manly and Canaipa that are, while continuing to deliver As the Squadron’s 2012 calendar continue to be the place we all those things that are working well. year comes to an end it is enjoy and are proud of. These The trick is knowing what to stop, important to review, acknowledge include: start and continue. and celebrate the following • host the Commodore’s black tie achievements which we have made: ball • after 40 years we have another • progress plans for the new Marine Olympic Gold Medal Sports Building • the much needed refurbishment of Marina 1 is underway • the greatly enhanced Pavilion is complete • three world Championships including another World Masters Champion • one of the busiest sailing years on record • a trans ocean yacht race to Noumea The end of the year is also a time to make sure that those tasks that were once considered worthy of our attention remain on the list until they are achieved (or are no longer relevant). Santa even remembered the Commodore!

www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 3 contents WILL YOUR FUTURE... 3 Code Flag K - Cdr Greg Clarke 6 General Manager - Paul C Hughes ...BE SUPER ENOUGH? 8 ISAF Appointments 9 Sydney to Hobart RQ Entrants 16 Sailing Adventure - Cape Horn to Cape Town - Michael Hood 20 RQYS Sailing Academy Report 22 Murrary River Odyssey - Rex King 24 Cruise Fever - a poem by Karl Guilfoyle 30 Member Profile - Adrian Finglas 32 Goodwill Cup - Results 34 Calendar of Events - Jan|Feb|Mar|Apr 36 Boat Care Basics - Polishing 40 RQ Trader 41 Welcome Aboard - New Members 42 Registered Vessels

mainsheet Front Cover SUMMER 2012 Tackers launch - Spencer SQUADRON BALL Saturday 9 March 2013

MYORA CUP Saturday 16 March 2013 Williams & Isabella Rutledge enjoying the sailing experience

We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and Safe Boating over the summer season. Published by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Did you know that almost 7 million

mainsheet is published by the Australians* will retire with far less Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Limited. super than they expected? This shortfall Post: PO Box 5021 Manly Qld 4179 Phone: (07) 3396 8666 may affect your lifestyle in retirement Fax: (07) 3393 4100 and things may not be quite as super Email: [email protected] Website: www.rqys.com.au as you had hoped. Editor: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Printing: Fergies - (07) 3630 6500 *According to an ASFA media release, published 7 April 2010. Articles reflect the personal opinion of the author and/or contributor, and are not necessarily those of the Royal Yacht Squadron YOURSUPERFUTURE IS A FREE ONLINE SUPER ADVICE TOOL TO HELP YOU LOOK AT: Limited (RQYS), nor does RQYS guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accept any responsibility 1. your annual super contributions 2. which investment choice is right for you for statements they may express in this publication. The Editor reserves the right 3. your insurances within Club Super 4. setting and working towards a retirement income goal. to change or alter contributors articles submitted to RQYS for publication. As a Club Super member this advice is all free of charge and available now through your personal member online © Copyright 2012. website. If you’re already registered for member online, simply login to access. If you’re not already registered please All rights reserved. contact us for your username and password details. This is your first step to securing YourSuperFuture. Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. ACN 053 989 272. *According to an ASFA media release, published on 7 April 2010. This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain a copy of the Fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) (available at www.clubsuper.com.au) and consider the PDS before making any decision. If you require specific advice, you should contact a licensed financial adviser. Club Plus Qld Pty Ltd (ABN 30 010 892 396), the Trustee of Club Super (ABN 12 737 334 298) is Corporate Authorised Representative No. 268814 under Australian Financial Services Licence No. 238507 and is authorised to provide general financial product advice in relation to superannuation. This personal advice is provided by IFAA Pty Ltd. The Trustee is not responsible for, and does not accept liability for the products or services or actions of IFAA. You should use your own 4 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer judgement before taking up any product or service offered by IFAA. IFAA AFSL No. 238507. WILL YOUR FUTURE...... BE SUPER ENOUGH?

Did you know that almost 7 million Australians* will retire with far less super than they expected? This shortfall may affect your lifestyle in retirement and things may not be quite as super as you had hoped.

*According to an ASFA media release, published 7 April 2010.

YOURSUPERFUTURE IS A FREE ONLINE SUPER ADVICE TOOL TO HELP YOU LOOK AT: 1. your annual super contributions 2. which investment choice is right for you 3. your insurances within Club Super 4. setting and working towards a retirement income goal. As a Club Super member this advice is all free of charge and available now through your personal member online website. If you’re already registered for member online, simply login to access. If you’re not already registered please contact us for your username and password details. This is your first step to securing YourSuperFuture.

*According to an ASFA media release, published on 7 April 2010. This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain a copy of the Fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) (available at www.clubsuper.com.au) and consider the PDS before making any decision. If you require specific advice, you should contact a licensed financial adviser. Club Plus Qld Pty Ltd (ABN 30 010 892 396), the Trustee of Club Super (ABN 12 737 334 298) is Corporate Authorised Representative No. 268814 under Australian Financial Services Licence No. 238507 and is authorised to provide general financial product advice in relation to superannuation. This personal advice is provided by IFAA Pty Ltd. The Trustee is not responsible for, and does not accept liability for the products or services or actions of IFAA. You should use your own judgement before taking up any product or service offered by IFAA. IFAA AFSL No. 238507. General Manager

PAUL C HUGHES

We are looking forward to a real Olympic Gold Medal. Who had a large turn out with 50 plus welcoming Adrian Finglas in the knows…with Adrian as coach some boats competing in both traditional position of Head Coach in the of these youngsters could well be and contemporary navigation. More Sailing Academy from February holding their own gold medals in than two hundred people attended 2013. Adrian is an extremely future Olympics! for breakfast at Canaipa on Sunday talented and experienced sailor. and the prize ceremony. He has had an illustrious coaching As this Mainsheet goes to print, career and can claim many six yachts from RQ are making A number of volunteer positions successes including coaching and their way to Sydney to compete in have become vacant with the mentoring Daniel Fitzgibbon to the 2012 Rolex Sydney to Hobart imminent retirement of Dugald win a Silver medal in China and a Yacht Race. We wish very good Henderson as the Volunteer Gold Medal in the Scud Class in the luck to the skippers and crew of Coordinator after the nationals at London Paralympic Games. Black Jack, Blunderbuss, Carbon Christmas. Our volunteers are highly Credits, Charlie’s Dream, Lunchtime valued and are essential for RQYS We are also very proud that Legend and Ocean Affinity. We will to maintain our world-class standard in the recently released all be watching the race with great of events and regattas. Positions we International Sailing Federation excitement knowing that, with the are looking to fill include a volunteer new appointments, Richard massive effort in preparing and coordinator, assistant volunteer Matterson has been appointed training they have undertaken in coordinator, radio operator and a as an International Judge and readiness for this race, there is a real training officer. If you are interested Louise Davis as an International possibility that one of these RQYS in these volunteer positions and Race Officer. Congratulations, yachts could win. have some spare time on your hands well deserved – and well done to please feel free to call me to discuss. you both. RQ has hosted a variety of exciting regattas – six regattas were sailed Dugald has been a tireless volunteer The Olympic Dinner held on Friday on the weekend of October 27-28 worker for the Squadron for many 2 November was a great night. Lots alone. The Spirit Marine Beneteau years, and he will be greatly missed. of members and guests thoroughly Cup, The Spirit Marine French Yacht We wish you all the very best in your enjoyed Olympians Mat Belcher, Challenge, the Farr 30 and Farr 40 retirement, Dugald. Malcolm Page and John Cuneo’s Queensland Championships, the company and Mat and Malcolm’s October Etchells Fleet Racing and Wishing you all a entertaining talk about their Sportsboat Saturday. It is worth Merry Christmas and a impressive Olympic Sailing Gold mentioning that Tony Kinsman’s Happy New Year. medal win. Mat and Malcolm, who Blunderbuss took first place Mathew Belcher were named Male Sailors of the Year overall in the 2012 Beneteau Cup. World Champion sailor, at the Australian Yachting Awards, Congratulations to Tony and the Australian Sailing Team stayed to make a guest appearance Blunderbuss crew. the next day at the Tackers launch organised by the Sailing Academy. And of course we are proud to Tackers is a popular national sail be the victors once again in the training program for children from Goodwill Cup. This was our 50th Maui Jim, Proud Sponsor ages six to fourteen, and the many year of competition with Southport budding young Tackers sailors were Yacht Club, and RQYS retained the excited to have their photos taken coveted Goodwill Trophy by 467 of the Australian Sailing Team with the Olympians, and to hold points (RQ) to 706 points (SYC). We To live life brilliantly. To experience extraordinary success. To master your craft. Visit mauijim.com to see why many have called Maui Jim the master of our craft. 6 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer

AU-1005-Australia A4 sailing ad.indd 1 11/15/12 8:57 AM Mathew Belcher World Champion sailor, Australian Sailing Team

Maui Jim, Proud Sponsor of the Australian Sailing Team To live life brilliantly. To experience extraordinary success. To master your craft. Visit mauijim.com to see why many have called Maui Jim the master of our craft. www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 7

AU-1005-Australia A4 sailing ad.indd 1 11/15/12 8:57 AM ISAF International Sailing Federation CONGRATULATIONS ON THESE NEW APPOINTMENTS

Louise Davis International Race Officer In 1986 Ian (Ox) and I bought the Officer in 2008 and a National Race Hood loft in Brisbane, moved to Officer in 2010. Wynnum Manly and joined Royal In 2009 I attended an IRO seminar Queensland Yacht Squadron. There and passed the examination which was very little sailboard racing in made me realise that an IRO Brisbane at that time so I sailed in a qualification was something to which number of different classes including I could aspire. Having the support of Carbon Credits 470 and Etchells and crewed on a club like RQYS that attracted world keelboats. class events was a great advantage. My first taste of race management was So too were the wonderful Christmas with the Windsurfer Class Association and birthday presents from my family helping to organise state and national which gave me the many gadgets a championships. I began volunteering race officer might desire. Interviews with Skippers of participating RQYS yachts at RQYS in the summer of 2004-05 I realised it was important to get when our twin boys were involved with some experience outside my own school team sailing. This gradually backyard so volunteered at regattas I grew up in Echuca in country Victoria progressed to helping on patrol in Thailand and Canada where I met and didn’t start sailing until I went boats as well as start boats and led some wonderful people. The thing 2012 Rolex Sydney to university and started racing a to an interest in race management I enjoy about race management is Windsurfer. The first club to embrace which was actively encouraged by the camaraderie of working with us was Elwood Sailing Club, then the Squadron’s race officers Odile an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Anderson and Rob Jackson. I attended whose aim is to provide an equally Black Jack invited us to join them. my first race management seminar in Hobart Yacht Race enthusiastic bunch of sailors with 2006, was accredited as a State Race the best racing possible – we are all perfectionists in our own way. Richard Matterson International Judge Sailing at Rushcutters Bay which One of the biggest obstacles for a brought me into contact with sailing judge to overcome are sailors who administration. don’t want to protest because they

believe there is some sort of stigma In 2000 I joined RQYS as Sailing attached to protesting. It has to be Manager, and after leaving at the remembered that protesting is just end of 2002, I wanted to continue to a part of the rules that we sail under be involved in sailing so I joined as a and if you feel that someone has member and began umpiring Team infringed on the water and not taken Racing and sitting on protest panels. an alternative penalty it is your right Ocean Affinity Charlie’s Dream Appointed a National Judge in 2008, to protest.

I was fortunate to be included on the RQYS now has a number of Judges International Jury for the Contender and Umpires that we can draw upon Worlds at RQYS in January 2009 for regattas and club events and which introduced me to a number we have developed a club panel to I was born in Hobart and started of International Judges who have ensure that we train for the future. sailing Sabots from a very early age. mentored me and opened further From early 2013 the protest panel I sailed 125, Sharpie, Laser, Cadet networks both in Australia and overseas. under the guidance of Sailing Dinghy and Finn as well as numerous As well as all across Australia I have Committee will be commencing keelboats on the Derwent River before sat on protest panels and juries in a series of Rules Nights for leaving school. Singapore and New Zealand and competitors. I entered the Royal Australian Navy have recently returned from Kingston, in 1988 and, amongst other postings, Canada and the CORK regatta sailed on I am happy to sit down and served as Officer in Charge Navy the fresh water of Lake Ontario. discuss the rules at any time with competitors, class associations or other officials. 8 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Blunderbuss Lunchtime Legend Carbon Credits

Interviews with Skippers of participating RQYS yachts 2012 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Black Jack

Ocean Affinity Charlie’s Dream

www.rqys.com.au Blunderbuss Lunchtimemainsheet Legend9 Black Jack Peter Harburg - owner Mark Bradford - skipper

Why do you want to do the Sydney and improvements for the last four to Hobart Yacht Race? years in preparation for the race.

Owner Peter Harburg and his What preparation have you done? champion skipper Mark Bradford have had solid results in inshore and ‘We have had a big year of racing. We offshore racing including line honours are super-organised and the boat is and overall IRC handicap honours in prepared to an advanced level. We the 2008 and 2009 Brisbane-Keppel have the luxury of having a full-time race, back-to-back line honours in professional boat captain, Stacey the Brisbane to Gladstone race (2009 Jackson. We have done intensive and 2010), sixth in the 2008 Rolex night training sessions and we’ll do Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a third in more night training at the end of the 2012 Australian Championships November. In Sydney we do a further at Hamilton Island this year, second in four-day block of training and will be 2012 Brisbane to Keppel, and second competing in the Big Boat Challenge in this year’s Audi Sydney Gold Coast in Sydney from 11 December. Yacht Race. After the Sydney training we will concentrate on weather strategy.’ ‘We have been going well for about four years. This year we have ramped About the crew.. up the training, worked up to high ‘Our crew are pro-am, a mixture of level and we’re ready to tackle good local sailors topped up with the race.’ professionals who have competed in the America’s Cup and international From RQ the crew is Peter Harburg About the boat.. races. The crew are well-prepared (owner), Mark Bradford (skipper), Launched in 2005, Westerly Marine and individually have good solid Vaughan Prentice, Darren Hutchison, built, Reichel Pugh 66 design, with a track records.’ Brian Hilliar, Gary Van Lunteren, length overall of 20.12, Black Jack is Matthew Von Bibra, Peter Dowdney a near sister ship of Wild Oats X. The and Peter Elkington. yacht has undergone modifications

10 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer 2012-2013

Blunderbuss Tony Kinsman - owner|skipper

second places, and in other years About the crew.. divisional winners. So it has become ‘We have ten seasoned crew. Every a popular design – at last count there member is ocean race experienced were six First 40s in the Sydney to and has done at least one Category Hobart this year.’ One race. Matt Williams and Duane Smith are both watch leaders What preparation have you done? from 2010. ‘Blunderbuss and her crew have had Why do you want to do the race? My sons: George our navigator, and an active sailing program in 2012. In technical wizard for all major races this ‘The new Blunderbuss is only 12 terms of offshore races we competed year, assisted by others from time to months old and ready for the in the 2012 Pittwater Coffs Yacht Race time, Fred our fearless bowman, and challenge. which was a good initiation as the race Harry our mid boat South Australian was all upwind against a northerly. We competed in the 2010 Sydney to representative. We had to tack regularly in strong Hobart in the previous Blunderbuss, winds of 15 to 25 knots. We finished We have Chris Zonca as the mainsheet affectionately called B1, and suffered well, winning our division and fourth hand and technical wizard who sailed a torn mainsail and fading winds which overall, by 6 seconds which was a bit on Wicked, a First 40 which came resulted in a late finish. We wish to annoying. Since then we have sailed second overall after Two True in avenge for that this year. Most of the in the Gladstone race, Brisbane to 2009, Stefan Bernsdorf our champion crew from our 2010 campaign are Keppel race and also the Sail Noumea Tornado sailor on the bow, trim and available to sail in the race this year race, which is an 800 plus mile race helm, often at the same time, and including my three sons and we have and was also a good initiation.’ Craig Blackwood on the mast and grown to be a strong and competent bow. Craig graduated from Southern crew ready for the challenge. But our ‘In terms of inshore races we have Cross Yachting two years ago and first and foremost objective is to arrive sailed the full RQYS program in sailed with us regularly to earn his safely in Hobart. The safety of the boat 2011/12, Kingfisher series, finishing stripes. We also have Gavan Baker, and crew is paramount and that drives top IRC boat, and we competed, and a new crew member from Sydney decision-making.’ did quite well in, the recent Airlie who sailed on Paca in 2010, a First 40 Race Week and Hamilton Island Race About the boat.. which won their Division. Each crew Week. After a year of sailing we have member will participate in at least one ‘Blunderbuss is a twelve-metre had no major breakages, and the delivery leg.’ Beneteau First 40, a production yacht systems have proved to be robust. with cruiser-racer configuration. The We have done a lot of sailing, made Blunderbuss will be leaving Brisbane boat sails well, has a competitive improvements and we’ve put a lot on 14 December, a week later than design and has had good results of effort into making sure the boat other Queensland boats. in past Hobart races. In a previous is seaworthy, robust and ready for Sydney to Hobart yachts with the the race.’ same First 40 design were in first and www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 11 Carbon Credits Trevor Bailey - owner|skipper

Why do you want to do the race? Carbon Credits is a bit of an in-joke, ‘Because we’re stark raving mad and Trevor being an ex-coal miner. I‘ve heard they have one of the world’s What preparation have you done? best parties when you get there. It has always been in the back of our minds ‘We began assembling a competent and we’d love to do it. We upgraded Category 1 race crew in March 2012. the boat to Category 1 for the tropical Since that time the majority of crew Sail Noumea race so the next illogical has raced to Noumea and Keppel step is to head south to the freezing Island along with Moreton Bay day waters of Hobart.‘ races. We’ve spent many hours training on Moreton Bay since Carbon About the boat.. Credits’ return from the Whitsundays. A 13.7 metre Beneteau First 45, It’s fair to say not all the training has launched in February 2009, she made run smoothly; as a result local marine her offshore racing debut in the 2009 tradesman and sail maker Andrew Audi Sydney Southport Yacht Race, Turner have been kept busy. Along finishing eleventh in IRC Division 3. with repairs we’ve been upgrading various components.’ ‘We have competed in numerous offshore races including 3 Sydney to Crew member Paul Freeman, in Southport, 4 Brisbane to Keppel and consultation with Trevor, has been Sail Noumea. Carbon Credits has also overseeing Carbon Credits 2012 participated in multiple inshore series offshore campaigns, including including winning an Audi regatta in races, deliveries, repairs and crew Sydney, winning at Airlie Beach in her coordination. first year and 4th in cruising division in About the crew.. 2012, and Hamilton Island campaigns. Originally based in Middle Harbour ‘We’ll be racing to Hobart with December and will berth at Middle Yacht Club, Sydney, she is now based a Queensland based crew of 11, Harbour until the race begins on in Brisbane and registered as an including Trevor’s son Michael. The Boxing Day. ‘ RQYS boat.’ majority of crew is RQYS members and experienced, having completed at Crew list: ‘Carbon Credits has capabilities. She’s least one Sydney to Hobart. Obviously Trevor and Michael Bailey, Andrew a heavy boat and likes consistently we’d like to do well but the key for and Sally Turner, Paul Freeman, Roger strong windward work where she us is – we have a motto – be safe and Leitch, Robert Dawson, Lisa Beecham does well. In light to moderate winds stay friends. We have no rock stars. Mark Nicholas, Christian Finlayson, we just enjoy the cruise.’ The name Carbon Credits leaves Brisbane on 7th Peter Cooper.

12 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Charlie’s Dream Peter Lewis - owner|skipper kenyonsportsphotos.com.au Photo by Mike Kenyon

‘Charlie’s Dream, was delivered in ‘The preparation is huge to comply September 2008 and was named for with a special regulations equipment my adventurous father-in-law. The compliance audit required by Yachting boat is a 13.7 metre, 15 tonne cruising New South Wales. We have state-of- yacht, one of only two Bluewater 450s the-art communications equipment, Why do you want to do the race? built. The weight makes the race twice special equipment and things like as long for us because of the slower a comprehensive medical kit. We ‘We have competed in three Rolex speed. It is not a racing yacht – for have to take 25 hard copy navigation Sydney Hobart yacht races, the first example, the traveller is difficult and charts just to navigate from Sydney to one in 2008 where we placed second features like the underwater sonar can Hobart. The crew now have all their in the Cruising Division. It is a great slow the boat up.’ gear together. The PFDs must be thrill to arrive – the reception is tested annually and all equipment, ‘We have competed in two Gosford to amazing – hundreds of people on the for example PLBs, need to be up to Lord Howe Island races (with a first in wharf cheering you in. As skipper it is scratch and must be proven to be the PHS Division 2010), two Brisbane a great feeling to arrive with the boat tested. Charlie’s Dream will undergo to Gladstone races (fourth in cruising and the crew intact. We want to do some final required work in Sydney division 2009) and one Brisbane to it for a challenge, teamwork, a sense and we will arrive at CYCA on about Keppel race.’ of achievement plus you become a 22 December.’ better seaman – you learn something new from every race.’ ‘In 2011-2012 we circumnavigated About the crew.. Australia, and in June this year About the boat.. completed the Brisbane to Noumea ‘We have nine in total. Half of the Race. In total Charlie’s Dream crew must have done a Category Charlies Dream was built in Australia 1 race previously to qualify. Our by Bluewater Cruising Yachts and has sailed 26.5 thousand miles in four years.’ crew is experienced – six of the designed for comfortable cruising. crew have done a Sydney to The original design has been What preparation have you done? Hobart race previously. All Charlie’s modified to give a shoal draft keel of ‘There has been extensive preparation Dream crew have done a sea safety 1.7 m and extra aft deck space and survival course.’ storage. Extras include a self-tacking before the race can even begin. To be staysail, hydraulic swim platform, eligible the boat needs to have done a Crew list: Peter Lewis (skipper) electric winches, bow thruster, air qualifying race within six months of the B Pozzey, G Boyd, R Harrison, N conditioning, a water maker, and a Sydney Hobart. Requirements have Everson, P Zemek, R Pym, J Saunders, generator for hot showers. The galley changed; for the first year we have K Kaiser. includes a microwave and separate had to prove stability as measured on fridge and freezer. A second fridge in the Stability Index, which is an extra the cockpit ensures the crew are well cost. Also entering the race causes the catered for. cost of insurance to increase.’ www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 13 Lunchtime Legend

Bob Robertson - owner|skipper About the crew.. launched in August last year and is in Bob is a hands-on owner and skipper excellent condition.’ – he steers the boat, starts the races, does the navigation, plans the tactics Bob is a dual winner of the Brisbane to and motivates the crew. He believes Gladstone and many other major races that he has the crew, the experience in Australian waters. ‘We’ve done and the endurance to become a well in the last three regattas. We serious challenger when the fleet came second at Airlie Beach, second heads south on Boxing Day. at Hamilton Island and had a first at Magnetic Island. We have a good boat ‘We’ll go to Hobart with 10 crew – six and a good crew and we’ll be in with from RQ, and one each from New a chance.’ Zealand, North Queensland, Tasmania and Sydney. The crew is a mixture of What preparation have you done? age with experience and youth with skills. Doing the Sydney to Hobart, ‘Our preparation has been extensive your Christmas is totally wrecked. You – there’s been no stone left unturned have to watch what you eat and drink. in checking and planning for the And Boxing Day is just a madhouse. race. The Hobart race is 84 hours but Why do you want to do the race? We leave on Boxing Day and we you have to have the same mindset expect to arrive in Hobart about three ‘We have the boat and crew that as if it is just off shore here at RQ. and a half days later.’ can win the race. And there’s a lot of Planning doesn’t start in December. It unfinished business – we came third starts back in June when you decide ‘We’re supporting the Children’s in the Sydney Hobart in 1991 and we to do it.‘ Oncology Foundation. Between were only beaten by 8 minutes and 46 three boats in last year’s Hobart ‘The crew will come up against some seconds from first place so I’ve always race we raised $31,000 during the strong competition. If they haven’t got wanted to go back. In last year’s race and this year, again with three their act together we’ll be in trouble, Sydney to Hobart, after 31 hours we boats, we want to try and raise so we’re going to Sydney early to do were leading on handicap but we ran $50,000. We are asking people to five races to prepare the crew for the into a very soft patch of breeze and support with donations to this very tough competition they will face in the the bigger boats got in and finished. worthwhile cause.’ Sydney to Hobart.’ We ended up still coming twelfth The website to make donations is: overall so that wasn’t a bad result.’ ‘Due to the weather patterns that http://www.everydayhero.com.au/ have prevailed in the last two months, About the boat.. Lunchtime_Legends I’ve got a feeling we’ll be in for a real ‘Lunchtime Legend is a 12.6 metre bashing this year. It will favour us a Crew list: Bob Robertson (Owner/ Beneteau First 40, built by Beneteau bit because it will slow the big boats Skipper), Dean Thornton, Mal White, Yachts in France, and designed down. Boats over 60 foot might have Shane Kirkman, Dan Tooth, Lauren by Farr Yacht Design. She was a bit of trouble in these conditions.’ Davison, Andrew Wiklund, Shannon Hart, Ashley Deeks and Adam Brown. 14 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Photo by Mike Kenyon kenyonsportsphotos.com.au Ocean Affinity Stewart Lewis - owner|skipper by Carolyn Lewis Why do you want to do the Sydney What preparation have you done? to Hobart Yacht Race? ‘The preparations for the Sydney to ‘John enjoys his sailing on board ‘The motivation of Stewart as skipper Hobart race are intensive, including Ocean Affinity as a reprieve from his and the whole crew is to achieve a the paperwork, crew training and busy schedule and often joins the crew personal best for the boat and the organisation, uniforms, sponsors etc. throughout the year for Queensland crew. Personally I do not understand It is my responsibility as the shore regattas, including the 2012 Hamilton the motivation (being cold and wet coordinator to ensure that all of these Island Race Week.’ for three days is just not appealing) areas are looked after appropriately. Ocean Affinity’s crew for the Sydney to which is why I am happy to take on the It takes dedication and commitment Hobart this year are as follows: paperwork role and fly to Hobart to from all the team to make it work, meet the boat! The buzz of the crew and also of the wives and families Stewart Lewis, Rod Caldwell, Todd upon completing the race and arriving who support the sailors during the Anderson (owner of Corum – RQYS) in Hobart after 3-4 days in gruelling preparation. We have a fantastic Tam Faragher (owner of Kerumba – conditions in indescribable. Ocean team who all pitch in and assist with RQYS), Casper White, Rory Lynch, Affinity is very lucky in that many preparing the yacht prior to departure Craig Duffield, Mark Vickers, John wives and children come to Sydney for the race.’ Digby, Josh Willis, Eduardo Luz, to see the boat off and then travel on Hamish Crossan. About the crew.. to Hobart to see the boat arrive. Last Ocean Affinity is fortunate to have year Ocean Affinity had approximately ‘This year for the Sydney to Hobart, some long-term sponsors supporting 40 family and friends in Hobart to see the Ocean Affinity team consists of her Sydney to Hobart endeavours, them arrive. Many of the crew and a fantastic group of avid sailors from including Nautilus Marine Insurance, supporters then stay in Hobart for a diverse backgrounds. The Sydney to Pilatus Aircraft and OCEAN Media. New Year’s Eve celebration. Hobart team includes 7 return sailors

from last year’s Sydney to Hobart, with Our family, and the families of many new recruits. We are pleased to have of our crew now see the Sydney RQYS boat owners Todd Anderson to Hobart as an integral part of and Tam Faragher on board Ocean our Christmas and New Year’s Affinity for the race this year.’ celebrations!’ John Digby is a notable and much About the boat.. valued member of the Ocean Affinity Ocean Affinity is a fifteen-metre team, joining the team again this Marten 49, an Australian built vessel, year for his second Hobart race. Reichel Pugh design, and was A recent media article announced launched in 2009. She is a unique ‘The Governor in Council did, on 20 blend of racer/cruiser giving the crew November 2012, appoint Geoffrey an exciting sail, while having some John Digby QC a Judge of the home comforts below deck. Supreme Court of Victoria’. www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 15 Pelagic Australis

In May this year I set off for Puerto Williams, a small settlement on the south (Chilean) side of the Beagle Channel at the bottom of South America, to sign up as a crew member on Pelagic Australis, a 22.5m yacht, to help sail her to Cape Cape Horn Town for her annual refit. During the summer Pelagic Australis is operated as a charter boat conducting expeditions for to Cape Town people with a sense of adventure, in three locations: (i) from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia, (ii) from the Beagle Channel to Antarctica and (iii) exploring Cape Horn and the the sailing adventure of a lifetime wonders of the Beagle Channel. At the end of the season the boat is brought to a major port, By Michael Hood usually Cape Town, for a refit.

The yacht itself is quite luxurious. The control centre is a warm pilot house with the navigation station. The companionway from the pilot house to the stern leads to a spacious, heated saloon with comfortable seating for 14 people around a large table, plus the galley, an extensive library, and the communications station. Each of the two companionways from the pilot house forward leads to three, heated, double-bunk cabins. The section in the bow is unheated. This is used to store meat and vegetables (the outside temperature on this trip ranged from about -40C to about 90C in the Beagle Channel and the Falklands and rose to a high of about 130C by the time we reached Cape Town), the inflatable dinghy and kayaks, the outboard motors, etc.

16 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Six of us fee-paying crew members joined the three professional crew - skipper, 1st mate, and crew - on this refit run for a six week adventure that began in Puerto Williams. The first week was spent in a classroom with an instructor brought out from the U.K. to teach the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Yachtmaster Theory course. (A prerequisite to joining this crew is to have completed at least the RYA Day Skipper qualifications, or to have equivalent qualifications or experience). The course was fast-paced and interesting. Luckily we all passed the exams at the end of the week!

Sailing past Cape Horn The day after completing the course we sailed from Puerto Williams down the Beagle Channel east and Yachtmaster Course then turned south sailing between Navarino, Picton and Lennox islands, practicing our newly-honed navigation Cape Horn skills on the way. We anchored that night at Bahia Scourfield on Woolaston Island. We set off at dawn the following day for Cape Horn. Unbelievably, given its justifiable reputation, the weather was exceedingly calm. So calm, in fact, that we motored (almost embarrassing to write this!) from the anchorage through the archipelago that is Tierra del Fuego, past Cape Horn.

The upside to the calm weather is that we were able to land and visit the lighthouse. We were met by the Chilean lighthouse keeper and his family; they were proud to show us around their small house and chapel and show us the monuments - an albatross to commemorate the thousands of people who, over the centuries, lost their lives rounding this dangerous southern cape, and a plaque commemorating Captain Fitzroy’s voyages (with Beauty of the Beagle Channel Charles Darwin) in Tierra del Fuego.

The Beagle Channel That afternoon we sailed north between Herchel and Deceit islands and travelled through the night back into and along the Beagle Channel past Puerto Williams and Ushuaia, taking the southern fork of the channel when we arrived at Punta Divide. This is a fairly tricky navigation exercise at night. We made our way into the side fjord of Estero Coloane, anchoring and tying the boat securely with four lines to stumpy trees on the shore. This is a beautiful spot with a hanging glacier feeding into the fjord from the south and a waterfall cascading through the trees to the east. The next day we kayaked past the waterfall and clambered over and into the glacial caves - the pressure on the ice turns it a gorgeous blue. Crew dwarfed by glacier

We spent a week holidaying in spectacular fjords like this. We saw beaver dams, many different types of birds - including condors and white-chinned petrels - seals, seal lions, and the shy Chilean dolphins. We caught crabs with the large crab pot that we carried attached to the stern. Also tied on to the stern were two (deceased) lambs that gradually found their way into the stew pot. We got up close and personal with more glaciers (see photo), listened to the walls of ice cracking and falling of the glacier faces, and kayaked between the ice growlers. Our penultimate day in the Channel was spent horse- riding at Yendegaia with an Argentinian gaucho and his French girlfriend. www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 17 Blue ice in glacial cave We returned to Puerto Williams for the last night. In the morning we cleared immigration and customs and set off for the Falkland Islands.

The Falklands Whilst in the Beagle Channel we had enjoyed spectacularly nice sunny weather with calm water. It is not always thus. The Channel, a glacial valley, runs east-west for over 100 miles - we covered most of it - and frequently experiences severe weather conditions as low pressure systems follow each other, often in quick succession, around the bottom of South America. These can funnel down the Channel; we were just lucky. The weather stayed fine as we motored east (again) out of the Channel. This time we turned northeast to travel through the notorious straits of Le Maire between the Argentinian mainland and Staten Island. During the night the wind picked up to over 30 knots, we replaced the yankee with the staysail and put three reefs in the main. After a week in class and a week on holiday the southern ocean trip had begun!

We operated on a three hours on, six hours off, watch system assigning the tasks of cooking, inside cleaning and outside cleaning to the watches in a manner that caused these chores to rotate regularly. We left Puerto Williams on Wednesday 16th May and arrived in Stanley, the capital of the Falklands on a glorious sunny late afternoon on Friday 18th. The skipper had interpreted the weather forecasts well. We had left the Channel a day earlier than planned because of a strong wind warning forecast for the weekend. Sure enough, we awoke the next morning with a 35 knot Leaving the Falklands wind blowing inside Stanley harbour; apparently it was blowing 50 knots outside.

Sunday 20th May happened to be the 30th anniversary of the British landings in the Falklands war and the Falklanders (2,000 residents and about 1,000 British military) were celebrating and remembering those lost in battle. One of the local residents, a friend of our skipper, piled most of us into his Landrover and drove us from Stanley, on the east coast of the East Falkland Island to the landing site at San Carlos water on the west side. The island is windswept and very bleak. Trees don’t grow there. We arrived as the memorial church service in San Carlos was concluding. Many military personnel were there enjoying tea and snacks. The landings, apparently, did not go well. Several Royal Navy ships were sunk. The British Rapier anti-missile missiles did not operate in a downward trajectory and therefore could not be deployed by the ground troops dug in on the hillside against the low-flying Argentinian planes. British cemetery - San Carlos The ground assault on Goose Green required the British Falklands troops to march overnight across cold, hilly country. There was a hard-fought night battle during which the British commanding officer, Herbert ‘H’ Jones was killed. After about 14 hours the Argentinian troops surrendered. This was the first major ground engagement of the war.

We left Stanley on Wednesday 23rd May. That morning the deck was covered in ice. As we left the harbour it was sunny with a 20 knot westerly wind; however, this quickly increased to 35-45 knots, later falling back to a more typical 25-35 knots. We generally sailed with the staysail or yankee and with 2-3 reefs in the main. Our course was northeast all the way to Tristan da Cunha. The wind stayed west-to-northwest all the way and we had a following sea.

18 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Very comfortable sailing conditions apart from the To Cape Town not-infrequent precipitation which was in the form of We left Tristan at 4:00pm on Monday 4rd June and hail, rather than rain. We were followed by many birds, headed east towards Cape Town. The wind, 15- including several different types of albatross. 25 knots initially from the northeast backed and strengthened and by Wednesday was 30-40 knots from Tristan da Cunha the west. Perfect! It continued to back and weaken. On Saturday 2nd June as we approached the island On Thursday it blew from the southwest at 18-25 knots. we received an email from the residents requesting Very comfortable sailing with following wind and sea. our help. A young man had been swept off the rocks However, the wind strength fell off to the point where and was lost at sea. They asked us to help in the we spent the last three days motoring to Cape Town. A search-and-rescue effort. We arrived early on the little disappointing. Sunday morning and, under the direction of the local coordinator, we patrolled the south coast of the island We arrived in Cape Town early morning on Tuesday 12th during the morning, with no success. We were then June. The weather there had been terrible for the week asked to continue around to the harbour on the north prior but when we arrived it was glorious. Cape Town side of the island. We complied with this request. Later is a beautiful city and as we approached the coast early we continued to the island’s east side, Halfway Bay, morning it looked absolutely spectacular. where we anchored for the night. The trip had been fantastic, the whole experience Tristan is a volcanic island only 7 miles in diameter. It exceeded my expectations. I liked the Yachtmaster has a population of only 260 people - 7 families. There course; it taught me many things I had not known and is only one reasonably flat piece of land which is the refreshed some things I had almost forgotten. I had a location of the settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven great holiday in the Beagle Channel, in the Falklands, Seas. It lies 2,800km from the nearest major landmass, and on Tristan. I learned a lot about sailing. I enjoyed South Africa. It has very few visitors. We requested to the company my shipmates. The boat was very come ashore. Because of the strong northerly breeze comfortable and the food on board was fantastic. The the harbourmaster told us that he normally would professional crew was great; informative and helpful. have refused this request because of safety concerns But, six weeks is a long time and that watch system is coming into their small harbour in an inflatable boat. tiring. I was pleased to be back on land and pleased However, they were grateful for our assistance in their to get back to my family. It was, however, the trip of a search-and-rescue effort so he granted our request and lifetime! we timed our entrance into the harbour between sets of breaking waves. (I now have stamps in my passport from Cape Horn and Tristan!). We spent 3 hours walking around ‘Edinburgh’. The locals had planned to hold celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee that night but these had been cancelled because of the tragic loss of one of their community (his body was never found). It is a small, well-kept, pleasant village: one cafe, one supermarket (sort-of), and two churches (one Protestant, one Catholic), and a very interesting cemetery.

Arrival at Cape Town Tristan da Canha

www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 19 RQYS

Sailing Academy by Charlotte McDonnell

Since my last article I am very happy time for our junior sailors at RQYS. to say that there has been lots of With Christmas rolling in as quickly action around the Squadron, with all as the elves can wrap all our our young Tackers children filling the presents we cannot forget our bay with bright coloured sails. The December Sail and Play program Tackers Launch was a great success which has become synonymous with a visit from Australia’s Olympic with school holidays. This Christmas gold medallists Malcolm Page and holiday will be no different and with Mat Belcher. It was a very special the places booking up ever so fast occasion for all involved at the I urge you all to contact me at the Squadron, and a definite highlight Sailing Academy to confirm a place. for the all the students and parents The available dates are below. involved. Our newly revamped Opti Squad Our Tackers sailors have endured has been continuing their training some very interesting weather the every week religiously with our Opti past few weeks but this has not Racer coaches Hayden Johnson and deterred them from taking part in Ella Evans. The Opti Squad train in every activity possible, learning the morning and many continue to tactics, knots and playing plenty of participate in the afternoon open sailing related games and having fleet racing on the southern course. Christmas School Holiday dates loads of fun on the water. Some The Squad will continue racing and to lock into the diary: of our Tackers are as young as five training till mid-December when • Sail and Play 17th to 21st December years old and it’s really fantastic many will make the journey to Sandy • Sail and Play 7th to 11TH January to see their enthusiasm at such a Bay Tasmania for the Australian • Tackers 1, 2, and 3 14th to 17th January young age. This program is very Optimist Championships. We wish • Tackers 1, 2, 3 21 to 24th January exciting for junior sailing pathway all these sailors the best of luck. and we hope to see all these young Tackers racing in our club open Finally a big thanks to all the adults racing in years to come. With an who have recently taken part in our Please contact us here at the Sailing outstanding 87 new Tackers children Better Sailing courses, Introduction Academy 3396 8666 if you have enrolled in our program along to Sailing and Ladies sailing any questions on sailing courses or with a fleet of new Ozi Opti boats, programs. We are looking forward upcoming regattas. supplied by Whitworths Marine & to seeing you all out on the water Leisure, this is definitely an exciting again very soon.

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www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 21 Murray River sunset Huckleberry King tackles a Murray River Odyssey

By Rex King

It was August last year that I trucked the good ship I HAD TALKED ABOUT IT FOR LONG Bonito Gold south to Mildura to commence my two Kenyon Sportsmonth Photos 1200km Murray, Darling and Coorong long ENOUGH, EVERYONE THOUGHT I awaited adventure. WAS MAD. PROBABLY AM. MOST COMMENTED, “THERE IS NO WATER Rex points out the 2011 flood level IN THE MURRAY,” WHICH WAS TRUE FOR A LONG TIME. HOWEVER, AN UNUSUALLY WET SUMMER PROVIDED TWO BONUSES, ONE THE MURRAY AND THE DARLING HAD PLENTY OF WATER AND THE BRISBANE FLOODS HAD PROVIDED ME WITH A SUITABLE BOAT FOR THE TRIP.

22 mainsheet Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Summer Kenyon Sports Photos Kenyon Sports Photos

Wentworth Show Junction of the Murray & Darling

Bonito Gold was one of two boats left in the Brisbane After departing Mildura I headed for Wentworth with River after the flood. She was on a mooring outside the my first overnight stay on the way, tied up to a tree and Brisbane Sailing Club at Bulimba looking a bit neglected; watched the sun go down while, enjoying a red, one of little did she know what was in store for her having just many on this trip. survived one of Brisbane's biggest floods. The owner lived in Charleville of all places for a boat owner, we Wentworth is at the junction of the Murray and the settled on a price and with a bit of work the project was Darling and was the hub of the river traffic in the late under way. eighteen hundreds when over 300 paddle steamers travelled the Murray-Darling system. Whilst in Wentworth After trucking the boat south I departed Mildura on I went to the Wentworth Show which is regarded as 25th August clearing Lock 11, Mildura at 11.00am. The one of the best country shows in Australia, well worth journey to the mouth of the Murray had now begun. the visit. Russ Bampton was joining me for the next 370 km to Berri so before Russ turned up I headed up the The Murray is a locked system similar to the French Darling which is completely different to the Murray with Canals, the last lock being at Goolwa SA, which they its own distinct character and a prolific bird life, rounding refer to as the Barrage, this is where the Murray enters some corners the river would be covered in birds, bank- Bass Strait. to-bank. Huckleberry King tackles a Murray River Odyssey Ready for another camp fire

By Rex King

www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 23 Lock 10 - Wentworth Moorna Station Homestead

The beauty of cruising the rivers is the ability to pull Underway at 8.30am on Saturday morning with clear skies over to the bank, nose the boat on to the shore, tie and a light breeze, this section is known as the Murray up to a tree, no anchor and no tide, light a camp fire River Sunset National Park. We weaved our way through a and relax, pure bliss. lot of groynes in this section which they use to direct the flow of the river in times of low water levels. On returning to Wentworth, Russ joined the boat and we cleared Lock 10, and for the next 200 km We then passed Lake Victoria Station homestead and you have to be self-sufficient as there are no towns spent the night at Devil’s Elbow on a great little sand basically travelling through open country and grazing island we named Bonito Island a really beautiful spot. We properties with some beautiful old homesteads, the climbed to the top of the cliffs and for the first time for scenery is superb. We were travelling at approx 5kts days had phone reception. It was here that I heard from over the ground with the motor just above idle and Graham Sneesby that my ticket had been drawn out in the with the help of a slight current. Emirates Raffle what a great surprise and a good excuse to celebrate. Caught yabbies, they are like a small cray Frenchman’s Creek is on this stretch and leads some and prawns, cooked them up on the fire and enjoyed 30klm up to Lake Victoria, we went about 10km up another sunset after yet again another rewarding day. and pulled over for lunch. Sunday morning, with breakfast on the move, we That afternoon we cleared Lock 9 and proceeded passed Warrakoo Station, through to Pollards Cutting and to Ned’s Corner Station where we went ashore for a Lindsay’s Cliffs absolutely spectacular scenery. Passed the look around. A former grazing property of old Cal Cal Police station ruin and crossed the border into 30,000ha purchased in 1972 and now a Conservation South Australia, now 658km from the mouth of the river, reserve, well worth a look at their web site. this border crossing involved drinking a few cold beers to celebrate. To be continued...

Devil’s Elbow

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Russell enjoys a drink to celebrate the border crossing

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www.rqys.com.au mainsheet 25