CRUISING GROUP HISTORY

Page 1 CONTENTS

PAGE 4 Forward A SEED OF AN IDEA (1991-1995) PAGE 5 1991 PAGE 6 1992 - 1993 PAGE 8 1994 PAGE 9 1995 GROWING STEADILY (1996-2000) PAGE 10 1996 PAGE 12 1997 PAGE 14 1998 PAGE 16 1999 PAGE 18 2000 CONSOLIDATION AND GROWTH (2001-2005) PAGE 20 2001 PAGE 22 2002 PAGE 24 2003 PAGE 26 2004 PAGE 28 2005 Cruising Group Chairs FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH (2006-2010) PAGE 30 2006 JOHN MOWSON 1991-1992 PAGE 32 2007 CLIVE HEARNE 1992-1993 PAGE 34 2008 JIM PATTON 1994-1997 PAGE 36 2009 PAGE 38 2010 CLIVE HEARNE 1998-2000 CRUISING ON, INTO THE FUTURE (2011-2015) DAVID JAMES 2000-2003 PAGE 40 2011 LYN BINGHAM 2004-2006 PAGE 42 2012 WILL MERRITT 2006-2012 PAGE 44 2013 PAGE 46 2014 ROD WATSON 2013-2014 PAGE 48 2015 ROGER WALKER 2014-CURRENT PAGE 50 The musings of a cruiser

Page 2 Page 3 A seed of an idea 1991-1995

Foreward 1996 From humble beginnings 25 years ago the Cruising Group quickly grew into an important element within Royal Brighton Yacht Club. It seems that the birth of the Cruising Group Ian Twentyman, the Commodore at the time, Since the group was formed, hard-working came about when like-minded RBYC members was in favour of the idea and supported the committee members have endeavoured to came together with their ideas and a common formation of a Cruising Division as part of the provide a varied and interesting program interest. Sailing Committee. He, John Mowson and Jim Patton regularly met for a morning cuppa out of monthly meetings as well as social and In 1990 David Pollard was a member of the on John’s boat ‘Greenough’, with David Pollard ‘on water’ activities. Successive Chairmen Sailing Committee. He surveyed the yachts in joining in after a time. This was when discussion and Committees are to be thanked for their the marina to form a yachting register classifying began about the formation of a Cruising Division dedication. the yachts into three Racing Divisions. However and the activities they could organise. In recent years Newsletter Editors have while conducting the survey he found a group produced informative monthly newsletters to of yachts that weren’t racing, but were basically Miriam and Brian Cherry were racing at the keep members abreast of forthcoming events. cruising yachts, and so placed this group into an time, as well as cruising occasionally along For those wishing to cruise, the Annual Bass informal Cruising Division. the northern Bass Strait coast. They had just purchased Peter Joubert’s Billabong and were Strait ‘cruises in company’ present an excellent Meanwhile club member John Mowson had keen to extend their cruising further offshore - means of extending cruising experience beyond been reading about Cruising Groups in yachting so they joined the group too. Port Phillip Bay. magazines, sowing the seed in his mind that Over the years Cruising Group has provided RBYC could form a Cruising Group. John Mowson became the Founding Chairman opportunities to meet and socialise with fellow of the Cruising Division and a number of yacht club members, both on and off the water, Founding Chair, successful bay trips were held. John spent 18 resulting in many long-lasting friendships. John Mowson months as Chairman before moving to Perth, As we head into the next 25 years we hope this and recalls that in these early days he personally continues for many years to come. rang interested cruisers to make things happen. The first official sail of the newly formed Cruising Division was to RYCV in January 1991, where 25-30 boats and about 80 members sailed to Williamstown and enjoyed a barbeque on the Acknowledgement lawn in perfect weather. This event has been The RBYC Cruising Group Committee would like celebrated as the official start of the Cruising to thank Pam Merritt, with the support of Lyn Group, with a birthday BBQ cruise to Royals on Bingham, for the generous hours spent collating the third Sunday in January ever since. the history of our wonderful group. 2016 marks the 25th Anniversary. Thanks also to Robina Smith and Rod Watson for the use of their Bass Strait photos.

Page 4 Page 5 1992 1993

118TH RBYC ANNUAL REPORT (1992-1993)

From the 117th Annual Report (1991-1992) By now the Cruising Division had formed its the Commodore’s Report reads... own Sub-Committee, listed in the 1992-1993 Annual Report as Vice Commodore Clive Hearne (Chairman), Ken Brown, Peter Metherall, Fergus McPherson, Jim Patton and David Pollard. 117TH RBYC ANNUAL REPORT CRUISING DIVISION REPORT Chairman Clive Hearne had the honour of I am pleased to present this inaugural report on behalf of all RBYC presenting the Inaugural Report of the Cruising Yachtsmen. This year saw a further interest in Cruising Division. cruising and the group had a number Early this season it was agreed to form a Sub-Committee to cater for the of successful trips. Our founding needs, and to further the aims, of members who wish to pursue yachting Chairman moved to Perth during the in a broader sense, complementing our Sailing Committee’s task of year, however from a sound start the administering the racing program. Division, now led by Rear Commodore Although our Club’s Charter refers to ‘racing between yachts in particular’ Clive Hearne and club member Jim it is obvious that most boats go to sea at times ‘other than’ and ‘as Patton, has continued to assist well as’ racing. We have at present 73 yachts and more than 160 members members not actively involved in registered as Cruising Members of RBYC. racing to sail together and enjoy their boats. Our program has become an integral part of ‘on water’ and ashore events of the Club.

IAN TWENTYMAN, Regular meetings to share special interests and information are held Commodore Second Cruising Group Chair monthly. Our thanks to those members and guests who have shared their - Clive Hearne experiences with us. Information is also published in our ‘Cruising Newsletter’. Congratulations to our editor Peter Metherall for his effort this year. On July 12th 1992 the first Frostbite Cruise Kindred clubs who also have active cruising fleets have formed a ‘Combined’ was held at Victoria Dock, an event that has Award Committee to co-ordinate voyages and day trips this season. A highlight continued to take place on the Yarra River on will be a ‘Cruise in Company’ to Lord Howe Island during February 1994. the first Sunday of July each year. ManyWinners RBYC yachts have cruised to In August 1993 the Combined Cruising Divisions of kindred clubs gathered distant parts over recent years, but none for the Inaugural Dinner Dance held at RBYC. This was a huge success with more successfully than Gumblossom. good representation from other clubs. Congratulations to Thorry Gunnersen, winner Finally, thanks to my committee, especially Jim Patton and David Pollard, of the first ‘Cruiser of the Year’ award. and members Di Patton, Judy Hodgkins and Joan Hearne for their contribution to our social activities. CLIVE HEARNE Vice Commodore

Page 6 Page 7 1994 1995

Jim Patton took over as Chairman, with Ken The Cruising Committee was: Brown, David Mattiske, Peter Metherall, Jim Patton (Chairman), Peter Metherall (Newsletter Editor), Ken Brown, Fergus McPherson, Fergus McPherson and David Pollard on David Mattiske, David Pollard, Bill Westerbeek and Judy Hodgkins. committee. The first official newsletter, a single page, was produced in May, June and October, with Peter Metherall as Editor. There were 75 active members who met on the 1995 Newsletter was the first ‘two page’ edition, 3rd Friday of each month in the downstairs Bill with the introduction of ‘Member News’ The second Combined Cruisers Dinner Dance Currie Library. and ‘Nautical Terminology’, the forerunner was held on August 29th at SYC, with several of ‘Captain Coxswain’. Both these newsletter ‘On water’ activities included a Veteran Skippers tables of RBYC members. columns continue 20 years later! Race, cruises to RYCV, Mornington and QCYC, as well as a combined RBYC/QCYC ‘on land’ BBQ to Peter and Jan Metherall set off in Penyllan for a the You Yangs. shakedown cruise in preparation for setting out on their planned world circumnavigation Monthly meetings continued to prosper, with Award in 1996. growing attendances and interesting speakers. MurrayWinners Smitheram, Adams Rib, was the In June 1995 the first Classical Music Evening winner of the 1993-94 RBYC/QCYC was held - another tradition that continues Cruising Yachtsman of the Year award. today. Committee member David Mattiske had an interest in the MSO and was responsible for organising the first few Classical Music Nights. The first, ‘A Midwinter Soiree’, was a night of Award 119TH RBYC ANNUAL REPORT (1993-1994) chamber music accompanying dinner. David Mattiske organised the musical program, with TheWinners 1994-1995 RBYC/QCYC Cruising Diana Patton and Judy Hodgkins assisting with Yachtsman of the Year was awarded organisation to ensure a successful evening. CRUISING DIVISION REPORT to Martin and Judy O’Donohue for their During the year Judy Hodgkins took over as circumnavigation lasting more than We continue to cater for the needs of those members who wish to go to sea in the the (still single page) Newsletter Editor, with Bill 5 years on their yacht Kinta 111. broader sense and, complementing the racing fraternity, we have maintained our Westerbeek doing the layout. The September members. One of the highlights was the Inaugural ‘Veterans’ Race Day organised by David Pollard. Three RBYC boats participated in the Lord Howe Island Cruise, surviving the vagaries of the weather and East Coast currents. Its success will ensure that further events to far flung destinations will be organised in the future. Our monthly meetings continue to prosper with mixed attendance, unfortunately. We continue to be able to find interesting speakers from within our Club Members. JIM PATTON Chairman

Page 8 Page 9 1996-2000 Growing Steadily InClub late 1995 thereLibrary was a proposal that a library members, and donations of boating books be established at RBYC in the room next to the and furniture were requested. Olympic Lounge. This idea met with approval By September the newly named ‘Bill Currie and gained momentum during 1996, with a Library’ was ‘looking terrific’ with painting working bee held to clean and fit out completed, refurbishment of the table, heater the room. installed, wall units and book shelves in place 1996 Proceeds from the Classical Music Evening and new curtains. Chairman Jim Patton, Diana went towards refurbishment of the former Patton and Ken Brown were driving forces The next five years saw steady growth of the Cruising Division, with an official renaming to Regatta Room to provide a library for use by behind this project. Cruising Group in 1998. Jim Patton continued as Chairman, with Ken Brown, John Goldsmith, David Mattiske, David Pollard, Gary Tischler, Judy Hodgkins (Newsletter Editor) and Bill A cruise from Port Phillip to Port Lincoln in Westerbeek (Newsletter Layout) on Committee. Monthly meetings continued to attract a February 1997 was proposed and organisation regular audience to the list of talented speakers. begun. A Cruise Committee of Jim Patton, Bill Westerbeek and Ken Brown was formed to run FromDid the you1996 Newsletters... know? the cruise. This cruise could be considered to A two page Newsletter was issued in February, be a forerunner to the Annual Bass Strait (and April, May, June, August and September. These • Having recently sailed back from Devonport beyond) Cruising Group ‘Cruise in Company’. issues included News Items, Member News, a on Auctioneer, Judy Hodgkins cannot An unbelievable 87 yachts from around the bay regular Notice Board of upcoming events and understand why Bass Strait crossings are initially expressed interest, with greatly reduced Nautical Terminology. planned with such caution and nervousness. numbers actually participating! “I’ve seen more turbulence in a glass of This year also saw the introduction of Pursuit In this year the first Cruising Division t-shirts and Barocca” she was reported as saying. The only Racing at the club, co-ordinated by Cruising close shave with death was experienced by a Committee member John Goldsmith. The wind cheaters were available to order at a cost of $22 each. fellow crew member who was given the job of first race was held on February 24th with the getting Judy up in the early morning to intention of attracting more ‘cruising boats’ out stand watch. on the water to race. JohnJohn GoldsmithGoldsmith co-ordinatedco-ordinated thethe firstfirst A notable event on the social calendar was Pursuit Racing at the club. Award • Penyllan, Peter and Jan Metherall, are waiting the second Classical Music Evening on Friday Jim Patton out SE Queensland’s ‘big wet’ and the 24th May - “Autumn Leaves”. The evening was was awarded accompanying easterlies in Mooloolaba. May a sell out and featured a woodwind ensemble, 1996-1997 ClubmanWinners of the Year for his 1996 CLASSICAL MUSIC EVENING the sun shine on them from here. accompanied by Tamara Vasilevitsky on piano, outstanding services to Cruising Division. playing music by Mozart, Hayden and Schubert. • Adams Rib arrived in Eden after a 46 hour run from QCYC. Murray and Barbara Smitheram In the June ‘96 newsletter a report deemed the Such was the enthusiasm of our are in good company with Curley and Anna evening ‘a great success’. organiser to appropriately ‘deck out’ Robinson, and Rosie Colohan doing the the room with foliage that she was Eden leg. Rosie was reportedly eyeing off rumoured to have been seen stalking the spinnaker across the ‘Paddock’ but the RBYC/QCYC New Street with a chain-saw, eyeing ‘geriatric’ watch wouldn’t be in it! Cruising Award off all manner of plants. Reg (General Yachtsman Manager) and RBYC staff are still • Frank Smith’s Under Capricorn was last heard of of the Year Winners finding autumn leaves in the most at Lizard Island on the way back from Jim Patton – for his dedication to cruising unlikely nooks and crannies! ort Douglas. and organisation of on-water activities.

Page 10 Page 11 Bay cruises were held to Point Cook and New Members welcomed: Portarlington, as well as the Frostbite Cruise Denis & Chris McConnell - Schuss 1997 to North Wharf and a gathering at the club on Sunday 30th November. Will & Pam Merritt - Chindrina Ben Shepherd - Ayesha With Jim Patton continuing as Chairman the Cruising Division was in good hands, especially The third Classical Music Evening, ‘Baroque Kevin Whitelaw & Marlene - Moët with his able committee, including several new members, of Lyn Bingham (Newsletter Editor), Interlude’, was held in June - once again Bill Westerbeek (Newsletter Layout), Ken Brown, John Carruthers, John Goldsmith, Chris Holliday, organised by David Mattiske and once again Andrew & Karen Parker - Highland Fling David Mattiske and Gary Tishler. a sell out with 180 guests. The evening was deemed a success with some spellbinding music, glamorous gowns and convivial atmosphere. From the July, 1997 newsletter - “The room looked magnificent with a hanging FromDid the you1997 Newsletters... know? garden surrounding the musicians, columns and • Ayesha’s John Carruthers and crew arrived urns decorated with gold tassels and the tables safely back to RBYC after their cruise to Port decorated in the baroque manner with candelabra, Lincoln, having suffered a 30 to 50 knot fruit, gold leaves etc”. beating and some broken gear on their Following the success of the Music Night, an return journey. afternoon Classical Music Concert was held in • Christine Tishler, when contemplating the September with 130 attending. planned cruise to Point Cook in May, said The Bill Currie Library was taking shape, with “Oh no, another day sailing with Gary in 3m a dedicated regular team of Noela Gower, waves”. Dockside Tavern, Port Lincoln June Linacre and Diana Patton meeting every • Bass Strait Cruising in these days generally Tuesday to cover and catalogue the many meant ‘The Men’ got ‘The Boat’ to ‘The donated books, over 200 at this stage. Destination’ while ‘The Ladies’ joined them The very successful ‘Currie Port Phillip to Port event. Currie & Company, under management of by land or air. Two notable exceptions were Lincoln’ cruise took place in February, with Past Commodore Bill Currie and his son David, Also of interest, the monthly 3rd Friday meetings Miriam Cherry and Rosie Colahan 20 yachts from various clubs around the bay were major sponsors of the cruise. were held in the newly established library at participating - Adams Rib, Akala, Amaya, Ayesha, this time. • The Cruising Newsletter, with Lyn Bingham Interlude, Jubilation, Judet, Kathleen 7, Kiandra, Miriam Cherry, as Editor, grew from 2 pages to 4 during Laughing Cavalier, Lena, Marie Louise 1V, Nagisa, Lena, continued Award Bill Currie the year. Quickmatch, Rosamund Duncan, Sirimi, Solace, to cruise after Sovereign Lady, Tilting at Windmills and Tom some boat From the November Newsletter Bowling. Winners malfunctions, as well as Brian needing to Notice Board: While in South Australian waters the RBYC return home to attend to family issues, and team of Amaya, Laughing Cavalier and Tilting at was the well deserved 1996-1997 RBYC/ Windmills won the Lincoln Week Regatta Team’s QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of the Year. A few of us are getting together for an end-of-year BBQ on the Club’s ‘Currie Port Phillip to Port Lincoln’ cruise. verandah. BYO sausages, salads etc and come along for a social get together. See you around 6pm.

This was probably the forerunner of our very popular Annual Hardstand Christmas Party.

Page 12 Page 13 Lyn Bingham, Will Merritt, Maz and Bill 1998 Westerbeek at the Fourth Annual Classical Muic Evening Did you know? From the 1998 Newsletters... • Third Friday of the Month meetings were now held in the Committee Room. In late 1997 there was a change of watch with 123RD RBYC ANNUAL REPORT (1997-1998) • David and Beverlie Asprey Vivace, have joined Jim Patton resigning as Chairman and Clive Cruising Division, as have Ian and Judy Mather Hearne taking over the helm. Since the formation of RBYC’s Cruising in Rampallion, a Northshore 33. On committee were Jim Patton (Secretary), Division in 1991, the group has Lyn Bingham (Editor), Bill Westerbeek and • Andrew and Karen Parker Highland Fling are continued to grow both in numbers and Sophie Doran (Layout), David Mattiske, John cruising the Whitsundays - having trucked activities. Quite often members of Goldsmith, John Carruthers and their boat up. kindred clubs also join our events. The fourth Annual Music Night MC Chris Holliday. • Kerrie and Linda McGorlick purchased Our regular meetings on the 3rd Friday Classical Music Evening Chairman Clive Hearne Two RBYC members, Jim Patton Kathleen 7 and was once again a Waterfront Bar in Tassie and sailed her back to of each month continue to be well RBYC early in the year. Phil Mellett Free Spirit, participated in the Tall attended and help boost the numbers in sell-out. The theme, Ships Race from Sydney to Hobart. They were our dining room and bar. ‘Romancing in Vienna’, • A Nocturnal Rip Tour, conducted by the ORCV, joined for the Circumnavigation of Tasmania was enhanced by was held in April on the MV JJ Farnsworth. Notable events this season included Cruise by David Spriggs Renaissance, David ‘tasteful decor’ and With commentary by Robin Hewitt and the ‘Tall Ships Race’ and the Bingham Amaya, Richard Oliver Sovereign Lady supported by a superb careful guidance by David Spriggs, the tour Circumnavigation of Tasmania Cruise. and David James and Rosie Colahan Jubilation. menu with Austrian was an enjoyable and educational experience cuisine. Those attending for Cruising members. were treated to the Brahms Piano Quartet and the Mozart Clarinet Quintet played by Tamara Vasilevitsky - piano; Sergei Tchybykin - clarinet; Irina Grigorian - 1st Award violin; Tatiana Chudnovski - 2nd violin; John Quaine - viola and Gregory Puterman - cello. RosieWinners Colahan was the 1997-1998 RBYC/ As usual the evening was declared a QCYC Cruising Yachtsperson of the resounding success. Year. Nicknamed ‘Spinnaker Lill’ for her enthusiasm for spinnaker hoists, Rosie had a Bay cruises included a Point Cook Picnic Cruise, long and impressive sailing history starting Queens Birthday Cruise to Davey’s Bay, Frostbite at Frankston Yacht Club at the age of 9. Cruise to North Wharf as well as participation in Participants of the Rosie and husband David sailed Jubilation several ORCV ‘Rip Tours’. Circumnavigation of Tasmania down Tasmania’s Cruise aboard Kathleen 7. By now the Cruising Newsletter became a west coast to Heritage Landing, Gordon River regular monthly publication of 4 pages. meet Kathleen 7 in Storm Bay in time In October 1998, with Clive Hearne driving the to escort her to rallied, with working bees held to convert the decision, it was decided to change the name At the suggestion of Committee member Bill the finish of the room to a gym and install equipment. Driving from Cruising Division to Cruising Group. Westerbeek the little used squash court, located Sydney to Hobart forces behind this project were Bill and Maz It was felt this was a more inclusive name that in the south-eastern basement corner of the Tall Ships Race, Westerbeek, Jim and Di Patton, Tom and Connie reflected the ideals and activities of clubhouse, was converted into a gymnasium returning home Laux and Frank Smith. the members. for use by members (actually now the ‘dreaded via Tassie’s east dungeon’!). Cruising members once again coast.

Page 14 Page 15 Chairman Clive ‘Bonaparte’ Hearne, looked New Members Welcomed: resplendent with a fine white moustache and 1999 French tricorn hat. Profits from this wonderful • Geoff Champion and Val Vernon - evening went towards refurbishment of the new owners of Mikado 11 Committee Room chairs. • Bukhard Franz, owner of Freycinet The 4 page monthly newsletter continued to • Ralph and Gwen Higgins and their boat Ragar Continuing under the leadership of Past Commodore Clive Hearne, 1999 Committee members flourish under Lyn Bingham’s Editorship. were Jim Patton (Secretary)’ Lyn Bingham (Editor), Bill Westerbeek (Layout), David Mattiske, John Guest speakers this year included: • Gary Rowswell, a crew member on Iona Goldsmith, John Carruthers and Sophie Doran. Ken Lippold - who built a 17m catamaran • Grant and Jenny Collins - currently boat-less Panrod 11 in his backyard. and looking for adoption. David James and Rosie Colahan presenting their account of the fateful 1998 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, supported by a video presentation of the race. Antarctic Night - presented by a group of Cruising members who had recently visited. Did you know? Professor Peter Joubert - boat designer of From the 1999 Newsletters... a range of very seaworthy and competitive • The Green Queen, Ayesha, was back in the yachts, including his own, Kingurra. bay after her Kangaroo Island cruise, having Duncan Sandel - yacht rigger. made a significant dent in South Australia’s reserves of red wine and beer. Apart from a Peter Johns - cruising the canals of Europe. Cruisers at Pier 35 celebrating the 8th Birthday of couple of spells of heavy weather the ‘Three Cruising Group. The 8th Annual Birthday Bash was held a little Muscatelles’ (John Carruthers, Ben Sheppard later than usual, well quite a bit later - on May and Jim Yarra) had a great time and were 1998-1999 RBYC ANNUAL REPORT 23rd at Pier 35, the new Marina and restaurant surprisingly coherent when relating their in the Yarra River. The turn up far exceeded the Award adventures. 40 or so who had booked, which caused some • Five boats - Sovereign Lady, Renaissance, consternation with staff. RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman of the Fayoum, Iona and Chindrina participated in an This group’s activities continue to In all 84 members and guests - an excellent Year for 1998/1999 was Robin Hewitt. Anzac Day cruise to Point Cook organised by have the enthusiastic support of turn-out which demonstrated the growing Robin sailed Yoko in the Melbourne-Osaka John Goldsmith. Sunny, calm conditions made our members. The 150 or so members interest in the group’s social activities. Race, placing 2nd overall and winner of his for a great day out. represent about 70 - 80 boats, division. most who race (but enjoy the cruise Plans were afoot to organise an RBYC Cruise • Don Amoore, Lutana 11, has arrived in Turkey in Company to New Zealand to coincide A veteran yacht well prepared, right down back), or are otherwise engaged in to the homemade after a passage through the Red Sea. Club activities. with the America’s Cup in early 2000. Several skippers expressed interest in this event, with featherweight • Rosie Colahan was recently interviewed on Many of our ‘Cruisers’ enjoy weekly organisation eventually being taken over by sails to get him SBS on a regular segment, ‘Women in Sport’. Pursuit races. the ORCV. through the It was a good interview with excerpts from doldrums. It was the video of Jubilation’s recent Sydney to Each month we are able to produce Once again the Classical Music Evening was a Robin who said “I Hobart Race featuring Rosie on the helm and and distribute about 200 Cruising sell-out success with 162 attending. The theme enjoy ocean racing, ‘Diesel Dave’ in the background. Newsletters, keeping our members was ‘Esprit de France en Juin’ and featured but enjoy even informed and entertained with chatty music from French composers, with piano, more the cruise news and gossip. violin, double bass and harp. Touches of red, back home”. white and blue adorned the room and the MC,

Page 16 Page 17 2000 Di and Jim Patton Award FromDid the you2000 Newsletters... know? Jim and Diana Patton retired from the Committee after many RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman of the • This year’s Frostbite Cruise saw record numbers years of working tirelessly to make the Cruising Group a success Year was David Bingham - a well deserved attending - 13 boats and 58 people. Boats - having been involved since its inception. In July a dinner was award for his participation in the New attending were Achernar 11, Ayesha, Charliebird, held in the Committee Room in recognition of Jim’s ten years on Zealand cruise earlier in the year. the committee and his dedicated loyalty and hard work. Chindrina, Eveready, Iona, Jubilation, Leading Lady, Lena, Red William, Seaduction, Sovereign Lady and Taurus.

Current Chairman Clive Hearne continued to • Cruising Group continued to support the lead the group, with Committee members Lyn running of the gymnasium and library, with Bingham, Bill Westerbeek, John Carruthers, John Nolah Gower and Beverlie Asprey helping out Goldsmith, David Pollard and Sophie Doran in the library on a regular basis. being joined during the year by Will Merritt, David James and David Asprey. • Peter and Jan Metherall departed in Penyllan to circumnavigate the globe. The plan was to The major cruise for the year was the America’s head up the East Coast, on around the top to Cup Cruise to New Zealand which, after Clive Hearne handing over the helm to David James Malaysia - and beyond. an enormous amount of effort from the becoming the fourth Chairman of the Cruising Cruising Committee, led by Jim Patton, was Group. subsequently co-ordinated by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria. In all 8 boats participated, 3 A big event on Anzac Day was the wedding of from RBYC - Eveready, Tilting at Windmills and Committee member John Goldsmith to Nevis Amaya. Eveready experienced gear damage and Tedoldi, which took place at St. James Church, returned to Eden. Point Lonsdale, with the reception at QCYC. The wedding was attended by most of the YetClassical another wonderful Music Classical EveningMusic Evening Bay cruises included visits to SYC, Point Cook Cruising Committee and partners, as well as in June with 140 guests. ‘Corelli to Cole’ featured and the Annual Frostbite Cruise which attracted other cruising friends. 13 yachts and about 60 people - a great ‘roll Quartet Brunetto, superbly performing works Heard at QCYC on John Goldsmith’s up’. As well, land trips to the Port of Melbourne by Corelli, Mozart, Brahms, Massenet, Elgar wedding night: Control Tower and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Gershwin and Cole Porter. Music Night decorating committee: Joan Hearne, Lyn Bingham, Diana Patton and Wendy Pollard were organised. Rod Ryan, warming his back by the fire, calls to John Goldsmith: “Well John, you can step onto your boat, take your bride in your arms and say ‘Iona’. Bill Westerbeek, Frank Smith, Jim Yarra, Ben Sheppard, Quick as a flash from John: David James, John Caruthers and David Bingham at “Well Rod, you can step onto your boat, take the Classical Music Evening Melita in your arms and say ‘She’s a Lady’. In November members of the Cruising Group committee, who were in Queenscliff for QCYC’s In October Clive Hearne vacated the Chair after Opening Day, visited Point Lonsdale three years. He was thanked for his cheerful Lighthouse. They were made to feel very presence and hard work during his time as welcome and enjoyed a tour of the control Chairman. David James took over the helm, centre and the light.

Page 18 Page 19 Third Friday of the month meetings 2001-2005 continued to be well attended, with speakers Consolidation and growth this year including: Did you know? Darryl Jones: Rescue Helicopter Pilot with From the 2001 Newsletters... the Victoria Police Air Wing. • Cruising Group’s 10th birthday was celebrated in Cruising Group Committee celebrating 10 years Alby McCracken: Para Anchors style on January 21st with 15 boats and around 90 people sailing over for a picnic lunch on the lawn at David Pollard and Bill Westerbeek: Royals on a sunny summer’s Sunday. Messing Around in Boats. 2001 • On the Bass Strait Cruise to Wilson’s Prom and Harrow Morgan: Flinders Island in March Will Merritt’s Chindrina Editor of the annual ‘Dog Watch’, published entered Refuge Cove being majestically towed by by the Shiplovers’ Society of Victoria. Brian and Miriam Cherry’s Lena. Something about Commander Colin Jones: Commanding engine failure due to weed in the inlet pipe. Brian did observe afterwards that he had the coldest Officer of HMAS Cerebus at Westernport. beer he’d ever had - thanks to a couple of hours of Gordon Syme: towing. Yachtmaster Sailing School. Navigation - Cruising Group continued to flourish under the leadership of new Chairman David James and his • Lyn and David Bingham and Pam and Will Merritt committee of Lyn Bingham (Editor), Bill Westerbeek (Layout), David Asprey, John Carruthers, Will traditional and modern methods. cruised in the Whitsundays on David Brown’s Merritt, David Pollard and Jim Yarra (ie. Lyn and her ‘boys’). Anthony Brown: (Chef for 15 years) Seaduction for ten days. Favourite snorkelling area - Demonstrated 4 or 5 dishes which can be Manteray Bay. In January Cruising Group celebrated its 10th birthday with a sail to cooked at sea on a two-burner stove. RYCV and a BBQ lunch on the lawn. Around 15 yachts and 90 people • Andrew and Karen Parker packed up Highland Fling attended, reflecting the strong following for the group. David Axup: to be transported north to the Whitsundays. Cruising the Canadian west coast. A clever and efficient way to get to cruise your own In early March 47 guests enjoyed a chicken and champagne supper on yacht in faraway places without the long slog the schooner Enterprize as she slipped her mooring at Williamstown for from Melbourne. a fantastic 2 hour Sunset Cruise. Those present even witnessed David James scaling the rigging. In June yet another great Classical Music Evening. ‘Mendelssohn’s Family and Friends’ saw around 130 people listen to delightful music by the First Annual Bass Strait Cruise woodwind quartet ‘Ensemblinx.’ We were fortunate that David Asprey’s The first of the Annual Bass Strait Cruises was held in March - to Flinders Island via Wilsons Promentory (Refuge Cove) and Deal Island. Cutting the 10th MSO involvement enabled him to engage such top quality musicians. Eleven yachts participated: Birthday Cake Funds from this evening went towards the installation of the fireplace in the Club bar. Achernar 11 (Frank Smith) Adam’s Rib (Murray Smitheram) Amaya (David Bingham) Bilyana (Graeme Helleren) Award Brindabella 11 (Roger Sayers) Chindrina (Will Merritt) RBYC/QCYC Cruising YachtsmanWinners of the Year was Jubilation (David James) Bill Westerbeek. Bill had a long history of cruising, Kathleen 7 (Jim Patton) was a keen Committee member and in recent Lena (Brian Cherry) times had spent a lot of time and effort on the Seaduction (David Brown) Cruising Newsletter layout. Taurus (Ron Thiele) Gordon Syme was the winner of the Stars and Unfavourable weather for much of the time did not dampen enthusiasm and the cruise was deemed Bill Compass Trophy. a success. A daily sched on HF radio from ‘ship to shore’ (Brighton Base) was manned by David Pollard, Westerbeek Gordon Syme Wendy Pollard and Bill Westerbeek.

Page 20 Page 21 Third Friday dinner speakers 2002 included: David Ryan Sail Repairs at Sea FromDid the you2002 Newsletters... know? Richard Barton Water Police Squad - licensing Those hardy souls who ventured to King Island requirements, marine regulations, EPIRBS Etc. • in March had the unforgettable experience Committee members: David James (Chairman and Newsletter Layout), Lyn Bingham (Editor), Captain John Carroll of showering in a green concrete tank , roof David Asprey, John Carruthers, John Goldsmith, Will Merritt, David Pollard, Bill Westerbeek and Port Phillip Sea Pilot - ‘Big Ships, Little Ships’ half open to the elements, with slightly smelly Jim Yarra. Peter Metherall brown water. Cruising Experiences - RBYC to Malaysia • Also on the Bass Strait cruise - a 21st birthday 45 cruisers enjoyed a visit to the Matthew The Annual Black Tie Classical Music Evening, ‘A David James celebrated in style at Shepperd’s Bay on Flinders Exhibition at the State Library in Night at the Opera’, was attended by 150 guests Yacht Delivery, Finland to the Mediterranean Hunter Island. Grant Collins’ son Michael was February, followed by a Chinese meal at a and featured David Kram (piano), Kylie Pointer Brian Cherry - ‘From Fire and Shot, and Rust and the lucky ‘birthday boy’. nearby restaurant. (soprano) and Robert Arnts (baritone). Those Rot, Good Lord Deliver Us’ attending declared the night to be up to the Michael’s (far left) 21st Birthday Six yachts took part in the Annual Bass Strait usual high standard. cruise in March - this time to Western Bass Strait including King Island, the Hunter Group and It was decided to establish an additional annual Stanley. Participants were: Adams Rib (Murray cruising award to encourage ‘less experienced’ Award Smitheram), Amaya (David Bingham), cruisers to participate in Bass Strait cruises. Chindrina (Will Merritt), Currawong (Jenny TheWinners RBYC/QCYC Cruising In July the Frostbite Cruise to North Wharf was Collins), Jubilation (David James) and Yachtsman of the Year was well attended by 9 yachts and around 30 people Lena (Miriam Cherry). awarded to Peter Metherall. who enjoyed a pleasant barbeque and sunny Peter and Jan departed With better weather than last year the group weather - a bonus for that time of year. Brighton in 2000 to sail enjoyed some good sailing, although they around the globe and their did experience 40 knots in Stanley Harbour yacht, Penyllan, was necessitating the moving of some boats. currently berthed in Malaysia. • Many cruising members assisted in the Peter Metherall running of the Breakfast Club on Sunday The inaugural Most mornings. Around 35-40 breakfasts were Annual Bass Strait Cruise Improved Cruiser award was presented cooked and served by volunteers each week (Hunter Island) to Jenny and Grant Collins for their first (pre the Club Café). participation (as boat owners) in the Bass Strait cruise, and their first Bass Strait crossing. • In July Chairman David James helped deliver The 2002 Stars & Compass Trophy was won by a 57’ Swan, Amerigo, from Finland to Sardinia Bass Strait Crays! John Spencer. with fellow international cruising yachtsman Murray Jacob. Jenny and Grant Collins receiving their • In November Currawong’s Grant Collins, chef award from Lyn Bingham extraordinaire, entertained with a cooking demonstration - Thai fish curry, rice vermicelli, Salami Aurora (kangaroo risotto) and chocolate hazelnut crepes - all on a two-burner metho stove. Impressive, and delicious. • 38 Cruisers joined the Pontoon party on a cool December Evening.

Page 22 Page 23 2003

David James continued on as Chairman, with Committee Members Lyn Bingham (Secretary & Another successful Classical Music Evening, Editor), Bill Westerbeek (Layout), David Asprey, John Carruthers, John Goldsmith, Pam Merritt, with musicians organised by David Asprey, David Pollard and Jim Yarra. maintained the high standard set by previous Music Nights. ‘An Exotic Night for Four to Eight FromDid the you2003 Newsletters... know? Strings’ - with four brilliant musicians on viola, Cruising Group continued to flourish with encourage more women to actively participate violin, cello and guitar, entertained the audience In April a Cocktail Party was held in the Bill increased membership and an excellent and in sailing. This most successful and interesting with music by Telemann, Beethoven, Schubert, • Currie Library and adjoining front garden, varied program of both monthly meetings evening was in the form of a forum, with Bach, Dittersdorf, Stamitz, Codero and Monti. with Librarian Beverlie Asprey on hand to and on-water activities. The monthly Cruising speakers relating sailing experiences - from showcase the library. The library was at that Newsletter was posted to 156 members, with newcomer to old hand. 70 attendees enjoyed time located downstairs in the north east copies also included in the New Members’ Kit. hearing speakers: Rosie Colahan, Marion French, corner of the building. Nives Goldsmith, Jenny Collins, Pam Merritt, Attendance at regular events continued to grow, Mavis Sheedy and Betty Comacho. with 12 boats and around 50 members enjoying • Jan and Peter Metherall, circumnavigating the the Annual Birthday Cruise in January, this year The 2003 Bass Strait Cruise was to Tassie’s Tamar globe on Penyllan, survived a pirate attack in to Beacon Cove. River and Launceston, with a smaller group the Red Sea - 50 nm’s off the Yemen Coast of 4 yachts participating - Amaya, Chindrina, and 100 nm’s from Somalia in the Gulf of February saw 28 cruisers ‘land cruise’ to Geelong Currawong and Jubilation. Two boats, Chindrina Aden. They were in company with four other to visit the Geelong Maritime Museum, a and Currawong, sailed via Apollo Bay, Stanley In October there was a change of Chairman with yachts and heard shots fired from half a mile little known facility which had once been a and Burnie, meeting up with the other two at David James resigning and Lyn Bingham taking away, luckily surviving with no injuries or submarine base, now housing a comprehensive Rosevears in the Tamar River a couple of days over the helm. A Black Tie Dinner was held in damage. display of naval and maritime artefacts. the Committee Room to show appreciation to later. A most enjoyable cruise with time spent Boat Operator’s Licences became compulsory David for his leadership as Chairman of Cruising • On the 3rd Friday in May ‘Secret Women’s at Rosevears, Launceston, Beauty Point and in Victoria this year for anyone helming a boat Group for the past three years. Business’ (men welcome) was an evening Georgetown before a motor back across a calm under motor. organised by some of our female members to Bass Strait. • A total of 28 new members were welcomed Award into Cruising Group during 2003. • Richard Hawkins OAM, donor and instigator of the Stars and Compass Trophy, was awarded RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman of the the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Year - Philip Mellett, Free Spirit, cruising Birthday Honours List “For service to the around the world and currently in the Med. community of the Mornington Peninsula Most Improved Cruiser and to the boating fraternity, particularly Gordon Candlish through the publication of books to assist in Strathtay - cruise navigating local waters”. to Apollo Bay and • On August 25th Cruising Group hosted a Port Fairy. Whisky Tasting, with a massive 105 people Stars & Compass attending! Tastings of three single malts, a Chindrina and Currawong at Stanley grain and Johnnie Walker Black Label were Trophy - Nick McGuigan Pillip Mellet assessed and rated by those present.

Page 24 Page 25 2004 A Shipwreck Night was held in November with dress code - “Come as You Were When the Ship Went Down”. A fun night with music for Did you know? Under the leadership of Lyn Bingham, our first Lady Chairperson, Cruising Group maintained dancing, prizes for costumes, lucky prizes... and From the 2004 Newsletters... the momentum of previous years. On Committee were David Asprey, Betty Camacho, John more dancing. Carruthers, John Goldsmith, David James, Pam Merritt (Secretary), David Pollard, Bill Westerbeek The Official Opening of the new floating The December Pontoon Christmas Party was • and Jim Yarra. Marina by Governor John Landy AC, MBE took held in idyllic weather on the handstand, where place on February 29th 2004. a spit roast was served to a lively crowd of over Lyn Bingham also continued on as Newsletter renowned artists, once again organised by one hundred, followed by a visit from Santa and • David James and Rosie Colahan delivered Editor, with David James doing the Layout, David Asprey, delighted the audience with some carol singing. their Jeanneau 40, Ingenue, down the coast followed by Betty Camacho from May. Spanish music and pieces by Schumann, from Queensland to RBYC. Borodin, Chopin, Rachmaninov and Massenet. Highlights of the year included: Another wonderful evening of fine dining and Guest speakers this year included: • 12 yachts sailed to Black Rock Yacht Club in May to help celebrate their 100th Anniversary. superb music. Phillip Mellett 2002/2003 Cruising Yachtsman • Cruising Group’s 13th Birthday Cruise to After anchoring near the Cerberus crews of the Year - “Life’s Dream: A Cruising Life - Royals in January were ferried ashore in rubber ducks by BRYC The Frostbite Cruise in July was - ‘Frostbite’! 11 Melbourne to Croatia. • Annual Bass Strait Cruise to Apollo Bay, Port boats and 70 people braved the elements and members for a very pleasant barbeque on the Fairy - and beyond. headed to the new Yarra River destination of Vic Goy Navigating The Rip Safely. balcony. Docklands to huddle around the barbeque with • Bass Strait Cruise reunion at April meeting. Mike Kenyon South Pacific Dreaming: • In September, after many years on Cruising glass in hand - still in wet weather gear • Classical Music Evening - ‘Great Romantic ‘Cruising in the South Pacific’. Committee, Bill Westerbeek resigned to travel for warmth. Classics’ overseas, sail boats and seek new adventures. Noel Thomas His contribution was recognised with a • Shipwreck Night in November Cool Factor - ‘Keeping the Tinnies Cold: A-Z of Sunday gathering and presentation at boat fridges and freezers’. the club. Thorry Gunnersen Tilting at Windmills The Annual Bass Strait Cruise saw 9 boats and About 20 new members were welcomed ‘The Two Jacksons - From Cape Jackson to Port • over 30 cruisers participating.: during the year. Achernar, Amaya, Andalucia, Currawong, Ingenue, Jackson’ (Tilting at Windmills in Kiwiland). Danseur, Jubilation, Lena and Point of Sail They headed first to Apollo Bay, then on to Port Fairy for a few The 2003-2004 RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of the Year wonderful days enjoying the Award was Frank Smith, Achernar. Frank had many cruising miles under his delights of the Moyne River and belt, including Australia’s east coast, Bass the hospitality of the Port Fairy Strait and a recent delivery trip from Japan Yacht Club. From there the fleet Winners to Queensland. dispersed to Portland, Three Hummock Island or home, with Most Improved Cruiser was Betty most reassembling for a reunion Camacho, who had ably assisted David party at QCYC. James and Rosie Colahan with several delivery trips. ‘Great Romantic Classics’ was the The Stars & Compass Trophy was won theme for this year’s Classical by David Axup. Music Evening. The internationally Frank Smith Betty Comacho

Page 26 Page 27 2005 RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of Award the Year Richard Barton, New Horizons. Richard and his partner Merryn departed RBYC RichardWinners Barton in February 2004 to cruise the Pacific, A big year for Lyn Bingham, continuing in the roles of Chairperson, Newsletter Editor and returning in June 2005. Classical Music Evening organiser. Newsletter Layout - Betty Camacho. Most Improved Cruiser Lyn was ably assisted by Committee members Pam Merritt (Secretary), David Axup, John Ron Vandenberg, Conrad, for his first Goldsmith, Robin Peile, David Pollard, John Sagar, Frank Smith and Ron Vandenberg. venture into Bass Strait with Cruising Group in March. Another good year for Cruising Group with In June 134 guests enjoyed the Classical Music Stars & Compass Trophy winner - interesting and well attended activities. Evening - ‘Beautiful Music’. Gary Rowswell. Gary Rowswell Some 2005 highlights: David Asprey had managed to secure brilliant • 12 yachts headed to Refuge Cove for the musicians: Dr. David Kram, Head of Opera at Annual Bass Strait Cruise in March. the VCA - pianist, Emily Wang - Soprano and James Egglestone - Tenor. They entertained a From the 2005 Newsletters... • A ‘Bass Strait Revisited’ dinner later in March delighted audience with operatic pieces of the Did you know? • A Flotsam and Jetsam Nautical Swap Meet usual high standard, all accompanied by an and Cruising Expo in April. excellent three course meal. • Cruisers out and about this year, doing what • Enthusiasm was dampened for a planned cruisers do - cruising: trip to QCYC in mid September with a ‘All You Ever Wanted to Know About Diesel • In June - an evening of ‘Beautiful Music’. Penyllan, Peter and Jan Metherall - forecast of cold, wet, ‘on-the-nose’ weather. Engines’ was the topic at the July meeting, with cruising the Med From the expected 5 or 6 usual diehards, • A record 16 yachts at the July Frostbite Cruise. Steve, Keld and Jim from Mariner Engineering Free Spirit, Phillip and Robin Mellett - only two boats turned up - Jasbr Pearl and • In August - a Bollywood Night. sharing their knowledge and answering the cruising the Med Rob Hanke’s Django. The weather must’ve many questions. • And yet another Shipwreck Night - could this Andalucia, Will and Pam Merritt - East Coast been really bad! become an annual event? Over 100 people attended the Bollywood Night New Horizons, Richard Barton and Merryn - In December Lyn Bingham retired as So Cruising Group just keeps getting better and held in August. Just the thing to brighten up a Returning from Pacific Cruise • Newsletter Editor after eight years. In that better. The hard-working Committee keeps wintry night - complete with Bollywood movie, Point of Sail, David Brown - Louisiade time the newsletter had grown to 4-6 pages, coming up with great ideas and has the Indian buffet and amazing costumes. Archipelago, Ghizo and the Solomon Islands with about 160 copies posted each month. wonderful support of many active members. • New boats this year for David and Robyn Regular columns had been established, The year began with 9 yachts heading to Royals Piele, Maajhi-Re (from NZ), Dennis and Chris supplemented by cruise and meeting reports for the 14th Birthday Celebration. McConnell, Schuss, David and Lyn Bingham, and other newsy items. The Annual Bass Strait Cruise was a beauty, with Mirrabooka. a fleet of 12 - the largest fleet yet, crewed by about 40 people. Participating yachts were: You’ve heard of the Four Tenors, well we have the Four Davids: L to R David Pollard, Asprey, James and Bingham! Achernar 11, Amaya, Andalucia, Chindrina, Conrad, Crocodile, Currawong, Fantastique, Lady Cassandra, Lena, Mintaka and Strathtay. First stop - Refuge Cove, then (for most) on to Hogan Island and Deal Island, with two boats continuing on to the Tamar from Deal. The cruise was blessed with mostly good weather Grant and Jenny Collins enjoying the and some great sailing. Bollywood night.

Page 28 Page 29 2006-2010 From strength to strength Award FromDid the you2006 Newsletters... know?

RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Will Merritt • Martin and Sue Stevens delivered Mandolin Yachtsman of the Year Wind, their newly purchased 43’ Perry Will Merritt. Will and Catamaran, down the coast from Airlie Beach, Pam cruised the East with a few exciting ‘bar’ adventures along Coast as far north as the the way. 2006 Whitsundays in 2005.

Most Improved Cruiser Paul Lobstan. Paul sailed to Lakes Fifteen years on and Cruising Group is looking better than ever. Entrance in 2005 and Committee members: Lyn Bingham (Chairperson and Editor), Pam Merritt (Secretary), David has participated in a Axup, David Asprey, Jenny Collins, John Goldsmith, Ian Mather, David Pollard and John Sagar. circumnavigation of Newsletter Layout by Club member Trish Jeffery. Tasmania.

Highlights of this year were: This year’s Bass Strait Cruise was a revisit to King Stars and Compass Trophy Garry Hamilton. • Cruising Group’s 15th birthday, with 15 yachts Island and the Hunter Group, with a smaller Paul Lobstan cruising to Royals in a light southerly. group of five yachts participating. The reduced numbers did nothing to dampen enthusiasm • Another 15 - the number of boats braving Then in December Lyn retired as Newsletter of those taking part and a good time was had Martin and Sue Stevens the cold and venturing to Docklands for the Editor, a position she had held for nine years. In by all. Frostbite Cruise in July. that time the newsletter had grown in size and • On St. Patrick’s Day - a cruise to SYC’s Ken King In July Lyn Bingham resigned as Chairperson, content, with about 160 copies posted each • Cruising held more ‘off site’ Cruising Centre with ‘green theme’ dress. with Will Merritt taking over the role. month. Hard shoes to fill, and a job well done. functions this year due to major Clubhouse • Annual Bass Strait Cruise to Apollo Bay, King Cruising Group had flourished under Lyn’s The Editor’s job was taken on by Pam Merritt. renovations being carried out, with little or and Hunter Islands. Participants - Andalucia leadership for the past three years, and this no access at times. The newly renovated (Apollo Bay), Burgundy, Currawong, Danseur was recognised with a surprise dinner and The annual Classical Music Evening - ‘Love and Clubhouse was officially reopened in and Taurus. presentation at a local Thai restaurant. Friendship’ was held in June. Musicians were November. ‘Love and Friendship’ - Annual Classical Music As well as her role as Chairman, Lyn also took the Tin Alley String Quartet, with two violins, • • David and Robyn Piele, Maajhi-Re, enjoyed Evening. on the roles of Newsletter Editor and organiser viola and cello, featuring music by Wolf, Ravel, some South Pacific cruising, including New of many events, including the annual Classical Janacek, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Mozart, Gershwin • A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in September. Caledonia and Vanuatu. • Another bumper Pontoon Christmas Party - Music Evening. A huge load for anyone! and Grainger. The musicians were again good weather, organised by David Asprey and all agreed it and over 100 Lyn Bingham was another evening of wonderful music, table people singing decorations and fine dining. Christmas Carols dressed in their best Guest speakers this year included: New members welcomed this year ‘Christmassy’ Michael Fitzallen - Electronics Engineer - included: outfits. Maintaining and charging batteries. Bryan and Sue Drummond Jean Pam and Will Merritt - East Coast Cruising. Mike Blenkinsop and Pam Langford Pelikan Waterfront City Marina, Docklands - John and Heather Tadich Enya Facilities for cruising yachties. James and Bronwyn Ide Page 30 Page 31 The Inaugural Boat Progressive Dinner was New boats this year for: held in May and has been a popular annual Bryan and Sue Drummond - 2007 event ever since. Held out on the marina, this 39.6 Beneteau, Folie a Deux first Progressive Dinner saw 15 boats host 43 guests for either main course or dessert, with Douglas and Heather Gee - 6-8 guests on each boat. Boat owners quickly Northshore 34’, Sun Kiss embraced the idea and gave generously of their Rob and Judy Hanke - Zeston 40, Dallymore Committee members: Will Merritt (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Pam Merritt (Editor), time and cooking expertise. David Asprey, Ian Mather, David Pollard, John Sagar, Mavis Sheedy and Sue Stevens. Rod and Sandy Watson - Jeanneau Sun Odyssy 39.6, Emma Kate Newsletter Layout - Trish Jeffery to mid-year, then Rob Spaulding, ‘Saga’. Ian and Judy Mather - Northshore 38, Watershed FromDid the you2007 Newsletters... know? • Early in the year Brian and Miriam Cherry had Guest speakers included: By now Cruising Group was a well established Other on water activities included cruises to an interesting trip to Tassie in Lena when they entity within RBYC with organised social and ‘on RGYC, QCYC, the Annual Frostbite Cruise and decided to sail rather than fly when Brian Bill Westerbeek - water’ activities attended by many members. Docklands. was invited to give the opening paper at a Yacht delivery Caribbean to the Med. The year started with a bang with two cruising In June the Classical Music Evening had a conference in Hobart. Something about gale David James and Rosie Colahan events in January. distinctly Spanish flavour. ‘Flamenco and Strings’ force winds etc etc. Ingenue - Melbourne to Vanuatu Race. • First the 16th Birthday Cruise to Royals - this began with ‘Quartet Andalucina’ presenting an • Peter Knight and Jean Hutson-Knight Alan Storen - Divemaster. year with a ‘less than pleasant’ forecast energetic program of traditional guitar departed in June on their 44’ steel ketch Port Phillip Rivals Great Barrier Reef (spectacular resulting in a car convoy across the Westgate. and dance. This was Hinewai after ten years of planning, fitting out dive sites in Port Phillip). Despite this the 45 attendees had an followed by trio ‘Angels and busily preparing for a big trip. Initially to David Ryan - Sailmaker. enjoyable celebratory get together. on Strings’, comprising Darwin, then on to Indonesia and beyond. Sails and Rigging for Cruisers. harp, cello and violin, • Then, for the first time, a dinner gathering • Rob Spaulding, Saga, answered pleas for help Peter Manuel - Knots and Ropes. presenting works by for assistance with the newsletter layout. Trish on the 3rd Friday of January. This was to take Debussy, Satie, Braga Jim Sismanis - Cruising in Croatia. advantage of the timely return to Melbourne Jeffery had donated her time and expertise and Beethoven. Profits for the past couple of years which was greatly Batavia Shipwreck Movie Night. of Bill Westerbeek, Tony Furzer and Chris from the Music Night Parkinson who had recently completed a 60 appreciated. Brian Pattinson Gusto - were used to purchase a Melbourne / Osaka Race - single handed. day delivery trip of a Beneteau 50 from the modern lecturn for • Peter and Jan Metherall have spent this year Caribbean to the Med. Club use. cruising the French canals in Penyllan (minus David James and Rosie Colahan mast). Ingenue - Melbourne / Osaka Race.

Martin Stevens Six boats gathered at QCYC for the Annual Bass Strait Cruise: Andalucia, Bajaryn (RGYC), Currawong, Danseur (SYC), Mirrabooka and Fantastique. Award RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of the Anchorages were Refuge Cove, Corner Inlet, Port Welshpool, Hogan Island and Deal Island. year - David Brown, Point of Sail. David Winners had extensively cruised the East Coast as well as the Louisiade Archipelago and Vanuatu. Most Improved Cruiser - Martin Stevens, for significant advances in cruising skills and successful delivery of Mandolin Wind from Airlie Beach to RBYC. Stars and Compass Trophy winner - David Brown John O’Grady, HBYC.

Page 32 Page 33 Bass Strait Cruise Pam Merritt RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of 2008 the Year David Piele, with wife Robyn, Award who recently cruised Maajhi-Re to New Zealand and South Pacific Islands. Winners Most Improved Cruiser Sue Drummond who, with husband Cruising Group continued to flourish under the enthusiastic leadership of ‘Chairman Will’, Bryan, pushed boundaries with their first supported by his Committee of Secretary Jenny Collins, Editor Pam Merritt, Music Night Co- venture into Bass Strait, sailing Folie a Deux ordinator David Asprey, Ian Mather, David Pollard, John Sagar, Mavis Sheedy and Sue Stevens. to King Island. Newsletter Layout - Rob Spaulding to mid-year, then Trish Jeffery. David Piele Stars and Compass Trophy Pam Merritt

Highlights included: Guest speakers this year: A new addition to the newsletter, Cruising Yacht • Cruising’s 17th birthday celebration at Royals. Graeme Keys - Port Phillip Sea Pilots of the Month, was introduced in late 2007. Boats Karen Bennett - Boating Industry of Australia - • Bass Strait Cruise - Apollo Bay and Port Fairy. featured during ‘07/’08 were Tilting at Windmills, Did you know? Marine Pests From the 2008 Newsletters... • The popular 2nd Progressive Dinner. Adams Rib, Ingenue, Lena, Mirrabooka, Skyamsen, Mandolin Wind, Charliebird, Enya, Rusalka and Pat and John Bloom - ‘Rouseabout’ - World • Ian Cummin’s That’s Amore inadvertently ’Bach, Baroque and Beyond’ Classical Music • Andalucia. circumnavigation. became a Parks Victoria vessel when he Evening. Andrew Garrett - East Coast, Over the Top, attempted to relocate a yellow ‘No Boating’ The 2nd Annual Boat Progressive Dinner was down the West Coast. buoy from near North Road jetty to RBYC. • Judi and Rob Hanke’s Official Boat Renaming held on a balmy April evening - with 60 cruising Ceremony –Dallimore to Dalliance – members and an amazing 18 boats providing John Hutton - Boat Books • Boat renaming performed by Grant Collins’ either main course or dessert. Don Richmond - Cruising Croatia on ‘Bellina’ became a serious The Annual Bass Strait Cruise, with 5 boats Reports of wonderful meals and hospitality Steb Fisher - Boat Photography business when Judi participating, cruised to Apollo Bay, Port Fairy, dominated the conversation on Looking Good New members welcomed: and Rob Hanke and one on to New Year Island. later in the evening. Craig Walton Y Knot enlisted the help Well, Andalucia, Currawong, Enya and Mirrabooka of Grant Collins to James Campbell Gem departed the Heads and turned right, while one Enjoying a night-cap on Looking Good at the perform the official David Elliott Liberty Phantom Cruiser, Fantastique turned left. conclusion of the Progressive Boat Dinner ceremony to rename No, they weren’t lost, just decided not to cruise Melanie Chambers their Zeston 40 from ‘in company!’ Howard Dare Coorain Dallimore to Dalliance. John and Jo Walker Kirra Kirra Seemed to involve a Ian and Sue Cummin That’s Amore flowing pink caftan Richard Cowles and a lot of wasted champagne! And a great party on Dalliance afterwards. • John and Heather Tadich, Enya, with David and Kathleen Drennan as crew (pictured ‘Bach, Baroque and Beyond’ was the theme for left), didn’t know what they were in for when this year’s Classical Music Evening featuring they joined their first Bass Strait Cruise in an outstanding selection of music for March. They quickly learnt that it’s all about oboe, violin, cello and harpsichord. Vivaldi’s camaraderie, socialising, more socialising - ‘Summer’ and Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ were with some sailing and beautiful anchorages popular pieces. thrown in. The Enyans took ‘partying’ to a new level!

Page 34 Page 35 2009 Award Did you know? Winners From the 2009 Newsletters... RBYC/QCYC cruising Jean Hutson- • The July Frostbite Cruise was held in the Committee members: Will Merritt (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Pam Merritt (Editor), Yachtsman of the Year Knight Club’s Olympic Room due to 30 knot David Asprey, (Music Night Coordinator), Ian Mather, David Pollard, John Sagar, Mavis Sheedy Peter Knight and Jean winds and 10 deg temperature - were we and Michelle Wale. Hutson-Knight Hinewai, ‘going soft’? who departed RBYC in 2007. Currently in the Med via Darwin, Indonesia, Highlights this year: The 2009 Bass Strait Cruise was across Bass Malaysia, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. • 40 people on 16 boats for Cruising’s 18th Strait for our second visit to Tassie’s Tamar River. Birthday Bash at Royals, with a Nautical Arriving by various circuitous routes, 5 yachts Most Improved Cruiser Treasure Hunt along the way. Folie a Deux 1st, eventually gathered at Beauty Point for another Craig Walton Y Knot. Tales 2nd, Mirrabooka, 3rd. fabulous cruise in company. Andalucia, Enya, Building cruising Folie a Deux, Mirrabooka and Y Knot had a grand experience with recent • 7 boats participated in this year’s Bass Strait reunion at a Beauty Point. Happy J had been Cruise to the Tamar River. Bass Strait cruises to and gone, Currawong diverted to Port Fairy and Refuge Cove and the • 3rd Annual Progressive Dinner - an amazing Andalucia had arrived via King Island. Another Tamar River. • Away cruising during 2009: 20 boats and 67 people. successful and enjoyable cruise. Mandolin Wind - departed in April for Darwin, Stars and Compass • Classical Music Evening - ‘Elegant Strings’ The Progressive Dinner, now in its 3rd year, Douglas Scott Indonesia, Thailand... and beyond. was going from strength to strength. 20 Trophy - Douglas Scott. Maajhi-Re - currently Mooloolaba, joining Another fantastic Pontoon Christmas Party • boat owners volunteered to provide either Darwin to Indonesia Rally. with over 100 attendees. main course or dessert for 6 - 8 guests with Penyllan - Raiatea, French Polynesia. • ’Shipwreck Night’ in September. some brilliant culinary delights served. The Guest speakers included: Hinewai - Turkey. opportunity to all meet afterwards on Howard Bryan and Sue Drummond, Folie a Deux - Tilting at Windmills - Scandinavia. Shipwreck night: Come as you were Meltzer’s Looking Good was an excellent way to Chartering on a French Canal. Dreamweaver - Australian East Coast when the ship went down! wrap up the evening. Peter and Jan Metherall, Penyllan - Ingenue - Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island The annual Classical Music Evening, ‘Elegant Atlantic Crossing and the Panama Canal. Race Weeks. Strings’, featured the Midas String Quartet Stuart Marshall - • Cruising Group purchased a Sabot with and some spectacular works by Mozart, Bach, Bali to West Timor - Calamity Cruise. Classical Music Evening profits, officially Haydn, Handel, Schubert, Puccini, Mendelssohn John Hooper, Hooper Sails - Cruising Sails. launched in April and named Sabotage. and Boccherini. This elegant evening was well Simon Oakley, Safety Marine Australia - Safety Quantity of Cruising Newsletters posted attended, and the $3000 profit was donated to Equipment for Boats. • each month - 167. Now grown to 6 - 8 pages. a fund for running the Australian Access Dinghy Hugh Jones - Colorado Rafting. Association Championships for disabled sailors. Regular columns - Cruising Yacht of the Ian Jemmeson - Viking Ships and Viking Month, Member News, Captain Coxswain’s Classical Music Sailing History. Corner, Chair Chat, Forthcoming Events, as Evening New boats this year for: well as cruising news and stories. Dori Parkin - Bonnie Lass • At the Safety Marine Australia presentation in Mark Lazarus - Surelle August a life raft was deployed - an excellent Michael White and Christine Edwards - Andora opportunity to see this happen in the club Kathy de Garis - Allegresse room (while only imagining it in a real life ‘at sea’ situation).

Page 36 Page 37 Those at Apollo Bay enjoyed the camaraderie, 2010 dress up night and Inaugural Bocce Competition Did you know? on Apollo Bay beach. From the 2010 Newsletters... • Bryan and Sue Drummond, on Folie a Deux, headed north in February to cruise the East Committee Members: Will Merritt (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Pam Merritt (Editor), Coast and Louisiades. David Asprey, Ian Mather, David Pollard, John Sagar, Mavis Sheedy and Michelle Wale. • Will and Pam Merritt sailed back from Hobart Cruising Group continues to provide a varied program of on-water and social activities for its on David and Lyn Bingham’s Mirrabooka. members. Attendance at 3rd Friday Dinner Meetings averages 50 - 60 members and organised cruises and other activities are also well attended. • Great weather for the July Frostbite Cruise. 14 boats, over 50 people! The venue was 19th Birthday Cruise to Royals Yarra’s Edge Marina, with 5 boats ‘jumping The Classical Music Evening was something the gun’ by heading up the night before and ‘a little different’. With musicians organised by eating out at a local restaurant. Committee member Michelle Wale. ‘Chopin to Broadway’ featured ‘Front Row’ New members welcomed: musicians: Alan Kogosowski on piano, baritone Don Matthews Rob Miller Greg Ross, soprano Emily Xiao Wang and tenor Louise Cotter Peter Johns Roy Best performing ‘songs from the shows’, Helen Scott Alan Robinson including Les Miserables, West Side Story and Man of La Mancha. The evening was a sell out Daniel and Sandra Levinson Ahwahnee with about 140 attending. Guest speakers included: The ongoing popularity of the Progressive Thorry Gunnersen Tilting at Windmills - Cruising Dinner is evident as numbers keep building - in Scandinavia Highlights this year included: with 74 cruisers participating this year. A great Ben Camm - Education Director, Dolphin • A good roll up for the 19th Birthday Cruise to way to meet new people as allocation to boats Research Instirute. Royals - despite most ‘cruising’ via Westgate is random in an effort to mix everyone up. Award Richard Buxton - ‘If Matthew Flinders Had Bridge due to bad weather. ‘Looking Good’ once again hosted the group for Wings’ - Circumnavigation of Australia. Thorry Gunnersen AM • Cruise to SYC’s Ken King Centre in February - tea, coffee, port and chocolates. Bob Leighton, Bureau of Meteorology - Port 11 boats, 50 cruisers. RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman of the Year Phillip and Bass Strait weather patterns. A Cruise in Company to Apollo Bay and the • Bass Strait Cruise: Some went left, some Thorry Gunnersen AM Graeme Duke and Rob Latimer - Medical birth of the Official Bass Strait Cruise Bocce went right! Due to bad weather there was an Extensive cruising of Sailing Ministries. Trophy (purchased by the ‘Enyans’ at an extended wait in Queenscliff for a suitable Scandinavian waters and Peter Harris - Alma Doepel Restoration Project Apollo Bay Op Shop). weather window. With a planned destination of winner of London’s Matt Lyons, Energy Matters - Power options for • The 4th Progressive Dinner - and the Refuge Cove, Kirra Kirra and Y Knot set out ahead Royal Cruising Club’s boats: Solar, Wind and more. numbers keep growing. 74 people, 22 boats. of the fleet, with Mirrabooka leaving a couple of ‘Romolo Cup’. days later. Andalucia, Coorain, Currawong, Enya • ’Chopin to Broadway’ Classical Music Most Improved Cruiser And new boats for: Evening. and Tales waited for more settled weather by John Scott, building Jenny Stone and John Lute - Nautical Gear Swap which time a good SE had set in so, with the experience in Port Phillip, • Corazan Viaje, an Adams 435. • Well attended monthly Forum Dinner breeze on their tail, changed course for Apollo Westernport and Bass Strait in readiness for Richard and Marian Johnson - Meetings. Bay. And so the fleet was split - although Y Knot later turned up at Apollo Bay. more extended cruising. Sophistique, a Beneteau 373 • Another bumper Pontoon Christmas Party to Stars and Compass David and Sally Spencer - wrap the year up in style. Trophy - half share of Sun Kiss, a Northshore 34, with not awarded this year. John Scott Douglas and Heather Gee.

Page 38 Page 39 RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of the Year Brian & Sue Drummond 2011-2015 Bryan and Sue Drummond, Folie a Deux, - Cruising on, into the future cruising Australia’s East Coast and the Award Louisiades in 2010. Most Improved Cruiser James and Bronwyn Ide, AlegriaWinners, - participating in a QCYC Cruise to Refuge Cove and Gippsland Lakes. Stars and Compass Trophy - Kathy de Garis.

2011 ‘A Night With the Top Brass - Renaissance to Zamba’, this year’s Classical Music Evening, showcased The Australian Brass Quartet Did you know? comprised of two trumpets, trombone and From the 2011 Newsletters... Cruising Group has now been established for 20 years. The group continues to foster friendship, French horn. Wonderful music, again organised The Cruising Newsletter was now consistently camaraderie and the encouragement and support of cruising in all its varied forms. by David Asprey, enthralled the audience and • 8 pages. With the Editor running out of boats Committee members: Will Merritt (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Pam Merritt (Editor), made for another memorable evening. for ‘Cruising Yacht of the Month’, a new series, David Asprey, David Pollard, Murray Hine, Rod Watson and John Walker. Newsletter Layout - Wimpy or Wise? The July Frostbite Cruise Hannah Ngaei. ‘How I Started Sailing’, was started. First stories saw about 40 cruisers meet for lunch around ‘volunteered’ were by - Kathy de Garis, Alison the open fire in RBYC’s members bar. Strong Roberts-Wray, Don Richmond, Will Merritt, Highlights: Last year’s Bass Strait Cruise saw the fleet northerlies, rain and a top temp of 13 deg was Alan Hume and Lyn Bingham. the reason. So cruisers do get to decide whether • Cruising Group’s 20th Birthday. separate due to unfavourable weather - some to Refuge Cove, some to Apollo Bay, so this to brave the elements - or not! • And another boat renaming ceremony - this • 130 attendees at the February Dinner Meeting. time Hugh Jones’ Compass 29’ ‘Nemarluk’, year the Bass Strait Cruise was advertised Guest speakers this year included: • Successful Bass Strait Cruise to King, Three as a ‘Mystery Cruise’ ie. no set destination renamed to ‘Polly Jane 11’. Renaming A. J. McKinnon - Hummock and Hunter Islands. - just go where the wind blows. Given the expert Grant Collins did the honours again ‘The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow’. - in pouring rain, maybe the Weather Gods • ’A Night With the Top Brass’ Classical Music unpredictability of Bass Strait weather the fleet Bryan and Sue Drummond - weren’t too happy. Evening. would sail to Queenscliff, see what the weather was doing, and decide accordingly. Cruising the Louisiades on Folie a Deux. • Docklands Fireworks Night in July • A summer storm, complete with lightning, Northerly winds made a decision easy - King David Axup, Skyamsen - dictated that the December Cruising • Hardstand Christmas Party - 70 cruisers singing Island, Three Hummock Island, Hunter Island. Flags and Flag Etiquette Christmas Party move to the Club’s downstairs carols on the downstairs verandah! 15 people on 5 boats participated: John and Jo Carlos Ogues, McFarlane Generators - verandah. A bit of a squash with tables set up The 20th Birthday Celebration at Royals was a Walker on Kirra Kirra, John and Heather Tadich/ Power Management on Boats. along the verandah, but the confined space big one. Around 90 cruisers on 15 boats sailed David and Kathleen Drennan on Enya, David Brook Felthensal, Charter World - meant that the Carol Singing sounded better to Williamstown in perfect weather. Chairman Bingham and David Hutchings on Mirrabooka, Bareboat and Crewed Charter Destinations. than usual. Will welcomed Past Chairpersons of Cruising Craig Walton, Andrew Rice and Steve Dickson • Sole members of Cruising Group’s Power Group: David James (2000-2003), Lyn Bingham on ‘Y Knot and Will and Pam Merritt, Jim Yarra Alex Whitworth - North West Passage on Berrimilla, a 34’ Brolga. Boat Division - Susan and Ian Cummins, (2003-2006) and Joan Hearne, widow of Past and Doug Hodges on Andalucia. The second That’s Amore. Chairman Clive Hearne (1998-2000). Jenny Annual Bocce Competition was hotly contested. Rod Watson, Emma Kate - Collins had organised a cake, and all present Winners: Mirrabooka, Wooden Spoon: Enya. Over the Top: Cairns to Darwin by road. Boats away cruising: were given a Code flag ‘C’ to be flown Janet Roberts-Billett - Highland Fling, Karen and Andrew Parker - when cruising. The Yachtsmen Scheme: Australian Volunteers Australian East Coast. in the Royal Navy 1940-45. Mandolin Wind, Martin and Sue Stevens - Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia. In February we held the largest ever Forum Dinner New boats for: Meeting since the group began. Brenton and Robina Smith - a Caliber 40 cutter It’s a Privilege, Peter and Susie Strain - East Coast. Guest speaker was A. J. (Sandy) McKinnon, author of sloop Liquid Courage, to be renamed Chakana at Corazon Viaje, Jenny Stone and John Lute - ‘The Unlikely Voyage of Jack de Crow’. Sandy McKinnon the Hardstand Christmas Party. East Coast. enthralled and entertained over 130 people while Bryan and Sue Drummond - a Hylas 54’ New Horizons, Michael White and Christine describing his voyage from Wales to the Black Sea in a Gypsea Rover Edwards - Sydney and beyond. Mirror dinghy. There were signed copies of his book to Page 40 Page 41 purchase, as well as its sequel ‘The Well at the World’s End’. 2012

Classical Music Evening

Chairman Will, now in his 6th year as Chairman, continues to lead Cruising Group, ably assisted This year’s Classical Music Evening was ‘Telemann and Tangoes’. Another night of wonderful music by his Committee: Jenny Collins (Secretary), Pam Merritt (Editor - to July), Robina Smith (Editor - from a delightful string quartet accompanying one of Australia’s leading oboe players, Anne Gilby. from August), David Asprey, Murray Hine, David Pollard, John Walker and Rod Watson. Music covered a range of styles and periods with classic Mozart, Telemann and Bach Concertos as Newsletter Layout - Hannah Ngaei well as some modern pieces. To coincide with the Olympic Games an Olympic Night was held in August. Trivia, individual and team events, Pin the Burgee on the Yacht, beach volleyball, quoits, prizes for best dressed - and more. The year’s highlights included: Will Merritt retiring as Chairman • Cruising Group celebrated 21 years. Guest speakers included: • Bass Strait Cruise - Westernport Bay Paul Bartley Yacht Rigger - Rigs on Cruising Yachts. Did you know? • An Easter Cruise to RGYC for Chakana, Karen and Andrew Parker From the 2012 Newsletters... Catwalk, Andalucia, Tales, Kirra Kirra and Highland Fling - East Coast to Cairns. • Heading north again this year - Anne and Emma Kate. Jenny and Grant Collins - Currawong Does the Roger Claydon Dreamweaver and Jenny • 6th Boat Progressive Dinner - 20 boats Kangaroo Hop - SA Cruising. Stone and John Lute Corazon Viaje. hosting 63 cruisers. Sheree Maris - Melbourne Down Under - • How I Started Sailing Stories’ from: Robina • ’Telemann and Tangoes’ - Classical Music Marine Environment of Port Phillip Bay. Smith, Grant Collins, Dori Parkin, Rod and Evening. Colin Miller, Offshore Marine Electronics - Sandy Watson, Roger Walker, John Hart, The introduction of regular ‘End-of-Month Electronics & Communications for Cruising David Asprey, Miriam Cherry, Mavis Sheedy, • more than 6 years and 61 newsletter issues. In on water’ activities. Sue Drummond - Sailing on the Sue Drummond and Brenton Smith. this time the newsletter had grown from 4-6 HMB Endeavour- 18th Century Sailing. • Docklands Fireworks visits in July and pages to 8. Robina Smith took over as Editor • For the second year in a row the Cruising August. from August 2012. New members welcomed: Christmas Party was held on the Club’s downstairs verandah due to stormy weather. Barbara Burns and Geoff Brewster Folie a Deux • In August - a Cruising Olympics Night. This year’s Bass Strait Cruise was again thwarted Didn’t stop spirited carol singing led by • Hardstand Cruising Christmas Party again by bad weather with a wait of almost a week at Anne and Colin Nicol Riff Raff Kathy de Garis and Dori Parkin and even a under cover on the downstairs verandah. QCYC while fronts passed through. By the time Malcolm Ferguson Quixote Cryptic Carol Quiz. the weather had settled time was running short Ken Hoppe Rendezvous and Andalucia, Emma Kate and Sun Kiss ended • Richard Hawkins OAM, donor of the Stars Changes at the helm this year with Will Merritt Dean Newlan up at Westernport (Flinders and Cowes) for a and Compass Trophy, celebrated his 90th retiring as Cruising Chairman after more than Tom Clynes Nantucket few days. The Bocce competition took place on birthday. six years. Will had enthusiastically led the Steve Dickson Cowes beach with Sun Kiss winning the • Official handing over of the Dungeon Keys group, chaired meetings, MC’d the Classical coveted trophy. Rob and Rosie Dros A Current Affair as Will Merritt steps down as Chairman - no Music Evenings, organised cruises, dispatched Rob and Nona Hurrell Aquacadabra more threats of vats of boiling oil! ‘bullying’ emails and become well known for In an effort to encourage more ‘on water’ the catch cry - “Good Evening Cruisers” / “Good activity the Committee introduced a regular ‘End-of-Month’ cruise. Destinations included RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of the Evening Chairman Will” at the monthly Forum Year - Karen and Andrew Parker, Highland Dinner Meetings. He handed over to Rod Ken King Centre at SYC, RGYC, Waterfront City at Docklands and QCYC. Melbourne City Council Award Fling - 12 months of East Coast cruising as Watson in November. A black tie dinner and far as Cairns. presentation was held in the Committee Room had introduced Friday Fireworks Nights during July and August which provided an excellent Winners Most Improved Cruiser - Jenny and in recognition of his time as Chairman. winter destination. Grant Collins, Currawong, - recently Pam Merritt retired as Newsletter Editor after completed a 9 week cruise to South Australian waters. Karen & Andrew Parker Stars and Compass Trophy - Dori Parkin. Jenny & Grant Collins Page 42 From Refuge - Port Welshpool and Chinamens Creek, Corner Inlet, with most continuing on to 2013 Deal Island. All this in light winds, flat seas and warm sunny weather! The Bocce Competition was hotly contested at Chinamens Creek. Trophy winners - Andalucia Committee members: Rod Watson (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Robina Smith (Editor and Layout), Richard Johnson, Will Merritt, Pam Merritt, David Pollard, Sandy Watson and Roger Walker. With Rod Watson settling in as Chairman of Cruising Group the growing trend for participation in meetings, ‘on water’ and other activities continues.

Highlights for 2013: • Perfect weather for the 22nd Birthday Cruise - 12 boats and over 60 cruisers. Award • A wonderful Bass Strait Cruise - Refuge Cove, Port Welshpool, Deal Island. RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman of the Year - Roger and Anne Claydon, • In April Cruising Group hosts Sabot families Dreamweaver, spent 2012 cruising to New for a ‘Big Boat’ experience to Royals. Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New • Perfect weather as well for the Frostbite Caledonia, mostly two-handed. Cruise. Most Improved Cruiser - David Spencer, • ‘Shades of Autumn’ Classical Music Evening. Sun Kiss, first Guest speakers for 2013 • Mini Cruises overnighting at Docklands for Bass Strait Cruise Friday Night Fireworks. as Skipper - to Kerry and Linda McGorlick - Refuge Cove and Did you know? • 9 boats participating in Melbourne Cup Soujourn Around Australia. From the 2013 Newsletters... Port Welshpool. Weekend Cruise to Queenscliff. Carolyn and Don Warner - • On the move this year: Stars and In November - a night of Shipwreck Antarctic: The World’s Last Great Gypsea Rover, Bryan and Sue Drummond - departed on • Compass Trophy Shenanagans and Blooper Bungles. Wilderness. Boxing Day for Tasmania for a few weeks, than trans Tasman - Kathy de Garis. to New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and • At last - Chairman Rod turns on fine weather Kathy de Garis Dori Parkin Bonnie Lass - Sailing back to Brisbane. for the Hardstand Christmas Party. the Scottish Coast and the Kirra Kirra, John and Jo Walker - departed in February for Solent. some Tasmanian cruising, then north to cruise the East The Classical Music The Progressive Boat Dinner was in its 7th year Gordon Syme Quick Fixes and Coast as far as Lizard Island. Evening continues to and still as popular as ever. About 60 guests Emergencies at Sea. Highland Fling, Andrew and Karen Parker - meandering be a popular annual were hosted on 20 boats for the usual gourmet down the East Coast on their way back to Port Phillip. Anne and Roger Claydon - event on the cruising delights, followed by a get together on Looking Cavarlo, Marnie and Lou Irving - cruising the D’Entrecasteaux Dreamweaver in the Pacific. calendar. This year Good for port and chocolates. We are indebted Channel, Hobart. ‘Shades of Autumn’ was to Howard Meltzer for offering the use of Brenton Smith Chakana - • Club member Terry McMullan, McMullan Conway no exception with 96 Looking Good year after year. Cruising the Beagle Channel. Communications had, for the past three years, provided members and friends This year’s Bass Strait Cruise was one out of Marnie and Lou Irving staff members Hannah Ngaei, then Kate, to do our gathering for an the box. In brilliant weather 7 boats, Andalucia, Cavarlo - Circumnavigation newsletter layout, for which we were very grateful. Editor evening of beautiful Chakana, Emma Kate, Enya, Happy J, Mirrabooka music featuring of Tasmania. Robina Smith put out an (unsuccessful) impassioned plea for and Sun Kiss, departed Queenscliff for Refuge a volunteer to take over the layout, so from then on Robina Elyane Laussade on piano, Edward Cove. Lara and Aquacadabra joined in later. Antonov, violin and Michael Petruccelli, tenor. has managed the job of both Editor and Layout.

Page 44 Page 45 Enjoying the fireworks display at Docklands during Winter. Guest speakers this year: An unsung hero – Jenny Collins 2014 Robert Ireland, Suzuki Marine - Outboard has worked tirelessly as Cruising Motors and their Operation. Group Secretary for the past nine years – in recent years also Bryan Drummond - Cruising the South Pacific taking on the role of Classical on Gypsea Rover. Music Evening organisation. Dustin Marshall - Marine Research Project: What would we do without her? Sea life in the Bay and around our Marina. Committee members: Rod Watson (Chairman), Rod Watson - Borneo Cruise. Jenny Collins (Secretary), Robina Smith (Editor and Layout), Kathy de Garis, Richard Johnson, Pam Merritt, Will Merritt, Past Commodore Peter Johns - Nautical David Pollard, Roger Walker, Sandy Watson and Vanessa Twigg. Antiques and Netherlands Canal Cruising. Did you know? Kathy de Garis and Rosie Colahan - From the 2014 Newsletters... Cruising Medical Emergencies. • Another renaming ceremony, with Grant Highlights of 2014: chop built up. Participating boats were: Collins in action and the pink caftan getting • Many cruisers began the year by spending Peter Strain Andalucia, Andante, Chakana, Emma Kate, It’s another airing - this time for Ted and Maree New Year’s Eve on their boats in the marina Cruising Turkey and the Panama Canal. A Privilege, Lara, Mirrabooka and Sun Kiss. The Masur’s Beneteau 40.7 renamed Pizazzz with city fireworks viewed from the attenuator. Michael White and Christine Edwards - Living Bocce Championship was hotly contested at • Highland Fling’s Karen Parker began a • 23 years of Cruising Group celebrated at the Cruising Dream: one of the most inspiring King Island, with Chakana taking out the trophy. ‘Favourite Cruising Recipes Corner’ in the Royals in January. talks we’ve heard at our Monthly Dinner newsletter. • 8 boats and 27 crew participating in another Meetings. ‘Dilemmas, Dreams, Discoveries and Decisions’ charted their journey from the ‘dream successful Bass Strait Cruise. • Cruising Newsletter went digital from of full-time cruising’ to ‘making it happen’. Another outing for Sabot kids and their February this year. • Taking Risks, Managing Risks, Living Aboard and • True yachtie camaraderie was shown on the families cruising in ‘Big Boats’ to Royals. What We’ve Learnt were topics covered in a Bass Strait Cruise when six of our cruising • 8th Annual Progressive Boat Dinner in April - comprehensive account of fulfilling their dream. with 19 host boats. yachts in Stanley Harbour were at risk of • ’Bagatelles, Fantasies and Re-Imaginings’ - serious damage when lively seas whipped Classical Music Evening. up, necessitating moving them to a safer area of the harbour in difficult conditions. Crew • Frostbite Cruise held in the Club due to pier Now in its 8th year, the Progressive Boat Dinner members spent several hours helping each closure from storm damage. was held on a wintry, wet night in April. The other out during the move. • Annual Hardstand Christmas Party - actually weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm with out on the hardstand. conditions improving as the night wore on and • Great weather for the second year in a row • More winter Fireworks Fun at Docklands on those present enjoying the delicious dinners for the Annual Cruising Christmas Party, again celebrated out on the hardstand. Carol the last Friday of July and August. served on boats. singing was ably led by Kathy de Garis with After two years of successfully leading Cruising The 2014 Classical Music Evening had the fascinating title of ‘Bagatelles, Fantasies and her team of choristers - Vanessa Twigg, Jacqui Group, Rod Watson retired as Chairman in Lucas, Cath Hurley and James Heywood. November. The group had been in good hands Imaginings’, featuring internationally acclaimed under Rod’s leadership with a full program of pianist Stefan Cassonenos. Stefan enthralled those present with music by Beethoven, Bryan Sue Drummond well attended activities. Roger Walker agreed to RBYC/QCYC Cruising Yachtsman of take on the job of Chairman. Debussy, Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Music organised by Kathy de Garis. the Year Bryan and Sue Drummond on The 2013 Bass Strait Cruise had 8 participating Gypsea Rover, cruised to New Zealand Award This year’s Frostbite Cruise was held in the boats with 27 crew, varied weather and a before joining the ICA Pacific Rally in 2013. 400 nautical mile cruise to King Island, Three Clubhouse, but not because of bad weather. Wild storms that had wreaked havoc on the pier Most Improved Cruiser Winners Hummock Island and Stanley. Good to revisit and hardstand a couple of weeks earlier had Geoff Brewster and Barbara Burns, Andante, Their first Bass Strait Cruise to this beautiful cruising area, although Stanley King Island, Three Hummock Island, Stanley and the Tamar River. Harbour became challenging when a boisterous closed the pier, hence no access to boats. Stars & Compass Trophy - Andrew Roberts.

Page 46 Page 47 2015 Award FromDid the you2015 Newsletters... know? RBYC/QCYCWinners Cruising Yachtsman • Sue Drummond offered to be ‘Casual of the Year Newsletter Editor’ while Robina Smith was John Walker, Kirra Kirra, RBYC to away cruising in June, July and August. Big Committee members: Roger Walker (Chairman), Jenny Collins (Secretary), Robina Smith John Walker (Newsletter and Layout), Richard Johnson, Pam Merritt, Will Merritt, David Pollard, Peter Strain, Tasmania to Lizard Island in 2014. shoes to fill - we’re sure Sue graduated from Sandy Watson, Rod Watson and Vanessa Twigg (ex Officio). Most Improved Cruiser L’s to P’s! Cruising Group is now into its 24th year - and heading towards celebrating the first 25 years. Allan Haddow - currently sailing • During trips to Docklands for the Frostbite single-handed up the East Coast Cruise and July and August Fireworks Nights in a Compass 29 Ophelia. all present were impressed with the luxurious In January the Cruising Mowson, and his wife Jill, who were visiting Stars and Compass Trophy new onshore facilities for visiting yachties at Committee held a dinner from WA. John cut the cake, and later thanked Chris Reynolds, Hobsons Bay Melbourne City Marina. This destination has in the Committee Room everyone for their hospitality. Yacht Club. Chris Reynolds just got a lot better. to thank Rod Watson Following a couple of years of good cruising • Boats on the move: for his leadership as weather, 2015’s Bass Strait Cruise, although The fact that the regular End-of-Month ‘on Kirra Kirra - returning to Victoria from Brisbane Chairman during the having a brilliant first few days to get the fleet water’ activities continue to be well supported is after two years of cruising. Kirra Kirra will be past two years. Rod of 7 boats to Apollo Bay, was then hampered by evidence of the need for these events. berthed at Gippsland Lakes for a while. had capably carried out heavy weather for several days. The fleet split, This year they included: Ophelia - Allan Haddow departed in January the role of Chairman, with It’s a Privilege heading home, Aquacadabra, • Sabot Cruise to Royals. to meander slowly up the East Coast with the chaired Monthly Dinner Y Knot, Mirrabooka and Sun Kiss continuing west plan of eventually circumnavigating Australia. • Anzac Day and overnight cruise to RMYS with Meetings, led Bass to Port Fairy and Andalucia and Enya staying Chakana - spent several weeks mid-year 5 boats and 20 crew. Strait Cruises and other at Apollo Bay. Luckily the Bocce and Klop cruising to New Caledonia from Brisbane, ‘on water’ events and encouraged strong Competitions were contested at Apollo Bay • July and August ‘last Friday of the month’ then sailed from Brisbane back to RBYC in participation in all Cruising activities. while all were there, with the hotly contested Docklands Fireworks Cruises. November. Highlights for the year: Bocce Trophy being won by Sun Kiss for the • September cruise to overnight at Martha Cove Gypsea Rover - on the move again in • 24th Birthday Cruise to Royals - 88 cruisers second time. - 7 boats and 17 crew. December, after a year off, for some cruising attending. • Cup Weekend cruise to Queenscliff - 7 boats in Thailand. and 17 crew. • Bass Strait Cruise - Apollo Bay, Port Fairy and • America’s Cup knowledge tested with some Portland. • November Sunday lunch cruise to Ferguson Trivia Questions at the October America’s Street Pier, Williamstown - 6 boats and 14 crew. Cup Revisited night. Hmm..... should’ve read • Tasmanian Circumnavigation for Summer Wind up beforehand!! and Odysseus. Guest speakers this year: Jenny Stone and Hugh Jones - The Norway • 9th Annual Progressive Boat Dinner. Coast (on two very different ships). • 5 Cruising Boats take 21 Junior members and John and Jo Walker - To Lizard and Back on Kirra their families to Royals for lunch. Kirra. • ’Melba Magic’ - Classical Music Evening. James Heywood and Peter Clark - Batteries. • In October - America’s Cup Revisited night. Peter and Karen Johns - Frances - a Classic 8 ‘Melba Magic’, this year’s Classical Music Evening, metre yacht, launched in 1948. A large group of 88 cruisers ventured to Royals was up to the usual high standard and featured in January to help celebrate Cruising Group’s Paul and Angela Woodman - Van Diemen’s outstanding pianist Stefan Cassomenos Land Circumnavigation Cruise. 24th Birthday. 11 boats sailed over, while the accompanying singers from the Melba Opera crews of 4 more boats elected to drive. We were Bryan Drummond and Karen Parker - Sail 2 Trust scholarship program. Another top class Indonesia Rally on Gypsea Rover. honoured to have our Founding Chairman, John evening of wonderful music and fine dining. Alex Parry - Cape Otway Lightstation - Beacon of Hope.

Page 48 Page 49 The Musings of a Cruiser

The tranquility of the sea during a cruise can bring out the poet in any of us. Brian Cherry found this to be the case and the prose flowed from his pen as he recalled the fond memories of the Bass Strait cruise. Inspired by the style of the famous Australian poet C.J. Dennis, these musings were put to paper and read at a cruising function by our own Brian Cherry of Lena.

Cruising Malaise Bloody waves and bloody swell, At bloody Port Fairy, Jib is flapping, what the Hell. We’re sitting on’t bloody mud, Bloody preventer’s bloody jammed, But bloody Crays are bloody good, Bloody main has slam, slam, slammed. Bloody thanks to bloody Murray, We’ll soon be back no bloody worry. Cape Patton course two thirty bloody seven, Dolphins around its bloody heaven, Some go South and some go West, Bloody breakers to bloody port, What’s happening to the bloody rest Henty reef bearing two six nought. They are going bloody home, No bloody time to stay or roam. Apollo Bay’s first port of bloody call, Bloody entrance is bloody small Back at Queenscliff at bloody last, And unless you’re very bloody tall, Bloody possums up bloody mast, You’ll never get up the bloody wall. But bloody truth to bloody tell, All in all it went bloody well. Round bloody Otway in the night, Bloody moons not bloody bright Brian Cherry The wind is getting bloody light And bloody Amaya’s out of sight

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