The Wind, the Sea..... and Lister The " Atlas Rogger'', a 47ft. motor sailer built in Holland, is fitted with a JW6MGR Lister Marine Diesel. The reliability and dependability of Lister is worth thinking about when the time comes for you to re-engine. OFFSHORE Number 40 February/March 1978

FEATURES Who said it wasn't the roughest-ever Hobart 2 Slowbart '77 8 'The Roughest Race on Record' -What Bull! 11 Sydney to Eden 13 Mia Mia's Hobart 15 Radio Sked Disqualifications 22 Biggies' Column 29 C.Y.C. Cruise/Race to Port Stephens 32 N.Z. Wins World Half-Tons 38

TECHNICAL Watson's Knavi-guessing Know-how 36 1.0.R. Rule Changes 37

OFFSHORE SIGNALS 39

BOOK REVIEWS 41 Late Afternoon watch down the Tassie coast Hobart 1977. CLUB NOTES Photo by Rob Stirling 42

MARINA NEWS 44

'Offshore' is published every two months by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, New Beach Road, Darling Point, N.S.W. 2027. Telephone 32 9731, Cables "SEAWYSEA" Advertising and Editorial material : The Editor, 'Offshore'. C/ C.Y.C.A. Subscriptions: Australia $5.50. Overseas $7.00. Air Mail rate on application. Editor: David J. Colfelt Printer: Wymond Morell (Printers) Pty. Ltd. 160 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, N.S.W. 2050 *Recommended price only

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 There has been much debate, much media discussion, much bar talk, even argument as to whether our recent event was the roughest on record. Some said it was bad but they had been through worse. Some said the anemometer failed after being stuck beyond 60 knots for too long . Some said it never exceeded 35-40 knots after the first auick onslauaht. As to the sea conditions, similar disagreements persist, evaluations varying from moderate to mountainous seas with great holes behind them to fall into. In order to add perspective to these opinions, it is necessary to look at the scene from the overall viewpoint as seen from the nerve centre at the C.Y.C.A. which doubles as a clearing house for information from all quarters. After th start at 1200 Monday 26th starboard in the lee of the ferry, leaving problems of recovering money from a Decem er, the initiating activities insufficient room for Helsa! who hailed Kings Cross working girl who had includEid a police enquiry into the for room. Mercedes V responded apparently accepted it from a visiting serio collision between maxi yacht immediately by pulling away but in doing crewman in advance of nocturnal enter­ Helsa! and spectator ferry Lady Cutler, so her transom momentarily closed the tainment, whereupon she disappeared whic/i is alleged to have been occupying gap even more. Helsal's choice was to without delivering the goods. Despite out-Of-bounds space in the yacht collide with Mercides V or the ferry and, avid study there was no guidance to be manoeuvring area just before the start. choosing the latter, suffered severe found in the Handbook for Yacht Race lrn;leed the same ferry apparently topside damage and punctures from the Administrators for this sort of situation, obstructed the path of the yacht Winston ferry's sponson, the seriousness only so we went back to plotting yacht Churchill near the Heads after the start. becoming evident later when she tacked positions and feeding the Honeywell Helsal's Crew advised that after onto port to clear Sydney Heads and computer. As you can see from the first reaching away from the starting line they commenced to make water. few hours of activity, this Race was tacked onto starboard near Shark Is. and Following this enquiry was another by shaping up to be a rough one. headed for the line with about 1 V2 the Maritime Services Board, a visit from minutes to go, electing to sail to leeward a police officer regarding the lost of the ferry ahead of them. Shortly passport of a visiting crewman and yet afterwards Mercedes V tacked onto another police officer discussin In the Communications Centre at be easier to take people aboard a yacht commence a green flare search pattern, C.Y.C.A. , the atmosphere became than a ship in those rough conditions. were stood down. electrified at 1440 on Tuesday, a mere 26 hours 40 minutes after the start, Penando reported her position as 50 Needless to say, the atmosphere in the when radio relay ship Mia Mia came up miles east of Jervis Bay, subsequently Communications Centre all day on sked to report positions and the first amending the distance-off to 40 miles. In approached sheer bedlam, being spate of retirements following the the Communications Room , Duty Officer packed with journalists of the press onslaught of the first of several cold Campbell Scott laid out the 6-metre-lor.g gallery, TV reporters, camera gear and fronts to sweep the fleet during the next expanded chart of the Race course and lights, together with many who were 24 hours or so. plotted Penando 's reported positions interested in the continuing spate of Immediate action was taken to contact since the start. retirements which, by that evening, had good friends down the coast to seek Her previous reported position at 1900 reached 52 in number. The volunteer their assistance for up-to-date Tuesday put her 8 miles east of telephonists were working non-stop as information of yacht arrivals and request Bateman's Bay, and our deliberations as all inward lines had been running hot for berthing assistance as necessary. to her possible movements during the 30 hours, except from 0200 to 0630 Graham White in Eden , Hon. Social night clearly indicated that she was when we went off watch for a spell. Secretary of the Twofold Bay Yacht Club likely to be on a latitude just north of Thursday, day 4, brought about the need and owner of the ocean-going tug E.B. Batemans Bay, some 45 miles or so to conduct an audit of the coast to try to Cane, was a tower of strength and came south of her MAYDAY position report. locate yacht Cordon B/eu which had up many times each day by landline to This we conveyed to Marine Operations failed to come up on any of the four radio report arrivals and sightings until, finally, Centre which took the decision to move skeds since Tuesday evening. The twenty-eight yachts were enjoying the the search south from the original area Maritime Services Board deputed John haven of Twofold Bay and Graham's of Wollongong to Batemans Bay and 60 Hi Ider of the N.S.W. State Boating hospitality, with hot showers and all miles seaward. · Service to assist us, but no sighting was manner of other very kind assistance to made in any of the ports and boat the crews. As it transpired, Penando reached Ulladulla at about 1640 under own sail havens on the coast south of Sydney. At the same time, M.O.C. had assisted by Fisherman John Jubb and Fisherman's and power and confirmed that her stated Co-op Manager Daryl Goodyer kept us position was in error, advising that they arranging for coast and aircraft radio stations to send out XXX-CO calls, being informed about the thirteen yachts to had seen a light Gp. Fl. (4) and identified calls at 2-hour intervals for sightings. seek refuge in Bermagui, and part-time it as Kiama from the list of lights Harbour Master Keith Thorpe was up included in the Race Navigator's Log Yacht Mulberry efficiently reported to early and to bed late monitoring the Book. The light they saw was actually Mia Mia her sighting of a yacht in an movements at Ulladulla. Indeed his Burrewarra Pt. light about 70 miles unplotted position, whereupon she was normal work pattern was punctuated by further south (just south of Batemans asked to start her engine and close for visits to the harbour, where three yachts Bay) which also displays a Gp. Fl. (4) positive identification, which she did. skurried for shelter including the characteristic, although of 16 secs. Regrettably, the yacht sighted was not distressed New Zealand yacht Penando. period and 8M range in contrast with Cordon Bleu, the same result coming It was on Wednesday, day 3, when Kiama of 20 secs. period and 17M from all of the other efforts that day. unscheduled traffic from Radio Relay range. Mulberry was invited to claim time Ship Mia Mia at 0840 relayed the 0830 The Burrewarra light, being of allowance for her excursion off-course, MAYDAY call from Penando following secondary importance, was not included to which she responded in the negative saying she neither lost nor gained by the her initial PAN call at 0725. Penando in the Navigator's Log Book list (which reported that she was taking water incidentally included several more lights exercise. faster than the crew could cope with it. than previously); however, it is shown on Two yachts reported to Mia Mia that they Weather conditions at the time were all copies of Chart AUS807, Montagu had sighted Cordon Bleu on Tuesday separately reported as being wind from Is. to Jervis Bay and others sold since evening south of Montagu Island when SSW ., force 6 to 7, seas rough with a 23rd May 197 4 when the light was she was well reefed, heading south and heavy swell. established. It seems that Penando's looking snug although not displaying navigation lights. Marine Operations Centre at Canberra charts must have been of even earlier was immediately contacted and a vintage, remaining uncorrected. Four more retirements during the day search and rescue operation mounted Obviously the intended guide for brought the tally to 56 , one of which with an R.A.A.F. Hercules aircraft, a navigators in the Log Book must be filled being the dismasted yacht Casablanca, Grumman Tracker aircraft from the out in future to include the remaining the last of four dismastings during the Naval Air Station, two chartered civilian five secondary lights along the course: Race. Casablanca 's call for towing aircraft later increased in number and however, this does not alter the fact that assistance was received by Adelaide two oil tankers, the Robert Miller and Penando's navigation exhibited grave Radio and relayed to M.O.C. Canberra Arthur Philip, which were diverted into a shortcomings which could have had from which contact with Casablanca search pattern. In addition , other ships adverse consequences. was made through Melbourne Radio. bound north and south were tracked When Keith Thorpe in Ulladulla phoned M.O.C. arranged with Tasmania Police through the area at 5-mile spacings, a to report Penando 's safe arrival in port Inspector Massey to have his police Naval helicopter at Nowra and a Naval under her own power, we insisted on officer at Whitemark on Flinders Island Patrol Boat at Jervis Bay were placed on having her skipper brought to the phone drive across to Lady Barron and seek stand-by, and two yachts, Margaret to verify that it was he who put out the the assistance of fisherman Graeme Rintoul and Aztec were diverted to MAYDAY call at 0830-it could have Holloway, Master of the M.F.V. Te/aka. Penando's reported position. The yachts been tragic to call off a search if a These men were on the job from 0620 had retired from the Race and, being in different yacht happened to be the one until 2245 when the rescue ended, the vicinity, responded to the Sydney in distress. Happily, all was well, the having firstly flown out over Bass Strait Coast Radio Station 0903 sked MAYDAY search was called off, and aircraft to verify Casablanca 's position. When announcement. M.O.C. figured it would awaiting nightfall, when they could they put to sea and closed with

4 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Photo by Rob Stlrling

Casablanca they learned that although A new situation arose in the skipper stated that the radio failed her split fuel tanks had caused a Communications Centre when it was before the start and that he had so shortage of fuel , Casablanca had necessary to tender advice to relief advised the Race Committee at the decided that a tow was not necessary. crews scheduled to sail yachts back to starting line. Certainly something wa s Graeme Holloway guided her into Lady their home ports from Hobart-should shouted, but Xaviera was under tow and Barron that night through the very they go to Hobart, Twofold Bay, it was assumed that the virtually difficult, narrow, unlit "gutter" through Bermagui, Ulladulla, somewhere else or inaudible shout must have referred to the shoals and clear of the Pot Boil , stay in Sydney? In addition, much of the engine trouble wh ich turned out not to without doubt the only man who could baggage flown to Hobart by T.A.A. for be the case, the reason for the tow being have done so . He then arranged a the crews had now to be returned to that her propeller had been taped. There mooring for the yacht to enable the crew Sydney. This probably wasn 't as bad as would have been little virtue in her to proceed to Hobart for the festivities. Kialoa having to call at Auckland to completing the race course as, not What a man! recover some gear before proceeding to having started with a serviceable radio, Even a relatively straightforward Hong Kong for the China Sea Race. there is no doubt sh e would have been disqualified, and that win s no team rescue such as this involves a whole lot The one happy event this day was the points. of people, and their work does not end return to the Club of Xaviera who had when the yacht reaches port. Reports failed to make position reports by radio Friday, day 5, brought yet another retire­ have to be prepared, de-briefings have since the start and had not made a test ment bringing the number to 57 and still to be held which require the attendance call with Mia Mia before the start. She no sighting of Cordon Bleu. of a whole lot of people representing the had suffered hull damage and was Arrangements were made with M.O.C. to various groups involved, and the Race nursed back after making temporary continue the CO calls and to seek the Committee's involvement continues until repairs at sea. On being questioned as assistance of N.S.W., Victoria and the files are finallv closed. to why she failed to keep the skeds, the Tasmania Police in scouring the appro-

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 5 riate coastlines of all three States. Much in Hobart to give expression to hasty, to be a distress call from a Hobart Race publicity was bringing increased interest unkind and critical remarks about the yacht on a C.B. set on 27 .88 MHz. There and pressure from relatives, friends, the calibre of many yachts and crews in the was mention of some bay and 44 Newcastle Press, radio and TV , also Race, together with untrue allegations degrees and wind of 25-30 knots from from the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. as to the C.Y.C.' s screening of entries the ENE. but the remainder was Even though our "gut feeling " and crews, regarding which he seemed unreadable. We later spoke to the suggested that such a well-found yacht to have no knowledge. His statements fisherman but he could give no further and capable crew were unlikely to be in were given wide publicity and had to the information. difficulty, it was becoming obvious that a subject of rebuttal by means of TV and search would need to be mounted fairly radio interviews along with other We again called upon M.O.C. to assist soon. comments. Such an unnecessary with an aerial search. advising that a incident contributes nothing to the sport. small float plane was available in Hobart Three other yachts now joined the "No and of course conveying the results of Radio Report" list as regulars, these it merely brings unjustifiable discredit to it. The fact of the American's sub­ our deliberations as to the yacht's being Meltemi, Humdinger and Vanessa. position, projected south for the Zilvergeest had suffered radio problems sequent withdrawal of most of his critism could well be overlooked by overnight distance sailed. Shortly all Wednesday but had taken the afterwards the float plane took off with initiative to open up the set and put it in zealous bureacrats anxious to introduce regulatory measures, which ocean well-known yachting journalist Peter the sun to dry out and so managed to get Campbell aboard as observer and in themselves back on the air. racing does not need-this we have proved in 33 years of safe ocean racing short order made a positive identification M.O.C. came up with negative reports without loss of life or vessel. There's no of Cordon Bleu off Eaglehawk Neck. from the coastal search for Cordon Bleu doubt about it, this certainly is a rough right at the southern end of our position so, once again, the expanded chart was Race. circle. set up and a very careful study made by That called for some self-starter Rear Commodore Gordon Marshall and Saturday, day 6, brought a negative refreshment and a bracket of phone Campbell Scott. With one exception, all response from the fleet as to Cordon calls to all concerned, followed by one Bleu 's whereabouts except a 15-mile­ of the yachts in the vicinity of Cordon more sked from Mia Mia before she Bleu at her last reported position had distant sighting by Thundercloud who concluded her radio relay ship retired. However, there were still three advised against starting her engine as operations during late afternoon and yachts in the Race with roughly she was already sailing at hull speed proceeded to port. At that time there equivalent sailing abilities, and all of under spinnaker and expected to close were only sixteen yachts still at sea with the yacht at Tasman Island within a their reported positions since the start beyond visual range of Tasman Island, a were plotted, together with the few hours. couple of which were cruising south reported positions of the whole fleet as We received a report from Margate having earlier retired, together with at 1900 hours Friday. Radio advising that a runabout off some of the fourteen who fa iled to report This produced a most interesting pattern Visscher Island, about 7 miles south of their positions at the 1400 sked , many of whereby a circular area of ocean about Maria Is ., had monitored what seemed whom we knew to be in the river or in 40 miles in diameter off St. Patricks 'Windward Pa ssage ' Head. about half-way down the east coast of Tasmania, contained none of the Race yachts but it did have one of our " equivalent yachts" to the north and the other two to the south. It was a reasonable assumption that Cordon Bleu would be somewhere in that circle.

This wa s conveyed to Mia Mia by means of unscheduled distress traffic at 2300 hours. together with the request that at her sked with yachts commencing 0700 Saturday she put out a CO call, requesting each yacht to perform a plot of al l reported positions and to report , I sightings of any yacht in an un-plotted posi tion and also to close with any unidentified yacht for positive identification. in which event time allowance would be granted. Nothing more could done except await the outcome and reflect upon a continuation of such effort for several days yet as, after five days, we still had on our hands a 400-mile yacht race. the tail-enders having just entered Bass Straight. ~ The Communications Centre had been 8 ~ buzzing with activity for over three days (ll >. since the first cold front appeared, and .() £ now a new storm had emerged when an 0 American crew membe r stepped ashore '-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---' ~

6 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Storm Bay. Certainly those who could Krop. For a wonderful job thank you upon our friends at M.O.C. for an aerial should have come up on sked, but no Anne and thank you Hans. search of the coast. They sent up a doubt they considered it unnecessary Carabou from Canberra to overfly the Phone enquiries were still coming in by coast from Flinders Is. to Storm Bay and when they had already come up to the hundred from anxious wives, 50 miles seaward, promising an Orion station VH7AM at the Royal Yacht Club sweethearts and relatives, one of whom aircraft for a green flare search that of Tasmania. The yachts still at sea were wanted to know if Johnny would still be night. Inspector Massey of Tasmania well within the reach of Hobart Coast able to take the 5.30 p.m. flight out of Police climbed into a light aircraft and Radio Station, especially with its remote Hobart to be home for his New Year's set off down the river and out into Storm antenna on the coast. Eve party. Well , it would have helped if Bay following M.O.C. advice that the What a marvellous job Mia Mia did! she had remembered what yacht he was ship Zinc Master had sighted a yacht Apart from a few hours in Bermagui on , but that gave us the cue to up-anchor close in under Tasman Island but she repairing a mechanical problem, which and take the TAA flight to Hobart to carry was not close enough for positive on the Race from there. was too difficult with the ship doing identification. everything but loop-the-loop, Mia Mia Standing at the front steps of the Wrest was at sea for the whole Race, and Point Hotel in Hobart from 2355 until Despite subsequent press reports to the quietly took her time across the 0010 on what then became New Year's contrary, we manned the notorious Bass Strait to ensure she day was a wonderful experience, as not Communications Centre at R.Y .C.T. all stayed about middle of the fleet. What is one distress pyrotechnic was fired from that day, consoling the skipper's wife more she missed not one radio sked. the yachts assembled in Constitution and the wife of another crew member There were 59 of them in all , as set down Dock to signal in the New Year. How and , of course. performing the plots on on her pre-prepared traffic list, so pleasant to welcome the New Year in our 6-metre chart even though, in this despite angry atmospherics and the the knowledge that the wrath of the case, it was more academic than useful need to route via Melbourne and Hobart Marine Board would not be brought However, good news arrived at about on occasions in addition to Sydney, her down upon us the foltowing day. 1640 that a sighting and positive identifi­ traffic always came up and always on cation had been made, whereupon the During the next two days every yacht ladies weeping with joy, climbed into a schedule. What a marvellous ship, what was accounted for with the exception of a marvellous skipper and what a great taxi to await Vanessa's arrival at Vanessa, who had not come up on radio Constitution Dock. crew! Thank you Geoff Hammond and since the 0700 sked on Friday, and all who were aboard. Nirimba who, although not lost, did not During all this drama, an anxious mother Thanks also to the radio relay yachts finish until Tuesday, the eighth day of the in England phoned through to enquire if Meltemi, Rum Runner, Rogue, Race. As with Cordon Bleu, Vanessa is a her son, crewing on one of the Moonbird, Lollipop and Chauvinist. Two well-found yacht and competently " missing" yachts as reported in the yachts stepped into the breach and Two crewed, as observed in the Half Ton Cup English press, was safe and well, assisted Mia Mia immensely, these and Southern Cross Cup Series. imploring at the same time that we don't being Rogue and Anna Orie, with their However, by Monday morning it was divulge to the young man in question as radio operators Anne Wilson and Hans time to act, so once again we called boys don't like that sort of thing. It was pleasing to be able to report that he 'Phantom', a handsome American maxi-sloop, failed to make the distance in the '77 Hobart was safe and sound in Constitution Dock, indeed that we had seen him there the day before. And so another three ladies went their way relieved and content, two weeping and one joyfully gay. So there it is. Fifty-eight retirements, that's about 45% of the fleet , one MAYDAY, four aerial searches, coastal searches, sixteen full plots, sixteen Press Bulletins, eight days of continuous effort, wind storms, verbal storms. frantic relatives, the press, TV and utter bedlam. Was it the cacaphony of chaos or the symphony of success? Well , that doesn't matter now. Whatever • it was, there is categorically no doubt about it-in the Communications Centre this really was the roughest Hobart ' ever!

~ 8 :!;! > 0 "'>. <) 9 0 ~ 0..

OFFSHORE - Feb ruary/March 1978 7 SLOWBART 1-977 by John Hawley With 137 starters in the 1977 Hitachi 1977 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, a dramatic start was expected. No one dreamed of ELAPSED CORRECTED the dramas which were to unfold over PL.ACE YACHT OWNER/CHARTERER TIME T.C.F TIME the next eight days, some even before 1 KIALOA ...... J B Kiiroy 3-Hl-14 .09 1.0454 3-13-58.10 the gun was fired. 2 RAGAMUFFIN . . . . s Fischer 4-06-29 42 .8596 3-16-06.17 3 WINDWARD PASSAGE . . F. Johnson 3-12-39 00 1.0435 3-16-19.56 Playing for safety, Helsa/, the 1973 line 4 LOLLIPOP . . . P. Kline & I. Miller 5·15-3910 .6931 3-22-01 .15 honours winner, was winding herself up 5 NATELLE II NS. Glrdis 4-19-26.52 .8162 3-22-13.43 6 BRER FOX . . . . R.W. Jackman 5-02-35 06 .7711 3-22-31 31 for a flying start a mile behind the 7 JENNY H . Jenny H Syndicate 5-01-48.48 .7774 3-22-41 .52 starting line and in good clear air whilst 8 ANTAGONIST . RF. Hickman 5-02-40.47 7732 3-22-51 21 9 PICCOLO ...... J. Pickles 5-02-06.18 .7774 3-22-55.28 the 100 or so closing the line with 10 APOLLO . . . . . J. Rooklyn 4-05-33.04 .9391 3-23-22.00 seconds to go were pushing and 11 PINTA . • • w lllbruck 4-20-17.54 .8218 3-23-34.27 12 ZILVERGEEST Ill . A J. Murray 5-13-06.04 .7193 3-23-44 23 shoving, fending off dozens of collisions. 13 DYNAMITE 2 ...... PS. Smith 4-20-32.05 .8236 3-23-45.30 With 50 seconds to go, a spectator ferry, 14 DAMEL ...... WA Currie 5-02-21 .29 7846 4-00-00' 08 15 RAMPAGE ...... E N Fuller 5-02-11 .47 .7860 4-00-02.47 The Lady Cutler, a quarter of a mile 16 WINSOME 77 . D.D. May 4-20-54.25 .8218 4-00-04.27 inside the yacht maneuvering area, 17 FARRAWA . . . B.G Campbell 4-20-31.21 .8246 4-00-05.04 drifted slowly north whilst Mercedes V 18 AQUILA...... B. Edmunds & J. Aitken 5-14-39.02 7136 4-00-0512 19 SWEENEY TODD . . D. W Blainey 5-16-58.58 .7016 4-00-06.26 went about to head for the line. The gap 20 NYAMBA ...... JG. Hardy 4-21-35.45 .8181 ·4-00-12.19 closed between therri and Helsa/ 21 NITRO ... G & R Edgerton 4-21-04 12 .8236 4-00-25.08 22 LOVE AND WAR . . P. Kurts 4-20-02.10 8333 4-00-41 34 became the meat in the sandwich. The 23 VIITORIA . . . . . LJ Abrahams 5-02-22.23 7933 4-01-04 43 heavy steel sponsons of the ferry 24 HUMDINGER ...... W.B. Northam 5-20-06.31 .6933 4-01-08 14 25 BARNACLE BILL J & D Dirksen 5-01-05 52 8045 4-01-25.23 gouged a 9-foot-long hole in the side of 26 APOLLO II R. & I. Thurslon 4-20-29.29 8375 4-01-33.42 Helsa/, and Australia's chances for line 27 DYNAMITE RE Wailers 5-00-29.16 .8114 4-01-45.50 honours plummeted. The extent of the 28 PERIE BANOU . . . . J & C. Sanders 5-14-43.33 7281 4-02-05 38 29 WHISPERS OF WELLINGTON G R Stagg 5-02-13.19 8027 4-02-06.27 damage became apparent when Helsa/ 30 DANCING MOUSE. C. McGarry 5-13-19.37 .7353 4-02-07 09 went on port tack at the heads. Water 31 BACARDI . . . . J. Gould 5-03-55.21 .7933 4-02-18.28 32 GOLDEN EAGLE J.W. Granger 5-06-28.35 .7774 4-02-19 22 poured in leaving no alternative but to 33 KESTRAL . R H. Fidock 5-07-03.27 .7752 4-02-29.42 withdraw from the Race. 34 CONCUBINE ...... J. Mc. Taylor 5-12-31 .30 .7442 4-02-37.30 35 MERINDA . • . . • ...... A.G. Taylor 5-21-47.23 .6962 4-02-42.50 36 MERCEDES Ill . • . . • AT. Glutton 5-07-57.27 .7730 4-02-54.40 37 MARTINE ...... • . . . P.K. Gourlay 5-23-49.55 .6877 4-02-54.47 Meanwhile at the starting line, some 20 38 FARR OUT ...... E. Vidor 5-07-30.51 7763 4-02-59.21 boats broke the start and a second roar 39 KNOCKOUT . . • . . . . . Sir Max Aitken 5-01-1904 .8181 4-03-15 00 40 BRUMBY ...... P. & R Robinson 5-22-48.43 .6990 4-03-49 31 from the starter's gun announced a 4t PANDORA II . . . MW D. Phillips 5-02-19 01 .8179 4-04-02.35 limited recall. Seven numbers were 42 VARIAG ...... M Herion 5-16-24.18 .7380 4-04-40 01 taken, two os which returned to restart 43 BILLAGONG . . . . . P N Joubert 5-14-55.21 .7465 4-04-43 10 44 BLUE MOON . . . W Anderson 5-12-32.47 .7628 4-05-06.23 whilst five sailed on, unaware that they 45 BRAVURA...... I. Loube 4-19-20.03 8768 4-05-07.30 were to suffer a 20% penalty which, in 46 "PATRICE Ill . • ...... R.J. Kirby 4-16-22.29 .8554 4-00-07.31 47 MULBERRY . M Lovett 6-04-53.02 .6987 4-05-40.22 effect, meant they would be relegated 48 STREAKER . . . R. H Cawse 5-12-23.45 .7681 4-05-41 .36 26 places. Two of the five subsequently 49 WAINUNU IV ...... J. Garner & D. Strong 5-07-00.13 .8041 4-06-07 25 withdrew from the Race but Patrice Ill, 50 POL.ARIS L.H. Savage 5-06-27.55 .8086 4-06-15.35 51 MIKO ...... D. Burfitt 6-03-14.59 .6959 4-06-28.16 Queequeg and Breadfruit completed the 52 THUNDER CLOUD . D. Hogg & A. Stewart 5-13-10.32 .7731 4-06-57.29 course to suffer this penalty. With all 53 CHAOS ...... R.T. Spence 5-12-27.55 .7774 4-06-58.43 54 SHENANDOAH ...... JR Charody 6-05-10.30 .6959 4-07-48.39 yachts now carrying sophisticated radio 55 BANG BANG . . . . . D W. Baxter 5-13-09.51 7815 4-08-04.04 equipment, there seems to be no 56 APOLLO Ill . . . A Bond 4-20-26.58 .8965 4-08-23 49 57 LOTS WIFE ...... R.S Montgomery 6-08-45.15 6933 4-09-54.16 apparent reason why recalled numbers 58 LEDA . . . . . N. Gosson 4-20-59.00 .9121 4-10-42.02 could not be announced on the working 59 MANU KAT . . . J.W B Barry 5-20-08.32 .7628 4-10-54 02 frequency and avoid this misfortune. In 60 ROGUE . . . . V D'Emilio 5·20-24.15 .7681 4-11 -50.40 61 ANNA ORIE HJ Kropp 5-15-37.01 8031 4-12-54 50 addition, there is fair evidence that the 62 ANACONDA II . Aust. Army Salling Assoc 4-10-03 27 1 0291 4-13-08.38 buoy marking the northwest end of the 63 MELTEMI . . BC. Psaltis 5-17-46.55 .8154 4-16-20.51 64 THYLACINE J W Burton 6-08-36.00 7364 4-16-22.29 starting line was moved shortly before 65 SECOND LADY . • G. Scherw1nski 6-08-44.25 7477 4-18-12.14 the start. 66 FIREBALL It M. Bayliss 5-17-43.35 .8537 4-21-34 37 67 FREANDA . . JA Carr 5-15-13.57 .9051 5-02-23.56 A flurry of protest flags were flown 68 •BREADFRUIT . . R Sill 5-14-42.38 .7442 4-04-15.06 69 NIRIMBA . . . . . Royal Aust Navy 7-23-05.09 .7186 5-17-18.51 during the first hour of the Race but in 70 ·ouEEOUEG . ' .. G.R. Young 5-01-19.04 8375 4-05-2751 the quieter atmosphere of Hobart, no protests were forthcoming except from

Retired· Apalie, Aphrodite. Aries. Assegaai, Avalon. Aztec. B-One-Nine-Five, Bellman, the Race Committee. But more of that Betula, Binda, Casblanca. Chauvinist. Dorado, FairDlnkum. Farr Fetched, Geronimo. later. Gidgee. Gumblossom. Hecate. Helsal, Hercules, Hi-Jaque. Imogene. Jisuma. Lowana II , Margaret Rintoul It , Malika II , Mekim Save. Mercedes V, Meriki, Moonbird, Mulloka, Mystic The weather bureau had forecast 15-20 Seven. Ndumsky, Nire Lowa. Pandora Two, Penando, Phantom, Quest, Rhythm, Rum knot nor' easterlies turning southerly in Runner, Ruthless. Silver Shamrock Ill, Smir-Noff-Agen. Southern Comfort 11 , Spanker, Sunburst. Superstar. Swuzzlebubble, Taurus, The Hum, The Sting. ThunderbOlt, Wainunu V, the late afternoon-a fair guess at a White pointer, Willi Willi, Wimaway. W inston Churchill, Xaviera. typical Sydney summer day. A pity,

•Patricelll, Breadfruit and Oueequeg penalised 26 places for failing to answer recall al lhe however, they were wrong. Light and start variable all day and half way through the night. Windward Passage won the battle Disqualified: Cordon Bleu, Vanessa. for first out of the harbour after a brilliant

8 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 HOBART 1977:

start closely pursued by Dynamite //,but 6 p.m. passed without sight of Rags, only too early a tack put them in a hole off Lollipop, the bright pink V2-tonner from South Head and they were compelled to RPAYC on her sixth Hobart, was in any tack out to sea again, a mistake not position to challenge for victory. Another made by David Kilponen (Fang) on day of suspense had to pass before this Kialoa II. Thus the two giants were neck gallant little yacht sailed in to take fourth and neck, a situation which was to exist position on handicap and first in Half Ton all the way to Storm Bay. Division. A great double for Jim Kilroy, for only the On 27th December, a dramatic change third time in the history of the Race has in the weather scattered the fleet over this honour been carried away. John when 90 miles east of Cape Barren 500 square miles of ocean. The Illingworth did it in the first-ever Hobart, southerly had arrived with boats Island she was dismasted. Under jury and Ted Turner did it in American Eagle rig, she sailed the 90 miles to Flinders reporting 70 knots from the sou 'west. It in 1972. is interesting in retrospect to try to get Island and reports have it that some perspective on the actual Of the six controversial centreboarders Dynamite II and Nyamba both altered conditions. Some of the more which started, only Jenny H finished to course to offer assistance while experienced navigators on well-known win the Southern Cross Cup and be Queequeg apparently sailed by without boats such as Apollo, Love and War and placed 5th in this testing Hobart. In the making any effort to see whether Patrice are adamant that 40 knots with four races of the Southern Cross Cup, assistance was required. occasional 45 knots was the maximum Jenny H was placed First, First, Fourth and that this year's Hobart was no and Sixth. The rough weather early in the Race harder than most others. " About For much of the Race, an interesting produced the expected crop of rad io average-but rough earlier" was a challenge for third place over the line failures and a number of yachts were pretty general comment. So, why did 58 existed between Apollo and Casablanca, called before the race committee to yachts retire? the latter a new 49 V2 foot yacht explain their failure to report. Two of Elsewhere in this issue, the reasons are designed by owner John Biddlecombe. these, Cordon Bleu and Vanessa, were examined in more detail, but a She was leading Apollo for half the race disqualified. The 35 foot Cordon Bleu description of the Race would be This year's winner of line honours and overall, 'Kialoa '. incomplete without mention that the harbours of Eden , Ulladulla and Bermagui were full yachts whilst Hobart, for twenty hours, had only Kialoa and Windward Passage to entertain. Kialoa crossed the finishinq line in dying winds a few minutes after 1O p.m. on Thursday 29th December, half a day outside her record time of 2 days 14 hours 36 minutes set two years ago. The last agonising 330 yards under the brilliant television lighting took a quarter of an hour with sails hanging limply, the I cannon for line honours winner being almost drowned by the roar from the 10,000 crowd which had assembled to greet them. Windward Passage, which had stood a little further offshore had a slight lead over Kialoa whilst she was becalmed off Maria Island. "Stay out to sea" was not the order for this Race, and the inshore breeze favoured the boats which sailed closer to the Tasmanian coast. The final slow drift up the Derwent placed the Passage 2 hours 24 minutes 51 seconds behind Kialoa. Apollo was third home nineteen hours behind Kialoa with Ragamuffin fourth over the line to take second place on corrected time. It had been an anxious day for Jim Kilroy;Ragamuffin had to finish before 6 p.m. to beat him for the handicap victory and rob hi m of the double. As

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 9 from Lake Macquarie sailed out of Constitution Dock immediately they were informed, vowing never to return. I cannot but question behaviour which seems to me impulsive over-reaction when boats fail to report. Well set-up boats with experienced crews out in average conditions should not produce the many situations which occured in this race, with aeroplanes and ships of the armed forces deployed on search and rescue operations, the panic headlines in the press and in radio newscasts. Only one boat relayed a distress message, this was Penando , one of the oldest boats in the fleet with a fairly inexperienced crew. In the event, she sailed into port, surprised that she had been the subject of concern. The lightweight centreboarders which developed serious hull failures were all sailed carefully into ports at the first sign Passing the Hypp~lites aboard 'Windward Passage', wearing two sets offoul weather gear! of structural damage by their experienced crews. It is surprising that the excellent reporting of A.8.C. 's Gordon Bray from the Radio Relay Vessel Mia Mia became translated to the panic press headlines which caused so much worry to families of men going about their sailing in just another Sydney to Hobart Race.

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10 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 HOBART 1977: 'The Roughest Race on Record' ... What Bull! By Tony Cable

The Editor has successfully locked me managed to secure 10th slot. Following In retrospect many would feel that these into doing at least two articles a year, these came other good boats, the West words were somewhat prophetic, but one which predicts both the weather and German Pinta, Zilvergeest Ill, Dynamite the trouble is that I do not consider that a the winner of the Hobart Race, and a II, Dame/, previous winner Rampage, day, or less, of 30-40 knots (with, for following one devoted to explaining why and the U.K. entry Winsome '77. some, an hour or two of 50 knots) the forecasts were wrong or, anything like a blow. By 'blow' I was This listing was not done for the sake of alternatively, gloating over the accuracy thinking of a not-unusual, two-day-or­ filling space but to set up an analysis of of them. This year I have my tail between more stint of 50-60 knots plus. Such a the assertion that as usual there was no pleasure is thus still in store for us my legs. I picked neither the weather nor 'luck' in this race. Only good boats that the winner! were invested with experienced crews (maybe this year!). Readers will recall that I chose one of did well, while numerous boatloads of This opinion on the real lack of severity nine 1-tonners to win. Of these Southern the inexperienced pulled out days of the so-called 'rugged' conditions is Comfort and Rockie didn't even start, earlier. shared by a number of experienced while 8195, The Sting, Smir-Noff-Agen, competitors. Who better to quote than Variag and White Pointer all blew up in 'Tweetie ' Thomas, navigator on 'Pandora II ', here Peter Green, who has just notched up navigating his way around a side of beef at the New various ways before they got down Year's Day barbecue. his 27th Hobart, on Patrice Ill " We were there. Streaker at least made it (some easily handling the 40 to 45 knot achievement in this Race) but only southerly with three reefs in the main managed a 48th. The only one to save and a No. 5 headsail. There was nothing me from a complete loss of credibility that a well founded boat with a was the outstandingly successful N.Z. competent crew could not handle." Southern Cross Team member, Jenny H, (Financial Review 2711178 , p. 21 ). which came 7th. On having a look at Peter's ship's log, I must be now truthful and declare that I there is no record of any breeze over 35 am just no good at picking maxis to win knots. For them the 'blow' came in at on handicap. Nor have I sufficient 1200 on the 27th, at 30 knots. It held at knowledge of naval architecture to be 35 knots from 1300-0240, then 30 knots able to foresee that lightweight boats will 0240-1015, thereafter various start to unzip at 30-40 knots to windward recordings ranged from 18-22 knots. In after less than a day. But I suppose this this section I am therefore setting down lack of technical ability has also been some evidence to contradict those somewhat lacking with people more w idespread and distorted reports that professionally qualified than I. this was a 'hard' race. To look very briefly over some of the In support of the Patrice story, on Apollo other placings, Jim Kilroy's win, while we had only 30-40 knots with an odd puff unexpected, was nevertheless a very of 50 knots for a maximum of only 18 popular one. Ragamuffin at 2nd was, as hours. We got down to 3 reefs and a so often before, only a bridesmaid, but spitfire and were tramping. The only no doubt one day Hewey will finally stop things we busted were breakfast tantalising Syd and let him have a win. In sausages, they out of their skins! view of what has been said about the weather conditions, it is both significant As a final piece of evidence take the log and creditable that one of the smallest So much for a brief scan of the placings. of Farr Out, whose navigator won the yachts in the fleet, Lollipop, the 30' Next I must say something of the Navigator's Prize. They too had 30 knots Joubert Currawong, came 4th. That fine weather. In December's article I Peterson 2-tonner, Nate/le II, with 5th, predicted that "we will have the second at 1300 on the 27th; they then had two hours of 40 knots and two hours of 50 improved her 1976 performance by a heavy Race in a row. Just imagine the knots, easing to 20-25 knots late that place. Brer Fox coincidently repeated total retirements in a fleet of 140! Taking night and the next day three hours of 40 her 1976 position of 6th. Antagonist in this heavy weather into consideration, knots and 8 hours of 30 knots, thereafter next position gave another high placing we can immediately eliminate a few easier winds. to Tasmania (along with Brer Fox) . score boats that are not noted for heavy Piccolo at 9th was in no way disgraced weather performance and/or do not Do the above facts indicate a tough after her '76 win. Apollo, 3rd over the have crews able to sail them hard in a race? If not, why then the widespread line after Windward Passage, just real blow. " public belief that it was? OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 11 I believe that the first point which started going further. For example, Geronimo to disseminate this incorrect description broke her forestay, and this experienced was our own Hitachi Press Centre (in crew were out. Next, there was a whole using our sponsor's name here as part bunch of the 'lightweights', centreboar­ of a critical comment, I'm sure I know ders etc., who as a 'class' were their veteran Hobart racer, and devastated by these relatively easy con­ Managing Director, Ken Caldecott, well ditions. Their failure will be subject of enough to know that I am not offending). much international debate. I don't have On studying the sked reports from the -- the talent to comment in that technical relay ship Mia Mia, it was noted that by dialogue, other than to give an opinion the evening sked on the 27th, just after on purely logical grounds. Henceforth the weather had come in, there were 18 which designer, boatbuilder and owner, retirements, followed by some 15 more having seen this massacre, would by the sked the next morning. At this present such a flimsy craft at the start of time Mia Mia reported that she was 1O another Hobart? It would be silly not to miles east of Green Cape ''wind 190 at think that this type of boat will not now 20 knots, mod. seas low swell". But be considerably strengthened. If not, following this information from this who will take responsibility for what Official source, a C.Y .C. journalist then happens to such a craft when they have wrote in bulletin No. 6 from the Press to race for , say two days in 60 knots with Centre, "[the Race] has now been in no nearby shelter? progress for 43 hours and indeed it goes The next group of retirements consisted down as the roughest race on of those boats that had no significant record '' gear failures but puHed out through fac­ Further, in several of the reports, he tors or combinations of factors including described the seas as "mountainous"­ prudence, inexperience, seasickness what with winds only reported at max. 50 and, as one of the wags described, knots! So I think many wild press reports "deflated egos" or the need to "conduct Patty Kendall, wife of the skipper of 'Kialoa ', Bruce Kendall, wearing the side's colours on her emanated from a source where, of all urgent business in Ulladulla". One wise beautiful sides. places, they shouldn't have-the sailor counselled me not to take any C.Y.C.A. A false picture was thus unkind shots at some of these crews, generated which perhaps provided and he cited a few who recognised that unfavourable publicity and may have the situation at the time, with forecasts of some year's standing who in several well caused concern as to the safety of for it to continue, made them err on the cases are skippers but who shou ld be loved ones. side of caution, recognise that they were eliminated with a screening. not up to it and be better prepared for What then can one assess about the next time. difficulty of the Race when a spectacular 59 boats pulled out? Well, apart from the One result that could well transpire as a Other solutions that have been distorted reports of the weather it is result of such a great retirement list in mentioned are biannual Hobarts; natural to assume that this record total the "no damage" category might be the limitations on the fleet size; entry by automatically indicated severe con­ call for some yachting bureaucratic invitation only; prevention of newly ditions. The situation had, in fact, to be solution to the problem. I have heard launched yachts from entering and more different from this, for as has been calls for a form of minimum initial aggressive safety inspections. All these shown, there was no weather to really screening of qualifications before add up to a lot more bureaucracy, not­ speak of. How then was this vast total crewing, e.g., so many ocean races. But withstanding the merit of some of the accumulated? in this we could overlook, say, the lad on suggestions. Thu s the many boats that his first race who may have been the pulled out in relatively easy conditions Firstly, there was the inevitable group of cook on a North Sea trawler and a fine have had the result of bringing out the failures, those which lost masts, stays seaman to boot. We would also advocates of much stricter limitations. and enough vital sails to prevent them disregard some of the fourth-rate sailors

But when all the analysis of this Race Contemplating the New Year in Hobart; happy 1978! fades, there will be one aspect that will remain as it ever has, the need for seamanship. We need to recognise that the winds and seas have not abated after 33 years, and if anyone wants to get his boat to Hobart, it must be strong enough for the worst that turns up regularly and he must have aboard a crew that physically and mentally can take these conditions. It is a traditional formula and one that is the prerequisite for success. If good sense on behalf of skippers and crews does not recognise this, then regulations will be brought in to overcome their negligence.

12 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 SYDNEY HOBART 1977: TO EDEN

by John Dawson

As the South Coast Express train slowly these new lightweights such as Pointer In order to get the boat off her side we chugged up the hill from Stanwell park that were now cleaning up overseas. dropped the main completely and simul­ towards Sydney I gazed out over the Anyhow, after all , I am not a boatbuilder, taneously put five reefs in . We knocked vast expanse of water. It was early just a sailor. our headsail and went for our No. 5. morning and a leaden sky to the east The gun boomed and we had made a Gradually we had gear and rig tuned for melted at the horizon into a beautiful good start being right on the line. a good 'bash ' which seemed likely to last grey sea that hardly had a ripple on it. However, our skipper was a little worried for a day or so. White Pointer felt good at Only a day or so ago the same piece of that it may have been too good, but a 6 knots plus. water, a little further south, had number of boats were in front of us and I was at the tiller at the time of the terminated my 1977 Hobart at Eden . perhaps these were the villians for which change, and with my old mate Road Boxing Day was a really great morning the second 'bang' was needed. The light Runner (Roger Howlett), we steered with everything fresh after the much­ easterly breeze gave the huge fleet a through the initial part of the blow until needed heavy rain the previous evening. much needed starboard leg to the about 1800 hours, trying to give the On my way down to Middle Harbour I heads. It then came in fits and starts balance of the crew plenty of rest for heard over the radio that a southwest and, along with the spectator joggle and what could be an interesting night. By 6 change was expected to hit Sydney after a large easterly ground swell, made life p.m. we were closing Montagu Island lunch and cursed the thought of difficult in getting around South Reef to and the seas were becoming nasty. Like anything from that direction so early in head south. Gradually the fleet split up most of us, having been in a seaway the Race. In my own mind I also doubted with most climbing to sea at a sharper before, you try to relate similar the accurateness of this forecast as I felt angle to the breeze as well as benefiting circumstances, and my thoughts went so much rain during the night would from the set. We stayed in to get the to the Montagu race about 2 years have settled the weather which had right side of the southwest change that earlier when only 11 boats out of 44 been all over the place of late. did not eventuate that day. finished in weather of a similar nature. On board the brand new one tonner However, although most conditions White Pointer last minute food stowage As night fell the light east-sou '-easterly were the same there were a few was taking place. Tactics were also petered out and boats inshore learnt the differences. These seas had risen very being discussed and I voiced my opinion repeated lesson while their competitors quickly in a few hours. Looking back I on the forecast southerly and plugged at sea held good wind, better in both feel it was mostly attributable to the for getting to sea regardless of what the direction and force, as well as running sou 'wester hitting the large easterly weatherman had said. downhill with a set of up to two knots. groundswell and, as someone else White Pointer is a Scott Kaufman The morning radio report confirmed our suggested, being complicated by the designed vessel owned by Keith Le position with the boats east way out in strong set running against the change. Compte, who supervised the building of front. Still a long way to go. As most people agree the seas were not her in laminated oregon. She is strong The second day was very hot and that large but I found them steep and and beautifully finished. Strangely gradually a nor-easter crept in. As the close together which did not allow much enough, my only query in regard to her temperature increased the breeze went water in the back of a lot of them, construction when I first sailed on board to the norwest and then came out of the something similar to a dumper on a was the fairly large distance between west at about 25 knots and we romped beach. They were also confused which frames, particularly forward. On the down the coast. The wind slowly meant that when a set of, say, three large other hand most of my racing in recent moderated and then bang, the second ones came through together, their years had been on aluminium vessels of forecast sou'-wester had arrived at direction to the ship's bow could vary different desiqn and shape, and it was about 35 to 40 knots. It was 1400 hours. greatly, and although it was possible to

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 13 (

/

Photo by Rob Stir/mg

pull away and nurse the boat through the The third day out remained much the going we would automatically improve first wave , the second and/or third one same, between 35 to 45 knots over the that many places. We pulled away and would catch you without boatspeed deck gusting a few times to 50. The seas headed for the nearest piece of land and and/or direction and you would crash had still not settled into much of a then ran up the coast to Eden. straight through the crest to the trough pattern and this was probably a result of Eden was like a mini Hobart with some underneath. The sound created below us being close in to the coast as well as twenty-five entries eventually finishing deck could probably describe how the near to the corner of the mainland and there. After a pleasant night at the boat felt and reacted under such Bass Strait. The weather forecast was Fishermen's Club next day, Thursday, circumstances better than the writer. for the same conditions for another 24 found me hitch-hiking back to Sydney. Another thing that definitely sticks in my hours, so wet, cold and uncomfortable All planes were booked out for days, and mind was the cold. To me Hobart is a (as any good ocean racing man should as there was no rail on that part of the three-jumper race-one for the lower be) we prepared for the "paddock" . coast, the thumb was the only means of mainland coast. two for Bass Strait Just before 4 p.m. when I was looking transport. It was a bad time of the year and three for the Tassie coast. However, forward to finishing my spell at the helm to get a lift, as commercial traffic was as I stumbled about below in the seaway and getting below, a garbled message just about nil. Ten rides later I arrived in preparing for my next stint on deck, I felt came via the companionway to nurse Nowra, about 7 p.m. that evening. so cold that I nearly went for number the boat a little more. (I missed the last I stayed with friends there, and 6.30 a.m. three (jumper). Common sense part of the story.) However, judging by Friday saw me on the South Coast prevailed. " If it is going to be this cold the strained look on young Mike's face, Express. Not a real good way to finish a now, what will it be like at Tasman the news from down below was not Hobart. That's ocean racing. Island?" good. Two consecutive frames out of the Supported by a keen captain, a good three and a half forward of the forward crew and a vessel of immeasurable bulkhead had been found broken as well heart we made the first night without any as a split in the Bulkhead. damage. Along with most other vessels Fate is an unusual thing . Only earlier on in the fleet we certainly fell off our share the last radio report we had heard that of waves. Just like being in the middle of 30 boats had retired and this had a cement mixer! cheered us because if we could keep 14 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 MIA MIA'S HOBART Aboard the Radio Relay Vessel

by Peter Rysdyk

It is 1150 hours and we're away, nine of us lined up navy-style on the starboard deck of Mia Mia facing the Royal Navy Patrol vessel, 'H.M.A.S. Buccaneer', which is acting as the Starter's Boat for the 1977 Hitachi Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. As we come up to the navy patrol boat we strike our C.Y.C. defaced ensign, promptly answered by 'Buccaneer'. We are the seventy-five foot Mia Mia acting this year for the fifth time as Official Geoff Hammond, skipper of the Radio Relay Vessel, 'Mia Mia'. Radio Relay Vessel for a Race which will be reported over more than 200 Radio stations, 50 TV stations, and in hundreds of newspapers and magazines throughout the world. It is moments like this that one feels all who generously gave his valuable vessel the Indian Ocean. By now we can say the hard work, all the arguments, all the to the Club for the Race , permitted it to Geoff is a reasonable seaman and Mia criticisms have been worth it , and be stuffed full of radio gear and aerials. Mia has given proof to her floating together with Race Director, Keith abilities. This obviously is the understatement of this aricle, and I'd like Storey, all of us who organised this Let me first of all tell you that Mia Mia to add that Geoff Hammond is one of th e massive event sigh with relief when the was at all times in the middle of the so­ finest human beings I've sailed with , Royal Australian Navy shoots the fleet called terrible weather and at sea, with with a (non-skipper's) even temper, the away. exception of three hours when she best bloody seacook who's food I have sheltered for engine adjustments off the But there is the realisation "Now, we eaten, who handles his boat as if it were South Coast. have to get them there, and you , a dinghy and, just fo r laughs, who turned fellow, have the responsibility if anything Mia Mia is a robust steel auxilliary ketch, the big monste r around in the filled-up goes wrong with radio skeds, relay or built in Melbourne by her owner and Constitution dock in its own length. His the reporting system at sea." Bega grazier, Geoffery Hammond, a crew adore him and his boat is in the At the same time I presume Race C.Y.C. Member since the early sixties. same condition. Director Keith Storey, having the overall burden of responsibility, is having similar Mia Mia is 75' x 17'1 O" x 7'6" , has a In spite of the rather miserable thoughts, and that we both are working sail area of 1500 sq . ft. of conditions this year (and you yachties unconsciously thinking of good old ' 'lowers' ', sleeps eight (eleven during who think you 'copped it', try a crossi ng George Barton, who did all of this in his the Race), has a 150 H.P. Gardener to Hobart in a motorised vessel , working stride. Quite a man that George of ours, diesel packed away in the most in a saloon some twenty hours a day, who, together with a few other half­ beautifully-laid-out-and-kept engine hanging over a plotting chart, flying from forgotten members, made the C.Y.C. room by permanent hand Silverio one side to the other, and during your what it is today. Flamenia, 'Silver' for short, whom Geoff time off, take Radio watches. I have only took on while in Manila, seven years done eiqht 'Hobarts' but give me a Anyway back to our story! Mia Mia , by sailing craft anytime). The crew ticked the way, means in Aboriginal 'hut', ago. 'camp' or 'home'. To many yachtsmen, Mia Mia is sixty tons and has travelled like a clock. Probably a lot was due to including myself, Mia Mia has just been more than-hang on to your mainsheet the magic meals Geoff conjured up in the " the boat that came with the fleet to you round-the-buoys-racers-200,000 galley, half the time standing on his ear. Hobart, whose crew lived in presumed ocean miles, including the Philippines, In spite of the hectic schedules Mia Mia luxury and comfort and camped each Indonesia, Singapore, Ceylon, Japan, was blessed with a marvellous night somewhere near his a local pub." Guam, Taiwan, Hong Kong , much of the atmosphere. We didn 't even know the owner/skipper, continent of Africa, the Pacific Islands, The crew consisted of 'The Boss'; his

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 15 number one , Frank Parsons, a retired builder from Melbourne who sailed eleven years on Mia Mia and is , like Geoff himself, a competent navigator; Stan Ball, electrical specialist, who has sailed for a similar period with Geoff; John (Nicko) Nixon, who has a masters ticket and is an electronic expert, owns a marine electronic business in Gladstone and although a young man, is an old timer on Mia Mia; Ross (Rosko) Heller, an engineer from Melbourne who Mia Mia 's crew: Geoff Hammond also has seen many countries from the Frank Parsons deck of Mia Mia; then, of course, Silver, Stan Ball John Nixon good-for-everything, always-smiling, Ross Heller always-ready Silver. So much for the Silverio Flamenia crew who drove the ship. The C.Y.C. crew consisted of Bert Oliver, hardworking, always-on-the-radio Bert, who is Federal Sporting Co-ordinator for A.B.C. Radio and T.V. with 18 Hobarts under his belt, and who did his first yacht race report laying in the nose of an R.A.A.F. bomber in 1949 over Freemantle. Gordon Bray, smooth­ talking sporting commentator of A.B.C. fame, whose ten-minute Race reports went out three times daily over 157 radio stations and relay stations accross the nation from Mia Mia ; Keith Wakefield, Technical Officer from Telecom Australia having his first ocean blooding but, in spite of everything, who kept the airways open , the radios working, and who drove O.T.C. and Telecom bases up the wall by being never satisfied wrth the signal and who accordingly hopped from one frequency to the other to improve them ; from our Hobart host Club, the R.T.Y.C., we had Rod Barren, a former Rear Commodore and also the Managing Director of a Hobart electrical firm; then yours truly who, with Rod, kept track of all the yachts, plotting their positions and giving this information to Gordon Bray, writing the news reports for 2CH which Bert sent out five times daily; and last but by no means least 'Herbie' the rat, our stowaway, who came on board via the gangplank at the C.Y.C. marina, beautiful, fat and black, long-tailed and speedy, who escaped all catching equipment and only gave us the doubtful pleasure of occasional glimpses of her/him/it.

The story of this memorable Race will without doubt stream from many pens written by many amateur and professional journalists and experts. However, let me state here and now that the weather was unpleasant, close to bad, but by no means as stated by many as "Unbelievable, forty-foot seas, the Communications gear installed on 'Mia Mia' by A. W.A. especially for the Hobart Race included a C.A.I. CA-35 Ms Mark 11150 watt SSB transceiver; two A. W.A. Teleradio SS 120A 100 watt SSB worst storm ever in Bass Strait" , etc. We transceivers as back-up equipment; two A. W.A. Pilotphone 25 watt VHF transceivers. yachtsmen have an expression for this Photo by Keith Storey sort of poppycock and it isn 't 'poppycock' . Compared with really bad weather, as five C.Y.C. yachts, including my own , experienced in Cyclone Emily, Gladstone Race '72, where the official

16 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 record was wind 112 knots, seas 42 ', If only skippers knew the problems, the alike. visibility zero, this year's weather was at involvement of requesting or Would I sail on Mia Mia again? Yes, with worst unpleasant with short seasick­ commencing a search, missing a 'sked' that lot I would sail anywhere. And as making seas and strong winds. Why so would not be taken so lightly. Several Geoff is heading for Hong Kong in a few many good yachts retired , God knows. I instances of completely untrue or irres­ months, I have already placed mv think that the psychological effect of the ponsible statements during media inter­ unworthy name on the crew list from first spate of (more or less expected) views shows the lack of understanding elderly cabin boy to navigator, whatever pullouts had a lot to do with it. There of the problem on the part of some. is available! Geoff Hammond, you , your are of course the bad-luck damages, but The C.Y.C. can do no more than apply crew and your ship will do me. I know for sure that seasickness was a the rules and work by the book. As a major contributing factor. This Race safety inspector I am convinced that the proves once more my point made in a C.Y.C safety inspections before the recent article: we have to look at the Race are the toughest imaginable. proficiency of our skippers and However there are no guidelines or rules navigators. New Zealand is doing this to test skippers or navigators. Anybody, already. In this Hobart many skippers yes anybody, can buy a yacht and sail took their yachts and crew to sea the next week in the Hobart, which, in without proper knowledge of what they my opinion, is a crazy state of affairs. were in for and, in many proven Granted, the Club has the right to refuse instances, without qualified navigators. any entry without giving a reason. But I assure you from experience that all hell I have personally experienced the breaks loose when somebody is refused ; enormous problem and worry of a radio they pull all the strings possible from breakdown and missing radio position politicians to church.leaders and Club 'skeds' . This year some appeared not to Officers' Aunties. be overly concerned and did not make contact by closing with nearby yachts What more is there to tell you of our or, for that matter, making a landfall and 1977 Hitachi Sydney Hobart Yacht Race claiming time later. No doubt the dis­ on Mia Mia? It was an interesting qualification of two yachts so guilty, experience and exercise with, in my while able to listen in but not able to opinion, too many radio skeds. I think as transmit, will put the fear of God into for the Noumea Race two skeds daily everybody, knowing that the Club means should s.uffice. Three is too hard on business. yacht navigators and relay personnel

The Wheelhouse of 'Mia Mia '. Plotting yacht positions-a never-ending iob.

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 17 THE CRUISING YACHT CLUB

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, 'HAYMAN ISLAND WHAT IS BAREBOAT CHARTERING? You are the skipper. your friends the crew. There are no paid hands aboard. We supply the yacht. fully equipped. and you decide where you go and whet you do. In the Mediterranean and Caribbean. bareboat chartering is well established. Now in Australia Whitsunday Yachting World offers you bareboat yacht charters in the Great Barrier Reef. one of the most magnificent cruising areas in the world. You can leave home in the morning and be on board. ready to sail. that same afternoon. None of your precious holiday time is wasted - the boat is there waiting for you . CRUISING AREA The cruising area for our charter yachts consists of over 1 500 km'. bounded by Airlie Beach and Hayman Island in the north. Thomas Island and Cape Conway in HASLEWOOD IS. the south. and Haslewood Island to the east. Your port of departure is Shute Harbour. Within this area you sail where you like during the day. and we have selected 16 of the finest anchorages for you to choose from each night. Many of the islands for you to explore are uninhabited. heavily wooded national • parks. Others. such as Hayman and Lindeman. have been developed as first-class holiday resorts. Most have crystalline white beaches fringed by coral. As well as the exhilarating sailing, there is swimming. diving. fishing. rock ·"· oystering or just lazing in the sun. In the evening dine aboard, have a barbecue • • LINDEMAN IS. ashore in the calm seclusion of a bay or cove. or visit one of the island resorts for a meal or just a drink. It's up to you. ~.CUMBERLAND IS. CAPE CONWAY ·rtr-- • • MOTTLE33 ' - THOMAS IS. OUR MOTTLE 33 FLEET Our Mottle 33 yachts have been designed by Joe Adams with cruising comfort in mind. Still. the Mottle 33 has a long waterline coupled with a clean run aft and a fat powerful stern. This gives a fast. stable comfortable yacht that is easy to handle and extraordinarily roomy below. The centre cockpit allows the accommodation to be split. with a large aft cabin connected to the saloon via a stoopway and to the cockpit through a hatch/companionway. There is a separate head/ shower unit. a large fully-equipped galley with deep freeze. roomy saloon and a V·berth forward. More than enough space for up to six adults to spend the perfect holiday together. in comfort. We have added special features like the stereo cassette. SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES Each yacht comes equipped and modified to meet AYF category 2 specifications and Queensland Government survey requirements for charter yachts. Whitsunday Yachting World maintains a HF radio network to keep regular contact with its yachts and a fast workboat to provide assistance if needed. COMPETENCY Ideally, we are looking for several years' well-rounded experience and familiarity with boats of 25 feet or larger. We realise that this may not be possible in all cases. and we therefore give consideration to charter parties in which several of the group are experienced small boat sailors and demonstrate an understanding of the handling characteristics of larger boats. You should be experienced in anchoring. interpreting charts. operating a diesel engine and have a working knowledge of coastal navigation. There are times both parties agree that for your safety and to get to know your yacht. a company sailing guide would be desirable for a day or more. We reserve the riqht lo place a sailing guide aboard at your expanse if Iha situation warrants it. PROVISIONING Most charterers cnoose to have their yacht pre·provisioned anCI ready to sail upon arrival. Whitsunday Yachting World offers full provisioning (breakfast. lunch- and dinner) or partial provisioning (breakfast and lunch onlv). GROUP AND SPECIAL INTEREST CHARTERS Whitsunday Yachting World offers a discount to groups chartering mora than one yacht for the same period. Special interest cnarters incorporating such activities as scuba diving and sailing instruction can also be arranged. Contect our Sydney office for details.

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OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 21 RADIO SKED DISQUALIFICATIONS

by Keith Storey, Race Director

Two yachts were disqualified by the Another new development is the 1978 pressure. Likewise the search and Protest Committee in the recent Sydney­ Easter Festival of Yachting, being a rescue authorities feel obliged to mount Hobart Race for failing to report their race, a cruise and a family event to Port a big operation given a request for positions at each radio schedule in Stephens. Even though Port Stephens is assistance. accordance with Rule 27 of the Sailing only 90 miles up the coast many would The responsibility for preventing this Instructions. Yachts have been not participate unless good radio must be laid fairly and squarely upon the disqualified from previous Hobart Races coverage were available to boost their yachtsmen concerned. It is their but never before on account of radio own and their family's confidence responsibility to remain on the air failure. sufficiently to set out ·on such a passage, regardless of the difficulty, even to the which includes sailing through the night. Radio communications have become an extent of being equipped with two integral, indeed inescapable, part of the Finally, the public interest in our races. transceivers and a separate radio Race and an essential ingredient of particularly the Hobart, could not have battery up out of the bilge. Alternatively every long off-shore race conducted by developed, nor could it be sustained at the yachtsmen must succeed in having our Club. The radio is a prime piece of present levels, without satisfactory radio messages passed daily to dispel all safety equipment which enables a yacht communications. The same applies to possible expressions of concern and all to seek assistance when in distress. But the value of the races to the Club in pressures to mount a search, even to its use in position reporting has now relation to the degree of international the extent of: assumed such importance as to make esteem and support, local importance and sponsor attraction. • Closing with plotted yachts (for reliable radio communications which purpose a transistor re­ indispensable to the conduct of a long Let's be frank, the future development of ceiver should be carried). If ocean race. This has been a process of our Club House and yachting facilities engine is used time adjustment development influenced by a number of depend upon sponsor support. should be arranged after the factors. Reverting now to the Hobart race, we finish. Our international events continue to had all the ingredients to create an • signalling pre-prepared morse increase in number, in popularity, in action-packed scenario, and action messages to ships. importance and in complexity. Every packed it was whether we liked it or not. • displaying flares or employing a Sydney-Hobart Race now attracts We had a record fleet ranging from maxi heliograph to attract attention. foreign entries. The media and other giants to a large assembly of small • seeking out professional and interested parties abroad demand to yachts, many of which were light­ private fishing boats, cruisers know how their countrymen are faring. displacement flyers of controversial and etc., closing the coast if Twelve months ago nobody forecast well publicised designs and problems. necessary. more than fifteen or so entries for the Top this off with an accurate forecast of • transmitting on CB channels 1977 Sydney-Noumea Race. On the day, two or three southerly cold fronts and it by walkie talkie when near the thirty-four yachts crossed the starting is no wonder we created an intensely coast or private vessels. line including many foreign entries. We interested audience for the daily front • startiing engine and proceeding now look forward to regular large fleets page spreads, radio newscasts and T.V. into a port or harbour to arrange, to Noumea and new on the calendar are film shots which persisted for a week from the waterfront, a reverse­ races to Tonga and Tahiti, all of which and travelled right across the world. charge 'phone call to be made demand improving standards of radio (claiming time allowance later). communications. When the first cold front hit the fleet the • firing a red parachute, when tough conditions begant to tell on the other pyrotechnics fail (and Perhaps most important of all is that crews, the gear and, in the case of the smaller yachts down to half-ton size are apologising later), if there is light displacement yachts, on the hulls. somebody around to see it. now entering long ocean races in large For about 45 per cent of the field the sea numbers, so creating the need for the • doing anything else that will prevailed and massive retirements achieve the desired result. Club to keep watch over the yachts' were the result. From then on we had a positions and progress since many of situation whereby if a yacht failed to the skippers and crews are less than If these measures seem to be extreme come up on radio schedule for more they pale into insignificance alongside highly-experienced, seasoned offshore than a day, people began to worry and seamen and navigators. Th is brings in the measures taken in the search for the news-worthiness of the radio silence Penando which involved much hardware train the need for relatives, friends and fortified everybody's concern. loved ones, who are also relatively new and the time of a large number of to the situation, to be kept abreast of the In these circumstances the absence of people, and the ever-present possibility yachts' progress by published reports radio contact inevitably causes a search of loss of life. and upon request. to be called for through sheer weight of 22 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Avoidance of all of this drama is Merely the addition of electronics skills HOBART 1977: achieved by radios remaining would enhance the serviceability of serviceable. Radio failure can spoil your radios, instruments and much electrical whole race. gear. We all know that this sort of It was not by accident that Geoff equipment does fail and that a bath in Hammond arrived in Hobart with his salt water is not a pre-requisite to failure, radio relay ship Mia Mia in perfect although it helps. A small bag of spares, condition with all systems working, and a few tools, a multimeter and some one like all such vessels, she is a complex who knows what to do with them will floating powerhouse. Geoff's crew afford the yacht and the Club a much consisted of a superb No. 1, a needed boost in communications mechanical engineer, an electrician, an reliability. electronics technician. and his This will not only keep the bureaucratic permanent crewman, who is a good regulators at bay but will restore our shipwright. All are good seamen and prestige by no longer having to call for are now in a different ball park brought capable of standing watch. Geoff, a fine expensive, unnecessary aerial about largely by an upsurge in the seaman in every sense of the world, searches. popularity of ocean racing , by the large number of small yachts participating undertook the functions of navigator and Given all of this expertise aboard, there with the attendant increased numbers of cook. The communications crew, which is still no substitute for having two of less experienced crews and, more was quite separate as to its functions, everything. The weight of an extra radio recently, by designs resulting from included a radio technician from the would not have a measureable adverse dynamic exploitation or the rules. None O.T.C. Overseas Radio Terminal who, effect upon performance. As to cost, like his crewmates, was a good seaman. well , if it is a toss up between a radio and of these developments needs be There is no reason why racing yachts a sail , maybe it is better to accept regarded as bad, but they are different and pose new problems in the conduct could not similarly select crew members second prize than to be first in for of ocean races. The Club would be doing for their technical skills even if time has disqualification because of radio failure. to be allowed for the development of the sport a disservice if it did not keep their yachting skills. Indeed the top None of the foregoing is to be construed pace with changing conditions. offshore yachtsmen do so, and this to be a threat nor is it bureaucratic Already being studied are concepts for enables them to exert all of their efforts attitude on the part of the Club. It is varying our procedures for the purpose towards winning the race. merely recognition of the fact that we of easing the workload afloat and

A record 130 yachts started in this year's Hobart, one of them knowing that her radio wasn 't working. Photo by John Storey

'Windward Passage ' plunges down a wave on the way to Hobart 1977, Photo by Rob Stirf/ng her vast deck like a deserted city street on a rainy Sunday morning. •\ '

f Radio Sked Disqualifications January. She suffered complete loss of in fact they are in no danger. If power and was unable to recharge the yachtsmen continue to cause false batteries. Making a landfall at Eddystone searches the whole sport of ocean ashore, to facilitate efficient Point Light she made no attempt to racing will become discredited in the communications with the inevitably signal. She passed a ship off Eddystone eyes of the rescue organisations to the larger fleets of the future and without Point but did not attempt to signal. On degree that help may not be forthcoming jeopardising safety. The concept pro­ her way south she sailed close inshore when it is really needed. pounded by Rear Commodore Gordon at St. Helens Pt. light and illuminated her A most disheartening note was Marshall is to adopt two position report sail in the hope of being seen and sounded on January 20th when one of schedules per day, twelve hours apart, identified. Reference to sailing the disqualified yachts crossed the together with two scheduled " open line" instruction 28 would have reminded the starting line of a long ocean race in the periods of short duration in between crew that Eddystone Pt. light is manned full knowledge that the radio was still times for the purpose of relaying but St. Helens light is not. Vanessa operative. Once again disqualification weather reports, exchanging messages, remained in sight of land until the finish , was th·e result, together with a Sailing passing emergency calls and the like. passing another ship off Tasman Island,' Committee directive that the Radio Referring now to recent incidents, it was but she did not attempt to signal. A Communications Officer certify the during the Southern Cross Cup Series transistor radio receiver was on board serviceability of the installation, by test, befor Christmas when the Race and Mia Mia 's skeds were monitored. before the yacht's entry would be Committee protested yacht 8195 for The Protest Committee's decision was validated for the next long race three failing to report her position at any of the "That insufficient effort was made to weeks later. Should it happen again four skeds during the 180-mile race. The report her position and as opportunity there can be little doubt that a more objective was not to disqualify the yacht had been available, Vanessa is severe penalty will have to be imposed. but to serve notice upon the fleet that disqualified''. the radio rules had to be observed Cordon Bleu suffered radio failure due to during the Hobart Race. Wide publicity water entry after the 1900 sked on During the recent Hobart Race we was given to this and the Club was Tuesday 27th December and failed to were afforded immediate distress obliged to press for accurately and fully report again until crossing the finishing assistance, on request , by Marine reporting the incident and the line in Hobart early a.m. on Sunday 1st Operations Centre, Tasmania Police, admonishment dealt out by the Race January. She had on board a serviceable Victoria Police, N.S.W. Police, Maritime Committee. It was believed that the radio receiver and used it to monitor Mia Services Board of N.S.W., N.S.W. State exercise had served its purpose. Mia 's skeds and distress traffic. Boating Service, the R.A.A.F., the R.A.N . Despite this, the British yacht Xaviera Shipping was encountered which the R.A.N ., Civilian Aircraft Operators, took the decision to ignore the rules and yacht crew knew had been alerted to Merchant Marine, professional crossed the Hobart Race starting line report any sighting of the yacht, but no fishermen and, of course, the Coast fully aware that her radio was signals were made by the yacht. The Radio Stations. Indeed, there just isn 't inoperative. That was an unwise crew knew that CO calls from Coast anybody else with jurisdiction along the decision. We could have arranged a Radio Stations for sightings had been 630 mile race course, except in the radio technician that morning , even on instituted and were operative from Derwent River. Christmas Day, given advice of the Thursday 29th, also that Mia Mia had We owe a great debt of gratitude to the need. We did just that for Apa/ie engaged the fleet in a visual search on dedicated, expert officers of these borrowing a brand new set on Christmas Saturday at 0700. Cordon Bleu received services. May we never again occasion Eve and having it installed on Christmas the instruction to display two flares at them unnecessary effort nor diversion Day. one minute interval and acted from more worthy endeavours. accordingly, but they were not sighted. Subsequently five yachts which finished The Club has been summoned to attend the course at Hobart were protested on The crew knew that an aerial search began shortly afterwards. a de-briefing meeting to be held on 16th the evidence of having failed to report on February at the instigation of the three or more occasions. In three cases The Protest Committee decision was Tasmanian Police, the meeting to be the protests were dismissed when the " That Cordon Bleu be disqualified for attended also by representatives of Protest Committee found that the yachts failing to take adequate steps to report Marine Operations Centre, N.S.W. had taken proper and responsible action her position". Police, OTC. Coast Radio and Royal in the circumstances. In the cases of The penalties of disqualification for Yacht Club of Tasmania. The purpose of Meltemi and Humdinger, both had these yacths were severe. However the fhe meeting is to inform us of their deliberately closed with other yachts Protest Committees, made up of R.Y.C.T concern in respect of search and rescue (Lawana II and Fireball) and arranged for and C.Y.C.A yachtsmen were aspects of the recent Sydney-Hobart them to report their position, the unanimous in their decisions. They Race and to discuss these with a view to problem, and to advise that no decided that the complete absence of improving the situation for the next emergency existed. any responsible attempt to make event. In the case of Zi/vergeest, her crew had contact and have their positions It will be recalled that the Tasmania taken the initiative to disconnect the reported required such a penalty. The Police were involved in searches for us transceiver and expose the circuitry to Committee found that the yachts were on four occasions-the coastal and responsible for search and rescue the sun to dry out. Upon re-installation aerial searches for ·Cordon Bleu, the they were back on the air and did not authorities mounting unnecessary Casablanca rescue and the aerial miss asked during the remaining days to searches including aerial search search for Vanessa. Three of these the finish . What a fine effort and what a operations. should not have happened. The worthy reward for their initiative! The Protest Committee decisions to Tasmania Police are justified in lodging Yacht Vanessa ceased transmitting disqualify the yachts hopefully will alert a protest. after the 0700 sked on Friday 30 and future competitors to their responsibility On 1st January, communications in the failed to report again until crossing the to ensure that they do not cause search Maritime Mobile bands above 3 mHz in finishing line at 1911 on Monday 2nd operations to commence for them, when the double sideband mode became 26 OFFSHORE -February/March 1978 susperceded. All such traffic should be HOBART 1977: in the single sideband mode. Who Said the Retirements Accordingly, yachts not fitted with S.S.B. were Excessive equipment will be ineligible to enter the 1978 Sydney-Hobart Rac e. With all the present hullabaloo about the There will be many position reports to excessively high retirement rate in the transmit between now and the end of the recent Sydney-Hobart Race, how good year, so it would be doubly are the memories of the old salts around advantageous to have regard to inflation the bar? and buy now. The existing D.S.B. set will The stories I've been hearing suggest still give sterl ing service on 2MHz that the current breed of yachtsmen are frequenci es for another fou r years. pansies:' ... In the good old days when Every oth f:H yachtsman fronting up with ships were wood and men were a dual installation will be doing the sport, iron ... ",that's how the conversations and himself, a great service also. How seem to run . about if fellows? Well , here are a couple of facts which I remember. In the 1960 Montagu Is. Race, 18 boats faced up to the starter, but only two finished. Joanne Brodie, a fin e old Ta sman Seabird from the board of Alan Payne, Sea conditions can change so ve ry (s he was not old then) beat Solo , the quickly. I think the problem for the not-so­ experienced racing man, whether he be steel wonderboat, by over an hour. The the skipper or c rew, is handling heavy retirement rate in that race, crewed with conditions for the first time. For example if the hairy-chested salts of the day, was a you have only experienced a 25 knot breeze on the nose, then you are inclined mass ive 89%. In our last Sydney­ to think that a 35 knot wind is only 10 Hobart, with all th e pansies onboard, knots wo rse. Arithmetically this is correct, th e percentage was 45. but the actual physical condition of the sea changes much more greatly than one We didn 't run questionnaires in those envisages. That is where the trouble is. days, so I can 't quote how many got For those less experienced they just seasick, or how many lost gear, but I cannot imagine a seaway until they face wouldn 't be surprised if the situation wa s say 35 knots or more. very similar th en to what it is now. Then, depending on the individual's make­ up, he overcomes the fear of a seaway, Of one thing you can be sure: ocean going fo rward in the dark or being swept IT 'S BEEN racing will always be an adventure, with down the lee gunwale while changing a sheet position for a smaller headsail. As SAID BEFORE yachtsmen pitted against the sea . Who conditions get worse he might have to would wish it otherwise? fight off seasickness. and even if he goes Occasionally the sea decides it's time below he still has to hang on and put up for us to pay her the respect that is due with all'the commotion the hull and rigging make as the yacht plunges through each to her. When that happens, a lot of boats wave. Then there is the inexplicable time fini sh up at Eden and Ulladulla, and when a yacht has leapt out of a sea and wherever else, the yachtsmen can sit you wait as it crashes down into the next In 1970 a gale lasting only 50 hours out the storm in shelter, cogitating the sea; the noise is like being in a cement caused most of the record number of 14 wonders of their sport. mixer. As the seas continue to mount, on retirements out of 61 entrants! In 1950 most boats down below it becomes the fleet was in a southerly gale for four - Gordon Marshall wetter and wetter. Water trickles in out of five and a half days. If this year's through hatches, runs down the mast or fleet leaves in a gale and it carries down to just comes off the crew in wet gear Tasmania, the retirements could easily coming up or down the companionway. beat the record. A foretaste of this After a few hours of this weather the situation occurred on last October 's closed up boat gets that stench from the Montagu Island Race when some 30 of stale air, wet jumpers, a half bucket of the fleet of 45 pulled out (or were knocked 'spew', cooking smells and even the out) when the wind was blowing at only 'heads' may have contributed too. About about 35 knots! this time experienced crew think about the nice clean dry loungeroom at home; Several hundred men (and the occasional " Every so often the ocean becomes very even with the worse show on T. V. it would women) compete in the race-journalists wild and giant seas develop which will leave this for dead, and they may also sometimes describe them in such terms overturn the most stable vessel". He think that it's time to retire. They never do. as "the cream of blue water yachtsmen" [Joubert] doubts whether some of the They always come back. In.reality, if a big blow comes, this myth modern lightweights would have the will be shattered as scores of them will capacity to self right when upside down, fail-fear, seasickness and lack of expec1ally the centreboarders with The inexperienced perhaps get into a stamina will lay low scores of them. It will internal ballast. He also considers that bunk, and they might not come on deck be the hardened, experienced seamen in some of these yachts lack sufficient again until the blow is over. They have no the fleet who will carry many short­ structural strength to withstand a hard doubt that it is the time to retire from handed yachts in. race. ocean racing and sometimes they do. - Hobart Program 1977, comments of -T. Cable, Hobart Program 1975 Prof. Peter Joubert. -John Dawson, 'Offshore' Dec. '75

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 27 IT'S TOUliH AT THE TOP

Results speak for themselves, and in these days of so let's ever-increasing competition, the value of a first place win in a major race cannot be overestimated by any sail manufacturer. However, North Sails, like some of our competitors, is an international organisation and each get the loft throughout the world can count on some major achievement throughout the course of a season. We can certainly boast of our overseas lofts' successes records but what we're really concerned with is success with sails made here, in Australia, by North Sails, the sails that are readily available to Australian yachtsmen. Facts below tell the story and underline the quality and straight! performance we can offer you.

FACT America's Cup Challenger - FACT The Sydney to Hobart 12 metre AUSTRALIA Official results: AUSTRALIA had all Australian made North Overall - 4 out of 1st 6 yachts used North Sails which were stated by Bob Bavier to be Sails, made in Australia. 1 "the finest I've seen on a challenger." 5 1. KIA LOA - U.S. made sails. AUSTRALIA beat GRETEL II (Hood Australia 2. RAGAMUFFIN - Main and genoas by Sails), FRANCE and SVERIGE and lost to Norths Australia. COURAGEOUS which carried U.S. made sails. 3. WINDWARD PASSAGE - U.S. made sails. 4. LOLLIPOP - Headsails by Norths Australia. 5. NATELLE II - Main, headsails and spin­ nakers by Norths Australia. 6. BAER FOX - Headsails by Norths FACT 1-Ton Australian Championships Australia. 1st - B195 - with mainsails and headsails Divisions manufactured by North Sails Australia. (A) Placings - 2nd (main and headsails by Norths Australia), 4th (Main, head sails and 2 spinnakers by Norths Australia), 6th - All sails Norths Australia. (B) 1st - BAER FOX - Headsails Norths Australia. FACT Y2 -T on Australian Championships (C) 1st - ZILVERGEEST Ill - All sails by 1st - 2269 - Head sails and spinnakers by Norths Australia. Norths Australia. 3 out of the first 5 yachts in (D) 1st - LOLLIPOP - Headsails Norths this series used mainly North Sails, made in Australia. 3 Australia. 2 Ton Trophy 1st NATELLE II - Main, headsails and spin­ nakers by Norths Australia. 2nd PINTA - All North Sails.

FACT Y2-Ton World Championships FACT The international computer link up between all 2nd - SILVER SHAMROCK - carried North Norths Sails lofts is a distinct advantage to all Headsails. Australian yachtsmen. Any winning North sail 3rd - 2269 - All North Sails (Australia). throughout the world can be identically 4 6 reproduced in Australia through the North's computer facility. ~NORTH SAILS NORTH SA.I L& • 019 BARRENJoEv ROAD. PALM BEACH. e 21 BEACH AVE. MORDIALLoc. ~ 2108 N.S. W. 919 ""4 3195 VICTOR IA 909966 OLD. PETER HOLLIS BR IS. 284 9433 W.A . NOEL ROBBINS PERTH 646087 S.A. BRUCE FINLAY WHYALLA. 45863 TAS. GREG MUIR HOBART 23 1946 N.Z. DICK JONES AUCKLAND 48 61 49 L.MCO. TORONTO MARINE 59 2204

CALIF O RNIA• CONNECTICUT • WISCONSIN • MARYLAND • ENGL ANO • CANADA • AUSTRALIA • BELGIUM • IRE LANO • JAPAN • WE ST GE RMANV

GWA1813 28 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 which, from this year, counts in the bar. However, the general consensus World Ocean Racing Championship. amongst the old hands who were The series will start August 5th this year, actually in the Race is that at 35-50 and there is a proposal for an Australian knots it was by no means the worst blow team to be selected by point score from ever and lasted for less than a day at regular C.Y.C.A. races. As yet there is no that. formal committee, but skippers One thing about a decent blow, however interested in sending their boats include short, is that it gives the newspapers Syd Fischer, Neville Gosson, Peter Hill, something to write about which, in turn , Stan Edwards, Peter Kurts, Keith Farfor, keeps the sponsors happy, so we should Dick Thurston, Tommy Stephenson and not quibble about a little poetic licence Alan Bond. Anyone desiring more here and there. It is a classic case of information should contact Alan Brown " it's an ill wind . " etc. However, if it (51 5013, 546 4758 A.H.). was mostly all talk, why then so many retirements? Looking at the list of non­ * * * finishers they are pretty representative of the fleet in size, type, age or The latest Seahorse magazine (the construction with the exception that 5 R.O.R .C. house magazine) includes a out of 6 centreboarders retired, most review of some interesting with hull damage. developments in one-design offshore Pity poor Helsa/, holed and put out even racers, a concept which is becoming before the start. a bizarre anti-climax for increasingly popular in the U.K. and has a very keen crew. The Helsa/ crew wish some momentum in the U.S. In England to make public their appreciation for an organisation called the Offshore One­ T.A.A.' s generosity in flying them down design Conference has been formed to Hobart to join in the post-race consisting of delegates from the celebrations. I have heard of no R.O.R.C., the armed forces and various precedent for this spontaneous gesture club officials, owners, boat builders and on the part of an airline anywhere in the interested yachties. The conference world. called for designs for offshore one­ designs in various categories and from There were a number of retirements 26 submissions selected three which the directly or indirectly attributable to conference is going to promote as part seasickness. which invites comment. If of the push towards one design ocean entire crews were seasick, or enough to racing. make the boat unworkable, as did (by John Brooks) happen, then the skipper was at fault The yachts include the OOD 34 , a fairly when he took on so many inexperienced conventional looking Peterson design hands or crewmen prone to seasickness Do you remember when you were south­ but trending away from extreme light whatever their experience. It also east of Gaba getting your brains displacement; the Aphrodite 101 , a indicates that crews were starting the scrambled, wet, miserable and still two, Scandinavian design by Paul Elvstrom Hobart Race with little or no previous or three days to go to Hobart? Did you and Jan Kjaerulff that owes a lot to race practice together or the occasionally dream about warm seas, Square and International Metre classes, seasickness problem would have blue skies. trade winds and balmy being long and narrow but sporting a fin already arisen and been resolved; this keel; the Impala 28, a good-looking little tropical nights, maybe the occasional too, indicates neglect on the part of the Mai Tai before the evening meal? Well cruiser-racer type designed by David skipper. That a N.S.W. team the Waikiki Yacht Club wants to make it Thomas over 20 of which have already representative should retire because of more than just a dream. They want to been ordered. All of them apparently it is something less than disgraceful. expand their biannual Royal Hawaiian fare reasonably well under the 1.0.R., Cup into a full scale series, in fact, an and the Aphrodite 101 is proving very Responsibility in this area also rests with Admiral 's Cup of the Pacific, as their competitive in 1.0.R. races in Europe the yachtie himself; if you know that you contribution to Hawaii's bi-centenary with one design fleets there and also in, regularly get seasick in ocean races celebratiions of Captain Cook's of all places, Seattle. In my opinion one­ and that you are incapable of continuing discovery of the 'Sandwich Isles'. design represents the future of ocean to work on deck when you do, then you racing and it is only a matter of time are displaying selfish disregard for your They have found an enthusiastic shipmates and the competitiveness of sponsor in Pan Am and a project before we get around to it here in Australia. the yacht by going to sea with them . You , director in M.H.Y.C. Member, Dick they and the boat would be better off if Gooch, who has been the inspiration * * you stayed out of ocean racing behind Middle Harbour's involvement in altogether. the Round-Hawaii Race for the last I guess that by now everyone and his One good suggestion that has been seven years. In a promotional sweep dog has had plenty to say about the going the rounds is that all starters around the Pacific Dick has generated Sydney-Hobart Race so I can have a go except foreign entries be required to keen interest on the U.S. West Coast, in this column without fear of being complete three ocean races on the Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Tahiti and Australian calendar in the three months New Zealand. Robinson Crusoe. As usual there are wildly differing opinions on the severity preceding the start of the Sydney­ The series will consist of three offshore of the blow. Reports of maximum Hobart. To this I would add the 30-mile olympic triangle races, a 100- sustained wind strength vary from 35 to qua li fication that the crew for those mile race around the Island of Oahu and 70 knots depending, I suspect, on how races be the same crew that is going to the 800 mile Around-the-State Race long the observer has been in the Club Hobart. (conti nued next page) OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 29 Another point is one that is peculiar to someone who is qualified to judge and standards? What the 1977 Sydney­ the sport of ocean racing . The men with whom we all respect in that capacity, Hobart Race embarrassingly revealed is the money to finance the modern ocean and last I heard God wasn't checked out poor seamanship and lack of stomach racer all too rarely have solid on ocean racers. for hard ocean racing in the local fleet. background sailing experience when Limiting the number of starters by itself Until we correct this our ocean racing they first start in the sport. Nevertheless does not provide any real safety will remain polarised with a pitifully small these men are the skippers and whether benefits, and growth in entries is handful of good crews at the top and a they are playing at " make believe I'm germane to the development and dismayingly poor general standard, and Captain Cook" or not, when the chips promotion of the Sydney-Hobart Race in if this remains the rule we can kiss the are down they are probably the least particular and ocean racing in general. Southern Cross Cup goodby and have a qualified person on board to be making The moment that we, as a club, start long wait for another Admiral 's Cup decisions affecting the safety vessel saying to people "No, you can't come Team like Balandra, Caprice of Huon and crew, but sometimes they do. and play with us because it is our ball " and Mercedes Ill. Th ese are of course the exception, let for other than clear, hard, safety me hastily add before Syd Fischer hits reasons, then we might as well wind up me with one of hi s office blocks, and in the Race and take up knitting. th e past it has not been a real problem. However it is clear after the event that But with the advent of re latively cheap some of the starters in the 1977 Sydney­ production yachts it has become more Hobart should not have been there at al l, noticeable. It demands that everyone on and some of the retirements were for the board insist that yacht, skipper and crew wrong reasons. It is all very well to say are in all respects ready to race. The that it is good seamanship to retire when safety inspection does not cover the going gets roug~ and there is doubt stupidity or lack of seamanship. that the crew can handle the conditions. Another suggestion is that Hobart Race I'd describe it more as prudently skippers and crews be scrutinised admitting poor seamanship. To quote before the entry is accepted and the 'Boy' Messenger: " You'll soon find the total number of entries limited with the ones that went along for the ride; they'll cut presumably going to the least well be in Eden or Ulladulla" , along with a prepared and inexperienced owners. To few genuine retirements, of course. me this seems to be a cure worse than Whateverhappenedtothetoughness the disease because we then have to and seamanship that was legendary in form yet another committee (runaway the early Australian Admiral's Cup bureaucracy someone said?) or find Teams and inherentlv oar! of local

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Kialoa The Red Lion *Mostly Hood

World Etchells Champion, Arunga II, used Australian 114 Ton Champion, Wonder Woman , all Hood spinnakers. used all Hood sails. Hood people to contact: CONTACT US NOW Sydney - Chris Bouzaid & Kevin Shepherd, (02) 929-0700 HOOD SAILMAKERS (AUST) PTY LTD Melbourne - Colin Anderson, (03) 699-1861 P.O. Box 165, Milsons Point, Sydney 2061 Adelaide - Don King, (08) 47-3100 Telephone (02) 929-0700. Also at Melbourne. Perth - Phil Harry, (09) 35-3734 Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Hobart - George Pickers, (002) 34-3323

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 31 Looking south from the summit of Toomeree Head, wh ich guards the south side of the entrance to Port Stephens. Photo by David Co/felt Easter Passage Race/Cruise to Port Stephens

By Peter Rysdyk.

When on Thursday 23rd March, 2100 first event for these pleasure boaters will Lachlan Macquarie. Concerned with the hours, the starting gun is fired by David be the C.Y.C. Port Stephens Easter need for a settlement north of Goode, it will not only signal the start of Festival of Yachting for both the Newcastle, Macquarie entered Port an expected very large fleet but also the pleasure boaters and our racing fleet. Stephens in 1812 in the brig Lady Nelson to assess its potential. However, revival of passage racing for the Whither Port Stephens? C.Y.C.A. although Macquarie considered the To quote a travel pamphlet: harbour 'good, safe and capacious,' The Sailing Committee has for a long " Credit for the discovery of Port time felt that many of our Members who little was done at the time to establish a Stephens has been given to Captain settlement. prefer pottering about with their families James Cook, who in May 1770 sighted "From about 1816 onwards Port or those browned off with continuous the entrance to the Port. In the ship's log racing , were too much neglected. This Stephens became a centre of activity for Cook described it as " an opening cedar-getters. The industry prospered was more than obvious with our motor forming a bay," and named the harbour cruiser Members, who although for many years, declined, and eventually in honour of Sir Philip Stephens, frequently called upon to assist in mark died out with the cedar. Secretary to the Admiralty. laying, were not catered for in any way. " With little commercial or other Well, there is a welcome change and our " Another early visitor was Governor 32 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 development Port Stephens for many which is 31 km (about 25 minutes by taxi) Port Stephens years browsed in the sun and remained to Port Stephens (taxi hire about $10 for The finishing lin e for all entrants will be a quiet, unspoiled backwater with fish , the trip). Ring TAA for complete flight at Port Stephen's Salamander Bay lobsters and oysters its only source of details. where a special welcome will be income. arranged by the Port Stephens Yacht "Today Port Stephens faces a future of Club. From there all vessels will proceed to the prepared berthing or anchoring development and expansion as The Start holidaymakers in increasing numbers areas, location depending on the The start will be March 23rd, the discover its wonderful attractions. The weather. Thursday before Good Friday, at 9 p.m. building rate of new flats and holiday This evening start will give all For the cruising yachts and motor cottages to cater for tourist needs is participants ample time to get ready. cruisers who want competition, we are increasing year by year. " The fleet will be split into four sections: organising a " predicted log ", separate How to get to Port Stephens 1.0.R. yachts, Arbitrary yachts, Cruising for yachts and cruisers. By Road: From Newcastle via Stockton yachts and Motor Cruisers. Saturday will see a world first in a fishing Bridge. Alternate route leave Pacific Escort and Radio Vessel trawler round-the-buoys race, with each Highway at Charlestown and proceed trawler having a yachtsman on board as Following the Club's continuing strong via New Lambton Heights, Jesmond, 'no foul play inspector' (bribes will be bid for safety, Keith Storey's beautiful Shortland and regain the highway at permissible). Over 20 trawlers will take motor yacht Marabou will escort the Sandgate. Leave highway 1 1/2 km past part. some of which have installed new fleet and handle the Radio Relay for Hexham Bridge. Continue to engines for the event. those vessels equipped with radio Williamtown, then turn left. Sealed road . transceivers, ensuring an efficient The trawlers will be led to slaughter by By Rail: Intercity Express from Sydney watchdog system for all entrants. the CY.C. fleet, fully dressed and to Newcastle, where connecting buses Marabou is equipped-with the most decorated, who will bring them to the leave the station for various Port powerful and sophisticated radio gear arena in convoy from Nelsons Bay. Stephens centres. The buses carry all available, including CB in readiness for On Saturday, there will be a bus tour to luggage, and the journey takes little the mammoth task of acting as Radio the wineries for those interested. more than one hour. Timetable and Relay Ship for our next Noumea Race. information available from the Tourist All vessels will start at around 9 p.m. Trophy Presentation Organisation of Port Stephens, Nelson with short intervals for the various Bay 2315, or your local travel agent. This will be the daddy of them all , taking divisions. However, this will all be clearly place in the beautiful garden of the By Air: Masling and TAA run regular air set out in the special sailing instructions. modern Salamander Hotel on Saturday service to Williamtown in Fokker To assist in the organisation it is obvious night. It will be an open-air feast of Friendships (T AA) and Beachcraft or that we would appreciate early entries, barbeque, fish , oysters and wine, Twin Otter (Masling) equipment ($19.90 for which entry forms are available at dancing both in and outside, each way). The 40 minute flight leaves the C.Y.C. office from 1st February­ presentation of trophies including one of from Mascot and goes to Williamtown, entries close Wednesday 8th March. our trawler friends to receive the C.Y.C

.. .. ( '<1hh1 ·v / .'! II ,, 1/(//111 1/1/ 'I

Above: The C. Y.C. course to the finish line, off Soldier's Point in Salamander Bay. Looking into the entrance of Port Stephens from the NE.

Yacaaba Head " Cock of the Port" Trophy. Entry will be free; you pay for food and drinks. We have arranged: joy flights by floatplane; water skiing; both towns will be decorated in the C.Y.C. colours by the Chamber of Commerce; fresh bread, milk and newspapers will be delivered each morning to our wharf. Myall Lakes Cruise On Sunday, a day tour up the Myall River to the fabulous Myall lakes-pictur­ esque, unspoiled water paradise-in the 100 seat Tamboi Queen will be led by C.Y.C. Member Norm Milne and his Accurate digital depth indications which can be easily attractive wife, Patty, who run the " Myall read even in bright sunlight will give you the confidence Tours". Bring your own lunch. to explore unfamiliar waters giving a new dimension to your boating.

We will not divulge all the exciting details SANDPIPER 11 Possibly the most famous of this promising event. From the entries digital depth sounder afloat, already received, some twenty five, it is proven o ver years of reliable o peration with full 3 digit evident that a strong interest exists. We readout scaled from 2 to 199 feet. The audible shallow expect many families to go by car as water alarm can be set for 4, well as by water, and we are booking 18 or 13 feet. An automatic gain com pensates for depth special stopovers, if possible, for this and bottom variations. Com­ plete with 120 kHz trans­ motorcade to make the trip as pleasant ducer for 12 V DC operation. as possible. The road via Stockton Bridge is clearly marked, has beautiful scenery and is a good 'expressway' The International Offshore 2700 is a preci­ road. Owners who would like to leave OFFSHORE 2700 sion depth indicator capable of readout their vessels for a week or so will be between 2.5 feet to over 160 fathoms. Clear digital readout day or night, with catered for , and our host Club will look variable depth alarm. after them; for this, advance bookings are advisable. .. We hope this event will contribute to • 11-: #· Clubmanship in our C.Y.C. which is '. ' ' . . - · · ~ obviously entering a new period of • . - prosperity and activity. Offshore 2700 accepts up to two remote readouts if required. Data is Yours truly will be the Race Director and transmitted to the remotes over any distance by shielded will organise the show, and our past wir e. Complete with 120 kHz transduce For 12 v DC Commodore, Bill Psaltis, has been appointed Cruise Captain. The escort C AP REE and radio arrangements, as mentioned The ultra compact digital depth sounder - ideal for in­ before, will be in the capable hands of boards or outboards. 18 ft- 30 ft sizes, as well as sailboats. Keith Storey, and our own David Goode This unit includes ignition will be your starter and finishing Official. filter and is capab le of a depth range of 2 ft- 199 ft We feel that a new and promising event with brightness control 2 position, complete with 205 is on the Club's agenda. kHz transducer. For 12 V BE IN IT!!! ENTRIES CLOSE MARCH 8 DC operation.

SAILBOATS 200 D Digital depth sounder. Ideal sailboat depth sounder for lake, river and coastal naviga · tion with precision accuracy, NOTHING BUT 2 to 200 feet with depth alarm fixed at 7 feet, together with a brightness control continuously variable, dim to bright complete with 205 BOAT kHz transducer. For 12 V DC operation. Weight Dimensions 4" x 3". ASK FOR-: CATALOGUE BOOKS BOAT BOOKS I Formerly The Salling • Navigation • Fishing • Specialist Library 1n N.S.W.) Cruising Tales • Boat Building , SYDN EY : 35 Hume St.. Crows Nest, 2065. Ph . 439 1133 & Design • Canoeing • Nautical MELBOURNE: 25-27 Alma History • Admiralty Charts etc. Road. St K1lda. 3t82 MARINE SALES & SERVICE DEPOTS Over 700 Titles In stock. P.O. Box 218 Leichhardt 2040 ES Ph (03) 94 0446 PLEASE SEND FURTHER DETAILS BRISBANE : 109 Albert St. • Mail Orders & Hard-To-Get L'hardt 5608644 4000. Ph: 1071 229 6427. N ' castle 2 5166 W'gong 29 5881 Mel . 6996144 Br is. 441632 IVA l .6.Bcm T 'ville 796155

34 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 th• Compass 750

The Compass 750 - the latest production fibreglass yacht from Compass Yachts. The 3/4 rigged, 1;4 ton rating 750 is trailerable w ith a retrnc· table alloy fin which disappears completely into the hull when raised. This New Zealand designed yacht by Alan War· wick has similar race winning lines to the latest level rating world champions. With the retractable fin she is a down wind flyer yet very close winded on the wind. In light weather the fin can be par· tially raised for extra w indward performance. W ith all its racing attributes the 750 is ideal for the family cruising man. It has comfortable sleeping accommodation for 5 ) adults with 6' vee berths in the forward cabin, and l1ead room in the saloon. Of particular appeal to the ladies is the separate toilet cubicle - unusual in a boat of this size, while the galley area is on the port side aft of the toilet. In high tidal areas and for those who like a still, quiet night on board , the 750 will lie unsupported on mud or sand with only a 15° list. The 750 is built to the high standard of finish that all Compass Yachts are renowned for, and for its moderate price it must be one of the best value yachts around.

SPECIFICATIONS: LOA: 7.540m (24 '9") LWL: 6.000m (20'0") BEAM: 2.490m (8'2" ) DRAUGHT: Board up 1 '3 1/4" Board dow n 4' 10" Keel version 4'6" DISPLACEMENT: 1476 kg (3255 lbs) INTERNAL BALLAST: 544 kg (1200 lbs) WORKING SAIL AREA: 241 sq. ft.

CENTREBOARD ILLUSTRATION. FIXED KEEL VERSION N ALSO Compass AVAILABLE

s (AUSTRALASIA) Yachts PTY. LTD. MANUFACTURERS OF THE COMPASS 29, COMPASS 28 AND COMPASS 750 4 Production Ave. , Kogarah, N.S.W. 2217. Ph . (02) 587 8672 Compass Yacht Dealers N.S.W. Bub Holmes, New Beach Rd , Darling Point. 2027. Ph : 32 9991 . Nth Queensland. Bru ce Bartle tt, Box 1707, Townsville. 4810. Ph : 71 4337. Sth Queensland. John Holmes, 24 Verdichio Ave, Mermaid Waters. 4218. Ph. 38 3873. Victoria. Harry Twikler, 31 Frankston Rd , Dandenong. 3 175. Ph . 792 4468. Tasmania. Greg Mu ir, 2 Napoleo n Street, Battery Point. 7000. Ph . 23 1946. Tasmania. Gus Green. 2 Gloucester Street , Launceston 7250. Pl10ne: 3 1 9463 Sth Australia. Lewis Bros. Marine, 197 Grange Road , Findon . 5023. Ph: 268 3946.

GWA1783

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 35 Wat sons Knaviguessing Know-how

In this country today, the facilities for nautical education are keeping pace with the ever increasing demand. The demand, however, is mainly for coastal and celestial navigation. To meet this, we have the club courses of Gordon Marshall and Jeff Toghill, the technical college courses, one or two private schools (including my own-let's not forget me!), and more recently the advent of excellent tape recorded and corres­ These lines are being written during the Australia Day holiday pondence courses for those people who cannot attend regular after a brief visit to Sydney. The main impression that I gained sessions. from the trip was one of the growing strength of the sailing scene, not just in Sydney, but all along the east coast. All these are excellent. The main thing is to get into the area of study-gaining knowledge becomes a habit. The senior In Sydney, of course, the numbers are most evident. Everyone I executives on a boat-skipper, navigator, tactician-should be spoke to was full of enthusiasm, particularly regarding the of high competence in all fields. Indeed, they should be able to numbers of newcomers entering the sport. By sport, I don 't just substitute for each other at will. Every other crewman, mean ocean racing or even competitive sailing, but just getting however, should have some knowledge of the various aspects afloat in sailing yachts. of the art, so that they may appreciate and understand the This, being a 'knowhow' article, is leading up to the need for the reasons for the decisions that are made. We 've all sailed with development of knowhow. Know how to sail , know the rules, argumentative crews. Usually they are the guys with the least know how to read the weather, how to navigate, general knowledge and are unaware of their ignorance. seamanship. Elsewhere in this edition, I'm sure, the record Have you assessed your level of ignorance? How much have number of Hobart retirements is being discussed ad nauseam. you forgotten? When was the last time you read a book on a For my twopennyworth, a great number of those retirements subject related to your sport? Do you instruct your crew, or would have been due not to the existing weather conditions but expect them to arrive ready-made? to the skippers' apprehensions regarding the worsening of those conditions. Someone said to me today that small boat sailors are the last of the adventurers, but that our days are numbered. We will be A great deal, possibly all, of education is merely a substitute for legislated out of existence. I hope he's wrong, but we may have experience. It condenses the experience of others for our to defend ourselves, The soaring and gliding clubs have benefit. In any field where we are engaged, education is a must enviable safety records and are left alone by government to increase our knowledge in those areas where experience is because of that. To achieve that, however, the clubs them­ lacking. selves enforce their own very strict rules. As it's almost It must, for instance, be obvious that it takes a great number of impossible to get a glider off the ground without club Hobart Races to gain that knowledge of local conditions which assistance, the clubs are in a good position for that. As far as is possessed by a fisherman on the east coast of Tasmania­ racing is concerned, so are we, but let's keep the same he has the experience. It behoves us, therefore, to look for the standards for our cruising as well , and spread the gospel of knowledge elsewhere. How many of us can read a synoptic seamanship. chart properly? 10%? How many of us can construct one from My personal effort in that direction will be to try and give some the information sent over the radio? 5%? guidance, through these columns, as to the extent of the Weather knowledge is a good example of what is needed for knowledge we should possess, and where to get it. We 'll look at successful ocean racing, which is the only sphere of seagoing a few books and publications, and try to recommend a library of where vessels, gear and men are DELIBERATELY stretched to good reading and reference. So, good sailing for 1978 ! See you the limit of endurance. next time,

36 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 C. Hollows in the way of aft girth stations would be bridged by a straight line of length 0.5B, centred on the aft girth stations, Rule Changes neither end of this line to be inboard of the 4%B buttock lines. The depth of any hollows found would be measured and the largest such depth would be recorded as DH . A value of the order of 2 x DH would then be added to VHA or VHAI whichever gave the greater value to L. 1305. It is intended to modify the measurement instructions for jibs by changing rules 203, 812.1, 813 so that:- 1. The measurement points at the corners of jibs shall be to the bearing surfaces of the cringles. The fallowing 'Forecast of Forthcoming Rule 2. The check for proportional girth lengths shall not be required Changes' (published by the O.R.C. after its to apply nearer to the head of the sail than 5% of the foot November 12, 1977 meeting) and O.R.C. length. 3. The luff tape shall be included in the measurement of LPG Bulletin No. 21of1811178 will be of but, if the tape is parallel, it would be excluded from the girth interest to all racing yachtsmen. measurements of 812 .1. 1306. It is intended to limit the variation of rake permitted to the mast. This will be effected by limiting the length of adjustment permitted to forestays and backstays. The current proposal is the limit the overall movement of the mast head to 5% of (I or P +BAD) whichever is the greater.

Forecast of Forthcoming Rule Changes O.R.C. Bulletin No. 21 (18/1/78)

1301 . This section contains outline forecasts of proposed Rule 1. This bulletin does not include any rule changes. It is an changes that have been approved in principle by the Offshore interim report on the recent work of the International Technical Racing Council. Committee and the proposals that it will be making to the next meeting of the Offshore Racing Council in November1978. It is the intention of the Council that these changes, modified if found necessary and in the light of comments received, should 2. The most far reaching proposal of the l.T.C. is to strengthen be brought in with effect from 1 January 1979 after ratification and expand the scope of the Mark Ill A concept. The means to by the council in November 1978. achieve this will be attained by attaching a separate age date to the hull and the rig of a yacht. Age date, hull date, and rig 1302. It is intended to add to 609.3A the statement:- date could be used to limit the application of parts of the rule to However, a propeller installation having an essentially yachts having certain stipulated dates. horizontal shaft extending aft from the fin or keel shall be classified as " Out of Aperture-Other". In a case of doubt over 3. The l.T.C. will propose a substantial reduction in rating for "essentially horizontal", a drive unit mounted in the keel will boats which have a small sail area relative to their displacement. confirm the installation as being "Out of Aperture-Other" There will also be and age allowance built in to the rule for all boats over three years old. There is a further proposal to 1303. It is intended to revise the MR Formula at 105.5A with a change the Forward Depth Immersed calculation in Din a way view to correcting the tendency of the Rule to over-encourage that will provide a benefit for older boats and a penalty for beam and under-encourage depth at the extreme. It is newer yachts. intP.nrlP.rl that in the MR Formula the value of B in the term 'v'13XD. shall not be taken at a greater value than 4. At its meeting on the 12th November 1977 the K OffshoreRacing Council re-affirmed its belief that the rule must 3 x (MDI+ CMDI + OMDI). The value of K to be the order of encourage a dual purpose boat. Future changes in the rule will 12 but modified by a scale factor. There is no intention of grand­ be directed towards discouraging the all-out racer which is fathering this rule. unsuitable for cruising purposes. The remainder of the l.T. C.'s proposals are directed towards curbing developments in the 1304. It is the intention to legislate against bumps and hollows rule which are now directed towards curbing developments in on the hull surface. The proposals to be examined are: the rule which are now apparent and which are tending to A. Hollows in transverse sections amidships outside the produce either boats which are unsuitable as cruisers or racing primary inflection point working into the center line, and boats with an unfairly low rating relative to their speed. hollowswithin a radius of 0.1 B from FDI should be prohibited. B. The separation of the aft girth stations should be assured by 5. Further to paragraph 1.3.4. of Bulletin No. 19 the l.T.C. will incorporating a required GSDAof 0.15B +0.1GD. The propose that mast head adjustment shall be limited by formula for AGSL to be:- permitting tensioning devices of limited movement either on the forestay or the back-stay(s) but not on both. An inner formula for AGSL to be:- forestay and an intermediate backstay with unlimited GSDA movement are to allowed. There are special provisions for ~SL=------fractional rigs. Control of additional devices in this field will be 0.5GLAI - (0.375B + .5GD)- 0.2BAI + 0.2BA +FA- FAI by penalty and not banning. (cont. next page) GLAI is the girth length measured at AIGS .

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 37 6. The l.T.C. is working on mast scantlings with a minimum from the C.Y.C.A. Pending the introduction of more detailed limit of diameter or circumference and limit to the number of scantling requirements in the rule , the l.T.C. is working on a spreaders. A percentage penalty will be applied to those masts development of the existing C.G.F. formalae which is intended not complying. to identify ultra-light boats which are using light construction to obtain a minimum CGF. This will be as a bonus to heavy old 7. The l.T.C. now has the benefit of a complete computer print­ yachts and as a penalty to newer light yachts. out of the United States and United Kingdom rated fleets. Detailed statistics prepared from these print-outs have shown 9. The l.T.C. will recommend to the Council that at its the recent trends in the fleet. Pursuant to the Council's policy November meeting it adopts a provision that in level rating that the rule cannot be expected equitably to rate all types of events a boat which has to retire from any race due to yacht, the l.T.C. is proposing further measures to reduce the structural failure of hull or rig shall be considered to have gap between extreme boats and the rest of the fleet. One retired from the rest of the series. approach is to limit the sail area relative to length and the 10. The I .T.C. will meet again in Newport. Rhode Island in early midsection. It is also developing the limits on Beam/Depth April to review progress with the detailed study of the fleets ratios as previously announced. The l.T.C. will propose limits which is now being undertaken. The Committee will also which will not be exclusive but will be progressive. The object is consider representations which have been made to National to limit further development of extreme rigs and hull shapes. Authorities by 1st March 1978 and forwarded by the National 8. Reports from Australia indicating a substantial number of Authorities to the Offshore Racing Council by 10th March 1978. retirements from the Sydney/Hobart race have caused Representations must be made through National Authorities concern to the Committee and a detailed report is being sought only.

N.Z. Wins World Half Ton Series By John Hawley

For the first time ever. the 1977 Half Ton In the first race, the Ron Holland centre­ The final race of 246 miles was won World Championships were held in boarder Silver Shamrock Ill, from convincingly by Harold Cudmore in Sydney. Possibly for the last time. Ireland, skippered by Harold Cudmore, Silver Shamrock Ill who had time to Almost ignored by the rest of the world, took first place with the New Zeqaland down half a dozen bottles of Guinness the series had little international flavour team of centreboarders Waverider, before Rangiriri sailed in to take second with teams from Australia, New Zealand Swuzzlebubble and Rangiriri taking 2nd, place, closely followed by Graham and Papua New Guinea. Only the 3rd and 5th places, Graham Oborn in the Oborn. Had Oborn finished second, presence of lively Irishman Harold nameless (ex . That 's Life) 2269, taking Cudmore would have retained his title. Cudmore, 1976 World Champion and 4th place. Many believe that his chances were here to defend his title, gave sparkle to The second race in the series started prejudiced in the third race when he was an occasion which was marred by a two and a half hours late due to the light caught on the wrong side of a windshift multiplicity of protests against a Race and variable winds which would not after the course was changed on the Committee which appeared to be trying allow a course to be set earlier. In this second leg, a move which was hotly to protest the leading competitors out race, another 22 miler, the New protested by Cudmore but dismissed by of the running . Zealanders took the first three places the Race Committee. Race organisation should be A month before the world series Graham with Cudmore fourth. Oborn had won the Australian titles in a The third race of 128 miles was impeccable in a series which carries World Titles. This year has dem­ serious organised by the Royal Sydney dominated by Harold Cudmore who was onstrated how easy it is for a small error Yacht Squadron and was representing so far ahead in Silver Shamrock Ill that Australia as Australian Half Ton when his mast broke about half a mile of judgement to influence the outcome of a world title, and the importance ot Champion. Yet this same Club protested from the finishing line, he and his crew committee discipline. him in the world series for being a New had time to clear up the mess and, Zealander, a protest which they standing on deck holding up sails, were fortunately lost, as Oborn went on to able to finish 3rd. The New Zealanders Final Placings take third place in the series-well took first. second and fifth places, and ahead of any other Australian competitor. again Oborn was fourth . The stability of centreboarders When the Kiwis took the first three Team controversy was of course raging places in the fourth race, a 22 miler, it 1. New Zealand 321 .38 hard at the time, but the results showed clinched the team prize and placed them 2. Australia 249. that under the l.Y.R. Rules as they so that any of them could become 3. Papua N.G. 95 existed, centreboarders were fastest. champion.

38 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Individual 1. Rangiriri 115.75 2. Silver Shamrock Ill 115.75 CELESTIAL NAVIGATION COURSE 3. 2269 (Oborn) 104.5 4. Waverider 102.38 5. Swuzzlebubble 102.25 Gordon Marshall has postponed his 6. Industries 94 .5 A prequisite is that students have a 1978 Celestial Classes at the C.Y .CA 7. Banercek 83 general understanding of coastal until Tuesday, 4 April 1978. 8. Fa ct1 74 .75 navigation, including the abi lity to read 9. Casablanca 67.75 For interested Members an enrolment charts, understand latitude and 10. Magic Dragon 63.5 form is included in this issue (it was longitude terminology, be able to take 11 . Newspaper Ta xi 62 .5 unfortunately not included in the Dec.­ and plot compass bearings, know the 12. Springloaded 62 Jan . 1978 edition of Offshore. Intending difference between variation and 13. Liquidator 61 .5 students will need to move quickly to deviation. 14. Mekim Save 61 catch the closing date for enrolment. In addition to the eight nights of lectures, 15. Nantucket 60 Gordon has been conducting celestial students will be given instruction on a 16. Avanganda 45 courses for the past six years, and many Saturday or Sunday morning with a 17. Incredible 37 Club Members are familiar with the visits sextant, and each will be conducted 18. The Hum 25 to the cliffs at Bondi for their first sextant through a dawn set of star sights. A trip 19. Xaviera 21.5 lessons, taking sun sights, those early to sea at the end of the course rounds 20 . Plaba IV 19.5 dawns to get star sights, the final trip to out the instruction. It follows that 21 . Vane ssa 17.5 sea to test students in practical position intending students must have their 22 . Bulldog 16.5 finding . Keith Storey has again kindly dedication and discipline to see these said he will make his magnificient M.V. practical exercise through if they are to Marabou available for this essential part profit from the unique aspects of this of the course. course. The first lecture will be Tuesday, 4 April Each student will need to spend 1978 from 1930-2230 hours; it will run approximately $40 on the equipment for 8 consecutive weeks. Because the required (details will be supplied after course is 'crash ' in nature, it is essential application), but expensive items such that students attend every lecture. as sextants and stop watches will be Intending students who do not supplied. confidently anticipate meeting this The fee for the course is $40 for Club requirement should not enrol. Members, otherwise $70, which should be sent to the Club together with the application form included with this copy of Offshore. Enrolment will be on a first come, first served basis and additional forms will be available from the Club office or bar. Successful applicants will be advised by mail and supplied with the list of requirements together with sources of supply. [Editor's Note:- In terested studen ts will note the requirement of previous knowledge of coastal navigation before attempting this celestial course. If this proves to be your stumbling block, be advised that Gordon intends to run a 'Coas tal' course immediately after this celestial one, and it will be followed by another celestial course for which you would then be prepared. Offshore will carry details of this next coastal course, together with an application form, in its nex t issue.

Gordon Marshall instructs students of celestial navigation on the cliffs at Bondi in one of the many practical exercises that are part of his course.

OFFSHORE - February /March 1978 39 THE C. Y. C. characteristics are so bad even the inspection prior to her last voyage to (Centreboard Yacht Club) most experienced helmsman would Sydney in September, 1978. Restoration have trouble keeping her straight for will be completed in Sydney and she will By Kevin Shephard more than a few seconds at a time. be opened to the public at Birkenhead Point. 3rd Committee Man: Imagine trying to slip the thing in out-of-the-way places. The ambitious restoration scheme is Can you imagine some of 1st Committee Man: This trend would probably the last existing opportunity to be a very bad thing for the sport; only the provide Sydney with a tall ship of its own the situations that could rich and foolhardy could afford to and will ensure part of Australia 's occur if the Farr-type compete. maritime heritage is retained . 2nd Committee Man: It's up to us to Built in England in 187 4. the 640 ton centreboarders had devise tests which will check the safety barque traded throughout the world until evolved before the heavy of these vessels as well as discouraging the turn of the century. She was displacement keel yacht? even more extreme types before its too originally named Clan Mcleod, the first late. of Thomas Dunlap's famous line of This is what may have All in Unison: Here here! 'Clan· ships, and became James Craig been heard at a meeting 3rd Committee Man: One thing I would when she was in 1900 sold to the New like to know. What happens if the boat is Zealand shipowners. J.J. Craig, for of the Safety Committee hove down horizontally? Wi ll the keel whom she plied the trans-Tasman route of the C. Y. C (Centreboard break off or will it fill up and sink? between Australia and New Zealand Yacht Club). 1st Committee man: Probably the best ports. way to go is not to worry about the keel Finally cut down to a hulk in 1911 she boats or hull construction but alter the seemed destined to end her days in New 1st Committee Man: Gentlemen I have rule to penalize yachts with unusually Guinea. But the dema'nd for shipping convened this meeting as a matter of high righting moments. after World War I led Henry Jones and urgency as we have several new yachts Company Ltd . of Tasmania to buy and entering for our races which disturb me They all muttered agreement to this and re-rig her. very much from a safety point of view. went off to pen a telex to the inter­ national offshore rating council. The hull of the James Craig (built of iron). 2nd Committee Man: If these new is in remarkable condition for its age and types catch on it will mean the death of the museum plans to completely restore ocean racing as we know it. the hull, deck and lower masts prior to 3rd Committee Man: They have to Restoration of the 'James Craig' her long tow to Sydney in 1978. The stopped!!! remaining restoratibl1 will then be 1st Committee Man: The thing that On February 1st, a milestone will be completed at Birkenhead Poin t where worries me the most is the enormous reached in the million dollar restoration she will be placed on oe~::n;:-nent public amount of lead ballast in the fixed of the 103 year old barque James Craig. display. keel-over 50% of the yacht's weight. I believe. (This statement met with startled looks from one to the other.) Eighteen months after work was re­ 2nd Committee Man: But doesn't that started on restoring her hull , the James put an enormous strain on the hull and Craig was slipped in Hobart in early keel bolts? February for final treatment and 3rd Committee Man: Not to mention the spar and rigging. The 'James Craig ', New Yo rk before 1900, will look like this again at the Sydney MaritimE- Museum 1st Committee Man: Th ey tell me they are real bitches to handle downwind in any decent breeze. They roll their guts out and do their best to dip the boom or pole into the water. 2nd Committee Man: Shocking! 3rd Committee Man: I know of several /' cases overseas where yachts have actually lost their rig through this unseamanlike tendency, not to mention the wear and tear on the crew and the helmsman's hands. 1st Committee Man: But what about the cost? These boats would cost about three times what our current boats do. Just the winches alone are worth a king's ransom, not to mention hydraulics everywhere. 2nd Committee Man: How would you sell it when its racing life is over? No sensible cruising man would have anything to with it. Going to windward it's like a half tide rock and you need a team of gorillas to work the headsail winches. Downwind the handling

40 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, as How could one describe a stuffing box if navigator. We finished a creditable fifth one did not know the term. or a gudgeon, on handicap and learnt a lot about pintle or hawse pipe? racing in hard weather in Bass Strait and It is not easy to produce a book which is down the Tasmanian coast, which stood flawless. and this book has a few errors. us in good stead in 1950. Alan Lucas's description of a spinnaker Trust these remarks are of some pole reads: " A spar to spread the foot of interest. a spinnaker. It clips onto the mast a little Yours sincerely, above the deck at one end , the other clipping onto one of the clews''. Let us C.P. Haselgrove. hope that foredeck hands do not take Thanks to Mr Hase/grove for this this to heart; it would make gybing very correction. The author of the article difficult. referred to, Tony Cable, did considerable research on his 'Ta ble of Hobart winners Carping of this sort, however, is a and their designs ', and he was the victim reviewer's method of assuring his of a commonly held myth about 'Nerida's' readers that he has read the book care­ designer, which Jim Hardy brought to his fully and is himself full of erudition. Here attention while in Hobart this year. is a book which is well worth owning and 'Nerida ' has naturally-grown blue gum reading carefully, and the excellent illus­ frames, stem post and keel, her bottom is trations add to the descriptive abilities planked with W.A . jarrah, and her topsides are N.Z. kauri, with laid teak deck, for of the author, who will already be those who may be interested. Ed. respected by most yachtsmen for his excellent pilot books Cruising the Coral Coast and Cruising the New South Wales Coast. 'Nerida' 35 Maitland Terrace, Seacliffe, S.A. 5049 J.H.

The Editor, Yachtmaster Offshore 1977 Hitachi Sydney-Hobart the Art of Seamanship Yacht Race Program, C.Y.C.A. New Beach Road , The Complete Illustrated by John Russell Darling Point, N.S.W. 2027 Encyclopaedia of Boating Published by the R.Y.A. in association by Alan Lucas with David & Charles, 136 pages, Dear Sir, hardback, $11 .50 . 272 pages. Published in Hong Kong by Horwitz $9.98* May I point out a small error on page 26 The blurb of this volume carries the of the above fine publication in case it recommendation of the Royal Yachting One of the problems in producing an should be perpetuated elsewhere. This Association, and little wonder, for it is a is in the table of Sydney-Hobart winners encyclopaedia is coping with the letters pithy little gem. X and Z. Alan Lucas has saved the and their designers. I refer to Nerida embarrassing blanks by heading each In 136 small pages (5 1/ 2' x 8 Y2 ")of well­ which I owned at the time she was letter with the appropriate International spaced, readable type, John Russell handicap winner and third overall, in boils down the essence of a competent 1950. Code Flag together with its meaning. He is also an experienced navigator and skipper. With an unusual economy of Her designer was Alfred Mylne, not includes Zenith. But that is starting at. words and clarity of thought and Nicholson as stated, and she is 45' over the end. expression (and with a generous amount all, not 43'. of true wit}, Russell imparts his Generally speaking, encyclopaedias are considerable wisdom and experience on As you probably know, she has been boring things which one buys as a fount subjects such as living afloat, deckwork, reconverted to her original gaff cutter rig of knowledge but would not dream of handling, watchkeeping , navigating , (I converted her to Bermudian yawl with reading. As soon as one is specialised a rig of my own design with sails by preparing for heavy weather, cooking at and the subject is one which is of sea , keeping out of trouble and Crawfield and Carter of Burnham-on­ interest, it becomes a volume which can emergency repairs. Crouch} and she is a familiar sight on be read through. A great deal of the Sydney Harbour, again belonging to the contents are already known, which It is a book of philosophy, or approach, Hardy Family. Mr. Tom Hardy, of makes one happy to be so bright, or more than instruction by the numbers Adelaide, who was killed in the ' Kyeema ' there are new words which are found to (as indeed it would have to be to cover air crash of 1938, had her built as his be the correct descriptions of bits of so much in such a small space. although 'dream ship' by R.T. Searles & Sons of boats whose name may have been there is some 'by the numbers' as well , Po rt Adelaide. She was launched in previously unknown. such as picking up a man overboard). 1933. I became her fourth owner in 1948 This is a book which can be strongly Whilst this book may be familiar territory and there were two more owners in recommended to boat owners who to 'old salts', none could help but admire Melbourne before she was re-purchased sometimes find difficulty in describing the author's ability to say what has oft' by the Hardy family and turned into things which they may require. Thi s is been said but rarely so well or succinctly virtually a 'vintage' yacht. particularly necessary when ordering expressed. Readers who don't quite I first took her to Sydney from Adelaide parts by mail or telephone when one come up to the 'old salt ' status will for the 1948 Sydney-Hobart Race with correct term can save a great deal of probably learn a lot, and skippers who Bill Fesq, Present Commodore of the description. arrived at their station largely by dint of

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 41 their pocket book rather than sea This Southern Cross Sydney Hobart of the Board and Members, David apprenticeship possibly should run out Series, because of sheer number of Colfelt, our Editor, and the several and buy this book before they set out on entries, taxed us severely. We came out members of the group. I won 't run through the names of these save one, another ocean race or passage. The of it very well. sections on watchkeeping, navigating, Nookie Bennetts, who is leaving the I can assure you that the praise I Committee despite our refusing his cooking at sea, preparing for heavy received on your behalf, as to our weather, are full of simple but profound resignation on many previous organisation and expertise, from all occasions. It should be placed on record advice to keep a crew working competitors, was fulsome and genuine. harmoniously and effectively and also to that as our principal Advertising man he was responsible for having ads placed in get the ship where you want it to be. We do a pretty good job. the Club magazines totalling well over Even 'experienced' skippers may find Thanks are due to many people that to $50,000 a page or two to take (if some of the mention some runs the risk of offending Thanks stories told by crew around the bar some who are overlooked. Tony Cable have any truth to them). However for sheer effort we must thank The amateur skipper, the author says, our Race Director, Keith Storey, the Safety Inspections being his own master, has the time to Chairman of the Sailing Committee, experiment and practise, to arrange Gordon Marshall, and our Press Centre A completely new and streamlined things so that he can make mistakes and Officer, Campbell Scott. system of inspections for club yachts learn from them without penalty, will be developed for the coming season. Our General Manager, Michele LeBars, becoming wiser without being saddened Last year's revised forms and held our organisation together under in the process-to avoid the instruction sheet by Peter Rysdyk great pressure, and our Office Staff " searing experience of discovering, improved our previous erratic system performed most efficiently, so far as I in a crowded harbour and force six. that somewhat, but it still gave our office can remember, without tears. he has lost way too soon, his fenders are staff excessive work around Hobart bunched too much amidships and the Mrs Georgie Fraser ran a most efficient time. throttle is up his trouser leg ." House and worked almost around the It is anticipated that during August all clock. This book may provide one of the less yachts will be inspected over painful opportunities to become wiser Geoff Long again slipped a record consecutive weekends, in alphaberical whilst, perhaps, being gladdened in the number of boats. order. process. If you read no more than the 9- The Ladies Auxiliary did their usual Owners will be notified giving day, date, page introduction, which is beautifully­ superb job on the desk and are great Inspector's name and the approximate written essay on the responsibilities of ambassadors for the Club. time for inspections, at which time all the skipper, particularly to his crew, you items should be complete, laid out in will have had several good laughs and a As I said earlier, situation normal. I'm order of inspection, with two responsible lot of questions to ponder before turning proud to be a Member. J.P. Diamond crewmembers, one preferably the in. The book offers quite a lot for crew owner, in attendance. This will become a members, too. Commodore. once-annual event. -D.Colfelt Obviously the first inspection will be free 1977 Hobart Program another ofcharge,butanysubsequent success. inspections or part inspection will require a fee paid to the Club as very few For the third year running the owners in the past have had all safety Publications Committee produced the gear complete on first inspection. Hitachi Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Inspectors, who give their time free, Program. This one we felt was the best have been known to return five times to so far, as it represented still a further the same vessel because of the laxity of development of the group's experience some owners. gained over the years. The financial The next Offshore issue will carry full Commodore's Message result, while not yet available, should particulars and information. During the Dear Member, also represent a record, again at the 5- month preceding August, all owners will Our Club is just as interesting, as active figure level representing a significant receive individual notifications and full and, in some respects, as controversial part of the Clubs total net profit. information as to when, where, and how. as it ever was. The Committee has as its overriding Our new C.Y.C. Safety Inspections We have had the drama of the light­ objective the production of a program of Procedure will be worked out in displacement boats, a record entry for excellence whilst attaining this high conjunction with The Middle Harbour the Hobart and record withdrawals plus return. At the same time we have the Yacht Club, with which we have a a MAYDAY and missing boats. continuing responsibility of Offshore, reciprocal arrangement. We have the Port Stephens race-cruise where we are providing a 'House' The Club is also looking at a more plus a most entertaining long weekend magazine of a standard that must be the economical Life Raft Inspection organised for March. highest in this country. Like all honorary Procedure, preferably mass inspections groups the Committee members work in the Club grounds, as was arranged for As ever we have a record loss in the ' many hours with little thought of dining room and most divided opinions fire extinguishers. recognition, their rewards coming from as to what we should do about it. the satisfaction of seeing the results of In fact , it is situation normal. their (and the printer's) work. The significant change is that because However, as our publications year Members (male or female) interested in of sponsorship we are not desperately finishes with the publication of the becoming Safety Inspectors should short of funds. Program, I would like to thank, on behalf contact the Club c/o Chief Safety 42 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 Inspector. The work is interesting and Argonaut's Award How a Race Director your Club needs you . Unwinds Inspectors in future will work in pairs, Dear Ed. , one of which will be a " probationary inspector" re :"Argonauts Award" There appears to be some Farewell Mr. Sam misunderstanding about the identity of the buildings pictured in Oct./Nov. Sam Rollo ('Mr. Sam ') has worked in 'Offshore'. Rushcutters Bay for the past 30-or-so It is a photograph of an old home years and at the Cruising Yacht Club for situated on a point of land between about the last nine. He retired in Brays Bay and Yara Ila Bay, Parramatta January, and the Club gave a small River. which is identified on Au stralian farewell party in the Blue Water Room chart AUS 203 as being the Thoma s for Sam and some of his old friends (see Walker Convalescent Home. photos). The same chart shows the Dame Edith Mr. Sam has been described by Geoff Walker Home to be approximately half a Long , C.Y.C.A. Yard Manager, as a mile away on a point of land between 'tradesman without a trade' meaning a Yara Ila Bay and Majors Bay. Very little of tradesman virtually without limitation to this one can be seen from the river. his trade's skills. Sam 's ability is admired by all who know him and is apparent to The photograph in the Dec./Jan. issue of even the casual observer who might is of Searle's Monument, al so on the have, for example, watched him at one Parramatta River. It marks a small reef time of another stripping varnish back to jutting out from the northern bank at smooth wood with a single, sure stroke Henley. of his triangular scraper. Underneath a boat on the slips, this writer has watched Yours faithfully, Mr. Sam on quite a number of Reg Lange occasions, working on the next boat, and never once saw him stop work. He Reg Lange is correct about the Thomas must have, but I never saw him. Walker home (as he is about the Searle Monument). In our last-minute haste to Mr . Sam hasn 't been home to his native incorporate in the December issue the Italy since World War II , and he may go answers of Jenny May (and the mystery back for a visit shortly. We will all miss contestant from Computer Technology, you and hope to see you soon who still hasn't identified himself/herself) again- farewell , but not good-bye-Mr. the distinction of gender was overlooked. Sam There can be no doubt that the previous respondents meant to say Thomas Walker, as this building is unique. Reg Lange gets a point for both correct answers and becomes the current leader for the Argonaut award. Ed.

This month we move offshore to a landmark that should be familiar to many members. Can you identify it? Send your answers on the back of an envelope to The Editor, 'Offshore'; the entry with the earliest postmark wins a point towards the Annual 'Offshore' Argonaut's Award.

OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 43 by Jack North

The Race to Hobart provided plenty of The crew, Renfred Meese and Helen The foregoing is an unashamed steal drama this year, and it's been pretty well King , propose to head for the Barrier from Offshore of April , 1974, but I'm not written up. An excellent film which Reef and Singapore. After that, well it 's worried by any copyright repercussions. appeared on the A.B.C. wins my too far ahead to make plans. After all , I wrote it myself. It just so onofficial Oscar for the best Hobart happens that Emma Peel arrived back Race documentary to date. But noboay * * * very recently, from New Zealand , after a ever seems to film, or write of, the lot of extensive cruising in the Pacific. Conquistador II has had a good passage journey home to Sydney. This is just as in all respects, including the weather. long, and just as stormy, as the passage Only off Lord Howe Island did it turn south. * nasty, and her guardrail stanchions Of course, there's no dishonour in were bent in at 90 degrees across the creeping into some quiet haven for a bit deck. of a rest, a leisurely meal and, maybe, a real wild party; the whole thing is a lot * Nostalgia Nook. From the Daily better than racing . Telegraph of 13th January, 1947. So how about a few yachting scribes Emma Peel, built at Napier, New getting stuck into it? We ' re always Zealand, is a heavy steel yacht with a looking for copy for Offshore. keel of 1" plate. Double skinned for " The 34 ft sloop Saga is the first yacht to some 60% of her length, she displaces return to Sydney after the Sydney­ * 33 tons on a length of 52 feet. She draws Hobart Race. 5'6" on a beam of 14'6" and has the Saga left Hobart last Sunday and Not all boats from the marina went to short overhangs favoured by her designer, Woolacott of Auckland. anchored in Neutral Bay at 1 .15 p.m. Hobart. Several found their way to yesterday. The smallest boat in the race, Broken Bay and Port Stephens instead. Launched as a schooner in 1970, her after mast was shortened in 1972. But Saga was placed second. Her actual Among those sighted at Port Stephens time for the race was 6 days 9 hours 52 were Bill Smith's Fair Winds , Keith although it can be argued that this changed her to a ketch, her crew minutes 22 seconds. Christina won the Storey's Marabou and our editor's race by about two hours and a half. Chubasco. They all seemed to be having maintain she is still a schooner. Offshore a good time. will venture no opinion on this. Mr Trygve Halvorsen, skipper of Saga, said yesterday that the crew had hot Bill Smith did a run out to Broughton Her 76 horse Foden diesel has a fuel range of 1200 miles at seven knots and meals every day during the race and the Island and got there just in time to be return voyage. They all gained weight. kicked out again by a southerly. Sq he can push her at nine knots if necessary. went back to Port Stephens after She carries 350 gallons of fresh water Saga 's crew is; Colin Jew of Bellevue spending a night at sea. Nobody else which, if you try to visualise it, is Hill, Thor Gauslaa of North Sydney, seemed to have any wild adventures, equivalent to eight 44 gallon drums. Frederik Svensen of Neutral Bay, and that's the way a cruise ought to be. Everything about her seems solid-all Magnus Halvorsen, the skippers brother, her portholes have deadlights of steel of Neutral Bay." * * for heavy weather. But the two square sails on her foremast are her most A fair number of cruising yachts have striking feature. been into the marina over the last few She has a most unusual porthole below weeks, among them being Conquistador the waterline. This, in the after cabin, is II . She is a ferro-cement sloop, 39' by made of heavy glass and covered by 11 '6" by 6' and powered by a 40 horse another solid deadlight. When the B.M.C. diesel. deadlight is opened you can sit on the Built in Wellington, New Zealand, in very comfortable locker seats around 1973, she left Auckland on the 10th of the the inside of the after cabin, sip your June last. From there she sailed for beer and watch the fishes, eels, Ra ratonga and Tahiti, and cruised mermaids, scuba divers and other forms French Polynesia in general before of marine life. It's as good as T.V. returning to Raratonga. Her next stages The yacht is not named after that were Niue, Tonga, Suva and Sydney, Avenger woman; her namesake was an where she arrived at the end of American sailing ship of the mid­ November, 1977. nineteenth century.

44 OFFSHORE - February/March 1978 BOB HOLMES

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