Classic Yacht Association OF AUSTRALIA

www.classic-yacht.asn.au

Issue 22 - March 2006 - Classic Yacht Association of Australia Magazine

CONTENTS

CYAA REPRESENTATIVES 2 COMING EVENTS 2 NATIONAL RACE SCHEDULES 3 WRAITH OF ODIN 4 THE TUMLAREN 8 HISTORIC 18 FOOTERS 10 GRANT TAYLOR 11 A CENTURY OF CLASSICS 12 TRUE COLOURS 15 QUEENSCLIFF CELEBRATES 15 CLASSIC FESTIVALS 16 SKANDIA GEELONG WEEK 17 CHOWDER BAY BOAT SHED 18 WOODY POINT CLASSICS 19 OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS 20 NATIONAL GAFFERS DAY 21 MELBOURNES H28 FLEET 22 THE LINES OFF A DINGHY 23 JAMES CRAIG 24 A WORD FROM POLLY 25 DEANBILLA BAY 26 DAME PATTIE FOR SALE 27 BRIAN GALE 27 PASSENGERS ON THE TORRENS 28 FRED THOMAS’ LEGENDS 29 NEW MEMBERS 29

Our aim is to promote the appreciation and participation of sailing classic yachts in Australia, and help preserve the historical and cultural significance of these unique vessels. Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

CYAA REPRESENTATIVES COMING EVENTS NATIONAL RACE SCHEDULES SORRENTO: COUTA BOATS The Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) operates weekly social and racing events for the Couta Boats. February will ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER RANGER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - SYDNEY SYDNEY: CLASSICS / GAFFERS be the big couta boat regatta at Queenscliff too. To find out CYAA Officer more information call the SSCBC on (03) 5984 2881... March 19, 2006 Look for the Gaffers Day event in April this year for a great 343 Ferrars St gathering of classic and gaff rigged yachts. The Sydney http://www.sscbc.com.au Every year this special event is held to celebrate Cliff Gale’s Albert Park Amateur Sailing Club (SASC) runs a summer series of Classic Victoria 3206 unique Ranger design. Contact Sydney Amateur Sailing Club Division races on saturdays, and the Gaffers on sundays. For PERTH: COUTAS / GAFFERS for futher details on (02) 9953 6597. [email protected] details contact the SASC by telephoning (02) 9953 6597 or The RFBYC (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club) operates a visit their website... EDITORIAL Couta Boat division in their club racing fixture. In March OLD GAFFERS REGATTA - PERTH Ewen Bell http://www.sasc.com.au each year the couta boats head over to Rottnest Island for [email protected] April 29, 2006 a series of races, April brings the Old Gaffers Regatta on SYDNEY: HISTORICAL 18 FOOTERS Once a year event for the gaffers in Perth, and even a the Swan River, and November will be the Cicerello Cup. Contact RFBYC for more details on (08) 9384 9100... NEW SOUTH WALES division for the other classics. The event is organised by the The Australian Historical Sailing Skiffs Association is hosted Old Gaffers Association and hosted by the Royal Freshwater by the Sydney Flying Squadron with races every saturday. Philip Kinsella http://www.rfbyc.asn.au Bay Yacht Club. Contact RFBYC on (08) 9384 9100. The national championships will be held in Brisbane this year Tel (02) 9498 2481 around May. Contact SFS on (02) 9955 8350 or online... PERTH: H28s [email protected] NATIONAL GAFFERS DAY - SYDNEY http://www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au The SOPYC (South of Perth Yacht Club) features a H28 division QUEENSLAND as part of their summer races every saturday between Ivan Holm April 29, 2006 October and April. Contact the club for more details on (08) Tel (07) 3207 6722, Mobile 0407 128 715 SYDNEY: HISTORICAL 10 FOOTERS Classic yachts and Gaffers from around the harbour gather 9364 5844 or via the website... [email protected] for a day of sailing followed by a social lunch at Sydney Drummoyne Sailing Club is the location for Historical 10ft http://www.sopyc.com.au SOUTH AUSTRALIA Amateur Sailing Club. Contact SASC on (02) 9953 6597. skiffs. Club races wind up in April, but the action continues with three heats of the Australian Championship to be held Tony Kearney at Drummoyne over the Easter weekend. Contact DSC on MELBOURNE: H28s Mobile 0408 232 740 VINTAGE & GAFFERS REGATTA - BRISBANE (02) 9719 8199 or online... [email protected] The Hobsons Bay Yacht Club (HBYC) is conducting the annual June 2006 http://www.drummoynesailingclub.com.au Sailmaster Series on behalf of the H28 Association of Victoria TASMANIA This event will be in it’s 31st year, attracting a magnificent Inc. Contact Rod Fuller on 0438 529 631 or visit the CYAA Kelvin Aldred fleet for a great weekend of sailing. Contact Ivan Holm for BRISBANE: CLASSICS website for full details of the program and entry details... Mobile 0412 108 994 more details on (07) 3207 6722. http://www.classic-yacht.asn.au/H28 [email protected] Several events will be run by Brisbane clubs the month of September with a special interest for classic owners. Don’t VICTORIA SCARBOROUGH CLASSIC BOAT RACE forget the annual Deanbilla passage race in December as MELBOURNE: CLASSICS Damian Purcell September 2006 well, a CYAA organised event. If you want to know what is The CYAA Victorian Division is a diverse fleet sailing through Tel (03) 8344 6753 happening in classic yachts in Queensland then contact Ivan summer and winter. Contact Damian Purcell on (03) 8344 [email protected] Last year the Scarborough Classic Boat Race featured Holm on (07) 3207 6722 or visit the CYAA website... 6753 or visit the CYAA website... fourteen old boats of diverse heritage and was sailed a leisurely 12 mile course in sparkling sunshine with the http://www.classic-yacht.asn.au http://www.classic-yacht.asn.au PUBLISHER Glasshouse Mountains as the backdrop. Contact Ivan Holm This document is published by Twocats Pty Ltd for more details on (07) 3207 6722. on behalf of the CYAA. All content is copyright protected by the authors and the CYAA and may not be reproduced without their permission. BALMAIN REGATTA - SYDNEY

October 2006

COVER PHOTO The Balmain Sailing Club’s annual regatta includes a classics division. Classic yachts and Historic 18s are well represented Roger Dundas and Pip Todd sailed Zephyr to join a fleet of in this early summer event, attracting a fleet from all over over 90 entrants in the Classic Yacht and Couta Boat Challenge the harbour. Contact the BSC on (02) 9810 2086. held on Port Philip Bay. Two other Tumlarens raced in the event; Ellida and Zea. Photo by Andrew Wu�ke. The hazy morning light on Moreton Bay cloaks Wraith of Odin as she slips out to sea

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WRAITH OF ODIN year museum quality restoration at Beashels in Sydney and aboard, so it soon became clear that he would need to move they were installed. When Keith met with the builder, Alf Sea King Marine in Port Macquarie. A�er an initial inspection the boat. Something in this unse�led him, as did the need to Jahnsen, he questioned him as to why Monel was used below of the boat Keith put in an offer and paid a deposit that remove some fellow who he had found onboard performing the waterline and iron above. The reply suggested something Wraith of Odin is an elegant and unique boat with a first a�ernoon. At the survey two weeks later, he was knocked an exorcism in the saloon one evening. to do with the availability of materials in the post-war period. out by the sound condition of the boat below the water Thirty copper fastenings were removed and analysed to find class pedigree and a glorious sailing history. She found a Further complicating progress at this early stage was that and by the size and power she displayed on the hardstand. only 8% wastage and it was suggested by Ken Beashel that new home recently in Queensland and has undergone a only one drawing of the boat was available. This had been Coming from an ultra lightweight modern multihull sailing “well enough be le� well alone”. New chainplates, engine restoration of the most immaculate standards. Her current provided by Dagmar O’Brian, who li�ed up part of the background, this was his first involvement with a boat with beds and stuffing box were installed. owner, Keith Glover, is as much a character as the boat itself. carpet of her house to retrieve the sketch from its place of a keel so full and he was awestruck by the aesthetics of this Dave Surmon introduces us to the story behind the glory. safekeeping. One set of drawings is be�er than none. Keith An independent survey was done while at Beashels to classic style of boat. (Story by Dave Surmon, photos by Ewen Bell) had slept on the boat and tested every berth during a rainy determine what should to be done to accommodate the new Apart from the obvious beauty and styling of Wraith of night. Inside the forepeak with two umbrellas open proved rig. Although the additional work was considered overkill, Odin, three factors influenced Keith’s decision to take on the to be the driest place. A priority was made to waterproof the given there were no signs of problems during the previous KEITH GLOVER restoration: the originality of the boat, the fact there was only cabin top. On the starboard side the trunk cabin leaked badly 50 years, the span and size of the mast steps would later be one previous owner and, finally, that the original builder’s and had caused considerable damage to the interior. increased to include 10 floor beams and new laminated plates The gentle flowing lines of a classic hull rising from the water yard was still operating in Forster/Tuncurry. added to provide extra planks on either side of the garboard. have an ethereal appeal to lovers of wooden boats. For Keith It took about two hours to remove the bulwarks (and another Every element of the report was ultimately incorporated, Glover it was an early childhood memory of Boomerang, As the excellence of her condition below the waterline was fours years to finally put them back), the canvas cabin top was as Keith took the view; “Why pay for a highly respected the 1903 Reeks designed 73’ schooner, and Wraith of Odin at staggering, considering her age, and the framing appeared cut from the boat and the deck, that had been covered in pitch, surveyor if you are not going to follow his advice.” anchor in Pi�water in the early 1950s that started a lifelong sound, Keith knew that he had bought himself a boat with was cleared in sections revealing 1½” Artic Beach timber; at passion with sailing and led to his search for a wooden boat great hull integrity. Like everything else he does Keith which point it was discovered that three quarters of the deck With an old armchair screwed to the ply deck, that covered a to restore. Wraith of Odin is a 57’1” ketch rigged Malabar was determined to complete this unique project; while he plugs were pushed out by rust affected fastenings. It became hole where the new cockpit would go, and a beach umbrella X111 designed by John G Alden and built by the legendary understood the possible pitfalls he was never fully prepared regre�ably clear that the deck could not be salvaged. installed for shelter, Wraith of Odin was sea trialled, less her Alf Jahnsen on the beach in Tuncurry NSW in 1951. She was for the extent of things to come. rig, for delivery to Port Macquarie and the next stage of the The deck shelf, clamp and frame ends were still fine and not commissioned by Dr Brian and Mrs Dagmar O’Brian under restoration. a single sistered or split laminate in the spo�ed gum frames whose ownership she raced in the 1952,’53,’54,’58 and ‘69 JANUARY 1997 was found throughout the boat. A 17 mm ply deck with 16:1 Keith created a team headed by Neil Wallace which later Sydney to Hobarts against the likes of Kurrawa IV, Astor, Keith was on board when it was delivered the 7 miles from scarf was laid while still at Mitchell’s. Dry rot was found in became Sea King Marine. Neil’s involvement was critical to Winston Churchill and Solo among others, and cruised South Pi�water to Quays Marina, where a working berth was the horn timber and transom area below deck. Fresh water the outcome of this project. He had previously spent a few America around Cape Horn. She later became a familiar sight arranged. The date was January 4th, 1997. Keith prepared leaks over the years had se�led under the pitch next to the years restoring a virtually burnt out 60’ semi displacement in Pi�water on her mooring. a work schedule and was anxious to begin the project, horn and this needed repair. Wraith of Odin was moved to motor cruiser. It was here in 1997 that Keith Glover, a notable multihull sailor unfortunately not taking into account the quirkiness of the Beashels shipyard on Elvina Island as the scope of the work Neil’s rare fabricating skills, incredible knowledge and who currently owns and races Trilogy, first saw and bought waterfront or its people. A number of people spoke of seeing ahead evidently required the benefit of master cra�smen. experience all combined to give him enormous input into Wraith of Odin. It marked the beginning of an extensive five auras and other supernatural phenomena a�er coming She stayed at Beashels yard for 12 months where the hull was what Wraith of Odin was to become. Had Keith not been able made sound. A new engine was installed to replace the original to secure the services of Neil the project would have stayed 27hp 3 cylinder Lister diesel that O’Brian, “a consummate in Sydney, but having the boat in his home town would allow seaman”, hardly used. Keith felt that the boat required a him more hands on involvement in the refit. However, he more powerful engine. A Perkins 4236 was purchased a�er would later say that “a power tool in his hands was a weapon engine specifications and analysis of propeller design showed of destruction, but in the hands of others a tool of creation.” that an approximate weight of 500kgs could be tolerated. As would show in the “Alden le�ers”, that materialised a few DOWN BELOW years later, Keith’s and the crew’s decision was within the On arrival in Port Macquarie the decision was made to go original weight specification for the boat. Although Keith’s ahead with recommendations to beef up the mast step. racing past, always weight conscious, still had an issue with This meant that the bulkheads and existing fit out had to be the extra 200kgs required to supply the extra 100 hp provided removed, virtually gu�ing the interior of the boat. Fortunately by “Wally get me home” - as the new engine was christened. iron nails had been used in much of the cabinetry, so apart from some rust bleeds most of the furnishing came out easily MASTER CRAFTSMEN and fairly intact. Alf reckoned that nails rather than screws Under the watchful eyes of Colin and Ken Beashel, and the had been used as, “boats were never meant to last this long.” superior knowledge found on Elvina Island, all through- A plan of the existing interior was drawn up and each White hull fixings were removed and replaced with stainless steel. Coastal Cedar tongue and groove board was numbered, run Beneath the waterline all the bolts and fastenings were, to our through a thicknesser and later replaced in exactly the same Wraith of Odin absolute joy, discovered to be Monel and as good as the day place with the exception of the port side galley bulkhead,

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which was moved forward by 400mm to allow for an The galley was rebuilt to include a fridge-freezer, dishwasher extension on the return to the se�ee in the saloon. and microwave oven. All concealed behind mahogany Wraith Of Odin - 1951 John G Alden, Ketch cabinets and other storage spaces that were rebuilt and Timber from the starboard side cabinets was recovered from replaced in their original position. The forepeak is as original the existing water damaged units and subsequently used in Built by Alf Jahnsen, Tuncurry, NSW in 1950 to 823c and allows for two crew berths and access to the anchor fabricating two armchairs and a drinks cabinet; complete design from the last of John G Alden’s Malabar XIII locker. The Serpentine cabin sole was replaced with 120year with custom built Jack Daniels’ holder. The wheelhouse is series. Wraith of Odin is carvel planked in 1½” thick old mahogany before the fit-out stage. Queensland maple has original with the inclusion of the latest navigation and engine Brown Beech, is copper nailed and clenched to triple been used for the joists and bearers and the mahogany was instruments, all discreetly concealed behind inlaid mahogany laminated Spotted Gum hardwood frames. She has milled and cut with tongue and groove. cabinets. These also hide an interior steering station. The a teak deck with varnished Rosewood margins with sail lockers on either side of the wheelhouse can be used as Finishing the detailed interior was a continuing issue Cedar and Rosewood used on the raised cabin house double berths if needed and are large enough to store all the throughout the project. Keith had strong views on what with its distinctive Alden double windows. working sails that include a huge genoa, yankee, MPS and a he wanted, opting for a more formal feel in the saloon and LOD 57’1 7.4 m recently added mizzen staysail. a more casual feel in the wheelhouse. The original Alden specification, that the tongue and groove bulkheads be Keith Glover at the helm with Dave Surmon on sheets LWL 41’1 12.8m Moving down the companionway forward, the nav cabin on finished in a ma� or gloss white finish, helps to offset the Beam 14’2 4.3m the starboard side has a drawer unit and bunk that includes highly polished trim below deck. As the boat progressively had forgo�en the lines of the boat and the proportions of Dra� 7’3’’ 2.21m all original mahogany furnishings and brass fi�ings. Forward came together pieces were covered with bubble wrap and everything as it had been hidden for so long. It was like the Displacement 58250 lbs 26 ton of this is the head which houses the original bathtub. Rumour cardboard, not to see light of day again for up to 18 months. emergence of something we had never seen before.” has it that this was rowed out across Mosman bay to be Owners: The rig was stepped and the sheer line was finally cut to installed. The head was moved from the port side to allow To achieve fail safe, serviceable and accessible mechanical Brian and Dagmar O Brian, Sydney 1950 – 1997 scaled up drawings of the Malabar X111 from the 726 design for an extension to the master cabin, and situated where an operation onboard a design criteria that was “part Keith Glover, Port Macquarie 1997 to date drawing; those for the 823C were no longer in existence. A old water heater, added by the O’Brian family, had stood in consultation and part being pedantic” was adopted very early fire at the office of Alden’s Design in the United States had Restoration between 1997 and 2002 the bath area. A desk and hanging locker were included in on. Remarkably, the a�ention to detail that is found beneath destroyed much of the original documentation sometime in Beashels Boatyard, Sydney the master stateroom and, for personal hygiene, a fold up the floorboards is impressive to say the least. the 1970s. Any remaining documents were sent through to (Hull/Motor) sink common to shipping and railway carriages of the period Port Macquarrie. was bought. This was installed into a custom built mahogany Sea King Marine, Port Macquarie cabinet with a bevelled mirror, completing this elegantly ABOVE THE WATER It was at this stage that le�ers dated 1947 to Dr O’Brian, (Fit out/Deck/Cockpit/Systems) styled accommodation. The cockpit area was completely rebuilt in situ and the deck from the pen of John G Alden himself, would with uncanny frequency provide answers to questions that had been raised In the vast saloon the original gleaming Cedar table with was laid around it in what was possibly the most difficult fi�y years later during the refit. folding eaves stands centre stage and the surrounding seating aspect of the rebuild. Tommy poles and braces were used to 1998 and the first time sailing for almost 20 years. In an 18 knot has been decorated with fine gold trim upholstery. Cutglass bed the epoxied deck timbers, and full-length strakes were Panel sails were designed and cut by Ben Kelly at Horizon North Easter at the Deanbilla Bay Rega�a, Keith was blown feature lights and mahogany framed period pictures of Wraith spliced and secured on board. Only three strakes per side sails in Southport and completed with hand finished leather away at how she had sailed away from all contenders. of Odin under sail during the early Hobart races return one to were done on each pass with the final result giving a full, stitching. It would be the first professionally made suit of “Feeling the power and balance of the boat on a slight reach the glamour of this previous era. Deck prisms imported from clean and uninterrupted line on deck. The bulwarks were sails in the boats history. The previous owner, O’Brian, had si�ing on 11 knots was incredible. We realised that we had the UK have been installed to allow natural light to flood another major job that required refinishing as damage had learnt sail-making from Gus Dunbar and previously made something special.” the saloon highlighting the impeccably polished mahogany occurred when the boat was in Chile during the early 1980s. all the sails for Wraith of Odin himself. The first of these were woodwork. All drawers, deck beams, grown tea tree knees Half of the cap rail was missing when Keith purchased Wraith reportedly hand-stitched onboard in the saloon. The boat has continued to repeat and reinforce that and brass fixtures are original. of Odin. Keyhole bolts were used to a�ach the new cap rail performance consistently, but it is not only while racing that Stainless steel deck fi�ings were custom manufactured and and the bulwarks were constructed to original drawings. she amazes. Wraith of Odin, with her gleaming topsides, a�er exhaustive research in to which blocks to use, Conrad The decks and bulwarks were completed by mid 2000 and glossy bright work, brass dorade vents and brightly blocks were considered the best available. the Rosewood margins on the deck and cabin house were polished stainless steel deck fi�ings constantly draws installed into a rebate. The joinery for these took some time voiced admiration and approval, from young and old, at the as the types selected on the margins and rails complicated THE SAILING BEGINS various classic boat rallies she has a�ended. She has received things immensely, but yielded impressive results. Deck lights concourse honours in every event a�ended including the 2003 Originally Keith had planned for the boat to be finished and were wired into the cap rail to create a unique ambience Hobart Wooden Boat Festival, is three-time winner at the sailing on Sydney harbour for the millennium New Year’s eve. aboard when illuminated. Old Gaffers in Shorncliffe and recently won the Scarborough This date passed and the next deadline set was the wooden Classic Boat Rega�a. During this period the rig had been built and was shipped boat festival in 2001. That too came and went. Then it was to Port Macquarie, where the “tomato house” had to be Keith’s mother’s 90th birthday. Ultimately the Wooden Boat Berthed at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Wraith of Odin dismantled to allow for stepping of the masts. “This was Festival, Feb 2003 in Hobart was targeted with more success. is enjoyed by Keith Glover and his crew in the classic events quite an emotional event,” Keith recalls, “as we pulled the When Wraith of Odin finally sailed to Brisbane in December around Moreton Bay. She will be campaigned at the 2006

Wraith of Odin and Laurabada in Deanbilla bay covers off, we were gob smacked by what we had done. We 2002 it was the first time that the boat had moved since June of Hamilton Island Race week in the classic division.

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THE TUMLAREN Zephyr, Ellida and Zea were very happy to be together again, INTERNATIONAL APPEAL Orders for two boats each were placed with Clausen of all around the same vintage and performing well. Ellida was Adelaide and J. Savage and C. Peel of Melbourne for Hull and “Tumlare” in Sweden, “Tumlaren” in English. skippered by David Allen, the latest champion sailor to take Spars at an average price of £550 each. Clausen returned to The popularity of the design spread and the highly respected The “Tums” have sailed on Port Phillip Bay for over 70 the helm of a Tum, and performed very well in the Rega�a Adelaide and received orders for 4 more boats. By September Uffa Fox wrote in Wooden Boat, “the Tumlaren is the most years and we would like to share with other Classic Yacht winning all but the last “race within a race” in our unofficial 1937 the first Tumlaren was built and launched by Clausen advanced cruiser in the world”. He must have been very enthusiasts the fun and history of one of the most charming Tum championship. for Mr R. Siddons of Royal StKilda YS; The yacht was No.98 short, you would know what I mean if you have ever been Acklorean. and well-behaved little yachts sailing on Port Phillip Bay. Just as well David Allen rejected my suggestion on Sunday below on a Tum. That said, I do have a great story of a young morning, that we make the last race our official Victorian By November 1937 five boats were presented for the first race (Story by Tony Frederick, photo by Roger Dundas) couple in the 1950s spending their honey moon cruising Port Championship Race, as a start line confrontation and an of the season at St. Kilda, in a full gale. Tarna No.91 Clausen Phillip in a Tum - possibly an ideal honeymoon boat as they inshore course choice saw Zephyr win the last race by a good built for M. King, Zonja No.92 Savage built for F.C. Herber and are very intimate below decks. TALE OF THREE TUMS margin, with Ellida second and Zea a distant third. sailed by Mr A. Major, Yvonne No.94 built for Commodore Uffa Fox describing the balance and beauty of the characteristic Joe White sailed by A. Rose and Zest No.99 for OD Tuck. Few visitors would have missed the three Tumlarens moored My boat Zea, with my good friend John Adler as crew and my bow and that gracefully rounded stern said, “Her concept together at Docklands during our Classic Yacht and Couta 8 year old son James “Buddy” Frederick second mate, was Both Yvonne and Zest were built by C. Peel side by side and was unusual and might take a while to catch on, for it takes Boat Challenge. There are around a dozen Tumlarens still very consistent, coming third to the other Tums in both races launched a fortnight apart. Acklorean, skippered by H.C years to break the habits and ideas that have grown and active around Port Phillip and Corio Bays, Westernport and we contested. Zea had been on two year holiday from sailing “Mick” Brooke, won the first season’s aggregate points. become accepted by sailors the world over.” The British the Gippsland Lakes. All these boats exist in various states of until that Friday, and was finally back in the water a�er a big term “Tumlaren stern” was adopted to describe a gracefully In the next issue I will follow the lives of these boats and repair or disrepair, all are loved some just not enough. tidy up and re-paint. rounded stern. speak about the expanding class as new boats were added The “Tum” fleet has missed a beat or two over the past years The results of who finished where will be covered elsewhere to the fleet. Equally famous English nautical publisher Adlard Coles, with only one or two boats out in the classic fleet, this is due in this publication so I will leave the reader to deal with that a�er owning and sailing the Tumlaren Zara, owned the larger of course to the pressure of family, work and in my case a detail themselves. major house renovation; but as Roger Dundas says “excuses 32’ Cohoe built “Stor” Tumlaren and sailed her to victory in excuses”. These boats have endured many owners and crews HISTORY OF THE CLASS the 1950 transatlantic race. Stor is Swedish for “Large”. over the years. All have suffered the abuse of wind, sea and The Tums became popular all over the world and at the end I have borrowed from many sources to put this history incompetence and have all known the good times and bad, of the 1930s boats were built and sailing in many countries together; the Bert Ferris History of RMYS “The Long Hard but they remain true to each other and proud members of a in Europe, Africa, America, and Australia. In the Canary Beat”, articles from web sites and stories told to me by owners special family. Islands the design was so popular that over fi�y boats were past and present. Plus my own experiences over the years. built. Around the same time the wealthy Vice Commodore Today’s “Tums’ owe their existence to a Scandinavian gent by of the Chicago Yacht Club, a large manufacturer of milking the name of Bent Kinde. He asked the 27 year old boat builder machines, ordered twenty boats to start a new class and also and designer Knud H. Reimers to design and build a boat of tried to persuade each of his business customers to order a his very own. A cross between an “Archipelago Cruiser”, a Tumlaren from Sweden. Canoe and a Norwegian 19.5 sq m Spidsqua�er. You all know what they are so I won’t go into any lengthy explanation. ROYAL ST KILDA YACHT CLUB He also wanted the boat to be simple and cheap to build, be In 1936 the Royal St Kilda Yacht Club led by Messrs Ba�anbee, able to take rough seas and be easy to sail. Digby and Slater examined numerous designs. They were Dear old Knud got excited at this commission and set about looking to establish a one-design class that was economical designing and building our good mate Bent Kinde the type of and easy to build and that could be easily managed by a small boat that most of you saw slip past during the Classic Yacht crew under all conditions on Port Phillip Bay. The Royal St and Couta Boat races, helmed by that gracious champion Kilda Yacht Club commi�ee wrote to Knud H. Reimers, now UFFA FOX’S SECOND BOOK - A Companion Volume to Sailing, David Allen in Ellida no 322. established as a designer in Stockholm, Sweden, and asked Seamanship and Yacht Construction (Page 295)... for plans to be submi�ed. A�er due deliberation the design So Bent got his boat, the grandfather of them all, Aibe Tumlare Zest, 27ft Tumlaren was accepted, with the one modification that timber be No.1; built of Huon Pine at Kalle Johansson’s shipyard at substituted for metal frames to prolong the life of the yacht. “The fo’c’sle is really only large enough to store things in, Nonntalic Sweden in 1934, 71 years ago. and here will be found dry storage for the best clothes, A meeting of club members was called on 14th April 1937, This boat Aibe started a slow but steady trend, as the modern which only came out for great events ashore. In Vigilant, which was also a�ended by Mr Clausen from the Royal South yacht enthusiast of the 1930s adopted this new style of design. my 22 square metre, we stored our dinner jackets and stiff Australian Yacht Squadron, who had similar plans for a one- Tumlare No.2 was built by Oscar Schelin and was displayed at shirts in the bows, where they were perfectly happy, both design class. At the meeting the recommendations were a car show in Geneva. It caused a sensation and the Tumlare going and returning from Sweden.” accepted and the class established with members promising became a very successful Swiss one-design class with dozens to have six yachts built. (Research courtesy of Bob Munro) Ellida of boats built.

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GRANT TAYLOR the idea for the rega�a had been floated Grant and Coral flew over to Auckland to cement the relationship. He inspired the New Zealand boat owners to take the rega�a seriously and consequently six M-Class boats a�ended the first rega�a and 29 November 1942 – 3 February 2006 the events have continued.”

A�er a ba�le with cancer Grant Taylor died on the 3rd of Grant was one time President of the Classic Yacht Association February aged 63. Grant came across the original 18 footer of Australia and was a major force behind the interstate Top Weight, which had been converted to a motor launch. The rega�as with some of the classic yachts from Victoria. His Museum gave Grant the old boat on the understanding that he sons Nick and James a�ended the most recent Intercolonial would endeavour to restore it. On closer inspection the vessel Challenge on his behalf.

was beyond saving but it had a plaque on the stern saying His work with the historic skiffs and classic yachts will be that the boat had been originally built at Norm Wright’s boat carried forward with renewed purpose and respect out of yard in Bulimba, on the Brisbane River in Queensland. The appreciation for what Grant has given us. ship building firm still existed and they had the line drawings

of the boat so; Grant commissioned Rob Tearne to build a - Leanne Gould replica of the Top Weight, which was launched in 2000.

He became a board member of the Sydney Flying Squadron and was both Secretary and Sailing Secretary for the Main Sydney’s newest 18 footer The Mistake gives chase to the kite flying M-Class Matana Board. Grant designed and drew up architectural plans and drawings for future improvements to the club premises. Even HISTORIC 18 FOOTERS The SFS hosted an Interdominion Championship in late when Grant was very sick and undergoing chemotherapy he January for Historic 18 footers. Jenny IV made the trip south still carried out his role on the board. to sail with the Sydney boats and they competed against three As volunteers Grant and Coral organised and printed sailing M-Class boats from New Zealand. We report on the recent launch on Sydney Harbour of a new calendars. The pair organised and ran international rega�as Historic 18ft Skiff that isn’t quite right and the trans-Tasman The original World Championships for 18 footers was held in as well as regular club functions. Grant helped to promote competition with the kiwi M-Class, who did get it right. Sydney in 1938 but our only challengers were the kiwi boats. the Historic 18 footers and increase public awareness of our (Story and photos by Leanne Gould) At that stage sailors across the Tasman sailed in V-Class or M- maritime history. Class boats that were different to our 18 footers of the time; He played a major role in organising rega�as between the John “Woody” Winning has recently launched a replica but they were about the same length and they had a centre- Sydney Historic 18s and the fleet of historic M-Class boats of the famous 1933 Historic 18 Footer The Mistake with the board. The mixed fleet sailed for the championship and it in New Zealand. Robin Elliot from the M Class Association distinctive sail number 2+2=5. The original Mistake was built was won by the Taree (Australia) in 1938 and the Manu (New commented, “If it hadn’t been for Grant’s skill as a along similar lines to the Aberdare and in the thirties it’s Zealand) in 1939. communicator and ambassador the events between the M- radical new design caused the split between members of the Grant Taylor, to left of picture The M-Class is a restricted class and the boats have not Class and the Sydney 18s might not have happened. Once Sydney Flying Squadron (SFS) and the creation of the break- changed much since the thirties, except they carry more away club, the NSW18 Footer Sailing League at Double Bay. modern rigs. So the New Zealand boats that sailed in the “Woody” being the current president of the League thought January rega�a are not replicas but original boats. The local it would be appropriate to have a replica of The Mistake and WOODEN BOAT; May/June 2005, Page 93... boats are all replicas of pre 1950s 18 footers. While the two has dedicated it to the memory of Sam and Cliff Monkhouse, fleets are essentially and fundamentally different boats they Bob Cuneo and Sam Higgins. do provide surprisingly good competition. Looking up, I beheld 30’ of pole bending like a noodle, while that enormous spread of This is the third replica “Woody” has had built. His other sail bellied high above the end of the gaff. The boat heeled alarmingly. We lept to The kiwi boat Myth (M38) won the rega�a skippered by Ted boats are sailed by a core of experienced skiff sailors who the rail, and the sea lapped at the top of the leecloth. “We’re out of control” said the Miller and with co-owner Steve Driver in the bow. The Laurie are training younger crew in the complexities of the old skipper... Davidson designed boat from 1947 was rebuilt in 1995/7 by time skiffs. The fleet of Historic 18s has grown to eight her current owners. John Winning had to se�le for second ...Why does Grant Taylor, a middle-aged architect who could buy a sizeable yacht for regular boats sailing every Saturday in Sydney. In Brisbane place in the recently launched The Mistake with the 1947 M- what he spent on Top Weight, do it? “It’s the challenge of re-creating the old arts of the famous Wright family built a replica of the 1949 Jenny IV Class Matana, skippered by Neale Dearlove, finishing third. sailing, finding out about the history of the boats and trying to re-enact what they did. for owner skipper Peter Cavil. The distinctive boats a�ract Once you’ve achieved the ability to handle the big rig, it’s pretty awsome when one of quite a following and every week a spectator ferry follows A final word on the passing of Grant Taylor. Before Saturday’s those things takes off.” the action harking back to halcyon days gone by when ferries race Russell Debney delivered a moving talk and a minute’s - John D. Little packed with up to 10,000 punters would don their bowler silence was observed. We sailed the skiffs with a black pennant hats and place a bet on their favourite boat. flying from the second top ba�en as a mark of respect.

page 10 page 11 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

A CENTURY OF CLASSICS bunch of other awards the boat has collected over the years, perhaps the most prestigious being the Ta�ersall Cup for overall handicap winner of the Hobart in 1968 with Denis The Classic Yacht and Couta Boat Challenge was conducted O’Neil as the skipper. Mercedes III was one of the victorious for the first time ever on Port Phillip Bay at the height of Australian Admiral’s cup team of 1967. Like Koomooloo, she the Volvo stopover. It was probably the biggest ever classic was a revolutionary boat for her time. She made an immediate yacht regatta held in Australia. Nearly one hundred boats impact a�er her launch. Her first fourteen starts produced no lined up for the first series of starts. Things just got better less than nine firsts, a second and two thirds. Her selection in from there. (Story Mark Chew, photos Ewen Bell) the Admiral’s Cup Team was automatic. Now, with Martin Ryan as owner she is meticulously maintained and raced hard in the CYAA events in Victoria. I have always imagined The event showed the people of Melbourne that there is more these boats as the yachting equivalent of the Staffordshire to sailing than canting keels and multi-million dollar budgets terrier; muscular, functional and yet strangely appealing. and that progress doesn’t necessarily involve rejecting the objects and a�itudes of the past. Almost one hundred vessels I will remember the sight of over fi�y Couta Boats moored with over five thousand years of sailing experience between up in line at Docklands with the droop of their bowsprits them raced their hearts out over four days and even as the accentuating the subtle but perfect shears of their multi event fades into the distance, a few memories will stick in my coloured hulls, while the evening sunshine lit up the city of mind for a long time to come. Melbourne in the background.

Here are a few of the be�er ones. Early on in the preparation for the event I was reminded by Tim Phillips, the father figure of Coutas in Melbourne, that Scimitar and Fair Winds duel in Classic Yacht Division A I will remember the sight of the 23� lake boat Acrospire they are “boats not yachts”. When you see them out on the II flying down a reach in twenty knots of wind with what water in a group it is easy to see why they proudly guard seemed like way too much sail up and the crew stacked out was a pleasure to see him sailing at our Rega�a along with I would like to forget the confusion caused when all but two their working heritage. They have functionality and a purpose on the gunnels with grins from ear to ear. Acrospire II, built Ivan Holm the Queensland CYAA representative on both boats in division one followed the leader and assumed a not found in classic yachts, and I have heard that Tim has for the legendary Joe White, was purchased from the Ballarat Koomooloo and with Barry Purcell on the immaculate looking shorten course in race two when none had been signalled. received five orders for new bowsprits following the rega�a, Yacht Club back in the early 1970s by the Albert Park Yacht Rhodes 45� Scimitar. We missed his boat but at least we didn’t an unfortunate but telling testament to the competitiveness I would like to forget the sight of the topping li� on my Club. Its restoration took several years of regular hard labour miss his enthusiasm and dedication to our organization. of the racing. boat wrapping itself round the top of a Couta boat mast and by APYC club members. They told me she was a fragile old I will remember the sight of the li�le Tumlaren Ellida tacking the resulting noise that that was made when three bronze thing that was used to gentle lake sailing. They easily won I will remember the cries of warning, exhilaration and perhaps up the Yarra under the two massive bridges, (no tilting required) stanchions were ripped clean off the deck by her bowsprit. division two. Not bad for a bunch of pond sailors! fear as the twenty-two yachts in division one swerved, stalled past massive container ships to get to the racecourse every What was refreshing was the way the incident was discussed and accelerated off the line in five of the most willing starts I I will remember the sight of the two Kaufman Miller forty day, where she was sailed immaculately to a highly deserved and resolved on the quay a�erwards without recrimination have seen in my yachting experience. something footers, Koomoolooo and Mercedes III, heroes of victory. Two more contrasting examples of naval architecture but only with a concern for the wellbeing of each crew and Australian Yachting from the late sixties striding effortlessly I will remember Keith Glover’s valiant effort to get his would be hard to find. I know which one I prefer. each vessel. through the Port Phillip chop to windward, step for step, wonderful Alden Ketch Wraith of Odin down from Morton I will remember and admire the wonderful sportsmanship Finally I would like to forget the sight of James Woods’ one hull white, one hull varnished. Koomooloo was just Bay for the Rega�a. His a�empt ended in Eden where he was of the skipper and crew of the other Tumlaren, Zephyr as she Windward II floating helplessly in the small chop with her mast passing through Melbourne on her back up to Queensland defeated by the weather, time and the obligations of running voluntarily declared a DNF for a wrong mark rounding, thus and sails trailing out behind her. Boat owners in general love a�er winning her IRC division of the Sydney Hobart. Mike his multi hull campaign at Skandia Geelong week. He didn’t relinquishing the trophy for Classic Division One without a their boats a li�le like their children, but classic boat owners Freebairn, her dedicated skipper, added this accolade to a go unrewarded, winning the nationals at that event and it murmur of complaint. seem to have a more intense relationship. James was not on the boat that day, but was with his wife and newly arrived There are a few memories that I would prefer to forget. baby. The damage done to the 1926 cu�er is substantial and I would like to forget looking back to the start line 20 seconds as an association we should support him in his task ahead. into the first race and seeing the “flagship” of the fleet, the These highlights and lowlights clearly show that the rega�a 74� centenarian Fife gaff cu�er Sayonara, tangled with was nothing if not eventful. It had its origins in late 2004 another boat. The incident would have been enough to sour when Peter Danks approached the Classic Yacht Association the Rega�a for most skippers so enormous credit must go to run a rega�a during the Melbourne stop-over for the to Doug Shields and the Sayonara syndicate for repairing the Volvo Round the World ocean race. Peter was interested in considerable damage overnight and having her out on the having the Classic Yachts moor at Waterfront City to provide water racing hard in her full glory the next morning. It’s the a spectacular backdrop during part of the stopover. We at the sort of commitment we would expect from Volvo 70 syndicate CYAA were interested in having a focal point around which rather than a classic yacht. Couta boats fill the horizon we could run a major rega�a, possibly providing a legacy

page 12 page 13 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

A triangular course is a no-brainer for a navigator but to sail TRUE COLOURS round fixed marks requires a small amount of knowledge, a chart, a compass, a pair of binoculars, a course book and a li�le organization. Some of these fundamentals seemed to be Rewarding sailors for their individual efforts in yacht races is FEBRUARY 2006 No: 75 lacking in a few of the boats and as an organization I feel we a difficult thing to do. SOUVENIR ISSUE should be encouraging their use. We meet on the water and know each other by our boats not A final issue, which I have no answer for but would love to our faces. hear suggestions on, is how to keep the starts competitive and yet at the same time make them less dangerous for boats and The commi�ee for the Classic Yacht and Couta Boat Challenge sailors alike. There were some ugly incidents on the line and therefore tried to think of a way of recognising the great we must remember that a really bad one could put an end to performances by skippers and crew in each race and making it a visually obvious presence both on land and in the water. Eliza tacks around the mark our association. The discrepancies of speed and size amongst the classic fleet make this problem more acute than in your The idea we selected would take a leaf out of the cyclists book event for the future. A�er some fairly intense negotiation The average modern fleet. I think probably the only answer is and create some distinctive T-shirts to recognise the winners Melbourne Stopover agreed to a very generous arrangement education and discussion amongst the skippers but if anyone and place ge�ers in each heat of the series. This was not as for berthing our vessels and also commi�ed to cover the costs has an idea for a less stressful but competitive starting format successful as we had hoped, as we had troubles finalising the of the rega�a such as race management, advertising and I would love to hear their views. results from heat 1 and seemingly new difficulties arose right administration. The final results are listed below. I think there were thirty- through the rega�a. We se�led on a format of five races in four divisions. They eight place ge�ers in the four divisions over the five races. Needless to say the T-shirts did not get handed out at the end were to be run by the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, and in Handicapping is a notoriously dark art in a fleet this disparate, of each day’s racing as we had envisaged but they will all be the end David Leroy did his usual faultless professional job. but this indicates that we weren’t too far off the mark. issued at our presentation evening; 35 boats are represented We chose not to race on the day on the VOR in-port race; not Congratulations to the winners and lets do it all again soon! in the winners’ circle . wanting to show them up! Now all we had to do was find When we evolved the idea we had no money, just the idea. the entrants. Initially we thought that a turnout of forty boats (Results given here are issued by the CYAA and may differ Tony Considine of APC Logistics, international freight would be possible. With the involvement of the Couta Boats, to those given by the race organsier, RYCV, or the Couta Boat forwarders, (and the owner of that bright red catamaran especially through the work of Rod Austin at The Sorrento Club and SSCBC) APC MAX) put aside his carbon fibre quest for speed and Sailing Couta Boat Club, this objective was easily reached. spontaneously offered to fund the production of these Then the word began to spread. By the end of December we Classics Yachts Division A QUEENSCLIFF CELEBRATES distinctive T-shirts. Collector items of the future recalling the had eighty entrants and on the morning of the first race this 1st 322 Ellida David Allan great event we have just experienced. had risen to ninety-four. As a novice to this sort of event I 2nd RQ68 Koomooloo Mike Freebairn The spotlight continues to shine on the Couta Boats in 2006 3rd 318 Zephyr Roger Dundas/Graeme Geary must admit I was amazed and perhaps a li�le overwhelmed Our sincere thanks go to APC Logistics for your support of with a weekend of activities on and off the water at Queenscliff. 4th R604 Fair Winds Mark Chew by the volume and intricacy of the work involved. The efforts 5th H32 Futura Michael Cahill the CYAA and this remarkable event. It’s this very type of Their annual Maritime Weekend ran on February 24-26 this made by Col Bandy and Jackie Kerr, the CYAA administrator, support and dedication which makes it possible to run such year and showcased the richness of nautical, historical, artistic were enormous. Every week brought another complication Classic Yachts Division B an event, and run it well. and culinary diversity of the area. and Col approached each issue with his usually combination 1st A1 Acrospire II Chris Pulham - Col Bandy Couta boats took centre stage in the event, with a genuine of absolute integrity and occasional bluntness; an essential 2nd CB46 Loama Dave Clarke focus on their role as fishing vessels and the significance of mix when dealing with CYAA members. 3rd H358 Zuline Mike Hannibal 4th SM120 Anitra Marcus DeFina traditions that have survived in Queenscliff to this very day. Are there things we would have done differently? Absolutely. 5th H151 Alwyn Peter Costolloe In a special edition of the Queenscliff Herald the depth of For a start we would have had a serious financial penalty community recognition for the century old fleet was evident. for late entries. Trying to add boat names and handicaps Couta Boats Division A Since the late 1800s the fisherman of Queenscliff would hope to already finalised lists became a time consuming and 1st C119 Scoundrel Hayden Warszewski sell a portion of their catch direct to the public, instead of frustrating exercise in the last few days before the rega�a. 2nd C97 C97 Jeffrey Richardson 3rd C2004 Montalto John Mitchell relying on the market price entirely for their return. The best Many Couta Boat owners thought that the courses were too 4th C888 Mystify Bernard O’Hanlon/Darren Hart places along the pier were highly prized and they typically long and that the start lines were too short. These are things 5th C1998 Beau Ross Wilson went to the fastest boats home. that can be easily fixed. We should also probably have started the races earlier in the day. Another issue that is less cut and Couta Boats Division B The evolution of Couta boats follows a need to balance safety dried is the fixed marks/laid marks debate. While many 1st C50 Swan Luke Aaron at sea, speed back to shore and the capacity to carry a large expressed the opinion that it would have been simpler and 2nd C144 Fancy Paul Van Prooyen catch of barracouta. The first crew home would reportedly 3rd C104 Nyria Owen Day fairer to lay triangular courses, I tend to think that part of the swap the regular dark blue jumpers for white; a clearly visible 4th C96 Dawn Sam Haysom “Two Tum” Roger Dundas and David “Leader of the pack” Allen sport their place-getting colours at Docklands. boast of their success. skill of the racing (and especially classic yacht racing) should 5th C148 Its All Good Russ Watson & Peter Mann be to find your way around a slightly complex set of marks.

page 14 page 15 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

CLASSIC FESTIVALS SKANDIA GEELONG WEEK bad race with only 1.25 minutes separating 2nd,3rd & 4th on corrected time.

Bungoona and Renene had decided that the mussels at the Kel Aldred explains that there is a lot more going on at your Col Bandy reports that the passage race to Geelong is a day’s Spanish restaurant at the pier in Port Arlington needed to be next wooden boat festival than just admiring the timber. sailing he looks forward to every year. The long day’s sail tasted so headed off a�er the re-enactment race for a great These events are an important part of how the classic yacht for a slow old boat usually starts slow and typically builds to a�ernoon sail ra�ing up in the harbour enjoying great food and wooden boat communities identify themselves, and a great sail into Geelong. Not this year though! and great company on Renene’s generous decks and later in exhibit their beautiful boats and dinghies. It is also a unique (Story by Col Bandy, Photo by Kent Bacon) the cosy timber interior; a space that reeks of stories and lives opportunity for the suppliers to the wooden boat industry to enjoyed. The timber seems to reveal the memories just below showcase their innovative products. It is a wonderful time it’s lustred surface. for the public to become acquainted with our passions, and Strong winds at the start, 400 boats jostling for the start with Fair Winds had also headed back to Melbourne a�er the re- attend the festivals. the marks and the start boat hidden from view in the chaos. enactment race. Mark Chew had competed in all races with I guess some boats heard the gun and hit the line on time, a mate and their two kids – to hear Archie talking about the but Bungoona was ripping along at hull speed a few minutes Very few events bring together the traditions of classic yachts boats impart a feel to the proceedings that is unlike any race to Geelong suggests that the enjoyment of sailing will behind the go-fast boats, but well ahead of some others. and wooden boats, but at any festival celebrating the heritage other wooden boat collection you will see in Australia. Steam flow through to another generation of Chews. of our timber vessels the presence or absence of sails becomes powered river boats are greeted by the steam powered ‘cockle We had a fantastic sail until we got between channel markers Fair Winds, I gather, encountered the storm Bungoona and less of an issue. The similarities must seem obvious to any train’, a railway line that has been in operation since 1854. 8 & 10 in the Hopeton channel. The wind died and we stopped Renene observed in their comfortable sail to Portarlington. experienced shipwright or keen wooden boat owner. At the Jazz bands and other wonderful live music give Goolwa it’s – we could see Geelong but it was as if the water had turned Good preparation ensured the kids kept the old men safe. inaugural Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong there were few special atmosphere and excitement in it’s unique location. to glue. To test this we decided to swim in the beautiful clear The last race in Geelong by all accounts was a li�le testing on yachties who failed to venture across the marina to inspect water, making sure someone was always on board of course. This March the Australian National Maritime Museum the patience of the participants – a long ba�le with the yachts Erica, a 20� mahogany run-about. Discussion at the dinner (ANMM) will be holding their Classic and Wooden Boat A�er about an hour’s swimming, a good late lunch, the wind sharing the Hopeton Channel with a big ship. table was not confined to sail trimming either. Festival at Darling Harbour. An event like this brings came in and we were able to finish the race – last by an hour Barry Purcell and his family in Scimitar were victorious over The Geelong event will return in 2007, as will the flag ship traditional boats to the a�ention of a wider public audience. on corrected time and nearly two hours a�er Wanita, and Wanita and Co�on Blossom. The result saw Scimitar beating of all the festivals, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, in People who may never have had the opportunity to lay eyes nearly three hours a�er Fair Winds. This didn’t dampen the Richard Gates’ Wanita by 10 seconds on corrected time in a Hobart Tasmania. on a gaff-rigged cu�er will have their chance and more. It’s spirit in the boat harbour. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club and four and half hour race. This gave Scimitar first place overall hard to ignore a large gathering of wooden boats and vintage Parks Victoria did us proud by allocating a pen for each of the The scale of this event sends echoes all over the world, and on countback; the series had been won by 10 seconds. yachts as you walk along the waterfront at Darling Harbour. seven classic yachts that participated. indeed it a�racts exhibitors from as far afield as Europe. 1st Scimitar Barry Purcell The fleet of proudly owned and maintained Halverson Our normal booking in the dining room was secured and The key to success in Tasmania lies not only in the richness 2nd Wanita Richard Gates cruisers will take the eye of many visitors. twenty-eight of us old sailors enjoyed great company and of the local traditions, but in the varied program offered 3rd Cotton Blossom Thomas Chittenden by event organisers. Music and theatre meet forums and These wooden boat festivals remind us not only how large a few reds, protected from some of the noise on the front demonstrations. Diversity both on and off the water. The our communities of classic yacht and wooden boat lovers are, lawn. It was fantastic to see the beautiful Co�on Blossom back in the classic fleet on Port Phillip Bay a�er spending about 5 years Viking wooden boats from Denmark were the centrepiece but how devoted we are to the benefits and charm of timber The re-enactment race on Friday morning started with a very in Europe. Next year we hope to have an even bigger fleet of of the 2005 Tasmanian Wooden Boat Festival. The beautiful construction. Don’t miss these unique opportunities to see confused group of skippers and crew. No marks laid and all classics at Geelong. Viking boats were on display and the boat builders from and feel the passion of classic and wooden boat festivals. the previous groups starting in the opposite direction to our Denmark accompanied their boats with all of the traditional Check some of the key dates below for your chance to get sailing instructions – finally an announcement on Channel 73 hand tools to cra� their ancient vessels being demonstrated. involved, learn something new, or just enjoy the company of gave us some hint on what was happening. like minded souls. Festivals need not have national or international appeal The start was very tight with all boats hi�ing the line with to be of importance however. The significance of smaller good speed and closely grouped. From memory Fair Winds Classic and Wooden Boat Festival events is greatest in their own regions as they provide a vital rounded the 1st mark ahead and then sailed toward the 2nd Sydney - 11-12 March 2006 focal point for the community. Lake Macquarie will hold mark that had not been laid but was si�ing in a club-boat its Heritage Afloat Festival in April 2006 and the support Lake Macquarie Heritage Afloat Festival slightly to starboard and a li�le ahead of Fair Winds (It is Toronto - 15-16 April 2006 from local businesses and residents is clearly evident. Even rumoured that Mark Chew was giving instructions from Fair local school children will be making lanterns for a special Australian Wooden Boat Festival Winds as to where he wanted this mark to be laid.) ceremony on the water. The very character of the community Hobart - 9-12 February 2007 It was a great race with the wind holding in for the whole is highlighted by the festival. Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong race. Renene and Wanita sailed a fantastic race with Renene Smaller festivals also offer the ability to cater for more Geelong - March 2007 winning on handicap by about 2 minutes. Fair Winds took specialised interests. The inland waters of Goolwa South Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival line honours but only by 1 minute over Wanita with Co�on Renene Australia, and her port offers a unique flavour to the festival Goolwa - March 2007 Blossom 1.45 minutes behind. The handicapper didn’t have a held there every two years. Paddle steamers and trailable

page 16 page 17 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

CHOWDER BAY BOAT SHED that is nicely in step with the heritage fleet of the ANMM appreciation between Australian boat designs is a feature of (Australian National Maritime Museum). The best way to Simon’s outlook. “Look at a Couta and then a 21 footer. The preserve our history is to keep it alive. restricted class is the evolution of a ‘couta optimised for speed The former naval base at Chowder Bay represents more than rather than seaworthiness or carrying capacity. Cut away the The Harbour Trust is a national body represented by people just conservation of parklands and heritage, it points the forefoot, restrict dra� and the waterline length and rake the commi�ed to the preservation of Sydney’s waterfront way forward to Sydney’s efforts to preserve timber boat transom and there you have it.” treasures. The value placed on a piece of land by the Trust traditions and a new generation of boat building. extends beyond its development potential; historical, “Then look at some at some of Charlie Peel’s work and you (Story and photos by Ewen Bell) recreational and generational considerations are brought into see this evolution of a distinctly Australian type. He started the equation. With this level of foresight locations such as out building ‘couta boats. It was a theme he refined and Chowder Bay, and many others, a�ain a value that demands modified his whole life. From ‘coutas you get Jubilees, 21 Fi�y years ago the shores of Sydney suburbs like Balmain their preservation. footer restricted class yachts, 30 footers such as Monsoon. In were do�ed with slipways and boat sheds. Today the the 1920s Peel worked as leading hand for J. Hayes and Sons The model employed by the Harbour Trust is a realistic one. Simon Sadubin development value of the waterfront has seen the majority in Careening Cove, Sydney. You look at some of the boats that Securing a site for future generations begins with recognition of those sites converted to residential use. Slipways such as Hayes turned out: the 30� Hoana, the 28� JuneBird, and the and commitment, but achieving such aims requires a sound Morrison and Sinclair, the site of construction for Morna in 25� cruiser class boats which raced with the SASC such as and sustainable foundation. Chowder Bay offers recreation 1913, or boatsheds such as J. Robinson, yards such as George Chance and Lina. You can join the dots.” activities, historical learning, and commercial opportunities Ellis who built many Walter Reeks designed yachts, or consistent with the aesthetic vision of the reserve. It is a These linear connections can be seen on the walls of Simon’s historical sites like Morts Dock, who built some of the iconic balanced solution. shed and the photo books of his previous restorations: Sydney Ferries, simply no longer exist. In the 1950s there photographs of Couta boats, drawings from a 21 foot were still dozens of boatsheds in Balmain but today there are One of the first new arrivals in the former military facility restricted class, articles about a stunning ketch built at the HH probably not even six operational yards le�. is boat builder Simon Sadubin, whose business Sydney shipyards where Charlie Peel once worked, and the fine lines Harbour Wooden Boats now operates out of the Chowder Chowder Bay was locked away from Sydney’s public for of a Fife design that was built by Charlie many years later. It’s Bay Boat Shed. Simon has long been involved in the hands- 100 years while it served the Australian Navy and Army. not hard to connect the dots in Simon’s boat building career on preservation of Australia’s maritime history, as a former The shoreline and historical buildings are now part of a either. His current project is the 40� centreboard gaff cu�er Exhibition Designer at the ANMM and his 10 years experience redevelopment plan which encourages a blend of recreation Windward designed by J.Pickering and built by J.Hayes and as a timber shipwright. Etrenne in the boat shed and commerce. The Harbour Trust demonstrates a long Sons in 1923. She is to be restored to her original gaff cu�er term vision for historical preservation of key sites, a vision Simon’s recent restoration projects include yachts such as sail plan with a jackyard topsail. Scarab, a 28� Prince Class yacht designed by A.C.Barber and Outside the boat shed Simon can be found in the sheltered built in 1925 by L.Halvorsen, Merlin an 18� Sydney Harbour waters of Pi�water. He is enthusiastic about the appeal of WOODY POINT CLASSICS centreboard sloop designed and built by J.Hayes in 1920, and the area and the chance to run an event that offers something Sao a 22� Gaff Cu�er built by W.Ford in 1905. different to the rega�as on Sydney Harbour. “It’s all about Every Wednesday night sees a fleet of timber One classic yacht in particular gets a lot of a�ention from providing a focus for the local fleet. We think we can pull classics doing a lap of Pi�water starting at Woody Simon, his own. Etrenne is a 24� Ranger built in 1946 by together a collection of around 15 to 20 local gaffers and point at 5:45. The classic fleet consists of six Jubilees, Les and Barry Steel at Lake Macquarie. The solid feel and luggers. We’d love to invite smaller trailered gaff or lug- three Rangers, two ‘Coutas, a 22� William Atkin fine finish of the work down below says a lot about Simon’s rigged boats to Pi�water for a Gaffers and Luggers weekend gaff schooner, a Tasman Seabird, a very pre�y philosophy. He prefers the classic boats to modern forms – we have excellent boat ramp facilities and without the modified Coleen, a 36� Camille class Swanson, a because the shapes are far more sculptural and beautiful. wash hassles. I think the Historic 10 foot skiffs would have a Ric Leplastrier gunter rigged sailing canoe, and a Traditional methods are also far more satisfying. “Compare great time up here too. There are plenty of sandy beaches if Mikey Floyd lug rigged yawl – just to name a few! the skilled and detailed task of planking a carvel hull to the you capsize and the prevailing conditions are perfect for the The whole emphasis is about ge�ing a kick out of trowelling on and grinding off of epoxies for a modern hull. smaller boats.” sailing your timber boat. Members are known to It’s really a different trade.” Back at Chowder Bay the weekday routine of restoration keep sailing a�er the race until the breeze dies or Simon showed me around Etrenne and explains where she work continues at a solid pace and with a bright future. The ra�ing up for dinner on the western shore bays. is different from some of the newer Rangers. “She has more current project is the 39� Windward, built at HH, which is One participant has the extremely decadent habit deadrise in her midship section and is a li�le deeper, so has to be restored to its original gaff rigged sail plan. Making of cooking a roast dinner in the oven whilst sailing more headroom below, but her bu�ock lines do not tuck up the boat shed commercially successful will be a challenge in around the course – it’s most distracting! Any as much so her transom is fuller and drags in the water a li�le its own right, but the benefits will flow well beyond the bay timber boat is welcome to join in. too much”. He can accept the wisdom of making adjustments itself. Chowder Bay Boat Shed is a small piece of a larger For more info visit the website at www.wpyc. to classic designs for safety and comfort, but believes it plan that helps to keep traditional cra�smanship and historic com.au or contact Simon on (02) 9969 2233 is vital to retain any of the boats traditional qualities. An significance within the realm of public awareness. Chowder Bay as seen from the boat shed

page 18 page 19 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS touch with a characteristic, pleasant fragrance. As all boat NATIONAL GAFFERS DAY builders will a�est, it is the ideal timber. It seasons readily, has a low shrinkage and is so� and easily worked. Its main Teki Dalton sells out-of-print and limited edition books, with a�ribute for boat building is that it is impervious to rot and This year Gaffers Day will be held on Saturday the 29th of an emphasis in boats and sailing. We asked him for some marine organisms. April, a change from the traditional October date and its reviews of books from his collection. Huon pine grows side-by-side with other rainforest vegetation unse�led blusterous weather in favour of the steadier breezes such as myrtle, celery-top pine, sassafras, leatherwood and of autumn on Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Amateur Sailing blackwood. No wonder wooden boats built in Tasmania are Club (SASC) will again be hosting this premier historic ‘The Huon Pine Story’ sought a�er! Today Huon pine is a scarce resource and only yachting event. The day will commence with a breakfast By Garry Kerr and Harry McDermo� timber that is either dead fallen or taken from impoundments between 0900 and 1100 hours on the SASC deck. by licensed contractors can be harvested and sold. Hard cover, 298 pages. Second edition 2004 Yachts will be entered into six divisions to cover all types of The Huon Pine Story tells a colourful tale of the folk-lore that boats from Historic Skiffs, Gaff Rigged Divisions I, II and has grown up around the lives and exploits of the piners who II, Bermudan Slow Division and Bermudan Fast Division. This book tells the story of Tasmania’s most important tree lived for months at a time far up river in the rainforests. Their There will be a timed start in Athol Bight to make it easier for and the history of its use by early se�lers as a material for only means of transport and communication were there the less manoeuvrable cra�. The first yachts will start at 1315 boat building and everyday furniture. wooden rowboats, designed for the purpose, and are now hours. A�er the rally crew are invited to gather for a sausage known as piner’s punts. Although not a large tree by Australian standards, it is by far sizzle while enjoying the traditional jazz band and a visit to the slowest growing and the longest living; and as timber, the The Huon Pine Story is a comprehensive account of the the rum tent or the SASC bar. Australian and United States defence forces. Halvorsen’s longest lasting. In the early 1800s the logging was carried out piners, the timber they harvested and its uses from 1803 employed staff rose from twenty four to three hundred and Skite plates will be issued and prizes awarded during the by convicts working in the harsh conditions in the Gordon through until 2000. The book has many photographs, maps fi�y to cope with the demand for their seaplane tenders, a�ernoon. There will also be a prize for the best traditionally River. A�er the convicts, came the freelance pioneers who and illustrations. It is not just a book on Huon pine as a timber skiffs, air-sea rescue boats and the 112 foot Fairmile launches. dressed crew. For those who are not sailing, but would like worked in all the wild rivers from the Huon, in the south of for boat building; it shows many pieces of superb furniture. to follow the event, the club will be running a spectator ferry Lars died in 1946 at the age of forty nine and his eldest son the state, to the Pieman in the North West. Much of that area The thorough index and appendices reveal that this book is a and serving lunch aboard. now is within the World Heritage Area. work of scholarship and detail. Harold, with the help of his brothers Tryge, Magnus and Carl, took over the running of the business. By this time the For entry forms and all other enquiries please ring the SASC Huon pine (Lagarostrobus franklinii) is much sought a�er as a defence commissions were drying up the brothers looked at on (02) 9953 1433. timber. Its colour ranges from pale yellow to yellow brown. diversification. Although private orders were coming thick Generally it is a timber that changes to a sombre yellow and fast they established a Sydney Harbour tour company with age. It has a fine, straight grain with occasional birds ‘Wooden Boats, Iron Men: The Halvorsen Story’ and a hire boat business. This lead to the establishment of the eye figuring. Huon pine is light, so�, smooth and oily to the By Randi Svensen famous Halvorsen hire boat and mooring business at Bobbin Head. Hard cover, 162 pages plus index and appendices. Published 2004. The book has a wealth of information about the boats they built, including the 12 metre class Gretel for Sir Frank Packer There would be hardly anyone associated with boats in in 1962 and the famous ocean racers, Anitra, Solveig and Australia, whether it is sail or power, who do not recognise three-times winner of the Sydney Hobart race, Freya. One of the name of Halvorsen, but not many of them will know of the appendices, The Register of Halvorsen Vessels Built 1925- the background of this family of boat builders. 1976, is an intriguing list of ‘who was who’ in those times.

Lars Halvorsen, father of a Norwegian family of seven, It is difficult to describe the best features of this book. The migrated to Australia via South Africa at the age of 37. He compelling family history, the vivid descriptions of ocean arrived alone in 1924 with li�le money but a great wealth of racing from another era and the vast array of photographs boat building knowledge and skills. It did not take him long make this a book to have close at hand and to dip into o�en. to get a commission for his first yacht and then to send for Importantly, it is a chronicle of a family’s success through his family. The early days meant long hours and hard work commitment and hard work. as well as establishing a home for his large family. As soon as they were able, his sons joined him in the business and You can find more of Teki Dalton’s books at his website by the reputation of Lars Halvorsen Sons became a byword for visiting www.booksforsale.net.au. He also runs a sailing quality and detail in boat building. school in Sydney and is the director of the Gallipoli Yacht The coming of the Second World War brought with it the Rally that attends the Anzac Day services at Gallipoli in military contracts to build hundreds of vessels for the chartered Turkish yachts; www.gallipoliyachtrally.com.au.

page 20 page 21 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

THE LINES OFF A DINGHY Myra’s dinghy was tied to the je�y; the rope burned through so the boat floated off and was saved.

Sadly, Myra’s dying wish for the boat was for Roger to “Take An historical dinghy from Tasmania’s south was recently it out and burn it on a bonfire”; luckily for us he could not the object of study for the Wooden Boat School. The bring himself to do this. art of “Taking off lines” recovers the plan of a hull from The students introduction to the boat came from Bill Foster, actual construction, making possible future restoration or retired Hobart shipwright and historian, when he asked the construction. (Story and photo by Kel Aldred) students to pick up the boat from Basil Coulson of Sco�s Rd Geeveston, in southern Tasmania. Bill wanted the boat for his A small group of students from The Wooden Boat School display of Tasmanian built dinghies being set up in the Bond undertook an exciting project of “taking off the lines” of a Store for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in 2005. very historical dinghy located in Geeveston, a most southern Taking off the lines was conducted by students and other part of Tasmania. The recording and measurement of the interested parties in April 2005. beautiful lines from the historic Huon Valley past of wooden They included Michael Staples, students of the 2004/2005 boat building was important to the students. The record of class of Tasmania’s Wooden Boat School; Kelvin Aldred, this dinghy and her lines will be presented to the Tasmanian Mike Waters, Andrew Denman, Fern Halliday, Andrew Judd, Maritime Museum in the near future. Richard Ayton, friends of the School; Ned Trewartha and Michael Staples, a boat builder and historian from Lymington Graham Dudgeon. in the Huon Valley of Tasmania, was commissioned to achieve The boat was moved to Port Huon in Roger Harwood’s shed this aim with the keen students eager to study the process. where the remaining information was taken by Michael Leisurely and Shamrock “Taking off lines” is the accurate measurement of many of the Staples, Roger Harwood, Kelvin Aldred and Richard Ayton. important line detail of a dinghy or boat, and recording them Michael Staples then compiled the relevant information and on paper in order for a replica boat to be made in the future, Several boats enjoy cruising from their home locations to drew a 1:6 version of the profile and half breadths as li�ed, to MELBOURNES H28 FLEET or to ensure the boat plans are kept indefinitely. meet somewhere in Port Phillip Bay. Over the recent Australia assist with cross referencing the information. Day long weekend, two boats from Blairgowrie, Talofa and The interesting history of Mrs Burgess’ dinghy was recounted The president of the H28 Association of Victoria, Rod Fuller, Roger Harwood, Kelvin Aldred and Richard Ayton then used Tethys sailed to Queenscliff to rendevous with Shamrock to the students by Roger Harwood, a professional traditional explains what makes their members a little different from this information to lo� out the profile and half breadths to from HBYC. The Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club is a long boat builder of Port Huon, Tasmania. The boat is 11’ 3” long your average yacht owner. (photo by Ewen Bell) full scale, with the emphasis on having a faired set of lines if established, well equipped and popular cruising destination and was built by Tucker Able in Tasmania. “As far as we the boat is ever to be replicated. Photos of the boat were also on Port Phillip Bay. know this is now the only record of a boat that was built by recorded at this time by Kelvin. H28 owners have wide and varied interests in their boats Tucker Able”, Roger said. Later this season H28s will cruise from various home ports and sailing. While some indulge in racing, many of these A table of offsets, taken from the lo�ed set of faired lines, was to meet at Portarlington and Mornington. Recent discussions Myra Pillings was born about 1892. She married Harold dedicated yachties prefer to cruise alone or in company. All then recorded by Roger Harwood and Richard Ayton. have floated the idea of those meeting at Mornington having such activities can be described as “mucking about in boats” Burgess when she was about 22 or 23 years old. Harold a southern versus northern bay challenge race during the The lo� floor (dinghy sized plan) has been temporarily and gaining much enjoyment while doing so. ordered the boat from Tucker Able in about 1914 and gave it weekend...reminiscent of an annual event involving another to Myra as a wedding present. stored by Kelvin Aldred. It is hoped that a vacant wall can be Hobsons Bay Yacht Club (HBYC) supports the association by classic yacht, the Jubilee and the Huntingfield Cup series. provided at the Wooden Boat School in the future and the lo� The boat was in constant use on the Huon River from then. running the Sailmaster race series in the summer, and has floor used as a visual display, and keeping alive a wonderful Interest in ge�ing together to sail, dine and swap experiences Myra was seen regularly when she would row the boat to Port done for several years. There are seven H28s on the register example of traditional wooden boat building. has also become an annual occurrence on Westernport Bay. at HBYC while boats from Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Huon, Hospital Bay, to the shop and return with her groceries. On 9 April 2006 a social race and barbeque will be held from and Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, including the Walker 28s, Myra was a very practical person who did not tolerate fools the Hastings Marina. Those with enough time on their hands also contribute to the potential number of race starters during – Roger pointed out, “She was the kind of person if you were can contemplate cruising from Port Phillip Bay to Westernport the season. going to be marooned somewhere or stuck in the bush, you for this weekend. would be OK”. Roger stressed how much she loved her Cruising activities are many and varied. Last November some dinghy. It was her only form of transport. Whatever sailing activities are undertaken a large serving of members drove to Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes to bonhomie is assured. crew on the H28s located there. Cruising to some destination Myra and Harold Burgess were living at Pillings Bay Tasmania on the lakes for a lunchtime stop, then back to Raymond in 1967, the year of severe bushfires in Tasmania. When a fire For details on this seasons calendar of events you can contact Island for a barbeque at Don Webster’s home is typical of the went through their property, Myra and Harold survived by Rod Fuller on (03) 9830 2882, or visit the H28 Association of activities in that locale. A cruise from Paynesville to Lakes sheltering in the lee of the house, quickly moving to a burnt Victoria website... Entrance, an overnight stop and dinner then returning the area once the front had passed. Roger Harwood and the dinghy of Myra Burgess next day is planned for 18/19 February 2006. http://www.classic-yacht.asn.au/h28 They lost their entire house, sheds and je�y to the fire.

page 22 page 23 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

accompanied by his guitar and lilting voice. He was briefly joined for a short rendition of “The Mountains of Mourn” by Stuart “where’s the karaoke machine” Stubbs. The concert A WORD FROM POLLY was eventually washed out – have you ever stayed completely dry under a laid deck?

The sails were lowered, with just as much enthusiasm by The interest generated by the visit of James Craig the CYAA lackeys despite the rain, and we motored back to to Melbourne as part of the 50th Anniversary Williamstown. The Melbourne skyline so�ened as a gentle celebrations of the National Trust of Australia mist descended. It was an eerie return on calm water, the (Victoria) is another indication that these are channel markers standing like sentinels against the so� grey exciting times for the city’s maritime heritage. The background. A couple of tugs gently nudged us back into proposed Williamstown Heritage Seaport, the port, mooring us only meters from where the James Craig recent dry docking of the museum ship HMAS had been docked as a working vessel many decades ago. A Castlemaine at the Tenix shipyards, the addition final look back a�er disembarking showed a good portion of of HMVS Cerberus to the National Heritage the crew up on the yardarms diligently securing the sails in Register and the continued cooperation of the what was now quite steady rain. State’s maritime museums through the umbrella organization, the Maritime Museum of Victoria, Hoisting sail under the guidance of James Parbery It was a really enjoyable day. With sailing of any kind point to a very positive future. there is always an experience to be had, no ma�er what the JAMES CRAIG account of trials and tribulations, discovery and restoration, conditions. I think all the CYAA members and friends who Polly Woodside, the main a�raction at the Melbourne of a hulk that appeared to will itself back into service. Staffed a�ended our James Craig outing would agree that it was a Maritime Museum on the city’s Southbank, Maris Rocke was aboard the James Craig for a mid-week entirely by volunteers, some of whom have been with her relaxing voyage and an excellent excuse for playing hookey celebrated 120 years afloat in November last year. sail organized by the CYAA. The tall ship was the centre from salvage, she inspires dedication and a genuine spirit of from work. Many thanks to the James Craig crew whose Polly was awarded the World Ship Trust Medal for of attention on Port Philip Bay and left behind a splendid sharing and inclusiveness amongst her tireless crew. She now professionalism and informative enthusiasm for their charge excellence in restoration in 1988, the first merchant impression before returning to Sydney. cruises weekly through the Sydney heads, and is only one of brightened our day even when the sun couldn’t! Now, if only ship in the world to be given this honour. The four similar vessels in the world still sailing. Paradoxically, we can get Polly to dip her skirts a li�le further into the bay, authentic restoration means that visitors can ‘step we might have a race on our hands. back in time’ and explore every part of the ship, A Sydney Heritage Fleet project, the James Craig, is a restored she is yet to find a permanent home, with the Sydney Heritage discover where the officers and crew lived and 19th century 3-masted barque. Launched originally in Fleet having being unable to find secure museum premises experience what life was like aboard a true ‘Cape Sunderland, England in 1874, she plied her trade as a for the life of her restoration. Maybe could we relocate them Horner’. The ship itself is undergoing something merchant ship around Cape Horn twenty-three times before to Melbourne’s Docklands! of a renaissance, with visitor numbers up 10% last working in trans-Tasman trade until the 1930s. Abandoned A�er a subtle jibe, it was off around the boat for a look- year, and similar growth so far this year. As well as in Recherche Bay, Tasmania, she lay in the shallows for 40 see. An iron-hulled, bulk cargo carrier her trans-Tasman general visitors, the museum welcomes thousands years until salvaged in 1973 and gradually restored over a cargo included kauri pine from New Zealand and coal from of children as part of education programmes, and 20 year period. She was recommissioned in 2001 and now Newcastle, whilst her longer haul cargo included immigrant our famous pirate days during the school holidays takes pride of place as the first sailing vessel restoration of the passengers. First stop was the hold, which even on such a continue to a�ract the crowds. Heritage Fleet (somewhat to the chagrin of the Tasmanians). mild day radiated heat. With no portholes and a black painted The day began at 11am in classic Melbourne style with hull how oppressive any rise in temperature would be! Not The development of a new 5,000 seat convention overcast skies and misty rain (an improvement on the 40 all privations were endured; even from her first days as a centre on the land immediately adjacent to the degree scorchers of the week before). Motoring out of merchant vessel deserting sailors were recorded. As steam Melbourne Maritime Museum will have significant Williamstown in search of wind, the sails were hauled to ships gradually impinged upon sailing routes, and crews implications for the museum and Polly Woodside. the rhythm of “Heave away, haul away” and other di�ies, were reduced to cut costs, willing sailors became increasingly With improved infrastructure surrounding the providing a good work out for the CYAA lackeys. Crew in difficult to find. With one bucket of water to wash 16 men per site and a potential redevelopment of the museum harnesses laboured away above in the yards, providing quite week (yes, you read that correctly), one can understand why. on the cards for later on this year, the museum will a sight. Initial speed reached was perhaps a knot, declining Perhaps if they’d all had a chance of a dip in the captain’s continue to be a much loved feature of the city. steadily during the a�ernoon to a slow dri�! The forecasted bathtub a�, things would have been different. For further information please contact the 15 knot westerly failed to appear resulting in very pleasant When the rain set in at three o’clock I curtailed my tour and Melbourne Maritime Museum on (03) 9699 9760 luncheon conditions which all took advantage of upon deck. it was down below for an acoustic gig by Jimmy Parbuckle or email polly@na�rust.com.au During lunch, commentary on the James Craig’s working of the ‘James Craig Reeelers’ (2nd CD due out soon). Jimmy (aka James Parbery, one of our aforementioned historians, but history and subsequent restoration was provided in two - Steven Cooke, Melbourne Maritime Museum parts. Second mate James Parbery gave a po�ed history of the also an artist, writer and naval architect) entertained us with ship’s origins whilst Alan Edenborough provided a moving a selection of traditionals, requests and self-penned tunes Anne Baston climbs the rigging

page 24 page 25 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

DEANBILLA BAY BRIAN GALE DAME PATTIE FOR SALE

Euan MacDonald recounts the gentle pace of gentlemen 90-year-old Brian Gale died on 18 January 2006 a�er suffering sailors in the annual classic at Deanbilla Bay. The event is a Dame Pa�ie, the Australian Challenger for the 1967 a stroke. Brian is the older brother of the well-known Bill cross between a social cruise and a classic yacht regatta. A America’s Cup is for sale in Canada. The 12 metre Gale who sails from the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club. fleet of 15 yachts gather for a stern chaser and a race to the yacht was designed by Warwick Hood, skippered Brian was a top forward hand in the 18 footers in the 1930s beach to be first to open the picnic basket. by Jock Sturrock and owned by a syndicate from through to 1950, when he moved to a farm on the Darling (Story by Euan MacDonald, photos by Ewen Bell) the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Downs in Queensland. He started a sailing club in the area Wood Wind starts the race with spinnaker and introduced many people to the sport. The yacht was named a�er Dame Pa�ie Menzies, the wife of Australia’s longest serving Prime When the Historic 18 footer revival took hold in Sydney East-north easterly and 15 knots couldn’t have been a be�er Minister Sir Robert Menzies who resigned in 1966. Brian regularly travelled down to join in the fun. A�er a forecast for the casual family orientated race for Deanbilla Bay, 50 year absence he hopped straight back into the 18 footers off North Stradbroke Island. The temperature was typically In 1967 Australia, France, and Sweden all and taught the young blokes some of the lost skills. Brian hot for December on Moreton Bay and the air was very still. announced that they wanted to challenge for the demonstrated a sharp mind for detail; he had not sailed on an Pagan and Telemark were the first on the scene, arriving early America’s Cup. For the first time, trial races were 18 footer since 1950, his memory un-clouded by more recent at the start line to drop the picks, ra� up alongside and go conducted to select the challenger. Dame Pa�ie yachting innovations. for a pre-lunch swim. Not all races start this way but as far won the trials easily. as I am concerned a swim, some lunch and a na�er are be�er In a fresh breeze in May 2004 he skippered the Britannia in the Shortly a�er the start of one of the races America’s ways to start a race than rushing around and barking orders. Australian Historic 18 footer Championship, on the Brisbane Intrepid and Australia’s Dame Pa�ie collided. River. He was 89 years old. Brian was made the patron of For us, this was the second classic race on Telemark with our Sequana heading for Deanbilla Bay Dame Pa�ie crossed the finish line first, but was the Australian Historic Sailing Skiff Association. On the 21 baby boy, James, on board. At 6 months old he loves the disqualified because of the collision and Intrepid January 06 the fleet of Historic 18s and the M-Class fleet flew boat, either sucking the stainless steel winches or having a was declared the winner. black ribbons from the sail to honour this inspirational man. kip in the foc’s’le. His wee face just lights up at the site of the The NYYC’s controversial ruling was protested by spinnaker cracking into shape! Necessity dictated we had to - Leanne Gould both Australians and Americans and an Australian have the pram strapped to the roof, but then again its hardly member of parliament even demanded that the going to slow us down and it gave something for the other country withdraw its ambassador to the US. crews to laugh about. The passenger list was doubled by Intrepid went on to win 4-0. our two dogs scurrying around on deck and barking at other boats near by – this was our only major concession to serious Dame Pa�ie has recently been restored as a racer/ racing, to have dedicated furry four legged crew on board for cruiser and has been operating as a charter vessel, no other reason than the distraction of other competitors. Getting off and on the beach sleeping 8 people comfortably.

The early starters floundered somewhat with not much Dame Pa�ie’s main frames are laminated more than the occasional puff of 5 knots breeze from various All the boats nestled together in the protected anchorage Queensland Maple, her intermediate frames annoying angles. Fortunately that was short lived and the and long before the sun set over Australia the thirsty crews are steambent Danish Ash, to which edgegrain a�ernoon breeze swooped in and most boats popped out the paddled ashore for a few drinks and informal presentations. Douglas Fir planking is fastened with silicon spinnakers and flew round the bo�om marker of Peel Island It was great to meet new comers Dan and Kim, a young bronze screws. The Australian syndicate obtained on to a reach for the finish line. There’s something satisfying couple in their twenties who had recently purchased a 35� permission from the NYYC to buy the edge grain about casual racing in classics; of course you want to catch Lions Class Cheoy Lee named Nomad. This was their first fir from British Columbia. experience with their new boat and they had the biggest the boat in front but its lovely to be out there sailing your boat Since her restoration Dame Pa�ie has raced against smiles on their faces. and looking around to see other lovely classics around you. Geronimo from the movie Wind, which was called Coming into Deanbilla Bay the breeze had freshened and On behalf of the participants and the CYAA, many thanks to America II in Perth 1987. Geronimo is original with thanks to the shelter of Peel Island the water was smooth and Ivan Holm for organizing the event. See you all again next no motor or interior, and Dame Pa�ie, even with still. This is sailing at its best, when you can see the constant year and congratulations to the place ge�ers... her comfortable cruising fitout frequently beats bow wave surging through the water and the depression 1st place – Wood Wind Geronimo. made by the hull through the surface as she blazes forward. 2nd place – Four Winds We should have shortened sail, but when the boats flying like 3rd place – Pagan Story has been reprinted courtesy of this and your near the finish it was simpler just to hang on to 4th place – Merry Mac BoatingOZ.com.au the big No.1 and full main and let her go. 5th place – Telemark of Burnham

page 26 page 27 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

PASSENGERS ON THE TORRENS for her to make 300 miles a day, whilst her passengers were FRED THOMAS’ LEGENDS NEW MEMBERS able to take their exercise on a dry deck.

As an example of her good luck whilst under Captain H.R. Extracts from the 1929 publication “SAIL - Volume II” Angel’s command, the old skipper used to tell the following David Sturrock of NSW authored by Basil Lubbock and illustrated by J.Spurling) yarn: On one of her homeward passages the Torrens ran out of Nicholas Cable of Victoria lamp oil just as she was approaching the mouth of the English Philip John Edwards of Victoria - Gemfish, 34’ Couta Boat Channel. This naturally gave Captain Angel a good deal of built in 2002 anxiety, as the prospect of navigating those crowded waters Michael Patrick Regan of Queensland - Ma�hew J, 24’ gaff without lights was far from being pleasant. However, just rigged cu�er built in 2004 before soundings were reached, a barrel was passed floating Mark Anthony Smith of NSW - Weene, 36’ marconi rig built on the water. Captain Angel lowered a boat and picked it up. in 1910 As soon as it was got aboard he had it tapped, when it was Ronald Maclurkin of Victoria - Loama, 37’ Couta Boat found to contains oil, and thus the Torrens was able to keep Robert Spaulding of Victoria - Saga, 38’ masthead sloop built her side-lights bright until the end of the passage. in 1963 When Captain Angel retired from the sea, in the autumn of Richard Treweeke of NSW - Simanda, 26’ clinker built in 1961 1890, he handed over his ship to Captain W. H. Cope. The Bruce Hamilton Adams of Victoria - Renene, 33’ double ender good luck of the Torrens, at any rate for a time, seemed to have built in 1955 walked over the side with her old captain. No doubt she owed Anne Batson of Victoria - crew member from RYCV this good luck as much to his fine management as anything Keith Bowen of Victoria - crew membership “No one who has not made a long voyage in such a ship as else. Captain Angel, besides being a very fine seaman, full Leon David Corn of Victoria- crew membership the Torrens can realize the ‘lift’ and thrill of that form of sea of courage and resource, was also a great disciplinarian. He Graham and Josie Franklin of NSW - Kyuma, 27’ Tumlaren travel. It was like riding a thoroughbred, whereas travelling was not, however, a bully, and the Torrens, under him, was Fred Thomas is releasing a new book in June 2006 based on built in 1938 by the steamship of to-day, with its deadening comfort and always a happy ship. The old man could indeed relax on a series of interviews with some of Sydney Harbour’s most monotony, is as devoid of thrills as sitting on a tram.” Tony Hoppe of Victoria - crew member from SSCBC occasions; he had all the seaman’s love of a yarn and spent respected and influential yachting legends. many a moonlight night in the Tropics relating the exciting Alexander Zaininger of NSW - crew member from RSYS Fred entered the world of sailing when he trained on Snapper adventures of his past life to a ring of admiring passengers. Richard Treweeke of NSW - owner of Simanda, a 26’ clinker No vessel has a be�er record in the Australian trade than the Island and did an apprenticeship on Cockatoo Island, after sloop built in 1961 “But the Torrens has a fame which a�racted the right kind which he went to sea for several years. His engineering skills wonderful Torrens. For years she was the favourite passenger Richard Allom of Queensland - Yaraandoo, 28’ Herreshoff of sailor, and when engaging a crew her chief officer had ship from London to Adelaide, and although several found employ ashore and he developed a close involvement carvel built in 1944 always a large and promising crowd to pick and choose from. magnificent iron clippers were built, notably the Harbinger, with maritime industries and sailing, including an exciting Ken Beashel of NSW - Mother Goose, 15.7m moulded ply There was in it always a certain proportion of men who had specifically to lower her colours, the Torrens remained the period of crewing on Helsal. cu�er built in 1970 most popular ship in the South Australian trade until she was served in her before and were anxious to join again; for apart In more recent years he has spent his time recording the Spencer Reuben Carpenter of Queensland - Rival of Belmont, from her more brilliant qualities, such as her speed and her sold to the Italians. 37’ Buchanan sloop built in 1959 oral history of sailing identities on both Lake Macquarie celebrated good looks (which by themselves go a long way She was built in 1875, by James Laing, of Sunderland, to the and Sydney Harbour. Fred is the author of two previous John Firth-Smith of NSW - Windward, 41’ gaff rigged cu�er with a sailor), she was regarded as a “comfortable ship” built in 1923; Shona, 41’ cu�er built in 1911 books: Thomas – Doing a Fred (2001) and Boats, Blokes and order of Captain H.R. Angel, who had previously commanded in a strictly professional sense, which means that she was the Glen Osmand and Collingrove. Launched in October, her Whatever of Lake Macquarie (2004). Warren Laird of Queensland - Black Pearl, 36’ gaff rigged known to handle easily and to be a good sea-boat in heavy ketch built in 1970 registered tonnage was 1,335 tons gross, 1,276 net. She had weather.” Fred’s latest book contains a collection of over 30 interviews a length of 222 feet 1 inch; breadth, 38 feet 1 inch; and depth, Jeffrey Robert Shawcro� of Victoria - Toroa, 31’ carvel planked with men who have been household names in Australian cu�er built in 1970 21 feet 5 inches. She was composite built, and Captain Angel “I cannot say that during my time in her we ever experienced yachting circles for years. Each interview is a celebration had a great deal to do with her design. Her model, indeed, really heavy weather; but we had the usual assortment of of Sydney’s wooden boat builders, and those who made the was worthy of being compared with those of such clippers as winds, up to “very strong gales” (logbook style), from various spars and sails – all of whom made an enormous contribution the Thermopylæ and Cu�y Sark. She was beautifully built of directions; and I can testify that, on every point of sailing, the to sailing. teak planking over the iron frames and was heavily sparred, way that ship had of le�ing big seas slip under her did one’s with a skysail yard at the main. She was also one of the last heart good to watch. It resembled so much an exhibition of In this book Fred Thomas shares the oral history of the boat ships to carry stunsail booms alo�. Indeed, she hung on to intelligent grace and unerring skill that it could fascinate builders step aboard and get a taste of the sense of adventure her fore topmast stunsails until long a�er every other ship in even the least seaman-like of our passengers. “ that any sailor of a wooden boat has experienced. the Australian trade had done away with them. “A passage under sail brings out in the course of days Congratulations to Lothian Books for publishing this title and Although she was so sharp forward, the Torrens was a whatever there may be of sea love and sea sense in any others in its fashion. The release date for Boating Legends splendid sea boat and an exceedingly dry one, even when individual whose soul is not indissolubly wedded to the of Sydney Harbour is June 2006. running down the eating, when it was by no means unusual pedestrian shore.” 1938 Tumlaren Kyuma on Sydney Harbour

page 28 page 29 Classic Yacht Association of Australia Issue 22 - March 2006 © CYAA

��������������� FOR SALE - REDPA

����������� 31� Harbour Racer 1908

Designed and built in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1908 by EA (Ned) Jack. Huon pine over spo�ed gum frames. Substantially re-built 2000-2003 by Michael Michael Hurrell has specialised in the construction of wooden yachts for over sixteen years. Bartley of Woolwich Marina, Sydney. Now splined, sheathed and epoxy painted If you are looking for someone to make your dream of owning or restoring a wooden boat with new deck beams, deck, cabin and rig. Stronger than the day she was built, come true then it’s worth calling Michael to chat about your project. Classic yachts need more Redpa now combines the best of traditional wooden boat building with modern than a builder, they need someone who can work with you closely at evert critical step and materials and finishes. Restoration has been scaled off original photographs, but ensure you are building the boat you truly desire. optimal modern equipment has been used. Rig is gaff sloop. Mast is aluminium, gaff, boom and spinnaker pole are carbon fibre. Michael’s recent projects include the restoration of Sayonara, Frances and the ongoing maintenance of Enterprize. Tony Tyson: 0408 164 327

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Art for Masthead 11/8/05 9:33 PM Page 1 Ask for your free 56 page “Boat Painting and Product Guide” - available Manly: Phone: 07 3348from your local3177 chandler - or check out the website yachtpaint.com for Newport: Phone: 07 3880more information. 0366 Manly: Phone: 07 3348 3177 Email: [email protected] Australiawide In Victoria, Graeme Geary from the GGM Group uses and recommends Manly • Newport Newport: Phone: 07 3880 0366 Boat Sales Web: www.yachtnet.com.au Australiawide Email: [email protected] International paints. See Graeme and his team for all your classic boat Manly • Newport Boat Sales Web: www.yachtnet.com.au maintenance and repair needs: 23 Aitken Street, Williamstown If you want to sell or buy a classic boat it makes sense to speak Phone (03) 9397 7440 to a Classic Yacht enthusiast. Euan and his team at Australiawide Boat Sales have recently sold the following classics and are actively involved. Just look at what they have sold recently...

“Desiderata” John Alden Ketch 55ft “Irex II” John Alden sloop 33ft “MAEVA” Arthur Robb 35ft sloop “NOMAD” Cheoy Lee Arthur Robb 35ft “SYONA” Robert Clark 34ft A FINAL WORD FROM THE EDITOR “Mehitabel” Hereshoff 36ft “Tropic Bird” H28 I wanted to say a word of thanks to a few people who routinely commit their skill and effort towards the production of this “Treasure” Holman & Pye North Sea 31ft magazine. Damian Purcell has been a vital contributor to the CYAA both in print and in spirit. His knowledge has filled the “Libra” Holman Folkboat 26ft gap on many occasion, a genuine silent partner in the task of editing and research. Col Bandy too has provided immense “Telemark of Burnham” Alan Buchanan 35ft support in the form of wri�en word and creative ideas. He and Damian alike are gentlemen and scholars on the water and a pleasure to sail with. Roz Edmond has provided expert proofing under the most difficult of circumstances – any errors you Results speak - Call Euan! may have seen in print are the result of changes made a�er her corrections. Editors privilege. Perhaps the most important contribution of this volunteer team has come from Victoria Conners; she has kept me happy and contented in the face of Euan MacDonald - Email: [email protected] - Mobile: 0412 659 315 - Phone: 07 3348 3177 - Fax: 07 3348 3244 overwhelming deadlines. This is my last edition of the CYAA, I genuinely hope you have enjoyed them as much as I have.

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