noelex telltalesnoelex.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/120721r... · #991, we finally departed at...

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Telltales Vol 17 Issue 3 MAY – JUN 2012 - JAB

Noelex Telltales Volume 17 Issue 3 May/June 2012

The Official Newsletter of

Yacht Association of Australia Inc

ABN 81063080148 & ICN A0033794K Noelex Yacht Squadron Inc

ICN A0013620Z

“LEEWANA”

GLEN COLLINGS

NX 25 NATIONAL CHAMPION 2012

Registered Office:

PO Box 380

Sunbury Victoria 3429

Phone (03) 9744 4669 (M 0409 198 443)

E-Mail: jaburgess@ optusnet.com.au Chat Room: [email protected] Website: www.noelex.org.au

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.noelex.org.au/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

NYAA INC Committee of Management 2012 – 2013 ................................... 3 NYS INC Committee of Management 2021 -2013 ...................................... 3 Appointments ............................................................................................... 4 Regional Representatives ........................................................................... 4 Editors Notes ............................................................................................... 5 President’s Report ........................................................................................ 6 Secretary’s Report ....................................................................................... 7 Cruising D’Entrecasteaux Channel Part 2 ................................................. 8 Squadron News & National Noelex Championship 2012 ......................... 19 Social News ................................................................................................... 22 Boats For Sale .............................................................................................. 23 Sponsors ...................................................................................................... 27

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NOELEX YACHT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT 2012 - 2013

President Andrew Fedorowicz H: (03) 9853 4500 M: 0418 341 443

[email protected]

Vice President John Burgess H: (03) 9744 4669 M: 0408 372 768

[email protected]

Secretary Veronica Burgess H: (03) 9744 4669 M: 0409 198 443

[email protected]

Treasurer Kenton Lillecrapp H: (03) 9836 6824 M: 0418 422 099

[email protected]

Ordinary Member Trevor Brown H: (03) 5976 1088 M: 0428 393 465

[email protected]

Ordinary Member Peter Williams H: (03) M:

[email protected]

NOELEX YACHT SQUADRON INC

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT 2012 - 2013

Commodore John Robb M: 0430 504 484 [email protected]

Vice Commodore John Burgess H: (03) 9744 4669 M: 0408 372 768

[email protected]

Secretary Veronica Burgess H: (03) 9744 4669 M: 0409 198 443

[email protected]

Treasurer Kenton Lillecrapp H: (03) 9836 6824 M: 0418 422 099

[email protected]

Ordinary Member Ross Wilson H: (03) 9589 1557 M: 0438 818 008

[email protected]

Ordinary Member Rob Rainsford H: (03) TBA M: 0413748037

[email protected]

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APPOINTMENTS

Publicity/Media Andrew Fedorowicz H: 03 9853 4500 M: 0418 341 443

[email protected]

Telltales Editor John Burgess H: 03 9744 4669 M: 0408 372 768

[email protected]

Website Gil Webster H: TBA M: TBA

[email protected]

NX 25 Race Director

John Robb M: 0430 504 484 [email protected]

NX 30 Race Director

Trevor Brown H: 03 5976 1088 mobilevet@pipeline .com.au

Public Officer Veronica Burgess H: 03 9744 4669 M: 0409 198 443

[email protected]

REGIONAL REPRESENTATION

Albury-Wodonga VIC/NSW

Terry Caldwell H: (02) 6043 2663 M: 0400 533 741

[email protected]

Hawkesbury NSW Chris & Briar Jensen

H: (02) 9620 4830 [email protected]

Mallacoota VIC John & Liz McKay H: (03) 5158 0744 [email protected]

Paynesville VIC Michael & Sue Oxer

H: (03) 5156 8228 [email protected]

Port Stephens NSW

Doug Cross H: (02) 4984 1460 [email protected]

ST Georges Basin Sussex Inlet Jervis Bay NSW

John Drummond H: (02) 4441 2054 [email protected]

Adelaide SA TBA H: M:

TBA

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Telltales is the official newsletter of Noelex Yacht Association of Australia Inc A0033794K

& Noelex Yacht Squadron Inc

A00013620Z

Prepared and printed by the Editor John Burgess Noelex Yacht Association of Australia Inc

C/O - PO Box380 Sunbury Victoria.

EDITORS NOTES

Another NYAA Inc and NYS Inc Annual General Meeting has been conducted and the successful candidates elected to office of these organisations are in place. The AGM was held at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and was preceded by a delicious dinner in Royal’s comfortable dining room. Both the AGM and the dinner were very well attended. It is pleasing to report that for the first time for many years, both Committees of Management have a full complement. In this edition of Telltales I have included Part 2 of a Tasmanian trip that Veronica and I did to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Macquarie Harbour. This chapter relates to the daily log of our cruise to some beautiful places in the Channel. We trust that this account of our cruise will give other Noelexians a good idea of what to expect when sailing in this scenic area of Tasmania. Also, a report and photographs of the sensational Noelex National Championships 2012 is included. Nineteen boats entered the champs. Unfortunately all nineteen boats were NX 25’s. There is also a Committee of Management report regarding conformity with Class Rules to consider The Committees of Management of the NYAA Inc., and the NYS Inc., have had their first meeting since being elected in May 2012 and welcome Rob Rainsford, a NX 25 owner and member of the Association to the Committee of Management of the NYS Inc as an Ordinary Committee member. Rob was appointed to the position of NX 25 Race Director prior to Noelex Nationals held at Safety Beach Sailing Club in May 2012 and his efficient and effective liaison with SBSC resulted in one of the best Noelex National Championships held for quite some time. It is pleasing to have Rob as a member of the NYS Inc Committee of Management. In conclusion, if any member has an article, either of a technical or cruising nature that they wish to have printed in Telltales please contact me. Fair sailing,

John John Burgess Editor Telltales [email protected] Mob: 0408 372 768


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Noelex Telltales

Volume 17 Issue 3 May/June 2012

PRESIDENTS REPORT

Dear Members, The phrase “Steady-As-She-Goes” comes to mind as I write this report sitting at my desk on a chilly winter afternoon. The AGM held at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria on 23 May 2012 was fast, efficient and satisfying. We now have a full complement of members filling the mandatory positions on the Committee of Management. Well done everyone, thanks for your continued support and commitment. The National Championships held at Safety Beach Sailing Club on 5/6 May 2012, was a fabulous event. Plenty of wind, camaraderie, stiff competition and more surprisingly no protests! Check out the action on our website & humour my first attempt at a movie production. I know I’m not ready for Hollywood just yet but who knows what's around the corner. During April, John and Veronica Burgess took a road trip to Adelaide. While they were in Mt Gambier they hooked up with some South Australian Noelex members and updated them about how the Association is developing and what plans we have in the pipeline. They were heartily welcomed and the interactions were positive. It's a good start to the idea of developing a National organisation. After such a warm response to our previous events I am pleased to advise that the BBQ’s we are planning for this sailing year will be varied and located further afield. One function will be held on the Mornington Peninsula and the other in Albury at the Hume Weir. Final arrangements are yet to be made so “Watch-This-Space” for further details. We hope the location of these venues will encourage all Noelex Yacht owners, especially members from South Australia and New South Wales who might be reluctant to make the otherwise long trip to Melbourne. Both venues will offer overnight accommodation and weather permitting; we hope to enjoy a friendly sail on the Hume Weir as well. The website is undergoing a transition at present. For your convenience you can now use PayPal for membership renewals. There is a minimal cost to the Association for every transaction but it does reduce the amount of paperwork and record taking dramatically. So do consider using it as an alternative method of payment. If you need help in using this process for the first time, please don’t hesitate contacting either myself or Kenton Lillecrapp as we will be only too happy to assist. Our boat ‘Simply Magic ‘has now been wrapped up & reluctantly put to bed for the winter at St Kilda Marina. She complained at first by throwing off the covers but she had to admit “Crikey it’s cold”. Come On Summer! See you all on the water (when it's a tad warmer) Andrew Fedorowicz President

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Noelex Telltales


SECRETARY’S REPORT Hi Members, This is the last opportunity for those of you who have not renewed your membership of the NYAA Inc for the year 2012-13 to do so. The subscription fee of $60:00 was due on 1st April, 2012. If you are in any doubt what so ever as to your financial status please email me at: [email protected] for verification. Remember, those members who are unfinancial as of July 2012 will be removed from the Register of Members and will no longer receive official notices nor be eligible to compete in the National Championships. Since my last Report the NYAA Inc Committee of Management agreed to remove the $100 fee charged to members to advertise their ‘Boat for Sale’ on the website and in Telltales. The fee for non-members will remain at $100 fee/item.

As you are aware the NYAA Inc and the NYS Inc Annual General Meetings were held at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria on 23rd May, 2012. For your updated information, your Committees of Management appear at the beginning of this publication, together with all Appointments. It is pleasing to report that for the first time for many years, both Committees of Management have a full complement.

The nomination by the NYAA Inc Committee of Management of our webmaster, Gil Webster as an Honorary Member of the NYAA Inc. was approved by the members present at the AGM. Congratulations Gil on your appointment as an Honorary Member for the season 2012-2013 and keep up the good work with the website. The latest Committee of Management information is that a letter together with an application for Expressions of Interest to conduct our Noelex Championships for 2012 - 2013 will be sent to various clubs, with a reply date of no later than the 30th July, 2012. It is anticipated that the Committees of Management of the NYAA Inc and the NYS Inc will deliberate on the EOI’s received at the August committee meeting and select a venue for the 2013 Noelex National Championships. Veronica Burgess Secretary NYAA Inc & NYS Inc


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Noelex Telltales


This article was submitted by John & Veronica Burgess.

CRUISING TASMANIA IN A TRAILER YACHT PART 2

D’ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL,

DERWENT & HUON RIVER CRUISE

Day 1. After the usual flurry of activity checking and double checking the preparation of `Frontliner` #991, we finally departed at 0900 hrs on the Spirit of Tasmania for a Saturday, Bass Strait crossing. We chose the daylight crossing so that on arrival at Devonport we could have dinner, a soft bed and a good rest to prepare us for the drive south to Hobart and Kettering the next day. We arrived at Station Pier, Port Melbourne at 0700 hrs on a misty still morning to find that although we were near the front of the boarding queue we would be embarked almost stone motherless last. This gave the marshallers and safety inspectors time to give us a good going over. Fortunately we conformed to all of the boarding requirements. Because of the thoroughness of the inspection of both our car and yacht I recommend that any prospective voyager study the safety requirements of the shipping line to avoid any problems. Some yachties have had fuel in unapproved containers, spare out of date flares and gas bottles confiscated until their return to Melbourne.

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The Spirit of Tasmania cast off at 0900 hrs and we had a quick and scenic trip down Port Phillip. There was little to no wind for most of the entire voyage ensuring that we had a smooth and enjoyable passage to Devonport. The musical combo on the aft deck was entertaining and helped pass the time, as did a beer or two and some food brought from home. We crossed tracks with the sister ship about half way across on a benign Bass Strait. The sea was flat with no waves and a very low swell which was quite unusual for this rugged stretch of water. The Spirit was charging along at 29 knots according to my hand held GPS and making very good time. Eventually the Barrington Tops, a mountain range to the south of Devonport, came into view and we began our approach to the mouth of the Mersey River. The docking manoeuvrers carried out by the Spirit’s Captain and crew were very smooth and accurate. On the command to disembark we regained entry to our vehicle and with a minimum of fuss disembarked at 1730 hrs. We drove to the Flag Sunrise Motor Inn, a motel not far from the ferry terminal where we had secured a reservation some weeks prior to our departure. We were delighted with our choice of lodging as the welcome from our jovial, relaxed hosts was very warm and the room excellent. As the motel dining room was closed for dinner we walked to the local pub for a steak and salad after which, we retired to our room for the night. Day 2. A leisurely breakfast saw us fit and well prepared for our journey south. We departed Devonport at 1015 hrs and quickly picked up the Bass Hwy #1 which becomes the Midland Hwy #1 south of Launceston. The drive to Hobart was scenic and hassle-free. Our Mercedes Benz 4x4 270 CDI purred along at 100 kph towing the NX25 comfortably and using just 10.7 litres of diesel per 100 km’s. Veronica suggested that the brilliant fuel economy, even though towing over 2 tonnes was because we were travelling south; which is downhill. We visited all of the historical sites on our way and stopped at Oatlands for lunch. Veronica navigated our way through Hobart and we eventually arrived at Kettering at 1600 hrs.

On arrival at Little Oyster Cove Marina I was pleasantly surprised to find that I knew the young bloke managing the Marina. His name is Ian McConaghy, a member of the famous boat building family from NSW. He made us welcome and showed us to a sheltered, scenic position on the hardstand, close to the toilet and showers and 240v power. After settling in we decided to have dinner at the Oyster Cove Inn, just 100 metres from the Marina and were not disappointed with the menu, quality of the food or the cost. A bottle of Tasmanian Pinot Noir, a tasty seafood meal, a summer pudding dessert to die for and a very peaceful night on the hard stand was just what the doctor ordered. Day 3. The morning dawned cold, wet, overcast and windy. A southerly front had moved in during the night and had dumped quite heavy rain on the Cove but not heavy enough to wake us. Looking out to the Cove it was clear to see that the conditions were abysmal. After breakfast we went to the Marina office and chatted with Ian for a while during which time he advised

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us of local conditions, the best launching ramps to use for the prevailing conditions including the marina ramp and traps to look out for at jetty’s etc. He advised us not to launch today as the wind velocity was forecast to increase and suggested we would be more comfortable staying on the hard. We agreed with this and decided to unhitch the 4x4 and drive somewhere for lunch. As we departed Kettering it began to rain and the driving conditions and visibility were poor.

The road to Cygnet took us along the eastern shore of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and it sure was rough out there. The wind had increased to something well above 25kts and the Channel to the south of Gordon and Verona Sands was a mass of white water. We put another briquette on the heater and felt grateful that we were warm and dry in the Mercedes Benz and were not on the water.

On arrival at Cygnet we checked out the Port Cygnet Yacht Club and its berthing arrangements and we were pleasantly surprised to find a set of pontoons attached to the shore in the basin adjacent to the club. I obtained the Commodores phone number as we would seek permission to berth there in the coming weeks. As the rain had stopped we did a quick walk around Cygnet and then drove on to Huonville. The rain pelted down again as we took a scenic tour of the area. On arrival at Huonville we remained in the car looking at a dismal brown river flowing past. While waiting for the rain to stop I perused the charts that I had in the car. The map indicated that there was a jetty on the port bank a couple of hundred metres below the Huonville Bridge. On inspection it was found to be in a sorry state of disrepair and not suitable to tie to. On the town or starboard side of the river below the bridge the bottom was scoured rock, again unsuitable to anchor. It seemed that Huonville offered no suitable spot to berth overnight. As the rain had eased we decided that we would walk to a Fish & Chip punt moored to the shore just below the bridge on the town side of the river and adjacent to a little park with tables and chairs. Veronica ordered our lunch of fish and chips and I cased the punt. It had a walk way across the transom to and on inspection of the river side of the punt I decided that this would be the place to berth. I decided to ask the proprietor if it would be OK to tie up alongside and gave him an approximate date of arrival. He asked us the length of our yacht and whether we had good fenders. I gave him the information required and he quickly agreed for us to use the punt. The Huonville berthing problem was solved and we looked forward to returning in a week or so. The return drive to Little Oyster Cove was very wet as the sky opened up and the rain bucketed down.

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Day 4. Once more, the dawn brought us bad news and warned of a wet, windy and cold day to come. The forecast was for more of the same but only more intense. It seems that we were subject to a Southern Ocean low. There was nothing else to do but have breakfast and go for a drive. At least the weather gave us confidence in the water resistant ability of our NX 25 as it was still warm and dry. Not a drop of rain had entered the boat even though we were experiencing torrential rain storms and high winds. The boom tent was working a treat. We paid a quick visit to Ian McConaghy to advise him of our movements and he suggested that we visit the Tahune Forest Air Walk which, would fill in the day adequately. To get there we could take the inland road to Cygnet and then proceed to Geeveston via Huonville where we would find the Tahune Forest and Heritage Centre. We took his advice and took a stress-free drive to Geeveston. We visited the Heritage Centre which was very informative and interesting. The various displays gave us a good idea of what we could expect at the Air Walk including an excellent rundown on the native flora, fauna and geological history of the rain forest. As the worms were biting we had lunch at Geeveston General Store and then drove 18 km’s on a sealed road to the Air Walk. The rain had eased by the time we ventured out to the walk but the wind was still blowing hard and the National Parks ranger advised us to hang on to the railing, especially when we reached the end of the walk where the structure cantilevered some 25 meters over the Huon River and gave a great view of the confluence of the Huon and Picton Rivers. The Air walk took us from the forest floor, through the many and varied types of trees and finally brought us out above the forest canopy. When we reached the high point of the walk we ventured out onto the shaking, swaying cantilevered section and found that we were suspended about 50 metres above the Huon River. From this high platform, the view of the meeting place of these two rushing rivers was spectacular, if not a little scary. A short burst of sunlight caused the rain forest canopy above and below us to glisten with drops of rain that the wind could not shake loose and a rainbow appeared over the forest. We returned to the kiosk elated from our experience on the Air walk, so much so that I went out and did it again while Veronica fossicked around in the souvenir shop. After a very pleasant afternoon we had a relaxed trip home and discussed going to Hobart tomorrow if the weather remained inclement. Day 5. We awoke to a clear, fine morning. The rain had disappeared but the wind continued to pipe in from the southwest. A quick look at the Cove indicated a little more time on the hard would be in order. After breakfast and a walk along the road to the Ferry Terminal we busied ourselves by reviewing our supplies of gas, ice, bait, meat and fresh vegetables. It was anticipated that we would depart for Barnes Bay later in the afternoon when the weather was forecast to moderate and the wind backed into the west. It was agreed that I would pick up some meat and vegies when I delivered our car and trailer to a friend’s place nearby.

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We had an early lunch and as the wind was now blowing over the top of the Cove from almost due west we decided to launch at the Marina ramp. The ramp is a bit rough and tight to manoeuvre the trailer into but, with a bit of persistence I made it. It was well sheltered and launching was easy. We undid the bow turnbuckle and `Frontliner` slipped into the water as if it was sitting on a tonne of butter. I motored around to the marina wharf and tied up at the fuel jetty where Ian volunteered to move the yacht if necessary while I disposed of the car and trailer. I made a quick trip to the shops and then on to Coningham via Lower Snug where our friends Jacques and Cathy own a 5 acre bush property. I parked the car and trailer among the trees and Cathy drove me back to the Marina. A quick farewell to all and sundry and we promptly cast off. Hooray! We were on the water at last. We picked our way out of the Marina and through the moored yachts in Little Oyster Cove, all the time following the navaids. Looking downwind, the Channel didn’t look all that rough but, how wrong I was. Abeam the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal we hoisted the jib and cut the motor. According to my wind indicator the wind velocity was a reasonably constant 25 knots true from 260 degrees. Occasionally, higher gusts to 30 knots were coming over the starboard quarter. I decided that the foresail would be all we needed to take us to Barnes Bay. As soon as we sailed into the Channel proper and away from the lee of the Ferry Terminal `Frontliner` took off. This point of sailing was fast and the NX behaved beautifully. We got the full blast of the wind as `Frontliner` scooted across the Channel at 7 – 8 knots of boat speed, bashing into the backs of a 1 metre short chop and then surging forward to the next wave. I had picked the correct sail configuration but the ride was far from smooth. It was an exhilarating sail as I steered 105 degrees magnetic with both hands on the tiller extension. We both sat out on the cockpit coaming with our backs pressed into the life lines and `Frontliner` rode nice and flat. Veronica had the jib sheet cleated and I could see that she was ready to release it at the first sign of trouble. This course sailed us safely clear of Quarantine Point on Bruny Island and into Barnes Bay. After passing Quarantine Point, a correction to port onto a heading of 070 degrees magnetic took us to Big Bill’s Point where the Truganini Light is perched on the headland. It also put the wind almost square on the stern. The short choppy waves seemed to flatten somewhat after entering Barnes Bay and running dead square was not a problem. We made Truganini Light in 25 minutes where we started the motor and doused the headsail. We turned south and entered Simmonds Bay on the motor, enroute for the Duckpond which offers excellent shelter from south, east and west winds.

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The Duckpond is situated in the south end of Simmonds Bay and as we approached the anchorage we found three keelboats anchored in about 5 metres of water north of the Duckpond and just south of the sand spit, the extremity of which is marked by a star picket. I decided to go further south and we crept in a little closer to shore. We dropped anchor in 2 metres of flat sheltered water at 1600 hrs. The bottom in the Duckpond is sand/mud and provides excellent holding and we had plenty of room to swing. The entire trip of 5.5 nm’s had taken just 45 minutes. The alternate anchorage, if a northerly influence is present, is at the northern end of Simmonds Bay adjacent to the old ferry terminal, only 1 nm away. It can be a little gusty in this anchorage and the holding is not good as there is a fare amount of rock present. Also, at the head of the bay the north wind tends to funnel down the valley, through which runs a creek. T/Y’s can enter the creek with the keel raised but beware of a power line approximately 10 metres overhead. It would be very tight getting under this power line in a NX 25, especially if equipped with a mast head VHF aerial. I have been into the creek and I suggest great care must be taken if used. A couple of beers and a BBQ dinner of steak and salad went down like a lead sinker. As the sun began to set the wind began to drop and at dusk there was not a breath of wind. An anchor check before retiring and a look at the sky indicated that it would be a great day tomorrow. There was not a cloud in the sky and the stars were shining brightly and reflecting like diamonds on the still, black surface of the Duckpond. Day 6.

It was so peaceful and quiet at this anchorage that we slept in this morning. A quick look out of the hatch confirmed that only two yachts remained at anchor. What a delightful picture they made as they lay motionless on the mirror-like surface of the bay. The swallows were busy darting and swooping on insects destined to be their breakfast. The wading birds were busy in the shallows while the gulls wheeled and squawked overhead as if demanding food. Taking a lesson from our avian friends,

Veronica prepared toast and coffee. Over breakfast we planned the day’s voyage. As the forecast was for a 10/15 knot northerly backing to a sea breeze later in the afternoon we decided to do what all dedicated cruising sailors do and sail downwind to Little Taylors Bay. We would have a look at the anchorages enroute and then sail on to Mickeys Bay which is situated in the north end of Great Taylor Bay. We weighed anchor at 0900hrs and sailed away from our mooring place on mainsail alone. A light northerly drift ghosted us past the other yachts as we waved farewell. After clearing Big Bill’s Point we slowly reached westward along Barnes Bay, close to the shore, to Rosebanks Beach taking care to give the rocks at Burying Point a wide berth. Rosebanks is a very pleasant little beach and would be a good spot for a beach BBQ although I wouldn’t choose it for an overnight anchorage. Alexanders Bay was the next anchorage to look at and we decided that it would be a reasonable spot with the wind blowing from the southern quarters but, definitely not suitable in a northerly. As well, it could be a bit roly-poly in winds from the west as the waves arched rounded Lennonville Point.

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We stood off Lennonville Point and with a 5 knot northerly over our starboard quarter we slowly made our way along the shore towards Roberts Point. We had been sailing for a little over an hour when we passed the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal. With the air temperature increasing and the wind at our backs the conditions were very pleasant so we stripped down to “T” shirts and shorts. It was also time for the sunscreen and hats. `Frontliner` glided past Roberts Point and I steered a course to take us directly to Kinghorne Point. We bypassed Apollo Bay as it contains an aquaculture farm. We stood on until well past Kinghorne Point then gybed to port. We plotted our course to Soldiers Point taking care to stand well clear of Umbrella Point and the rocky shoal that extends southeast from Snake Island. The wind speed increased and we gybed back to starboard as we reached along at 5 knots. We were having a great ride and the scenery was great. The water was very blue and even in 10 metres of water you could see the bottom clearly. As we approached the shoal off Snake Island I spotted a dinghy and then an “A” code flag and buoy signifying that there was a diver in the area. Even though we gave the shoal a wide berth we saw kelp fronds floating near the surface. We didn’t see the diver; I suspect he was having a great time plucking crayfish out of the rocky outcrops. We romped along to Soldiers Point and set course for Simpsons Point. At this juncture, Veronica went below to prepare lunch. As it was becoming quite warm I ordered a beer from the galley which was delivered with a couple of salami, onion and pickle sandwiches. As Great Bay and Isthmus Bay did not offer any attraction to us so we bypassed these areas. I spotted a yacht south of us and my competitive urge pushed me to trim sails and see if we could catch her. We must have been travelling a couple of knots faster than her as it didn’t take long to ascertain that she was an old wooden gaff rigged ketch, about 40 feet long with red canvass sails. As we came within 100 metres of her she slowly gybed to starboard, hardened up and tacked back up the Channel towards Woodbridge. At this time the wind velocity began to drop and within 30 minutes we were becalmed. It was 1300 hrs and as we were still approximately 14 nm from our planned destination, Mickeys Bay, I started the Diesel Tops’l and dropped the sails. Obviously the sea breeze had backed up the northerly and it was only a matter of time before it would prevail. We motored for about 45 minutes and as we passed Simpsons Point, the northern most point of Bruny Island South, we felt the influence of the left over swell generated by the Southern Ocean low that had drenched us for the past two days. The NX 25 rose and fell with the gentle swell and we continued to motor towards Satellite Island. As we approached Satellite Island we could see the sea breeze coming in from the south west across the glassy water of the Channel. We hoisted the main and jib and stopped the motor as the first gentle puffs of the sea breeze reached us.

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It built surprisingly quickly and within 15 minutes we were close hauled on starboard tack in 15 knots of wind and bolting along at 5.5 knots. We held starboard tack for about 4 nm until we were almost under Scott Point, the southern headland below Port Esperance and then tacked onto port and onto a course to take us into Mickeys Bay some 6 nm’s away. This was great sailing. The water was flat, the wind true in direction and constant in pressure. We held the port tack for just over an hour, both sitting out on the cockpit coaming while resting our backs in the life lines. The NX 25 revelled in this 15 -20 knot breeze and with flat water conditions she fairly hooted along. We dropped sails and started the motor a couple of hundred metres from the centre of the inlet to Mickeys Bay which is guarded by Curlew Island to the north and Seagull Rock near the southern headland. We headed for the northern end of the bay to an anchorage that would be protected from the south west and west by Mickeys Point. I was tempted to take the passage to the north of Curlew but was not confident of the depth, even though the chart indicated 2 metres. Erring on the safe side, we gave Curlew Island, a big, ugly, hotchpotch of rocks surrounded by shoal water, a wide berth and entered from the south. We motored slowly into 1.5 metres of water in Mickeys Bay North where we set our anchor in sand at 1605 hrs. We had sailed approximately 23 nm in ideal conditions. I settled down with a beer and checked our “on station” position and surprise, surprise; Veronica caught a couple of flathead before I had emptied the can. This little anchorage was heaven on a stick and we looked forward to a pleasant stay. Day 7. A pleasant and uneventful night was spent at anchor. We woke up at 0900 hrs fully refreshed and looking forward to the day ahead. Over breakfast we elected to stay at Mickeys Bay for the day and do a little beach combing, swimming and fishing. Rather than take the dinghy ashore I swam and waded to the beach. I walked to the southern end of the bay fossicking among the shells and detritus on the way. It is absolutely amazing what gets washed up on the beach from the Southern Ocean, including garbage from passing freighters and fishing vessels. The walk from Mickeys Bay to Cloudy Bay Lagoon and return is about 5 km’s from where we were anchored and is a must see item however, on a car trip to Bruny Island only a couple of years before Veronica and I had visited Cloudy Bay Lagoon, Cape Bruny and the South Bruny Lighthouse and while tempted to take in this magnificent vista once again I decided to spend the afternoon swimming, fishing and relaxing. As I returned to the yacht where Veronica sat dozing with a “penny dreadful” on her lap, a couple of keelboats entered the south end of the bay and anchored in deep water behind Seagull Rock. I swam out to Frontliner and donned my flippers and goggles. The water was

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crystal clear and surprisingly warm as I paddled slowly towards Curlew Island. A stingray covered with sand took flight as I approached it, giving me quite a surprise. The underwater garden leading to Curlew Island was very pretty even though the little toads and sand mullet took off as I invaded their space. I eventually swam a circular route and returned to the yacht.

As expected, the wind swung back into the north mid morning and by mid afternoon we had a NNW/NNE at 15/20 knots on our masthead and a comfortable 25 C. We had chosen the best end of the bay to anchor. We caught a few more flathead which I cleaned and wrapped in foil and as I lit the gas Magna BBQ the sun began to set and the wind began to drop. It was very pleasant out in the cockpit cooking our BBQ dinner of fish and potato baked in foil and drinking the odd VB.

Our simple but succulent meal accompanied by an excellent Yarra Valley Pinot Noir certainly capped of a beautiful day. After dinner we played cards and listened to our favourite CD’s. A last anchor check before retiring for the night was witnessed by another brilliant starry

night and the promise of a warm fine day tomorrow. Day 8. A beautiful still morning with the promise of a repeat performance of the conditions experienced yesterday. Over breakfast we planned to sail to Recherche Bay and in the event of adverse weather we would sail into Southport which offered good anchorages and protection from the north and south. As there was no wind we weighed anchor and slowly motored out of Mickeys Bay and steered to the south end of Great Taylors Bay. The old derelict light house jetty situated at the base of the Labillardiere Peninsular was once used to service and supply the South Bruny Lighthouse however, with the advent of a good road on which to reach the lighthouse the jetty was no longer required and subsequently fell into disrepair. The remains of the jetty piling made a forlorn sight. The water, cobalt blue and crystal clear contrasted superbly with the dry, brown boulders sunbaking on the shore. We decided to hoist the mainsail as a very light northerly drift had materialised. I rigged the paravane fishing line complete with a white lure and as we drifted slowly along the rocky shore in 5 to 10 metres of water, Veronica rhythmically jigged the lure up and down. I steered outside of Taylors Reef and suddenly she hooked a big flathead. She brought it up to the surface where I took over and hauled it into the boat. She steered while I gutted and cleaned the fish and it was in the icebox within minutes. The paravane went back in the water and the jigging commenced anew. We drifted along at about one knot and very soon she had another strike. This time the fish put up a strenuous fight right up to the surface and we discovered that she had hooked a wild Tasmanian salmon. I brought it into the boat and I estimate that it weighed about 1 kilogram. It was fat and in good condition so I went through the same procedure as before and placed it in the icebox with the flathead. We decided we had enough fish for a couple of meals so wound up the paravane and put it back in the locker.

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The wind gradually built and after about an hour of drifting conditions Frontliner started to move along quite smartly. We were almost close hauled on starboard tack as we sailed up the eastern side of Partridge Island near the jetty, complete with derrick. Unfortunately the passage between Partridge and the Peninsular is not navigable so we had to go the long way up to the tip of Partridge Island so that we could round Laughtons Point. The influence of the sea breeze started to take effect earlier than yesterday and the northerly petered out. Once more we were drifting along at 1 knot. We didn’t care; the sun was shining and the surrounding land provided spectacular scenery. Soon the sea breeze established itself and we were now close hauled on port tack and making for Sisters Bay just north of Southport. As we approached the land at Sisters Bay I noticed wispy clouds streaming over the high cliffs and rapidly falling towards the sea. I had seen this phenomenon years ago when I was a young boy living at Phillip Island and instantly recognised it as the start of a sea fog. There was no way we were going to sail through a sea fog to reach Recherche Bay where we

would have to pick our way through the rocky entrance in a pea souper, let alone find our way through the rocks and kelp beds that guarded the entrance to the beautiful Pigsties Bay. Neither were we prepared to risk going another 2 nautical miles to gain entry to Southport as this would entail tacking onto starboard and proceeding out into the body of the Channel. We had already seen quite a few big ships

in the Channel including one of Her Majesty’s war ships earlier in the day and we didn’t feel inclined to play chicken with one of them. There was only one thing to do and that was to turn north and make for Port Esperance and Dover. The fog was forming quickly but fortunately the breeze was steadily building so we ran north to Dover. We kept about 750 metres in front of the fog bank and when we rounded Lomas Point and entered Port Esperance we were both very relieved. Dover wharf was almost 3 nautical miles so we took the short cut and sailed between Hope Island and the canning factory with its salmon farms lining the shore on the port side. A few of the fish farm hands stopped feeding pellets of high protein food to the fish to look at this little yacht belting up the narrow channel as the fog rolled over the hills into Port Esperance and towards Dover. We skimmed past Charity Island as we made for the Fishermans Wharf. As we approached we could see that the wharf was taken up by fishing boats so I started the iron mains’l and dropped our sails. Another quick look for a space on the jetty and I motored flat out for the Dover Hotel jetty. This is a private jetty but it wasn’t the exactly time to be choosy so we

18


found a spot on the jetty and secured our lines. The fog was now closing in fast and Charity Island disappeared from view as we got through the gate on the jetty and went up to the pub. On entering the bar I asked a bloke behind the jump if I could speak to the publican. He looked at me strangely and said, “Yeh mate. Yur speaking to `im”. I introduced him to Veronica and told him we were tied up to his jetty. He looked at me again and asked if I would like a beer so I ordered two pots of Cascade draft. This seemed to please him as he looked at us quizzically and said, “Yeh mate, that’s OK. `ow long yers stayin”. I looked out of the bar window and couldn’t see our yacht 100 metres away so I said, “as long as the bloody fog stays around mate, but overnight for sure”. Later on we had a delightful dinner in the restaurant adjacent to the bar. The menu, offering many tempting dishes was superb for a place this size. As we dined the buzz of conversation in the hotel increased in volume and after a lip-smacking repast including a bottle of Tasmanian Pipers Brook Cabernet Sauvignon we returned to the bar to find it cram packed full of young men and women. A rock band was warming up and the crowd were starting to get into top gear in anticipation of the night ahead. Just before the first bracket was about to be played we finished our night cap and said goodnight to the publican who offered us a room for the night, free of charge. We explained that we had to decline his generous offer as we wanted to be with the yacht. He understood our position but insisted that we come up to the hotel for a shower in the morning. All we had to do was speak to the housemaid and she would give us towels and a room to shower in. Once again a pig’s ear had turned into a silk purse as we had a great stay at this quaint little pub with its friendly publican. His generous disposition displayed Tasmanian country hospitality at its best. Somewhat reluctantly we stepped outside into the dark and switched the torch on only to find the fog was so thick you could hardly see a hand in front of your face. We wandered down the hill to our yacht accompanied by the din of hard rock belting out of the pub. It might be a noisy night but who cared? We were very pleased to be made fast to the Dover Hotel jetty, safe and sound with a good meal and a few grogs under the belt.

TO BE CONTINUED

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Squadron News Volume 17 Issue 3 May/June 2012

NOELEX AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012

Colling’s takes out Noelex National Championship The Noelex Australian Championship 2012 was conducted at the Safety Beach Sailing Club (SBSC), on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May 2012. A quality fleet of 19 Noelex 25’s entered the regatta which was sailed over 6 races with one drop allowed. Saturday dawned overcast and drizzly with a 15/20 knot south westerly blowing across Dromana Bay, Port Phillip. The on shore south westerly wind had been blowing for a couple of days which resulted in a short choppy .5 to 1 metre seaway. The information session took place at 0900 hrs where the President of the NYAA Inc., Andrew Fedorowicz welcomed the sailors to the regatta. He introduced the Principal Race Officer Geoff Eldridge who briefed the entrants as to local hazards etc. From the two story section of the SBSC clubhouse windows, anxious faces looked out over the race area with a certain amount of trepidation. Saturdays racing consisted of four back to back races with an `on course` lunch break scheduled between the second and third races. The five leg windward/leeward courses consisted of legs of approximately one nautical mile and in the prevailing wind and sea conditions the course configuration tested the skippers, crews and boats. In a world where nothing seems to be standard it was a pleasure to see a fleet of 19 NX 25’s, all in class measurement trim, greet the starter for the first race of the day which was sailed in blustery conditions. There was several gear breakages suffered in the morning races with one boat, Virgo skippered by Hugh Provis, RBYC having to retire from the regatta. The racing was very close across the entire fleet and tactics both up and downwind played an important part, however Glen Collins and his crew on Leewana proved to have the right combination of sail trim, tactics and boat handing as they won the first, third and fourth races of the day. After a very social evening, including dinner, at the Safety Beach Sailing Club the weary skippers and crew members retired to their boats penned in Martha Cove, to prepare for the action next day. Sunday dawned in much the same fashion as the previous day, the one exception being; the rain squalls had cleared. As the yachts left Martha Cove through the canal into Dromana Bay the sun attempted to break through the low overcast. The wind was still in the same quarter blowing at 12 to 15 knots and the seaway and weather conditions were similar to Saturday.The final two races of the series were sailed resulting in another two wins for Glen Collings and his crew to give them a clean sweep of the series with a score of five points, after dropping a second placing. While Leewana dominated the series, the competition was much closer than the scores indicated. At the Presentation of Prizes on Sunday afternoon the President of the NYAA Inc., thanked the SBSC members for their input into the series, in particular P.R.O. Geoff Eldridge for his accuracy and patience in setting excellent courses in very difficult shifting wind conditions. He also thanked the Commodore for the hospitality offered by the club to the NYAA Inc and its members.

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CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

1st 821 Leewana Glen Collings & Crew Mount Martha Sailing Club

2nd 971 Syrah Peter Bulka & Crew Safety beach Sailing Club

3rd 740 Pisces Terry Caldwell & Crew Albury Wodonga Yacht Club

HANDICAP RESULTS

1st 938 Silver Shadow Jonathon Storm & Crew Mornington Yacht Club

2nd 814 Rum Runner Phil Clements & Crew Albury Wodonga Yacht Club

3rd Cocktail Rob Rainsford & Crew Mornington Yacht Club

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

NX 25 National Champions Glen Collings & Crew

with President Andrew Fedorowicz

HANDICAP WINNERS

NX 25 National Performance Handicap Winners

Jonathon Storm & Crew

For the Championship Six (6) Heat Series Results - Class Elapsed Time & Performance Handicap, go to the NYAA Inc webpage, noelex.org.au and click on Racing

21


Squadron News Volume 17 Issue 3 May/June 2012

CONFORMITY TO NOELEX 25 CLASS RULES &

YA SPECIAL REGULATIONS PART 1

Following the recent successful Noelex National Championship held at Safety Beach, the Committee of Management has received correspondence from a Noelex 25 owner who competed in the championship alleging that he had observed some breaches of the Rules. The alleged infringements relate to departures from Noelex 25 Class Rules and YA Special Regulations Part 1. The examples cited have to do with equipment such as, incomplete and incorrectly tensioned life lines, over width jib travellers, and an outboard engine not mounted in the correct position. As no protests were lodged and committee members did not personally notice any transgressions, no further action will be taken in this instance. The purpose of this note is to remind members that it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their boat conforms to Class Rules when racing in Association regattas. In future it is intended that the Noelex Championship entry form will include a declaration page stating that the boat conforms to Noelex Class Rules and the YA Special Regulations Part 1. This declaration shall be signed by the owner/skipper of the boat and will be a condition of entry. Owners and skippers are also reminded that boats racing in NYAA Inc. titles may be inspected at any time by the Class Measurer or his/her deputy. Boats found not to comply with class rules may be penalised or eliminated from racing. We have a great class of boat and we encourage as many members as possible to participate in racing in a competitive but fair manner. We would also strongly encourage competitors who believe either class or racing rules have been breached to lodge a protest at the time for the consideration of the race committee. Fair winds and good sailing to all.

John John Burgess On behalf of the Committee of Managements

NYAA Inc. & NYS Inc.

22


Noelex Telltales


SOCIAL NEWS

NYAA Inc & NYS Inc Official Events 2012-13

RACING EVENT CLUB

The details of the Social Calendar for 2012 – 13 are still being finalised.

It is envisaged that two BBQ’s and two Cruises will be scheduled.

The details of these events will be published in the July/August

2012 edition of Telltales.

The NYAA Inc., Committee of Management wish to thank the Noelexians who attended the racing, cruising and social BBQ’s conducted last season.

With the exception of the Noelex Country Championship and the Noelex National Championship which are funded by the NYAA Inc., all other social events were paid for by the participants at these events.

We look forward to meeting new and old members at our social events next season.

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Noelex Telltales

Volume 17 Issue 2 March/April 2012

BOATS FOR SALE

Noelex 30/Farr 940 `WHY KNOT` This Noelex 30 was built by Sea Nymph New Zealand, the company owned by the designer Bruce Farr. The date of manufacture is 1989 and the builder’s number is 178804. The hull was hard anti-fouled in 2012 and the yacht is ready for trailering. The yacht is presently laying at the Gippsland lakes Yacht Club, Victoria INVENTORY: Sails: A full set of North Sails which includes the following. 3Dr No 1 Genoa 3DR No 2 Headsail 3DR Working Jib A fully battened Dacron Mainsail No 1 Spinnaker No 2 Spinnaker Rigging: The standing and running rigging was replaced in 2005. The wire halyards were replaced with fully colour coded Spectra lines. There are two (2) Harken self tailing winches for the headsails p0-lus two (2) cabin top winches for halyards etc. Engine: Mariner 15 HP two stroke. Electrics & Instruments: Twin batteries (new 2012) Solar panel Navman Auto helm Navman wind instruments and log Interior: The timber work is NX Kauri giving a visually lighter interior than the traditional dark teak. Gas stove & oven (safety gas detector installed) Ice box with refrigerator compressor

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Porta Potti and shower Perspex storm boards and Fly screens Other: A large cockpit canopy (new 2012) Trailer: Tri-axle trailer (stainless steel disc brakes to two (2) axles Vacuum over hydraulic brakes Electric retrieval winch Location: Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club, Paynesville Price: $58,000:00 Contact: Owner Peter Sutton 0409 120 513

25


Noelex Telltales


“Flat White # 806”

New Zealand built 1984 – white hull blue stripes.

o Sails and Rigging: o 3 Main Sails (1 new)

o 1 Self Tacking Jib o 1 Genoa

o 1 Spinnaker

o Communication: o 2 Radios VHF and, 27 MHz & AM/FM Radio

o Engine: o Johnson 8 HP 2 stroke

o Instruments:

o Depth, Log/Speed with Countdown Display, o 2 x 12v batteries

o Auto helm 1000 and accessories o Trailer:

o Tandem Trailer, registered & in very good condition with electrical and manual

winches

o Fit Out: o Standard fit out

o Pop Top with clear curtain o New upholstered cushions

o Gas stove and two gas bottles

o Porta Potti o Other Features:

o Targa Tower with 2 x 80Watt Solar Panels, 2 x Barlow Winches o 4 PFD’s, 4 fenders 2 water bladders.

o All control lines lead aft through 2 banks of jammers.

o Standing & running rigging is in excellent condition.

This NX 25 is ready to sail with nothing to spend.

o Asking Price: o $35,000 o.n.o.

o Location: o Airlie Beach QLD.

o Contact Owner PH. 0408 029 721 or NYAA Inc Secretary

To advertise a boat for sale or, to buy a boat listed for sale

Contact the NYAA Inc Secretary:

Veronica Burgess Ph. 0409 198 443 or Email: [email protected]

http://noelex.org.au/contact/


26


Noelex Telltales


‘Two Way Street’ #1000

The Boat:

NX 1000, ‘Two Way Street’, built by Noelex Yachts Australia P/L, South Australia, 1990. White hull and deck with Light Blue stripe. Internal lining to gunwale.

Hull anti-fouled October 2010. New front hatch.

Sails and Rigging:

Includes: main and self-tacking jib (Thomson Sails 2009), 3 sets of earlier mains/jibs, 3 spinnakers

various sizes, and storm jib. New spinnaker and genoa lines. 2 spinnaker poles. 4 deck winches. Standing rigging in good condition

Running rigging replaced in 2009/10 with Spectra lines. Many other items replaced or upgraded.

Engine:

Suzuki 8 hp motor, new 2010. Full service record.

Comms and Navigation: Uniden VHF Radio and GME Electrophone 27 MHZ Radio

Fully integrated instrumentation including: Stowe speed/log and depth sounder, Navman Wind 3100 masthead wind instrument,

Garmin GPS, Cockpit GPS Display, Plastimo compass.

Trailer:

Mackay tandem, tube suspension, 4 wheel disk brakes (rebuilt 2008), light truck tyres with 2 spares,

removable power winch, padded rollers, rear light board.

Other Features and Equipment:

Full canvas fitted boat cover. All Cat 5 Safety gear. 2 anchors, chains etc, 4 life jackets. Navigation lights, heavy duty battery with PVC solar trickle charge panel. New main switch board.

2 Fenders, several berthing lines, first aid kit, spare tools & fittings, equipment manuals

including original NX production manual, NX ‘hints & tips’ hard copy, other information. Boom cover. Canvas tiller and rudder cover. Boom tent. Cockpit cushions. NX cool box, and

demountable table. Water proof internal carpet throughout. 2 sets of pop-top companionway and front hatch screens in both heavy-duty plastic clear and canvas

with fly screens. Pioneer Stereo System. Stainless steel metho stove. Porta Potti toilet.

General: This boat has everything needed for racing and cruising. Easy to rig. Most deck top control lines are

two sided. Very comfortable sleeping 2-up camping, can accommodate 4. Internal timber work and cushions all in excellent condition.

Asking Price: $49,250 Location: Paynesville, Victoria

Owner: Michael Oxer Mob: 0419 583 482 03 5156 8228 E:Mail [email protected]

Enquiries: Contact the NYAA Inc Secretary:

Veronica Burgess Ph. 0409 198 443 or Email: [email protected]



27



PETER GREEN SAIL & PIB PROUDLY SUPPORT THE NYAA INC & NYS INC

YACHT INSURANCE For yacht insurance we recommend that

you contact

PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS (incorporating Monash Insurance Brokers)

(Member of Insurance Brokers Network Australia and National Insurance Brokers Association)

For the best premium rates members are invited to take advantage of the special package applying to Noelex owners.

Contact Andrew JOHNSTON on (03) 9756 6399

e-mail [email protected] - mobile 040 836 9607

Member rates available only on production of membership certification


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