The Bay of Plenty & Coromandel’s own watersports news. Phone 07 578 0030

Au

gu

st 2011 Issue N

o 158

Gulf cruiser

Meech world cham

pion

Tsunami warning

Pilot charts

Blue penguins

please take one

Kayaker TimTaylor is taking advantage of recent winter swells as he keeps himself in shape to complete his circum kayak of New Zealand. He’s waiting for a gap in the winter storms to kayak the 90 Mile Beach and round North Cape, a marathon effort that will require a

three-day weather window and peak fitness. See story on page 21.

A serious dumping

Breaking news: Sam Meech is Tauranga’s newest world champion after winning the

2011 Laser Junior World Championship title in La Rochelle, France.

02 WATERLINE

The Bay of Plenty’s own boating, fishing,

diving, yachting and watersports news.

Waterline advertising & editorial deadlines Edition Deadline September2011 12August October2011 16September November2011 14October

Foradvertising,callSunMedia’sspecialistmarineconsultantJo Dempsey 07 928 3041 email jo@thesun.co.nzFollow us on facebook

www.facebook.com/Waterlinemagazine

PH 07-578 0030 FAX 07-571 1116PO Box 240, Tauranga.

1 The Strand, Tauranga

email: brian@thesun.co.nz

HIGH TIDESAugust1 Mo 1:46 0.2 7:58 1.8 14:02 0.1 20:26 1.92 Tu 2:35 0.2 8:49 1.9 14:51 0.1 21:14 23 We 3:24 0.1 9:39 1.9 15:41 0.1 22:03 24 Th 4:14 0.1 10:30 1.9 16:32 0.1 22:53 25 Fr 5:04 0.1 11:22 1.9 17:24 0.1 23:44 1.96 sa 5:56 0.1 12:17 1.8 18:18 0.2 7 su 0:37 1.9 6:49 0.1 13:14 1.8 19:16 0.38 Mo 1:32 1.8 7:45 0.2 14:14 1.8 20:15 0.39 Tu 2:30 1.7 8:44 0.2 15:15 1.7 21:17 0.410 We 3:31 1.7 9:44 0.3 16:16 1.7 22:18 0.411 Th 4:31 1.7 10:43 0.3 17:14 1.8 23:18 0.412 Fr 5:30 1.7 11:40 0.3 18:07 1.8 13 sa 0:13 0.3 6:25 1.7 12:32 0.3 18:57 1.814 su 1:04 0.3 7:15 1.7 13:21 0.2 19:44 1.815 Mo 1:51 0.3 8:02 1.7 14:06 0.2 20:27 1.816 Tu 2:35 0.3 8:45 1.7 14:48 0.3 21:08 1.817 We 3:16 0.3 9:27 1.7 15:29 0.3 21:48 1.818 Th 3:56 0.3 10:06 1.7 16:08 0.3 22:26 1.719 Fr 4:34 0.3 10:45 1.7 16:47 0.4 23:04 1.720 sa 5:12 0.3 11:25 1.6 17:28 0.4 23:43 1.721 su 5:52 0.4 12:07 1.6 18:10 0.5 22 Mo 0:23 1.6 6:34 0.4 12:52 1.6 18:57 0.523 Tu 1:08 1.6 7:20 0.4 13:43 1.6 19:47 0.524 We 1:58 1.6 8:11 0.4 14:37 1.6 20:42 0.525 Th 2:53 1.6 9:06 0.4 15:35 1.6 21:40 0.526 Fr 3:51 1.6 10:03 0.3 16:31 1.7 22:38 0.427 sa 4:50 1.6 11:00 0.3 17:26 1.7 23:34 0.328 su 5:48 1.7 11:55 0.2 18:18 1.8 29 Mo 0:28 0.2 6:43 1.8 12:48 0.1 19:10 1.930 Tu 1:20 0.1 7:36 1.9 13:39 0.1 20:00 231 We 2:11 0.1 8:28 1.9 14:30 0 20:50 2

sEPtEMBER1 Th 3:02 0 9:19 2 15:21 0 21:40 22 Fr 3:52 0 10:11 2 16:13 0.1 22:31 23 sa 4:42 0 11:03 1.9 17:06 0.1 23:24 1.94 su 5:34 0.1 11:58 1.9 18:01 0.2 5 Mo 0:17 1.8 6:27 0.1 12:55 1.8 18:58 0.36 Tu 1:14 1.8 7:23 0.2 13:55 1.8 19:58 0.37 We 2:12 1.7 8:22 0.3 14:55 1.7 20:59 0.48 Th 3:13 1.6 9:23 0.3 15:55 1.7 22:00 0.49 Fr 4:14 1.6 10:23 0.3 16:52 1.7 22:58 0.410 sa 5:12 1.6 11:20 0.3 17:44 1.7 23:51 0.311 su 6:05 1.6 12:11 0.3 18:32 1.7 12 Mo 0:40 0.3 6:54 1.7 12:58 0.3 19:16 1.713 Tu 1:25 0.3 7:38 1.7 13:41 0.3 19:58 1.814 We 2:06 0.2 8:19 1.7 14:22 0.3 20:37 1.715 Th 2:45 0.2 8:58 1.7 15:00 0.3 21:15 1.716 Fr 3:23 0.2 9:36 1.7 15:38 0.3 21:52 1.717 sa 3:59 0.3 10:13 1.7 16:16 0.4 22:29 1.718 su 4:36 0.3 10:52 1.7 16:56 0.4 23:07 1.6

Tauranga tide heights in metres. Bowentown: subtract 5 minutes from Tauranga (both HW and LW)

Katikati (Kauri Point): add 30 minutes to Tauranga (both HW and LW)Whitianga: High Water subtract 2 minutes from Tauranga HW tide; Low Water add

2 minutes to Tauranga Low Water.

Every effort has been made to ensure that these times and tides are correct, no responsibility will be accepted for any inaccuracies, omissions, or misuse or misinterpretation of the values

for tides and times published. Times used in the tide predictions are in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST1).

WATERLINE 03COASTGUARD

Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard has set up a community endowment fund with the Acorn Foundation as a way

of securing a donations income stream.

It means that donations to coastguard via the fund will be there forever, building up a pool from which the interest provides an income.

It hands the money management aspects of managing charitable organisation over to the experts, leaving the coastguard to focus on saving lives at sea.

The coastguard was among the first Tauranga community groups to express an interest in the community endowment fund at the begin-ning of the year, soon after Acorn first announced their availability.

“Acorn can invest it better than we can,” says coastguard commit-tee member Debbie Morss. “It also can attract new money as people make donations to us.”

It also makes better use of the money. A $10,000 donation that would formerly have been placed in a term deposit until called upon, is now able to be invested at better rates in the endowment fund and there is an annual interest payment to the coastguard.

It doesn’t have to be a large donation, because all donations enlarge the fund, which enlarges the annual income stream to the Coast-guard.

As well as being a better deal for the living, donations to the coast-guard community endowment fund can be made in one’s will, with the income going where the donor specifies.

The other advantage for the Coastguard and other community groups is the endowment fund income will go towards operational costs, says Acorn operations manager Margo McCool.

“The donations will create an annual income stream rather than a one-off capital fund.

Most community groups struggle to get an operational funding stream.”

Capital funding for one off projects is easier for community groups because they can apply for gaming grants or TECT for capital grants.

Tax credits of 33.3 per cent can be claimed for donations to the Acorn Foundation.

Endowment funding for coastguard

Debbie Morss, Margo McCool and Tania Williamson at Acorn.

04 WATERLINE TAURANGA BOAT SALES

Reg Hodgson spent years virtually rebuilding Safari from the keel up, and now she’s finally looking right he’s handed the kauri hulled bridge decker to Tauranga

Boat Sales to market.

“It’s like most things, I’ve also restored vintage cars, and once a job’s finished I lose interest a bit. It’s the doing of it that’s the enjoyment,” says Reg.

He bought Safari six years ago in a very run down condition, and has since gutted, stripped and rebuilt the interior.

“It was just years of work basically.”The hull is original, and Reg left the carvel

planked kauri caulked. “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it,” says

Reg. “It’s been around for 70 years now. It’s still in very good condition. I can’t see the point in changing it, and to glass them is a big job. “It’s pretty good. You get a bit of move-ment in the summer, a bit of shrinkage. In winter time it tightens up again, like a cycle as it were.”

I hasn’t all been work. He takes Safari up to the Barrier every year, cruising in the Hauraki Gulf, and has taken her up to the Bay of Islands.

“For coastal cruising you can go anywhere.”Tauranga Boat Sales has Safari’s diesel con-

sumption at five litres per hour, with an eight knot cruising speed, but Reg

says his log books show she can do a lot better.

“The average is a lot less. When you’re away it’s down to about two litres an hour and you’re probably getting four or five knots at those sort of revs. And consequently you

are getting a lot bigger range.”Bailey and Lowe built Safari at

Sulphur Beach Northcote, in 1947.“The guy I bought her off, he had her

about 20 years in Tauranga,” says Reg. “If you go way back one of the Paykels owned it, the

Fisher and Paykels.“The original owner I think he sold her

on to one of the Paykel brothers. From there I’m a little unsure. I’ve had it

six years, the previous owner 20. The others I know of are in Auckland.”

The former Gulf cruiser may have been a former Mayor Island boat. Reg has got outriggers that came with Safari though he’s never put

them on.Reg is now looking for another

project.“I will find one. It’s got to be the right

sort of boat and something that’s worth doing.”

Reg is looking for another project

Safari, job done.

WATERLINE 05TAURANGA BOAT SALES

Two locations to serve you:

Sulphur Point MarinaNext to Burnsco07 571 8443

thecrew@taurangaboatsales.co.nz

Tauranga Bridge Marina Mount Maunganui07 575 0512

WL1

108

db

Tgab

oat

www.taurangaboatsales.co.nz

Brett EatonBroker

0274 592 982

Bridget Cooper Advertising/

Marketing

Ian ThomasBroker

0274 976 010

Rod Horne Broker

027 255 0117

Brian KentOwner/Manager

021 644 091

Tauranga Boat Expo

Talk to one of the crew today about featuring your boat in the expo!

Mariner 50001988, rebuild Of Upper engines, Full Topsides & Hull repaint 09/2010, Twin Caterpillar 375Hp Diesels, new electronics March 2011 in Outstanding Condition Throughout, Charter Potential. $380,000 + GST If AnyBrett Eaton 0274 592 982

OLiver 3902008, Twin Cummins 380Hp x2 Only 224Hrs, Smart Craft engine Mmgt System, Under Water exhaust, Furuno electronics, One Owner Boat with very Low Hours, Perfect For Family entertaining.$585,000Brett Eaton 0274 592 982

POWer CaT 2600 Cabriolet & Trailer, Dec 2007, 2x Suzuki O/B 140Hp ea only 100Hrs. enclosed Cockpit, in immaculate Condition. everything You Would need On a Bigger Boat, But Still Small enough To Tow.$160,000Rod Horne 027 255 0117

DOBSOn 32’1980, Bukh 20HP Diesel (Serviced June 2011), 6’1 Headroom, Furling Headsail, Battened Main, new Dodger June 2011 and More, raymarine GPS. excellent entry Level Yacht!$49,000Brett Eaton 0274 592 982

Tauranga’s only on the water Boat Expo and Water Festival

November 4th 5th & 6th 2011On the Downtown Waterfront,

Tauranga.

06 WATERLINE HARBOUR MASTER

Ahoy there sailors! So you think you’re pretty clued up when it comes to boating? Here’s a quick quiz to see if

you’re up to speed. Let me know how you go!

1. You see a white light ahead. What is it?A. The stern light of a power driven vessel or sailing vessel

underwayB. A dinghy under oarsC. An anchor light of a vessel less than 50 metres in lengthD. A power driven vessel less than 7 metres in length whose

speed does not exceed 7 knotsE. All of the above2. When boating in a narrow channel, which side of the

channel would you keep to?A. Keep leftB. Stick to the middle of the channelC. Keep to the right sideD. Keep to port of everyone3. You see a buoy that is black with a red horizontal stripe

across the middle. What is it and what do you do?A. It marks a danger – keep well clear of itB. It’s a water ski access lane – keep away unless you’re skiingC. No anchoring – it marks a submarine cableD. Pass any side of it as it’s marking safe water4. When your power boat meets another power boat head on,

what action should you take?A. None, I am the “stand on” vessel and should keep my course

and speedB. Slow downC. Alter course to starboard

D. Alter course to portE. The smaller boat should give way5. What is the maximum speed you can do within 200 metres

of a boat flying a Dive Flag?A. 8 knotsB. 10 knotsC. 5 knotsD. Full speedE. All of the above as there is no speed limit6. You hear five or more short blasts on a horn or whistle,

sounded by a large vessel nearby. What does that mean?A. It is intending to overtake youB. It is questioning your intentionsC. It is turning to portD. The vessel is going asternE. None of the above7. What precautions should you take before refuelling your

boat?A. Switch off all sources of ignitionB. Close all portholes, vents and hatches to stop fuel vapours

entering the cabinC. Make sure a fire extinguisher is handyD. Have a cloth ready to wipe up any spillageE. All of the above8. The clear height under the Tauranga Harbour bridges is

marked on the chart as 9m. What does this measurement refer to?

A. The bridge is 9 metres high above the sea bedB. There is 9 metres clearance under the bridge at low water

mark

Getting yourself up to speed

WATERLINE 07HARBOUR MASTER

C. There is 9 metres in width between the main navigation spans

D. There is 9 metres clearance between the main navigation spans and high water level

E. None of the above9. You’re in a powerboat with another powerboat approach-

ing on a collision course on your starboard bow. What action should you take?

A. Alter course to the right and pass astern of the other boatB. Alter course to port and speed up to pass clear aheadC. Maintain your course and speed as you’re the stand-on vesselD. Sound 5 short blasts and go asternE. Check to see which boat is the larger. If he’s smaller, you don’t

have to give way to him.10. The best way to check if a risk of collision exists with

another boat is:A. If you can see both of his sidelights at once, you are on a

collision courseB. Always assume there is a risk of collision and alter course so as

to pass behind the other boatC. Take several compass bearings of the other boat – if the bear-

ing remains the same, there is a risk of collisionD. Maintain your course and speed as he’s the give-way vesselE. None of the above11. When towing a skier or wake boarder you must:A. Stop skiing or wake boarding at sun set B. Tow your skier or wake boarder through the water ski access

lane by the most direct routeC. Keep to the starboard side of a ski access laneD. Have an observer who is 10 years of age or overE. All of the above12. You see a white triangle on a post on the shore. What is

it marking?A. An overhead power lineB. A reserved areaC. A marine reserveD. A submarine cable or pipelineE. None of the above13. You’re on a sail boat, tacking down harbour in the main

shipping channel and you see a large container ship coming towards you on a collision course. What should you do?

A. Nothing, he has to give way to sailing vesselsB. Tack away so as to keep well clear of the shipC. Alter to starboard and pass ahead of himD. Keep going, as you can just make it past him on this tack14. A preferred channel to port marker is mostly green with a

red horizontal band. What light sequence would you expect to see on it?

A. Red, quick flashing QFlB. Green, group flashing Fl(2+1)C. Green, any sequenceD. White, occulting or isophase15. You’re in a small runabout travelling out of the harbour

for an evening’s fishing when you see a red flashing light ahead of you. What should you do?

A. Reverse your engine and bring your boat to a complete stopB. Pull over to the side of the channel, it’s an emergency

response vesselC. It’s a high speed vessel, keep well clearD. Move over to let the pilot boat go pastE. Alter course to port to keep it on your starboard side

16. What is the usual speed limit within 200 metres of the shore?

A. 8 knotsB. 10 knotsC. There is no speed limitD. 5 knotsE. Full speed17. When in restricted visibility, as the skipper, what must

you do?A. Proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circum-

stances and conditionsB. Have your engines ready for immediate manoeuvringC. Adjust your speed taking into account the traffic density and

proximity of navigational hazardsD. All of the aboveE. None of the above18. What should you do before crossing a river bar?A. Check the tide and weatherB. Tell someone what your intentions areC. Inspect the barD. Wear lifejacketsE. All of the above19. How old do you have to be before you can drive a power

boat that is capable of doing more than 10 knots?A. 8 yearsB. 10 yearsC. 15 yearsD. 16 yearsE. There is no age limit20. What lights should you show on your 14m launch at

night?A. Red on the port side and green on the starboard sideB. Port, starboard and a white stern lightC. Red, green, white sternlight and a white masthead ‘steaming’

lightD. An all-round white light

How did you score?• 20 correct: Well done, keep up the good work! Call in to the

Harbour Master’s office at 6 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui for a packet of jelly beans as a reward.

• 15 – 19 correct: Good work; a refresher might be handy before next summer.

• 10 – 14 correct: You’re a bit rusty: you need to brush up before you head out on the water.

• Less than 10 correct: Oh dear. I recommend you enrol for a course before you take your boat out on the water. Coastguard Boating Education Service run excellent courses – you can even do some courses by correspondence. Check it out at www.cbes.org.nz or phone them on 0800 40 80 90.

If you would like to debate any of the answers, feel free to call in to our Rata Street office for an energetic discussion!

Good sailing, good fishing – and safe boating.Captain Jennifer Roberts – Harbour Master

– Western Bay of Plenty

Answers:1 E 2 C 3 A 4 C 5 C 6 B 7 E 8 D 9 A 10 C 11 E 12 D 13 B 14 B 15 E 16 D 17 D 18 E 19 C 20 C

Get enrolled for a course on the water 06 WATERLINE HARBOUR MASTER

Ahoy there sailors! So you think you’re pretty clued up when it comes to boating? Here’s a quick quiz to see if

you’re up to speed. Let me know how you go!

1. You see a white light ahead. What is it?A. The stern light of a power driven vessel or sailing vessel

underwayB. A dinghy under oarsC. An anchor light of a vessel less than 50 metres in lengthD. A power driven vessel less than 7 metres in length whose

speed does not exceed 7 knotsE. All of the above2. When boating in a narrow channel, which side of the

channel would you keep to?A. Keep leftB. Stick to the middle of the channelC. Keep to the right sideD. Keep to port of everyone3. You see a buoy that is black with a red horizontal stripe

across the middle. What is it and what do you do?A. It marks a danger – keep well clear of itB. It’s a water ski access lane – keep away unless you’re skiingC. No anchoring – it marks a submarine cableD. Pass any side of it as it’s marking safe water4. When your power boat meets another power boat head on,

what action should you take?A. None, I am the “stand on” vessel and should keep my course

and speedB. Slow downC. Alter course to starboard

D. Alter course to portE. The smaller boat should give way5. What is the maximum speed you can do within 200 metres

of a boat flying a Dive Flag?A. 8 knotsB. 10 knotsC. 5 knotsD. Full speedE. All of the above as there is no speed limit6. You hear five or more short blasts on a horn or whistle,

sounded by a large vessel nearby. What does that mean?A. It is intending to overtake youB. It is questioning your intentionsC. It is turning to portD. The vessel is going asternE. None of the above7. What precautions should you take before refuelling your

boat?A. Switch off all sources of ignitionB. Close all portholes, vents and hatches to stop fuel vapours

entering the cabinC. Make sure a fire extinguisher is handyD. Have a cloth ready to wipe up any spillageE. All of the above8. The clear height under the Tauranga Harbour bridges is

marked on the chart as 9m. What does this measurement refer to?

A. The bridge is 9 metres high above the sea bedB. There is 9 metres clearance under the bridge at low water

mark

Getting yourself up to speed

08 WATERLINE BOAT BUYING

In a way, the boat buying process I’ve just been through has taken the best part of fifteen years.

Always fond of messing about in boats, but always other people’s, left me hankering to get my hands on the wheel, tiller, oars, anything really, of something to call my own. An interest-ing little journey and, if you are minded to get on the first rung of the nautical rope-ladder that leads to endless damp expense, then I hope there are a few little hints on the way.

My first serious thoughts of watery pleasure followed a sailing course I did in the UK, added to by shore-based navigation courses run by the RYA. The latter were evening classes, with a weird mix of types, some of whom had extensive practical experience afloat, some, like me, who had almost none, but all of whom went to the pub afterwards, and some unlikely but enduring friendships were formed.

Love sailing as I did, and there are times when it is sublime, I found the need for speed just a little overwhelming. Not for it’s own sake you understand, more that I just love the hustle and bustle of preparing to leave, then the interest and excitement of entering new bays and harbours, mooring up and getting ashore to explore. The bit in the middle can be tranquil, serene, and in the right circumstances almost spiritual, but often, well, boring. So, sorry stick and rag chaps, but when I ever did actu-ally buy something, it would have to make a noise.

Boat showsBoat Shows. Well, once it gets in your head, you just have to start

hanging around boat shows, don’t you. Shiny new things everywhere, none of which we could afford, but you tell yourself that maybe, one day, with the right alignment of moon and tide, a pension lump sum and a dead relative or two, it might just come together, and we looked at cruising boats and launches that we were probably never going to afford. We were right, and remain right to date, sadly.

A tip here - don’t get too matey, or exaggerate your position too much, to boat salesmen at boat shows. We did just that, and subsequently visited a boat makers yard, complete with red carpet treatment and talk of order forms at a time when we couldn’t really afford the petrol for the car to get there. I think we got away with the bluff, but it was a bit uncomfortable for a moment or two. I bet they get that all the time, and can smell ‘chancers’ a mile away, but perhaps the fact that they invited us in the first place meant we at least looked the part.

So fast forward quite a lot, see some roller-coaster finances drag us from pillar to post, and there we were, actually working out that we could spare a few dollars for a very basic means of getting on the water, and, if not actually drinking gin and tonic on the veranda, perhaps at least catching a fish or two. I do mean basic, as the original budget was going to be just $5000.

Well, where to start? First, I suppose, was some idea of what we wanted to use it for, and where. Fishing inshore waters around Tauranga Harbour and the Rotorua lakes was a priority, plus a bit of pottering about, and maybe enough power to pull a doughnut would about cover it. A reasonably open cockpit would help, as I do love chucking a fly about. Some preferences for tin or glass perhaps - all well and good, but the choice was going to be severely limited by the budget.

Have you seen some of the offerings and prices on Trade-me? Wow, there are some optimists out there! Try asking the sellers some ques-tions too, and what you are not told speaks volumes if you are like me and paranoid about getting at least some value for your meagre funds. Once you have the mental green light, if you are anything

like me you will add hanging around boat yards to hanging around boat shows. Oh, and stopping at every tub parked at the roadside with a For Sale board dangling temptingly, hopefully, desperately and optimistically from its bow rail. Once you have looked at hundreds, confusion reigns supreme, and you will end up laying awake at night, re-checking all the magazines you have bought convincing yourself that four-stroke is the way to go. Help!

So did I resolve in advance that it should be tin or plastic, two-stroke or four, open or cabin? No. Not a chance. It really doesn’t work that way at the bargain basement end of the boat-buying spectrum, and comes down to: “Will this tired but willing combination of nau-ticalia hang together long enough to provide a modicum of passably safe pleasure?” That’s it.

Peace of mindDealers are a funny bunch. In the end, however, it was the way to

go for some precious peace of mind, not to mention at least a vestigial warranty, and provided some much needed lighter moments as they provided a range of customer service from bizarre to impeccable. It’s truly difficult to believe that some of them actually know anything about boats, engines, the price of timber, or anything else for that matter. One had clearly tried cars and houses, and was now selling boats - the test drive was a hoot, and I’d like to have felt embarrassed for the poor bloke, and maybe helped, but I rather take the view that amusement at someone else’s expense is an underrated joy.

What will quickly go, though, is the budget. We looked at any number of those boats that are resting slightly, but unmistakably, abandoned in a forgotten corner of the yard, and did find a couple of possibles - not disastrously old hulls, engines either under twenty years old or at least with some history (that’s a laugh, engine history). The possibles require one essential, and that is the ability to say yes, and pay, when you find them, as there are some little gems out there, but they go quicker than jigged kingfish. Just one actually came within our budget, but a decision to think about it overnight proved fatal, and our decision to go for it was wasted. Aaaargh.

Just when you think it would be less stressful to take up golf instead, and I promise you it won’t be, you might be lucky and find a white knight charging over the hill to save the day. Well, at least we were.

You want to spend how much?

08 WATERLINE BOAT BUYING

In a way, the boat buying process I’ve just been through has taken the best part of fifteen years.

Always fond of messing about in boats, but always other people’s, left me hankering to get my hands on the wheel, tiller, oars, anything really, of something to call my own. An interest-ing little journey and, if you are minded to get on the first rung of the nautical rope-ladder that leads to endless damp expense, then I hope there are a few little hints on the way.

My first serious thoughts of watery pleasure followed a sailing course I did in the UK, added to by shore-based navigation courses run by the RYA. The latter were evening classes, with a weird mix of types, some of whom had extensive practical experience afloat, some, like me, who had almost none, but all of whom went to the pub afterwards, and some unlikely but enduring friendships were formed.

Love sailing as I did, and there are times when it is sublime, I found the need for speed just a little overwhelming. Not for it’s own sake you understand, more that I just love the hustle and bustle of preparing to leave, then the interest and excitement of entering new bays and harbours, mooring up and getting ashore to explore. The bit in the middle can be tranquil, serene, and in the right circumstances almost spiritual, but often, well, boring. So, sorry stick and rag chaps, but when I ever did actu-ally buy something, it would have to make a noise.

Boat showsBoat Shows. Well, once it gets in your head, you just have to start

hanging around boat shows, don’t you. Shiny new things everywhere, none of which we could afford, but you tell yourself that maybe, one day, with the right alignment of moon and tide, a pension lump sum and a dead relative or two, it might just come together, and we looked at cruising boats and launches that we were probably never going to afford. We were right, and remain right to date, sadly.

A tip here - don’t get too matey, or exaggerate your position too much, to boat salesmen at boat shows. We did just that, and subsequently visited a boat makers yard, complete with red carpet treatment and talk of order forms at a time when we couldn’t really afford the petrol for the car to get there. I think we got away with the bluff, but it was a bit uncomfortable for a moment or two. I bet they get that all the time, and can smell ‘chancers’ a mile away, but perhaps the fact that they invited us in the first place meant we at least looked the part.

So fast forward quite a lot, see some roller-coaster finances drag us from pillar to post, and there we were, actually working out that we could spare a few dollars for a very basic means of getting on the water, and, if not actually drinking gin and tonic on the veranda, perhaps at least catching a fish or two. I do mean basic, as the original budget was going to be just $5000.

Well, where to start? First, I suppose, was some idea of what we wanted to use it for, and where. Fishing inshore waters around Tauranga Harbour and the Rotorua lakes was a priority, plus a bit of pottering about, and maybe enough power to pull a doughnut would about cover it. A reasonably open cockpit would help, as I do love chucking a fly about. Some preferences for tin or glass perhaps - all well and good, but the choice was going to be severely limited by the budget.

Have you seen some of the offerings and prices on Trade-me? Wow, there are some optimists out there! Try asking the sellers some ques-tions too, and what you are not told speaks volumes if you are like me and paranoid about getting at least some value for your meagre funds. Once you have the mental green light, if you are anything

like me you will add hanging around boat yards to hanging around boat shows. Oh, and stopping at every tub parked at the roadside with a For Sale board dangling temptingly, hopefully, desperately and optimistically from its bow rail. Once you have looked at hundreds, confusion reigns supreme, and you will end up laying awake at night, re-checking all the magazines you have bought convincing yourself that four-stroke is the way to go. Help!

So did I resolve in advance that it should be tin or plastic, two-stroke or four, open or cabin? No. Not a chance. It really doesn’t work that way at the bargain basement end of the boat-buying spectrum, and comes down to: “Will this tired but willing combination of nau-ticalia hang together long enough to provide a modicum of passably safe pleasure?” That’s it.

Peace of mindDealers are a funny bunch. In the end, however, it was the way to

go for some precious peace of mind, not to mention at least a vestigial warranty, and provided some much needed lighter moments as they provided a range of customer service from bizarre to impeccable. It’s truly difficult to believe that some of them actually know anything about boats, engines, the price of timber, or anything else for that matter. One had clearly tried cars and houses, and was now selling boats - the test drive was a hoot, and I’d like to have felt embarrassed for the poor bloke, and maybe helped, but I rather take the view that amusement at someone else’s expense is an underrated joy.

What will quickly go, though, is the budget. We looked at any number of those boats that are resting slightly, but unmistakably, abandoned in a forgotten corner of the yard, and did find a couple of possibles - not disastrously old hulls, engines either under twenty years old or at least with some history (that’s a laugh, engine history). The possibles require one essential, and that is the ability to say yes, and pay, when you find them, as there are some little gems out there, but they go quicker than jigged kingfish. Just one actually came within our budget, but a decision to think about it overnight proved fatal, and our decision to go for it was wasted. Aaaargh.

Just when you think it would be less stressful to take up golf instead, and I promise you it won’t be, you might be lucky and find a white knight charging over the hill to save the day. Well, at least we were.

You want to spend how much?BOAT BUYING WATERLINE 09

We had made a provisional offer on a small but reasonable tinny, over budget of course, and were in the throes of making the final arrangements with the dealer, of whom we can say, like many others, that he showed precious little interest in us as customers. Are they doing so well they can be so casual? Is it an unreasonable expectation that I’m still a customer, even if I’m not buying a shiny new one? Anyway, we had previously lodged our details with Ryan at Mastertech Marine in Tauranga, who had promised to keep his eyes open for a suitable hole in the water. Over the hill he duly came.

Keeping promisesOn the brink of us buying the other boat,

Ryan had taken a little gem in part-exchange, and rang to get us to take a look. Hellfire, a dealer had contacted us as promised! No decision to make really, other than the obvi-ous – yes, it was way over budget. The 4.9m tin bath had 60 quite willing horses strapped to the back, and had been well specced when new, so had some very welcome extras. A good chart-plotter/sounder was included, giving some much needed reassurance to

this novice harbour-dweller, and hopeful fish botherer. All in all ideal for our purpose, and the deal was done.

So, what of the original $5k budget? Well, we agree with common wisdom gleaned from this process that good value is mostly had either up to $12k, or from $25k upwards. That hole in the middle is populated by a vast flotilla of indifferent craft, often bigger or better badged boats that are well past their prime, but still owned by optimists, or hopeful dealers clawing back some of the discount they had to give to get the new boat sale.

TintanicWell, it wasn’t quite double the budget, but

our $9,500 has bought a safe and sensi-bly equipped tinny, that is giving honest service both in the harbour, and down on the Rotorua lakes. Incidentally, I wanted to name it “Tintanic”, but my first-mate threatened the gangplank, and we settled on “At Last”.

So what did we learn? Well, be careful buying from Trade-me, very careful. There are undoubtedly some great boats on sale at great prices, but at the very least take your

time, and preferably a very knowledgeable friend if you have as much idea as I had at the beginning of the search. The majority of dealers were completely indifferent, so if you are a serious, if modest, buyer, make a point of giving them your contact details and as close an idea as you can what you are looking for, and ring occasionally to let them know you are still looking.

Taking detailsHardly anybody took the trouble to get our

contact details without being prompted, and it made you feel as though they just couldn’t be bothered, or get so many lookers that they have lost the will to carry on.

I promise that I have no connection with Mastertech Marine. But in the same way that I won’t embarrass the poor dealers, I’m happy to recommend them unhesitatingly as being friendly, helpful, and very willing to go the extra mile to do a deal. After-sales assistance has been first-class, and it is a no-brainer to return for engine servicing and, frankly, as a point of reference for anything boat-related that I can’t do or work out myself.

By Steve Long

A suitable hole in the water

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10 WATERLINE TYPBC NEWS

Mt Maunganui Yacht Club

Omokoroa Boat Club

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Tauranga Marine Industry Association

CLUB NEWS

TYPBC Women on Water

Wayne Eaton became our new Commodore as Roger Clark

stepped down after two years, at our 90th Annual General

Meeting on the 26 June.Vice Commodore is Gary Smith and Rear

Commodores Nigel Rippey and Nick Wrinch. This gives us a good representation at executive level of both keeler and centre board sailing. We had two "Sailors of the Year" again this year; Ben Bax for his outstanding achievements in the Javelin class and Molly Meech who won Gold at the RYS Championships in England for First Girl in the Laser Radials as well as achieving First Girl at the Nationals and 8th overall.

Winter seriesOur winter series of races is rocking along

with the mild weather and good breezes, making it all extremely enjoyable. We've had two of our juniors away in Portugal in July with Cole Rippey coming 45th and Zac Merton 61st out of a fleet of 112. A good effort in a world class fleet. Currently we also have Molly Meech and Sven Pedersen away in Croatia at the ISAF World Youth Champs. Sven sailing RSX boards is lying 13th out of 34, Molly in Laser Radials currently 20th out of 41. Molly's best race so far has been a third, the very light conditions (1 - 7 knots) not suiting our sailors.

Tom Saunders has returned from competing in the Etchell Worlds in San Diego. In August Trent Rippey heads for San Diego to compete in the Laser 4.3 Worlds.

Sadly one of our very popular and hard work-ing club members Lise Mackie will be leaving us in September as she heads for Wellington. Lise has headed up Women on Water, founded and run the Sea School and will be greatly missed.

Off shore, Mark and Chaz Scapens are enjoying cruising and diving in the Savu Savu region of Fiji. It has been unusually calm with a lack of trade winds. Bob and Laura Wright are cruising Vanuatu aboard Shearwater.

EntertainmentOne of our club members Dennis Webster

entertained us one Friday night with tales and photos of a cruise to Alaska where he took his young family about thirty years ago. He built a wooden Sedlmeyer catamaran in his hay barn, didn't glass it over and sailed up to Alaska via Japan. The photos of the boat covered in snow and ice as they wintered over and descriptions of icicles hanging from the cabin ceiling were chilling to say the least! The following week Dave Simmons entertained us with his amazing story of his and Kathy's cruise through Indone-sia in the 70s.

You can read this yarn in Waterline over the next two or three issues. Enjoy.

Roger Clark, Immediate Past Commodore

Changes for TYPBC

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“My ambition, drive and absolute passion in life; is to provide youth with the

opportunity to experience sailing and create pathways and strategies

to enable them to remain in the sport for a lifetime irrespective

of means or ability”.

This has been an absolute obsession of mine for the past seven years and will soon be a reality for 1000’s Bay students.

This has only been possible through the sterling support and input of current Board of Trustee members, comprising of; Roger Clark, Elizabeth Derrick, Stuart Pedersen, Steve Roberts, Johan ter Beek and myself.

Future recognitionBut before we move onto the future,

recognition must be also be given to pre-vious Trustee, who assisted in establishing the Trust and guided it through the early years, they comprised of; Sharon Harper, Mark Thomas , Tony Lugg, Brian Rogers, Roger Rushton, Don Shewan, John Budden, Peter Head, Brian Kent, David Pierce, Nigel Rippey and Angela Hayden.

BoPSAT has recently completed a three month process of reviewing the achieve-ment since it was establishment back in April 2004 and setting the strategy for the next five years.

BoPSAT Sailing intends to make a huge difference both to the youth of the Bay and the sport of sailing, by increasing youth participation, making sailing more accessible, creating opportunities for the disadvantaged and disabled and assist-ing young sailors in reaching their full potential.

Our ‘Fun Sail’ programmes have been

developed to enable kids to experience sailing in a fun and safe environment. These one day sailing experiences model the successful Yachting New Zealand ‘Have a Go’ programme and run during school time and will offered FREE to low decile schools.

Sponsor a SailorWe’re also in the process of creating

a ‘Sponsor a Sailor’ programme, which will support enthusiastic disadvantaged students. Sponsors will provide assistance until their student can sustain themselves financially in our sport.

The relationship between the student and their sponsor is paramount to the success and development of each student. The programme will provide students with; life-skills, training, mentoring, NCEA Credits and ultimately YNZ sailing qualifications.

Students will be encouraged and empowered by being offered the oppor-tunity, to become qualified Yachting New Zealand sailing instructors. Which will provide the students with the means to gain work experience, leadership skills and most importantly the opportunity to generate an income. Thereby enabling the sailors to support themselves in the sport of sailing by assisting and training the next generation of aspiring youngsters.

The 'Learn to Sail' programme is a natural progression from the ‘Fun Sail’ days and students will progress through

the Yachting New Zealand syllabus, whilst enjoying our beautiful harbour.

The ‘Sailability’ programme will provide the same sailing opportunities to young disabled students.

Students who become hooked on sail-ing, naturally progress to club racing, where BoPSAT’s financial assistance through its ‘Coaching’ and ‘Overseas

Funds’ will continue to support competi-tive and elite sailors. The success of this assistance has been evident over the years, by the number of junior TYPBC sailors who have excelled on the world-stage, with six becoming World Champions in the last six years.

Getting kids out on the water is my absolute passion and will soon be a reality for many of the Bay’s youth. To find out more, check out the BoPSAT website, where you’ll find everything you need to know about getting kids out on the water sailing, because as a new sailing

friend Nicole always postscripts her emails, “There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows.

By Roy Walmsley, Chairman Bay of Plenty Sailing

Academy Trust (BoPSAT)

One man’s obsession and Trust’s aims

12 WATERLINE TYPBC NEWS

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40c Mirrielees RdPO Box 14015Tauranga New Zealand

Tel +64 (7) 927 9172Fax +64 (7) 927 9172

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OSE_wl_advert_New Logo.pdf 13/11/08 2:06:07 p.m.

One of the best aspects of sailing with Women on Water

shows itself in the form of outside opportunity—that is, the opportunity to take our sailing skills to places outside

of Tauranga Harbour. Such an opportunity presented itself in May

of this year when local racing guru Holly Farmer put together a team to compete in the New Zealand Women’s Keelboat Champion-ships. The team, including Holly (captain and helm), consisted of seven women, six of whom are current or former WOW members: Lisa Knapton (mainsail and tactics), Megan Harris (keyboards), Jo Warren (headsail trim/spinnaker brace), Nicole Harris (headsail trim/spinnaker trim), Leslie Goddard (mast), and Tessa Denniston (foredeck). Held 7-8 May in Auckland Harbour, the Nationals were hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, using the fleet of MRX keelboats that belong to MRX Yachting. MRX Yachting’s Tom Macky was a main driving force behind the Women’s Nationals, and worked hard alongside the Race Management Team, led by Celia Carson, in order to provide an excellent and exciting weekend of racing.

Motoring out of Westhaven Marina on Sat-urday morning, the nine teams began the first of their races in ten knots of wind, with cloudy skies that let the occasional burst of rain punch through. We had a fantastic start to our first race, and felt cool and confident but—what was this?—soon after the start we began to slow down, and slow down some more; coming in lucky last by a long distance that first race had Tom Macky racing over in his tender to see what the matter was. We were as perplexed as he was, until we turned on the engine, backed

hard, and—lo and behold!—a large tree branch floated off of the keel. Hmmmmm. Okay. Let’s see. There could be ten races maximum over the weekend, with six races the minimum needed to make the Nationals complete. But if we raced at least seven races then we would be allowed to drop our worst-scoring race. Right! So we already knew which race we’d want to drop, which put us at a great psychological advantage!

The prevailing Northerly increased gradually and by early afternoon we were racing in 20

knots. The Race Management Team was able to get in another five races that day, for a total of six, and we were much happier with those five scores: 6th, 3rd, 5th, 4th, and 8th, respectively. Not bad, not bad—and we’d only have to do one race on Sunday to be able to drop our tree-branch race.

Sunday morning dawned sunny and warm, and we motored out of Westhaven with the highest of spirits. Alas, with the higher pres-sure came the lighter wind, and all nine teams drifted in the tide for hours while Celia and her gang worked hard to get a race in. Twice we were able to start a race, but both times the races were abandoned by the Committee due to the wind’s variable direction and near-nonexist-ence. Finally, it was time to turn back towards the marina, and, sigh, we never did get that last race in. Still, we were happy sailors! We had sailed some great races, and our team had worked very well together—in spite of the fact that most of us had only sailed with each other once before, and most of us had never sailed on MRXs before!

Final Results are as follows: Leslie Egnot, 1st; Danielle Bowater, 2nd; Sam Osborne, 3rd; Melinda Henshaw, 4th; Sarah Tootill, 5th; Joy Adams, 6th; Holly Farmer, 7th; Angie Crafer, 8th; and Claire Johnson, 9th. Bring on next year. By Nicole Harris

An intense and exciting weekend

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2010-2011 has been one of those years for the Club.

The big down was the loss of Anthony Avery. He had reached into every part of the Club but had managed to avoid sailing! Our loss was at the worst possible time but his memorial is fast nearing com-pletion next door. I am sure the colour yellow will come through. Thank you Anthony for being with us.

We applied for and obtained all our consents for the new building but we then had a small problem with Council which slowed us down but our legal advice was good and we still want to resolve that issue with Council. However, with Sean’s due diligence, we were able to search Council’s file on the Club and produced great evi-dence to support our case. Thanks Sean – a true Club Captain.

Our Club activities climaxed at New Year, the best ever, but our Duck Race and rowing also created a lot of fun!

It is good to have so many junior sailors including the Omokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts at our Learn to Sail events. Even better if we could get more Senior sailing vessels!

Our caterers have ensured we have had a variety of foods to keep us fit and well – thanks David.

Fishing’s Mr Lex Bacon has celebrated another excellent Senior and Junior events – thanks Lex.

My term as Commodore ends today. Phil Cox as our Vice Commodore has been a huge support – thanks Phil and good luck. Geoff has as secretary and quiz master been a great scribe and recorder and is moving on. Kay (and now Michelle) have balanced the books and kept us in the black! Ranald has kept the newsletters coming and offered good solid Scot’s advice. It is with sorrow both are leaving the Committee.

To the other Committee members, Sean, our hard working Club Captain has not stopped working for the Club. Sean, thanks for the support and being there.

Steve Willoughby, builder Committee

member and builder – thanks Steve.Pat – thanks especially to you for your

fund raising skill and being there with good sound advice.

The two Murrays – thanks guys for your contributions.

A special thanks to Fee, our excellent bar manager, and to the unsung heroes Norman and Gloria, our cleaners.

Next year is going to be an ongoing challenge as we populate our new space so more socials, more fun and more Omokoroa Boat Club.

Thank you and especially my wife Sydney for letting me have the ‘Club’ time. John Budden, Commodore

New membersAt the June committee meeting the

following new members were welcomed: -Double: Val & Chris Hector, Family: Porter Family, Crispin, Cortnie, Thomas & Jacob, Single: Ross Leek, Mitchell Rowe

We hope you enjoy your membership!Building progress.Steve has nearly finished the main build-

ing work, and the interior plastering will commence shortly. This may take up to ten days, with the colder winter weather slowing down the drying process. Then Sean and his team will paint the interior, Murray can finish the electrical work and the other subbies finish off too.

Any volunteers to help with the interior painting? See Sean!

Sailing and rescue boatThe weather has played its usual part with

the sailing activities for the 2010-2011 summer season.

Added to this we had two Tsunami warn-ings, one of which cancelled our “Kids on Keelers” picnic.

Our Learn to sail programme has carried on and attracted 20-30 new sailors. When we sailed the bay filled with the multi-coloured sails but on the odd occasion our dinghies faced and coped with gale condi-tions, well once anyway. Thanks to Alan Roberts, Josh Clodo, the young sailors and

their parents for their support. We were granted the TrustPower Volunteer Award in 2010 for youth development and have applied again in 2011 – due on 27 June 29011 at Waihi RSA.

Senior sailing has suffered with only 3-4 yachts turning out each fortnight when we sailed. The last sail of the summer was the best with 5 yachts, 2 trailer and 3 Keelers taking part. Not only able to sail in two divisions but wait, there is more … the trailer yachts finished 39 seconds apart after three hours 57 minutes! In the Keelers, things were much closer with Pau Hana heading off Chico Too by only one second.

Rescue craftThe new RIB has performed beautifully

during the summer and at the Duck Race.Wai Atua II the main craft has also

completed a successful season with at least three rescues undertaken in our upper harbour.

The “Fergie” soldiers on thanks to Brian at Omokoroa Automotive and new front tyres are needed.

We also hired our optimists to Matahui Road School for their sail days and hope to continue this next year.

Overall a successful, safe season.

New newsletter editorPete Jury will be editing the next news-

letter, as I am retiring after five years. It has been fun, but it is time for some new blood!

My thanks to members for their support – it is a team effort – and I am sure you will all help Pete with his new role.

Quiz nights continueWe had another quiz night on Wednesday

8 June. Seven teams competed in a close competition, with less than ten points separating all the teams, and the outcome depended on the last round.

Winners on the night were Steve Willoughby, Phil Cox, with John and Sydney Budden who collected 74 points.

Second were Sue and Simon Askam with Ross and Julie Bryant on 72 points.

A successful safe season

14 WATERLINE MMYC NEWS

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For all those who have never been on ‘The Legends Regatta’ pick up a pen and put a big ring around Labour Weekend 2011 October 22 to 24.

MMYC’s Mission: To Create New Zealand’s best Annual REGATTA, To Promote Fair Play, Skill and Friendship, For All Yachts and Multi Hulls

This is one of the best sailing adventures you will ever par-ticipate in, believe all the past rumours, they are all true.

You meet some of the friendliest people in one of New Zealand’s pristine marine areas.

Race One starts on Friday 22 October with a flexible time start from 6.00 in the morning to 10 o’clock at night. There are 2 races at the Mercs and then the race home on Monday the 24.

The flexible rules include the motoring clause and the anchoring clause all designed to get you to and from the weekend competitively, and with enjoyment to you for the whole weekend.

The motoring clause allows the yachts to stay in the race even if there is no wind, and get to their destination at a rea-sonable time. This clause has been used effectively each year the regatta has run.

The ‘Around the Island Race’ takes most yachts about 1 ¾ hours to circumnavigate, this is usually the first time many new skippers and crews get to see the back of the island.

Saturday and Sunday mornings see boats heading off diving, scalloping and fishing before returning ready for the race in the afternoon.

The race home on Monday towards the Mount starts at the Pin-nacles, while the start-line home for those heading north is at the Sisters.

Yachts will have to be to Cat 4 safety standard which is a great way to make sure you have all the safety gear on your yacht before summer sailing arrives.

MMYC’s excellent sponsor POWERco, being the major sponsor, supports the LegendsRegatta.

So far confirmed sponsors for ‘The 2011 Legends Regatta’ are Powerco, Steve’s Marine, Dave Peet Jewellery, Electrical Works, Mills Reef Winery, Blokart NZ, Wild Kiwi, Bridge Marina Travel-lift and Windsheer at this point in time.

Get in for the ‘Early bird’ Prize before October 1 and the entry fee is only $75.

The closing date for entry will be 17 Oct. with the fee being $100. Late entry is also $100 and will be accepted up till 21 Oct. but these will not go in the draw for the ‘major prize’

Briefing is to be held on the Thursday night of 20 Oct. at MOSC.

The start and finish for the Mount will be at ‘A’ Buoy making for a more pleasant start. Not having to contend with the tides and wind shadows around the Mount when leaving or returning home is a great idea.

Some of POWER Co’s employees will again participate in The Legends Regatta on board David and Trish Palour’s Halcyon yacht.

POWER Co employees have been tantalized by past stories of sailing, fishing, scalloping and having a great weekend with other yachts at The Mercs on Labour Weekend in past years.

POWER Co has an annual internal competition among their many employees from the central north island to see who will come and enjoy the Mount Maunganui Yacht Clubs brilliant weekend away.

The crew will be shown the usual Mount hospitality and I know this will be a weekend for those chosen to remember, if past Leg-ends Regattas are anything to go by.

The requirements for the prize draw for ‘The Legends Regatta’ will be

1. To participate in 3 out of 4 races at ‘The Legends Regatta’2. Have Safety Category for required races3. Belong to a Yachting New Zealand Affiliated Club4. Register with MMYC on or before 9 October on entry form5. Winner to be present at areas final Prize Giving the following

weekend6. Honestly comply with race rules7. Be prepared to have fun and a learning experience Conditions of entry may change before registration date and

entries maybe limited

Entry forms and more details is available on the Mount Maunganui Yacht Club site www.mmyc.org.nz

Get ready for ‘that weekend’

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The handicapping committee should feel very proud of their efforts after this Sunday’s race (26/06/11).

All but 1 boat finished within 16 minutes of one another making the finish line extremely busy. “A” division boats crossed the finish line in the north to south direction after racing to Karewa and “B” division the opposite way.

But let’s go back to the start line... Finesse set the pace for the “A” division boats making it out the Harbour entrance first, setting a course for “A Beacon” while the “B” division boats lead by Audac-ity, headed towards Willow Point.

Finesse managed to retain her lead all the way to A Beacon as the fast and furious Wizzard, had one or two issues with her jennaker on the way out. It wasn’t long though, and Wizzard left the fleet behind heading for Karewa. Windarra held her 3rd place for a short time only to be crept up on by her adversary, Hanse Free and the Marbles bunch. As Karewa got bigger, it became evident that Wizzard was on a sightseeing mission taking Karewa to starboard whilst the rest of the fleet had it to Port. She disappeared around the back of the island, came out the other side, then unwound and went back, imposing a self handicap. It wasn’t long before she was chasing Finesse and had her lead again.

The homeward leg saw the fleet re shuffle and by the time Wiz-zard crossed the finish line, all the “A” division boats were fighting for positions on the home straight.

Just a couple of tips for the next race...............- Get a copy of the course sheet and keep it onboard your trusty

racing vessel. It’s handy to know where you’re going....just in case you find yourself in the lead.

- Know your Harbour markers (eg: Willow Point is inside the harbour not on Karewa Island).

- Don’t follow the lead boat.....her skipper may not have had his glasses on whilst reading the course sheet. A “P” may look like an “S” without ones glasses on.

- If you hear a shout from a boat...”Mast-a- Beam”, don’t be distracted. This is a cunning plan to disrupt concentration.

- If the crew from another boat point at your rig or hull, don’t be alarmed. This also may be yet another cunning distraction tool.

- If you eyesight is not 100%, keep a spare pair of “cheaters” or binoculars onboard, just in case MMYC boats start looking like TYPBC boats.

Good luck for Race 4 and many thanks to Wendy and Bernie for inserting eyes in the back of their heads for the busy finish.

By Carol Andrews

Winter series race 2A good turnout of 17 boats set off on a harbour course in a

light wind.Division 1 had a big tussle all the way – Not Negotiable kept

a good lead and won by about 2.5 minutes but the 2nd to 6th place boats all finished within 1 min. 6 secs., with Otway lead-ing the charge. The handicaps are obviously pretty good.

In the midst of this, there was drama in division 2, as Force 10, who had held a clear lead over Gillian, all the way round the course, were baulked by a logship, leaving the Mt Maunganui wharfs, whereby they were stuck in a hole to leeward. Lucky Gillian was far enough behind, to be able to hold their course to windward and passed Force 10 about 200 metres from the line.

The crew of Gillian certainly owe them one!At the rear Mistress edged Gemmima by only 11 seconds.

By Jim McCrone

Race 3 – B DivisionThe B Division boats headed up the Western Channel on an

incoming tide but against the wind, with multiple tacking duels taking place on the way to Willow Point.

On the downwind leg, a few boats dared to fly their kites but in winds just over 20 knots, some had a bit of fun getting them down again. Up front it was a 3 boat race between Howzat, Union Jack and Gillian, with the latter boat cuddling up very close to Union Jack, as they cut inside Banks Buoy and nearly went aground (again!), as the tide pushed them further onto the sandbank, than the “nameless” navigator anticipated.

The fleet was quite bunched going round 19 but the front 3 were still well clear. Gillian got passed Union Jack into 2nd place approaching 21, as the latter was involved in a luffing duel with the leader Howzat. Gillian chased them all the way to the line, steadily gaining but Howzat triumphed by 9 seconds, obviously benefiting from lightweight kids as crew!

Union Jack was a close 3rd. 6-9th boats finished just over 1 minute apart, so the handicapping is spot on.

Altogether an excellent day, sunshine, good wind and exciting finishes.

Winter series race 4Racing this winter series has been like a box of

chocolates....”you never know what you’re going to get” and Race 4 was just such a box. We started with plenty of wind to get the big boats moving and a long course up to “G” to get the sails stretched out. Once Marbles took the lead, she ensured she retained it by working the crew hard and steering clear of sand bars. A nasty short sharp squall battered the first 3 boats as they rounded the top mark, impairing visibility but providing an exfoliating treatment to the face. Hanse Free tried her hardest to stay up with Windarra who managed to hold off Rigmarole for the first half of the race. Unfortunately, Windarra relinquished her 2nd position on the long downward leg as Rigmaroles’ blue kite got closer and closer.

Meanwhile, one or two of the “B” division boats got them-selves into some strife in front of Motuhoa Island as the large sand bank claimed some victims. By the time these boats made it to the top mark, the wind had died away leaving them strug-gling to finish the race.

Jet Stream sailed into “B” division 1st place with Dorado less than 2 minutes behind. The nominated skipper for the day on Union Jack, managed to wield enough control over his crew to snatch 3rd place. The “Jack” is back!

By Carol Andrews

The A Division challenge continues

He says he’s getting too old to continue sailing and he wants sell them and use the money to encourage youth sailing.

He’s got a lot of charts, because it takes a lot of charts to get round the world.

The accumulation of paper depicting the seven seas was also boosted by David’s habit of buying charts for everywhere he and his wife Chloe could possibly go from any start-ing point.

“You end up with a lot more charts than you need, sailing the way we did,” says David. “Sometimes we still ended up in places we hadn’t got he charts for.”

He’s got stacks in a spare room and swathes of them rolled under window seats.

Charts of the pacific, the coasts of the

Americas, the Mediterranean, Asia...When David and Chloe Blackley were

off cruising in the days before GPS and chartplotters, nautical charts were essential to navigation. Even with GPS David says he still keeps charts on board as a back-up.

He’s also got Pilot books, or cruising guides and pilot charts. Pilot charts are a real boon for cruising sailors. They depict prevailing weather patterns including wind directions and speeds, wave heights, ocean currents, visibility, barometric pressures, sea surface temperatures, and ice limits to be found across the oceans for each month of the year.

They are now downloadable over the internet.

Among other places, David Blackley has sailed round Cape Horn, and up the South American west coast, following the Humboldt Current north to the Robinson Crusoe island of Juan Fernandez, and on to the Galapagos.

For 20 years the Blackleys owned an island in Fiji. David would sail the family up there every winter, returning south at the start of the cyclone season – so David could work the farm over the summer and repeat the process the following Autumn.

“They are of varying age, but they never age really,” says David. “They get alterations, but very few. I remember a few years back they were still using Captain Cook’s charts for parts of the South Island.”

16 WATERLINE CHARTS

Treasure trove looking for homeDavid Blackley

with a pilot chart.

By Andrew Campbell

Former cruising sailor, boat builder and island owner David Blackley has

decided to sell off his charts.

WATERLINE 17TORIA

SEA GYPSIES DOWN UNDERHave a read of the first 20% for free; you’ll be amazed as it contains actual experiences of cruising folk who share their stories of storms, shipwrecks, man-overboard, pirates / gunshot victims, diving experiences, shark attacks and helpful advice passed on by those who have already been there.

Anyone who has dreamed of throwing off the shackles of everyday life and running away to sea will find this book invaluable. It paints a true picture of life on board - the highs and lows - and gives expert advice on avoiding the pitfalls that many novice sailors fall into.

With a foreword by Grant Dalton and interviews with Sir Peter Blake's crew on Seamaster, this book puts you among the sailing greats.

Whether you're an armchair sailor or a real old salt, these interviews with genuine people living the dream will entertain and inspire you. Enjoy!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37512smashwords.com is another new company like ‘amazon’ just type in the title and the authors name on ‘Google’ and your ipod, ipad, iphone, computer will do the rest…

Derek Kelsall is celebrating the win of his design Toria in the first two handed

round Britain race in 1966.

Derek’s design and build won 2000 mile race convincingly, finish-ing a day ahead of the second boat to finish.

His crew Martin Minter-Kemp later owned the trimaran which he later sailed to a fifth in the Transat race in 1972, before Tony Bullimore managed to set fire to her.

Derek who now lives near Waihi, says several of Toria’s sister ships are still sailing, mostly in the Pacific.

Toria was the first foam sandwich yacht of any note, says Derek, and marks the beginning of the post war multi-hull development and foam sandwich construction methods.

Toria was also Derek’s first own design, and the first multihull to win a major open offshore race. The Toria arrangement and overall design set the style for all that followed.

Multihulls were then the crazy fringe element in the eyes of estab-lishment yachties. Derek was the first to race across an ocean in a yacht without ballast, in the 1964 Solo Atlantic Race. Two other catamarans in the same race both had deep keels and lead ballast.

Other winners followed for Derek to add to an amazing run of successes. He became involved as designer or designer/builder or builder in almost all major race events over the next two decades. Among the many multihulls and monos were two notable mono builds; Sir Thomas Lipton which won the solo Atlantic race in 1968 and the 78ft, GB 11 which won the first Whitbread Around the world race. Both were the largest sailing yachts in composites of the time.

Derek visited New Zealand in 1998 to assist the owner of Bone-fish, and was persuaded to stay.

After pioneering the use of foam, developing and refining the handling of sandwich materials remains an ongoing interest of Derek’s

KSS, the Kelsall Swiftsure Sandwich is the build technique claimed to slash the build time without compromising the final product. A quick look at how KSS tackles every task of building a boat structure, compared to the popularly promoted alternatives and savings of a factor of 2 or 3 or more are easy to see.

Derek recalls reading in themed 1990s that foam sandwich con-struction dates from the mid seventies and that the use of a full size table is a recent development.

Bruce Farr was more recently credited with introducing light

weight sandwich construction with their winning design for the Swiss entry into the Around the World race in 1985.

Derek began lightweight foam construction in 1965. The first Kelsall table was in use in 1973. The first Kelsall Around the World winner was in 1973.

If you are looking for a forerunner of the current America’s Cup catamarans, with rigging below the central structure and curved foils, the rigging can be found on a 63 foot Kelsall cat in 1980 and curved foils on Kelsall trimarans and on a Kelsall speed sailing machine at about the same time.

Resin infusion techniques have grown in popularity over the last ten years. After many years of handling resin Derek describes resin infusion as ‘the magic’.

KSS workshops and projects have played a major role in spread-ing the resin infusion message - particularly in New Zealand, Australia and the US. For about five years a Google of Resin Infu-sion brought up Kelsall Catamarans in top spot.

Celebrating history

Derek Kelsall (white shirt) at one of his regular KSS workshops held all over the world. This one, in his home shed at

Waitawheta, near Waihi.

18 WATERLINE PLBs

Personal locator beacons (PLB) have been on the market for

several years and are evolved from emergency position radio beacons.

They are used to send a distress signal via satellite. EPIRBs traditional use is for boaters, but PLBs such as the Spot satel-lite GPS messenger can send messages to friends and family with the user’s location, and a message to say the user is safe and sound. Users can customise the message or even let others track their progress on google maps. The Spot unit retails for $399 in New Zealand, and requires an annual fee of US$115, and an additional $49 for the tracking option. A new unit by ACR called the ResQLink is soon to be unveiled

in New Zealand. The unit uses a similar subscription service as Spot, called 406 link (see 406link.com) with an annual fee of US $39.95 or US $59.95 for 406 link plus which includes the 'I'm OK, I’m here" message service and, similar to Spot, will also send your map location to up to five contacts. Hutchwilco operation manager, Bernard Omre, distributor of the ACR units says the biggest PLB market in NZ is land base use.

And for those wandering into the bush, Southland locator beacons will rent you a unit for $30 for 3 days. There are several outlets including many DOC visitor cen-tres where you can rent them. New outlets are being added in the North Island, but include Taranaki, Coromandel and Paihia.

Progress on a public all-tide ramp at Kauri Point is stalled, with the Western Bay District

Council saying it needs to confer further with iwi.

Funding has also been set well back, says the council’s parks manager Peter Watson.

“It’s been deferred into the long term plan for next year for funding,” says Peter. “The funding is four or five years out at this point in time, and the council may push the project out further.

Further consultation“We have a resolution to talk further with

iwi on the matter. So we have got to under-take further consultation with them and go back to council with a report on the outcome of that consultation.

“At that point council can make a decision whether to proceed further with that option, depending on the outcome of the consulta-tion.”

Meanwhile the Bowentown Boating and

Fishing Club is proceeding with its own dredging application to make the Bowen-town ramp all-tide.

It will cost $60,000 compared with $4.2 million for an all-tide ramp at Kauri Point, says chairman of the northern harbour rec-reational users forum, Selwyn Hill.

The Kauri Point cost includes the ramp and associated parking area, say Selwyn.

“All the facilities are here (Bowentown), but we just haven’t got an all tide ramp. The bottom two hours are a bit of a problem with the shallowness of the channel.”

Resource consentThe resource consent application has

progressed very well, says Selwyn.“I just hear conflicting things about the

kauri point one,” says Selwyn. “One minute it’s on then it’s off. I don’t

think the council has got much money at the moment.”

The Katikati Boating Club is supporting the Bowentown all tide ramp, instead of the closer Kauri Point ramp.

“They believe Kauri Point is in the wrong

place and it’s not suitable,” says Selwyn.“There’s all sorts of issues. It’s too exposed,

right on the very corner of Kauri Point there. There’s a lot of locals against it.”

The Otawhiwhi Marae is objecting to the Bowentown dredging application, but they are talking about it, says Selwyn.

Peter Watson says the council is also help-ing with the Bowentown application.

Better utilisation“We are helping them with that and

looking at how we can facilitate getting that dredging done a bit better so they can get better utilisation out of their asset.

There are obviously a lot of issues to be worked through with that but it is good to see they have got some visions to put in place.”

Bowentown, like other potential ramp site about the northern harbour has parking issues says Peter.

The council recently adopted a plan on the Kauri Point historic reserve that keeps the council’s options open for the southern kauri point boat ramp.

Progress on Kauri Point ramp stalled

Safe and sound

By Joel Guthro

WATERLINE 19BRIEFS

Send us the best silly caption for this photo, and we’ll top off your day with a fine Waterline cap. brian@thesun.co.nz, Fax 07 571 1116, Waterline, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

W ca ky pac tioN oc nte t

Thanks to our other entries

Tangaroa’s amazing voyage NIWA’s research vessel Tangaroa has just completed a very suc-

cessful voyage of habitats of significance for marine organisms and biodiversity. “We were amazed by what we saw,” says NIWA’s Dr Mark Morrison, programme leader.

Over 42 days, split across two voyages, the Tangaroa worked its way down the country and back, working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It surveyed habitat and biodiversity hotspots around New Zealand’s expansive continental shelf.

These surveys are very important for understanding the diversity of animals and plants that live within New Zealand’s territorial waters and for identifying coastal habitats that may support fisher-ies functions such as nurseries and spawning grounds.

The scientists photographed, videoed and collected thousands of specimens.

Amongst these were particularly fascinating species such as hydroid ‘trees’ which look just like a foot-tall palm tree but are a type of animal. The scientists found ‘feather stars’ that retract their arms when disturbed, and which can ‘walk’ from place to place.

They found a bat/frog-fish - a small fish consisting of a triangle head and body rolled into one. “It has specially modified lower fins that look remarkably like frogs legs, which let it ‘walk’ across the seafloor,” says Dr Morrison.

Scum on the beachBeach scum on Tauranga beaches is a natural occurrence of surf

diatoms, according to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.Members of the public have called the Council with concerns of

a green slimy substance on beaches and the Council has confirmed the sludge is not associated with the discharge of dairy farm effluent.

Pollution Prevention Team Leader Steve Pickles says surf diatoms are a type of phytoplankton – a main source of food for productive shellfish beds in the surf.

“An abundance of these indicates a healthy habitat. The recent dominance of on-shore weather has contributed to the build-up of surf diatoms.”

“I’m much better at parallel parking”From Kerri

Last month’s winner from Ed: Following the sinking of the Titanic, there was a period in ship building where they

attached the ships permanently to land owing to fears it may sink. The captain of this ship

made a mess of the wharf when he tried to push off from the

permanent berthing.

“Holy Ship!!!!!”From Letitia

“…and the rego was expired too” from Tim.

Bread fisher finedA Rotorua poacher is fined $700 after he plead guilty to two counts

of fishing without a licence and using illegal bait.The 34 year old man was sentenced at the Rotorua District Court

on the charges after he was caught in February using bread for bait while trout fishing in the Utuhina Stream in Rotorua. He had no licence. He was seen by a Fish & Game officer and a policeman who were working together.

Child lifejackets worryThe annual Waikato Regional Council boat ramps survey shows 19

per cent of the children sighted were not wearing life jackets when they set out from the ramps.

Regional council harbourmasters and volunteer honorary enforce-ment officers surveyed 1172 skippers at 30 of the region’s boat ramps between 1 January and 25 April this year.

“There were still 29 vessels with no lifejackets on board at all, and another 44 not carrying enough lifejackets for all people on the craft,” says Navigation safety manager Nicole Botherway.

Most of the surveys took place on the Coromandel Peninsula due to the large number of boats using the area.

A correctly sized lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) must be carried for each person on board and be readily accessible. In vessels less than six metres in length everyone on board must wear a lifejacket unless the skipper considers that it is safe not to.

Hakihea mataitai reserve announcedThe Ministry of Fisheries has approved a mataitai reserve at Haki-

hea, adjacent to the Whangara township north of Gisborne. The reserve prevents commercial fishingover about four square

kilometres, from the western side of Te Ikaarongamai Bay (south of Pokatakina headland) to the northern boundary of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve.

The seaward boundary extends north of the Marine Reserve along the eastern tip of Whangara Island and the edge of the reefs.

The reserve comes into effect on 4 August 2011.The right to fish in the reserve is subject to the Fisheries (Amateur

Fishing) Regulations 1986 and the Fisheries (Central Area Amateur Fishing) Regulations 1986.

20 WATERLINE TSUNAMI WARNING

Geoff Dixon’s experiences with the marine blindspot in New Zealand’s tsunami warning system prompted

him to set up his own subscription service.

After experiencing the Japan tsunami and the Chilean tsunami warning, he discovered there is no way of passing on tsunami warn-ings to New Zealand boaties.

The coastguard doesn’t do it and neither does Maritime New Zealand.

When the tsunami from the Japan earthquake arrived on March 12, 2011, Geoff was retuning to the Tutukaka Marina on board a friend’s boat when they encountered tidal surges.

“It was a surge going in of 15-20 knots and the tide was going out at the same time,” says Geoff. “It was amazing.”

But there was no organisation, nobody was stopping the boats going in or advising them of the surges, or to wait half an hour for them to subside. The advice over the radio was wrong.

His first tsunami experience was following the Chilean 8.8 earth-quake in February 2010. Geoff was among 100 boats anchored in the Bay of Islands. He was roused about 5.30am by a person in a small runabout going from boat to boat and shouting at the skippers.

“The scary thing was that nobody knew what to do,” says Geoff. “There was nobody on the radio. Coastguard is not a 24 hour service. Maritime New Zealand had no information.

“What do you do if you are in a boat?”The answer he’s learned since, is to get to deep water – as far

out to sea as possible in the time available. Which is why an early

warning is better. The Hawaii based Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre sends out alerts about the Pacific Basin whenever there is an earth-quake that may generate a tsunami.

These are the alerts that New Zea-land Civil Defence gets, which are then assessed, and investigated by their own scientists before a deci-sion is made on whether or not to pass them on to the public, hours later. “The official warning comes out one or two hours later and we believe that is too long,” says Geoff.

“We started this up because there wasn’t anything that was working for us.”

Individuals can subscribe to the service which sends text alerts to

subscribers should a zone look likely to be threatened or affected by tsunami.

The alert will contain information regarding the location, magnitude, depth, time and date of the earthquake, and send an estimated colour coded alert. A Red, Orange or Green alert, will indicate the estimated severity of the message - relative to the epicentre of the earthquake, in a particular global area.

Geoff was in Tauranga recently to meet with the Papamoa Progressive Association, and while in town he also called on the marinas and some of the boating clubs.

Coastguard NZ Eastern Region operations manager Baz Kirk tried to get the regional council to fund a tsunami warning radio service this year,

“It was turned down, I’m disappointed but that’s how it goes,” says Baz. “I guess it’s just a sign of the times.”

Part of the application was seeking funding for a centralised radio hub to be run by Coastguard.

“To do that properly you have to have full time staff. At the moment we are managing but we could always do a lot better and funding’s the way we can make it better than what it is.

“Apart from anything that comes from the national communica-tions centre in Wellington with the formal tsunami warnings, there’s nothing actually formal that comes from coastguard. We don’t have the ability to do that I guess. We don’t have the abil-ity to cover all channels at the moment.”

Tsunami-Warn.com is a subscription service $29 plus GST per year.

What do boaties do when the tsunami comes

Larian and Geoff Dixon of Tsunami-warn.com.

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WATERLINE 21TIM TAYLOR

Playing about in the surf at the Main Beach is fun for most kayakers, but for Tim Taylor

getting dumped is serious business.

Tim’s in serious training, keeping his fitness levels up so he can head up north and kayak the capes; Maria van Diemen, Reinga, and the North Cape.

Sitting on the beach at Ahipara wasn’t doing his fitness any good, and in early June Tim came home after six months on the mission to become the first person to kayak round the country in a single voyage.

The winter closed him out at the southern end of the 90 Mile Beach. Tim says he needs three days of calm water to be able to paddle to the top of the 85km beach and get round the capes and south. The nearest shelter is Parengarenga Harbour if the bar is cross-able, the nearest civilisation Houhora.

Tim’s been preparing to have another go since returning to Tauranga on Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

“I’m probably doing two training sessions a day at the moment, mixing that up with white water and sea kayaking and a bit of gym work,” says Tim.

“I’m definitely keeping really, really fit, and trying to pick up a bit of causal work.”

The locals say weather conditions round the capes settle out July/August, but it’s not happening yet.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on it up there and it’s been really, really rough,” says Tim.

“I’m also beginning to wonder with how the winter was so late to start, it might be late to finish type one. So I will keep at it and hope-fully it will settle down sooner or later.”

Tim set out from Tauranga on November 27 2010 to become the first person to kayak round New Zealand in a single voyage. He spent nearly half of the next six months sitting on beaches waiting for storms to subside. The delays meant winter caught up with him, and reduced daylight gave less paddling time. “Facing an area that is so extremely tough, I wanted to be at or near my peak or else I would just be asking for trouble,” says Tim.

The capes are calling

Tim Taylor in training.

22 WATERLINE CLASSI

4.95 aluminium mast and sail - plus centre board, rudder and anchor. All in V.G. condition. Open to reasonable offers. Please ring 576 0294 (has answer phone).mOORinG - C6 The Strand, Town Reach, Tauranga, new survey. Upto 10.5m. $1000 spent on survey. $4000 ono. Contact 07 307 9097 or 027 307 9009.mOORinG FOR salE - Waikaraeo Estuary #5. Good position, good swing, good depth. Fully rebuilt. Suit up to 29’ boat. Phone 07 576 1309YaCHt - 26’ vanderstadt centreboarder, on launching trailer in hardstand. Very nice condition. 8HP yamaha outboard, alloy s/s rig. $12,990 neg. Ph 0274 272 054.OHOPE mOORinG FOR salE - #28, 50m from wharf. Excellent condition and serviced. $1500 or trade trailer sailer and cash difference. Ph 07 345 9080sPinnaKER FOR salE - off Davidson 32. 11.5m-6.8m, orange/white. In good condition $600. Phone 06 868 832828Ft KEElER - a well maintained gulf cruiser, sleeps 5, Yanmar diesel engine, Furling headsail. $28,000 ono. Phone, 07 864 7432.

TO RENTmOORinG - town reach by Kestrel. Newly surveyed. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616.mOORinG - Waikareao Estuary. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616.mOORinG - Tanners Point. Excellent position, available for rent or for sale. Ph 07 570 0333mOORinG - Omokoroa, best position. For rent or for sale. Ph 07 570 0333.mOORinG to rent or buy Tanners Point. Ph 0274 915 616.mOORinG available to rent Te Puna.Good depth and close to wharf. Suit boat up to 30ft.Ph 548 0006.mOORinG - Omokoroa. Phone 021 114 739.mOORinG tO lEasE - Tanners Point. Suit launch or multihull. Long term. ph 5490091sWinG mOORinG - for rent or sale at Tanners Point. Recently ser-viced. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616.mOORinG - Pilot Bay, suitable for 28-38’ yacht. In reasonable order. Available 10 months of the year, from 1st March to 31st December. Ph 021 960 720mOORinG FOR REnt - Pilot Bay PT47 $25 per week. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712mOORinG FOR REnt Waikaraeo Estuary. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712

WANTEDsWinG mOORinG by Tauranga Bridge marina. Long term. For 8 tonne boat. Phone 021 963 399.mOORinG tO BuY - either Bridge marina area or slipway side of Pier at Omokoroa. Phone 0276 769 802.sHaREs in launCH - and marina berth. 30 to 40 feet. Cash buyer, what have you? Phone Malcolm 576 6443mOORinG tO BuY - Te Puna, shallow mooring fine. email simon.ifes@gmail.com. Phone 07 552 4694WantEd tO REnt: Swing mooring for 25ft yacht, also short term marina berth. Phone/text Marc, 027 200 2316.HaRtlEY 16 Fibreglass trailer sailer. Ph 07 576 0207.sPinnaKER to fit a Noelex 30. Ph 06 868 8328.

PElin FOR salE - 28’, professionally built, reconditioned Nissan ED 33 110HP diesel engine, mint condition. Comes with dinghy and outboard. $49,000. Ph 07 579 4128 or 027 291 2929.staRlinG FOR salE - “CARPE DIEM” 1130, Professionally built & launched oct 1994, Built on same jig as “Helter Skelter” (1131), This yacht and fittings are in excellent condition Has been compliant with Bow Jig. Extras include Aluminium Beach Trolley, Road Cover and Spare Mast. Asking Price $3,900.00. Telephone 021 120 7060.YaCHt FOR salE - 7mtr catalina yacht trailer sailor. Trailer war-ranted, registered and ready for the road. Pop top cabin, sleeps four, dual batteries, VHF & CB radios, stereo system. Price $17,500 neg. Ph (07) 542 3102 or 027 628 7900.GanlEY timERidER, 38 ft Steel Sloop. Proven offshore yacht. Well maintained & equipped. Excellent condition. Professionally built 1992. Sleeps 6-7. Interior attractive light woodgrain. Large water & diesel tanks, 50hp Nissan engine, Fleming windsteering. $189,000 ph (07) 8627455 or email srlobb007@hotmail.comCatamaRan - 3yr old 11.4 mtr, Roger Simpson, Wildside, Twin 10 hp Yanmar, Diesels. 3 Queen, Size Double berth. Galley. Nav Station, Heads. Saloon. Usual instruments. Ph 07 866 5157 or email cox.wall@xtra.co.nz.lidGaRd 7.9m - Launched approximately 1956. Kauri planked, powered by 60hp nissan diesel, 7.5 knots cuise, economical at 5 ltrs/hr cruising Accommodation for 2, toilet, gas cooker, game rigged. Electronics include VHF, GPS, chartplotter, depthsounder. Vessel is in sound condition. 027 447 2393.WatER PumP - 25PSI, Sureflow. As New $120. Ph 0274 333 220.BOat and sulPHuR POint maRina BERtH 26ft hartley sedan launch. View boat and full details at berth B43, Sulphur Point. Boat $20,000 ono. 8 metre marina berth $16,036 with launch. Has cruised and fished to Mayor, the Mercs and Great Barrier. Ready to go again. Passed insurance survey December 2010. Ph 07 543 4099 or 027 239 6445main sail - 7.5oz, hoist 43’ 7”, foot 14’ 9”, 5 reaths, 5 7/8 slides, very good condition. $400 ono. Ph 021 243 5555.FOldinG PROP - briski, 16 x 12. 25mm shaft. Right handed NZ. $500 ono. Very good condition. Ph 021 243 5555OmOKOROa mOORinG - Prime location opposite Boat Club. Suitable for up to 40ft boat $8000. Recently surveyed - September 2010. Ph 548 2314.QuaRtER sHaRE in VindEx 10 mEtRE launCH - Shaft drive, 180 hp Ford Diesel Turbo, Sleeps 6, two showers, 3 steering stations cruises 10-12 kts. This syndicate has been operating successfully for 6yrs. A great opportunity to enjoy the pleasures a launch offers whilst sharing the costs. Based at Tauranga Bridge Marina. Price $20,000 Ph 548 2314.YaCHt - Moonraker 26ft keeler. 5 sails, 4 stroke vovlo 2 cyl inboard motor. Fully serviced. Starts every time. Hummingbird depth sounder, marine radio, radio cassette, toilet, gully, includes 2 burner stove. 6 berth. 20l water tank, 20l fuel tank, last slip March 2010. Draft 4’6”, 8’ 2” beam. 2m fibreglass dinghy. $12000. 07 548 2114 or 027 548 2114.HaRtlEY ts18 - ‘Antares’ is in really good condition. Trailer has WOF. She has been beautifully built inside and out with painted wood interior and can sleep up to 4 people. Comes with Honda 5HP outboard motor with stand for easy storage. Drop keel makes her a great family boat for going to places in and around the harbour. She has had new aluminium mast and rigging by Mike McCormack and new winch and guide bars added to trailer, for easy launch and retrieval. All ready to go for 2011. Asking price $4,500 ono. Phone Ian Gray 07 578 5022 or 027 572 9439.

FOR SALECall Finance for all marine finance 07-574 0002 or 0274 435 524 available 7 days

WATERLINE 23DIRECTORYBATTERIESBattery Warehouse Ph/Fax: 07 578 8056 25 Marsh Street, Tauranga0274 894 056Battery Direct NZFree delivery in NZwww.BatteryDirect.co.nzsales@batterydirect.co.nz0800 267 468

BOAT MAINTENANCEGemCo LtdR63 Hewletts Rd, Mount MaunganuiPh 572 2411Hutcheson BoatbuildersPh:07-578 8312Robert Page Engineering27 Glasgow Street, TaurangaPh:07 578 4171www.robertpage.co.nzMatamata Motor Trimmers & UpholsteryBoat clears, canvas work, upholsteryPh: 07 571 4421Cnr Mirrielees & Cross Roads, TaurangaOceanz Stainless EngineeringPh:07-571 413030-34 Mirrielees Road, Taurangawww.southernoceanmarine.co.nz

BOAT SALESChallenger Boats142 Newton Road, Mount MaunganuiPh 07 575 0497www.challengerboats.co.nzGulf Group Marine BrokersPh 07 579 9716email: tauranga@gulfgroup.co.nzwww.gulfgroup.co.nzHutcheson Boatbuilders07-578 8312Mastertech Marine60 Whiore Avenue, The Lakes, TaurikoTaurangaPh:579 4240www.mastertech.co.nzTauranga Boat SalesTauranga Bridge Marina: 07 575 0512Sulphur Point Marina: 07 571 8443Email: thecrew@taurangaboatsales.co.nzWebsite: www.taurangaboatsales.co.nz

CHANDLERYSteves Marine SuppliesPh: 07 578 9593 18 Cross Road, Sulphur Point, Tauranga

DELIVERIESRoss Hislop Ph: 07 543 1023, mob 0274 770078Email: hislopra@xtra.co.nz

ELECTRONICS Bay Marine Electronics Steven GillettPh: 07 577 0250www.baymarineelectronics.co.nz

FINANCEAFB Accept Finance Brokers Ph: 07 574 0002

FISHING & DIVINGBig Fish Bait and Tackle CoPh/Fax 07 575 905615 Newton St, Mount MaunganuiPh/Fax 573 4493155 Jellicoe Street, Te PukeBlue Ocean Charters LtdPh 0800 224 278www.blueocean.co.nzemail: info@blueocean.co.nzMount Dive Shop15 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui Ph: 575 4418Tauranga Marine Charters MV Manutere Brett Keller Ph: 07 552 62830274 351 353Email: fishingcharters@xtra.co.nz

INSURANCETauranga InsurancePh: 571 0405195 Devonport Rd, Tauranga

KAYAKINGCanoe & Kayak BOPPh:574 74153/5 MacDonald St, Mt MaunganuiOPEN 7 DAYS 9-5pmViking Kayaks Specialising in fishing and recreational kayaks.0800 529 253 www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

MARINATauranga Bridge MarinaPh: 07 575 8264 Fax: 07 575 8369 VHF: Ch 73 “Bridge Marina”

RIGGINGMike McCormick Ph: 578 307159 Mirrielees Rd, Tauranga

TRAILERSPrescott TrailersPh 07-573 913029 Station Rd, Te Pukewww..prescotttrailers.co.nzGreerton EngineeringPh 541 002464 Maleme StreetTAURANGAwww.greertoneng.co.nz

CLUB CONTACTSMount Maunganui Yacht ClubPh: 542 0305Omokoroa Boat ClubJohn Budden Ph: 548 1180Alan Roberts Ph: 579 1967Tauranga Game Fishing ClubKeith Allen Dr, Sulphur Point TaurangaPh: 578 6203Tauranga Marine Industry Assn.PO Box 13303 TaurangaSteve Glover www.tmia.co.nz or secretary@tmia.co.nzTga Yacht & Power Boat ClubPO Box 14352 Tauranga Ph 578 5512

24 WATERLINE FISHING

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The patchy weather has continued over the last couple of months but there have been

some great windows.

Unfortunately for the majority they have been mid week and so chances to take advan-tage are few.

The forecasting has been a little bit hit and miss, with some good spells arriving when the forecast suggested staying on dry land would be a better idea, therefore not many on these occasions have been prepared to head out. I use the web site "metvuw.com", to look at the approaching weather. I find it very accurate; it does need some interpreta-tion but is definitely worth checking out.

The prevailing South westerlies have allowed the band of water close into shore to be fished continually and we have definitely had a much extended season because of it. The surfcasting regulars have been consistently catching fish into July, good bags of snapper and trevally with some massive kahawai as well. The amount of bait fish just off the beach is amazing and the variety impressive.

There must have been a very early whitebait run as the schools of kahawai are work-ing them and there are piper, herrings, and yellow eyed mullet galore out there to keep the big kahawai and the odd kingie inter-ested as well. The gurnard are off the beach in bigger numbers now.

There were quite a few gurnard caught in the harbour before the chill set in. There is still a good amount of bait in the harbour, a lot of jack mackerel, harassing the whitebait as well.

The local harbour has been a lot qui-eter recently, with the water temperature dropping, the snapper have moved out a bit further but they are still holding in the 20-25m zone.

The soft baiters have been having a great time when they have managed to get out, the snapper fishery is in great shape with some lovely fish being caught. Average weights seem to get better every year, 4 and 5kg fish

almost becoming the norm.There are a few of us out there

hunting for spots and success in chasing broad squid. The squid have

been elusive so far but we have got some great territory in The Bay to target them. Marina break waters, well lit wharfs and

some great rocky, kelpie structure around The Mount, Leisure Island and Bowentown. It is well known for anglers to target squid around Mayor Island when holed up for the night in spots like South East Bay, but there are other areas available around Motiti and Karewa, Plate Island and Schooner that would be well worth a shot.

There have not been many reports from out further, just the odd boat venturing fur-ther out towards the mid range reefs. There are some large snapper lurking in these areas and straylining a nice big bait seems to be the best method to target them. Nice tarakihi in these areas as well. A few have managed to target kingies with jigs in the same regions and some good fish have been caught but it is a bit hit and miss, stick baits seem to work better when fish are a bit fussy.

There have been a few nice bluenose caught early on, always worth a shot out there if the weather allows.

We can expect the snapper to hang around over the sand as winter progresses. They have been there during winter over the last few seasons, not in great numbers but the schools are there, a bit more time may be needed to track them down as they are more isolated. Decent weather is the only critical factor.

Good spells arriving on the forecast

WATERLINE 25PENGUINS

Wellingtonians may get all excited about Happy Feet, their exotic 1

metre tall Emperor penguin visitor from the Antarctic, but here in

the Bay of Plenty it is the smallest penguin in the world that you may see bobbing along beside the boat.

All penguins live in the Southern hemi-sphere, most in the colder southern waters. The blue penguin (also called little blue or fairy penguin) prefers temperate seas, between 20 and 13 degrees, so would once have been found all round the coastal waters of NZ, Tasmania and southern Australia. Adults are about 40cm long and weigh 1kg. Like all penguins, they have hard outer feathers which they coat with waterproofing oil from a gland at the base of the tail. A softer downy underlayer insulates them from the cold water, allowing them to stay at sea for long periods.

Flying birds have light hollow bones; penguin bones are solid, the weight helping them dive after small fish and squid. Stream-lined shape and flippers that morph from surface paddles to underwater rudders make them efficient divers. They usually hunt to a depth of 5-10 metres, but dives to 69 metres have been recorded. Some observers think blue penguins may swallow stones to increase their negative buoyancy. Dive time is less than a minute, with an estimated 800 dives a day! A hooked bill and spines on the tongue help secure the prey.

Blue penguins come ashore to rear their

young in natural burrows or cavities, often lining them with those downy feathers. Nests are usually close to shore, but are known up to 500m inland and even 500m above sea level! The penguins lay one or two white eggs and parents share the 7 weeks of incubation in 1-2 day shifts. Nowadays the communal nesting sites are mostly restricted to off shore islands safe from human disturbance, dogs, cats and stoats. There is still a colony on Mauao where late walkers may watch the ungainly scramble ashore and hear the strange cacophony of bray-ing, screams and growls

during the July-December season. The birds are stranded (and fasting) for 10-18 days later in the summer when they do a rapid and complete moult, looking very scruffy and woebegone in the process.

The birds have no defence against the introduced predators. The blue and white plumage provides visual camouflage from the traditional sea-based

enemies – sharks, seals, etc. but they need our protection on land if they are to reach the oldest recorded age of 19 years.

You may sometimes see numbers of sick and dying penguin washed up. This is usu-ally due to food shortage, or sometimes to biotoxins. DoC advice is not to handle the birds because of the possibility of bacterial

infection. Use a towel if you do choose to move sick

birds to a sheltered part of the shore.

Please name me when you see me – I am korora, the

little blue penguin.

Korora, the little blue penguin

Laser sailor wins world title in FranceSam Meech is Tauranga’s

newest world champion after winning the 2011 Laser Junior

World Championship in La Rochelle, France.

“It is really cool to have won the regatta,” says Sam.

“I went to the event aiming to win, so I am really happy to have achieved it.

“The conditions were great for sailing, although we could have done without the rain earlier on in the week.

“We ended up getting about 10-15knots just about every day so it was easy to get all the races completed.”

More accustomed to competing along-side the world’s best in the Olympic class

senior laser fleet at ISAF World Cup Sailing Regattas, Meech fits the under-21 age bracket required to compete for this junior world title, and he made it look easy.

“The format of four qualifying days made all the results really close,” says Sam.

“It was really good for me as it kept the pressure on right until the last race.”

Up against 147 junior laser sailors from around the world, Sam won eight races across the 12 race series and only finished outside the top two in one race.

Sam finished the regatta nine points clear of the silver medallist, Alex Mills-Barton from Great Britain.

Martin Evans, also from Great Britain, claimed the bronze.

Sam, who represents the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is the youngest of five laser sailors in Yachting New Zealand’s NZL Sailing Team.

In 2009 he won gold for New Zealand at the prestigious ISAF Youth World Cham-pionships and was named joint winner of the 2009 New Zealand Young Sailor of the Year.

Sam Meech receives his prize as new world champion. Photo: supplied.

26 WATERLINE SEA BIRDS

BATTERYWAREHOUSE

The recent wild and stormy weather has been pretty annoying for many boaties wanting to

head out for a winter’s day on the water.

But it is not just people that are suffering from the storms. Seabirds are getting blown off course and into areas they are not normally seen by especially strong winds.

Sea birds living in areas of the lower North Island are particu-larly badly affected. "Storms are bringing in dozens and dozens of seabirds inland," says Department of Conservation biodiversity programme manager Peter Simpson. DOC believes most of the birds blown off course are young ones that fledged only last spring.

These birds are inexperienced and are not really used to flying in the stronger winds so struggle to navigate and find their bearings. Common seabirds, such as petrels and prions, are often being found and will be the ones that DOC receives the most calls about. This is probably because there are plenty of them flying around our coastline and because they do spend a lot of their time at sea.

Mr Simpson says if people are keen to help, the best thing they can do for these birds is to put them in a box and return them to the water's edge as soon as they can. Recently my family found a petrel blown off course onto the Mount Maunganui beach. We took care of it by putting it in a cardboard box and keeping it warm. At the end of that day the bird seemed to be stronger and we were then able to set him free back at the beach, where after a few moments he happily flew away. DOC says it is best not to intervene too much, because feeding or heating the birds can make

them more stressed. Just to free them as soon as you possibly can, or call DOC if you are unsure.

Apparently, this kind of event often happens during the winter, but it would seem that the strong winds we have been enduring are making things more dif-ficult for many seabirds.

If you do find a seabird that has been blown ashore then you can contact the DOC hotline 0800 362 468.

Wild weather causes havoc for sea birds

WATERLINE 27SURFCASTING

The Western Bay Surfcasting Club are getting the 2011/2012 fishing season off to a positive

start with a day of tuition for new members to the Club.

Anyone in need of lessons on what tackle to use, baits and baiting, casting etc. will be able to gain valuable tips from the more experienced members. Take along your rod and reel and have someone give you advice on how to set it up and perhaps even give you a few casting tips. If the weather is fine, the Club shall be conducting casting lessons and assist you with any problems you may be having.

Whether you have fished for many years or are new to the sport of surfcasting, the Club invites you to come along and meet the

committee and members to hear about what the Club has planned for the 2011/2012 season. For the more experienced fish-ers, you can find out about the Club’s new revised competition schedule which provides a chance for you to pit your skills against others in the Club and also other Surfcasting Club’s in the region.

The Club has recently held its Annual General Meeting and has a very full program of activities planned for the next twelve months which not only involve fishing, but also tuition and fun days. If you decide that you would like to join the Club, they will talk to you about what benefits you will gain from being a member. Surfcasting is a sport for every one of all ages and the Club encourages families in particular to get involved, have fun, make new friends and perhaps catch a few fish along the way.

The day promises to be one not to be missed so, if you have been thinking about surfcasting as a pastime be sure to put this date in your diary.

1pm – 4pm, Sunday 4 September 2011.“Surfbreaker” Room, Papamoa Sports and Recreation Complex,Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Road,

Papamoa.As the Club shall be providing a barbecue

afternoon tea, it would be appreciated if you could let them know if you plan to go along so that arrangements can be made to cater sufficient food.

For further information please contact either of the following, The President Mike Bulloch on msbulloch@xtra.co.nz phone 574-8090 or the Club Captain, Bruce Glass on Bruce.Glass@xtra.co.nz phone 542-3545.

Western Bay Surfcasting Club meet and greet day

A combination of factors led to a Tauranga yachtie almost literally falling

into the lap of retired Tauranga boat builder Alastair Hutcheson.

Yachtie Vincent Whiting got into trouble off Whangamata on July 2, when a south east blow that had been forecast arrived about six hours earlier than expected.

Vincent was on his way from Whitianga to Tauranga and was intending to stay over-night at Whangamata. He failed to make the bar and was blown aground.

Alastair was on board his boat Spellbinder at the jetty just inside the bar and was first on the scene.

“I waded out and talked him into jumping off,” says Alastair. “He went under and didn’t

come back up. He had heaps of clothes on. I felt around for him.” “I made him promise, if he got off the boat I would look after it.”

He found Vincent before he drowned and got him off the beach to dry off and warm up, and then went on to help the local coast-guard haul Rocket off the beach.

At 28ft or 8.5 metres Alastair describes Rocket as a small boat, which he says gener-ally don’t sail well to windward when they have a bit of weed on the bottom.

“He was doing it by himself and the wind swung onto his nose,” says Alastair.

It is pretty hard to get a small boat to go to windward in a seaway says Alastair. It’s hard work and Vincent was sailing solo.

“By the time he reached Whangamata he was tired, possibly hypothermic,” says Alastair.

“I think he got caught out a little bit. I think really it just kicked in a bit earlier than planned he wasn’t really prepared.

“That’s what seamanship is about, not dealing with immediate problems, it’s being aware of how problems can add up.”

Vincent was washed clear of the entrance and the engine was right out of power, fast idle or nothing.

In the conditions and with a bit more local knowledge, Alastair says Vincent ‘a stoic pom’ would have been better off taking shel-ter at Slipper Island until the weather passed.

Alastair recovered from the cold he caught running around trying to save the boat and had Rocket hauled out to check her for damage. She’s back in the water and Alastair intends towing Rocket to Tauranga during a suitable weather window.

Tauranga yachtie runs into the right rescuer

28 WATERLINE SIOLA TAU

New Zealanders David Simmons and his wife Catherine owned Siola Tau (the name means “Come with

Me”), a 15 metre Indonesian perahu (sailing ship) for a year, during which they rebuilt her from a shipwreck on Darwin’s Fanny Bay foreshore and

sailed her to Indonesia and back with no previous offshore and only minimal

coastal cruising experience.

The story of the hardship and harassments they encountered and the satisfaction they obtained from the venture is told in a three part feature starting this month…

We were in Darwin for the purpose of making enough money to return home and finish the Pelin 28 which David had begun building.

Everyone in Darwin, it seemed, was build-ing a boat. You never went far without seeing a mast extending above someone’s home. But our interest in sailing vessels took on a new dimension when we chanced on a beautiful 15-metre Teak Indonesian perahu, Siola Tau. She was propped up on Fanny Bay beach and we were awed by her beautiful lines and extreme simplicity. She was beamy at 4.9 metres, had a solid Teak tree as a mast, and a 4.6 metre bowsprit.

We contacted two Englishmen, by drop-ping a note through one of the ports and into ST’s bare interior. They wanted to sell and we wanted to buy, but they wanted $16,000 which, of course, we never had. So we contented ourselves with hearing the story of how she was built in the Kangian archipelago 100 miles north of Bali 18 months beforehand and how her crew sailed her to Darwin.

With a week ST’s props had loosened and she had fallen over, slewed side-on to the waves by the 9-metre tides and virtually wrecked in a heavy storm, during which several men, including David, tried in vain to refloat her. She was left to the mercy of the sea and all hopes of saving her faded.

The despondent owners were broke and the previous 18 months had taxed every drop of their enthusiasm. When David offered to hire a crane, lift her upright, drag her further up the beach and then buy her if she didn’t break up further, they agreed.

The operation went smoothly, which was a miracle considering it was Christmas Eve and the two crane drivers were drunk! We decided to attempt to rebuild her. The owners were

overjoyed and for our faith in ST they pre-sented her to us.

We never paused to consider the enormity of the task we had undertaken. Had we not seen ST before her destruction and never known that look of old-time glory skilfully handcrafted in the form a sailing ship, we would never have attempted her “rebirth”.

Sheer enthusiasm spurred us on. David worked long hours every day for five months rebuilding ST on the shores of Fanny Bay while I continued to work to finance the project, which consumed every cent we’d saved and con-tinued to until even if we had become dispirited, we were too financially involved to give up.

David’s tools and woodwork-

ing experience were minimal and he had to overcome the doubts created by the negative com-ments and advice of hundreds of curious but pes-simistic onlookers

– comments such as “She’ll never float,” – “I’ve been building boats for 40 years and I wouldn’t attempt it,” – “You’re crazy”.

Several planks and ribs were replaced and hundreds of bolts added as previously only wooden pegs were used. The cabin roof and sides were replaced, decks and rails repaired, the interior improved, although the original open layout remained, and the whole boat re-caulked and painted.

ST was launched in April, the beginning of the beautiful dry season when for six months

you don’t see a cloud in the sky. She looked proud and majestic once more. We had done everything we’d been told we couldn’t do and it worked!

We lived aboard and became the envy of many who sailed by as we lounged in our cane chairs on the afterdeck sipping tea.

However, the work was by no means over. For the next three months we attempted navi-gation classes, made cotton sails and with the aid of a hand sewing machine, ferried 10 tons

of iron ore ballast from the wharf in our dinghy, replaced rigging and finally began sea trials.

She lived up to our most optimistic expecta-tions and sailed like a dream. We sailed her one weekend in 40-knot winds off Point Charles with only three people aboard – the minimum number required to go about. ST performed gallantly, cutting a path through the large swells

and rarely shipping water on to the decks. However, we learnt a few lessons about stowage below!

On 30 July we set sail for Indonesia with five people aboard and loaded with food, bicycles and sewing machines donated by the St Vincent de Paul Society and destined for the mission on Roti, our first landfall. We set sail without and engine as the previous owners had done, but we did have a 4.5kW Seagull outboard bracketed to the stern.

The first day of our journey was spent sailing downwind at a pleasant 6-7 knots. Only too soon we realised our mistake in

not resting up before setting sail. We spent a hectic week organising visas and a sailing permit and loading the ship. The last night was spent anti-fouling ST’s hull. We grabbed a few hours of disturbed sleep and were inter-rupted by the crew arriving in various stages of incoherence. We pushed off with the tide a few hours before dawn.

We all felt the need for sleep and by mid-day two crew members were below suffering from bad colds accentuated by exhaustion and I had succumbed to sea-sickness. These illnesses were to render us almost completely useless for three days.

We were well on our way and past Cape Fourcroy when it became apparent that ST was leaking badly, mainly through the topsides. With no automatic steering device, the helm had to be manned 24 hours and without an engine or electrical system, the pumps were also manual.

Siola Tau from shipwreck to ocean cruiser

WATERLINE 29SIOLA TAU

It was very worrying wondering how long we could manage to keep up with the leaks and if they would get worse. We had no radio but we did have a good 6-man liferaft.

On the third day the general feeling had changed from one of utter despondency to slight cheerfulness as the weaker three made an appearance and were able to assume duties just as David and Nick were on the point of exhaustion. That night a four-hourly helm watch and pump-handling roster was arranged, the helm being easier to handle as we sailed during the night broad reaching. We were now pumping every half hour.

The fourth day all eyes peeled for land which was eventually sighted at 5.30pm during “Happy Hour”, which was spent socialising and consuming various amounts of green ginger wine and warm beer. My first celestial sights had been managed that after-noon, the outcome of which was doubted by some until we sighted the high volcanic mountains of Timor, proving me correct.

Land in sightOur first land sighting was exciting and

a relief as it’s hard to believe when you are out there among the huge swells with no land in sight, that you do actually have some direction and will eventually reach land. We all discovered an entirely different life out there. Nick was the only one aboard with any worthwhile sailing experience – the rest of us were virtually novices.

It took another two days and two nights to reach Baa, the main town on the island of Roti. They were pleasant days spent fishing (unsuccessfully), sunbathing and eating.

After passing through the Roti Straits we spotted some small fishing vessels and thatched huts on the shore. We were only 600 miles from Darwin yet felt alienated from Western society. Here was an island paradise only a stepping stone from our wor-risome complicated world.

We were the guests of Father Franz and the people of Roti for three weeks and were initially suffered from culture shock; we were only the fifth Western people to set foot on the island in 10 years. Children pinched up to see if we were real and followed us every-where. Even ST was no refuge!

In appreciation of the cargo we had bought for the mission, Father Franz, an Austrian missionary who had served the people of Roti selflessly for 10 years, arranged a gang of men to recaulk ST. So when we finally left for Bali there was not the continual struggle against leaks which by now were only minimal.

We left Roti a week later than planned and the ominous

thought of not being able to cross the notori-ously dangerous Lombok Straits at their most peaceful time of the year, hung over us.

We encountered the Straits on our fifth day out of Roti. It was 2am and I was gratefully relieved of the helm. The thought of a few hours sleep was a welcome one. However it was not long before I was being rolled on my bunk. Hanging lanterns and galley utensils were banging and rattling incessantly. Having to tense myself to prevent falling of the bunk dispelled any thoughts of further sleep.

I dressed and, bracing myself against the galley supports, struggled up the compan-ionway steps and poked my head out. There I braced myself for the next two hours, too scared to move. David and Nick were already on deck and the helmsman was kneeling as he had been thrown out of his seat and had the tiller gripped tightly under his arm. It was dark and there was no moon or wind. Huge waves came at us from all directions and each looked as though it was about to swamp us, but our ship would suddenly lurch violently and ride over them.

The noise of the sea was almost deafening and most disconcerting. David moved in to help the helmsman to keep the boat on a reasonably straight course. Occasionally the helm would manage to throw the two of them. The fact that there was almost no wind and the waves were multi-directional meant we were only slowly drifting through this huge cauldron of furious water. The Straits are famous for their contrary ways. At each tide change the Java Sea forces its way through the Lombok Strait, empties into the vast Indian Ocean and converges with the large swells causing the turbulence.

It was close to sawn when we passed into the calmest waters imaginable. Huge whirlpools were close by but none affected us. Long after we could no longer see the waves through which we had passed, we could hear the terrifying noise they made.

ST had nobly brought us through the danger and took a well-earned rest as we were

becalmed for the rest of the morning. We were frustrated at the prospect of not reach-ing Bali that day.

However, a good wind sprang up about mid-day and we moved steadily to finally approach the extremely tricky entrance to Benoa Harbour at about 3pm and low tide. The wreck of a beautiful yacht on a nearby reef was a reminder of the care needed when negotiating this narrow, winding channel. There we were devouring a late lunch of brown lentil pie, David on the helm, chart on the deck and all of us looking out, giving directions and having to go about frequently. We gained the admiration of those aboard perahus and yachts anchored in the harbour. They cheered as we went by, much to our delight.

Drop the anchorWe dropped anchor and were welcomed to

Bali by several yachtsmen who came over to congratulate us and see what this extremely unprofessional-looking crew were all about with their huge wooden boat looking like something out of a previous century.

We went ashore, sampled some Balinese food and drink, returning early to get a good nights kip in preparation for the inevitable official hassles that always awaited us on encountering an Indonesian port.

The following morning brought realisation the ST had begun leaking badly once more and several hours were spent trying to locate the leak. We felt exasperated at the thought of searching for more leaks and possibly recaulk-ing ST again only two weeks after her major overhaul in Roti. But ST was a working boat and required constant maintenance.

David and Nick went ashore to see Harbour Master, Navy, Army, customs and police, trying to make a good impression in their best clothes! Each department visited had to have a copy of every official paper we could offer and believe me, the more the better! They would then proceed to file them in a big box in the back room, with no inten-tion of ever referring to them again. To make things difficult, each department refused to co-operate wit the others and in fact in some cases they appeared almost hostile toward each other.

It was always difficult trying to explain that our boat was Indonesian, that it had British registration but that we were New Zealand-ers. They couldn’t swallow all that and would eventually insist on coming out to ST to satisfy their curiosity.

Next month: Bali to Kupang.By Catherine Simmons

The disconcerting noise of the sea

30 WATERLINE LADY DOREEN

There a piece of New Zealand game fishing history for sale

at the bridge marina.

The Lady Doreen teak decks have been trodden by the rich and famous and the boat has the reputation of catching more gamefish in her career than any other northland boat.

Zane Grey’s son Dr Loren Grey, Lord Vesty G Harold Hopkins, former New Zealand Prime Minister Norm Kirk, the King and Queen of Nepal, Sir Robert Muldoon and a handful of Hollywood stars are among some of the notables who have chartered the Lady Doreen.

She’s a traditional game fishing displace-ment design of carvel planked kauri with cabin topsides and main structure all of northland kauri –and was Snooks Fuller’s dream boat.

“The story goes that when he was going to school he sketched this boat out on a school exercise book,” says Gulf Group Tauranga manager Brian Worthington.

“At age 18 he made a model, then he and his father had it built by Bart and Wally Deming at Deming’s boat yard in Opua.”

The Demings scaled it up off the model and Snooks and his father Norm helped build the Lady Doreen, which was launched in 1951.

With her big open cockpit, berths for six, for up to ten days with freezers, fridges, ovens and toilets; the Lady Doreen was years ahead of the competitors.

She’s named after Snooks’ mother. The heaviest fish ever caught on the Lady Doreen was a black marlin weighing 380kg, caught by a 16 year old. The first world record fish was caught in 1957, a 192kg stiped marlin.

In June 1972 Anne Clarke of Auck-

land hooked a 300lb thresher shark on 30lb line setting a women’s world record.

Snooks sold the lady Doreen in 1975 to Delbert and Dulcie Clampert, potato

farmers for Idaho, but remained under contract with the boat for five years with right of renewal.

The Lady Doreen was one of the first Bay of Island boat to move to light tackle for game fish, and was also a leader in the tag and release programme.

The previous owner spent $250,000 on refitting and restoring the Lady Doreen, says Brian, and after a year put her on the market again. The present owner is look-ing for $249,000.

Game fishing history in Lady Doreen

WATERLINE 31GULF GROUP

MARINE BROKERS LTDMARINE BROKERS LTD

www.gulfgroup.co.nzwww.gulfgroup.co.nz

Pelin liberty 1986, 10m. Popular design with twin cabin layout. 220hp Ford turbo 14-18kts, engine rebuilt 2003. twin station, fridge, 2 showers, GPS/plotter, fish-finder, Aquapro inflat, 3.5hp outboard. nZ$ 120,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 4846t

Col Wilde 42’, kauri carvel planked, ex surveyed. 2 x 90hp Ford dsls, game rigged, Cyril Jordan game chair, 2 stations, 6 sgl & 1 dbl berth, 2 fridges, freezer, 4 bnr/oven, elec toilet, shwr, gd electronics. Well proven, well known vessel with a lot of history & fish records. nZ$ 125,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 5000t

CAbo riCo 36 36’ tiburon, a Crealock designed ketch. 1976, aft cabin, centre c/pt, GrP. Full keel with cutaway & 5’ draft, 50hp Perkins 4108. Has spent last 3 yrs cruis-ing. Wind gen, solar panels, liferaft, water maker, plus more. Very roomy, great cockpit.would consider a trade. nZ$ 125,000. Ph neil Cameron, 027 493 4953. 8338t

Vindex 34 10.8m, 1974, d/d glassed, 170hp isuzu. Game rigged, live b/tank, 2 stations, hard top, 2 sgl, 2 dbl berths, frig, 2 bnr oven, elec toilet, gd electronics, hold/tank, gas detector. ideal first launch. nZ$ 67,500. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 8595t

CHriS robertSon 36 2 skin kauri glassed with recent 240hp Volvo, shaft drive. An immaculate 1976 cruising launch with 6 single berths & 1 double. All cruising gear. nZ$135,000. Ph neil Cameron 0274 934953. 3540t

MiCk elMS 36 no GrP Airex foam construction, launched 1999. big volume, sails well. Very tidy, excel-lent cruiser/racer. retiring owner would trade camper van. Would sell marina berth. nZ$ 90,000. Ph neil Cameron 0274934953. 8474t

CAtAlinA 36 1996 Catalina 36, GrP, 30hp diesel, ex surveyed, furling headsail, MPS 2007. two cabins, walkthru transom, teak interior, holding tank. inflatable & outboard, VHF, autopilot. A great offshore or coastal cruiser. nZ$ 165,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 8594t

robertSon 10M 10m robertson 1971, 2 skin kauri in top order. Volvo 200 duo prop 17kts cruise. 5 berth, large freezer, gas stove with oven, all new covers,leather squabs. lovely comfortable interior,Vessel in real tidy condition a credit to present owner. nZ$109,000. Ph neil Gurran, A/hrs 027 671 8780. 2636t

PrinCeSS 32 GrP, 120hp Ford diesel engine, 8 knots cruise, 6’ headroom, 2 doubles & 1 single. VHF, GPS/Plotter, fishfinder, depthsounder, Cd player. Surveyed 14 passengers in shore, game rigged, s/steel game chair. Great entry level charter vessel. nZ$89,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 6386t

FArr 1020 Factory finished, 1984. Volvo 18hp, 7 berth standard layout, autohelm, log/speedo, wind speed, all raymarine, VHF, stereo system and ePirb. nZ$89,000. Ph neil Cameron 0274934953 8554t

Pelin PAtrol 8m, d/d ply glassed, 230hp Volvo, duo-prop. lockable cabin, l/raft, VHF, GPS, f/finder, radar, Cd player. 2 berths, lge self draining c/pit. ideal for the serious fisherman. nZ$60,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 8582t

lAdy doreen lady doreen,legendary gamefishing launch,kauri carvel,repowered in 2005 with twin 130hp fords. Gamerigged,Cyril Jordan gamechair,twin staion,new teak cockpit and decks 2005. beautifully restored 2005.2 toilets and 2 showers,freezer,4 burner oven,sleeps 8. Modern electronics,just completed new SSM 4 year survey. nZ$249,000 + GSt. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 4390t

ForMulA 45 1998, GrP, 2 x 310hp Cummins dsls. H/top, 3 cabins, toilet, shwr, ensuite, 3 dbl, 2 sgl berths, frig, freezer, 4 bnr/oven, waste disposal, microwave, watermaker, dwn/stairs station. Gd electronics, inflat & o/board, hld/tank, genset. nZ$375,000. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 8626t

Tauranga Selection Ph 07 579 9716 tauranga@gulfgroup.co.nzOWNERS: BRUCE LEGGATT AND NEIL CAMERON

58 Cross Rd, Sulphur Point

Pelin toPAZ 30’, 170hp yanmar, 1996, ply glassed, shaft drive. Complete with 10m Sulphur Pt, tauranga, berth. 1 dbl, 2 sgl berths, toilet, shwr, frig, 2 bnr/oven, VHF, GPS, f/finder, elec capstan. ideal first launch. nZ$ 79,000 boat & berth. Ph brian Worthington, A/hrs 027 447 2393. 8544t

Vindex 32 Vindex 32,d/d glassed launched 1972,per-kins 6354 of 145hp,12-15 knots. twin station,fridge and freezer,2 showers,VHF,GPS/plotter,fishfinder. two dbls & two single berths,new canvas work,game rigged and game chair. owners looking to trade up. nZ$89,000. Ph neil Cameron 0274934953. 5301t

32 WATERLINE

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