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

ase take one

SEPTEMBER 2013

Photo by Andy Belcher and Darryl Torckler.

Two years on from Rena...

The reef is teeming See page 7

Versatile design

Boat Expo 2013

True blue fishing machine

‘Foiling’ the yachties

02 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

The Bay of Plenty’s own boating, fishing, diving, yachting and watersports news.

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Phone 07-578 0030 Fax 07-571 1116 No.1 The Strand, Tauranga. PO Box 240, Tauranga. email: brian@thesun.co.nz

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Dec 2013 March 2014 June 2014 Sept 2014

30 Nov 2013 24 Feb 2014 1 June 2014 31 August 2014

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TIDES Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

SEPTEMBER 1 Su 3:28 1.5 2 Mo 4:22 1.5 3 Tu 5:14 1.6 4 We 6:03 1.6 5 Th 0:35 0.4 6 Fr 1:18 0.3 7 Sa 2:00 0.3 8 Su 2:41 0.2 9 Mo 3:24 0.2 10 Tu 4:08 0.2 11 We 4:54 0.2 12 Th 5:42 0.2 13 Fr 0:21 1.8 14 Sa 1:17 1.7 15 Su 2:19 1.7 16 Mo 3:23 1.7 17 Tu 4:28 1.7 18 We 5:29 1.8 19 Th 0:08 0.1 20 Fr 1:02 0.1 21 Sa 1:52 0.1 22 Su 2:40 0.1 23 Mo 3:26 0.1 24 Tu 4:10 0.1 25 We 4:54 0.2 26 Th 5:37 0.3 27 Fr 0:16 1.6 28 Sa 1:03 1.6 29 Su 1:53 1.5 30 Mo 2:47 1.5

9:36 10:29 11:19 12:05 6:49 7:33 8:15 8:57 9:40 10:25 11:12 12:04 6:34 7:31 8:31 9:34 10:36 11:36 6:27 7:20 8:11 8:58 9:44 10:29 11:13 11:59 6:21 7:08 7:58 8:51

0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5

16:05 16:55 17:43 18:28 12:49 13:32 14:14 14:57 15:42 16:28 17:17 18:10 13:00 14:00 15:03 16:05 17:04 18:01 12:31 13:24 14:14 15:02 15:48 16:34 17:20 18:06 12:46 13:35 14:27 15:20

1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6

22:12 0.5 23:03 0.5 23:51 0.4 19:10 19:51 20:32 21:14 21:57 22:41 23:29

1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8

19:06 20:06 21:09 22:11 23:11

0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2

18:54 19:44 20:32 21:19 22:04 22:48 23:31

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7

18:54 19:44 20:36 21:29

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

OCTOBER 1 Tu 3:42 2 We 4:37 3 Th 5:28 4 Fr 6:17 5 Sa 0:44 6 Su 1:29 7 Mo 2:13 8 Tu 2:59 9 We 3:45 10 Th 4:33 11 Fr 5:23 12 Sa 0:07 13 Su 1:05 14 Mo 2:07 15 Tu 3:11 16 We 4:14 17 Th 5:14 18 Fr 6:10 19 Sa 0:40 20 Su 1:29 21 Mo 2:15 22 Tu 2:58 23 We 3:40 24 Th 4:21 25 Fr 5:02 26 Sa 5:44 27 Su 0:25 28 Mo 1:12 29 Tu 2:04 30 We 2:59 31 Th 3:55

1.5 1.5 1.6 1.7 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

9:45 10:38 11:28 12:15 7:03 7:48 8:33 9:19 10:06 10:56 11:49 6:17 7:14 8:14 9:16 10:18 11:17 12:12 7:01 7:49 8:35 9:18 10:01 10:42 11:24 12:08 6:27 7:15 8:06 9:00 9:55

0.5 16:12 1.6 22:21 0.4 17:01 1.6 23:11 0.4 17:48 1.7 23:58 ALERTS 0.3SMS 18:34 1.7 TO 19:18 1.7 DIRECT 13:02 0.3 1.8 13:47 YOUR0.2 20:03 1.8 MOBILE 14:34 0.2 20:48 1.9 15:21 0.2 21:34 1.9 16:10 0.2 22:22 1.9 17:01 0.2 23:13 1.8 17:55 0.2 0.2 12:45 1.8 18:52 0.2 13:45 1.8 19:52 0.2 14:46 1.8 20:53 0.3 15:46 1.8 21:54 0.3 16:44 1.8 22:53 0.2 17:39 1.8 23:48 0.2 18:31 1.8 1.8 13:04 0.2 19:20 1.8 13:52 0.2 20:07 1.8 14:39 0.2 20:51 1.8 15:23 0.2 21:34 1.8 16:07 0.3 22:16 1.8 16:50 0.3 22:58 1.7 17:33 0.4 23:40 1.7 18:18 0.4 0.4 12:53 1.6 19:04 0.4 13:42 1.6 19:53 0.5 14:32 1.6 20:44 0.5 15:24 1.6 21:37 0.4 16:16 1.6 22:29

0.5 0.4 0.3 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4

Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

NOVEMBER 1 Fr 4:50 1.6 2 Sa 5:42 1.7 3 Su 0:10 0.2 4 Mo 0:59 0.1 5 Tu 1:47 0.1 6 We 2:35 0 7 Th 3:24 0 8 Fr 4:14 0 9 Sa 5:06 0.1 10 Su 6:00 0.1 11 Mo 0:52 1.7 12 Tu 1:53 1.7 13 We 2:55 1.7 14 Th 3:56 1.7 15 Fr 4:55 1.7 16 Sa 5:50 1.7 17 Su 0:17 0.2 18 Mo 1:05 0.2 19 Tu 1:49 0.2 20 We 2:32 0.2 21 Th 3:12 0.2 22 Fr 3:51 0.2 23 Sa 4:30 0.3 24 Su 5:10 0.3 25 Mo 5:52 0.4 26 Tu 0:35 1.5 27 We 1:24 1.5 28 Th 2:17 1.5 29 Fr 3:13 1.6 30 Sa 4:11 1.6

10:49 11:41 6:32 7:21 8:10 8:59 9:49 10:41 11:35 12:30 6:57 7:56 8:57 9:58 10:57 11:52 6:40 7:27 8:12 8:54 9:34 10:14 10:53 11:34 12:15 6:36 7:25 8:18 9:14 10:11

0.4 0.3 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4

17:06 17:56 12:32 13:22 14:12 15:02 15:54 16:47 17:41 18:38 13:28 14:26 15:24 16:21 17:15 18:07 12:43 13:31 14:16 14:59 15:41 16:22 17:03 17:44 18:27 13:00 13:47 14:38 15:31 16:25

1.7 1.7 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7

23:20 0.3 18:45 1.8 19:34 1.8 20:24 1.9 Grey Blue 21:14 1.9 22:06 1.9 22:59 Grey 1.8 Blue 23:54 1.8 19:35 20:35 21:34 22:31 23:26

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2

18:55 19:41 20:25 21:07 21:48 22:28 23:08 23:50

1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6

19:13 20:02 20:54 21:48 22:43

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3

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). Daylight savings add one hour.

CMYK 25, 4, 0, 50

CMYK 4, 27, 99, 0

WATERLINE 03

SEPTEMBER 2013

Foiling the kites Jesse demonstrates how to get to the harbour entrance in four tacks.

It’s not as big as an America’s Cup AC72, but Jesse McCaffery says the Italian-made foiling kiteboard he’s been using still accelerates quick enough to make yachties’ eyes pop.

“All the yachties love it, you just go along beside them and pop up on the foil and they almost fall off their boats,” says Jesse.

He’s using an Italian designed and manufactured foil he found on eBay. “It’s been around for a little while, maybe three four years,” says Jesse.

“I knew they existed but had never seen one before.”

The Moses brand has a selection of front and back wings, so a kiteboarder can set it up to make getting up on the foil easy; or more advanced wings can make for faster turning, a little more control and a bit more speed in the water, so they can be used in the surf.

“And they are now designing a race wing as well,” says Jesse. “It’s a little bit hard to tell how fast you can go because it’s all about balance on them. You really have to keep your body in the very centre of the board.

If you move your body a centimetre forward, or a centimetre back, it’s all over. You have a

Photos by Brian Rogers.

mighty spectacular crash.”

Importing them is expensive and Jesse is talking with a Tauranga boatbuilder about building a local version.

“We’re looking at trying to design one that will more suit the New Zealand market. But probably not for a little while yet. We are still in the design process,” says Jesse.

“We’ve got to try and come up with ideas so it doesn’t look the same as anyone else’s. We’re just talking about it, designing it, pricing it up, seeing if it is viable, because if it’s too expensive it’s just not worth doing.

“So it’s expensive toy, and if you want it you are going to have great fun. It’s the same as the Americas cup boats. Ours are a little bit smaller, but we can still have a magnificent crash.”

The good thing about the foiling kiteboard is the upwind drive is just incredible, says Jesse, and he can easily beat the course board which was to be used at the Olympics.

“They tend to beat me on the down-wind course. It’s a little bit harder to keep your balance on the downwind course. I use it in the surf a lot as well, which is really, really, cool because you are already one metre off the surface. If you are surfing a wave one-metre-and-half, you’re already two-and-half metres up.

“It’s great fun, designed for light wind more than anything else.”

By Andrew Campbell

SEPTEMBER 2013

04 WATERLINE

Boating battery basics Winter is the time of year when boats tend to gather cobwebs, but it’s the ideal time, while the boat’s not being used much, to carry out some of the small maintenance tasks that tend to get forgotten during summer when the fish are running and the sun is shining.

A good place to start your checks is with the battery. Just ask any Coastguard unit what most callouts are for, especially at the start of summer, and they’ll most likely tell you “flat batteries”. There’s nothing that can ruin your day’s fishing like a flat battery.

The easiest way to find out the state of your battery is to take it in to a battery shop for testing. They can tell you how much life is left in your power pack.

Check the level of electrolyte in each cell.

If your battery is liquid acid-filled, you can take the filler caps off and look inside. The liquid should cover the tops of the lead plates inside. You can use distilled water to top up if required.

Some batteries these days are gel-filled and sealed. These don’t need topping up, so don’t panic if there aren’t any filler caps on your battery.

Take a look at the battery connectors. If they’ve got a crust of white powder around the posts and cable clamps, then this is the place to start. This corrosion can prevent your

Go slow near boats and swimmers

or pay a $200 fine!

engine from starting, so that nasty residue needs to be removed.

Safety tip: these deposits of powder contain corrosive battery acid, so take care not to touch it with your bare hands.

Disconnect the leads (remove the negative terminal first), and clean the powder off the clamps and battery posts with a strong solution of baking soda in warm water. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub off any stubborn deposits, but I have found it is often sufficient to simply pour the baking soda solution over the posts and clamps, let it foam for a few minutes, rinse off with fresh water, then

Make the most of long cold evenings to check over your boat and gear pat dry with a paper towel or clean rag.

Wipe a decent smear of Vaseline over the battery posts and clamps to help prevent the corrosive deposits from forming again.

Once you have reconnected the battery leads (connect the negative last), give them a good jiggle to make sure they are tight. There needs to be a firm connection between the battery posts and your cable clamps for good engine starting.

If your engine turns over slower than usual in spite of clean terminals, then it’s time to look at replacing the battery.

It’s best to fully charge your boat batteries before you put them away for the winter, as this helps them to last longer. Leaving a boat battery discharged or ‘flat’ will shorten its life.

Lead-acid batteries in storage will slowly discharge over time, so give your batteries a good charge if your boat hasn’t been used during the winter. A fully charged battery takes only 13 weeks to gradually discharge to less than its optimum operating level, which means that during a winter of not being used, a battery will most likely be dead flat by the time spring arrives and you’re ready to dust off the cobwebs for another season of fun on the water.

Stay safe out there.

By Jennifer Roberts Harbour Master - Western Bay of Plenty

Wear a

LIFEJACKET

You must have an observer when towing

or pay a $200 fine!

GO SLOW NEAR DIVERS

WATERLINE 05

SEPTEMBER 2013

Boom sounds on the boat No matter what kind of fisherman you are, a stereo will always add to an enjoyable day out on the water.

If you’re one of the 20 per cent, who catch 80 per cent of the fish, you can use the stereo to attract more fish, and to celebrate a fantastic haul as you charge back into the marina.

If you’re one of the rest of us, it’s a great way to pass the hours between bites and drown out your mates bragging as you make your way back to the ramp.

The cheap and cheerful

At the cheap end of the stereo market there’s a temptation to buy a cheap car stereo or perhaps an amplifier with an earphone jack for mp3 players. The weak link with both of these options in a marine stereo is often the speakers. By the time you have bought a set of decent marine speakers to go with your head unit/amp, you may as well have bought a proper marine combo.

A marine stereo with waterproof speakers starts at under $200; and they’re great for listening to weather forecasts, music, or an MP3 player using a waterproof pouch. It’s a great option for small boats under 6m. For a

slightly better, louder sound you can go with a basic Fusion stereo and a couple of 4-inch flush mount speakers for $330. This combo boasts a massive three-year warranty and has a surprisingly good sound for a small boat.

Mid range

If we increase the total cost to $400-$800, a large range of options becomes available.

Four speaker systems, multiple zones, CD players, USB ports, even chartplotter and iPhone/Android controls are now available.

Sound quality and available volume also increases with price and number of speakers.

These systems are suitable for most trailer boats and smaller launches, but once again make sure you’re using waterproof speakers – you will kick yourself if you cut corners with them.

Top end

With a budget of between $1000 and $2000 a very, very nice stereo system can be had. All of the features of the mid-range stereos plus adding sub woofers, integrated iPod docks, colour screens, TV output and 4 zone operation. At this price point it is worth getting a professional to install your system, as they will be able to advise on speaker

placement, amplifier requirements, voltage and current draw.

Special requirements Car components just won’t last in the corrosive marine environment, which has a knack of corroding away solder terminals on speakers and cable joins, especially on flush mount speakers mounted below knee level.

Glue-lined heat shrink saves a lot of hassle in the future, and tinned wire is also worth the extra cost.

When deciding where to place speakers, it’s worth remembering they are a large magnet which will affect compasses and autopilots.

For local AM/FM reception an aerial may not be required as a reasonable length, 2-3m of cable connected to the aerial input, will be fine. Run the cable behind the dash area where it is hidden. Another worthwhile antenna is to hook the antenna wire to the metal window surround on a fibreglass boat.

These are normally about the right size too.

Further away from land you will require a dedicated antenna. Antennas in most size ranges are available and mount the same as a VHF antenna. The range of FM signals is not as good as AM, so the FM stations will fade a lot sooner without an aerial.

By Robert McAllister

06 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

Careers on the water Commercial fishing, luxury super yachts, adventure tourism, nautical engineering… sound like you?

Josh Mower - commercial fishing and loving it.

If you’re considering a change of career, up skilling or diversifying, and your medium of choice is water, then read on!

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic hosts a significant range of maritime programmes which will thoroughly prepare you for your chosen maritime career. From one day to halfyear courses, they have all things nautical covered!

Fancy commercial fishing? Josh Mower has been fishing for as long as he can remember and his continued passion for all things fish saw him enrol in the Certificate in Maritime and Fishing straight from school. Josh’s positive attitude and willingness to give anything a go has seen his career go from strength to strength. He’s been back for not one but seven additional courses ensuring his maritime career is on the move!

First working for Talley’s in Nelson, Josh currently works on the ’50 South, a privately owned fishing vessel based out of

Tauranga. ”I’d ultimately like to own my own boat; there’s a real shortage of qualified people out there, so there are some great opportunities.”

What about working in the superyacht industry? Maritime tutor Mark Inglis is something like a Lonely Planet guide to the world’s most exotic and sought-after locations. With a decade of working on luxury superyachts, Mark has had incredible experiences and has visited stunning locations but warns it’s not all fun. ”There’s a lot of hard work – something always needs detailing. Normally you’re given a month off a year and I used that time to up-skill. I totally loved working on the yachts.”

Mark’s now busy passing on his knowledge to other young hopefuls heading out on their OE’s who want to ensure they get the best jobs around. An STCW qualification is an industry must if you want to work on superyachts, cruise liners or any maritime vessel.

Maritime courses are taught at the Windermere Campus, with limited spaces available. Take action, call today!

WATERLINE 07

SEPTEMBER 2013

Astrolabe cave survives Rena

Photo by Andy Belcher and Darryl Torckler.

From front cover

First confirmation that a sea cave on the Astrolabe Reef has survived the Rena, came out of a recent dive survey contracted by the Rena’s owners and insurers.

It was undertaken by award winning underwater photographers, Maketu-based Andy Belcher and Aucklander Darryl Torckler, who found and photographed an intact tomo when they commenced a dive survey of the reef in July.

Some of the pictures can be seen on line at: www/renaproject.co.nz The dive is part of a two-dive process, with the next one likely during summer after the sunken container ship’s accommodation block has been removed by salvors. The second dive will view the Rena’s stern section, which slipped down

the reef into deeper water after the ship broke in two during a storm early in 2012.

“We won’t be going to the bottom, it’s too deep,” says Andy. “But the top of the rear section is still in reasonably shallow water, still within 30 metres of depth.”

The common recreational dive limit is 30 metres or 100 feet – and is the depth at which nitrogen narcosis symptoms begin to appear in divers breathing compressed air.

“So that plan is for us to photograph that section. We have done all the bow section including the reef around it, including the tomo, and then the next part is to go on the rear.

“It’s quite a complex thing for us to do because they won’t let us anywhere near the barge. It’s very, very carefully controlled, the whole thing, as far as safety goes.”

Both photographers have dived the reef

before the container ship ran aground there on October 5, 2011. But Andy says it still looks “the same as ever”.

“On the reef close to the wreck there is a debris field between the two halves of the wreck and a little way around it. You would expect that. That’s still there, but there is already stuff happening on and around – even on the huge steel parts of the hull there’s growth on it already.

“Our opinion is that the reef close to the wreck is at least as good as it was, if not slightly better. The reason for that is because it hasn’t been fished, it hasn’t been touched.

“It’s almost, you could almost say, been a marine reserve for the last two years. I mean there’s been stuff going into the water and there’s been debris, but we were quite surprised how good it is. There is lots of fish out there – probably more than ever.”

By Andrew Campbell

08 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

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Sailmaking can lead to opportunities to advance in sailing and yacht racing, while opening doors to international travel and offshore opportunities.

Doyle Sails New Zealand’s head of sales Mike Sanderson, the youngest ever winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, began his own yachting career in sailmaking.

As one of the world’s leading sailmakers, Doyle Sails New Zealand makes cutting-edge sails for yachts of all sizes, from dinghies to superyachts. Doyle is an outstanding environment to learn and develop within; and there are real possibilities for advancement for the right applicants.

Based in Auckland, Doyle’s 7000m2 loft is the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Clients include most of New Zealand’s top racing yachts and our team regularly sail on the best race boats in town. Senior members of the team compete on yachts at Grand Prix level all around the globe.

We are seeking people who are ambitious and aspirational, who perhaps have an interest in sailing already, and are ready to take the step from merely sailing, to building a successful career path in New Zealand’s world renowned marine industry. Sailing opportunities will present themselves to people with the right attitude and work ethic.

If you have an interest in sailing and yacht racing, and would like to have a conversation about joining our team, we would like to hear from you. Please send a CV and covering letter to Sam Burton – by emailing: samburton@doylesails.co.nz Please note: only applicants with working visas or permanent residents of NZ will be considered for this position.

Visit: www.doylestratis.com

WATERLINE 09

SEPTEMBER 2013

Snapper outcome nearing boiling point With warm summer months approaching, Bay of Plenty anglers are waiting with baited breath as the Government ponders a decision on its controversial snapper proposals.

Fierce public consultation concerning the proposal to reduce the snapper catch limit closed on August 23 with Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy expected to announce a decision before October 1.

Released two months ago, the discussion paper explains there is pressure on the stocks and a new balance is needed between commercial and recreational catch limits.

It also outlines three options for snapper regulations in SNA 1 – the fishing region covering the Bay of Plenty through the Hauraki Golf to east Northland.

But recreational fishers are standing firm in their stance against the current proposals – including reducing bag limits from nine to three, increasing the minimum legal size from 27cm to 35cm, or opting for a combination of the two – saying they do not put enough pressure on commercials fishers.

“We are rejecting all of the proposals.

They are all based on squeezing the public into a quota which they call a proportion,” says LegaSea strategist Scott Macindoe.

Scott says the proposals are one-sided and pre-meditated, and the aim should be conserving snapper for future generations rather than seeing the conservation efforts of recreational fishermen swallowed up by commercial operations.

MPI data shows snapper numbers in Snapper 1 have increased by up to 70 per cent during the last 15-25 years, but are still only at about half of the level of their management target.

Current snapper stocks in the Hauraki Gulf and Eastern Northland are well below target. They are 24 per cent of natural biomass, below the agreed target of 40 per

Sportcraft Marine Limited boat builder Wayne Kennedy, mechanic Phillip Green and sales consultant Roger Beauchamp with Brendan Horan’s snapper petition.

cent. The Bay of Plenty fishery is at six per cent of original levels.

Independent Tauranga MP Brendan Horan is also slamming the Government’s proposals, saying along with being rushed the restrictions are “plain dumb”.

In an attempt to gain support in rejecting the proposals, Brendan will present Government with a petition of signatures generated from across the Bay in a four-week period.

“I’m hoping that it will initially be in the tens of thousands but then hundreds of thousands,” says Brendan.

“Apart from being unfair it’s just plain dumb and doesn’t make any economic sense. The fishing industry in New Zealand brings in over $1billion.”

LegaSea submitted in excess of 45,000 online submissions collated during the six-week period. Although the number in opposition to the proposals is far greater, says Scott Macindoe.

“It’s a tough one and we could do with

another few days. It’s a very important document; it’s more than a submission to a fisheries management process, this is a submission on the fish of Aotearoa.”

In Snapper 1 recreational fishers’ current take averages about 3365 tonnes above the 2550 tonne allowance set in 1997. The paper says even if the total allowable catch was raised by 500 tonnes and shared proportionally, the recreational take would still need to come down by 635 tonnes, with bag limits cut to four unless the minimum size was raised to 33cm.

Snapper 1 provides 70 per cent of the total commercial snapper catch, and earns about $26 million in exports. The commercial catch was lowered to 4500 tonnes in 1997, and bag and “legal size” limits were toughened for weekend fishers so the fishery could rebuild. Currently the total commercial, recreational and customary catch sits at a combined 7550 tonnes.

By Luke Balvert

The Bay of Plenty’s own boating, fishing, diving, yachting and watersports news.

Phone 07-578 0030 Fax 07-571 1116 No.1 The Strand, Tauranga. PO Box 240, Tauranga. email: brian@thesun.co.nz

10 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

CLUB NEWS

Cruising time’s-a-comin’

A trailer yacht here, a trailer yacht there, you betcha,you’ll find trailer yachts most everywhere !

The Trailer Yacht Division Cruising Group’s Winter Series of Land Cruises has been a most successful series having held four strongly attended outings during the winter.

At last it is spring time, time to be ready for the warmer and longer hours of daylight, making many of us eager to be off and away for weekends enjoyed on our harbour in search of another anchorage in this our south pacific paradise.

The Trailer yacht Division has a Summer Season Racing series and a Cruising Group calendar of events on offer to club members. You can join the TYPBC by phoning 578 5512 and enjoy the fun of sailing in either cruising mode or being part of the exciting competition sailing each week. Now is a good time to “just get out and do it”.

Winter series winners While many of you are committed to supporting or playing winter sports chasing a ball, there were a few people chasing something less definable in the harbour every second Sunday.

It’s called the Burnsco winter series. After a summer of light, shifty winds that tested skills and patience we got to test our boat fittings and our wet weather gear. It was good to have a few grunty south westerlies under spinnaker to keep butt cheeks clenched.

Extreme won the first division series in the last race, General Jackson second, Frenzy came third, Arathusa fourth, Fast Lane fifth, Whatever sixth, Sniper seventh and Voodoo Lounge came in eighth after swapping boats and divisions mid-series.

I think the skipper needs some snakeskin boots to drive his new vehicle and we will miss Rigmarole. Second division was led by Jaded Lady, followed by White Heat (second), No Regrets (third).Fly Away Sam came fourth, High Point fifth, Farr South sixth, Smudge seventh, Smokey Joe eighth and Rigmarole ninth.

Peter Linde won the spot prize of wet weather gear and gear bag at prize giving, so he’ll be ‘Mr Flash Pants’ as well as being dry and comfortable on his new yacht. Thank you Burnsco Marine for your generous sponsorship – eight races, 11 boats, many smiles.

This series is always a great way to spend a Sunday. Now we have the annual TYPBC Father’s Day Out, before gearing up (or stocking up) for Coastal Classic and Legends Regattas Labour weekend. Roll on summer sailing, more boats, more competition, more fun to be had.

WATERLINE 11

SEPTEMBER 2013

The new Zealand team at the 420 Worlds opening ceremony in Valenicia.

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Tauranga sailors going international During July and August, a number of TYPBC sailors competed overseas at European and World Championship events.

For some it is their first, and a huge step up in their sailing experience. Others have been campaigning in Europe for many seasons, seeking out the regattas that build experience for Olympic and youth level campaigns.

Each event involves a great deal of resources and planning. There are the logistics of getting boats chartered or sent in shipping containers, of getting sails, rigging, spares, tools and sailing gear to the venue – packing, weighing and repacking bags and trying to anticipate all the requirements of the trip in advance – someone definitely needs to create an ‘app’ for this. We thought that we had half of Steve’s Marines’ supplies on-board so would be good; but we left behind the allimportant, as it turned out, pop rivet gun.

Even far away from home you find that other sailors lend each other a hand and tools – and as a result many friendships are forged.

Best though to ‘Be Prepared’, as finding your way to the local chandlery and explaining your needs in another language takes up precious time and adds to the stress.

TYPBC sailors competing overseas in July and August included Sam Barnett and Zak Merton at the Youth World Championship in Cyprus in the boys 420.

“We were very happy with fifth, given we had not been overseas in 420 before. It was nice to know all the hard work we had put in during the season had been effective” says Sam. Sam and Zak then flew to Valencia, Spain, to compete at the Open World Championship. They made a good start with a race win on the first day. At the conclusion of the three days of qualifying they were in sixth place making the Gold Fleet; and together

with the leading Brazilian team were the only two teams going into the finals with all results in the top 10. The next three days were more difficult, but they still managed to finish the regatta 15th in the world.

Coral Headey is another young TYPBC sailor making her debut on the world stage.

Coral started windsurfing at TYPBC 18 months ago and has the goal of competing at the Techno World Championships in Sopot, Poland, in July. This a plan to gain experience at a major overseas regatta in preparation for representing the Oceania region at the Youth Olympics in China in August 2014.

Coral’s first regatta was The Baltic Sea Cup at the same venue a week prior to the worlds.

The first day began with two sixth places in a fleet of 19 Under 17 Girls. In the second race she had a nasty wipe-out in 25-plus knots, resulting in suspected broken ribs. After being rushed to hospital, it was found to be only severe bruising. Coral was on the water the following two days, finishing fourth overall with some pretty consistent results and flashes of good speed and tactics.

The following week Coral trained every day with the NZ team under Bruce Kendall.

Coral was also invited to train with the Israeli team, which found value in having Coral train with them in the light winds.

Coral was in the Under 17 years Girls division along with 74 others from around the world. Altogether, some 365 windsurfers between 12 and 16 years of age took part in this championship.

The first two days of the Worlds were gusty and challenging. Coral, 54kg, didn’t finish her first race after having the 7.8m rig blown from her hands in 30+ knot gusts.

About a third of her fleet recorded DNFs on the first day. After six qualifying races, Coral was placed in the middle of the Silver fleet and able to discard her first day DNF. With two good races of fourth and 10th

in 9-15 knots, she leap-frogged up the table, finishing comfortably in 13th overall and was first Kiwi in the U17 Girls.

Earlier in the month Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, and Ben Goodwin and Sam Bullock competed in the 49er European Championships. This was Pete and Blair’s first regatta back in the 49er since the Olympics. The boys started slowly but in the end took out the title of European Champions.

Ben and Sam started well, placing 13th after the first day, but faded to finish 11th in the Silver fleet.

Jason Saunders, who partners Gemma Jones in the Olympic catamaran class Nacra17, made the top 10 at the recent Nacra17 World Championships at The Hague, in the Netherlands. Their performance will mean greater support from YNZ as they join the NZL Sailing Team.

Andrew Murdoch took his first podium position in the Finn Class with a bronze medal at the Finn Europeans in Warnemünde, Germany. Andrew is now training in Tallin, Estonia, for the Finn Gold cup.

Sam Meech, sailing in the Laser Class, achieved first place at Sail for Gold at Weymouth in the UK. This was Sam’s first world cup victory.

The latest event about to get underway is the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup which sees several TYPBC sailors – Peter Burling, Jason Saunders and Sam Meech on-board the ETNZ supported AC45.

And the Centreboard Winter Series has continued with lots of attendees from Tauranga, Taupo and Hamilton, all keen for some action during the winter ‘off season’.

Results can be found on the club website.

The next big regatta coming up celebrates 90 years of the Mighty P Class. First up is the P Class North Islands in Tauranga at Labour Weekend, followed by the P Class Nationals, incorporating the Tauranga and Tanner cups, to be held January 4-11, 2014.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

CLUB NEWS

Ready for the next challenge?

Taking a look at the early tree blossoms, and feeling the mostly warmer-than-average temperatures, we are reminded of two things: Yes, there is such a thing as Global Warming, and it will soon be time for the start of Women on Water.

Both topics need thorough discussion, but for now we’ll concentrate on item number 2.

Established more than 10 years ago, and gaining momentum every year, WOW brings new and experienced women sailors together to race yachts on Tauranga Harbour.

Ladies, if you have always wanted to give sailing a go, then WOW is for you. And if you’ve been sailing your entire life, then WOW is for you too. Race nights see more than 100 women sailors on the water, with a range of yachts that cater to every level of sailing experience.

The WOW summer series, sponsored by Mills Reef Winery, commences on Thursday, 31 October. Races continue fort-

nightly with a break during Christmas. The final race of the season will be on a Sunday.

On some of the non-racing Thursdays of the season, we hold learning sessions with the opportunity to try everything from sailing dinghies to practicing sailing knots.

For racing, everyone must pre-register by the Tuesday before each race, and sign on to be allocated to a boat – please arrive at Tauranga Yacht Club no later than 5.15pm.

After each sail we encourage everyone to come to the club for prize giving, spot prizes, raffles and to purchase WOW merchandise. It’s a great time to get to know your skipper and crew, and a buffet meal is available too.

For complete details on the registration/ sign-on procedure, what to wear and bring, and to see the full race schedule, please see the WOW section of Tauranga Yacht Club’s website: http://www.yacht.org.nz/ women_on_water Or email questions to chairperson Megan Harris at: wow. tauranga@gmail.com This year we will have a pre-season get together on Thursday, October 17, from 6pm, with nibbles provided.

The bar will be open, there will be WOW merchandise for sale; and it will be a great opportunity to meet your fellow sailors and learn more about WOW. See you at Tauranga Yacht Club.

By Nicole Harris

The WOW 2012-2013 overall winners, Team Whatever.

CLUB NEWS

TMIA winter update For those of you who do not know us, we are the Tauranga Marine Industry Association or TMIA for short and our mission statement is: ‘Collectively creating a stronger marine industry for the benefit of our members and community’.

Some of our events/projects we have going are: • Tauranga Boat Expo & Water Festival • Business After 5 evenings • Golf tournaments • National and overseas marketing & promotions • Supporting/ instrumental in Port of Entry status • Newsletters • Websites In order to achieve all of the above, the TMIA members all have their own area of experience and expertise where we can lend each other a hand. Working together, the TMIA can promote the facilities and the region to overseas traffic en route to NZ in the hope they will come down and spend the cyclone season, enjoy our beautiful region,

and engage our members for services as required.

It is wonderful news to hear the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has tagged $5million for basic infrastructure needed to create a marine precinct on the Mirrielees Rd site, including a large travel lift to handle the larger vessels that currently have to go elsewhere for work.

Members range from big and small boat sales, diesel and outboard mechanics, retail outlets, kayak and canoe specialists, trailer boats, boat builders, riggers, marine paint suppliers, jet ski retailers and many more.

For a full list of our members, view online at: www.tmia.co.nz. Our current membership is more than 65, so if you have a marine-based business, why not get on-board with your local marine industry and help grow and promote your own, and like-minded businesses, together. For any queries, questions or membership applications email: Secretary@tmia.co.nz

WATERLINE 13

SEPTEMBER 2013

CLUB NEWS

Legends: The first 10 years This year, Mount Maunganui Yacht Club celebrates 10 years of staging the Legends Regatta at Great Mercury Island.

Past regattas have ensured the mission and spirit of this event stays alive and is something for the Bay’s yachties to look forward to annually.

The Legends Regatta promotes fair play, skill, friendship and most of all….fun.

The prior years’ regattas have also served as a classroom for many sailors. Here are just a few of the lessons courtesy of skippers who have participated: Happy Hour – Why you shouldn’t use your spinnaker as a sea anchor C Cruise – How to fly a spinnaker upside down

3a Landscape Road Tauranga

Santana – How to fly your gennaker sideways Super severance & duty free & many more – How to prepare meals while your vessel lies aground Wizard – How to extract your vessel from mud using a mooring Windarra & Halcyon – Why carabiners are safer to secure your tender up with, than the humble knot.

Sea Dragon – How to exceed the POB capacity without sinking Union Jack – How to pole dance and why sleep with your boots on Hanse Free – How to get a new jib included in this years’ budget Gillian – How to inspect your hull while anchored in 2 metres Instigator 3 – How to use your tender for various forms of rescue

Tel: 07 576 3009 Mobile: 027 627 5448

Mt Maunganui Yacht Club

You, too, could become as “learned” as the skippers and crew of these vessels.

It’s time to start thinking about it.

When: Labour Weekend, October 25-28, 2013.

Where: From where ever you are … to ‘The Cove’, Great Mercury Island.

Why: A $3000 travel/cash prize plus many more great prizes.

For details regarding early entry, go to: www.mmyc.org.nz Our sponsors ensure that this is a spectacular event.

Thank you to: • PowerCo • Steve’s Marine • Plumbing World-Tauranga • Electrical Works • Media Works Radio Live, The Breeze, Radio Sports • David Peet Jeweller’s • Mills Reef Winery • Blokart International • Bridge Marina Travel lift • Southern Hospitality • Wild Kiwi Clothing • Sew Hot Monograms • House of Travel.

SEPTEMBER 2013

14 WATERLINE

A true blue deepwater fi The latest Buccaneer Billfisher proves you don’t have to skimp on luxury to have the ultimate trailerable fishing boat.

The stylish new Billfisher 735 is the flagship of the range and a proper bluewater voyager. This vessel is ideally suited for those missions out wide beyond Mayor and White Island.

If you thought a serious fishing boat had to be all cold grey metal and bereft of style, comforts and elegance – think again. The new Billfisher is the best of both worlds and even compares competitively in price with the more austere big tinny hardtops.

Mastertech owner Karl Rastrick is visibly excited about the 735 and describes it as very good value for the fishing-orientated family. He’s ecstatic that Mastertech has the Billfisher range exclusively in New Zealand.

“It has levels of high luxury at an affordable price, compared to aluminium craft of the same size.”

He says the higher levels of finish and extras make it very good value.

“Yet it’s a proper blue water boat with a reputation for being amongst the best offshore. It’s up to it.”

Full self draining features mean you can take the odd greenie over the decks and carry on fishing in safety and comfort.

The full walk-around layout is perfect for soft baiters, kingfish fanatics and those who take their anchoring antics to extremes. It also suits drift fishing, casting lures, jigging and handy for the flyfisher.

The self draining decks and completely gel coat lined surfaces, with no carpet, mean slick and easy washdowns and reduced chance of lingering fishy odours,

even for the most frenzied bait and burley hurlers.

Despite the absence of carpet, there’s plenty of washdown-friendly upholstery, padding and touches of luxury.

Inside the cockpit, we were blown away with the gleaming curves, attention to detail and level of accessories. It was like sitting in a luxury spa pool, except the water was on the outside.

A fresh water shower helps keen it washed down, also handy for swimmers and divers coming aboard. Eighty litres of freshwater is enough for several showers, plus general washdown purposes.

Underfloor is a massive, lined catch tank with gas strut lid. It removes for easy cleaning and keeps the catch cool and tidied away, out of the sun and maximises cockpit’s useable space.

The locker forward of this is enormous, enough for bins, bags and dive tanks.

A heap of mod cons are standard, including trim tabs, quality lighting everywhere, big bait tank built into the curvaceous transom, topped with a standard bait board with rod holders.

The bait tank shape is more than purely aesthetic – the round shape ensures bait fish are kept moving, rather than nosing into a corner – providing longevity of the bait and better fishing action.

The helm position and front seat crew sit high on swivel bucket seats, over moulded base units with rearward seats below; perfect for aft facing fishing, observing skiers or keeping an eagle eye on lures. The base units have large storage areas incorporated.

The lined cabin is ideal for weekends, or longer, away. Double vee berth with infill and a quarter berth partially under the helm sole provide for three.

A proper plumbed marine toilet is made nicely private when the cabin door is closed. A nifty galley and fridge, pressure water to the sink and area for a gas canister stove provide all the basic necessities for overnight and long weekend getaways.

Shelving and rack space abounds inside and out.

Suzuki selective rotation

The demo model Billfisher at Mastertech is powered with the latest Suzuki AP 250hp four stroke outboard with the latest “lean burn” technology. With four litres under the cowling, the Suzuki has a ton of torque.

The selective rotation gear box is engineered so strong, it can run at full noise in reverse, which isn’t a big feature for single engine installations, but shows how robust the gearbox is.

The benefits of this concept really pay for twin rig installations, however, with the ability to select rotation directions, so counter-rotating props can be easily set up, or changed as required, also improving resale value at trade in time since the owner isn’t saddled with a counter rotating engine.

On the water

Out on Tauranga harbour on a perfect spring day, Waterline had a play with the new Billfisher. A moderate breeze set up a small chop as we left Sulphur Point, still getting our heads around all the nifty innovations and features of the boat. Flicking through the digital options on the dash revealed a fuel burn at idle of 0.6 litres per hour.

Once the engine’s run in they’re expecting one litre/mile, depending on load, which makes a day to Mayor and return about a 50 litre trip.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

fishing machine

Withs of lashing y luxur

By Brian Rogers

Opening up the throttle on the Suzuki summoned instant thrilling power, as the Buccaneer lifted regally onto the plane and there was plenty more in store.

The electronic controlled throttle was so light and smooth, a real delight to use and a comfort to know there’s no cables to wear out or tighten.

The steering also was light and easy, with a nifty small wheel that made handling a big boat seem like a driving a mini.

Yet the weight and presence of this magnificent ten ton machine instilled a sense of solid safety and surety. Road noise was non existent, thanks to the solid GRP layup and the foam filled voids within. Even surging through

waves and wakes was little fuss for the 735 while despite it’s finger tip controls, felt like a much larger launch as it powered down the harbour.

Vision through the curved glass screens was fine, with a good view across the walkaround decks.

We had to dig deep to find any criticism of this vessel, but eventually found a small niggle – no footrest for the passenger seat. Not a big deal and something that could be easily remedied if required.

At rest the 735 showed the benefits of its size and weight – hardly rolling at all in a moderate chop, with two sizeable chaps leaning on one gunwale. The impressive self draining

capability means the Buccaneer could be backed up into unfriendly seas while playing a large gamefish, knowing that if a greenie or two come over the stern, the 735 will deal with it. Plus the ability to slosh any amount of washdown water around the cockpit and know it’s heading straight back out again.

A stroll around the decks shows how accessable this design is, and why it will strike a chord with keen fishers who value mobility and versatility of a true blue deepwater fishing machine.

The Billfisher 735 as reviewed is $160,000 and available for viewing and test drive at Mastertech Marine, The Lakes, Tauriko.

16 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

WATERLINE 17

SEPTEMBER 2013

It’s Boat Expo time again!

The Tauranga Boat Expo and Water Festival, organised by the Tauranga Marine Industries Association, is continuing to grow into its waterfront site.

November 8-10 is a weekend to mark in your diary. The site is again at the waterfront carpark, but this time the Tauranga City Council pontoons are included, giving the marine industry opportunity more opportunities to show off their merchandise.

“The exhibitor response is very encouraging – a remarkable 20 per cent uptake of sites within three days,” says event manager Dahna Jeffares-Bozinovitch.

“In addition to the increase in exhibitor spaces, the inclusion of council pontoons is a superb opportunity for the marine industry to show off their merchandise.”

There should be several large boats on show on the three council pontoons, says Dahna.

This year is building on the success of previous years, and the contribution of the Tauranga Marine Industry Association has been invaluable. Parking is available at the bridge marina, with a water taxi available to encourage the

public use of them as an alternative form of public transport, before they browse stalls, try out gear and watch on-water demonstrations.

Activities for kids will buy parents the time to grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

This year the committee has focused on creating a user-friendly plan to allow people to wander the site situated right on Tauranga Harbour, says event chairman Steve Glover.

“We have a large range of on-the-water craft, including kayaks, powerboats and jet skis.

“Showcasing the beautiful Tauranga Harbour and having fun on the water is what this expo is all about.”

Interactive fun includes demonstrations of paddle boards and kayaks, and a chance to view an array of impressive boats. Also, visitors can learn how to bait a hook and understand the best ways of using fishing equipment.

The popular bathtub racers are back for a re-match, and will entertain with their designs and the racing. There will also be demonstrations from wake-boarders and

water-skiers.

Entry is $5 per adult, and free for school-aged children. Plus, punters can take advantage of water ferry discounts and cruise right up to the waterfront.

The BOPRC harbourmaster, BOP Polytechnic, Industry for Primary Industry, Coastguard, and Tauranga City Council, will be on-hand to answer questions.

The Tauranga Yacht Club will be racing just off the harbour’s edge. All events will be listed on the Boat Expo website: www. boatexpo.co.nz Dahna is encouraging clubs and groups to use this opportunity to advertise the many marine hobbies and sports in the wider Bay of Plenty area.

For enquiries, contact Dahna by emailing: info@boatexpo.co.nz or call her on 022 398 7621.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

WATERLINE 19

Sea ray and sunshine

In recent years, sedan-style launches have become increasingly popular here in New Zealand. A longtime favourite overseas, the sedan layout offers large outside cockpit living areas designed to soak up the sun, and make for a great entertaining or family relaxing. They also offer plenty of room for fishing and diving as well.

The 1990 Sea Ray 420 ‘Galinette’ is a prime example of the sedan launch. Her large cockpit means plenty of room for everyone. Below decks she has two double berths, an ample galley, and comfortable lounging area to enjoy her modern entertainment system.

Powered by twin Caterpillar 3208 diesels, she cruises effortlessly at 18 knots with an estimated top speed of 24 knots. Her sidepower bowthruster assists for easy manoeuvrability in those tight spots.

‘Galinette” is well-equipped with many extras including Raymarine electronics, Xantrex battery charger, 2000w Inverter, air conditioning/heating, and a Westerbeke 12kva genset.

If you are looking for fun and value for the family this summer, look no further. ‘Galinette’ is currently for sale at $239,000 by Tauranga Boat Sales.

20 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Cup history around the camp fire The battle for the world’s most famous yachting prize normally plays out on the water or in the courtroom – but one of the most significant events of the modern America’s Cup story took place around a camp fire high above the Mohaka River in the eastern North Island.

That was where, on April 8, 1989, Michael Fay asked his lawyer Andrew John to read, for the first time, the judgement on whether or not he could challenge Dennis Conner for the cup in the large single-hull yacht KZ 1.

Hunting and fishing guide and author Colin Jones was there and took a photograph to record what has now become part of New Zealand’s yachting history.

“I’d taken Michael and members of his team hunting before and on this occasion he requested an overnight camp and hunt, and in particular my camp-oven potatoes, venison and green pea dinner,” recalls Colin, who now lives in Tauranga.

Three choppers flew in Michael and his staff, and most departed after lunch, leaving a party of just six to spend the night.

“It was then Michael asked Andrew to open the judgement and read it.”

He later wrote in

Colin Jones, former hunting and fishing guide, with the log book signed by Michael Fay and photographs taken the day Michael won the right to challenge for the America’s Cup.

Colin’s ‘log book’ that this was the first reading of the judgement which changed the way the cup has been challenged ever since.

In 1987 Michael backed New Zealand’s first America’s Cup campaign, which failed to win the trophy. Rather than wait the traditional three to four years for another challenge, he had his legal team review the cup’s Deed of Gift, finding it did not specify a time delay between challenges.

Nor did it specify competitors were limited to compete in a particular class of boat, or that boats had to be of the same size or class.

KZ 1, which Sir Michael financed, was much larger than the traditional America’s Cup craft. In response, Dennis Conner, skipper of the cup defender ‘Stars & Stripes’, built a multi-hull yacht which easily defeated the New Zealand entry.

Sir Michael’s legal challenge led to a revamp of the rules and management of the race – and this year New Zealand is again among the challengers, in the revolutionary Emirates Team New Zealand catamaran.

Colin says it was great to be part of that history, even though the location Michael chose to discover if his legal arguments had been accepted was unconventional.

“The next morning we headed downhill for a hunt and Michael shot a sika stag and we carried the head and the meat back up hill to the helicopter which flew us to Taupo.”

Colin will recount that camp fire announcement and the subsequent hunt in the third book he is now writing about his days as a hunting and fishing guide.

By Elaine Fisher

The first reading: Sir Michael Fay (second right) listens as his layer Andrew John (right) reads the judgement which gave New Zealand the right to challenge Dennis Conner for the America’s Cup. With them are (from left) Fred Barclay, co-pilot Greg Barrows and pilot Bernie Lewis.

22 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

For Sale

To Rent

1975 SEA CRAFT – repowered 30HP Johnson, plus 9.9 Johnson exhilary, fish finder etc. WOF $5000 or near offer. Ph: 07 575 3797 (evenings).

BOAT & YACHT PARTS FOR SALE – 12 volt fridge unit (brought for a project but not used) $300.

Navigation lights still in box $18. Lewmar jammer for three ropes (never been used) $100. Two Lewmar 16 winches 2 speed (never been used) $350 each.

Floating winch handle $40. Winch handles $20 each.

Plastic winch holder $40. Sink waste (never been used) $10. Halyard wire/rope $20. Flook anchor & approx. 50m of rope $75. Plastic sextant $5. Rope & parts offers considered. Contact John Ph: 07 578 4662 or 0274 487061.

VOLVO MTR 200 HP x2 $14,500 each. 140 HP $8500 to be run in. FORD 250 HP $6500 coming.

320 HP V85 555 with box $6500. May trade.

Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

BONITO AQUARIUS 22 AND 8 METRE MARINA BERTH - Late model excellent condition. Roller Reef headsail, electric winch, two Batteries with marine charger, portaloo, road trailer no registration. $35,000 phone 0274544933.

MOORING FOR SALE OR RENT at Tanners Point.

Certified mooring. Ph: 0274 517 759.

28 FT WRIGHT NOVA KEEL BOAT Innovator of Mana needs to be back on the water. Well proven offshore single-handed or two-handed sailing. $15,000 incl Pilot Bay mooring. Neg terms.

Ph / Txt Chris 021 279 6219.

14 FT CABIN FIBREGLASS WITH CANOPE fish binder, VH radio, 1997 40HP mercury output. On galvanised trailer with road cover, tidy condition.

Registered and WOF. $4900. Ph 027 544 8595.

SOLE MARINE DIESELSole - 20hp, excellent condition, $3000. Ph Ian 5700333.

WARN BOAT WINCH - $150.00 as new.

Ph Dennis 570 2071.

STARLING - “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.

Bridge Marina. Price $20,000 Ph 548 2314.

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.

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 - Waikaraeo Estuary #5. Good position, good swing, good depth. Fully rebuilt. Suit up to 29’ boat. Phone 07 576 1309.

MOORING FOR SALE - Omokoroa OA107 $4000, serviced Feb13 with most hardware replaced, previously had 39ft yacht, ph: 027 945 0984 YACHT - 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.

SPINNAKER - off Davidson 32. 11.5m-6.8m, orange/white. In good condition $600.

Phone 06 868 8328 28ft Keeler - a well maintained gulf cruiser, sleeps 5, Yanmar diesel engine, Furling headsail. $28,000 ono. Phone, 07 864 7432.

HARTLEY 16 QUIKSILVER mast and sails. Offers.

Ph 07 576 0207.

TRAILER YACHT VENTURE 20 - Good condition on trailer price $5000 phone 027 332 3369.

LAUNCH - Steel launch 30ft to 10ft. Little use View C2 Tauranga Marina. $38,000.

Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712

FOLDING PROP - briski, 16 x 12. 25mm shaft. Right handed NZ. $500 ono. Very good condition. Ph 021 243 5555.

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

Call

MOORING FOR RENT – 100 yards from Bridge Marina. Very protected, great position. $180per month. Phone Jeff 09 426 8803 or 022 351 1334.

TOWN REACH SWING MOORING – For sale or rent. Phone Peter 027 491 5616 or 578 0230.

MOORING - Omokoroa. Phone 021 114 7339.

MOORING FOR RENT -Town basin, TA10, will take up to 30’ boat. Phone Ian, 5700333.

MOORING FOR RENT - Waikaraeo Estuary. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

MOORING - handy to Omokoroa Boat Club, suit up to 30’ boat. $17 per week. Ph 027 201 5113.

MOORING - Omokoroa, close to beach. $20 per week. Registered mooring. Ph 07 548 0328.

MOORING - available for rent or sale. Pilot Bay, excellent position. Ph Ian 07 570 0333.

MOORING TE PUNA – Most sheltered area in harbour, handy position $12/week. Ph 0274 996 747.

Wanted MOORING/BERTH to rent during xmas break at either Marina for family holiday visit. 12metre boat.

Arrival 23rd December for week to 10 days. Email sales@richardcarr.co.nz SPINNAKER FOR CHICO30 - good condition, Max 12.9 x 7.7 11.7 x 7.0. Phone 07 3085689 0r leave message on 021 058 4828.

PROJECT BOAT anything considered.

Ph 07 552 0737 or 021 057 5755.

YACHT OR LAUNCH in need of love or care.

Up to about 40ft. Phone Jeff 09 4268803 or 022 351 1334.

WANTED TO BUY second hand sun burst sales.

Ph 06 868 8328.

WANTED Volvo 200HP or 230HP. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

CATAMARAN - 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.

WATER PUMP - 25PSI, Sureflow. As New $120.

Ph 0274 333 220.

MOORING FOR RENT – Pilot Bay P47 $25 week.

Ph: 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

WANTED TO RENT Swing mooring for 25ft yacht, also short term marina berth. Phone/text Marc, 027 200 2316.

33FT WOODEN LAUNCH, 70h/p ford. GPS, VHF, stereo, auto pilot, electric capstan. Sleeps 3, 2 burner cooker and oven, electric toilet, game rigged. Good condition, on rented swing mooring. Best of offer $20k. Ph 021 0277 4294.

HARTLEY 16 Fibreglass trailer sailer.

Ph 07 576 0207.

DELIVERIES - Rex Sturmey Ph 07 868 3870 or 027 358 5656 or Tony Wells Ph 07 862 7257 or 027 286 8883 Email ar.wells@hotmail.com

MOTOR SAILOR - 37’ LOA Kauri, shoal draft, twin keels. 20 Horse Yanmar. Painted ready for season. $66,000ono. Ph 07 211 9200.

WOODEN MAST and boom with standing riggings, free for removal. Ph 0274 393 028.

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

WATERLINE 23

SEPTEMBER 2013

Directory BATTERIES

BOAT SALES Continued

RIGGING

Battery Warehouse

Tauranga Boat Sales

Mike McCormick

Ph/Fax: 07 578 8056 or 0274 894 056

Tauranga Bridge Marina: 07 575 0512

Ph: 578 3071

25 Marsh Street, Tauranga

Sulphur Point Marina: 07 571 8443

59 Mirrielees Rd, Tauranga

Battery Direct NZ

Email: thecrew@taurangaboatsales.co.nz

www.BatteryDirect.co.nz sales@batterydirect.co.nz 0800 267 468

BOAT MAINTENANCE

Website: www.taurangaboatsales.co.nz

CHANDLERY

29 Station Rd, Te Puke www..prescotttrailers.co.nz

Ph: 07 574 7166 or 021 685 438

ELECTRONICS Bay Marine Electronics

www.bridge-marina-travelift.co.nz

Robert McAllister

Canvas Locker

www.baymarineelectronics.co.nz

Marine covers and canvas goods

Ph 07-573 9130

Ph: 07 578 9593 18 Cross Road, Sulphur Point, Tauranga

Email: travelift@xtra.co.nz

Prescott Trailers

Steves Marine Supplies

Bridge Marina Travelift Tauranga 101 Te Awanui Drive, Tauranga

TRAILERS

Ph: 07 577 0250

CLUB CONTACTS Mount Maunganui Yacht Club Ph: 542 0305

Mt Maunganui Underwater Club Ph: 07 575 5986 www.mmuc.co.nz

Ph: 07 576 3009 or 027 627 5448

FINANCE

Omokoroa Boat Club

Doyle Sails NZ

AFB Accept Finance Brokers

John Budden Ph: 548 1180

Ph: 0800 472 457

Ph: 07 574 0002

Alan Roberts Ph: 579 1967

FISHING & DIVING

Tauranga Game Fishing Club

Blue Ocean Charters Ltd

Tauranga

www.doylesails.co.nz

GemCo Ltd R63 Hewletts Rd, Mt Maunganui Ph 572 2411

Hutcheson Boatbuilders Ph:07-578 8312

Marine Refrigeration Services

Ph 0800 224 278 www.blueocean.co.nz

Keith Allen Dr, Sulphur Point Ph: 578 6203

email: info@blueocean.co.nz

Tga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Tauranga Marine Charters

Ph 578 5512

MV Manutere Brett Keller

PO Box 14352 Tauranga

OTHER

Ph: 07 573 6627 or 027 573 6627

Ph: 07 552 6283

www.logicool.co.nz

0274 351 353

Matamata Motor Trimmers & Upholstery

Email: fishingcharters@xtra.co.nz

Gas Fire Cylinder

INSURANCE

58 Courtney Rd, Tauranga

Boat clears, canvas work, upholstery Ph: 07 571 4421

Tauranga Insurance

Cnr Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Tauranga

Ph: 571 0405

Ph: 07 579 5939 Email; info@gasfirecylinder.co.nz www.gasfirecylinder.co.nz

195 Devonport Rd,

Tauranga Boat Expo

Tauranga

www.boatexpo.co.nz

KAYAKING

Bay of Plenty Regional Council

email: tauranga@gulfgroup.co.nz

Freedom Hawk Kayaks

www.gulfgroup.co.nz

Ph: 0274 482 630

www.boprc.govt.nz

BOAT SALES Gulf Group Marine Brokers Ph 07 579 9716

Hutcheson Boatbuilders

www.freedomhawkkayaks.com

1 & 2 Den Place, Sulpher Point, Tauranga

Viking Kayaks

07-578 8312 or 027 489 704

Specialising in fishing and

Email: hutchboats@xtra.co.nz

recreational kayaks.

MasterTech Marine

0800 529 253

Ph: 07 579 4240 60 Whiore Avenue, The Lakes, Tauriko www.mastertech.co.nz

Sportcraft Marine Ph: 07 928 7193 119 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui www.sportcraftboats.co.nz

www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

MARINA Tauranga Bridge Marina Ph: 07 575 8264 Fax: 07 575 8369 VHF: Ch 73 “Bridge Marina”

Ph 0800 884 880

Westfalia Towbar Factory Ph: 0800 61061061 www.towbarfactory.co.nz Tsunami-Warn.com www.tsunami-warn.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

24 WATERLINE

Tauranga lady returns home Above: Kaimai Flyer as she is today and at left, during her last racing season in Tauranga.

Sailing pictures by Murray de Leus.

One of the early GRP Young 11s, and a yacht with a travelled history, Kaimai Flyer is on the Bridge Marina sales berth.

Kaimai Flyer first arrived in Tauranga in 1986 and was owned by Don and Phil Locke. When they sold her, the flyer went to Papua New Guinea and then Australia.

It was thought to be Sydney-based, but Tauranga yachtsman Bill Faulkner recalls seeing Kaimai Flyer in the marina at Coffs Harbour, probably in the mid-1990s.

While in Sydney she received a new keel in preparation for a Sydney Hobart race.

“They put a new keel on it because it didn’t meet the righting moment – even though it did, says Bill. “They have got a formula that says this much righting moment with this much beam, a lower centre of gravity on the keel, the same amount of lead, but lower down.”

The original keel was replaced with a keel by well-known Sydney marine architect David Lyons.

Current owner Andy Pilcher doesn’t know

if Kaimai Flyer actually raced a Sydney Hobart, but says most of the Young 11s have also since replaced their original keels with bulb keels.

Not that there was anything wrong with the original keel.

“The boat was never dangerous, the Aussies were probably a little bit more anal,” says Andy.

“Twenty or 30 years ago, when they came out, they were pretty high performance, but fairly moderate by today’s standards.”

Kaimai Flyer returned to New Zealand about the turn of the century, and was based in the Bay of Islands. She was there for about seven years before Wayne Eaton bought Kaimai Flyer about 2007.

Wayne sold the yacht to Andy, who before moving to Auckland with Doyles, worked out of a loft in Cross Rd. Andy now lives in Auckland. The family is growing and heading in all directions – and they haven’t been using the boat.

He brought her down to Tauranga Bridge Marina for an anti-foul and pre-sale tidyup, and she’s on the sales berth with Brian

Kent as broker.

The Young 11 typifies the revolution in yacht design that came out of New Zealand in the early 1980s.

New materials and methods; cold moulded strip planked hulls were light and strong enabling imaginative designers like Jim Young to create beamy dinghy type lines with flared sides and a deep fin keels – race winners that coupled with good accommodation, were also family cruisers.

It is a hull form that emerged from the spectacular weight savings achieved from a new structural system, unidirectional glass laid over a strip planked core.

The concept of the light, dinghy-type, high performance keel yacht had never been seen before 1980.

“I don’t know of any boats with that hull form before 1980, but now they appear the most common hull form,” says designer Jim Young in a later interview.

The first Young 11 was Honeywell, built by designer Jim Young’s brother Alan for Ross Field. Honeywell became the plug for the fibreglass moulds. By Andrew Campbell

WATERLINE 25

SEPTEMBER 2013

Pistols at dawn in Noumea The kids of today’s sailing scene are usually more talented and skilled at racing techniques and tactics.

Here we are bowling along to Noumea, photographed from an air force Orion.(That’s me in the middle. Note the dinghy on deck next to the life raft. Big monstrosities both of them).

But whether or not they are enjoying the broad spectrum of sailing, as much as sailors of yesteryear did, is an interesting question. Fibre glass, carbon-moulded foils, aluminium and other modern yachting aids have replaced wood, rivets, screws and cotton to the better. But they’ve also taken away the ‘do it yourself ’ number eight wire approach that kids starting out in yesteryear sailing had to embrace.

My first yacht was a gaff rigged, cotton sailed, planked P, similar to the one hanging in the yacht club, named P17 Tink. It boasted galvanised rigging with spliced and lashed thimbles, hessian rope mainsheet, bronze traveller horse, heavy wooden blocks and kapok life jackets. Once they did a well-used Japara life jacket check in the drum of water and the lifejacket sank. The oil on the outside had a smell that is still easy to remember.

Back in 1967, I had graduated to forward hand on a 40’ Bob Stewart design keeler Mata Atua.

I was the youngest crew member and the others were, by my standards of the day, old.

Most of them were quite respectable and from out of town, but when we hit Noumea there were some hilarious events.

We finished 15th boat home, Rainbow II Chris Bouzaid won; and we went up in just under six days from memory. We were ushered into the CNC yacht club by zodiacs, the

first we had seen. No floating marina, and we lashed onto the pier bow first.

Our first encounter with Heineken and 24-hour availability saw some near misses getting on and off the boat.

NZ still had 6 o’clock bar closing, and the two breweries were in monopoly mode with few options for variety.

Two of our crew ventured up Anse Varta Beach one night and entered what they thought was a restaurant. The patrons had red jackets on, which they thought was a little strange. One thing led to another, the night progressed, and it transpired they were in a French military officers’ club.

Around midnight one officer thought the honour of France had been insulted by our valiant heroes, so slapped him across the face with a glove. This is the age-old French challenge to the death – pistols at dawn stuff.

Discretion being the better part of valour, our two heroes retired at the speed of light.

But not before they, and the yacht they were on, had been identified. They arrived on-board in a state of panic and roused me from a deep sleep. I had been in CNC for most of the day and wasn’t at my best.

But, as I had done French at school, they thought I was their best bet to avoid the coming slaughter.

With the aid of a French pocket dictionary, I stitched together a very amateurish apology and bundled the stricken pair off to another

yacht with instructions to lay low, and on no account come on deck until I called them.

At dawn the expected French entourage showed up, marching down the wharf. With my heart in my mouth I climbed up to meet them spouting (probably incoherent and non-understandable) French apologies.

At once I produced the written apology and with much relief (on my part) they seemed to understand and accept it.

Honour being satisfied they retreated down the wharf and drove away, leaving an invitation for our now brave and intrepid crew members to visit the officers club again – which they did.

A couple of years later one of the pair received an invitation to attend the French officers wedding at Notre Dame in Paris.

Line honours was Fidelis owned by Jim Davern. By the time we got in, one of his ‘larger than life’ crew had to be flown out just ahead of the Gendarmes (military force), after exiting a first floor bedroom window at the Chateau Royale (now Club Med), and landing on a Citroen 2CV and squashing it.

A different era, quite foreign to today’s PC regulated, controlled and conformed society.

Not better or worse, just a different society emerging from the old, colonial days and still recovering from the effects of World War II. If you were there you wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

By Bill Faulkner

26 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

Too many sheilas in G A coffee at the local marina cafe is always good for discussion; and recently it was fun to share a table with Buzz Fisher and Bluey Green, (names changed so I can avoid being set upon).

Two good people philosophically opposed in their respective views of the ocean. I think the only reason we were together was that mine was the only remaining table and these natural protagonists had to sit somewhere.

We were exploring mutual experiences of various engine meltdowns, their causes and remedies, when a radio news bulletin began its 11am rant with a reference to snapper numbers being way down on what had previously been thought and something about the Government exploring ways to rebuild ‘snapper stocks’. Recreational limits, it was said, may be reduced to three, 33cm snapper per person per day.

The cooling system conversation ground to a meltdown mid word.

“That’s our birthright being ripped out of us like the guts out of fish,” says Buzz.

“Great,” says Bluey. “It’s high time we give fish a chance.” (I have no idea who the ‘we’ is that Bluey was talking about).

“There’s plenty of fish,” says Buzz.

“Wrong,” says Bluey. “All around the world fish populations are on the verge of collapse, we (again that ‘we’ word) have to accept that and do something before the

ocean ecologies fail.”

I’ve heard this before. Its common knowledge, but little has been done to bring any effective change internationally, except to increase technology so more fish can be taken more efficiently.

And the economic benefits of industrial fishing are not impacted by the rapidly declining worldwide fish populations.

Buzz and Bluey continue.

“You’ll be blathering on about global warming next – I mean climate change – because that’s the new name you greeny bozos have dreamed up because there’ve been the coldest winters on record in both hemispheres since ‘global warming’ became trendy,” says Buzz. “I know there are plenty of snapper out there, more than ever. Ask anyone who knows.”

Bluey Green: “Well how come the Government wants to reduce the recreational snapper quota then?”

Buzz: “Simple, there are too many sheilas in Government departments and they don’t like the idea of young blokes buying into the killing culture.”

Bluey: “Do you really believe that? The lack of fish will be the most logical factor in this decision won’t it? Too many sheilas has never been an issue in fisheries management. Labour and the Green Party are looking at putting a quota on members of parliament to ensure even numbers of men and women.

I think you made this

‘sheila thing’ up because you’ve no logical argument against reducing the catch.

Buzz: “So, you’re calling me a liar now?

You’re far too young to know what’s happened with fish stocks. If you had a bit of real experience in your life you would know what’s really going on and you would be smart enough to agree with me.”

Bluey: “What? Will I get old like you and be convinced that too many powerful sheilas are concerned that their boy children might grow up straight if they go fishing?”

Buzz: “You should watch your smart mouth. If you had half a brain, you’d see I’m right. And if you engage the remaining half of your brain, you will see this is all about currying favour with commercial fishers. It’s about votes. It’s about John Key holding control.”

Bluey: “Won’t John Key want to pander to the greatest number of voters? There’s a couple of million people who fish recreationally and about 5000 involved in commercial fishing, so explain your vote advantage theory again.”

Buzz: “Don’t try and mess my head up with your weasel words. It’s the commercial fishing industry that’s killing all the fish, not a few recreational fishers. That’s what the sheilas who are running the show don’t understand.”

Bluey: “Wasn’t the research done at boat ramps all over the country? And doesn’t that show the recreational catch to be outrageously high? Can you

WATERLINE 27

SEPTEMBER 2013

n Government departments explain why there won’t be a reduction in snapper quota again?”

Buzz: “That research was carried out by young sheilas, mostly foreign students on working holidays, who haven’t a clue about New Zealand. The commercial guys aren’t going to face any reductions. Those trawlers can continue to rape and pillage just the same while the poor old recreational fisher is penalised and has to pay for their greed.”

Bluey: “But there aren’t many commercial fishers operating around Motiti or along the local beaches. There’s restrictions of all kinds on their methods, nets sizes, and so on. The lack of fish, the depletion of populations around Motiti etc. is down to recreational fishing.”

Buzz: “Bloody rubbish.”

Bluey: “I don’t think its bloody rubbish at all.”

Buzz: “I saw your mouth moving and when that happens what comes out is rubbish. Reason two is because Motiti, Papamoa and the beaches, Karewa and Mayor are pretty much the only places for most of us to fish, so of course there will be less fish. Many more people fishing means less fish. Get it now do you?”

Bluey: “So wouldn’t it be a good idea to take less snapper out of these areas so there’ll be a lot left to spawn, more eggs, and more juveniles which could lead to a lot more snapper in the future?”

Buzz: “That’ll make no difference, the juvenile fish will be carried on the current to who knows where, they won’t

stay in the area, and it’s too barren around here now.”

Bluey: “Then we could throw in a marine reserve big enough to provide a useful replenishment area for all species.

The reserve overflow and a reduced take will have a positive impact on snapper numbers into the future, wont it?”

Buzz. “Mumbo jumbo namby pamby jibber jabber because you have been brainwashed by your wind-bludging greeny mate Butler here.”

Bluey: “The recreational allowance each day is pretty high though isn’t it?

Let’s see, 20 fin fish of mixed species per fisher each day. And 30 grey mullet, five bluenose and 15 other fish, five groper/ kingfish in combination, and 15 other fish as a combination, for a day’s fishing.

That’s freezer loads.”

Buzz: “That’s not the point mate.

The point is that I have a right to take those fish and these wankers in Government are trying to usurp my rights. The Government has become dictators. This country is like Nazi Germany but the Government is in for one hell of a big shock next election.”

Bluey: “Don’t you think the problem with fishing is that too many fishers are just far too greedy. Besides, if you and your mates vote the Government out, that’s good because it means my mates, Dr Russell and all, will be voted in.”

(Game set and match I thought).

Buzz went pale, the colour drained a bit from his torrid, salt-hardened fea-

tures. The thought of that didn’t appeal at all. Buzz stood up and walked out of the cafe muttering.

Something was making Bluey shake a bit. His face was a little redder than normal. I didn’t know whether it was fear, anger, relief or what his problem was. I was about to ask if he was okay when he said: “Typical, the greedy bastard shot through without paying for his coffee.”

Bluey said he wasn’t going to pay for Buzz’s bloody coffee and Buzz didn’t deserve the air he breathed.

Bluey muttered that ‘We’ (again this damn word) should suffocate the greedy ungrateful bugger and he also wandered out the door leaving me with the bill for both of them. I felt being saddled with the bill was worth the entertainment, a small price to pay, besides, when the lovely English girl checked Buzz’s coffee card she found he was due a freebie, so the fisher paid for his own coffee anyhow. I paid for mine and Bluey’s and went on my way.

I love my days in these two great cafes.

I meet all sorts of interesting people who certainly take the edge off any unreasonable expectations I may have left in life.

And man, I’m glad I’m old. Seriously!!!

Who knows what the state of New Zealand’s coastal waters will be like in two or three decades or even whether the ‘Blueys’ and ‘Buzzes’ of this world will ever settle their differences short of full on armed confrontation.

28 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

He liked the ka I first saw the Freedom Hawk on a trip overseas in 2010 and soon found out they were not available in New Zealand. So, after some research, I imported the older model Freedom 14.

Since then the all-new Pathfinder Kayak has been introduced, a real step up in Kayak design. With my new Freedom 14, I soon found out the amazing versatility of this revolutionary design.

My first experiences in Kayaks began in the late 1960s in the NZ Army – back then we were using two-man collapsible Klepper kayaks in open water and usually at night. A great experience that wetted my appetite for kayaking long before it became the sport it is today.

One or two-man mono hulls are today the norm, and the sport of kayaking and kayak fishing has seen massive growth, to the point that 100,000 of us enjoy water sports in this way.

Welcome to the new Pathfinder with total on-water stability – a major step up in kayak design. With a huge range of applications from fishing, diving, exploring, hunting or hire.

The new Freedom Hawk Pathfinder is ideal for all ages and both men or women.

But what does it do for me? Well you have probably gathered by now that I am in the slightly older age group, so I’m not that keen on sitting for four hours in a kayak fishing.

Now I can stand up and fish, and I don’t have to worry about stability when I hook on to a decent size fish. Getting in and out of the Pathfinder is a breeze.

I can break it down and easily load it on or off my roof rack. And the big plus is it’s really easy to mount an electric motor for maximum use and versatility when the arms get a bit tired.

WATERLINE 29

SEPTEMBER 2013

kayak so much he bought one

In the last three years, with my Freedom Hawk, I have been able to travel around this beautiful country of ours, motor up rivers, and drift fish down, and cross lakes to that good looking spot on the other side. I can fish the inner harbours, or take on that one metre-plus swell offshore, move away from

land-based surf casters to my own sweet spot and, when needed, keep up with my younger mates and family. Stand up and see just what’s down there. You could call the new Pathfinder the lazy boy of the sea – just one great Yak – so why not share it around.

Freedom Hawks are made in the USA and

now sold around the world. This year, its New-Zealand’s turn and you too can now share the delights of kayaking with confidence and safety.

Check out the website, give me a call for a chat and you too can own a Pathfinder.

By Morris Shaxon

Bow dry storage Casting brace Adjustable foot braces

High back seat Rod holders

Battery & tackle box Watertight storage compartments

Multi-position removable outrigger

30 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

Orton Events NZ Kayak Fishing Series The Orton Events NZ Kayak Fishing Series is New Zealand’s premier fishing competition exclusively for kayakers.

The series itself includes five rounds of spectacular fishing located around the North Island, showing off some of the most beautiful and varied coastline and excellent fishing grounds this country has to offer. You can either register for the series and fish all the rounds, or pick an individual event to enter and fish – either way there is a huge prize pool up for grabs. These events are for all levels of kayak fishing – and it’s a good place to see how other like-minded people set their kayaks up.

The first competition of the series, dubbed the Coromandel Gold Rush, is on October 5-6, and is proudly sponsored by Viking Kayaks. Registrations are now open and you can enter at: www.ortoneventsnz.co.nz Or, if you have any queries, you can contact Justin Orton on 021 930 299.

It is due to support from our sponsors that this competition has such a great prize pool – without them it would not be possible – so please support them as much as you can when adding to your paddling or fishing kit.

This year, the Orton Events NZ Kayak Fishing Series’ major sponsor is Viking

Kayaks, which is contributing an exceptional amount of support throughout the series as well as in the individual competitions. Viking Kayaks always has new, innovative products coming into the market – so keep an eye out if you are wanting to purchase top of the line gear to add to your kit.

We want to thank our continuing sponsors: Railblaza, NZ Kayaker, Chomp, Bite, The Admiral Arms Tavern (Coromandel Town), The Onerahi Tavern (Whangarei), and Papa Aroha Holiday Park (which has now extended their support to the series). Special thanks goes to Top Catch Whangarei and Mike Burgin.

Mike has made huge contributions to the prize pool for past events and at the last series final – The Barracuda and Railblaza Bridge to

Cape in June. After winning the top snapper prize, early bird prize and spot prize, Mike did a re-draw and gave away each of these prizes to other competitors – awesome stuff.

We welcome our new sponsors on board for this year: Fishing and Outdoors Newspaper, Waterline Magazine, Sian Richardson Art and Design, Shewee, Suvitec Group, YAK, Bradley Smokers, The Brownzy (Tavern, Browns Bay); and Austrack NZ, which make camper trailers and are the major spot prize sponsor of the series – thank you all.

We look forward to catching up with those of you who are returning to this year’s events, a huge thanks to those who have already registered, and if you haven’t joined before, we hope to see you there.

Tight Lines,Orty.

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www.ortoneventsnz.co.nz

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WATERLINE 31

SEPTEMBER 2013

Working through the details Winter progress on Danny Sunkel’s two-way trans-Tasman rowing expedition is a slow process of crunching through the component and equipment list that he needs.

He’s working with Coppins sea anchors to test some of the ‘radical’ ideas they want to try for sea anchors and drogues. Danny’s also secured lithium battery supplier NewPowr, which gains him a more than 50 cent weight advantage over lead acid batteries and comes as a complete waterproof package including battery management.

BEP Marine has supplied all things electrical, Simrad all electronics and: “Helly Hansen have just come on board to supply wet weather and other gear,” says Danny.

“I’m slowly ticking off a whole bunch of things and I’m slowly getting there, but there are some costs that require cash.”

The trailer is nearly built, with help from Inex Metals and Trojan. As Waterline went to press, Complete Engineering and Hydraulics Ltd was about to manufacture custom submersible stainless hydraulic rams for the tilting trailer. The trailer needs to tilt to make Danny’s unique self-righting, wave piercing trimaran rowboat a road legal load in two countries. It is just more than 11m long and almost 3m wide. As soon as the trailer is in operation the door opens on a whole series of testing that will be taking place at Karapiro.

The Karapiro tests include some drift testing to ascertain windage, and will dictate where the electronics arch is sited. Once

the electronics arch is installed, Danny can proceed with the obligatory self-righting test. The vessel hasn’t had a lot of time on the water yet, but Danny’s still looking at a February 2014 departure on the first leg of the double crossing.

“The Tasman being the Tasman, it’s a very dangerous piece of water. If we are not ready and we haven’t got everything ready, I will push it out again. But, having said that, I really don’t want to. I have fantastic support from product sponsors and a I want to make sure I give them good exposure.

“It’s already taken more than four years of my life, and that starts taking a toll after a

BATTERY WAREHOUSE

while. It comes down to the weather window being right, and, a few things that we are working on, coming together.”

The plan is to row the Craig Loomes design boat from the Hokianga to a landfall somewhere in the northern NSW-Gold Coast region. The return journey will be attempted later the same year when Danny hopes to pick up the westerlies at the end of September-October, setting out from southern New South Wales-northern Victoria with the aim of landing near New Plymouth.

If anyone wants to get involved, Danny can be emailed at: danny@dannysunkel.com

32 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2013

Famous for fishing for 75 years The lucky ‘Ratahi’, the historic charter fishing vessel, is a legend in this area.

Jerry Williams (Shorty), found fishing charters a lucrative working alternative for his shallow draft workboat ‘Omokoroa’ when the East Coast Main Trunk Railway connection between Katikati and Tauranga was completed in 1927. Until then the main freight transport between Tauranga and the harbour settlements was by boat. He commissioned O’Rourke brothers of Westmere in Auckland to build him a 46 ft carvel planked shallow draft vessel out of heart kauri. She was to have high bulwarks, a permanent awning and a lavatory in the wheelhouse.

Solidly built, she was to be capable of taking fishing parties outside the harbour limits. The down payment was 200 pounds.

Gerry sent money when he had it available, and the O’Rourkes would build some more. When she eventually arrived in Tauranga in September 1938, about 2000 people turned up to see the new arrival. Her first fishing trip the following Sunday had a full boat of 100 fishers on board, surprising Jerry as he was expecting about 15. They caught 300 fish.

When not taking people fishing on the weekends Ratahi’s weekday tasks included collecting the cream from Matakana Island, taking fertiliser up the Wairoa River and bringing wool out. Ratahi also barged sand from Matakana Island, collected maize and cattle from Motiti, took holiday makers to Mayor Island, and rugby teams to Katikati. Whether the team came back the same day depended on the tide and the team’s sobriety. If they got drunk in the pub and the tide went out, they all had to stay the night.

When Jerry first started charging people for fishing trips, he charged two bob, the anglers could keep three fish and the skipper got the

rest. Next trip the price went up to 2/6 and they could keep six fish.

For the third trip the going rate was five bob and they could keep the fish.

Jerry’s son Trevor took over running the business Harbour Transport after World War II. Raewyn and Hugh Ensor bought the Ratahi in 1988. She had done 800,000 engine hours and was in serious need of some TLC. Ratahi underwent a major refit and worked very successfully out of Whakatane for the next five years. She proved to be a capable boat on the Whakatane bar, with competent skipper Hugh at the helm. She is credited with saving the lives of a number of people and vessels, after they capsized while crossing the notorious bar. She towed many broken down boats back to port from the fishing grounds, to the relief of their grateful owners.

Returning to Tauranga after six years, she recommenced her work taking people fishing and cruising around the harbour. Shortly after that, the wheelhouse was completely dismantled and rebuilt, making it much roomier and more convenient with a bunk, seating and a galley. Today, the only signs of her history are the curves of her hull, the straight stem, and the grooves worn into the bulwark coaming by the hand lines of countless happy anglers in the old days. Every year she is slipped and maintained to a very high standard, ensuring she will still be plying the ocean waves for many, many years to come.

Ratahi is based at Tauranga Bridge Marina and runs regular half and full-day reef fishing trips for up to 25 anglers. She is also available for evening trips, diving trips and harbour cruises. Individuals are catered for on public trips, and groups can charter the boat.

More information can be found on: www.blueocean.co.nz or bookings can be made on 07 544 3072 or 0800 2 CHARTER (0800 224 278).

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WATERLINE 33

Passing the baton David Blakely says he getting too old to finish the third iteration of his favourite boat design, so the 82-year-old is looking to pass it on.

His last two boats have shared the same hull design, and he’s still got the frames for the third boat he’s planning in the series.

So he’s selling the frames, in the hope the buyer will continue the development curve he’s plotted. The frames are what a strip planked hull is laid up over, and the frames are made up instead of having to derive them from the lifting process – offering a big short cut in the building process.

The first boat Free, now retired to the shed at Summerhill, proved itself a highly capable sea boat, taking David and Chloe to Stewart Island on one adventure. Another time, David says, he was well on his way to Fiji, but he got the ‘flu’ and decided to come back.

The second boat, the 8m Windsong, shares the hull design and free standing freedom rig, but has updated the materials, carbon for the rotating mast and crane and strip planked paulonia for the hull. Paulonia is about halfway between balsa and poplar in density, and it glues and laminates better than cedar.

The result is an ocean-going trailer sailer, a light, fast boat capable of passing the Cat 1 inspection. The free standing mast creates an easy movement which is fast and ocean safe, says David.

She carries a double reef, fully-battened mainsail and a combination furling headsail. Special breakaway overpowering attachments make it safe for single handed sailing. Windsong also has a sail drive diesel.

Windsong has built-in water ballast, a lead keel and a hard wood centre board inside a fibreglass case. The water ballast dumped for road trailers. Windsong can also double as a caravan or backyard accommodation, says David. Standing room in the saloon is 1.82m, in a 27ft boat. It has a double and three single berths, toilet shower, dining table, galley with sink, gimballed stove and refrigerator.

The Summerhill Trust paid for the construction and the wages of the apprentices, who completed most of the strip planked hull and cabin under the tutelage of boatbuilder Darren Schofield.

Darren also built foiling moths, and left for Dubai to pursue that before the trailer sailer was completed. Riaan Alers completed the boat and built the mast.

David’s intention is to use the sale of Windsong to pay for the next boat, and carry on the process. But Windsong is designed as a seaboat, instead of for the weekend market. The stern cabin bulkhead is there to stop a breaking wave, not to provide an ‘indoor-outdoor flow’. It has an unconventional-looking rig that is another hurdle in the conservative boating market; and the hull is made of paulownia, a timber that builds race winning boats, but is little known outside select circles.

The third boat will continue to challenge boating conventions.

David’s discovered there’s a solar panel on the market that can be walked on. By embedding the panels in the deck and cabin top, it creates enough charging capacity on a small boat to run a decent set of batteries. He’s not decided yet on lead acid or lithium.

That system and a 9hp electrical sail drive will give the boat enough battery power to motor 20nm – from Tauranga to Mayor Island at night without recharging says David – if it is a night without a breeze.

Windsong is on a pier at the Sulphur Point marina. Price is on application and by negotiation. “We can’t expect people to pay the full construction costs, but it is built by a charity, so it must be sold,” says David.

The 8m boat can be either a family day cruiser, or an expedition boat for a smaller crew. The rig is a free standing, rotating carbon fibre past with a small crane.

The frames are also at Summerhill at the top of Reid Rd.

By Andrew Campbell

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Big fat lure for anglers Anglers are being lured into buying pre-season family fishing licences by the offer of fishing gear, accommodation and theme park tickets.

“There aren’t any tricky questions to answer – all you have to do is buy a family fishing licence for the Eastern Region’s 2013-2014 season,” says Eastern Fish and Game region manager Rob Pitkethley.

“The appealing thing about this prize is that while first prize is worth more than $1400, even the second and third prizes are substantial and worth hundreds.”

A 2013-2014 family licence must be purchased before 31 December 2013. The buyer must select ‘Eastern’ as the fishing region if buying online. One entry per family is permitted. The draw is on January 24. Conditions apply. For details, visit: http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz Local sponsors are to be applauded for their generosity which has produced prizes well worth winning, says Rob. First prize alone is worth more than $1400.

Rob says the family that wins first prize will receive two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children at Rotorua’s Sudima Hotel, including buffet breakfast.

“There’s lots of fun thrown in too – a family pass to Rainbow Springs and guidance from a fishing expert – a half-day guided fishing trip with Rotorua’s leading guide Lindsay Lyons.”

The winning family will run short of fishing gear either – Rotorua’s leading manufacturer of fishing equipment, Kilwell, is supplying a deep trolling set, a jigging set, and a couple of caps.

Rob says the family will also get an annual family gondola pass and evening buffet and grill for two adults and two children provided by Skyline Rotorua.

“Fish & Game’s Eastern Region is offering the prizes as a nice incentive to not only those who are regular buyers of family licences – but others who are new to the sport who will get the chance to launch into family fishing in real style,” says Rob.

First prize - worth more than $1400:

Two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children including buffet breakfast at the Sudima Hotel, Rotorua. An annual family gondola pass and evening buffet and grill for two adults and two children by Skyline Rotorua. A family pass to Rainbow Springs and a half-day guided fishing trip with Rotorua’s leading guide Lindsay Lyons. A deep trolling set, a jigging set, and two caps by Kilwell.

Second Prize - worth more than $550:

A deep trolling set and a jigging set, and two caps by Kilwell. An annual gondola pass for two adults and two children by Skyline Rotorua and a family pass to Rainbow Springs.

Third Prize - worth more than $400:

A deep trolling set and a jigging set, and two caps by Kilwell and a

family pass to Rainbow Springs.

WATERLINE 35

SEPTEMBER 2013

Thinking of easy summer boat launching

With the days beginning to grow longer it is time take the boat trailer to Peter Anderson at Greerton engineering.

Greerton engineering are able to fix just about anything. They are spring specialists and are able to repair boat trailers for the summer, and also any other engineering work that needs doing.

“It’s coming up towards spring, people need to start thinking about repairing the trailer and making it road legal. They will go and get their spring warrant and they will need to get

things fixed – or they are not thinking about it, and it will be a Christmas warrant.”

Christmas warrants are for the people who discover when they are about to go on holiday that the boat trailer hasn’t a warrant, says Peter.

Greerton Engineering is also the home of the SEEL Trailer Boat Launcher, a device that extends the life of any boat trailer simply by keeping the wheels out of the water.

It is a hinged sliding frame that fits onto the rear of most trailer frames and allows boats to be launched without getting trailer wheels or even feet wet – and increases the range of places boat owners can launch from.

Apart from offering the luxury of winter launching without anyone having to get wet, the slide-out extension’s other big advantage is it makes many ‘off road’ launching sites available.

River banks, lake shores, ramps with dropoffs under water, steep ramps, and launching at the beach will all be easier with a SEEL Trailer boat launcher.

“The trailer wheels can be kept out of the water, which is better for the bearings and springs as well as the trailer.” www.trailerboatlauncher.co.nz or www. springworks.co.nz for pictures and video of the SEEL in action.

before - on a lean after setting rear springs

trailer boat launcher

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SEPTEMBER 2013

New Coromandel marina A 150-berth Tairua marina could be open in December, says the property development manager, for Tairua Marine Ltd, Laurie Flynn.

“It will be a bit touch and go, but we are certainly hoping so,” says Laurie.

Construction in Paku Bay is underway, the wall is half complete, the outer wall has been started, and the pontoons are under construction in Auckland.

Dredging, which is a major component, starts in a few weeks.

The marina basin will have a low point 3.5m below mean sea level to catch any sediments. The average depth will be about 2.5m rising to about 2 metres round the edges.

“The existing channel we are going to widen and deepen,” says Laurie. “It will be all tide once we enlarge it, but at low tide will be restricted to 1.3 metres deep, so that will stop the bigger yachts and boats going out, but it certainly won’t stop the smaller craft.

“It’s no different to what the bar is, so if you can’t get over the channel, you won’t get over the bar anyway.”

The real estate development side of the marina project, will probably begin marketing villas and apartments this summer, says Laurie. “They can’t get to the land until the marina’s completed.”

The marina is being developed by Tairua Marine Ltd, with Watts and Hughes Construction and Total Marine Services.

Used boat and gear sale

The annual Boatie’s swap meet – set on the Local Body Election Day October 12 – this year is for anyone looking to buy, sell, trade, or promote anything nautical-related.

In preparation for the event, organisers are saying it’s that time of year for people to look through items and articles set aside for future projects – and for hard decisions to be made.

Does a boat benefit from three sets of rowlocks where there is only one tender? Children grow much faster than lifejackets, and the small ones won’t fit their friends anymore either.

And there’s the old boat toilet that was never thrown out because it was going to be refurbished and sold – plus paint, bits of rope, old sails, superseded electronics and shrunken wetsuits.

For anyone wanting to sell or promote their nautical-related items, services, even boats, it is $10 for a parking space to display your wares. Those wanting places are asked to be on-site and set up by 8.30am ready for the 9am start.

The Trailer Yacht division of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is organising the event with all proceeds going to the club’s patrol boat operating fund, to keep our young sailors safe, so let’s get in behind our up and coming medallists.

Anyone keen to sell, can contact Doug at: Dougkaren@xtra.co.nz The sale takes place in the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club car park, Sulphur Point, Tauranga.

as ire ylinder SERVICES

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Planks as long as a kauri log Gay Dawn is a 34’ kauri carvel planked launch built at St Heliers Bay in Auckland by the late Bill Waters, an Englishman who had lived in New Zealand for the greater part of his life.

Bill Waters was a French polisher and was assisted by his son Brian who was a cabinet maker.

Gay Dawn was built during a period of several years under the supervision of a retired boat builder.

The frames she was built from were borrowed off a builder who had built himself a slightly longer sedan top launch. This boat builder happened to a boat builder at Lidguard’s shed in Auckland as well.

Bill Waters shortened Gay Dawn, as his Kauri log would only allow full length

Kauri planking for a 34 footer.

Gay Dawn was launched at Okahu Bay in September 1953. She was originally powered by a six cylinder Studebaker marinised petrol engine. In 1956 Gay Dawn was sold to a close friend of Bill’s, a Mr Ralf Ricketts who made a few alterations including altering the bridge deck to allow side doors and installing a diesel engine. Ralf Ricketts owned Gay Dawn up until 1970.

Gay Dawn has been kept very original and well maintained and has recently

come back on the market.

She is powered by a rebuilt 120 hp Ford Diesel, has six single berths, fridge freezer, two burner hob oven and grill, shower, electric toilet, holding tank, and auto anchoring. Electronics include VHF, GPS plotter fish finder combo, auto pilot CD player.

Gay Dawn is on the market with Brian Worthington from Gulf Group Marine Brokers for $65,000.

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Sou-east Designed by Fred Wilkins and built by Lane Motor Boat Company in Auckland.

With personally selected kauri from Totara North, Fred placed an order with Lanes to build his launch SouEast, named after South East Bay on Mayor Island which was the then famous site of the Tauranga Game Fishing Club.

Sou-East was launched on Christmas Eve 1946, just in time for the 1947 season. She was powered by twin St Lawrence straight eight petrol engines of 120 hp.

Sou-east also had many game fishing features, which were a first for the Bay of Plenty, such as twin engines, twin rudders, twin game fishing chairs, permanent outrigger poles, and a built-in live bait tank.

Fred lost no time in proving himself and Sou-East to be a formidable combination with anglers catching multiple billfish and sharks in one day.

Sou-East also had a sister ship named North West, which was built by Lanes for a Bill Higgins, and another named Nor East, which was built by Allan Williams in Auckland.

Sou-East was sold by Fred when he retired from game fishing in 1968.

She then went to Tutukaka as a charter boat owned by Eric Wellington and again caught many a billfish and records. Sou-East eventually returned to Tauranga in 2009.

She is now pow-

ered by twin 80hp Ford Diesels and has had many modifications during the years, but is rich in history.

Sou-East has accommodation for seven, a fridge/freezer, four burner hob and oven, electric toilet, holding tank, and shower.

Electronics include VHF, GPS/Plotter, fishfinder, radar, autopilot; Sou-East is game-rigged, game chair, live bait tank, and has auto anchoring.

Sou-East is for sale with Brian Worthington from Gulf Group Marine Brokers at $75,000. A great opportunity to own a piece of game fishing history.

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SEPTEMBER 2013