BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE JAN - MARCH 2019

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Editor’s Note that Australians are really lucky to have convenient access to the Ibelieve waterways around us. This reflects the freedom and no-frills attitude of

Aussies in general. Aside from surfing, the other more popular recreational activities that we love in this country are boating and fishing. The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has reported that, as at July 2018, over 2 million Australians have boat licences. There are more than 900,000 registered vessels around the country, and a significantly growing number of nonpowered watercraft – SUP, sailing dinghy, paddlecraft. Registered PWCs are already around 70,000. It is estimated that there is an average of 14,500 new registrations of all types of watercraft every year.

The constantly growing number of boat users impacts on the growth of the marine industry. In the same BIA report, it is indicated that the Australian marine industry turnover for 2017/18 is at $8.47bn, supported by 27,685 people employed by the industry with a flow-on of thousands in the tourism sector.

And there is a significant expected growth over the calendar year. There are more than 2,250 businesses in the Australian boating recreational sector, with boat sales, storage, yard services and charter operators leading the way.

If you are not yet a boat owner, you may want to consider being one. The benefits (freedom, fun, relaxation, quality time, happy family, etc.) will outweigh the costs (price, maintenance, etc.) only when you conduct your research and educate yourself about the boat to buy and about boating in general. In this edition, local businesses have invested in showcasing more than 150 boats that are ready to purchase. It is all good to have a diverse list of boats to choose from, but it is equally imperative to have the tools to know what you have to check and what boat will really suit your needs and preferences. The BIA (p.66) outlines the path to buying a boat, while some boat reviews in this edition also list specific features and designs to help you with the boat-buying journey. So, please do read through the articles inside these pages (and in our past editions too, which are on our website) for valuable information and insights to educate yourself about recreational boating in the South East Queensland region. (All the above apply even if you are already a boat owner, too!)

The impact of recreational boating on the community and the environment cannot be ignored either. The increasing population only means there is also an increasing number of waterways users. As much as everyone would ideally want unrestricted freedom to use the waterways, it is not always possible.

Government entities have to do their job of regulating our activities, with safety and the protection of our natural resources as the primary motivation (hopefully!). As members of the boating community, each of us also has an indispensable role in keeping ourselves and each other in check – staying on the right when there is an oncoming vessel ahead, and constantly checking your speed and wash, for instance. One boating accident is an accident too many! (Let us save for next time a discussion on that matter.)

Welcoming the new year involves a bit of having or doing something new, and/or creating some changes, always for the better. So let’s start the year right. Whenever you are out there on the waterways, just remember: Your freedom ends when another person’s (and our environment’s) rights begin.

Do the right thing!

Our Crew PUBLISHER

Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

ADVERTISE

Richard Newman

andy@boatgoldcoast.com.au richard@boatgoldcoast.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS Marcel Priest, Ian Anderson, Paul Burt, Nic Welch,

David Kelly, Matty Savas, Narayan Pattison, Hayden Wyld, Selena Nelson, Shane Subichin, Craig Braithwaite, Sophia Sorensen, Kendall Messer, Michelle Anderson, Scott Whimpey, Sally Cuneo, Alf ie Pardoe, Benjamin Allmon, Kellie Byrnes, Norman Ambrose, Kimberley Bernard.

COVER PHOTO The innovative Aquila 36 power catamaran makes easy work of the choppy conditions on Gold Coast Broadwater.

Photo by Big Rostas.

Gold Coast magazine is FREE to readers. We print 13,000 copies, and hand deliver to 400 participating locations for distribution on the Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs, cities and towns, from Tweed Heads, throughout the Gold Coast to Manly, also around Moreton Bay and Brisbane.

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Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast, P.O. Box 7441, G.C.M.C 9726 info@boatgoldcoast.com.au (07) 5679 0833 Acknowledgment of Country

Boat Gold Coast acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional Aboriginal people of the Gold Coast and their descendants, and also acknowledge the many Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE p.78 8 PHOTO: Saltwater Story South-East QLD 1 6 Aquila 36 Boat Test 22 Southern Moreton Bay Is. Interclub Bay Cruise 26 Fishing in the Cities 76 Lighthouses History 28 Flathead Classic 80 Playdates on Boats 30 Fishing with Kids 34 Travel in Shallow Water 86 Yoga for Boaties 88 NACRA Catamarans 40 Tilapia Busters 44 It’s On Boat Restoration 90 Sailing Checklist 54 Boating and Camping 92 Ross Muir Timber Revival 96 Events Guide 64 Waverunner Test 66 Path to Buying a Boat 99 World Series Jet Boats 68 Boat Contractor Laws 100 Wakeboarding in QLD 106 Broker Sales Listings

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BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

BALUNJALI

Image by David Kelly

Part of the project “The Saltwater Story” INTERVIEW BY ANDY KANCACHIAN

T

he Saltwater Story is about an epic 70km three-day sea journey of Gold Coast author Benjamin Allmon, Bundjalung-Yugambeh canoe-maker Kyle Slabb, veteran paddler Mark Matthews, and the Indigenous youth of the Saltwater People, from the Nerang River on the Gold Coast to North Stradbroke Island, following an ancient First Nations maritime trade route. Benjamin collaborated with awardwinning filmmaker Jeff Licence and renowned photographer David Kelly to document the experience in a film, a book, and an exhibit of amazing photographs.

“While working on a magazine story together, Ben mentioned a canoe journey he’d been planning,” remembers David. “I thought it was a little ‘out there’, which, by the way, is what I really enjoy. I pictured in my head lovely sea kayaks filled with drinking water, supplies and comfy air mattresses for a good night’s sleep in mozzie-proof tents. Yep! We could get some nice photos, I thought.

Well, it ended up being 100 times better and a life-changing experience. Who needs mozzie-proof tents anyhow?”

Ben writes about the balunjali in the book as being a ‘place of transition’. “It’s where fish of all shapes and sizes grow to maturity in the protective embrace of the roots. This could be symbolic of the boys’ transition during their journey.

It’s a magical world, the balunjali. It’s very peaceful and quiet and allows you to soak in your surroundings. The boys were spotting turtle, sting rays and crabs in the shallows and as the morning sun broke through early storm clouds, gave me beautiful light to play with.”

David suggests, when taking photos at sea, “Hold on tight, and use a polarizing filter which makes a big difference to image texture.”

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David Kelly says about the photo: “When I took this photo, it was the only time I joined the boys in the canoe on the trip. Here, among the balunjali mangroves is where the two worlds meet – land and sea. It was high tide, the water was deep enough for our support boat to draw close enough to the three man canoe for me to swap to become the middle man. I hadn’t seen the boys fall in for a day or so, so I felt relatively safe. I took my oldest camera-lens combination with me just in case.

“Banahm is the dominant figure in the image, but your eye jumps between him and the figures in the smaller canoe. There you notice Ben and Bijangs’ attention are elsewhere. It raises the question, “What are they looking at?” Banahm’s focus is directing the canoe through tight openings among the mangroves.

Thankfully, he was occasionally telling me to duck out of the way of danger. I like the play between the two figures – Banahm and the rear boat.”

This photo was taken using a Canon 5d mklll with Canon 24-70mm f2.8.

About the photographer: David Kelly has travelled extensively throughout Australia, the Pacific, and Asia on assignment, and immersed himself in the culture and stories of Indigenous Australia, a world he has entered with care, respect, and a soft footprint. With over twenty years working for a news organisation, David has been lucky to experience some pretty amazing on-water assignments, from kayaking Gloucester Island in the Whitsundays, to photographing yellow fin tuna off Port Lincoln, to shooting a Birdsville character sailing a skiff along The Diamantina River. (davidkellyphotographer.com.au) JAN - MARCH 2019

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remember my grandfather always saying, “If you can’t pay cash for it, then you shouldn’t buy it.” It is great advice for smaller purchases (or if you have a very healthy bank account, or very rich and generous uncle!) but it is not really practical for bigger investments, like your home, car or boat.

debited against the account monthly. Commercial or equipment finance type loans generally work differently.

Current interest rates are still at historically low levels, so a loan to purchase a boat is still a good option to get out on the water faster.

The general rule of thumb so you can pay your consumer loan off faster is to pay extra and more regularly. By paying an extra amount above your normal repayment, the balance of the loan reduces faster, which reduces the amount of interest you are required to pay back over time. Making weekly or fortnightly repayments instead of monthly payments also have the same effect.

Savvy borrowers will do their homework before taking out a boat loan to ensure they have obtained the “best” deal available to them and their individual circumstances.

The best deal does not always mean the lowest interest rate. The best deal may be a lender that will offer a longer term or lower monthly fees, or will offer minimal early termination (payout) fees.

Another advantage of paying extra money above your normally monthly repayment is that it will put your repayments in advance, so that should you ever find yourself in a position that you are unable to make your regular monthly payment, you will still be able to arrange a repayment holiday with your financier without fear of affecting your credit rating.

Once you have decided on a loan from a particular bank or financier, the challenge is to work on strategies to pay the loan off earlier.

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Loans for consumer or personal purposes normally have the interest calculated daily on the loan balance and

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Note that not all lenders have the option to make additional repayments. If this is part of your strategy to repay the loan early, check with the lender before you sign.

To see the effect that additional repayments make to your loan visit the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s Money Smart online calculator: https:// www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculatorsand-apps/personal-loan-calculator#!how-can-i-repay-myloan-sooner Our experienced marine finance specialists at Credit One are happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding your personal circumstances and obtaining that boat loan or getting an obligation-free finance preapproval in place.

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15

BOAT TEST

THE GREATFISHINGENTERTAINER

THE AQUILA 36

By Andy Kancachian

W

herever this boat goes, it is certain to turn heads.

A power cat that has the wow factor, it is ideal for either weekends away with family and friends, or for offshore fishing. It can really do both very well. The design and list of possible options are well thought out, as they were developed by people with years of on-water knowledge and experience. A really large boat with very nice handling, this is the Aquila 36.

Aft sun lounges for 6, or for fishos as a live bait well, fish locker, and built-in transom bbq

Queensland’s first local owner is Arie Goddaer, who recently ordered his A36 as an offshore fishing platform. Arie was generous enough to take us out on the Gold Coast Broadwater and through the Southport Seaway for an enjoyable ride.

Arie counted out for us eight different fishing boats he has owned in his life. “I have owned many game boats. I chose the A36 because of the stability of the wide beam, and the low maintenance of the outboard engines, which is unique for a boat of this size,” says Arie. “Operating this boat offshore is quite relaxing. You don’t need to be constantly steering the boat in choppy seas. Unlike a monohull, this boat has very little swaying out at fifty fathoms.

At my age, you can go out in rough seas and come home without feeling any pain in the lower back.”

Two double berth cabins with separate toilets, double berth

The A36 has a fabulous amount of room above and below deck. It is a big-volume open-bow catamaran, offering the comforts of an overnight cruiser with two well thought-out cabins for up to 4 adults. “This boat is not too big and not too small. Just right for our crew of two. And the walk-through entry doors on either side of the hull means my wife can easily set our fenders and lines when docking,” confirms Arie.

The southeast Queensland waters are notorious for sand banks. The A36’s shallow draft of just 60cm and the outboard engine configuration make it possible to motor around without fear of touching bottom.

“We can anchor up close to sheltered shores. We often go to Peel Island and Moreton Island. But wherever you want to go it’s going to take you there very nicely,” explains Arie.

Commercial water taxi model available in 2019; very versatile platform 16

Arie’s boat is set up for fishing with a live bait well, a large fish catch locker for the days catch, and a built-in transom bbq where he hopes his day’s catch will end up. However, there is still plenty of room to ensure this

boat is family friendly. Arie’s wife, Lorraine says, “This is the best boat for us as there is plenty of entertainment room to bring aboard family and friends. I have never been out on any of Arie’s fishing boats, but this is different. I especially like that it’s air-conditioned, and both sides of the boat have separate controls. And what’s amazing is that there are two identical cabins down below with ensuites, so when it’s just the two of us and the dog, we can have our own cabins. Our friends also really love this boat.”

ABOVE DECK Aquila prides itself on continually improving the clever boat designs by listening to suggestions of existing customers and collecting opinions from the international sales channel. Every model has progressed with some subtle and sometimes major enhancements that maximise the practicality of the boat and improve the boat user’s experience.

Beyond its nice handling, this boat is more than capable of hosting up to 20 guests, all while seated, with 12 seats facing forward.

There are many little hidden features that make a big difference in the design throughout the three main entertainment areas. For one, the floor is slightly angled to the aft and centre so that water can flow through, which makes washdown really easy. The chic quality fixtures utilise heavy-duty stainless steel fittings and hinges. There is a selection of stylish colour scheme upholstery with contrast colour UV-resistant threads.

Lorraine and Arie are happy with the standard feature light grey and charcoal upholstery, and we agree. To accentuate the interior hull design, stainless steel arm rests and drink holders have illuminated lighting.

Storage spaces are accessible underneath all seating.

A huge hardtop overhead has courtesy lights around the perimeter. An electric sunroof is an option, but Arie did not order one as he wants to keep out of the sun. A folding seatback allows passengers to sit facing ahead at the forward console seating. There are well thought out air-conditioning outlets, as well as USB and accessory plugs added to each seating position, and 240V outlets throughout. There is even an elevated tow point for towing wakeboarders wanting to get air while jumping.

JAN - MARCH 2019

There is plenty of storage in the galley alongside a fridge/freezer. The wrap-around grab rail ensures your stability. The bench tops have raised edges so items will not slip off. Arie’s boat has an induction cooktop, a deep sink as well as having enough space for Arie’s counter-top microwave and LCD TV. The dining area has an L-shaped settee around a collapsible table, surrounded by handy flat surface storage space and a self-draining insulated storage under the seating.

The walk-through windshield allows the crew easy access to the front of the boat and is great for ventilation on hot days. At the bow, the wow factor really kicks in with a cutting-edge ergonomic modular seating design. The seats are facing each other, and fill-in cushions with drop-down back rests can create full-length sun lounges, including flip-down arm rests and grab railing, and upholstered recessed areas with cup holders and speakers. This is one of Lorraine’s domains. “I look after the anchor, the chain locker, and the remote control electric windlass. There is also a handy freshwater washdown. The button-down bow covers allow us to section off each side of the boat. So when the boat is not in use, we can still walk through the centre up to the front bow rail and anchor locker.”

DOWN BELOW The cabins are accessed by doors in the centre walk-through, and the doors conveniently slide forward into the bulkhead. When entering below, it feels very spacious with a 1.98m headroom.

The double berth has a side window the length of the bed that has pull down blinds, and overhead hatches fitted with a screen for insects, allowing natural sunlight into the cabin.

“During the day, the cabin is bright and cheerful.

The air-condition vents keep the cabins cool even when the doors are open. There is ample storage on the shelves on the side and ahead, and drawers underneath the bed,” Lorraine points out.

To the aft bulkhead are the electrical panels and a door to the toilet. The toilet has natural light from a full-length window and an opening porthole for ventilation. A tap head pulls out to double as a shower head. All of these useful features are exactly the same in the opposite side cabin.

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IN CONTROL The helm includes a smart 4inch Mercury Vessel View display, which gives multi-functional readings of fuel burn/levels and temperatures. Switches are reliable push-button style that illuminate when activated and at night. An automatic engine trim function will level the boat out once you are on the plane, making trips more economical. A digital throttle shift will automatically match the throttle speed and setting of the engines. The dashboard has a 16-inch Raymarine multifunction touch screen computer. Arie plans to install a second computer with a larger 600kw transducer to be used as a dedicated fish finder. “I am also planning to install the autopilot, which I think is very handy when travelling back from our offshore trips. You just line up your destination and the boat will take your there. Travel times are usually faster and you burn less fuel.”

There is also a joy stick control option which can 100% control the boat allowing the drive to not only turn the boat in any direction but also move the boat sideways. However, Arie says, this option is not really needed. “The wide beam of this boat means I can dock at a marina using only the forward and reverse throttles. I don’t even use the steering wheel, which makes docking a breeze for such a large volume boat.”

The adjustable helm seat can slide forward, and has a push-up bolstered seat cushion. There is also a comfortable footrest.

Arie confirms, “The entire helm control system is great. I love it. As a captain, it makes driving the boat very relaxing and more enjoyable.”

ON THE PLANE With two 250 Mercury Verados fitted with the standard 3-blade Enertia propellers, there is plenty of power to get the A36 on to the plane. Out on the water, this boat just continued to impress, with a comfortable 18-knot cruising speed.

The A36 is a level-running boat that comes out of the water level and stays level while turning. This means guests will remain comfortable while underway.

Arie explains, “Catamarans have good handling characteristics in rough seas. When crossing oncoming wake or tackling large seas, the boat performs with no spray and no hull slap. It also has a very tight turning circle. The boat is very quiet when engines are idling at rest, you can barely hear them.”

OPTIONS GALORE A swim platform is accessible via a transom door. Arie uses the utility cabinet as an aft-facing bench seat while waiting for a fish. There are flush-mounted pullup cleats that eliminate any toe stub. A neatly tuckedaway swim ladder with pop-up grab rails is deployed on rollers. An electric version is an option, too. There is also a fresh water shower and stereo remote, and davits can be added to carry a tender.

The Aquila 36 offers many possible options. This particular model comes with the full windscreen, but there is a version with clears between the windscreen and the hardtop. The A36 is built to survey and can be registered as a commercial vessel. When fitted with an optional electrically controlled windscreen hatch the boat makes an ideal tropical island transfer vessel. For commercial operators, a new dive boat option exchanges transom seating for dive tank holders.

Under the floor is designed for easy systems access, which is useful for an owner-operator. There are two independent aluminium fuel tanks, a fresh water tank, black water tank, and a diesel generator. Arie has fitted an additional 400-litre fresh water tank for long journeys.

So many great options, yet Arie chose not to take up the option of a factory-applied graphic hull wrap, as he believes the boat looks great all white, featuring only the boat’s name, Arie’s.

Clearly, these boats are built with outstanding comfort levels and a load of innovative features to make boating easy and relaxing. An on-water evaluation is sure to impress, and as we found, a great deal of fun.

To book your sea trial, contact Multihull Central QLD Jake Wynne 0412 55 11 77. jake@multhullcentral.com www.multhullcentral.com 17

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RUNAWAY BAY MARINA LOCATION, ACCESS & SERVICE

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ou can be sure to experience a warm welcome upon arrival at Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast. South East Queensland’s first full service marina offers protected marina berths, dry storage and shipyard facilities; with direct access to the clear blue waters, white sandy island beaches and tropical sunshine of the beautiful Broadwater.

It’s a great location with great facilities, quality service and highly qualified marine trades all in one place. Runaway Bay Marina is set apart from every other marine service provider on the coast.

“We’ve been around since 1979, we know what our customers want and we deliver with everything they need onsite from marina berths and dry storage to general repairs, maintenance and DIY,” says Michael Grundy, Manager.

From the moment you first call to the time you disembark, it’s a smooth, pleasant process delivered by passionate and experienced staff, and backed by competitive pricing, improved facilities, and a wide selection of marine trades.

“We’ve got electricians, diesel mechanics, in-board/ out-board services, boat covers, antifouling, shipwright, a full-service fuel wharf, and Gold Coast Marine Training that offers licensing as well, everything is onsite” says Michael.

The point of difference is the exceptional service delivered by a highly-skilled and experienced team. “Our people are friendly, professional and full of knowledge.

Most of our staff have been here long-term like myself, ranging from 10 to 18 years,” says Michael.

It is this dedication that allows the team to deliver a unique, rewarding experience for passionate boaties and seafarers alike, time and again.

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY FEATURE

OUR BEST-KEPT SECRETS

Southern Moreton Bay Islands

By Andy Kancachian

Photos by Roselle Tenefrancia, Julie "Jules", Russell Island RSL Fishing Club, and Brisbane Tourism.

The waters around Russell Island are fascinating in their own way. “A few great spots for boating families are Sandy Beach Park to the south and Jock Kennedy Park to the north, which both have great BBQ facilities,” recommends Stuart Slocum, captain of the Russell Island RSL Fishing Club.

ou can experience a rustic island lifestyle just a Y short boat ride north of the Broadwater in the southern Moreton Bay. The little known Southern Moreton Bay Islands, locally referred to as the Bay Islands, are an ideal day-trip destination. There are plenty of sheltered anchorages for overnight stays too.

THE BAY ISLANDS The Bay Islands include Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra Islands. The area offers the intrepid many secluded fishing spots, interisland transport, heritage walks, a museum, local markets, festivals, and other local events. The islands are a treasure trove of plentiful wildlife. There are littoral rainforest, rocky shores, sandy beaches, mangrove areas and vistas to the mainland and surrounding islands. The Bay Islands offer cultural and natural attractions, and also serve up some good value dining options, great views, and good vibes.

Russell Island. This is the more developed of the islands with some 4,000 residents. It is a large stretch of land 8km long and nearly 3km wide.

Russell Island has most of the same services as the Redlands mainland that span across the island. These include a medical centre, a supermarket, a library, and a public pool. There is a small shopping strip with a good selection of stores, cafes and restaurants.

While boaties will always find floating around a delight, the locals of Russell Island encourage visitors to find the time to explore the island itself. “When you are exploring Russell Island, there is a few things to see in the Kite wetlands, turtle swamp, and the only grave on the islands,” says Stuart. “Once you make it to shore, the local taxi is cheap to get around. Both the local RSL and the bowls club each have a free courtesy bus that pick up and drop off anywhere on the island.”

With around 30% of the dwellings used as family holiday homes, the island is virtually yours midweek. Do not be discouraged if the town may seem too quiet. Graeme “Woody” Leifels, president of Russell Island RSL Fishing Club, says, “On your first visit, the locals might initially seem a little reserved. But once you get to know a few, they can be very warm. We have a wonderful social life in this close-knit community. By night, the RSL and bowls club provide entertainment and bistro facilities. Don’t forget to try Aunty Alice’s for a great meal and views across the Krummel Passage.”

Macleay Island. This is the second largest island and has become a trendy residential hotspot offering a country life right by the water. The island is now a popular sea-change location for artists and sustainable lifestylers. The weekly markets, and the cafés and restaurants are abuzz with creative people – painters, sculptors, potters and poets.

The island boasts an organic farmers market every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Macleay Island has a community arts complex, a pottery shed, and several art galleries and studios. There is even an opportunity to undertake an art retreat. Various classes in martial arts, tai chi and yoga are offered.

Fa mily rac ing fun

Local angler Jo sh

22

ou t of the Roya

ch t Squadro n l Quee ns land Ya

The island is not all alternative or bohemian though. For the more conservative boatie, Macleay Island is home to a golf course and a sailing club. Bird watching is also a popular activity. Dragon boating has recently commenced from the boat club on Sundays.

A good launch spot is the Dalpura Ramp towards the north of the island.

Lamb Island. This laidback island has several inviting accommodations with really beautiful outlooks, as well as a modest general store, a licensed club and a tennis court. Urban legend claims that some of the world’s most successful maritime drug runners have landed on Lamb Island and stayed. So do not be too surprised if the locals do not want to join you for a selfie!

A visit to the islands’ wetlands will showcase birdlife, frogs and a green carpet of algae. The original name of the island was Nguderoo, an Aboriginal word that means paperbark trees, referring to the trees that surround the wetlands area.

There are a few interesting residential architecture that may be of interest to the visitor – such as a dome house and a hexagonal one – that can be sighted along the roads. For any grocery and meal needs, the Lamb Island Convenience Store is a kiosk and a general store that serves meals and snacks at outdoor tables in a bush setting.

Karragarra Island. The smallest of the islands, it is just 2km long and 500 metres wide. There are no shops on this island, but it has the best white sand beach among the four bay islands, and offers spectacular views of the other islands and the Gold Coast hinterland. The highlight of visiting Karragarra is the safe swimming enclosure beside the boat ramp, which is an ideal spot for a boatie’s picnic lunch.

Although small in size, this island has its long history of being a farming town that serviced Brisbane. a Boat Club event run by Tingir Flinders’ Day is anis loc ate d on Ma cle ay Isl an d wh ich

ua Jone s

JAN - MARCH 2019

Ab origin al ng his tor y sin ce ers e an d int ere sti d sto ne fish tra ps sti ll fou nd an Th e are a ha s a div s en old ind us tria l se ver al mi dd tim es . Th ere are Cli ff Te rra ce on Ma cle ay, the re are un d 1870 . aro At ilt s. bu nd en isla be on the ll be lie ved to ha ve rui ns of a su ga r mi

Local angler Da

TOURISM AND CONSERVATION The Bay Islands promote conservation tourism and sustainable development. On the shores, you can be assured of unspoiled beaches, uninhabited walking paths and bird-watching opportunities (migratory birds visit yearly).

for a deep-water marina in the area. Woody points out that there are also plans for an upgrade of the waterbus jetty with further talk of waterfront retail and hospitality stores.

“The boater will be thrilled by the variety of waters and shoreline, with all islands in close proximity to one another,” says Stuart. “As you discover the waterways by boat or even kayak, be sure to keep an eye out for the dolphins, turtles, dugongs and other marine life that frequent these areas.”

TOWING YOUR TRAILER BOAT If you are travelling by car with a trailer boat, take the water barge at Redland Bay, and drive off on Russell or Macleay Islands. If you base yourself on Russell Island, there are several boat ramps you can launch your boat. Both the Jock Kennedy Park and Barcelona Terrace Boat Ramp have water access almost all of the time.

While nature comes first for the community, the passion for conservation has slowed some of the much-needed improvements on boating infrastructure. Some of the boat ramps may not be accessible during low tide. There have been calls

If you plan on staying on land overnight, there is abundance of accommodation to suit your budget – from waterfront AirBnB holiday homes to luxury B&Bs. Camping at Sandy Beach at the southern end of Russell Island is also always an option.

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vid Tukaukin

ARRIVING BY SEA Woody advises overnight cruisers to drop anchor on the north end of the Russell Island in the Krummel Passage. “We have a shopping centre with a bakery, an IGA, and a take-away shop within walking distance of the jetty. Our local servo carries some essentials like bait, tackle and fuel.”

The channel separating the islands from the mainland is known as Main Channel. The channel separating the islands from North Stradbroke Island is known as Canaipa Passage. These are two deep-water anchorages with beautiful views and are usually a hub of activity.

Boaties will have many exploration opportunities in this area. “The Bay Islands are a great base for exploring the surrounding islands of Moreton Bay,” says Woody. “It is an easy trip through the marked >

23

BOAT FEATURE Short, Eden, Mud, Green and Crab Islands. These less known islands boast a diverse marine life popular with fishos who know of a few secret high productive locations.”

Some of the well-known fishing locations frequented by locals are Jumpinpin, Giants Grave, Blaksley’s, The Bedrooms, Tiger Mullet Channel, and around Slipping Sands.

Southern Moreton Bay Islands channels to more well known destinations such as North Stradbroke, Moreton, Bribie, Coochiemudlo, and Peel islands. In this paradise at your doorstep, you can also try surfing down a sand dune before you dive into the clear waters of the bay.”

Woody strongly recommends to come to the area well prepared. “Maintenance and supplies are at Cabbage Tree Point, Horizon Shore and Raby Bay, all about an hour slow cruising from the Bay Islands,” points out Woody.

It is an art form to not become beached in the Bay Islands area. Shallow waters surround most of the islands, with the mud flats exposed at low tide. Plan your arrival and departure carefully. Like most of southeastern Queensland waterways, the area is notorious for sand bars. It is advisable to navigate channels with the Beacon-to-Beacon water maps, and to always consult with the locals.

FISHING “Fishing in our area is great with pristine conditions, fish stocks are abundant as the green zones and mangroves help keep the area alive with various fish,” proudly shares Stuart who is an enthusiastic angler. “It’s common all year to land flathead and bream while you wait for good size mud crabs. In the winter months, you can target snapper and jew fish.

Right about now, the prawns come out to the waters of the Bay Islands.”

If you want to access Russell Island during the low tide, you can dock small vessels on the back of the ferry jetty in the Krummel Passage. Larger cruisers can simply anchor out in the channels. However, be sure to let out plenty of anchor rope as the tides run fast on their way out.

Woody also has some advice for those local boaters who think they have seen it all. “Try dropping anchor at the less visited St Helena, King, Cobby Cobby,

GO FURTHER The Bay Islands are a must for adventurous urban explorers looking for a seaside village full of handicraft and homemade delicacies. It is an easy get-away from the noise, and hustle and bustle of city life to simply take a break without breaking your budget.

Stuart sums it up best: “Most of the Bay Islands have generous public spaces, unspoiled natural environments, and really wonderful local people, which makes the area a great boating destination.

And most importantly, the best place to end each day is moored on the western side of the islands to watch our fascinating sunsets.”

RUSSELL ISLAND RSL FISHING CLUB The Russell Island RSL Fishing Club was established in 2001. It’s a fishing and family club with more than 140 members who regularly turn up at functions. They have fortnightly fishing competitions and weigh-ins on Sunday afternoons, as well as regular social gatherings down at Sandy Beach. If you do not have a boat, contact the club, as there are some members willing to take you out fishing in their boat.

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BOAT ANGLER

Paul Bur t FISHING IN THE CITIES bream

T

he waters that feed the veins of the city of Gold Coast, behind Surfers Paradise and other nearby communities, house a diversity of marine life similar to that of the wild tropics. Just throw in a few hundred kilometres of winding canals lined with waterfront mansions, millions of tourists, and a boating fraternity that has more registered vessels per capita than any other city in the southern hemisphere.

Fishing throughout the waterways of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast produces a major amount of fish life not only in the estuaries, but also in the freshwater impoundments and out at sea. Anglers flock in numbers to the natural beauty of the Hinze, Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams, along with the surrounding freshwater creeks to target the ever-elusive Australian bass. If you are lucky enough, the upper reaches way past the weirs and causeways can also land you a catch of wild fish.

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Every year, fingerlings or baby fish are placed into the freshwater impoundments where they grow to become a sought-after sportfish by many anglers. From here, fishermen target the various species, generally comprising of Australian bass, yellow belly, cod, and saratoga, with light line classes and different methods.

Fly-fishing is one way of targeting these species if you are into spinning, diving lures. The new wave of soft plastic technology takes off to new exciting levels. Basically, the fish in the dams will feed all year round. The bass cannot breed in impoundment waters as they need to get down to the salty brackish waters to spawn. If there are two hundred thousand fish swimming around the enclosed waters of the Hinze, then there is a great chance you will catch something any day and any time of the year. But it is the summer months that bring the fish on the chew as they become more active with the heat and the movement of insects. Cicadas thrive in the hot air temperature and humid conditions and sing their sounds to nature throughout the day.

It is common knowledge that when the cicadas sing, it is time to go fishing. Insects land on the surface of the water and the bass sit below waiting to engulf the distressed creature. When you think about it, it is the evolution cycle all over again with the fish surviving by working as one with nature.

In the saltwater, it is very similar as summer species thrive throughout the canals and surrounding waterways. Trevally, mangrove jacks, estuary cod, tarpon and other species school up in numbers around the entrances to canals and creeks, waiting to ambush the smaller prey

being flushed out by the torrents and currents.

Small jelly prawns school up along the rocks, which in turn attract the herring that are then closely followed by hungry trevally, jacks, cod and tarpon. These fish are mostly active at night on the ebb or run-out tide when everything tries to make its way out to the oceans. Other fish that are attracted to this movement are the sharks.

Large numbers of bull and whalers feed among the schooling trevally devouring anything that moves in front of them. Many a nights I have spent on the banks of a canal, flicking poppers out into the abyss before being smashed by a trevally; and then right at your feet, a bow wave appears out of nowhere and grabs your fish only a few feet from where you are standing, which is generally in the water. The end result is a head quivering to the shock of losing its body to the boss of the canal. My favourite spot for this kind of action would have to be the main junctions of the Nerang River and Monaco Street canals.

Here, the currents are strong and eddies swirl throughout the ebb tide, and fish school waiting for that free feed.

It is amazing to witness this. And to have it all in our own backyard is simply unbelievable. The lights of Surfers Paradise gleam over the water making night fishing not only a visual experience, but also an enjoyable one. It is worth getting out there and giving night fishing a go. You will be surprised with what you see and catch!

And it is not just the Gold Coast, but also the Sunshine Coast and other cities and communities along the coastline. Where there are lights or currents, smaller baitfish are attracted and the cycle moves on from there. Besides these, there JAN - MARCH 2019

Caelan Ken trevally are also un-natural man-made structures that attract, house and hold fish, such as jetties, pylons, bridges and marker buoys.

This cycle can also be extended out to sea, as baitfish move down the east coast with the strong southerly currents we experience every summer. Fish that swim across the surface and feed off the surface are commonly known as pelagics; and it is these species that anglers target off the coast. Marlin, dolphin fish (more commonly known as mahi mahi or dorado), tuna,

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mahi mahi

flathead

mackerel, wahoo, and a few other species are regularly encountered when trolling or livebaiting around the schools of smaller baitfish.

The sharks inhabit these areas and waters, but this time you are not standing in there with them.

massive. Things you could not imagine in your wildest dreams swim at these depths, and fish that could easily snavel a lure as long as your arm, and of course sharks so big they would put the wind up the toughest of men.

In eighteen miles or thirty odd kilometres east of the beach, the waters drop to the depth of a hundred meters. The locals know it as “the shelf�. From the shelf it does not take long before the water reaches incredible depths. It is here where the fish turn from large to incredibly

Fishing around cities and in particular our neck of the woods during the warmer months of the year is extraordinary. It allows a wide variety of angling opportunities to suit just about anyone wanting to catch a fish. The best news is, it has only just begun.

27

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY ANGLER

The 2018 Gold Coast

FLATHEAD CLASSIC

HAILED A GREAT SUCCESS

Br ooke from fem ale; a ne Hooked on Br ooke pl ac w person al re ed cord catching 3rd over all this fish 64

cm

H

Champion Junior Angler

ailed the best fishing competition Australia has to offer, the 2018 Gold Coast Flathead Classic has recently ended for another year, and event organisers have relished in the success of the 25th-anniversary event held on 25-28 September 2018.

The Gold Coast Sportfishing Club committee set the target high for the 2018 event, wanting it to be the biggest and best yet. Travelling from all over Australia, 692 anglers fished at the event, 69 of which were juniors and 37 females, a new record for attendance. Club President Danny Sands said, "It's fantastic to see so many people entered into our event this year. We set the bar high, and we are delighted to have achieved what we set out to do. We have gone to great efforts trying to make this event something for everyone, especially families. Seeing such a high number of father-son teams, and junior anglers compete in this year’s event just shows that we have found the winning formula".

The three days of fishing saw teams catch 4,908 flathead, with 2,668 of the flathead caught above 40cm.

Taking out the winning team this year was Team Sands, with team member George Sands also awarded Club Champion and the winning angler. George said, "Well, it's taken a few days for things to sink in. I still can't believe we managed to do as well as we did after a very ordinary opening day, only scoring a team total of 727 points. Day 2 started poorly. Danny managed a 62 and a few small scores, and by 9:30am I still never had a legal fish. Then things changed, we fished a shallow flat and was about to give up. Danny got a 59cm using a big hard body lure, so we turned around for a second drift, and this is when my golden run started. I got a 79, 78 and 62cm very quickly! Things got quiet and Danny suggested we fish a small hole in amongst the weed flats. This hole was amazing, smashing another 18 fish 15 of those legal, another 77cm and a number ranging from 47cm to 66cm. Counting our scorecard, we were over the moon to come in with 1913 points, then realising after day two we were in with a shot. Can't thank Danny enough for Day 3! Our day was ordinary just ticking over fish slowly, but Danny would net my fish, unhook it, do the photos, and write up the scores.

A bloody champion! This gave me more time in the water and it paid off scoring a 66cm at 1:50pm, enough to get me over the line.”

With a massive string of prizes awarded, Friday night saw event partner and major prize sponsors, Surf Coast Marine and Quintrex give away four amazing boat packages, worth over $75,000.

s: Danny Sands (Left), Champion Senior Team - Team Sands (Right) George Sands (Middle), Kevin Sand

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Drayzen Allen​

Adam Barnes of Tea for the event, and m Viper Strike Top 2 mens team Adam was secon d individually ove rall

The Junior Boat prize and the Australia-wide "Win A Quintrex" raffle were some of the highlights. But nothing could beat the hype of the final draw. The major prize – a brand new Quintrex 420 Renegade Side Console, including trailer and Evinrude motor package – was won by Julie Morrow, a local grandmother with a couple of grandkids who love to fish.

Julie said, "I'm over the moon to have won this fantastic prize. I normally can't even win the chook raffle and here I am with this amazing new boat! I had no idea – when my name got called out – that I would be the last man standing and walk away with this incredible boat package! My husband and I love to fish, and our grandkids are so excited to get out on the water with us and test the new boat out.”

The prize pool for the event set new records, with a total of $452,486 given away over the four days. Gold Coast Sportfishing Club Vice President and Sponsorship Manager David Whyte said, "We love giving back to the anglers. During team registration on the opening night, we gave away just over $180,000 worth of products in the team bags, with anglers basically receiving their entry fee back in fishing gear and merchandise. This was in addition to just under $30,000 given away over the four nights through general raffles and daily competition prizes.”

Organisers reached a massive audience Australia-wide through social media, with the nightly entertainment uploaded to Facebook and covered across Channels 7 and 9. The event was also lucky enough to have celebrity fishing personalities: Andrew Ettingshausen from Escape with ET, John Coutis an internationally renowned inspiration and motivational speaker, and The Mad Hueys. The event was MC'd by local TV personality Paul Burt, who did a fantastic job onstage each night, receiving excellent reviews for his crowd involvement and interest.

Danny Sands concluded, “The outcome of the 2018 event is a testament to the positive evolution of the club. Past and present committee members and even a handful of club members, who have paved the way to where we stand today, each of whom has left a legacy, contributing to the 25th Gold Coast Flathead Classic taking the medal for the best fishing event Australia has to offer. We are just fishermen and women who want to create an event where other passionate anglers can come and enjoy being on the water with mates, doing something we love.”

For results and to check out the image gallery, visit: www.flatheadclassic.com.au

Prize Boat Winner Julie Sur f Coast Marine (Left),(Middle), Paul Banning from Julie's husband (Right)

lington 3rd (Left), Top 3 female anglers Brooke Frecka Henderson 2nd (Right) Megan Savas 1st (Middle), Melind JAN - MARCH

2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

EXTREME

FOR A GOOD PRICE

N

ew to the Stessl stable and exclusive to Gold Coast boating Centre is the 460 Extreme side-console series. Why it got the extreme tag was the extreme features and HP capacity on this tricked-up hull. This is one tough beast for a 4.6 side-console hull and side visual is deceptive until you get in this boat.

Stessl has always been at the forefront in hull design and remains one of the oldest Australian-built brands today. It has a full alloy checker plate deck, beefed up commercial 32mm rails, solid welded-in rod holders, sports steering, alloy internal walls, alloy cast deck which is only seen on boats over the $50k mark. The alloy deck is amazing – with no more soft floors or warped timber. It is designed for longevity and everyday practical use. For all the boaties prawning, cast netting, and crabbers, this one wins all over. There have been countless boats over the years that rot or warp with age and poor maintenance, moisture and heat over the

years. Even the good stuff (marine ply) has a life span and will move with abuse and use. If floor heat or glare is of concern, then tube matting can be thrown over the top (you can buy this stuff at hardware stores for minimal cost). You can then just hose out the day’s carnage and sit back and have a coldie. Maintenance on this baby is so much simpler and will outlast most of us. Saving time and money long-term, what's that worth?

More internal features on the practical side include the 100L Live/Kill well in the front on the cast deck fully plumbed, with aerator and centre baffle, perfect for whether you fish the ABT, flattie classic, Clarence Valley bass, local tournaments, or just want to keep your catch in pristine condition. At the rear is a goodsized LBT tank fully plumbed, flush mounted tackle tray boxes, and a full height transom. Standing on this at rest is comfortable, while leaning against the rear for support. The offshore fishing crew will like this feature, as a full transom is most practical for swell or reversing.

Our test boat was a F75 Yamaha 4-stroke (1832cc). The power was a supa responsive hole shot performance and a top speed of 55kmh on the water. The test day was a little lumpy with the northwesters blowing although she ate it up.

The tide has turned in this ever-popular size market and what is most surprising is the price. The Stessl 460 X-TREME Package of a boat fitted with 60HP high thrust Yamaha 4 stroke motor, a good-sized combo sounder/GPS, VHF radio, rego, and a list of X-TREME features, available for under $30,000. An upgrade to the larger big block F75 is a dramatic increase in power with the price tag remaining low around $33,000. A result of a combination of lots of work between Gold Coast Boating Centre and the Stessl factory to develop a competitive well-priced boat that is already making waves in the industry. (Written by David Edwards) goldcoastboatingcentre.com.au/listing/stessl-460-x-treme-series

(FORMERLY MARINE TUNE )

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s d i k s h y t a i d i l w o h g over the f is h i n

BOAT ANGLER

By Matty Savas

I

believe that our kids are the future of fishing. I love educating my boys on the art of fishing.

Fishing with kids can be challenging, but at the same time very rewarding. My middle boy, Koby, loves fishing. However, my eldest boy Ethan, does not like it so much. My youngest, Nicholas, is looking like he will enjoy it, but he is still very young at only 3 ½ years old. When we plan a trip out with the kids, I pay special attention to their needs as boredom and hunger are the main complaints. First, make sure you pack lots of snacks and water. Second, it is also very important to “slip, slop, slap”.

Third, remember the kids come first so make it a fun day out for them.

After launching the boat and putting on the kids’ life jackets, we set off. If the tide suits, I will try to stop on a few spots and have a troll on the way to Slipping Sands.

This is a good destination for the kids to go nuts and run up and down the dunes.

It is a good idea to give them a break from fishing to stretch their legs.

Once they have spent some of their energy, we jump back in the boat and head over to the mouth of Cobby and pump yabbies (tide dependent). Kids scream and carry on picking them up and occasionally they will get a nip.

We then go and drift around to pick up a few whiting, bream and flatties. All that is needed is a nice light rod with 6lb main line with 8/10lb leader, a small pea sinker (enough weight to hold the bottom), and a trace of about 600ml. A mustard long shank hook with a fresh worm or a small “yobbo” (what my kids use to refer to yabbies).

With kids, as long as they are catching fish, they are interested. When this gets a bit stale, we will fire up the engine and head towards Cabbage Tree boat ramp, as this ramp has a great beach and a playground. After they have a play here for a while (to again stretch their legs), we will have a troll around this area, then slowly make our way home.

Matty and son, Koby

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It is all about making it a fun day out with the kids and family. You will also get to know your kids better, especially with the precious quiet time spent fishing on the boat together.

Just remember to keep “livin’ the dream”.

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The boat is equipped with a separate cabin that has a sea toilet and hand wash/shower facilities, a kitchen area with a cooker, sink and refrigerator. The layout of the cabin with lots of storage space simplifies the time on board for all. The aft deck is fitted with cushioned side benches allowing lots of fun for those who like to sit out in the open air when at speed.

Parker 630 Bow Rider

Length: 6.10 m Dry weight: 900 kg

Beam: 2.25 m Max HP: 200 HP

From $66,888

From $108,888 Other standard equipment include a front locker, sunroof hatch, curtains, seawater deck shower, two front wipers, deck light and stainless anchor roller.

Designed for a long trip, the boat is fitted with an economical Mercury outboard and has an inbuilt 230-litre fuel tank. The innovative well-shaped hull with multiple spray rails capable of speeds of 35 knots with a 150HP outboard engine, and 45 knots with a 250HP engine.

Parker 750 Day Cruiser

Length: 7.46 m Dry weight: 1750 kg

Beam: 2.50 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $105,888

The wide range of options available for the boat makes it possible to adapt it to your requirements. These include a rear bimini, bow thruster, teak flooring, trim tabs, anchor winch, shore power, navigation pack and sound system that can all be factory-fitted on request.

Polished in every detail, the Parker 750 Cabin Cruiser is a milestone in development of the fast leisure powerboats. Local distributor Nautilus Australia provide the highest level of after-sales support for the complete range of Parker boats. www.nautilusaustralia.com.au

Parker 800 Weekend

Length: 7.90 m Fuel Cap: 230 L

Beam: 2.90 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $134,888

Exclusive distributor of top European fibreglass and rigid inflatable boats 175 Parramatta Rd Haberfield NSW 2045 ✆ 0414 252 254 ☎ (02) 8084 2747  nautilusaustralia.com.au � sales@nautilusaustralia.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT GUIDE

Tr a ve l l i n g i n

SHALLOW

WATER Interview by Narayan Pattison

We are blessed with an abundance of beautiful waterways across the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, but they are also home to some of Australia’s shallowest water. Tearing through these waters without paying enough attention can easily get you grounded, stuck, or worse.

HAYDEN WYLD from Wyld About Boats, has been boating for 35 years and gives us some essential tips to help you brave the Coast’s shallow waters with confidence.

AREAS TO WATCH OUT FOR Particularly shallow areas to be careful around are at the southern end of the Broadwater. Straying outside of the channels here will put you on the sand in the blink of an eye. More than a few boats have run aground on the sand bar just south of the Couran oyster leases too (the area known as The Aldershots).

It is also important to take extra care around oyster leases because the structures in the sand will do some serious damage to your boat.

Several parts of Moreton Bay and North Straddie are also dangerously shallow, especially the crossings on the north side around Amity Point, and at Jumpinpin on the south side. The council do their best to dredge these areas, but they cannot keep up with the huge volumes of shifting sands. To be safe it is always best to use the Seaway instead.

RESEARCH BEFORE GOING OUT Asking local boaties for advice on safe spots and places to avoid is helpful. Check the boat ramps in your area. Some of the new ramps have been designed to give you easy access to deep water, particularly the new one at Southport.

Make sure you check the tides before heading out, especially when you are going to the Seaway. You do not want to go out on a runout tide because the channels are always more exposed at low tide.

Although it is much safer on the high tide, it is still possible to end up on a sand bar.

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TECHNOLOGY TIPS The key to avoiding shallow water is knowing exactly where the deep channels are. If you do not have the advantage of years of local experience, the best way to keep yourself safe is using a GPS device that displays detailed maps and depth information, and to have a physical Beacon-to-Beacon handbook that shows all the channels. With both of these, you can make sure you are always sticking to safe water.

While it is true that sounding equipment can give you accurate real-time depth readings, it is important not to rely solely on them because most of the time you will have already run into trouble before the soundings alert you. Not even side-scanning transducers can guarantee safety at speed.

SHALLOW SAFETY Travelling at speed when you are out of the channels multiplies the dangers, so keep your boat to a sensible six knots. The worst thing is if you hit a sand bar at speed, because the boat stops suddenly and sends you and your crew into the windscreen. Most boats are strong enough to withstand hitting a sandbar, but you may not be so lucky.

If you do hit sand, the first thing to do is turn the engine off and carefully assess the situation. If you are badly stuck, or if you have suffered injuries or damage to the boat, then the best thing to do is to call the Coast Guard or VMR to help you out. Do not take chances.

If you are only lightly touching the sand, then you might be able to try just trimming your engines so they are clear of the bottom and slowly pulling away. Do not try to aggressively power out because all you will do is churn up the sand and damage your engine. If going slow with the engines trimmed still is not making progress, then you should try getting any extra crew you have out of the boat to help push and rock it while you gently apply power.

SHALLOW WATER EFFECT There is a hydrodynamic phenomenon known as the “Shallow Water Effect”, otherwise known as “Squat Effect”, where a vessel’s draft actually increases when travelling at speed across shallow water.

This is caused by the water being squeezed between the bottom of the hull and the seabed, causing the flow of water under the hull to move faster than it would normally do in deep water. This faster flowing water in turn causes the vessel to be sucked towards the seabed, increasing the vessel’s draft.

Side effects of the “shallow water effect” include: • Reduction in vessel speed • Increase in vessel draft • Sluggish steering

Whatever you do, make sure there is water flow getting through the engine to keep it cool. Keep an eye on the gauges to be sure. Also, you want to avoid sucking up any sand, and you will have to check the seawater filters and clean out any blockages.

• Change of trim causing the vessel to dip towards the stern or bow

If your boat is a shaft drive, then you will want to be especially careful in shallow water because they tend to suffer more damage when they run aground. It can also be very difficult to inspect the damage because you will either need divers or to lift it out of the water.

In 1992, the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth 2 with a draft of 9.8m and travelling at 24 knots, struck a rock at a depth of 10.5m. Investigators believe the “shallow water effect” was a contributing factor, with estimations of an increase of draft, at that speed and depth, was between 1.4m and 2.4m. Written By Nic Welch

Taking the extra time to cruise carefully through the shallows will avoid those hefty repair bills if something goes wrong.

The side effects of the “shallow water effect” can be avoided by a reduction in vessel speed.

JAN - MARCH 2019

e t a i ed n all m Im er y o ts a v deli ted bo lis

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BOAT GOLD COAST

CLEAR WATERS, GOOD TIMES Scariff Boats on the move

W

hile the Scariff name is new to the boat industry, the people behind it are no strangers to boats or to manufacturing and after-sales service.

With a long business history across a number of industries, they know what it takes to deliver a reliable, competitively priced product that the market wants, and support it with after-sales service that provides boat owners with confidence in their supplier.

Whether your interest is in dropping a line in your local river, heading out to sea to chase the bigger fish, island hopping with friends or just relaxing on the water with family or friends, there is a Scariff to suit your purpose.

A Scariff isn’t just a boat, it’s a new friend that helps to build your pathway to enjoying all that the water has to offer.

DINGHIES, CABIN CRUISERS, PONTOON BOATS The Scariff range of boats starts at a 3.9m dinghy and works its way up to a 7.5m open water boat with a choice of centre or cuddy cabin. Scariff also builds a range of pontoon boats for those who enjoy the company of friends and family on sheltered waters.

Whatever your budget and lifestyle, Scariff has a boat to suit, however you decide to spend your leisure time on the water. Scariff represents value for money, with a broad range of standard features complemented by options that tailor your boat to the activities you want when you go boating.

A GREAT FIRST YEAR You can hear the excitement in his voice when you ask Scariff National Sales Manager Craig Batten how Scariff’s first year has been.

“Well we’ve made quite a splash. It has been hectic.

We now have happy Scariff customers all over the country , in Victoria on the Murray, In Coastal NSW, in Adelaide and you will find Scariffs fishing in Port Lincoln and of course all over Queensland.”

He ponders briefly when asked why he thinks the launch of a new brand has been so successful and then with an impish grin replies “Its really no mystery.

Our product might be hi tech but what we offer is good old-fashioned value for money. And of course he adds “we are still small enough to offer the kind of personal service that most people think no longer exists” Value for Money, hi tech product, old fashioned personal service. Yes really no mystery at all.

DINGHIES, CABIN CRUISERS & PONTOON BOATS

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JAN - MARCH 2019

MARINE ONLINE AUCTIONS The Revolutionary way when either buying or selling any type of vessel with proven and successful results.

Marine Online Auctions are truly the way forward for both the buyer and seller. The timed Online Auction method of sale, has the ability to reach a far greater number of potential buyers than the traditional method when selling any type of vessel, and also shrinks the sale process to a fraction of the time it normally takes to find a buyer.

Marine Online Auctions dramatically increases the exposure of our client’s vessels to many more interested parties and a larger network of potential buyers from around the world.

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Marine Auctions & Valuations can provide valuations for all types of vessels, including: Power, Sail and Commercial and Marine Assets.

We offer a full range of marine valuations.

Contact Marine Sales if you are selling, buying or renting any type of Marina Berth or Waterfront Property in any location.

MARINE AUCTIONS & VALUATIONS

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BOAT GOLD COAST

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Enquiries: JOEL MULLINS 0410 062 611 or joel.mullins@motorama.com.au motoramaholdenspringwood.com.au

BOAT ANGLER

Busting Pest Fish

in Robina Lakes

By Selena Nelson

Pest fish and fishing competitions may seem like a mismatch. However, when it is an effective way of eradicating the “pests” from the waterways, while building awareness and cooperation among community members, the combination definitely creates excitement.

The fifth instalment of Tilapia Busters for 2018 was a success for Robina City Parklands. While being educational and awesome, it was also a good day of family fun. The goal of this event was to catch as much Mozambique tilapia (mouth brooder) as possible, and remove it from South and West Robina Lakes to increase the chances of survival of native fish species.

Mozambique tilapia are classified as restricted and noxious under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The fish is to be killed with a single blow to the head, and disposed of immediately by burying it away from the waterway or by placing it in a garbage bin.

They are not to be used as bait as they pose an extensive threat to waterways, or taken home to eat.

(Fact Sheet: Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2018) The Mozambique tilapia compete aggressively with native species, dominating aquatic systems and reducing fish diversity. They are a versatile and adaptable pest fish with high survival rates due to their ability to protect eggs and larvae from predators by holding them in their mouths. Also destroying native plant beds while nesting by creating large circular breeding nests. These pest species have been introduced into the waterway accidently and intentionally.

Robina Lakelands represents a total of 85 hectares with 20 km of shoreline in the middle of a high-density urban area, bounded by Markeri St, Bermuda St, Cottesloe Drive, and Robina Parkway. The lakes are non-tidal and water depths are at 3m and 10m, and is an artificially created freshwater aquatic ecosystem with many exotic and invasive species of vegetation, fish and turtles, which compete with native varieties.

For Tilapia Busters 5 event, the tilapia were given a biosecurity clearance and were permitted to be collected. Worms by the bucket load and tackle were also available on the day, supplied by The Bait Shop, while the local Lions Club kept everyone well fed with a free BBQ. It was an early start on Saturday, 3 November, with keen competitors arriving in picturesque Robina Lakes, before 6am to finish at 12pm. For new and returning competitors, the word was out that West and 40

South Lakes were brimming with tilapia. It was time to perfect the fishing technique and catch one. The informative and educational exhibitions included a live display by Gold Coast City Council and Biosecurity Queensland, showing the differences between native fish and exotic fish.

Tilapia Busters 5 was a family orientated event and attracted 310 competitors of all ages, with some travelling from as far as Redcliffe and Spring Hill.

Fishermen, women, boys and girls were pulling the fish in from kayaks on the water and from the banks of South and West Lakes at Robina City Parklands using worms as bait, a single hook and float.

The atmosphere was exciting and fun as competitors showed up from 12 pm onwards, with catch in hand to join the queue for weigh-in. The winner for Men’s Division was Dale Lucas with a total fish weigh-in of 25.56kg; Women’s Division winner was Tanya Harris with a total fish weigh-in of 7.82kg; Junior Boys winner was Daniel Gould with a weigh in of 14.25kg; and Junior Girls division winner is Katlyn Mcadam with a weigh-in of 7.85kg. All competitors’ efforts quantified a total weigh-in of 705kg of Mozambique tilapia, which were safely removed from Robina Lakes, dispatched on site and disposed of by Gold Coast City Council. The quality prizes are donated by various sponsors and included Jungle lures, prize packs from Rod Armour, Bigwig beef jerky, vouchers, Master Angler tackle gear, Rodzilla rods and stubby coolers, Trickys Lures, Munroe’s Soft Plastics, My Lure DVDs, Dream Kayak hats. Major sponsor Dragon Kayak, added to the excitement with a random drawn prize of a 2.8m pro fisher kayak.

While there were plenty of winners on the event day, Robina is the real winner. Tilapia Busters 5 represents the fifth fishing tournament held to reduce tilapia numbers in south and west lakes of Robina City Parklands. These consistent efforts will assist a native fish population to become established and reduce pest species resulting in a more balanced aquatic ecosystem. In three years, Robina will reap the rewards with an established native fish population and adult native bass jumping out of their suburban lakes. The event was such a success that competitors were excited and looking forward to the next instalment of Tilapia Busters.

The Tilapia Busters was organised by Gold Coast Fishing Fanatics and was co hosted by My Catch Australia. It was supported by the Gold Coast City Council. In order with their strong vision of protecting Gold Coast natural environments, the Council released 40,000 Bass fingerlings into the lake system to boost native fish numbers.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

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hat distinguishes a Pursuit boat from everything else? Proven hulls matched to dependable Yamaha Outboards. Refined lamination techniques.

Vacuum-infused stringer grids. Verified installations.

Patented designs. More than anything, it’s a dedication to delivering an authentic, high quality product through all levels of development, ultimately providing endless hours of enjoyment to all who encounter it.

• Quality that’s visible - ultra-premium gelcoat that creates our legendary Pursuit finish, which is backed by our five-year hull blister warranty.

PURSUIT POINTS OF DISTINCTION • American made - designed, developed and manufactured in the USA.

• Solid laminate - hull bottoms are reinforced with our resin-infused, fiberglass structural grid system that provides a finished surface inside the bilge area.

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Expansion Catalyst for Business Boom Stage 1 of a $100 million dollar major expansion at The Boat Works has welcomed 50 new storage boats in just the last month to our newest precinct, The Dry Marina.

With the recent acquisition, The Boat Works now encompass 50 acres, making it the largest boat yard in the Southern Hemisphere. This new development brings way to Australia’s first DRY MARINA, devoted to dry storage for up to 200 boats from 25ft to 70ft, and to the expanded refit facilities, the new 100-berth marina, and the waterfront lifestyle village. The expansion will prove a windfall for the Gold Coast marine precinct.

The Boat Works lift 50 boats per week from the water with its Travelift and Sealift equipment, and employs 1,000 personnel, a figure that is forecast to double in the next five years.

Doors will be officially opened early to mid 2019.

In conjunction with this new offer, the dedicated boat sales precinct has been refreshed and is now open to inspect. On display are up to 60 mono and multihull vessels for sale in a unique out-of-water inspection area that is open daily to the public.

Save the date for the upcoming Multihull Boat Show & Open Day to be held onsite on 23rd March 2019.

The Boat Works owner Tony Longhurst explained, “The entire Coomera Marine Precinct will benefit from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s commitment to dredge the Coomera River in early 2019, granting year-round access for vessels that previously may have been reluctant to call in to the Gold Coast for repairs, refits and storage because of shallow waters at low tide.

“The Gold Coast will become the port of call for every type of boat as they travel the east coast between Melbourne and Sydney, and the Whitsundays.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Hal Morris added, “This visionary investment is positive proof of the growing strength and value of boating on our waterways. There are already more than 30,000 vessels registered on our waterways and that is increasing by 1,000 every year.”

The Boat Works momentum will propel into 2019 with an enormous amount of growth, incorporating a newly built retail showroom that will become home to the largest marine trade supplies and chandlery offerings on the Gold Coast. The 860sqm retail area will be a welcome delight for the avid boat owner and marine trade professional.

Rodney Longhurst Riviera, Mayor Tate, Stefan Ackerie, Tony Longhurst The Boat Works, Bill Barry-Cotter Maritimo, Maddyson Thompson

Why moor it when you can Store It! NEW

Dry Marina, out-of-water storage precinct now open. +61 (07) 55 000 000 | admin@theboatworks.com.au | www.theboatworks.com.au | Gold Coast Marine Precinct

BOATYARD – SLIPWAY – MARINA 42

WE WON'T BE BEATEN ON PRICE or SERVICE! P: 07 55 000 000 Gold Coast Marine Precinct

JAN - MARCH 2019

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JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT FEATURE

Enjoying the boat after restoration

Twenty tradies worked on this epic restoration

It's On nearing completion of restoration

Stripped-down interior before restoration

Sleak interior after restoration

It's On

You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat!

By Narayan Pattison

A

vid marlin fishermen Garry and James Holt already have a string of Australian national records to their name with their current boat French Look III. This boat is the world’s fastest at reversing up on marlin at 17 knots. World records are not handed out for being complacent though, so Garry has spent the last year chasing down his most ambitious boat yet, It’s On. It’s On is a huge game boat at 59 feet long by 17.5 wide, and weighing 22 tonnes.

Garry said he thinks of his other boat French Look III being like an F1 because it is purely about speed and performance, whereas It’s On is more like a Porsche road car. It will still blow your hair back with its speed, but you also get to enjoy the feeling of luxury while the ocean is tearing past.

Built in 1989 in Destin, Florida, It’s On is one of the few remaining G&S Boats in existence. Buddy Gentry and Steve Sauer built 50 of their high-performance G&S marlin boats, and only 30 are still believed to be operating.

As you would expect, keeping such a large boat in peak condition is an expensive hobby. The previous owner of It’s On had spent US$1.5M on overhauling the mechanical side of the boat. When Garry bought it in early 2018, he committed to spending another $1M-plus on maximising its marlin performance, while also ensuring it provided Maritimo-style luxury inside, as well as having all the necessary gear to enable the boat to be self-sufficient for up to three weeks.

During a three-month-long complete refit at The Boat Works, Garry and his engineer Danny Frizzel, have project-managed a team of 15 tradesmen to replace and upgrade a staggering amount of the original boat.

One of the largest jobs was replacing all the boat’s electrical wiring. This involved pulling out tangled messes of aging copper wire and installing 3 to 4 kilometres of new marine-grade tin-copper wire. These new electric systems are needed to power a wealth of gadgets, most of which are dedicated to fishing performance, such as dual driving controls decked out with huge Garman screens, enabling Garry to control the boat from either the cockpit or the back deck. The boat also sports more fridges and freezers than most houses. There are new chippers to create ice to chill bait, fresh catches and even drinks in a half-dozen freezers, all of which can be switched between fridges and freezers at the touch of a button.

There is even a custom brine tank to instantly freeze the bait, keeping it tasting the just way the marlin like it.

Everywhere you look, there are examples that are easy to miss but reveal just how much work has gone into ensuring the best performance. The placement of the transducer is one such example. Transducers are essential because they use sonar to find the fish. In marlin boats like this, they are about the size of a car BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

battery. Normally, they are just bolted to the underside of the hull, creating lots of drag. To avoid this, the team have cut a special enclosure into the keel to house it without any drag. To keep the boat out of trouble overseas, it even carries a spare propeller and shaft to enable quick and cheap repairs if it gets banged up on a reef.

Working on an American boat also creates a few extra challenges. Firstly, the electrical systems were all powered off the USA 110-volt standard. To ensure Australian 240-volt devices are compatible, building a series of step-down inverters into the system was necessary. The original It’s On did not have an anchor system, so an entire system had to be fitted. In America, where fuel is cheaper, boats go without anchors, because they normally return to port each night rather than anchor at sea.

Not all the improvements are purely about fishing though. Previously, It’s On had returned to the mother ship each night, which meant it had limited sleeping and cooking facilities. To ensure the boat is able to host big groups of his friends in style, Garry significantly upgraded the interiors across its nine beds, and the kitchen now sports a gas-powered oven. The boat even has a state-of-the-art satellite TV dome on the tower to ensure the bedrooms’ large screen TVs feature dual Foxtel systems to allow viewing of different movies in different rooms.

As much as he enjoys the luxury, it is clear Garry’s main passion is chasing down that elusive number one record. The last seven records Garry and James caught have been second in the world by just a few centimetres.

It’s On was rebuilt to make it a marlin record-breaker. The boat being able to plane while reversing at 12 knots will be key. Unlike most boats that have a v-shaped hull, the G&S boats have a very flat hull that enables it to ride higher and plane along the water. Another key tactic is the special fuel and seawater bladders in G&S boats. Although It’s On has a 6,000-litre fuel capacity, Garry will only carry 1,000 litres when he is chasing a record. And then, when the boys are reversing up on a marlin, the boat’s custom pumps push the fuel and additional seawater to the bladders in the front of the boat to keep the back up high for maximum speed.

Garry enthuses, “The G&S boats are classics. They are collector’s items because they don’t build them anymore. Anyone, like us, who is serious about chasing world records, has a G&S. Their hull shape and backing-up speed cannot be beaten for chasing marlins. People are always stunned when they hear I own two of them. I would never ever sell them though.”

Garry cannot wait to take advantage of the abilities of It’s On to do some lengthy voyages to Cairns, Darwin, Exmouth, and into international waters in search of his biggest marlin yet. We look forward to hearing about his future record-breaking.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Why Moor it when you can Store it?

by Shane Subichin

D

ry storage is attracting yachts in droves, attracted to the lower costs and higher security for their vessels.

barbecues, the Bridgedeck Lounge with office and communications equipment, and barbeque on the water’s edge.

Storing boats out of the water provides peace of mind for owners and significantly reduces costs associated with maintenance.

Since introducing the “Dry Marina” option at The Boat Works in late October, dozens of yacht owners have taken advantage of the new facility.

One cruising couple who were the first to check in their 54ft Chincogan cat, are Paul and Deb who have just completed five months exploring the Whitsundays up to Lizard Island.

“Dry storage on the Gold Coast is a very attractive option for those owners seeking a safe, secure place to keep their boats protected between cruising voyages,” explains The Boat Works General Manager, Shane Subichin.

“The Gold Coast Marine Precinct offers all the services owners require for service, maintenance, refit work, and now storage, all much more costeffectively than elsewhere on the east coast.”

The benefits of dry storage are numerous, including reducing the need for many forms of maintenance which arise from sitting in saltwater, as well as minimising the need for regular checking of your boat.

At The Boat Works, owners have full access to power and water on-site, as well as marine trades who can be coordinated to service, maintain regular checks and to detail or wash down your boat.

All customers are able to use the free services such as courtesy cars, ensuites, laundry,

“The dry marina option is fantastic!” says Deb. “We can store our boat and take off without worrying about the weather or growth on the bottom of the boat.

“Our boat is locked up and dry, with security, CCTV and experts on hand to get it ready for us when we’re ready to sail out again. It’s cheaper than having it on the water, there’s no danger of bad weather washing up debris or other boats banging into our boat.

Ours was the first boat in and now it’s filling up fast. Word has spread; it’s just a better way to store your boat.”

From the US, we welcomed a cruiser family whom have a lifetime of cruising under their collective belts, and were ecstatic to discover a dry storage option for their 57ft yacht, while in this region.

“My family and I have been sailing, on and off, since the kids were less than a year old. They are now 12 and 15,” says Matt. “We tend to sail for a couple of years at a time, and then come back to the US and for a few years to be landlubbers and work, go to school, or catch up on medical and family matters.

“We've sailed the coastline of Africa, up and down the Caribbean, the US, Mexico, and the usual route through the South Pacific.

“In Australia, our plan is to store our boat and do a long road trip inland, then wander around the Gold Coast for a few months before heading back to French Polynesia.

Matt has used boat yards all over the world, and he counts his experience at The Boat Works as

46

"Our website provides you with free DIY checklists to ensure your boat is in shipshape" Shane Subichin, General Manager, The Boat Works.

one of the best. “The only other yard that comes close is one in Florida that caters to mega yachts and professional captains. I'm really impressed with the people here and the facility. I think it’s meaningful that there are courtesy cars, free laundry, and nice barbeque areas. It shows your commitment to your customers."

Gary and Anne from Port Stephens enjoy six months over autumn and winter cruising in the Whitsundays aboard their 35ft wide-bodied Lightwave cat, then return home to see their kids and grandchildren and take the occasional overseas trip.

Gary and Anne have recommended the dry storage option to their friends, many of whom took up the offer and will regroup next year and take off together for a delightful season of sailing.

“We were so impressed with the cost savings and the complete security for our boat that we didn’t hesitate to tell our boating friends about it. They’ve all brought their boats here and we’re planning to meet up and head north together in May 2019.”

“We are thrilled at the rapid take-up of the ‘Dry Marina’,” says Shane. “It’s proving a good boost to the businesses in the Marine Precinct and word of mouth is binging more boats and visitors to our door - a win-win for the Gold Coast and yacht owners.”

More at theboatworks.com.au JAN - MARCH 2019

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BOAT GOLD COAST

The sensational, top-of-the-line Hurricane SunDeck 2400, a bowrider-style deck boat with a deep-V hull

Hop on a

Hurricane this summer H

urricane deck boats have rapidly found a place in the local market, the first models snapped up for their versatility, performance and array of features as standard. The new delivery will feature two new models of the US-built boats and already the Hurricane hype is building.

“This is our third shipment in six months,” says Paul Atallah, Director at Hurricane Australia.

“They are great boats for multi-generational families and groups of friends wanting to enjoy every kind of water activity – the perfect all-rounders!”

The FunDeck 236 WB has all the attributes of a sportsboat with the capacity and stability of a pontoon.

At 7.07m, this highly adaptable dayboat will appeal to boaties looking for the ultimate party platform, which is just as well-appointed for fishing, skiing, towing or sunset drinks with friends and family.

The massive range of features of the FunDeck 236 WB includes a generous Wet Bar for which this model is named, with table, handy drink holders, sink, tap, and plenty of space for ice, refreshments and food in the insulated seating.

There are two large swivel helm chairs, double bimini, comfy seating for up to 12 people, freshwater washdown at the stern, pop up changeroom, snap in carpet, quick release fenders, LED lighting and Audio Marine stereo system. For the anglers, there’s the latest Lowrance Fishfinder.

Powered by the acclaimed Yamaha 200hp engine, the FunDeck 236 WB will deliver a top speed of 37 knots (70kmh), and thanks to the legendary Hurricane fibreglass “cathedral hull” handles like a bowrider and requires a lot less maintenance than aluminium craft. A custom-made boat cover ensures your pride and joy is protected when it’s not in use.

With a draft of just 33cm, the FunDeck can access shallow reaches and pull up on the beach, which is ideal for the safety and comfort of the whole family.

The Hurricane self-bailing system keeps the cockpit and everything in it dry and comfortable. The wide beam and spacious floor plans create the ultimate comfort zone for any activity. Most importantly, Hurricane boats have positive floatation which makes them virtually unsinkable!

50

Also due for arrival in the New Year is the sensational, top-of-the-line Hurricane SunDeck 2400, a bowriderstyle deck boat with a deep-V hull to ensure stability and a smooth, dry ride.

At 7.3m, with room for up to 12 people and a large bimini for protection, this premium model is fullyoptioned with the fishing package comprising removable fishing seat at the bow with rod storage clips, Simrad touchscreen Fishfinder and chartplotter and LED-lit Audio Marine system.

The SunDeck 2400 also boasts snap in carpet throughout and onto the full-width swim platform, quick release fenders, freshwater washdown at the stern and a step-down, enclosed electric WC. Powered by a 250hp Yamaha engine, the SunDeck 2400 has performance to match its profile, delivering up to 42 knots (78kmh).

Powered by the acclaimed Yamaha 200hp engine, the FunDeck 236 WB will deliver a top speed of 37 knots

HURRICANE AUSTRALIA EXPANDS Aiming to be the “one stop shop” for deck/pontoon boats, the team at Hurricane Boats Australia has taken on distribution of the full complement of quality models from the same manufacturer, offering Aussie boaties the most extensive range of these versatile craft across the spectrum of features, uses and pricing.

Paul Atallah and Grant Flanagan will add the Aqua Patio, Sanpan and Sweetwater boats to their line-up in 2019.

“They are truly incredible,” says Grant. “You won’t have to go any further to start your deck boat lifestyle – we have the biggest and best value selection of any dealer in the country.”

The FunDeck 236 WB includes a generous Wet Bar, with table, drink holders, sink, tap, and space for ice.

Sanpan is the ultra-luxurious pontoon line which sets the standard in cutting-edge design, high-end comfort, and incredible entertainment options, while Aqua Patio offers very flexible layouts, even a second level with a waterslide – perfect for family boating!

Sweetwater has a massive model range with so many features it can claim to be the best value pontoon boat on the water.

“We can’t wait to share these category-busting models.

We’re sure families and boaties will be as impressed as we are with the diversity and personalisation available from these top-quality all-American brands.”

For more information visit www.hurricaneboats.com.au

Powered by a 250hp Yamaha engine, the SunDeck 2400 has performance to match its profile, delivering up to 42 knots.

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hurricaneboats.com.au 51

Welcome Ashore

© LOCALIMAGES.COM.AU

Nestled conveniently between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and only a 12 minute drive off the M1, you will find Horizon Shores Marina. Whilst it may be familiar to some, it is still unknown to many.

Horizon Shores is located in the heart of the boating paradise, right on the door step of North & South Stradbroke Island, Jumpinpin, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast Seaway.

52

It’s a marina that prides itself on quality customer service, facilities and location. It could be said that it is the largest marina on the Gold Coast, sitting on the edge of the cane fields amongst 237 acres or 96 hectares that provides all services – fuel, marina berths, trailer storage, rack storage and a full working shipyard. Of course, not forgetting the compliment of commercial trades such as boat sales, boats builders, shipwrights, trimmers, mechanics, repair services, antifoul and, of course, our awesome Anchorage Café.

If you’re out on the water, why not stop by and fuel up, top up your ice or bait, grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink or coffee.

Set your Sat Nav to 27° 45’ Latitude, 153° 21’ Longitude and call to organise a berth, even if you are just looking to for a few nights to rest.

With its friendly and helpful staff and a convenient location, we hope to see you soon at Horizon Shores Marina and Shipyard.

JAN - MARCH 2019

500 MARINA BERTHS 350 DRY STACK BOAT STORAGE TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS 200 TRAILER BOAT STORAGE FULL BOAT REPAIR, SERVICE & REFIT SOLUTIONS JET-SKI AND TINNIE STORAGE FULLY ENCLOSED BOAT REFIT & REPAIR SHEDS DIY MAINTENANCE 70T TRAVELIFT HAULOUT SHIPWRIGHTS, ANTIFOUL, TRIMMERS, BOAT BUILDERS & REPAIR SERVICES ON WATER FUEL WHARF CHANDLERY BROKERAGE PUBLIC BOAT RAMP HIGH PRESSURE WATER BLASTING THE ANCHORAGE CAFE

80 Cabbage Tree Point Road, Woongoolba QLD 4207 Office: open 7 days - 7.30 am - 5pm admin@horizonshores.com.au P: 07 5546 2300 F: 07 5546 1353 Cafe: open 7 days from 8 am café@horizonshores.com.au P: 07 5546 2661 horizonshores.com.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

53

BOAT JOURNEY

Introducing

Bamping Boating + Camping

By Craig Braithwaite

W

hat’s the first thing you think of when we say, Cars? Traffic!

People in cars literally follow the exact same path. They get congested beyond all belief in holiday season as everyone packs up and leaves at the same time all trying to maximise their holiday hours. Inevitably, you end up sitting in gridlocked M1 traffic watching the clock tick into your vacation time.

Do not despair, there is another way. It is possibly the last frontier in camping and creating your own path away from the herd. Instead of packing the car with your tents and camping gear, why not pack up the boat and head for “foreign” shores?

(Nearby foreign shores, that is.)

On the Gold Coast, there is a way to get out of town that does not involve the bane of everyone’s existence – driving through the M1 traffic. We are surrounded by calm inshore waters, perfect for loading up the boat, and taking a different commute outta town.

Three places we found are perfect for such holiday jaunts are South Currigee on South Straddie, Amity Point on North Straddie, and Jacobs Well. All three places offer postcard moments and are teeming with things to do – and all of them are within reach on half a tank of boat fuel.

SOUTH CURRIGEE This natural reserve, surrounded by unspoilt beauty is located on the western side of South Stradbroke Island, across from Runaway Bay and Hollywell. South Currigee beachfront campsites sit in the middle of 22 kilometres of untouched beaches and offer the ultimate getaway. Just 15 minutes in a tinnie from Runaway Bay and you’re there! There’s ample space to pitch your tent, so you’re not elbowto-elbow with other people. You can also hire the onsite Wallaby Tents. Onsite showers and toilets, BBQ’s, and play area for the kids are available.

South Currigee Accommodation Rates: Onsite Wallaby Tent. (Off Peak): $68 per night for up to 2 persons. (Peak) : $77 per night for up to 2 persons. Unpowered Camp Site. (Off Peak): $26 per night for up to 2 persons. (Peak) : $30 per night for up to 2 persons. www.goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/currigee-campgrounds South Stradbroke Coordinates: 27° 51' 0" S, 153° 25' 0" E AMITY POINT Further north past South Straddie, much more of an adventure awaits on Australia’s second largest sand island. Leaving from Southport at 25 knots, it will take you the best part of two hours to reach Amity Point, northwestern part of North Straddie.

Moreton Bay can be choppy, so lift the bow, stick to the channels, watch the winds, and heed the weather forecasts. It is best to leave first thing in the morning while the winds are notoriously calmer.

The campgrounds at Amity Point is run by Minjerribah Camping (formerly Straddie Camping) and offer all the amenities you will find at South Currigee. Once you are at Amity Point, you can just hop on a bus from there to anywhere else on the island, visiting Point Lookout and Dunwich and anywhere else in between. There is a pub at Amity Point that offers great pizzas and there is also a rustic café that serve fresh oysters. You can simply hang at the campsite, wet a line, cook your fresh catch on the barbie. The campsite is the perfect spot to view spectacular sunsets over the bay islands.

For those with tinnies, be aware that the tide pull along the beachfront of the campsite is tricky to anchor overnight. At low tide, the boat will sit on the sand.

You need to anchor well and run a rope from the back of your boat to the shore, or your boat will end up 100 metres out in the channel and if the anchor fails it will end up in the Pacific Ocean!

The main draw card here is the premium fishing, on the calm waters of the Broadwater. If you are looking for some surf, a short walk to the eastern side of the island will serve you up the best surfing waves the Gold Coast has to offer.

For bigger boats, the best anchorage is around the Amity Point jetty. Although the bottom is sandy, there are rocks around and it does get very shallow at low tide. Many boaters advise to use two anchors for peace of mind. The other option is to anchor near Dunwich, and use your tender to take you to Amity Point.

Shower up after a day in the sun and just a short walk away is Tipplers Café, the award winning restaurant and café on South Stradbroke. The menu is stacked with quality, and it will give you a night off the campfire stove.

Rates: $35 for unpowered tent site and $45 for powered tent site . Cabins and houses are also available. www.minjerribahcamping.com.au

Because the area is a wildlife conservation park, you have to keep the dog and generator at home. That is but a small price to pay to see the natural wildlife thriving; birds, wallabies, and native lizards are in abundance here.

JACOBS WELL

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For bookings (07) 5577 3025

www.tipplerscafe.com

Coordinates: 27.3973° S, 153.4538° E Bamping meets glamping at Jacobs Well! Gold Coast Tourist Parks recently unveiled new safari tents for hire. These are decked out with queen-size and bunk beds, flat screen TV, kitchenette, gas BBQ and linen. One of the tents is even wheelchair accessible! Everything you need for a family getaway is here.

The Jacobs Well tourist park is a waterfront park, located right at the Jacobs Well boat ramp. Leaving from Runaway Bay, stick to the boat channels past Coomera Island and Couran Cove resort (on South Straddie), go left at Kangaroo Island and work your way up the passage into Jacobs Well. Anchoring in the calm waters is a piece of cake.

Jacobs Well is a haven for boaties, with some of the best and most diverse fishing in southeast Queensland. Talk to the locals, and this can be one getaway your fishing family will not soon forget. (Oh, and pets are most welcome!)

Rates: Unpowered tent sites from $48, powered tent sites from $54, Glamping Safari Tents from $95. www.goldcoasttouristparks.com.au/jacobswell Coordinates: 27°46'50.07"S, 153°21'43.11"E Gold Coast bamping does not end here by any means, folks. Moreton Bay is dotted with islands to explore and to camp on. There are no traffic lights and no gridlock traffic out there – just the spirit of adventure guiding you as you explore the last frontiers of freedom in this country!

Tipplers Licensed Café is a family-friendly destination with

54 live entertainment, great coffee and delicious food. Located on South Stradbroke Island, the café is the perfect place to relax for boaties, local families and visitors to the Gold Coast.

JAN - MARCH 2019

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Specialists In Yacht & Boat Brokerage for VIP Clients The Yacht Brokerage Pty Ltd provides general boat brokerage services and new boat sales to the Australian and international market with headquarters based at the Gold Coast.

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The business also has affiliate brokerages at key locations servicing recreational and commercial boaters with Queensland offices in Manly, Brisbane, Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach, all ready to serve new and used boat customers. In particular, the brokerage has a strong background knowledge base in yachting, both racing and cruising.

The US Sport Boat manufacturer, Four Winns have also appointed The Yacht Brokerage as Queensland sales distributor for their extensive range of outstanding Bow Riders, Deck Boats, Surf Series Boats and Vista Sport Cruisers.

The Yacht Brokerage are also privileged to be the official and exclusive Queensland sales distributor for the full range of the Beneteau Sail and Beneteau Outboard Boats. Beneteau Sail with iconic brands, Oceanis, First & Figaro are regarded as the world leader in production cruising and racing yachts.

We have a team of professional, knowledgeable, boat owners and involved brokers ready to assist with listing, selling and marketing vessels of all types.

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BOAT PROTOCOL

Don’t be caught at SEA without an AED

By Scott Whimpey

G

etting out on the water with family is usually the highlight of your week. The wind in your hair, the sun, and the salt air, with your boat purring along and the family smiling from ear to ear. So what happens when that perfect day takes a sudden and deadly turn?

It is estimated that around 25,000 people suffer from sudden cardiac arrest every year in Australia.

Of these numbers, only 10% survive. An even more alarming statistic is that less than half of the people who suffer cardiac arrest have someone step in and perform CPR or use a defibrillator. By the time paramedics arrive and without first aid intervention, it is usually too late for the patient.

So if timing is so critical on land, what do you do when you are on the water? Depending on where you are, it can take emergency services 20 to 30 minutes to reach you, which is far too long to aid someone in a medical emergency.

This is the reason many boats are now fitting automated external defibrillators (AED) to their vessels. Many defibrillators on the market (like the new HeartSine samaritan range) are made for the outdoors and can handle all kinds of weather.

They function just as well in the pouring rain than on a sunny day! Having an AED on board provides peace of mind; that in the event of an emergency, the boat is equipped the best it can to handle that emergency. Coupled with this of course is CPR training. It is highly recommended that at least one person on board has received CPR training, as the courses are made to complement AED usage.

Although defibrillators are indeed made to be so easy to operate that anyone can do so without

training, the confidence you receive from scenarios in training are immeasurable in their value – a more decisive first aider is a faster first aider.

Once you purchase an AED for your vessel, you may be wondering where to store it. Out of the way, or in a locked compartment under the floor (That thing’s expensive after all!)? The best place to keep the defibrillator is in the most visual and easily accessible location available. In so many cases a boat does the right thing and has an AED on board, but in the franticness and scuffling of a medical emergency, people either cannot find it or it is locked away and the key is nowhere to be found. It is recommended that AEDs be mounted to a vertical surface and be within easy reach to minimise time between the beginning of the cardiac arrest and the first shock from the defibrillator. Studies show that those who have shock administered on them within the first minute of a cardiac arrest are 90% more likely to survive.

It is certainly a massive step up from waiting anxiously for half an hour for help to arrive.

A lot of people balk at the price of a defibrillator and are convinced they will never use it; hence it’s a waste of money for them. Sadly, it is this mentality that prompts many people to buy defibrillators after a tragedy has already occurred. The price of a defibrillator is irrelevant when weighed against someone’s life. There is a growing push for people to recognise their value before they realise that not having one available would have saved a life.

So don’t hesitate! Make your boat ‘heart safe’ and enjoy your time on the water with the knowledge that you are in the safest possible hands.

Ph: (07) 5580 4465 60

www.dockpro.com.au

HeartSine Samaritan® 360P Defibrillator Value Pack Featuring the latest cutting edge technology and an IPX rating of 56, the 360P is perfect for marine use in all kinds of weather and can be used in both adult and paediatric emergencies.

The HeartSine design is easy-to-operate and durable with voice and visual prompts, helping the user through pad placement and CPR in an emergency. The AED will also analyse the heart rhythm and automatically deliver an electrical shock (if needed). When purchased in the handy value pack, customers also receive an alarmed wall cabinet, patient prep kit, wall charts and online training resources – all for $1,999.99. With all these fantastic features, it’s easy to see why the 360P is one of the most popular defibrillators on the market.

You can purchase yours now at

www.firstaidae.com.au

First Aid training courses available.

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BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

61

BOAT GOLD COAST

N O S A E STORM S

PREPARING FOR THE R

egardless of where you live, you can expect to be hit with severe weather once in a while. Whether it’s some wilder winds hitting the region or a highly destructive cyclone, the following methods are a must for storm protection. In 2017, we were reminded of the magnitude of power nature can bestow on us with the destructive events in North Queensland and the Caribbean. Let’s take a little recap and review what you, as a responsible boatie, can do in these unpredictable situations.

CYCLONE DEBBIE In 2017, Cyclone Debbie hit the north coast of Australia and left significant amounts of damage. Boaties particularly felt the effects of the storm, with their vessels, marinas and waters all impacted. The Pantaenius team were amongst the first insurance representatives to see the affected areas, travelling up to Airlie and Hamilton Island, where Debbie hit the hardest. We saw the damage first hand and we worked with our insured over the next 18 months to resolve all claims.

In short, cyclone Debbie’s aftermath was significant. This natural disaster turned lives upside down, resulting in the affected boat owners having to spend many months rebuilding their assets and lives.

Being at the scene, ready to assess the damage, and assist our fellow boaties, we were confronted with the lot. Many things were quite shocking to see, but what we were very taken back by was how little preparation some clients had done. With the knowledge of Debbie’s presence and movement five days prior to her arrival, we had expected much more effort to protect their assets.

Many used the excuse of living in the southern states, or that they simply ‘didn’t know,’ both invalid excuses. There were plenty of people on the ground that could prepare your boat if you could not. You see, at the end of the day, there is a responsibility that lies squarely with you, the insured. Your insurer is in partnership with you; but in reality, would you expect a partner to remain beside you if you were negligent? The notion that insurance will take care of it all is not entirely correct. In the partnership, you do have responsibilities. They stem from basic seamanship, and are referred to in most marine Product Disclosure Statements (PDS).

We have had the chance to check in with a few of our affected clients months after the cyclone. Some of them noted that they were still completing repairs and replacements over a year later due to the huge waiting lists for slipping at their local and affected marinas.

IMPACT OF HURRICANES IRMA, JUAN AND MARIA On a more heartfelt note, the consequential damage of these tragic events can really leave a whirlwind of emotion. Our good friend, Nic Douglas, experienced this at the forefront, visiting various islands in the Caribbean directly after their catastrophic events in 2017. With our support, she was placed on the very first plane leaving the US heading to the affected islands. Alongside surveyors and support crew, Nic, along with the Pantaenius team, spent the next two weeks right amongst the devastation.

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Nic commented, “The scene looked like a garbage tip (Beef Island).” It was a vast contrast to the tropical atmosphere the region is known for. The captain of the British Commandos, who had been on the islands for the past weeks, remarked that the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma, Juan and Maria were comparable to the scenes he experienced in Vietnam. “It was a warzone!”

What we found was the most striking characteristic of the Caribbean, post the catastrophe, was the positivity encircling the scene. With houses ripped apart, schools swallowed up and boats stacked atop of one another, there was still such a great sense of hope amongst the affected. The desire to come back from the event and be ready for the next season truly prevailed within the communities. From speaking to many individuals, it was concluded that visiting those in need and showing you care far outweighs any monetary assistance. A friendly face and offering of help goes a long way in times of trauma.

PREPARING FOR STORM SEASON There is plenty of reading material out there about how to prepare for these events because they aren’t exactly uncommon. Here at Pantaenius, there are some basic procedures we follow and encourage others to take on board to ensure possible damage is minimised.

• Double up on all lines

Use extra line to double up the spring and bow lines. Make sure the lines are in good condition and are of appropriate size. Position slip lines so that they reach higher up on the pilings. This aids in keeping the boat in place when the weather hits, and the water level rises.

• Strip away canvas and sails

Remove all sails and remove all sail covers, dodgers, enclosures, Bimini, etc.

Don’t leave any canvas products on your vessel. Remove any windage that could cause the boat to ‘sail’ during hasty winds.

Take this sailing gear off the vessel.

• Remove – or sink – dinghies

Clear the deck of dinghies! If you have a hard dinghy, then take it home with you or pull the boat plug and sink it in shallow water to shield it from potential damage. Dinghies must NOT be left on davits.

• Hang out extra fenders

Put out extra horizontal fenders onto pilings and the hull where contact can be expected. If moored stern first, then hang vertical fenders across the stern.

Extra vertical fenders should also be hung on the side next to finger piers.

Make sure fenders are of suitable size and are in good condition. Deflated fenders are of no value.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

AUS18121 / 0818

High and Dry … let us help get you back in the water!

• Add chafing gear

Synthetic docking line has elasticity that allows it to spring back and forth when under pressure. This action combined with the presence of sharp chocks can see an anchor or dock line completely cut through. To avoid this, use sandpaper to smooth the edges of chocks. Furthermore, use rags, canvas, split hose or PVC tubing where it passes over a rub rail/toe rail or through a chock.

• Seal the seacocks

Shut off all seacocks (turning the handle perpendicular to the hose). This includes the head intake, sink and shower drain, engine raw water intake, and head overboard discharge seacocks. The EXCEPTION to this is the cockpit drain seacocks, which drain rainwater.

• Batten and tape hatches

Secure all hatches and opening ports, and tape around the inside edges for extra protection against water intrusion.

• Secure electronics, charge batteries, check pumps

Shut down and, if possible, disconnect all the electronic equipment. This will save the electronics in the event of a lightning strike, which is not uncommon with tropical storms. Besides the bilge pumps, ensure batteries are fully charged to run the pumps. Test the float switch on each bilge pump by lifting the float switch tab that should cause the pump to start within a few seconds.

• Anchoring

We’ll provide you with the support you need in situations like this … in Australia and all around the world!

Australia’s only ALL RISK POLICY. You are automatically covered for any loss unless it is specifically excluded. No need for you and your Lawyer to check hundreds of clauses and their definitions!

When anchoring in the mangroves, use as many anchors and lines attached to the mangroves as possible. Make sure all lines are of suitable size and are in good condition.

Following these guidelines can really reduce the impact that wild weather can have on your boat and your wallet. Furthermore, it will minimise the potential damage to the property of others. Overall, the simple but effective approaches to securing your vessel can truly make a difference in preventing its damage whilst also helping you comply with the agreement you have with your insurer.

Have a safe and happy season!

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Sydney · Phone +61-(0)2-9936 1670 · pantaenius.com.au

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BOAT EVENTS

9 1 0 2 A H YAMA

By Narayan Pattison

W

ith the release of the popular 2019 WaveRunner jet skis, Yamaha held a press event at the Gold Coast’s Couran Cove Resort, allowing boating journalists to test-drive the new models. The Broadwater’s wide waterways made the perfect playground to give the watercraft a splash-test.

The iconic Shag Islet Party

Yamaha’s new FX WaveRunners may not break the mould, but they impress with improved performance in choppy conditions and a range of minor enhancements, like increased storage space and automatic water draining for the footwells. We tested the two flagship FX Cruiser models, in both the regular HO model, and the significantly more powerful supercharged SVHO. There is a wealth of features, both old and new, that combine to deliver a very smooth ride across the Broadwater on a choppy day. First up, both models benefit from a redesigned hull, which is wider and longer than before, and has been inspired by the popular GP1800. The new hull enables the craft to stay more stable as it smashes into waves, even at speeds of 40 knots. Turning now feels sharper and more precise as well. This stability is also easier on your body, because there is no need to fight against the waves and momentum as much.

Yamaha has said the improved stability means the craft also handles towing tubes and wakeboards without suffering from tilting problems like the older models.

There is even a pre-set towing speed and acceleration setting that takes the hard work out of keeping the line taut.

The adjustable trim feature has also been improved. This lets the driver lift or lower the nose of the craft depending on how rough the conditions are. There is a digital representation of the trim setting on the colour touchscreen on the new models, which is handy because it is an easy setting to forget when the jet ski is flying across the water.

The touchscreen has been significantly updated for the 2019 models. The old monochrome displays have been replaced by a multi-colour touchscreen, which is easy to see at a glance, even with the sunnies covered in water. The touchscreen also acts as new security activation. The older remote keys have been abandoned in favour of a new PIN code, which is handy for anyone who is prone to losing keys.

Yahama dealers from around the country, as well as select marine journalists test drive the 2019 Waverunners at Couran Cove Resort and out along the Gold Coast Broadwater.

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The craft’s exterior decking has also benefitted from a serious makeover. It features more angular trim pieces, as well as streamlined mirrors, giving it an overall more aggressive look. The rear boarding step has been upgraded, now featuring a sizeable flat platform rather than the old bar.

JAN - MARCH 2019

WAVERUNNERS TESTED

Those on the Gold Coast who spend a lot of time driving through canals at 6 knots will appreciate the WaveRunner’s new No Wake Mode features. At the touch of a button, the hands-free slow modes ranging from 4 to 8 knots can be enabled. Not having to keep feathering the throttle for extended slow journeys is certainly a welcome feature.

now features a single 130-litre compartment, large enough for an esky and a set of towels. The glove box is also a lot bigger at 16 litres, and features a new rubber toggle to lock it closed. This toggle takes a little bit of practice to get the hang of but is much more secure than previous models.

In an attempt to turn the WaveRunners into the Swiss Army Knife of jet skis, there are two screw threads that can be used to bolt on a staggering range of accessories.

Best of all, the screw threads are compatible with the RAM-industry standard, which means they are interchangeable with many brands of attachments. There are basic options like cupholders, as well as a range of speakers for those who want to cruise along to their favourite soundtrack. You can easily detach the speakers when you get to a beach, and thankfully, they include their own battery so they will not drain the WaveRunner’s power.

Unfortunately, the fuel capacity still prevents long-haul trips from being realistic.

The same 70-litre tank from previous models returns. To be fair, this is still among the best currently offered by competing jet skis, but having the option of a longrange tank would certainly be welcome on the Gold Coast considering the number of great island locations to visit.

The more interesting attachable accessories revolve around fishing. It looks like Yamaha is serious about making the new models very fishing-friendly, in a bid to have their jet skis used all year round. One of the supported attachments is the Garmin Striker 4 fish finder, which includes both the transducer mounted to the underside of the craft, as well as a handheld, displaying depth, GPS and loads more.

Two of the biggest drawbacks jet skis face, compared to boats, is a lack of storage space and the inability to travel long distances. The good news is that Yamaha has taken a serious stab at fixing the storage issue. The new WaveRunners come with 166 litres of storage space, a bump up of more than 30% compared to last year’s model. Most of this extra space has been freed up in the bow storage that

In terms of engine performance, both models feature the same 1812cc fourcylinder motor which delivers impressive speeds, even with two people riding.

However, the super-charged SVHO has significantly faster acceleration. Holding on when you flatten the throttle of the SVHO is a fun challenge.

Other than the improved handling in choppy conditions and the larger storage capacity, it is fair to say the rest of the upgrades are relatively minor and will only be noticed by the enthusiasts. However, that criticism can be levelled at all annual product updates, from phones to watercraft alike.

If it has been a good few years since you upgraded, then you will find plenty to enjoy here, especially if you have an older jet ski without many of the current industry standards like reversing. The FX Cruiser is priced at $20,999 for the regular HO model, and $25,299 for the super-charged SVHO. Both models are expected to arrive in dealers at the beginning of 2019.

Compact, tough and powerful, the EX Series delivers the most fun you can have on the water

$8,499* *8,499 RRP for Yamaha EX WaveRunner.

Yamaha EX Deluxe WaveRunner RRP $10,99. Price excludes rego, trailer and dealer pre-delivery.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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THE PATH TO

Photos by Fairline Yachts

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

BUYING A BOAT

Y

ou have dreamt of owning a boat for many years, and the time has finally come that you are able to do so. Buying a boat should be an enjoyable process and one that really does not need to be complicated or daunting. With thousands of different makes and models out there, take some time to investigate what type of boat is going to suit you. Visiting a boat show is a great opportunity to see the latest products that are available and to talk to some industry professionals. Ask lots of questions, as it is a big decision.

DO I BUY A SAILING YACHT OR MOTOR BOAT? The romance of sail is certainly appealing. It can be an economical way to go cruising, and the allure of quietly slicing through the water is hard to resist. However, if you are keen to get out on the water and hoisting the sails is not your idea of fun, there are a multitude of powerboats out there for you to choose from. Whether fishing, entertaining, spending time with family, or escaping the rat race, there is a power boat for almost every purpose.

CONSTRUCTION TYPES Recreational boats are usually made from wood, fibreglass or aluminium. Wooden boats are often older and suited to experienced boaties. Aluminium boats are often smaller and are easy to launch and retrieve from a trailer. They are also lighter to tow and need less horsepower to achieve a similar level of performance of other construction types.

With fibreglass boats, manufacturers have the advantage of being able to incorporate sweeping lines and curves to produce an eye-catching craft.

They often incorporate luxury features and offer a quieter and smoother ride at increased speeds.

BIG BOATS If you can afford a substantial vessel, cruising the Australian east coast is a delight. A ‘big’ boat generally starts at about 10m, and goes up from there. There are basically four styles: sports cruiser, trawler, flybridge, and expedition motor yacht, with options available in mono and multihull.

Trawler-style craft are usually displacement vessels, meaning they push through or displace the water rather than planning across it like faster boats.

Often this design is popular due to the ability to cruise economically.

Flybridge designs are popular for recreational boaties and offshore anglers. The flybridge is a 66

great place to be underway, and provides excellent visibility and enables the skipper to spot water movement, indicating the presence of fish.

A sports cruiser is often associated with speed and a boat where everything is almost on the same level, with the cockpit, saloon, galley and accommodation often only a few steps up or down. A very popular choice for the Australian way of boating.

The expedition motor cruiser is designed specifically for long distance cruising and for spending extended periods of time onboard. If you are thinking long range, this is the direction you need to head.

Whether it is a trawler, flybridge, sports cruiser or expedition motor yacht, make sure you understand the ongoing costs. Maintenance, mooring fees, fuel and insurance costs need to be discussed. If you are thinking of a larger vessel, whether sail or power, make sure the boat suits your requirements and level of expertise. Can your dream boat be easily handled on your own, or are you needing a crew to help you get back onto the dock?

UNDER SAIL Just like power boats, there is a wide range of different sail boat options. Whether cruising, racing, extended voyages or weekends on the bay, there is a sail boat out there that will take you where you want to go. Also, if you like the idea of sailing and want space, have a look at the different brands of catamarans that are available. While a sailboat may be considered as a more economical way to experience the boating lifestyle, remember sails alone do not come cheap. If you are considering a second-hand yacht, find out the age of the sails and enquire about the replacement cost. If you are new to yachting, consider joining a local sailing club to gain some experience and meet other sailors. Some yacht clubs arrange flotilla cruises for their members, which is a great way to learn and explore with experienced boaties, and gain some confidence before setting off into the sunset.

ENJOY THE WATER Boating is meant to be enjoyable, so aim for something that suits your needs. Many still enjoy waterskiing (or perhaps the kids or grandkids do). If that is the case, do not merely set your sights on a fishing boat. Some boats will suit multiple purposes.

Follow your instincts, and you will not end up with a boat that will only be a burden to you.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FIND A PRE-LOVED BIG BOAT? When you find that boat, it is important to be dealing with a well-regarded and recognised marine broker.

If you are new to boating, seek the advice of a knowledgeable friend, marine professional, or contact the Boating Industry Association for some guidance.

Once a purchase price has been agreed upon, the next step is to do your due diligence and ensure that you are fully aware of the condition of the vessel. The condition of a vessel will often influence the vessel’s insurability, and you should be aware of any costs that may arise in the future due to the state of the vessel you are buying. No matter the age of a vessel, if you are not certain of a vessel’s condition, employ the services of qualified marine surveyor, and consider getting an independent opinion regarding the engines.

If possible, attend the pre-purchase inspection and sea trial. This is your opportunity to make sure the vessel handles as you expected. Any issues that may be uncovered by the marine surveyor and engine mechanic can be discussed directly with you. Once the pre-purchase inspection and sea trial have been completed, take time to read any reports. Provided you are fully satisfied with the outcome, advise your broker that you are proceeding. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the pre-purchase inspection, contact your marine broker as soon as possible to discuss the findings of the report.

Prior to settlement, conduct a search of the Personal Properties and Securities Register (www. ppsr.gov.au) to confirm that there are no securities or interests attached to the vessel. You may also like to have the seller sign a statutory declaration, stating that the vessel is free of any encumbrance or adverse interests.

Ensure that you are aware of any registrations that need to be transferred, whether a gas compliance certificate needs to be issued, and arrange for a day and time that you will pay for and collect the vessel.

Lastly, ensure that you have up-to-date and compliant safety equipment, and that everyone on board understands the safety procedures. Good boating is safe boating.

It is a great lifestyle out there on the water. You’ll never regret becoming a skipper!

For more information about the BIA and its members, visit www.bia.org.au.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

Owning a boat should be a lifelong pleasure.

The process of buying a boat should be easy if done right.

Members of the Boating Industry Association pledge to abide by the Associations Code of Practice.

When buying a boat from a boat broker, look for the BIA logo.

BIA members can be found at www.bia.org.au or by calling (02) 9438 2077.

Life on the water is great. The process for buying a boat should also be.

Members of the Boating Industry Association pledge to abide by its Code of Practice that also incorporates its Code of Ethics. To make sure a business carrying the BIA logo is a current member, check for their details at

www.bia.org.au

WIRELESS SECURITY FOR BOAT OWNERS D o you own a boat that is usually kept at a marina, on a mooring, or other location out of constant view? Being able to keep a tab on its exact whereabouts, its mechanical condition, and its secure status 24/7 from anywhere, can provide peace of mind.

Dokensip have the answer via a state-of-the-art alarm monitoring system which features wireless sensor technology.

In conjunction with a smartphone app or web support, Dokensip will constantly monitor the status of your boat, and instantly alert you of any possible security breaches or mechanical/electrical issues, via SMS, email and personal assistance. You can check any updated information about your boat via constant system monitoring. Installation of the system can be done in a DIY capacity or by a marine technician.

Dokensip can control up to 16 different sensors that can: monitor vessel position, battery voltage, and the presence of water in bilges; monitor for the presence of gas or smoke; movement detection inside your boat's cabin; the condition of shore connected power; and, operate air conditioning units, lights and more.

All that needs to be supplied are 12 or 24 volts for the main unit. The rest of the sensors, like battery and bilge monitoring, are all wireless. It is a very easy install.

Users of the Dokensip system receive one year's subscription for free. The ongoing cost for the following year is only around a dollar a day.

The alarm will alert a boat owner quickly if the vessel changes position due to theft or drifting on the anchor. The system also provides a detailed history of where the boat has travelled throughout the week or month.

The Dokensip app also provides up-to-date weather information for the region the boat is situated.

The basic Dokensip kit costs $1595 (incl.GST) and comes with the core unit, GPS and data antennae and four sensors – battery, bilge, shore power, movement. Up to 16 sensor modules can also be added at any time. www.dokensip.com.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT LEGAL It is valuable to consult a lawyer when drafting the T&C. Every business is different, so it is important that the T&C are drafted specifically for your business. Additionally, the T&C must properly protect your business, comply with the federal and state laws, and industry regulations.

For example, the Australian Consumer Law legislation provides that a term or condition that is determined to be unfair will be treated as though it does not exist. An unfair term is one that: 1. Causes a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights under the contract; 2. Is not reasonably necessary to protect the party; and, 3. Would cause detriment to a party if it were applied or relied on.

If a court finds that your exclusion liability term is unfair, it will be ignored. Further, all intended exclusions of liability in that term of the contract will not apply. Thus, it is important to understand the T&C and their implications.

The T&C will be incorporated in all transactions. This may take place through a reference to where they are located on your website, or perhaps by printing them on the back of quotes, contracts and invoices. By properly incorporating valid and fair T&C, you can rely on them to protect your business in case of any dispute.

3 + 3 STEPS

BOAT OWNERS AND CONTRACTORS:

FOR SMOOTH SAILING

By Ms Kendall Messer, Law Graduate

FOR BOAT OWNERS As a boat owner, employing the right contractor to undertake work on your vessel is an important decision. You are not only entrusting this person with your boat while the work is being done, but you will likely also be paying large sums of money.

1. Expectations and budget Owning a boat requires consistent investment of time and money; there is no use in pretending otherwise.

From time to time, it also means bringing in professional maintenance services, such as anti-fouling, painting, or engine maintenance. It is important that you are able to trust that the work will be performed to industry and legal standards, and be provided at a cost you can afford. The key is communication.

It is important that you: a. Outline the scope of work that you want completed on your boat; b. Provide any important information to the contractor that may affect the work; Obtain a quote for the entirety of the work; c. Agree on the cost of any variations to the scope of work; d. Understand any terms and conditions of the contractor; and e. Record all of the above in writing.

Logically, a contract is the usual form for recording.

One cannot understate the importance of a written contract between a boat owner and service provider.

Many businesses will have standard terms and conditions (T&C). These are almost always incorporated into the contract for any work or service, and it is important that you read these T&C. If there are any terms that you are not comfortable with, talk with the service provider about these, and seek legal advice.

2. Legislative protections Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to the supply of services. They further apply whether there is a contract or not. These laws are intended to protect

the consumer. A breach of any of these guarantees allows for a legal claim to be made. These protections apply to services that cost less than $40,000; or, to services that cost more than $40,000, but are normally bought for personal or household use.

3. Unsatisfactory work You return to the boat yard, get a final look at your boat, and discover that the work is … well not what you expected. What can you do?

The first step should always be to put your concerns in writing to the business. Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding, or complications that simply need to be discussed. When it becomes apparent that the chances of conciliation are minimal – for instance, the parties have not come to an agreement – more formal steps might need to be taken.

If the disputed work is valued at LESS than $25,000, then you can pursue the claim, at minimal costs, through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). Anyone can file claims with QCAT. Legal representation is not required; thus, costs can be kept to a minimum.

If the disputed work is valued at MORE than $25,000, then the claim must instead be referred to the court. In this case, it is a good idea to seek legal advice before commencing a claim in court.

FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS/CONTRACTORS No matter the size of your business – big or small – it is important that you protect yourself.

1. Standard terms and conditions The first and simplest step you can take to protect yourself and your business is to begin using standard terms and conditions (T&C). The T&C will apply to every future contract. These will also form the rules by which you conduct your business.

2. Legislative obligations Businesses are able to enforce their own T&C and contracts. However, the Australian Consumer Law provides certain protections for consumers; in this case, the boat-owner. These protections translate to obligations on businesses that provide the services.

If a service does not abide by these obligations then the boat owner will have a legal claim. Such legal claims may provide a right to repair, replacement, refund, cancellation, or compensation. Importantly, the obligations imposed by the Australian Consumer Law cannot be excluded by any contract or standard T&C. There is specific legislation that applies to certain boats. For example, work conducted for Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV) must be in accordance with all legislation, regulations, codes, and standards. This means that the legislative obligations on businesses are extensive. To disregard these obligations – naively or knowingly – could land you with a legal claim.

3. Unpaid invoices You have completed the work as agreed. You return the boat to the smiling owner and email an invoice for payment. However, it is becoming apparent that the payment is not forthcoming. What are your options?

Always start with a conversation. There might be a valid reason why the invoice remains outstanding; for example, the invoice might have been filtered into the junk email folder, etc. However, if there is no good or valid reason, you have to make your demand in writing, providing a specific date for payment, and invite a discussion on how the repayment can take place.

Where it becomes clear that a formal approach is required, you may pursue a claim for an unpaid invoice for up to $25,000 with the QCAT. Where the invoiced sum is greater than $25,000, it is recommended that you consult a lawyer. While resorting to the courts may appear to be an attractive option, it is often better to negotiate for a compromise, rather than pursue a legal claim through court particularly for smaller amounts.

• Are you buying/selling/chartering a boat or maritime business?

• Do you need help with risk assessments, audits, regulatory compliance and licensing and registration advice?

• Do you need marine incident & pollution support?

• Are you facing maritime commercial or crewing disputes?

Capt John Kavanagh AFNI MQLS

1300 797 627

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www.pacificmaritimelawyers.com.au info@pacificimaritimelawyers.com.au

JAN - MARCH 2019

Photo by John Groom

OUR LAWYERS ARE EXPERIENCED MARINERS AND MARINE REGULATORS

BOAT GOLD COAST Plan for Gold Coast waterways and the stringent conditions set out in the environmental approvals.

The dredging aims to provide a depth of -2.5m LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) in the channel which is an important link between Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast. This project was finished ahead of schedule due to favourable weather conditions and GCWA’s streamlined project delivery processes.

A N UP D AT E F ROM

GC WA

GCWA CEO Hal Morris said the Authority has committed over $15 million to dredging projects across the next four years to make sure navigation channels and destinations remain safe and accessible for all waterways users.

DELIVERING DREDGING, DESTINATIONS, AND MORE NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR DOUG JENNINGS PARK COMPLETE

that the community are thrilled with the enhancements made to the already beautiful location.

Stage Four of the ongoing revitalisation works for one of the Gold Coast’s most-loved parks at The Spit has been completed just in time for Christmas. It’s the latest set of works in the Palaszczuk Government’s multi-million dollar makeover of the area.

“What we hear most commonly is that people already love Doug Jennings Park but that these projects have made it even better,” Mr Morris said.

Over $4.7million has already been spent on improvements to the park over the last three years, which is managed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA). The latest upgrades see another $1,020,000 invested in the popular day trip destination.

Previous projects carried out since July 2015 have delivered a new amenities block, two sets of emergency access stairs to the Seaway, refurbishment of the existing Seaway Kiosk toilet block, rehabilitation of Moondarewa Spit, and upgrade and completion of the ring road and footpaths around Doug Jennings Park.

Throughout all four stages of the upgrades, GCWA have continued to engage with community groups and members of the public to make sure the projects have delivered what Gold Coasters really want.

GCWA CEO Hal Morris said it is encouraging to hear

The most recent works deliver a major upgrade to the road between Seaworld Drive and Moondarewa Spit including additional formalised car parking. As well as the upgraded road, the project has delivered a shared footpath around the perimeter of the park, landscaping and native shade trees and more picnic tables and park benches.

“These works are vital to ensure we are sustainably managing Gold Coast waterways for everyone who uses them,” said Mr Morris.

“Over the coming years, more dredging will be carried out in the Coomera River, at Jacobs Well, Jumpinpin, Main Channel, Nerang River, North Channel, South Channel, South Wavebreak Island and West Crab Island,” said Mr Morris.

For more information about these projects, other planned dredging projects and the Waterways Management Program 2018-2022 visit www.gcwa.qld.gov.au

CANAIPA PASSAGE DREDGING COMPLETE Great news for our northern waterways with the recent completion of the Canaipa Passage dredging project ahead of time and under budget. The $500,000 investment in maintaining safe navigational access to the channel is a part of GCWA’s key objective of improving access to our waterways.

Focussed on maintaining safe navigable depths and replenishing the foreshore at Slipping Sands, the project is an important part of GCWA’s Waterways Management Program. Located in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, the project was carried out in line with the Sand Management

Canaipa Passage with the recent completion of the dredging project

Sustain | Enhance | Promote Delivering Gold Coast Waterways Authority has committed over $15million to dredging projects across the next four years to make sure navigation channels and destinations remain safe and accessible for everyone.

Engaging Gold Coast Waterways Authority is committed to engaging with our stakeholders and communities across the Gold Coast to better understand your needs. We are locally responsive and accountable, and our priorities are to deliver the best possible access to and management of our waterways.

Find out more at W | www.gcwa.qld.gov.au P | 07 5539 7350 E | mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT GOLD COAST

SANCTUARY COVE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Trailerable boats, PWCs and nav gear lead the first wave to SCIBS 2019

T

he country’s leading boating brands have wasted no time securing prime spaces at the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), with many industry giants signing up within a week of exhibitor applications opening.

To be held from May 23-26, the 31st edition of SCIBS will see an expansion of the PWC, trailerable, RIB and fishing segment throughout Marine Village.

Gold Coast-based JSW Powersports, the world’s number one dealer for Sea-Doo, has already booked its traditional position on both sides of Masthead Way and plans to present the complete 2019 line-up of Sea-Doo models. This will include the new 2019 Fish Pro, which was designed for PWC fishing, as well as GTX 300 Ltd from luxury range, RXT-X 300 from high performance range, Wake Pro 230, and Spark Trixx. In all, JSW Powersports plans to display 20-plus models in the Sea-Doo, Sea Fox and Malibu boat ranges, along with a selection of Can-Am ATV off-road vehicles and the new-in-2019 Can-Am Spyder 3-wheel motorcycles, the ideal companion to the on-water adventure lifestyle.

JSW Powersports dealer principal, Jeff McNiven, said the company had showcased at almost every SCIBS since its inception and considered it a valuable marketing platform. “SCIBS is a great place to meet our customers, share stories and show them new product and we always come away with excellent sales and leads,” he said. “Along with Sea-Doo, we will show a selection of Malibu wakeboarding and wakesurfing boats and the Sea Fox family-friendly fishing boats.”

Club Marine has also committed to a significant presence at SCIBS 2019, with a highly visible stand opposite the Main Pavilion in Marine Village. “As one of the first boat shows of the year, SCIBS is the ideal place to catch up with our customers and industry colleagues, share their

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experiences and help them with their interests,” Club Marine CEO Simon McLean said. “We are also looking forward to promoting our Member Rewards Program, which is unique to Club Marine and offers policy holders access to an array of discounts and special offers on all kinds of marine and boating lifestyle goods and services.”

An exhibitor since 2005, Sirocco Marine has booked extended space for next year’s event as it plans to showcase a larger range as well as host a massive BRIG Dock Party and mammoth prize package. Sirocco Marine North will present 30 RIBS spanning the BRIG, Williams and Sirocco brands, including the Williams Minijet 280, Williams Turbojet 325 and all-new BRIG Eagle 8, Eagle 6, and Eagle 5. The Eagle 8, BRIG’S new 8m goanywhere cruiser, will captivate devotees of the brand and a new generation of boaties looking for myriad features as standard. With room for up to 11 people, it is powered by the acclaimed Yamaha 300hp four-stroke engine.

Sirocco Marine Managing Director Neil Webster said SCIBS was one of Australia’s two premier boat shows and always resulted in strong sales and quality leads. “SCIBS is the first show on the calendar and always attracts lots of buyers,” he said.

Another confirmed exhibitor is Brisbane Quintrex, one of the country’s biggest boat dealerships and representing iconic Aussie aluminium boat brand Quintrex, also Baysport which is Queensland’s best-selling fibreglass brand. It also represents Yellowfin, which Brisbane Quintrex dealer principal, Aaron Goodchild, describes as “a hardcore plate fishing boat range”.

“SCIBS 2019 is on track to be the biggest ever in terms of trailer boats,” Aaron Goodchild said.

“We will have 40 boats in total, ranging from 3.5m to 7m and all with factory-backed specials and unbeatable deals on offer over the four days.”

Other major brands set to exhibit in the trailer boat precinct and Marine Village are long-time exhibitors Northside Marine with Stabicraft, Surtees and Stacer; Wynnum Marine with the Australian-made Cruise Craft range; and Karee Marine, featuring Stessco and Tournament boats.

For the explorers, the Caraboat will be of prime interest – a caravan-boat combo that is a stylish, sleek, aerodynamic and easy-to-tow caravan and then, when in boat mode, becomes a safe, seaworthy boat.

In the Main Pavilion, electronics behemoths Navico, Raymarine, Garmin and Furuno will be back, while top quality marine clothing manufacturer, Musto, and marine lifestyle product specialist, Ultra Marine, will showcase the latest marine accessories and accoutrements from Europe.

AIMEX Alley will also return in 2019, offering the best in Australian ingenuity and innovation, destinations, marinas, manufacturers and services.

SCIBS General Manager Johan Hasser said: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response so far. Seasoned exhibitors and those who are new to SCIBS are well ahead of schedule this year, all with exciting plans for world and Australian premieres, the launch of new brands into the market, and exceptional special offers.”

Running May 23-26, 2019, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors to a spectacular showcase of hundreds of boats and thousands of marine products across four days.

SCIBS offers a free daily Park ‘n’ Ride service from Warner Bros. Movie World, along with limited on-site parking, available pre-paid. Tickets for the 2019 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show are on sale at www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au JAN - MARCH 2019

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BOAT GOLD COAST

MARINE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY INTEGRATION AND CAPABILITIES T

hirty odd years ago, many of the safety and integration technology that we take for granted and expect to see today on our multi-function displays (MFDs) did not exist back when electronic aids took off. Back when navigation systems were in their infancy, such a system may have consisted of 3 or 4 different brands of equipment, like a 7” Autohelm NavCentre 300 chart plotter alongside a Koden MD3000 radar and Furuno FCV-582 sounder with a Robertson autopilot at the helm. In their day, this was the latest technology and served many a boater well for several years.

MFDs come standard with a built in GPS and chart slot for mapping in their most basic form. There are many size options to choose from that will fit almost any dash configuration including:

Long gone are those days when we relied upon stand-alone marine navigation systems to guide us on safe passages. On a current MFD across all brands of marine navigation equipment, there are many standard features available.

14” (Furuno)

Chart Plotter (using Navionics, C-Map or Garmin mapping)

19” (Raymarine)

Fishfinder (add transducer) Radar (add scanner) Autopilot (add autopilot) Instruments (add wind, depth, speed or temp) Automatic Identification System (add AIS) Cameras (fixed or thermal, add camera) Engine data (add engine interface) Audio control (add stereo) Digital switching (add switch modules) VHF radio Wi-Fi (to repeat on to a tablet) There are also many special features unique to some of the brands. For example: Forward-looking sonar (Garmin and Simrad)

8” (Garmin)

the rotating array. Larger leisure and fishing vessels normally have an open array radar. Power varies greatly ranging from very low transmission power through to the large 25kw open scanners. A radar scanner is selected depending on range and target requirements, like collision avoidance or bird-watch mode.

9” (Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad)

AUTOPILOTS

10” (Garmin)

Autopilots, like all the other add-on navigation aids, can now be controlled and configured directly from a multi-function display.

Until a few years ago, an autopilot was purely a stand-alone steering device with a waypoint interface from a chart plotter that enabled crosstrack error correction to a waypoint. Today, not only is the cross-track error information fed from a chart plotter to the autopilot, but the heading, rudder angle, etc, are fed from the autopilot back to the MFD.

7” (Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad)

12” (Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad) 15” (Furuno) 16” (Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad) 17” (Garmin) 22” (Garmin and Raymarine) 24” (Garmin and Raymarine) With MFDs, a great benefit is that all screen sizes within the same manufacture range run the same operating software. So any size displays can be mixed and matched to fit the space available.

FISHFINDER

All MFDs available today have a built-in fishfinder with output power between 300w and 1000w. This will suit most cruising and small fishing vessels, with depths up to 600m depending on transducer option selected. Transducers are available in various mounting options including transom mount, through hull, in-hull, and pocket mount.

Doppler radar (Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad)

If greater depth is required, an additional black box sounder module can be added for 2000w or 3000w power options giving up to 1000m plus of depth reading.

IP Cameras (Furuno, Garmin and Raymarine)

RADAR

Apps (Raymarine) (Netflix, Spotify, Theyr, Lumishore, Mazu & Seakeeper)

Like fishfinders, radar is available in many variants. In leisure craft, the most common radar scanner is a dome scanner, which houses

3D underwater imaging (Furuno, Garmin, Raymarine and Simrad)

Drone control (Raymarine) ActiveCaptain (Garmin) Bluetooth and Miracast (Raymarine) 72

INSTRUMENTS

The most common instrument found on any vessel is the wind instrument, which also interfaces with an MFD to give a graphical wind page in either full, ½, or ¼ page. Instruments are also available in depth, speed, temperature, and graphical displays. The information can be displayed as an overlay on any main page or as its own page.

AIS (AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM)

Pleasure boats use Class-B AIS, in either receive-only or transmitand-receive (transceiver).

An AIS transceiver requires the registered owner to have an MSSI (Maritime Mobile Identity Number) issued by AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority). When programmed with the owner’s vessel information, the AIS will transmit these details on the VHF frequency and other AIS-equipped vessels can view this information. AIS targets will be displayed on the MFD in either chart or radar pages.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST CAMERAS

VHF RADIO

There are many uses for cameras on boats, ranging from keeping an eye on the engine room, and watching the guests in the cockpit, through to nighttime passage making. Most MFDs have an analogue camera input. However, the newer displays like the Raymarine Axiom have moved over to IP (internet protocol) cameras. An analogue camera can only be viewed on a connected display, but an IP camera can be viewed across the entire network. Thermal imaging cameras like the FLIR M232 can be fully controlled from the MFD display. This control includes pan, tilt, zoom and colour pallet changes.

VHF radio interface with an MFD to receive GPS positioning information.

This is used on a VHF when utilising DSC (digital selective calling).

DIGITAL SWITCHING

Many boats built today utilise digital switching, which does away with traditional circuit breaker switches. There are many companies, such as BEP marine, Empirebus, Octoplex, Maretron, that offer digital switching. When an MFD is integrated into the system, almost every item on the boat can be turned on or off, and monitored from the helm via an MFD. AUDIO CONTROL

Fusion were the first marine audio company to work with the major MFD manufacturers and bring entertainment controls at the helm without the need for a separate remote. The audio page on an MFD allows for control of volume, channel change, zone, etc, which is very handy when at the controls.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

WI-FI

The major MFDs have built-in Wi-Fi that allow a user to connect the MFD with a tablet. Simply download the correct manufacturer app from the Apple or Android store, connect to the MFD on Wi-Fi, and you have a mobile navigation station.

This can be viewed in the cockpit when fishing or in bed when at anchor. The MFD can be controlled by the tablet to change pages viewed.

Description

W&P Item No.

RRP Excluding Tax

ENGINE DATA

CrewWatcher Single Beacon

CREW1

$159.00

Revs, temperature, oil pressure, volts, etc, have traditionally been displayed on the likes of VDO gauges, or in later years, engine manufacturer LCD displays. With modern electronic engines, those monitored engine parameters can be viewed straight on the MFD. One of the advantages here is ascetics. By removing the traditional engine gauges, a very modern glass helm look can be achieved. Even if an older vessel is being given a makeover and the engines are older analogue ones, the required parameters can be viewed on an MFD via the likes of an Actisense EMU-1 or Maretron N2k100 analogue to digital converter.

CrewWatcher Double Pack

CREW2

$289.00

Crew Overboard Alarm System • System works like a virtual lifeline, made up of 2 components: beacon and app • FREE User-friendly app operates on compatible smart phones and tablets • No mobile service required • Alarm will automatically trigger in a MOB event • One smart device watches up to 5 crew members wearing the beacon • Perfect for children, pets, a towed dinghy or bilge alarm • Activates with water immersion OR separation from vessel • Rescue screen shows MOB bearing, distance and lat/long coordinates at point of MOB • 30x faster response than Personal AIS Beacon at 1/3 the price • Automatically updates with new features (both app and beacon) *This product is recommended for use with smart phones and tablets; including iPhone 5 or later, Samsung Galaxy S6 or later, and Sony Z2 or later. For full specs and system requirements, please go to www.crewwatcher.com/specs.

www.amwholesale.com.au Building L, 1 Boat Works Drive, Coomera Ph: (07) 5580 1511

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BOAT GADGETS

Great Products

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Boating Your boating adventure starts here, with a selection of leading products to improve your time out on the water. Join the conversation on our social media channels and let us know about any of these products you’ve used. You can recommend a great product for us to review by contacting info@boatgoldcoast.com.au

WHITESHARK MIX - UNDERWATER SCOOTER Designed for scuba divers, snorkelers and water enthusiasts. The Whiteshark MIX is a compact, lightweight underwater scooter with plenty of punch.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery that lasts 30-40 minutes, the twin propellers pull you through the water with up to 8kg of propulsive force, or 520W. At only 3.5kg, this small dive propulsion vehicle competes with much bigger units, gliding through the water at 3 knots or 5.5 kmh and diving down to an impressive 40 metres. Equipped with a Go-Pro ready mount, you can easily capture your underwater adventures.

Detachable flotation device, battery, charging unit, and carry bag come as standard. Available at Marine Energy Systems, located in The Boatworks.

While stocks last. www.marineenergy.com.au

Barz Optics have produced two new models aimed at the jet ski market for summer. The SEASPRAY is a super lightweight goggle designed for waterskiing, high speed jet skiing or riding in rough conditions. It can also be used for dinghy sailing or anywhere where the wearer is copping a faceful of spray. It has a super soft and flexible frame and a wide view high-impact tinted polycarbonate lens. The goggle will eliminate burnt eyes from spray and salt. RRP $59.95.

The KIAMA floating frame has air cells built into the nose piece and the sunglass temples. There are two design options - with a head strap for use in extreme sports like jet skiing, sailing or waterskiing, or with normal temples, ideal for fishing and leisure. Designed to float in both fresh or salt water, they are available in matt black with grey or amber polarised lenses. RRP $100. www.barzoptics.com

KANBERRA GEL – NATURAL AUSTRALIAN TEA TREE PRODUCTS An ‘earth friendly’ product range that uses pure Australian tea tree oil (certified by the ATTIA Ltd) with the benefits of the antiseptic and antifungal properties that occur naturally in pure Australian tea tree oil. The benefits are numerous with the most common being; eradicates the bacteria spores of mould, mildew and fungus: alleviates the symptoms of allergies, asthma and respiratory issues; safe to use around children and pets; NO CHEMICALS; helps repel insects, fleas, ticks, spiders, mosquitos, etc. Perfect for storage areas where the musty smell takes over - cars, boats, storage units. A perfectly natural solution to where odour is a problem: basement, kitty litter boxes, kennels, gym bag, etc. Available in gel, spray, wipes and soap. Commercial sizes for air conditioning, and for fogging (great for that clean rental property feel). www.oceansolutions.com.au 74

MAKO OIL

CHILD TRAINER WATERSKIS Intended for children learning to ski, the design is ‘soft’ secured front and back to allow a natural feel of movement on the water without letting the skis drift apart. For balance, the skier has an individual trainer handle to hold. The instructor has a separate handle and rope for control from the boat. Fitted with quick adjust bindings.

What a great idea! www.wyldaboutboats.com.au

Mako Oil is a totally natural product and contains no synthetic lubricants. While the exact nature of the formulation is a trade secret, it contains absolutely no mako shark oil or products. The oil included is a byproduct of food production, the leftover frames of filleted fish are compressed to obtain the oil. Mako Oil is a penetrative lubricant that also inhibits corrosion and nourishes wood, vinyl, plastics or leather. Used in the automotive, armoury, aquaculture and marine industries; by sugar mills, on farm equipment; by metal fabricators, on rubber, leather and vinyl goods; polishing stainless steel and fibreglass, as well as around the house and in the workshop. www.makooil.com.au JAN - MARCH 2019

FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS

Boating and RV is One of Australia’s Biggest Marine Chandleries

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CREWSAVER CREWFIT 165N SPORT

AXIOM 7

REALVISION 3D Raymarine Axiom 7 chartplotter is a powerful new multifunction navigation system with blazing fast quad core performance, Axiom will transform your time on the water.

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Crewsaver Crewfit Inflatable PFD’s are sleek, low-profile, comfortable life jackets, built to ensure that performance and durability is never compromised, regardless of the conditions.

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RRP $79.90

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PRESSURE PUMP SEAFLO

RATCHET STRAP GUNWHALE

The premium 25mm ratchet strap from Aerofast is the top choice for securing precious cargo such as boats. With stainless steel ratchet and strong webbing, one strap has a breaking strength of 700kg. The integrated protection pad under the ratchet handle protects your cargo from any sharp pressure points.

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These folding boat seats are made from durable moulded UV stabilised plastic. The back is hinged and a vinyl press stud strap retains the seat in the folded position. The seat base is pre drilled to suit a standard 7”x7” seat swivel. Available without cushions (Plain) or with padded seat and back cushions in a number of different colours.

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WWW.BOATINGANDRV.COM.AU 75

BOAT HISTORY CLEVELAND POINT

LIGHTHOUSES

Beacons of History

By Kellie Byrnes

HISTORY OF LIGHTHOUSES

L

ighthouses – the tall towers with bright lights at the top found dotted around the world – came to be because of the need for sailors to be able to navigate at night, and to avoid crashing against rocks.

Initially, people relied on bonfires lit on a high point of land to guide vessels into the right landing area.

Later, many sailors used landmarks, such as glowing volcanoes to guide them safely.

One of the oldest known lighthouses, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as Pharos of Alexandria. This creation was a technological triumph at the time, and went on to become the archetype of lighthouses. It is believed to have been completed around 280 BC, and stood on the island of Pharos, in the harbour of Alexandria.

The famous lighthouse had a spiral ramp that led people to the top, where a fire was kept burning all night. The lighthouse was one of the world’s tallest man-made structures at the time, comparable to a multi-storey skyscraper. The lighthouse survived for over a thousand years but was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1400s.

The Romans went on to build other lighthouses as they expanded their empire. During the Dark Ages, lighthouse construction stalled as commerce declined, but new lighthouses started being established again around 1100 AD with the revival of trade in Europe. By the year 1600, lighthouses were quite common and referenced in many maps, charts and books.

The creation of more modern lighthouses came about around 1700, when improvements in lighting equipment and structures surged ahead, and towers started to be fully exposed to the open sea. In 1759, John Smeaton, an engineer, designed a new type of masonry tower that involved masonry blocks dovetailing together in an interlocking pattern. By 1820, there were more than 200 major lighthouses spread across the globe, and their popularity grew from there. Today, masonry and brick continues to be used in lighthouse construction, but concrete and steel are more widely used.

Over the years, the method of light used in lighthouses has, of course, changed, too. After fire, oil was used from the late 1700s, then gas (a special acetylene gas) came into use around the turn of the 20th century. The now standard illuminant, the electric-filament lamp, became popular in the 1920s. Today, more efficient lamps, with longer life, are used as they become available, as is solar power.

In Australia, with so many kilometres of coastline, lighthouses have been a necessity over the years. They have been a key factor in our ability to communicate with the rest of the world, and have contributed significantly to our commercial development because they allowed safe shipping to occur.

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In Queensland, which boasts the world’s most extensive coral reef system, lighthouses have been particularly beneficial. While there have been more than 1800 ships wrecked along the coast, this number would have been much higher if it weren’t for the lighthouses seafarers had to aid their journeys.

One fascinating Queensland-based story that many people do not know about concerns the post.

According to Peter Braid from Lighthouses of Australia Inc., the second registered post office in the country was actually found at Booby Island Lighthouse, northwest of Cape York in the Torres Strait.

Peter says, “Ships sailing from England would leave mail in a large cave there. Ships travelling back would collect it and take it with them. Also, supplies were kept in the cave, as the Island was taboo to the local islanders (a number of whom were cannibals). Booby Island Lighthouse was a safe location to get to.” Since so many ships were wrecked in this area in the 19th century, the supplies Braid mentions were kept there to help stranded seamen.

HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES AROUND GOLD COAST POINT DANGER LIGHTHOUSE Point Danger Lighthouse, or the Captain Cook Memorial Lighthouse as it is known, is an active lighthouse located on the Point Danger headland between Coolangatta, on the Gold Coast, and Tweed Heads, in New South Wales. It marks the border between the two states.

Photo by G Searle This lighthouse opened in 1971, and was one of seven concrete towers built at the time to mark the bicentenary of James Cook’s first voyage along the east coast of Australia, on the HMS Endeavour.

The seven-storey lighthouse structure has quite a sculptural-looking design, and is therefore an interesting one to view.

A fun fact about this lighthouse is that it was the world’s first to experiment with laser technology.

Unfortunately, though, the experiment did not work, and four years after it opened the lighthouse converted back to using more conventional lenses (an electric beacon).

Today, you can explore the grounds of the lighthouse but the tower itself is not open to the public.

The Cleveland Point Lighthouse has a long and varied history.

It was constructed in 1864 on the north east tip of Cleveland Point, Brisbane, by the Queensland Government, to help small ships servicing the farming settlements of Cleveland, Victoria Point, Redland Bay and communities along the Photo by Dirk Selderyk Logan and Albert Rivers, to safely navigate the moving mudflats and sandbanks in Moreton Bay. There were also rocks there, and the waters shallow, adding to the danger.

The lighthouse is an important one because it is the only remaining timber-structured, timber-clad lighthouse in Moreton Bay from the 19th century. A hexagonal wooden lighthouse made from painted weatherboards attached to a timber frame, this design was experimental, and one of only three hexagonal lighthouses built in the area. Most lighthouses in Queensland at the time were round, and clad with metal, not wood.

When a new concrete lighthouse was built in 1975, the old Cleveland Point Lighthouse was relocated to the western shore of the point, a little way from its original location. Since then, the structure has been restored and renovated by the local council.

Today, the grounds are open all year round for visitors to check out, but the tower itself it not open to the public.

History buffs might like to know that Cleveland Point Lighthouse’s second lighthouse keeper, James Troy, holds the record in Australia for being the longestserving keeper at one lighthouse.

MORETON BAY PILE LIGHT The Moreton Bay Pile Light came to a spectacular end in 1949 when it was taken out by a large British tanker that failed to stop, and crashed right through it.

A few years before that, in 1945, the lighthouse had been severely damaged by a U.S. barge, but was repaired and returned to service.

Photo by State Library QLD

Unfortunately, it could not be similarly resurrected after the tanker crashed into it, although the damaged structure stayed there until around 1967. When the event happened, three men inhabiting the lighthouse were thrown into the sea but were saved by the tanker’s crew.

The Moreton Bay Pile Light was built in 1882 at the mouth of the Brisbane River, after a channel was dredged through the bar in the river and opened up the area for ships. The pile light was the most distinguishing mark into the main channel of the river in Moreton Bay. It served to mark the seaward entrance to the Brisbane port, and also recorded and signalled the state of the tides to ships passing through.

In 1912, the Moreton Bay Pile Light was relocated after a new channel was cut (the original bar became blocked again). Both locations are now bare, with no tower available for visitors to explore.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT HISTORY BULWER ISLAND If you have spent time exploring the Queensland Maritime Museum, you might have caught sight of the tower of Bulwer Island Lighthouse. It resides now in the grounds of the museum, where the entry level of the tower is home to a display about the structure.

The Bulwer Island Tower is the museum’s Photo by Garry Searle largest item, and in a distinctive Queensland style, being made from hardwood, which was clad in corrugated iron. The historic creation was restored by the museum in 2005, as timber and rotted out windowsills had to be replaced.

The original Bulwer Island Lighthouse was situated near the mouth of the Brisbane River. It operated in that position from 1912 to 1983, although the station was first established in 1909.

CAPE MORETON Cape Moreton Lighthouse was actually the first lighthouse constructed in Queensland. It was built on the northern point of Moreton Island, at Cape Moreton in Moreton Bay, Brisbane, in 1857 when the region was still a part of New South Wales.

This was an area that had become a major shipping passage and was experiencing increasing traffic as the immigrant population soared. The lighthouse was vital because the dangerous waters had led to the loss of many ships and lives in prior years.

equipped with the advantages of simplicity, reliability, and affordability. Among mariners, lighthouses are often seen as reassuring visual aids, too.

The historic lighthouse was made from local sandstone, and built by stonemasons who worked with convict labourers. The structure was designed by Edmund Blacket, a wellknown colonial architect at the time. Originally, the lighthouse’s source of light came from an oil wick, but over the years things changed. In 1930 it converted to gas, then to electricity in 1937, and then to solar power in 1993.

Lighthouses in Queensland are now automated. Braid says, “They are all still operational, though most have had the power of their lights downgraded.” Technology has also been added to some lighthouses. For example, Braid comments, “Cape Cleveland, off Townsville, has a building that houses part of the maritime tracking system that records the movements of commercial vessels and other ships in Queensland waters.”

Photo by Phillip Rickerby

Today the lighthouse remains, and is fully automated.

A lighthouse keeper looks after the grounds.

The famous lighthouse continues to be used as a navigational aid for boaties, too.

LIGHTHOUSES TODAY Today, modern technology means most large vessels have their own on-board navigational systems, so lighthouses are not as talked about as they once were. However, Bill Carter, from Lighthouses of Australia Inc., notes that lighthouses are still very helpful for smaller boats.

He says, “In little vessels, trawlers and the like, people still use and rely on lighthouses. They use them as a bearing point, to help them know where they are.” Not all boats contain electrical equipment; after all, so there is definitely still a place for lighthouses.

Plus, as Peter Braid correctly points out, lighthouses can provide a backup for times when more sophisticated equipment fails. “If a GPS is not working, vessels rely on features such as lighthouses to help in coastal navigation.” Lighted marks like these are, after all,

If you are interested in discovering more about our state’s lighthouses, there is much to learn. Braid says, “Though they’re not manned, a number of Queensland lighthouses do have caretakers looking after them.

They are also an important part of our maritime history.”

For more reading, go to www.lighthouses.org.au FINGAL HEAD LIGHTHOUSE (NSW) This lighthouse was erected in 1872 of stone and painted white. The tower had a fixed white light of 1,000 candelas.

Although the light tower is not high, it is built on a low headland. The light Photo by Phillip Rickerby is effective as it is built on one of the most easterly points of Australia with plenty of deep water offshore.

The original kerosene wick burner was converted to automatic acetylene operation in 1920 with an output of 1,500 candelas and altered to group flashing. The one keeper was withdrawn at this time.

The lighthouse can be reached with a short walk through remnant coastal rainforest to the headland but the tower itself is closed to the public. (www.visitnsw.com)

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BOAT GUIDE CLUBS The crew on Jenny Lee salute the Commodore during the Sailpast

South-East Queensland

INTERCLUB BAY CRUISE

By Michelle Anderson, Commodore

n and chelle Anderso Commodore Mi odore Nev Anderson mm Co st Pa r he fat her

T

he Interclub Bay Cruise is the largest and longest running single event held on Moreton Bay. Kids who have come on the Cruise keep coming back as adults and bring their kids.

In 1976, the late John Hattrick, while Commodore of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS), initiated this annual Cruise to promote safe family boating and goodwill among the boating fraternity. A dedicated committee of volunteers representing ten yacht and boating clubs in South East Queensland work tirelessly throughout the year planning the Cruise, which is open to all sizes and types of vessels.

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Commodore for 2018, Michelle Anderson, followed in her Dad’s footsteps, and proudly took on the role her father held 34 years earlier in 1984 on board the family boat “Wanderers Paradise”, a 36ft Aquarius.

Michelle has fond memories of growing up on the Cruise as a kid, and the whole family attended once again in 2018. “It’s an amazing week. You get to experience the beauty of Moreton Bay, meet new and old friends, and have a lot of fun with likeminded boaties. It’s a great time for the family to come together and to have a ball,” she said.

The theme for the 2018 Cruise was “Get Down and Boogie 70s Cruise”. Of the 64 vessels (comprised of a total of 135 adults and 80 children) participating in 2018, 18 boats were newbies or “virgin cruisers”.

There was a varied range of vessels — sailboats, classic timber cruisers and converted trawlers, runabouts, and motor cruisers.

Each day, the Cruise visited a new destination, daily activities occurred on shore, and a nominated club hosted the evening’s event on shore.

Some of the highlights of the Cruise were an Italian buffet meal, kids’ games, and a 70s quiz at RQYS Manly; tug of war competition, BBQ Dinner and Elvis impersonator evening on Karragarra Island; fabulous

brunch and roast dinner and sing-a-long around the fire at RQYS Canaipa Point; great lunch at Tipplers Licensed Café; horse racing cup, a kid’s movie and pot luck dinner at Southport Yacht Club’s (SYC) Dux Anchorage; kid’s sailing lessons, sand castle competition, fancy dress 70s Disco night and sitdown dinner at SYC at Main Beach; Sail Past of the decorated fleet and saluting of the Commodore at Runaway Bay; kid’s water activities, drinks at Sunset Beach, a buffet meal and “treasure chest” draw of prizes at Couran Cove; and, a free sausage sizzle and a cruise talent quest at the B.O.A.T. Club.

The kids have a ball with a raft of planned kids’ activities. They also race by dinghy each day to give out the daily newspaper, the 'Cruz Nooz', for the payment of a bag of lollies. Kasey Goetze attended her first Cruise in 2018 with her husband and children on their 42ft Riviera Rivive, and loved it. “What an absolute blast! The atmosphere at all locations were family-orientated and fun (and the 70s night was electric). There was something for everyone! Even my toddler had a ball with all the kids. We honestly feel like part of the Cruise family now and are busting for the next one to come around — bring on the 2019 Interclub Bay Cruise!”

JAN - MARCH 2019

Bay Cruise. me on the Interclub g the Sailpast vessels are welco Sail or power, all Wind of Change and My Lure durin

BOAT GOLD COAST

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Kasey Goet ze Fiona Fiteni (In(Rivive) and fellow newb ie cruiser finity) enjoyin g a glass of bu bbles

The affiliated boat clubs for 2018 were Breakfast Creek Boat Club (BCBC), Brisbane Outboard Aquatic Touring Club (B.O.A.T.), Karragarra Yacht Club (KYC), Little Ship Club (LSC), Moreton Bay Boat Club (MBBC), Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club (MBTBC), Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS), Southern Moreton Bay Boat Club (SMBBC), Southport Yacht Club (SYC) and Wynnum Manly Yacht Club (WMYC).

This inexpensive holiday costs under $160 per vessel for insurance, registration and marina

h at at Sunset Beac tivities and old gather fes Cruisers young and Resort for the evening 's Couran Cove Isl

fees. Meals and t-shirts are optional. Everyone is welcome. You do not have to be a member of an affiliated boat club to come on the Cruise.

Whether you are a seasoned boatie or a newbie, you will have a great time on the Cruise. The Cruise visits wonderful locations on Moreton Bay (and other boat clubs’ facilities). You will have the opportunity to make new friends and catch up with old friends, and learn more about boating, laugh and have a lot of fun. Come along and enjoy the camaraderie of the Cruise, and you will be glad you did.

First-time Cr uise with their ne rs from Catnova social w Interclub Ba isi y Cruise frien ng ds

The 2019 Interclub Bay Cruise will be held on 21-28 September. To find out more, visit the Interclub Bay Cruise website www.interclubbaycruise.org.au. Sign up to the eNews on the website or via the Interclub Bay Cruise Facebook page for regular updates.

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79

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

Playdates on boats

By Sophia Sorensen Photo by Discover Boating

A

re we there yet?” and “I’m bored!” may be the single two phrases you never want to hear again these school holidays. So before we mention ‘play date’ and ‘boats’ in the same sentence, do not cover your ears. Believe it or not, it is possible for your kids to enjoy a journey onboard. Switch out “I’m bored” with “I’m on board” these school holidays by following some basic – but very important – safety rules, and some handy tips.

BOATING PLAYDATES Inviting friends’ children onboard for a play date can be a great activity – especially around the school holiday and Summer season.

Nic Welch, a local boating enthusiast, does not have kids of his own, but has experience with having his friends’ children on board his boats to enjoy a trip and a playdate. He believes that the master of the vessel is always 100% responsible for all on board – whether the parents of the children are also on board or not. He mentions that before take-off, some safety precautions must be taken to ensure the playdate is free of risks. This is important to allow for the skipper to relax and know that the kids are able to have fun safely. The rules for the day should be outlined in a serious, but not scary way to the kids.

A primary and vital rule for children on board a boat is to don a life jacket. “Kids under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in an open boat under 4.8m in length when underway. This is even while drifting, or even if the motor isn’t running,” Nic advises. He mentions that if the child does not want to wear one, a good way to coax a child into rocking a jacket is to show them the whistle, which they can play around with.

Another important main rule is to tell the children to avoid the commonly seen act of “bow riding”.

“Kids like the idea of dangling their feet over the edge of the bow when underway. This is possibly the most dangerous thing you can do while boating, even on a 40ft Riviera with full bow rails. There is no 80

action the skipper can take to prevent running over a person if they slip off the bow.”

Alongside this, Nic recommends to invite the child’s parents on board to accompany them on the trip.

Unless a parent is certain about the skipper’s ability to drive a vessel safely and the ability to maintain discipline with another child, parents are encouraged to join their children in the boat.

Nic further emphasises the importance of putting on sunscreen, taking hats and lots of water on board for the kids ready to go. A few fishing rods and bait can be fun if they are interested in fishing.

“Sometimes a book is handy too, if they get bored easily on the journey to the destination.”

NO PLAYDATE? If you decide not to invite your child’s friends on board, however, it does not mean “no play”. Shane Subichin, another avid Gold Coast boatie believes that most boat trips turn into a “playdate” just the same, even without inviting friends for a daytrip.

Shane has a young five-year old child. “I’ve only got a boy, but I never have any troubles getting him to come out with me. He is always so excited to get on the boat and loves every minute of it. You can add a bit of extra excitement and keep them occupied by bringing toys – like mini monster trucks or other toys to play with in the sand. My son likes to play with the crabs, too.”

He believes that getting your kids out on the water is one of the most important things while living near the coast. “It honestly doesn’t matter what boat it is – small or big. Just get them out there into the elements – fresh air, the sun and the water.”

For Shane, even if you only have one child with you on the boat, there will always be other kids at your destination. “Children love to play on the beach and swim around. Even if the kids don’t initially know each other, they learn to socialise with the other kids at the same destination and play with them.”

Wondering where the best spots on the Gold Coast are to pull up and let the kids hop off and play?

Shane puts his money down on the Jumpinpin area, where there is a beautiful beach and sand dunes to boogie board down on. “Another spot called, the Basin – on the west side of Wave Break Island – is a great spot to take the kids. It’s nice and protected, but doesn’t have sand dunes to play in.”

Nic adds that South Stradbroke Island also does the trick. He further recommends, “If you want to change things up, you could even take the kids out on a fishing trip and meander around.”

Whether you are inviting your kids’ friends over on the boat for a playdate or you just want to keep it within your family, remember to just keep safe, outline the rules, and of course have fun.

Here are additional tips on having children on the boat with you:

•

Teach the children emergency procedures.

Teach them to stay with a capsized boat or an easily seen floating object, making them easier to be seen by rescuers.

•

Show all the children around the boat and where all emergency items are located. If they are old enough to understand, show them how to use equipment such as radios, EPIRBs and flares, stressing the importance of not using them unless real trouble exists and the penalties that exist for misuse.

•

Teach them about stability and loading of the boat, and how to get in and out of dinghies and small boats.

• •

Stop children from having any part of their body out of the boat when it is underway.

Teach them the rules about keeping a good lookout, avoiding collisions and reducing wash.

(Source: www.rms.nsw.gov.au) JAN - MARCH 2019

OS 385

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ursuit Boats are led by a passion for handcrafted, beautiful boats that create a truly unforgettable experience for all onboard. With all models created through advanced design, engineering and technology, the OS 385 and DC 365 are truly a class of their own.

The OS 385 is the flagship model of the Pursuit fleet of premium offshore boats. Measuring just under 40 feet in length, this vessel has all the comforts of home plus a 360-degree water view. Combining luxury, performance, seaworthiness and fishability this off shore model is one of the world’s top out board convertible express offerings with a luxury and stylish interior appointments of most comfortable cruisers.

The stylish Dual Console line that has been perfected by pursuit and includes the elegant DC 365 model. Comfort, innovation and an abundance of features have been engineered to bring your sport utility experience to the next level. With the dual console hosting a forward bow and port side lounge seating, a swivel seat at the helm and patent-

pending fold away seating at the transom and under the gunwale give your crew a comfortable place to enjoy whatever type of water activities you choose.

The OS 385 and DC 365 host an easily accessible cabin with a fiberglass door and features solid wood accents with modern finishes, comfortable berths and basic amenities.

For weekending, these models are nothing short of perfect for a small family or couple.

Foldaway seating quickly transforms a social venue to a wide-open, fish-ready cockpit with hull side door, livewell, gunwale mounted rod holders and insulated fish-boxes in the floor.

The DC 365 and OS 385 can do it all with room to spare and style that is Pure. Pursuit.

Contact Mark Riley to discuss how to achieve your “Pursuit of Happiness” mark@marineriley.com.au or call +61 418 250 727.

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81

BOAT ENVIRONMENT

Collective Nouns FOR FISH

By Roselle Tenefrancia

W

e often hear people refer to a group of fish as a “school of fish”. While it is the common term used, some academics argue that “school” is incorrect, and that “shoal” should be used instead.

In general, we can call a collective of fish as “school or shoal of fish”. But did you know that a group of sharks is called a shiver, and a group of rainbow fish is called a party? Interestingly, each type of fish and other sea animals has its own collective term, and some of group nouns are quite witty.

Here is a short list of collective nouns for various fish and sea animals. So, the next time you want to impress your fishing mates, you can tell them that while you were trying to catch a shoal of bass, a fever of stingrays swam towards your boat, as a cast of crabs played on the shores, while a bale of turtles magically appeared in the waters.

Barracudas – Batter Bass – Shoal, Fleat Cod – Lap Eels – Bed, Fry, Swarm Goldfish – Glint, Troubling Herring – Army Sardines – Family Sharks – Shiver Stingrays – Fever Trout – Hover Salmon, Bind Angelfish – Company Tuna – Float Swordfish – Flotilla

Rainbow Fish – Party

Seahorses – Herd

Whales – Pod, Gam, Herd, School

variety of species, and they themselves provide sustenance for a range of larger organisms such as birds. Crabs further act as natural cleaners of the beach, filtering sediments from the sand and consuming a huge array of plant and animal matter. In fact, they will eat almost anything organic that they find on shore: plant debris, animal carrion, human food scraps, you name it!

dune regeneration programs to schools and community members. This is where you come in!

Cod – School, Shoal Mackerel – Shoal Squid – Squad Dragonet Fish – Swarm Shrimp – Troupe Oysters – Bed Clams – Bed Crabs – Cast Jellyfish – Brood, Smack Turtles – Bale, Dole, Nest, Turn Dolphins – Pod

ODE TO OUR

By Alisa Shuker and Maggie Muurmans

I

f you have ever been to a beach on the Gold Coast, you may have encountered the common ghost crab. If you are a frequent beach-goer, perhaps you have seen hundreds, or even thousands of the critters. But have you ever stopped to think about the role that these small invertebrates play in our coastal environments?

You may be surprised to learn that ghost crabs are a keystone species in our beach ecosystems. In fact, they are commonly used as an indicator of beach health in assessments carried out around the world. The number of crabs on a beach, normally estimated by counting their burrows, can provide an indication of the disruption that the beach has suffered. Factors such as vehicles, trampling, erosion and pollution can crush, bury, or otherwise interfere with crab numbers. The more that a beach has been disturbed, the less crabs that are likely to be on that beach.

Other crab-related factors that might be used in beach health assessments are the diameter and location of their burrows, which are often smaller and less widely distributed in areas of higher disturbance. Beach crabs also play a vital role in food webs. They are usually the top predator on the sand, actively preying on a

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A clean beach allows resident plant and animal species to flourish, and thus dune habitats to thrive. Overall, crabs certainly carry a lot of responsibility in our beach ecosystems.

So what can we do to help? Well, some of the conservation measures implemented can include fencing off damaged dunes for restoration, controlling weeds and providing education and

Join us, the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management in partnership with the City of Gold Coast, on one of our weekly BeachCare sessions where you can help our little crab friends by planting native dune flora, removing invasive weeds and getting rid of human rubbish (the non-organic stuff that crabs can’t clean up themselves!). For more information, call 07 5552 8829, email beachcare@griffith.edu.au, or check us out online.

And, lastly, the next time you see a crab on the beach, give them a little nod of thanks for keeping our ecosystem healthy.

JAN - MARCH 2019

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OUTSIDE With Suncoast Outdoor Living

I

free as possible – meaning they can then relax and enjoy their leisure time at home.”

This is where Suncoast Outdoor Living come in. Their professional team can help bring your entertainment and living areas together, creating a practical and welcoming indoor/outdoor space.

Tony also believes that indoor/outdoor living areas can be beneficial for the value of one’s home. “For example, an insulated patio roof or unique outdoor screen around your existing outdoor area or over your swimming pool doesn’t just look great, it adds value to your property and is ideal for the relaxed outdoor lifestyle we get to enjoy in Queensland,” he says.

n Southeast Queensland, we are blessed with blue skies and warm weather all-year-round, which makes outdoor entertaining a pleasure.

Unfortunately, we also have to contend with pests, leaf debris and other factors that can ruin the ambience.

“For over 25 years we’ve been offering a range of products to add value and enjoyment to your home,” says Tony Mora, Suncoast Outdoor Living managing director. “We are finding that more and more people are keen to plan ahead and make their outdoor entertaining areas as maintenance-

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Along with pool and patio enclosures, Suncoast Outdoor Living also offer insulated patio designs, pool safe screens, pet enclosures, retractable screens, outdoor blinds and other outdoor living accessories.

The majority of their work is custom-made onsite using as many locally sourced quality products as they can, giving you an addition to your family home that you will be proud of.

“We first started operating in 1993 under the name Suncoast Enclosures,” Tony explains. “Over the years our friendly service and quality enclosures gained a strong reputation and our business grew to include more services designed to help you enjoy the outdoors. By 2015, it was clear that our products and services have evolved, and we rebranded ourselves as Suncoast Outdoor Living as this better reflects what we have to offer.”

Suncoast Outdoor Living is a Brisbane-based company but services all of Queensland and Northern NSW. suncoastoutdoorliving.com.au

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Float your boat with great

By Alfie Pardoe

summer wines

S

ummer in Australia: The sound of waves lapping against the hull, seagulls scrapping over discarded fish n’ chips, and the cricket on the radio. Time to kick back and enjoy quality family time. We got it good here in the lucky country. And a large part of that experience is down to an abundance of fresh food and great wine.

But what makes a great summer wine?

Generally speaking, on a hot summer’s day, we want a refreshing experience.

The wine needs to be crisp and have the right balance of natural acid and fruit. It may be the racy herbaceousness of sauvignon blanc, the citrusy zing of riesling, or the stone fruit flavours of an un-oaked chardonnay. The lighter-bodied reds, such as pinot noir, grenache, tempranillo, and even cooler climate shiraz, can also be enjoyed slightly chilled on a hot day… and let’s not forget rosé.

The common thread running through the wines is acidity. It is what makes us come back for the next mouthful… and it is best enjoyed with food.

TOP 5 SPARKLES Jansz NV (Tasmania) Honeysuckle and citrus scents are immediately apparent, with delicate fruits and a lovely creaminess washing through the mouth, leaving a lingering finish of citrus and nougat.

Bollinger Special Cuvee NV (France) For that special occasion, the complexity and richness is unparalleled among entry-level non-vintage blends.

Ninth Island Sparkling Rose (Tasmania) Tyson Stelzer’s best value bubbles under $25. Aromas of rose petals and strawberries.

Another Tasmanian beauty!

Astoria Prosecco (Italy) Delicate, fresh, and fun. This Italian wine has loads of flavor, and has a crisp and dry finish.

Peter Rumball Sparkling Shiraz (SA) A Christmas favourite, but can be enjoyed all year round. Quality Coonawarra fruit goes into this splendid and elegant wine. Try with duck or a strong cheese.

A UNIQUE

Photo by Chaparral

BOAT GALLEY

TOP 5 WHITES Amisfield 2017 Pinot Gris (NZ) A multi-layered wine with great complexity, with pear and quince notes.

Jeanneret 2017 Watervale Riesling (SA) Aromas of citrus and white flowers with very complex and savoury elements. The palate is absolutely huge, textured, zippy, fresh and rich, and absolutely delicious. Rated 95 points by James Halliday.

Pasqua 2017 Pinot Grigio (Italy) Immensely drinkable and affordable wine.

William Fevre Petit Chablis (France) Quality French chardonnay showing balance and minerality. Classy.

SC Pannell Aromatico (SA) Created with Asian spicy food in mind. Mainly gewurtztraminer (traminer for short) along with riesling and pinot gris. Delicious!

TOP 5 ROSÉ Villa Maria PB (Hawke’s Bay, NZ) Ripe berry fruits, with a long dry finish. A bargain!

83 2017 (Provence, France) Organic and serious wine, with lovely dry finish.

Turkey Flat 2017 (Barossa Valley, SA) Sells out every year at Corker Cellars.

Maison Saint AIX (Provence, France) Another classic from Provence. Très bon!

Listel (France) Fresh and crisp – just what we want in a rosé.

Find all these wines at Corker Cellars this summer.

W I N E E X P E R I E N C E W I T H S P E C I A L I S T A DV I C E Corker Cellars is an independent premium wine store that sell a large range of award winning wines from all the best regions around Australia. International wines, spirits and beers are also ranged, with quality the main focus.

Regular wine tastings are held in store with winemarkers often in attendance, and friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to make recommendations.

OPEN 7 DAYS - 11am until 10pm

CORKER CELL ARS Ph: 5514 8511

(Ext. 4)

7 Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove Village at the Tavern

<No intersecting link>

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JAN - MARCH 2019

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85

BOAT SPORTS

Yoga for boaties

PRE-BOATING PRACTICE

A

ll people on a boat – whether the owner, crew or guest – are involved with the success of the day’s boating activities. It is important to have stability and coordination, balance, core strength, as there is a maximum range of motions, often in restricted spaces and in varying weather conditions. .

to prepare for reaching and balance, core strength, and twists. The practice and preparation do not need to be complicated. A small series of standing balance poses, forward bends, back bending (for heart opening), twists, an inversion to change your perspective and view of the world, and relaxation.

Regular yoga practice helps in increasing sailing, boating and athletic abilities, and in improving endurance both on and off the water. For example, competitive sailing is very complex physically, mentally, mechanically and technically; physical fatigue will limit performance in complex areas. It can also help decrease and manage stress, bring heightened awareness, and help boaties connect with nature.

Before you begin the practice, it is important to make sure you use a nonslip mat, particularly while doing standing and floor poses. Yoga mats are lightweight and easy to store, so it should not be a problem to take on the boat with you. Always seek medical advice if you have pre-existing health concerns.

Yoga is more than the exercise; it is about connecting mind, body and breath, being aware and mindful. You know how good you feel when you stop and take three long deep and slow breaths.

About the instructor - Sandy Cuneo has been practicing for over 10 years. She is a qualified Hatha, Yin Yoga, and Restorative Yoga Levels 1 and 2 teacher. She has completed further training on the spinal anatomy, attended many trainings on breath work, meditation and relaxation. Her husband Bill Cuneo (the model in these series of photos) is a devoted yogi practicing for 8 years, a competitive sailor and a recreational boatie. www.sandycuneoyoga.com.au

Before any boating activity, there are yoga poses that you can practice to prepare your body for the day’s adventures. The focus should be on the standing strength

1

BASIC RELAXATION POSE - Lie on a mat, with feet hip-width apart, body relaxed, hands and arms away from body or beside, and palms face up.

4

LYING TWIST OPTION - Draw left knee up, with right leg straight. Using the right hand, guide the raised knee towards the right side of the body. Repeat with the right leg and left hand.

7

STANDING FORWARD FOLD - Stand with feet hip-width apart, putting weight into the soles of feet. With knees slightly bent, fold forward from pelvis, protecting lower back. Let your head fall naturally and cross your forearms, with hands holding the opposite elbows.

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2

3

CONSTRUCTIVE REST POSE - Bend your knees, with soles of feet planted on the ground.

LYING TWIST - Keeping both shoulders on the ground with arms stretched on the sides, twist to one side, with knees and legs towards the ground Bring knees up back to centre. Twist to the other side.

5

6

BOAT POSE VARIATION 1 (hands supporting knees) While sitting on the tailbone, hold the position while drawing your navel to your spine.

BOAT POSE VARIATION 2 (hands extended forward) To hold this pose, engage the core, and focus on the breath.

8

HALF FORWARD FOLD - Stand with feet hip-width apart, putting weight into the whole soles of feet.

Fold halfway forward, keeping the back flat. Place fingers to rest on shins ( just below knees) with straight arms, straight legs. Lengthen your back by pulling from the tailbone to the crown.

ANYTIME PRACTICE: FAN POSE - This pose has many benefits, including opening the heart, stimulating the immune system, opening upper respiratory muscles, and stretching shoulders and arms.

Fan Pose also increases awareness of the action of the shoulder blades, aids in digestion, and stretches the belly. Stand with feet 2-3 hip-widths apart, feet slightly pigeon-toed. Soften knees if this feels very tight. Bend forward from hips, drawing crown of head towards floor. Place hands on the floor, under shoulders. Do not force your body too far; let gravity do the work. Focus on the breath, while lengthening your back with every exhalation.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT BOOKS

A POWERFUL MESSAGE The Saltwater Story, a book by Benjamin Allmon

W

hen I arrived in 1987, there were 220,000 people on the Coast - in just thirty years, it has tripled to become the 6th largest city on the continent. Australia's youngest major city - there are still people alive who can remember when it was a few shacks and not much else - the Gold Coast can seem like a municipal adolescent, altering its appearance daily, its eye always on tomorrow. Disinterested in its origins, bored by its past, it is the apotheosis of Western culture. The sky is never empty of cranes constructing or demolishing glittering towers. Like the sand and tides that define it, it is reshaped daily, an amnesiac city for whom yesterday is as nothing.

But this isn't entirely true. The truth is that this is a city in transition; there are signs everywhere that it is ready to leave behind the narcissism of youth, the ignorance of its history. 380 people have arrived here every day for the last thirty years, which means that, like me, most of the people who live here weren't born here. We don't know the story of the country we now call home, and it's difficult to hear that story with the noise of city, hard to see that country with all the stuff we've put on top of it.

The Saltwater Story book and the DVD are available for purchase at http://www.benjaminallmon.com/the-saltwater-story/

STUNNING PERFORMANCE QUALITY AND VALUE

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87

h c a e B C AT S

BOAT SAILING

BOUNCE BACK

By Narayan Pattison

S

outheast Queensland is home to a passionate NACRA catamaran racing community. What began as an American racing phenomenon really caught on in Australia in the 1980s, and is thriving today thanks to the help of many locals.

Aussie international champions, like Nathan and Haylee Outteridge, are inspiring new sailors, whom the yacht clubs are training up to be future champions. And the local NACRA manufacturing in Brisbane is helping to innovate the sport with new models of the popular cats.

NACRA stands for North American Catamaran Racing Association, which began in 1975, focusing on the racing side of beach cats. The small cat industry was in the midst of a huge boom at the time, thanks in large part to the American Hobie Cats, which had popularised the small fibreglass boats that could easily be launched and sailed from the beach by one or two people.

During the 1980s, beach cats were huge, especially in Australia, as every major tourist beach had some for hire. For many, spending hours coasting along the shoreline on these little cats was an iconic holiday tradition.

Nacra 15

Sailboat designer, Tom Roland, saw the racing potential of these beach cats and founded NACRA, the first company to design high-tech racing cats. Unlike the Hobie cats, which are bee-shaped and ride lower in the water, the NACRAs have much wider bottoms, allowing them to ride higher and travel much faster.

The company has had numerous location and name changes over the decades.

In the 1980s it was based in California and operated as Performance Catamarans.

For the last decade, NACRA has been owned and managed from the Netherlands.

In recent years, NACRA cats have become increasingly prominent in the international racing scene. The NACRA 17 was designed specifically for Olympic selection, which it successfully won in 2012 to become the official boat of the Mixed Multihull class at the Rio 2016 games. Excitingly, the curved daggerboards that enable foiling will be added to the NACRA 17 for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The local NACRA Australasia business is based in Brisbane, and is run by passionate cat sailors Warren and Ross Guinea. They have been manufacturing NACRAs locally since 1985. At that time, the original beach cat boom was ending because the Aussie economy was in a recession, and new sports like windsurfing were taking off. To thrive in this difficult market, the Aussie team innovated and designed many new NACRA cats specifically designed for Australians. Many of these new models have been so successful they have been added to the NACRA worldwide range.

Nacra 17 test by Red Bull team

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One of the most successful locally designed cats is the NACRA 350. At just 3.5 metres in length, it was designed to be small enough that it could be sailed by one or two children, while still being fast and agile enough to excite them about the thrills of cat racing. The boom-less sail ensures it is very safe for kids and it is easy to right after capsizing too. The hulls have also been designed with additional bulkheads to make sure they withstand the punishment kids dish out. At just 2.1 metres wide, they can easily be transported on regular trailers. The 350â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightweight build also makes it an attractive option for elderly sailors wanting a cat that is not too physically demanding.

JAN - MARCH 2019

Nacra 17 foiling

Nathan and Haylee

Warren Guinea on a Nacra 5.8

Nacra 350

Although many Australians prefer the smaller NACRAs like the 350, Warren and Ross produce 10 different models and sell 30-50 new cats each year. The NACRA 4.5 is a metre longer than the 350 but is still capable of being sailed solo. At just under 6 metres, the NACRA 5.8 is a very popular mid-range cat, requiring a crew of at least two people. And, of course, there is the professional Olympic model, the NACRA 17, which is built for speed and foiling.

It is a testament to the build quality of the NACRAs that Warren said the fundamental build process has remained the same over the last three decades. The process, however, is very labour intensive, with each boat normally requiring Warren and Ross to spend eight days moulding and finishing the cat.

“Each year, we hold the racing nationals in different states on a national rotation, this year we are in Forster, NSW. It began with the one model, the NACRA 5.2, and we only had 30 boats. But this year for the 40th Anniversary in December we’re expecting 70-plus cats. And thanks to the introduction of the NACRA 350 a few years back, we are now getting 20 kids racing at the nationals,” Warren explained proudly.

One of the key people training these young sailors is Kerry Noyes, Southport Yacht Club’s Commodore. Kerry is an avid NACRA racer personally, and is very dedicated to helping train tomorrow’s champions.

Kerry’s husband, Steve Curtis, has always been a cat sailor, and he convinced her to give it a go when she was 50. Kerry took to the sport like a fish to water, and soon after, won the 2006 nationals with a NACRA 5.0. In recent years, she has been a regular competitor in the nationals, racing some years with her husband, and other times with NACRA Australasia’s Warren Guinea.

The Southport Yacht Club runs many events to encourage new Aussies to enter the sport. “On our try-sailing days, we normally get 800 people through the gates, and the cats are always the most popular,” Kerry said. “We also offer all levels of sailing courses, for eight-year-olds and up, as well as scholarships. The more experienced sailors are always happy to share their knowledge and get you started. It is a very inclusive community. Putting your name down on crew lists is a good option if you cannot afford to buy your own boat, because skippers are always looking for crew.”

There is currently a fleet of 15 NACRA cats at the yacht club. Kerry believes the popularity of the boats is due to their affordability and versatility. “NACRA racing is for everyone, not just for elites. People also like that skill is more important than

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

your wallet. A skilled sailor on a clunker will always beat a new boat that is not being sailed well. The sport caters to all ages, and a big range of fitness levels too. You could be in your 70s and enjoy a relaxed sail or you could be a serious athlete, on the road to the Olympics, who is straining core muscles to lean right out while the cat is foiling at 25 knots.”

Australian athletes are among the most competitive in the international NACRA events. Aussie sailors Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin won the silver medal in the NACRA 17 class at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The Aussie NACRA sailing team have also benefited from the recent additions of Haylee and Nathan Outteridge.

The Outteridge siblings are best known for their 49er sailing, with Nathan being the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist.

Although the Outteridges are new to NACRA, their years of experience, especially with foiling, have allowed them to hit the water running. The pair have already distinguished themselves in Denmark, winning silver in the World Sailing Championships NACRA event.

Nathan offered some insight into how he and Haylee managed to do so well in Denmark. “Our previous Olympic sailing experience in 49ers has helped with the steep learning curve over the last few months. Obviously, one of the big strengths we bring is foiling experience. I have sailed nearly every foiling boat that exists, so I have been able to use this to fast-track our NACRA 17 sailing. The Australian Sailing Team’s NACRA program has been hugely beneficial too. Having Jason and Lisa as training partners has been invaluable.”

The announcement that the NACRA cats will be foiling in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has Nathan excited. However, there is still room to improve the technology.

“Unfortunately, the boat does not foil upwind in most conditions and it really struggles to foil when there are decent waves. There has been a lot of development in foiling technology in recent years, and I really hope that the class can upgrade the boats to make the racing safer and more exciting.”

Like Warren and Kerry, Nathan believes yacht clubs are the perfect way to discover the benefits of NACRA. “Anyone interested in the sport should get involved through their local yacht club. They are always looking for new members. Their sailing programs are great fun and a place to meet people who share the passion for being on the water and sailing. I started at a young age at our local sailing club and have made life-long friends.”

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Photos by Catalina Yachts

BOAT SAILING

Maritime Safety Queensland

GET YOUR BOAT READY FOR SEVERE pre-summer checklist WEATHER

Sailboat

Severe weather season hits Queensland from November to April – be prepared.

Photos of Outremer 51 at multihullcentral.com

By Norman Ambrose, Ausail Marine Group

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ailing boat preparations, preventative maintenance and organising to undertake before the summer sailing season:

Where can I get more information?

Visit your local Maritime Safety Queensland office or our website www.msq.qld.gov.au

Wash the boat with fresh water and soap.

The hull should be polished once a year.

Sails should all be raised and checked, mast tuned, and rigging checked by qualified rigger.

Test deck, fittings and safety equipment. Free-up with water and or WD40 or similar. Check fire extinguishers and flairs are in date, service or replace as required.

Check below deck and clean the bilges, toilets, fridges and all soft fittings.

Check electronics for latest software updates in manufacturer’s website. Inspect and test.

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All main equipment should be tested before each sailing season.

e 25' en1s9"S 153° c i L 49'

Inboard engines should be serviced every year, or every 100 hours of use.

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Outboards should be serviced every 12 months.

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Toilet should be checked before every outing.

Fresh water should be pumped out of the tanks and changed at minimum every year.

Early Dinner

5.30pm to 6.30pm

Dinner

5.30pm to 8pm

3pm to 5.30pm

Lunch

Bar Menu

12pm to 3pm

9am to 12pm

Brunch

OPENING HOURS Breakfast

Check registration and insurance for yacht and trailer are fully paid and up to date.

7.30am to 10.30am

Clean the galley after every outing to eliminate mould build up.

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Pick up your free copy of BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE at the cafe bar

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4 School holidays only

Tipplers Licensed Café is a family-friendly destination with live entertainment, great coffee and delicious food. Located on South Stradbroke Island, the café is the perfect place to relax for boaties, local families and visitors to the Gold Coast.

Drop in to see executive chef Rebecca Gava and her team for a meal or a drink overlooking gorgeous Tipplers Passage.

For bookings phone (07) 5577 3025 during business hours • www.tipplerscafe.com

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JAN - MARCH 2019

& QA

BOAT GOLD COAST

WITH VACUWASH

Q: WHY SHOULD BOAT OWNERS WASH THEIR SAILS AND CANVAS?

A: Every leading sailmaker recommends washing your sails yearly to remove any dirt, mould, and accumulated salt. Think of all the other cleaning and maintenance that you do on your boat. Well your sails and canvas need the same amount of attention.

Apart from being unsightly and smelly, dirt in your sails will reduce their life; thus, cost you money.

Q: IS IT SAFE TO CLEAN SAILS? A: Yes, it is perfectly safe to clean your sails and canvas. We have cleaned thousands of different sails and every type of canvas imaginable all without any problem. The process does not involve any agitation, scrubbing, heat or pressure washing.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE STITCHING? WON’T THE CLEANING DEGRADE THE THREAD? A: The cleaning process does not harm the stitching in any way. What harms stitching is UV. By design, a UV strip on a sail will deteriorate over time and need restitching and/or replacing whether it is cleaned or not. Dodgers and Biminis, and other boat canvas will see the stitching fail over time as it is always exposed to UV. When we clean a canvas item, we always suggest getting it restitched while it is off the boat.

Q: AREN’T I BETTER OFF TO JUST BUY NEW SAILS? A: Well, that depends upon how old the sails are and what their purpose is. We have cleaned sails over 40 years old that still have plenty of life in them. A good set of sails should last over 10 years, obviously depending upon usage. Unless you have a crew who regularly take them off the rig, fold and store inside the boat, they are more than likely to stay outside in the weather and will need cleaning before their life is up.

Q: WHAT DOES IT COST? A: Cost is $11 per sqm for sails and $16.50 per sqm for canvas, which is roughly 10% of replacement cost. A lot of variables are involved here as fabrics can vary well over 100% themselves in cost. In short though, the cleaning cost is not really a consideration compared to the overall cost of the sail or canvas.

BEFORE WASHING OFF THE DIRT, MOULD AND SALT

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? A: Five days is the maximum it takes. If you put them in on a Monday, they will be ready for the weekend. We can clean much quicker though if need be. If there is a courier involved, then add another week.

Q: IS THERE ANY COATING THAT YOU CAN USE TO PROTECT THE SAIL OR CANVAS? A: Yes. We use McLube SailkotePlus, a Teflon-based clear coating that should be applied to all new and near-new sails, and also all canvas items after cleaning. It applies a frictionfree layer on the sail and canvas that will reduce water absorption, give tighter sail furls, and help repel dirt and mould. Sails that have had SailkotePlus applied are always cleaner when we see them for their yearly clean, and they also clean up like new again.

Q: WHERE CAN I GET MY SAILS CLEANED? A: Our factory is in Sydney NSW. We clean sails Australia-wide though. Just pack them up and send them to us via courier. We have insurance outside of normal courier insurance that covers your sails and canvas while they are in transit. We have never had to make a claim. We will also share in the transit costs.

STUNNING WH ITE SAILS AFTER A VACU WASH CLEAN

Q: WILL CLEANING MY SAILS MAKE MY BOAT FASTER? A: Actually, yes, they do. If you think of how much you look at your boat after you have polished it, then the same applies to your sails. You will look at them more and thus trim them to the wind more; hence, you will go faster!

Australia’s only professional sail + canvas cleaning facility Used by Australia’s leading Sailmakers & Trimmers.

Recommended by the makers of Sunbrella canvas products.

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02 9939 4365 / 0415 333 244 91

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY BUILDER GUIDE

Ross Muir

By Narayan Pattison A classic timber dinghy, Trevassa Too was built as a tender for the 1970 Trevassa.

marine boat-building, rigging, and chandlery in Hobart. In 1987, Ross made the decision to move his family up to Manly, where he still lives today.

“We were keen for a change and we had always liked Queensland when we had come up for regattas in the past,” Ross explains. “The weather is so much warmer, and it is much easier to get around Australia and to travel overseas from here.”

Ross Muir handcrafts timber yachting accessories in his Manly workshop.

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ocal boating legend Ross Muir has tirelessly handcrafted two timber dinghies, paying homage to his family’s classic yachts from the 1900s. Many Brisbane boaties will know Ross from his work managing Muir Marine in Manly for 28 years.

The Muir contribution to boating is huge, stretching well beyond Ross’ time in Manly, to his father Jock’s boat building business in Hobart’s Battery Point in the mid-1900s. “Jock was always passionate about yachts, building his first boat, Westwind, just before World War II,” Ross enthused. “Later he did some boat building for the Navy in Sydney before moving back to Tassie [Tasmania] and establishing the Muir boat yard. He designed his first Tassie boat in 1946, and called it Westward. Unfortunately, as he was beginning the build, the buyer cancelled the order. One of Jock’s friends helped him finish the boat and they sailed it together in the 1947 and 1948 Sydney to Hobart yacht race, winning it both years. They still hold the record for being the only Tassie boat to win two races.”

It was at the family boat yard that Ross began his own apprenticeship in the early 1960s. Ross developed his boat-making skills, while his father was building Balandra for the Admiral’s Cup team in 1967. Not long after, Jock built Trevassa, which he finished in 1971. The former owner later sold Trevassa to the Muir family in 2012. Ross, along with his brothers John and Greg, painstakingly restored the yacht. In particular, Ross handcrafted a beautiful custom steering wheel and table. In the years that followed, they raced the yacht in several events, including the Bruny Island Race and the Channel Regattas. It is clear this 48-foot yacht holds immense sentimental value to Ross and his family, so it was fitting that Ross named his recent Huon Pine timber dinghy Trevassa Too. After finishing his apprenticeship with his father in the 1960s, Ross began running his own successful

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Along with timber boating, it is clear Ross is equally proud of Manly. “This harbour has pretty much everything boaties could ask for. The marinas are full. We have the hotels and supermarkets in place too. And, of course, the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is the biggest and best yacht club in Australia. We just had the Etchells world championships here, with 96 boats, and 350 yachtsman and their families. Moreton Bay is so well protected too, with the Stradbroke islands and the Tangalooma wrecks offering so many great sheltered spots. Peel Island is really popular too.”

Ross further believes that Manly is a real mecca for boating. “Manly sure has changed a lot over the years. I remember when I first visited in 1969, there were only a few boats moored here in the whole harbour. Now, 50 years on, the harbour is absolutely filled with boats. It is the biggest boat harbour on the east coast, and the second biggest in the country. Only Fremantle is bigger because it is more of a commercial port, and it was expanded for the 1987 America’s Cup.” The Muir Marine business opened in 1988, after Ross took over a local chandlery shop. True to his Tasmanian roots, Ross has kept the business focused on boat rigging and chandlery, and has kept the shop open seven days a week, with the help of his son, Jason.

Jason is also an avid sailor. “At the age of 14 he won the Sabots National, and has won many Australian titles since then in the 420s class and Etchells,” shares Ross. “He went on to win the 2009 Etchell Worlds. We both attended a sailmaking course together, and since then Jason has been working in the shop with me. Two years ago, I handed the reigns of the business over to Jason.

Now the shop just celebrated its 30th anniversary, and I could not be happier that he took the helm and that his kids are our fifth generation of sailors.”

two classic dinghies Ross split his time between his Manly workshop, where the accessories are made, and Hobart, where he does all the hard yakka on the boat hulls.

Both of the timber dinghies are tributes to the work of Ross’ family and friends. “The first dinghy I built was the 10-foot Trevassa Too. I crafted it out of Tasmanian Blackwood and Huon Pine. There is a bit of history behind the design as well. It is based on a Foster 10 design, created by Bill Foster. Bill is 86 now, but he was just 14 when he worked as Dad’s apprentice on Westward. I did modify the Foster 10 design a little though, making it a traditional full skiff rig, just like the old boats,” Ross enthused.

The second dinghy, Kittywake IV, was built as a tribute to Ross’ friend Bruce Darcy, who assisted Ross to win the Stonehaven Cup in the 12-foot cadet class dinghy, Venom. “This dinghy is based on the same 1921 cadet clinker dinghy design. The cadet was introduced as an alternative for younger sailors who were not old enough for the traditional 21-foot restricted class. The cadet dinghies later moved to fibreglass, so this is the first timber cadet to be built in 40 years,” Ross recalled.

As one can imagine, the building process for these dinghies is extremely labour intensive.

Ross put about six months of labour into each one. Two-thirds of that time is spent constructing and varnishing the hull and trolley in Hobart. In his container workshop Ross handcrafts all the remaining accessories, including the spars, oars, bowsprits, paddles, bailers and rudders. “Timber boats have always been my passion. Building these dinghies lets me revive the family traditions I learnt as an apprentice back in the 1960s.”

The way Ross talks about his work clearly indicates how much love he has for Australian timber. “Huon Pine is beautiful to sand, and to work with. It is some of the best timber in the world. Growing

When Jason took over the shop, it gave Ross the perfect opportunity to reignite his passion for timber boat-building. To avoid the mess and headaches associated with a home workshop, Ross decided to set himself up with a couple of benches and tools, all snuggly packed into a shipping container sitting out the front of Muir Marine. To successfully build the JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT BUILDER

Dinghy 'Kittywake IV'

only on the west coast of Tasmania, it has a lot of oil in it and is very much like teak. Trevassa Too is all planked and ribbed in Huon Pine, including the trims on the accessories. Kittywake IV has a combination of Huon Pine and Australian Red Cedar, which has been used since the early days because it is light and strong.”

Unfortunately, the timber boat-building industry has been in a steady decline since the 1960s. Ross believes the decline was caused by the introduction of fibreglass, rather than anti-logging movements.

“The timber boat-building scene is tiny now. There are just a few businesses today building the big timber boats. When fibreglass came in during the 1960s, it made it very hard for timber boat businesses to remain competitive. Asking customers to wait two to three years for a wooden boat is a big ask, compared to, say, picking up a new Riviera or Maritimo instantly.”

Available sizes:

38 - 42 - 45 - 48 - 66

The lack of demand for Tasmania’s top-notch timber is disappointing for Ross, who points out there is currently ample supply. “The forestry department has stockpiles of Huon Pine these days. Now they have some amazing equipment enabling them to access the trees in flooded areas. The machinery can go down 30 metres underwater, and cut the trees off at the base. It is nothing like it was thirty to forty years ago when Huon Pine was in short supply because of all the flooding of the valleys required for the hydro projects.”

Timber boats certainly are not for everyone because the costs and maintenance involved can be extreme. However, for people like Ross Muir, who love timber and the history of boating, nothing beats classic wood.

Trevassa Too accessories are handcrafted in Manly QLD, including the spars, oars, bowsprits, paddles, bailers and rudders.

February 8-11 2019 Hobart, Tasmania. MYSTATE BANK AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL. An exciting celebration of our nation’s rich maritime culture and one of the world’s most anticipated maritime events. www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au

Available sizes:

30 - 32 - 34 - 37 - 41

Special Announcement E Marine Motor Yachts, factory direct importer for Back Cove and Sabre Motor Yachts is pleased to announce the appointment of Anchorline Yacht Brokers as Queensland’s exclusive dealer. Experienced boaties and yachtsmen will need no introduction to the Fielding family, who have been operating on the Gold Coast since 1975. With a wealth of knowledge and expertise unmatched in the industry, Anchorline is uniquely positioned and highly qualified to continue and expand the sales, service and support in Queensland that our owners deserve. Together with the expert shipwright services at Regatta Marine, run by Doug Fielding, we believe we have found a perfect fit. We think you will too. Peter Byrne, our long time Queensland brand representative, and myself will continue to work with the Fielding family. In doing so, we can offer new and existing owners alike a boating experience that will exceed their expectations at all times.

Sincerely, Jed Elderkin

www.anchorline.com.au | P 07 5580 3377 | E info@anchorline.com.au C19, Gold Coast City Marina, 76 - 84 Waterway Drive, Coomera, Queensland, 4209

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© Copyright Commonweatth of Australia 2018, Bureau of Meteorology.

F I N D T R U S T WO R T H Y L O C A L T R A D E S FA S T S E A R C H B OAT I N G A N D L I F E S T Y L E

The Bureau of Meteorology gives no warranty of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise in respect to the availability, accuracy, currency, completeness, quality or reliability of the information or that the information will be fit for any particular purpose or will not infringe any third party Intellectual Property rights. The Bureau's liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense resulting from use of, or reliance on, the information is entirely excluded.

BOAT EVENTS

10th Anniversary Bartercard Sail Paradise Series

C

elebrating the Gold Coast’s 10th Anniversary Sail Paradise Series, Southport Yacht Club will ensure entertainment will reach a new high this year with multiple on shore action planned for the 2019 event.

Anticipation is mounting for the Bartercard Sail Paradise series, held from 6th – 9th January 2019. The four-day offshore regatta will again follow the Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Yacht Race. A 380 nautical mile offshore event hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. In it’s third year, both Club’s are pre planning to ensure the biggest and best combined series yet! “As a Club, we are continually working hard to improve ways of delivering the best possible attraction for competitors and their families. In 2019 we have moved our annual Gold Coast Marine Family Festival event to incorporate more on shore activity and interaction for the sailors and their families,” said General Manager Brett James.

Held in summer school holidays, the premier sailing event brings an added option for sailors to combine the series with the ultimate Gold Coast family holiday. Many sailors take the option to bring their families to the Gold Coast and combine the series with fun filled Gold Coast family attractions. “Not only do we have perfect sailing conditions, but the coast also hosts an abundance of wonderful Gold Coast attractions; theme parks, shopping precincts, night life and of course our world famous spectacular beaches.

Why not extend your holidays and bring the whole family, after all there are plenty of activities for every family member to enjoy,” said Vice Commodore Sail, Ray McMahon.

The 2019 Australian Sailing Queensland Yachting Championships will again be held at SYC during the four-day sailing regatta. Bringing grand prix yachting to the Gold Coast shoreline. Held on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th January, the Club’s Gold Coast Marine Family Festival will be a weekend of action packed events, everything marine related, and so much more. An open weekend full of free fun, exhibitions, marine demonstrations, face painting, entertainment and so much more. From 9am to 5pm daily, SYC encourage members, guests and visitors to partake in this wonderful event.

Incorporating this market place during the weekend will give both the community the option to see the grand prix vessels up close as well as an added extra to the sailors.

Both events are open to the full spectrum of offshore racing yachts – from the upper echelon of racing monohulls and multihulls through to cruiser/racers.

Southport Yacht Club will host a series of special on-shore social events at the conclusion of the Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise regatta and during Bartercard Sail Paradise. And, with it being high summer, a relaxing and festive holiday atmosphere will prevail at the Club and across the Gold Coast. www.sailparadise.com.au

SAIL PARADISE SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB, GOLD COAST

10 th Anniversary ONSHORE E N T E R TAI N M E N T

AUSTRALIAN SAILING QUEENSLAND YACH T I N G CH AMPI ON SH I PS

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Following the Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta, the Gold Coast's Southport Yacht Club will host the 10th Anniversary Bartercard Sail Paradise, four day premier sailing regatta.

Join SYC for spectacular offshore Summer sailing, with action packed onshore events and entertainment.

6 - 9 January 2019 W W W. S A I L PA R A D I S E . C O M . A U 07 5591 3500 #sailparadise

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JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT EVENTS

Queensland Cruising Yacht Club SURF TO CITY

9th February 2019

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he Queensland Cruising Yacht Club organises the Surf to City Yacht Race, a one of a kind race that will take place on 9 February 2019.

No other race in Australia consists of two fleets, an offshore and inshore fleet, both starting and finishing at the same place. The Inshore Fleet is usually a day race of around 48 nautical miles, which follows the main channel from Southport to Brisbane past all of the islands in the southern part of Moreton Bay. The Offshore Fleet is a day/night race of around 94 nautical miles, starting off at the Southport Seaway. The yachts head north around Cape Moreton to enter Moreton Bay, and then to finish a mile from Shorncliffe Pier. While the Offshore Fleet is for ocean-going blue water vessels, the Inshore Fleet features trailer-sailers, and smaller monohulls and multihull vessels.

The action really starts days earlier, as crew from all over the country sail or tow their boats to Southport Yacht Club for the start of the race. From there, the fleet splits on Saturday morning at the Southport Seaway and the big ocean greyhounds head out around Stradbroke and Moreton Islands.

Big seas and big winds often welcome the offshore competitors and this fleet always finishes many hours behind the smaller (in length only) Inshore Fleet. While being a major race in its own right, the Surf to City race also serves as a serious hit-out for the crew preparing themselves for the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

The Surf to City regularly attracts more than 100 boats and a field featuring some of the most influential yachts in Queensland and northern New South Wales. www.surftocity.com

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JAN

2-5

PITTWATER TO PARADISE YACHT RACE

The ocean race offers competitors a strategic challenge as they race between the surfline and the current, past unsurpassed scenic coastlines, prior to arriving in one of Queensland's most popular coastal cities. Once on the Gold Coast, boats will enjoy a four-day series regatta hosted by the Southport Yacht Club. (pittwatertoparadise.com.au)

EVENTS GUIDE J A N - M AY 2 0 1 9 SAIL PARADISE REGATTA

JAN

6-9

A spectacular high-summer offshore sailing regatta decided over four days of racing. The courses for Sail Paradise will be set just off the surfline of the Gold Coast’s famous sandy beaches with a full range of passage and windward/ leeward courses. Bartercard Sail Paradise Series will also incorporate 2019 Australian Sailing Queensland Yachting Championships. (www.sailparadise.com.au)

MAGIC MILLIONS RACE DAY

JAN

5-6

Southport Yacht Club at Main Beach is open to all visitors, with live entertainment and family fun activities. Free discover sailing for kids and adults. Large vessels open for viewing, trailerable boats on display, and on-water trials.

10am-4pm. (www.southportyachtclub.com.au)

GOLD COAST SPORTFISHING CLUB ALL SPECIES CLASSIC

JAN

12

Home to the world-renowned $10-million Race Day, including the $2-million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic, and the $2-million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas exclusively for Magic Millions graduates. This Race Day has cemented its reputation on the international racing scene as the must-attend event for the racing elite, punters, and fashionistas alike. (magicmillions.com.au)

CHINESE NEW YEAR

FEB

5

Many Australians celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar.

According to the Chinese 12-year animal zodiac cycle, the Chinese year beginning in 2019 is the year of the Pig. Each Chinese zodiac year begins on Chinese New Year's Day. (www.chinesenewyear.com.au)

MORETON BAY MULTIHULL REGATTA

GOLD COAST MARINE FAMILY FESTIVAL

APRIL

All trailerable, inshore and offshore multihulls are invited to race or rally on the waters of Moreton Bay. This regatta is about engaging people, crew and owners, to enjoy everything the multihull community has to offer, from great racing to good comradeship. With longer races as a chance to stretch the legs, and short courses to test boat handling, there is something for everyone. (www.rqys.com.au/multihull-events)

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To be held both offshore and inshore, and will be run as an inshore event if the weather is not favourable offshore. Cost is $75 Per Angler ($30 Junior), which includes lunch. With 2 or 3 person teams.

Gold Coast Sportfishing Clubhouse Registration: 5.00am to 5.25am. Back to Base: 15.00 pm for lunch, presentations, prizes and lucky draws. Species offshore: marlin, mahi mahi, mackerel, tuna.

Species inshore: flathead, bream, whiting, mangrove jack. (facebook.com/gcsfclub)

SURF TO CITY YACHT RACE

FEB

9

Organised by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in association with Southport Yacht Club, the race is open to monohulls and multihulls. Inshore Fleet follows the main channel from Southport to Brisbane past all of the islands in the southern part of Moreton Bay. Offshore Fleet starts off the Southport Seaway, the yachts head to enter Moreton Bay and finish at Cabbage Tree Creek, in the picturesque Brisbane bayside village of Shorncliffe. (surftocity.com)

AUSTRALIAN SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS

4-7

JAN

MAY

17-18

A showcase of the leading sailing and motor superyachts in the region available for sale and charter. In and around the yacht showcase, there is a program of a number of events for industry professionals, charterers and yacht owners to mingle and celebrate yachting in Australia and her surrounding waters. (australiansuperyachtrendezvous.com)

SANCTUARY COVE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW (SCIBS)

MAY

23-26

The southern hemisphere’s premier marine event, SCIBS will showcase hundreds of boats, four days of fun, one awesome location. A worldfamous festival, where fortunes are launched and dreams set sail, SCIBS will be showcased against the spectacular backdrop of the Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove. (sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au)

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB

HARDSTAND

Have you booked your annual Antifoul CONTACT US TODAY 5591 3500

3 00 B ER T H MA R I NA SUP ER YA C HT S

3 5 T ON T R A V EL L I F T UP T O 5 5 FT

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SYC Marina is home to 300 vessels including Super Yacht berths.

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JAN - MARCH 2019

TOYOTA ACCESS A SMARTER WAY TO BUY

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BOAT GOLD COAST

NEW GREEN BRIDGE IS BOAT FRIENDLY

– Same height and span as Chevron West bridge –

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Green Bridge is being built to provide a vital gateway between Home of the Arts (HOTA) and Surfers Paradise via Chevron Island. The pedestrian and cycle link will span 130 metres across the Nerang River, connecting to the Thomas Drive retail and restaurant strip. At the same height as the Chevron West bridge connecting Chevron Island to Bundall Road, it will allow continued access for watercraft.

A joint venture partnership, with Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and Brady Marine & Civil Pty Ltd, has been appointed to design and build the green bridge pedestrian and cycle connector to Chevron Island. The design also adopts principles of the voronoi. It provides for an arrival experience into the precinct with an informal seating area and space for a pop-up food cart or performers. It will have views across the water to HOTA and over to the Surfers Paradise skyline.

The Green Bridge will connect with Stanhill Drive on the Chevron Island side (near Mawarra Street) and will land near the existing jetty near the lake on the HOTA side. The bridge will be made of the usual construction materials (concrete, steel, etc.) and it will be a minimum of five metres wide, ensuring enough space for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction timeline: November 2018 to late 2019.

For any updates to the construction works including changes to time frames or potential additional closures - information will be provided by email to those registered to receive the project updates. Register for updates by emailing the project at GreenBridgeGC@gbjv.com.au, ph: 1800 842 103.

GOLD COAST

Marine Family Festival

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JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GUIDE EVENT

AUSTRALIA’S

PHONSY MULLAN CLAIMS MAIDEN WORLD TITLE

By Tweed Coast Jet Sprint Club

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fter an epic battle between two champions that came all the way down to the final run of the Penrite UIM World Series, Phonsy Mullan finally claimed the one title he had been working so hard to achieve, a world championship crown, the Australian weathering the storm from 7-time world title holder Peter Caughey to become world#1.

Just as things had played out at Keith in South Australia just a week prior, Mullan and Caughey were the standouts in Cabarita although this time around they had some challengers, one of which was Australia’s 2-time world champion Slade Stanley, the former Group A star ultimately setting the fastest qualifying time.

Going into the final three though, it was once more Mullan, Caughey and fellow New Zealander Nick Berryman who would fight it out for the title. Berryman was quick, but couldn’t match the two multiple champions, Mullan laying down his fastest run of the day to force Caughey to deliver his best. Sadly for the 11-time NZ champion, his steering wheel came unlocked midway through his run steering him up and over an island and into retirement, the 30-year veteran of the sport admitting afterwards that, that would be his final lap of competition in what had been an incredible career.

UNLIMITED SUPERBOATS - QUALIFYING The word coming into the Tweed Coast Jet Sprint facility ahead of the second round of the Penrite UIM World Series was the perceived advantage the Australians would have given their intimate knowledge of the Cabarita track. Whilst that theory was ultimately provided by the international teams, it was pretty clear that like any form of sport at the top level, the best can quickly adapt, and that’s exactly what they did.

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The biggest surprise on day one at Cabarita though wasn’t the pace of 7-time Australian champion Phonsy Mullan or 7-time world champion Peter Caughey, but rather the performance of 2-time world Group A champion Slade Stanley, the Wagga-based builder delivering a 56.200 in Q2 to end the day as fastest qualifier.

By Sunday morning things were starting to get interesting. Phonsy Mullan did what he’d done so many times in the last few seasons of the Australian championship by lowering the mark at the front of the field. He wasn’t able to break Slade Stanley’s stunning Q3 best of 54.607, but nor did he need to, knowing his greatest threat for a world title were New Zealanders Peter Caughey and Nick Berryman.

Caughey meanwhile was battling to perfect the rotation, both he and Berryman kicking off the day with ‘wrong-ways’ allowing Mullan to set a 56.419, but by Q4 things looked markedly different, Mullan facing a rare DNF after an electrical failure stopped him dead whilst on another strong run, but it was Caughey - faced with the possibility of failing to qualify - who stunned the field, setting a 54.687 to be just eight one thousandths slower than Stanley.

By the final qualifier a number of Australians were starting to make their intentions felt, amongst them co-AUS#1 Scott Krause who finally nailed the rotation to be almost a second faster than season rival and cotitle holder Phonsy Mullan and Glenn ‘Spider’ Roberts who had been a sensation at Cabarita just a couple of months back to narrowly lose the round win to Mullan.

UNLIMITED SUPERBOATS - FINALS The focus was on the front of the field with Phonsy Mullan having set the pace for just the second time on the weekend, but typically he did it when it was

needed, his 55.843 though just two tenths of a second faster than long-time rival Daryl Hutton with ‘Excalibur’s’ Mick Carroll continuing to impress with the third fastest time for an Australian 1-2-3.

Mullan was his consistent best in the second final, his 56.042 a couple of tenths slower than his Top 16 time, but half a second clear of Scott Krause, but it was Peter Caughey who stopped the clocks with the best time of the day - his 54.523 a second and a half faster than the field who knew they’d need to find something pretty special in the final two runs.

And so there were three. Should Caughey claim the fastest time in the final, he would take his eighth world crown. Should Mullan win and Caughey place second, there would be a tie and a shootout for the title, should either falter, it would be game over, although the worst either could finish would be third. They both however needed to be mindful of Nick Berryman.

Berryman was first out with Caughey electing to run last. An impressive weekend best of 56.565 put his rivals on notice. Mullan returned serve with a 54.809, a full second faster than his Top 6 time and his fastest of the weekend.

A subdued Mullan had given it his all and was standing by his trailer when the reality of the incident hit home.

He was the new World champion.

After a tough year emotionally with as many challenges away from the circuit as on it, Mullan’s dream of a world title had come true, the determined Victorian, unlike many of his rivals, builds almost every single part of the ‘RAMJET’ package finally claiming the coveted world#1 against the best in the sport, the emotion of which was not lost on any of the tight-knit crew.

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BOAT SPORTS

Wakeboarding in Queensland

TWEED RIVER TAG ALONG SOCIAL DAY

By Kimberley Bernard

T

here is an art to wakeboarding – an art that is sometimes overlooked by the average spectator or the first-timer, an art that takes practice and determination, and above all, an unrelenting love for watersports and a deep concern for people and the environment.

Wakeboard Queensland are an inclusive, community-based wakeboarding club operating throughout the southeast region, hosting social events, competitions and training camps for wakeboarders of any skill level throughout the year. Set on the beautiful Tweed River off the Condong boat ramp, a community of fun loving wake enthusiasts gather for a day of adventure and togetherness. A convoy along the Tweed River, through to the Chinderah pub for lunch and back, is on the cards for the day’s Tag Along Social Day. Marty Pocock, the club president, with his 10year old daughter, Amber, welcome all members and non-members alike as cars start to pile into the park, towing boats and sporting wakeboards.

Wakeboarding was founded in the early 80s and has been described as the lovechild of surfing and waterski, enticing lovers of water sports with the promise of a thrill from the dawn of its time. Wakeboard Queensland was at the forefront of the revolution. The club was founded in 1995, with a strong indication of the love for the sport. This passion is apparent through the dedication shown by the club at their social events.

Wakeboarding is not just any other water sport. It is a sport that demands a high level of determination, manipulation of the ocean, skill, and a thorough knowledge of wake, tide and wave behaviour. Wakeboarders rely on their equipment to produce the perfect wake, to carry them seamlessly over the water, and to provide speed.

Specialised wake boats were manufactured specifically for the sport, with Correct Craft pioneering the first wakeboard tower: the Sport Nautique. Now, popular boats like Malibu boats are highly regarded, and many can be seen with their low-sterns dragging down the Tweed River.

The members of Wakeboard Queensland take their equipment seriously and have pride in their boats. Although the focus on technical aspects of the boat can seem daunting for the newbie, the club ensure that everyone becomes comfortable with the sport regardless of the level. Marty and his crew are seasoned boarders, and the complexity of the sport is exciting. There is nothing to be afraid of as a first-timer or learner. There is room for everyone, even those without their own boat. The attendees are split over the boats, allowing riders without a boat to come along for a day on the water, at the same time encouraging non-riders to head out on the water and enjoy a beautiful day on the Tweed.

A safety boat trails not too far out of distance as a measure to ensure that the club is best prepared for any unlikely but potential incidents. Wakeboarders, like any water sport enthusiasts, ensure that their personal safety and the safety of other riders and water-uses alike are at the forefront of their minds. Each boat is equipped with life jackets, and each person, riding or not, is expected to be comfortable with wearing and operating a lifejacket if the need arises. While wakeboarding is extraordinary to watch, riders put themselves at a calculated risk to execute – and attempt to perfect – the tricks, both in the air or skimming over the water.

Wakeboard Queensland are a well-established wakeboarding association with a core riding group of between 40 and 50 competitors, including children and riders of all ages and skill levels. Social days are a good mix of their crew, from competition riders who are at sponsorship level, young ones who love the water, and riders who are keen to jump in and share the water with like-minded folk.

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BOAT SPORTS

Special thanks to photographer Kylie Wright.

One of the striking qualities of this club is the level of inclusion, respect and encouragement its members show for each other and other people on the water. Whatever level one might ride, whether executing a raley, riding the wake, or simply trying to find one’s feet, there is never a shortage of smiles or gestures of encouragement.

on the health of our oceans, each member is noticeably conscious of their impact on the environment. The club as a whole strive to ensure a positive environmental and social impact. Having respectful and passionate clubs, specifically those who abide by fair codes of conduct, participating in community sports on our waterways can only benefit the Gold Coast community.

It was not until 2018 that Wakeboard Queensland were able to obtain a permit to hold events on the Gold Coast, making life a little brighter for lovers of the sport. They have been operating throughout the state, and now that the Gold Coast is open for business, the likes of the Tweed, Coomera, Nerang, and parts of the Tallebudgera rivers will be able to host social events for boarders in the coming years. Long, flat and straight, these waterways are the perfect balance for boarders of all levels, coupled with that infamously pristine Gold Coast weather.

Wakeboard Queensland host a number of professional and high-level riders who compete across the world in world championships, who ride alongside beginners, kids, and those just out for a good time on their Tag Along Social Days.

They have a number of events coming up in the next season, and everyone is welcome to join the social club at any time once signed up to the Waterski and Wakeboard Australia (WAWA). All lovers of the ocean, thrill-seekers, sportsmen and spectators alike are encouraged to get along and get involved with the club, whether you join the team, or simply go to events and support their community.

Wakeboard Queensland are more than just a club in which to indulge in good times. They believe in – and abide by – their core principles of passion, respect, integrity, dedication, excellence and sustainability. As a responsible club that rely

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The club is live on TeamApp (App Store or Google Play). You can follow Wakeboard Queensland on Instagram and Facebook. www.wakeboardqld.com

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY SPORTS

WATERSKI GROWING SPORT IN

QUEENSLAND

By Kellie Byrnes

Coach at Oz Ski Resort, multiple world champion Emma Sheers

Oz Ski Resort always produces great new talent.

Last year's ski school guest trick coach was Ethan McKinnon.

Molly, Sade and Abbey represented Australia at the Junior World Championships in Spain in July 2018.

Australia has had plenty of great waterskiing champions over the years, from Bruce Cockburn and Kim Lampard to Bruce Neville, Glen Thurlow, and Karen Neville, to name a few. Today, the talent remains strong, particularly here in Queensland.

W

e interview Emma Sheers, a multiple world champion, who is training some of the state’s most outstanding prospects for future Australian success. Emma runs Oz Ski Resort on the Sunshine Coast, where she offers waterski and wakeboarding coaching, along with her husband Rick Habermann.

In July 2018, Emma headed over to Spain to supervise three Queensland teenagers who were selected in the Australian waterski team to contest the Junior World Titles in August. Abbey Teague from Caloundra, and Molly and Sadie Ferguson from Roma, are proof of what a good training ground Queensland is for skiers.

Is waterskiing a growing sport?

Emma Sheers (ES): It’s funny, when Rick and I started Waterski Queesnland around ten years ago, there were only six people at our first tournament.

This has expanded to where we see three regions holding tournaments in North, South, and Central Queensland, with 50 or 60 skiers at each event.

This happens each month, starting in September and going through to our Nationals at Easter.

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At the Nationals event, Queensland really showcased a strong resurgence. Our state had the largest team, taking over 90 skiers who had all qualified with their National rating. I think the sport is in a great place. This is largely due to an excellent tournament format where anyone who can get up on a slalom ski can compete.

Division 6 caters for beginners and gives you four guaranteed passes in slalom. This allows everyone a chance to build confidence and learn about the sport in a really friendly and fun environment. This format, where people are put in divisions based on ability level, has been really successful and has helped grow the sport here in Queensland. People are really finding their love of skiing again.

Why skiing?

ES: Traditional waterskiing is a challenging sport, and it’s a real family sport where you need Mum and Dad to be involved; without them kids can't ski. I've seen kids who don't necessarily fit into the football, cricket, netball mould who have really found their passion in waterskiing. It has improved their selfesteem, their results at school, and given them a sport they can excel in, where traditional sports may not have suited them. As a parent, I would much prefer a tournament waterski boat if I was making a purchase. You can ski, tube, wakeboard and wakesurf behind it, just by adding ballast and possibly a tower. This means it is fun for the whole family, and it doesn't limit the fun you can have.

What makes Queensland a perfect training location?

ES: Queensland is a perfect place for tournament skiing. We have the best weather all year round to train and compete, and we have a very active tournament scene. In fact, five of the Junior World squad members are from Queensland. And between the three females – Abbey, Molly and Sadie – 15 National records have been broken in the last two years under our coaching, so we are really proud of them all.

Abbey Teague jumping at Moomba Masters

Who are the famous local skiers?

ES: Many waterskiers have come out of the Gold Coast and Brisbane. This includes Mick and Karen Neville, Bruce and Toni Neville, Geoff Carrington, and Brett and Joel Wing (local Gold Coasters). Plus, Grant and Andrew Barnett, and my brother Curtis Sheers and myself, called South East Queensland home for a lot of our careers.

What do you think of the Gold Coast hosting a skiing event?

ES: The Gold Coast has an active club in Coomera, and holds events from time to time, but it is not a great venue for spectators. I think the Gold Coast would be a great place for more events, but finding the right venue is key. This would help to expand the sport not only on the Gold Coast, but across Queensland.

What about state government support?

ES: The Queensland Government have some grants, which athletes can access, that help in State and national events. However, the sheer volume of travel our athletes do means it really only assists in a small way. I would like to see our Queensland Tournament Federation put a lot more effort and funding into our Juniors, and the junior programs, to see even more of them progress to the next level.

Right now, most of it is placed on the shoulders of the parents.

Practical tips for buying skis?

ES: It is really important if you are looking at buying skis that you find somewhere to test them. Look for shops that offer a trial before you buy, where you can actually get on the skis, set them up for you, put you on the right ski for your height, weight and ability. We see a lot of people who have bought skis that really don't suit them, so it’s important that if you make that investment, to also get some expert advice.

JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT SPORTS

LOCAL CHAMPION ABBEY TEAGUE If you or your family members are interested in having a go at skiing, there is plenty of information and support available. Waterski Queensland is the governing body for tournament waterskiing in Queensland. It runs events for everyone, from beginners to professionals. (www.waterskiqld.com)

Abbey Teague is a teenager skiing for Australia

A

bbey first learned to ski when she was nine years old. “It was at the dam, with my family,” she recalls. “After that, when I was ten, we drove out to Oz Ski Resort in Coolum, and Emma and Rick took me through the slalom course for the first time. I instantly fell in love with it. Later, Emma taught me how to trick ski, and also took me over the jump ramp.”

This love of the sport shines through in Abbey’s rigorous training schedule. “During school terms, I train five days a week, with the flexibility of being able to leave school at lunch time three days a week to fit in a reasonable training session. During the school holidays, I spend every weekday at the lake. On top of training on the water, I am also in the gym three to four times a week, preparing my body for the water.”

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This commitment is certainly paying off, though.

When asked what it is that makes Teague so great, her coach, Emma Sheers, has plenty to say. “Abbey has a real love for competition. She is a fierce competitor and a really strong athlete for her age.

She loves to win and push herself to new levels.

She doesn't always like training, but she loves doing well in competitions. Being a competitor first makes her prepared to work hard in training. Abbey was a gymnast when she was younger, which has helped with her trick skiing and her general balance and awareness of her body on the water. She also plays a lot of touch football, which helps with her fitness.

I think with all our girls we get them to work hard both on and off the water. They have personally-

tailored gym programs, and we have a great team of people around them (masseuse, physios, and trainers) working on their fitness, strength, and injury prevention.”

Abbey has some tips for aspiring athletes, too. “Make sure you love it, so the sacrifices are worth it. Be dedicated and committed. Be patient – it takes time to progress through the sport and see improvement, just like how in any sport, there are good days and bad days. But most importantly, have fun!”

When asked about her ambitions for later in life, Abbey notes that she wants to stick with the sport.

“I want to still be involved in some way, whether it is coaching, or competing while studying at university.”

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JAN - MARCH 2019

BOAT GOLD COAST

MARITIMO RACING RAMPS UP R&D FOR 2019 COMP

Maritimo Racing Tom Barry-Cotter(left) & SteveJellick(right)

Barry-Cotter has stated they will announce 2019 Bridge to Bridge plans and whether Maritimo racing will campaign its own boat or partner again with Team 3 Offshore Powerboat Racing later in 2019.

He said Maritimo has used the past year to ramp up the testing and fine tuning of its race boats for a major assault on the local and international series next year.

L

uxury motor yacht manufacturer Maritimo's international race team, Maritimo Racing, has had a year of highs and lows on the national and international race circuit in the 2018 race series and is well positioned to be a competitive force here and overseas in 2019.

Maritimo Racing was involved in a high speed accident in the season opening race of the 2018 Union International Motonautique XCAT world championships in Fujairah, UAE in April, which ended its 2018 campaign.

Maritimo Racing ran in partnership with Team 3 Offshore powerboat racing using Maritimo engines, propellers and drivers.

And in the shortened Australian Offshore Superboat Championships, the team encountered mechanical issues at the opening round of the season, which impacted the team’s mathematical chances of retaining the national championship.

"The opening rounds of both series we compete in saw 2018 championship aspirations crushed from the opening rounds, so our strategy shifted toward focus on development for 2019 during this year," said Barry-Cotter.

Andrew Willaton and Steve Jellick claimed the offshore class, and outright victory with a blistering time of 31m 29s - the fastest time in the last five years. Maritimo Racing hold the offshore class record at 30m 26s set in 2012 with Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton in the cockpit, but have yet to run a sub-30 minute time, or close in on the overall record of 29m 47s set in 2008.

"We have used the season to concentrate on power, reliability and experimenting with setups.

Because we are always pushing to be at the front, we sometimes have to take known/safe options in terms of setups. But this year because we had nothing to lose we tried lots of different setups to gather data that we wouldn't typically have tried in other years.

Maritimo Racing's Andrew Willaton and Steve Jellick rounded out the year with an outright win in the Upper Hawkesbury Power Boat Club's Bridge to Bridge event.

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“This will pay huge dividends for us in 2019. Our new R36 is now performing even better than the well established 40 ft catamaran that we’ve campaigned since 2012 and it performs in all conditions and importantly is still being improved."

Maritimo Racing are also in the middle of constructing a new R30 catamaran destined for the UIM XCAT World Championship in 2019.

The R30 XCAT in construction has been designed

by Maritimo and will be constructed using the latest advancements in carbon fibre technology.

There has been heavy design consideration of acceleration and handling to suit modern course designs and heavy analysis of the aerodynamic properties of the hull and deck.

The latest cockpit safety design is currently undergoing panel deflection and failure testing in liaison with the UIM. The latest generation cockpit has increased head clearance and crash deflection protection engineered into the design and construction.

Barry-Cotter said much of what Maritimo Racing learned on the international and national race circuits eventually was incorporated into the company's range of production motor yachts. "We are the only production motor yacht manufacturer with a dedicated race team and that gives us a great advantage over the competition," he said.

"The knowledge we gain through racing gives us a distinct advantage in terms of staying at the leading edge of production motor yacht manufacturing."

105

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$465,000

$339,000

Fully packaged boat with all JL Audio, 135 Honda outboard engine and trailer. Offers speed and comfort, lots of storage and seating, the adjustable back rest allows as bathing platforms or when towed skier. Nautilus Australia 0414 252 254

Custom built to the highest standards. 2 cabin layout, 2 bathrooms, huge saloon and cockpit, watermaker, top shelf electronics, minikeels, large galley, sailing tender, designed and built for coastal/extended cruising.

Peter Hansen Yacht Brokers, Raby Bay Ph 07 38214144

The best presented yacht we have seen. Superb quality. Premium upgraded equipment throughout and heavily reduced to sell now.

2 cabin owners version, new rigging, twin wheel steering. Superb.

Peter Hansen Yacht Brokers, Raby Bay Ph 07 38214144

FI N D T RUS T WO R T H Y LO C A L T R A D E S FA S T - S E A RC H B OAT I N G A N D L I FE S T Y L E Boat Gold Coast Magazine Business Directory utilises an extensive 72 easy-to-browse category listing for products & services, with quick keyword, business name, and geographic area searches. Simply click on the service you require to find the best marine industry professionals and lifestyle providers to assist with your boating life.

www.boatgoldcoast.com.au/ business-directory

SPRINGWOOD Chevrolet Silverado

Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme

Power, payload and towing capability are what Silverado is famous for and all these attributes are reflected in the fivemodel 4x4 Crew Cab line-up offered.

When you’ve got a big load to tow, the Chevrolet 2500HD Silverado range makes life easy, offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 5.89 tonnes and technologies designed to help you haul with confidence.

On the inside, the Silverado 2500HD LTZ is anything but truck-like. Heated and ventilated Jet Black perforated leather-appointed bucket seats. Dual zone automatic climate control enhances cabin comfort, while poweradjustable pedals allow the driver to set at the most comfortable position.

A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, adds to driver comfort and convenience as does the Chevrolet MyLink audio system with 8” diagonal high-definition, full-colour touch-screen, BOSE sound system, USB ports, auxiliary jack, bluetooth streaming and hands-free smartphone integration, voice-activated technology for radio and phone.

The limited edition Colorado Z71 Xtreme is a rare beast.

Built to tackle any terrain, the Colorado Z71 Xtreme was made to bring out the adventurer in you.

With an impressive 3.5 tonne towing power, you know all our latest refinements haven’t compromised the Colorado’s capability. It’s a vehicle that will help you get more out of life. Designed and engineered by Holden for compatibility with the Colorado safety systems. the Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme includes Warn™ Magnum 10s winch fitted with 27m of synthetic rope, a combination that produces a line pull load capacity of 10,000lbs (4,535kg).

Vehicle Recovery Kit including snatch strap, folding shovel and towbar recovery point.

Upgraded front suspension to help tackle the toughest conditions.

18” Goodyear wrangler all terrain tyres to ensure you maintain grip in those sticky situations.

Heavy duty bash plate gives you added protection, and added looks with an extended black sportsbar, rear steel step with towing package. and roof tray.

With Apple CarPlay® and Android® Auto phone projection technology and a 8-inch* colour touchscreen, the Colorado keeps you connected on the move.

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that 5 Year Warranty now comes standard across the range and scheduled servicing guaranteed at an affordable rate – so you’ll always know the cost.

HSV Colorado SportsCat Plus A standout in the 4x4 field, the new SportsCat+ has it over the competition in more ways than one. Increased rideheigh, a distinctive ‘bonnet bulge’, unique outer and upper grilles, striking wheel arch fender flares and a ‘splash tray’ create a look that is muscular and aggressive. HSV Sports suspension helps deliver outstanding front-end support with less body roll and more accurate transient response.

In addition to the increased spring rate, front ride height has been lifted by 25mm.

Both SportsCat models are powered by a 2.8 litre double overhead cam 4-cylinder common-rail injection Duramax Turbo Diesel engine that offers 147kW of power and up to 500Nm of torque when specified with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

For more info contact Joel Mullins at Motorama Holden Springwood on 3884 94444 or 0410 062 611 or email joel.mullins@motorama.com.au

CLUB

Chevrolet Silverado

CLUB HSV Colorado SportsCat Plus

Holden Colorado Z71 Xtreme

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DISCOVER MORE

The Integrity 380 Sedan represents the evolution of a tried and tested motor yacht with style, safety, comfort and reliability at its core. Wide walk-around side decks and high hand rails ensure safety in all conditions and step on-step off access means simple docking. The spacious cockpit with wrap-around seating and table is the ultimate entertainerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight, with seamless flow-through to a fully appointed aft galley and saloon. Below decks are two cabins and separate bathroom.

The 380 Sedan sleeps 6 and is equally suited as a weekender or adventurous long-range cruiser. Discover more today.

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE 380 SEDAN TODAY

www.integrityboats.com.au

CALL US TODAY ON 1300 798 735 TO BOOK YOUR PERSONAL INSPECTION OR TEST DRIVE AND DISCOVER MORE WITH INTEGRITY 110

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Quality Pre-owned Multihulls

FOR SALE 2015 FP Helia 44 -“HI” $799,000 AUD Lying: Whitsundays, QLD

2016 FP Lucia 40 -“One Day More” $719,000 AUD Lying: Mooloolaba, QLD

2005 Grainger G Series - “Manx” $249,800 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

ITAC 54 Power - Demonstrator $1,190,000 USD Lying: Phuket, Thailand

2012 Easy 43 - “X Ta Sea” $339,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2007 Morelli & Melvin 52 - “Kiapa” $795,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2005 Leopard 47 - “Atlas” $289,000 USD Lying: Phuket, Thailand

2000 Crowther Explorer 40 “Auspicious” $245,000 AUD Lying: Darwin, NT

2004 Lagoon 380 -“L’ile du Papillon” 170,000 EUR Lying: Tahiti

2006 FP Lavezzi 40 -“On Y Va” $345,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2010 FP Orana 44 -“Sanganeb II” 299,000 EUR Lying: Indonesia

2005 Lagoon 410 S2 -“Manatao” 175,000 EUR Lying: Tahiti

2012 Outremer 5X - “Moana” 1,190,000 EUR Lying: Tahiti

2009 Andaman Cabriolet 38 - “Nina” $145,000 USD Lying: Phuket, Thailand

2010 Peter Snell Sarah 12m -“Oasis” $239,000 AUD Lying: Gold Coast, QLD

2008 FP Cumberland 46 - “Kost U Moet” $695,000 AUD Lying: Perth, WA

C O N TA C T U S MOOLOOLABA Sales Centre 33 - 45 Parkyn Parade Mooloolaba, QLD, 4557 Tollfree: 1300 855 338P Ph: +61 (0)7 5452 5164 info@multihullsolutions.com.au

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

SAIL | POWER

GOLD COAST Sales Centre

The Boat Works Building J, Office 1A 1 The Boat Works Drive Coomera, QLD, 4209 Ph: +61 (0)7 5665 9148 info@multihullsolutions.com.au

www.multihullsolutions.com.au NEW | PRE-OWNED

ASIA | PACIFIC

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WE’VE GOT EVERY ANGLER COVERED

Cast an expert eye across all the latest for offshore sport fishing, as well as tinnies, centre consoles, walk-arounds and cabin cruisers - suited to coastal, inshore, freshwater and estuary fishing adventures.

There’s inspiration aplenty, with industry-leading manufacturers previewing the very latest in outboard engines, marine technology, gear, gadgets and hundreds of fishing and trailer boats on show.

For the thrill of the catch, there’s no better place to whet your appetite before you wet a line.

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