BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2017

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU | NOV-JAN 2017

FREE MAGAZINE

FUN GUIDE Paul Burt’s

Fishing Road Trip

LEARN to WAKEBOARD

BUYING TIPS NAUTICAL QUIZ

BOAT GOLD COAST

Editor’s Note

W

hat does this summer have in store for the Gold Coast? As always, it is aplenty! The waterways are amazing. The (almost) consistently blue and sunny skies are spectacular. The list of diverse offerings for locals and visitors, free or otherwise, is long and varied.

So there should really be nothing to stop anyone from going out on the water and soaking up nature in a city that has it all. But while throwing caution to the wind is a tempting attitude to take - after all, summer is all about fun - it is wise to heed advice to be out of harm’s way.

Preparing your boat for many trips and adventures this season is like stretching your body upon waking up after a long sleep, making sure that all the bits and pieces are still working well. In this edition, we have a number of tips and advice to guide you in preparing and planning for this summer’s boating adventure.

While the goal is to have fun, fun, fun, remember that you too have obligations to keep your vessels seaworthy, to be mindful of basic boating safety rules, and to be responsible boaties and fishers (that is, know the latest laws!).

This summer edition is packed with lists and lists of things to do.

Whether you’re into fishing, camping, sailing, gadgets, and even nautical trivia, there are pages here for your enjoyment.

Are we not lucky to live here? We should be grateful for what the Gold Coast is - a very liveable city with assorted offerings for people who love the water, and for weather that is (almost) always holiday-perfect!

Have a safe summer of boating!

Roselle

editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

Our Crew

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Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

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DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

ADVERTISE

Richard Newman

richard@boatgoldcoast.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS Marcel Priest, Ian Anderson, Paul Burt, Narayan Pattison, Luke Rafton, Captain Michael Paddison, Courtney Angus, Cobe France, Kelly Campbell, Kelsey Love, Dylan Kuipersmith, Paul Dinniss, Ray McMahon, Lyndell James, David Harvey, Evan Johnston, Derek Ellard, Phil Short, Captain John Kavanagh, Woody Zen, Alfie Pardoe.

COVER PHOTO (and this photo) The Chaparral 243 Vortex VRX, a dedicated watersports platform that includes a tower and Bimini, along with a high tow point for wake boarding.

Connect with us BoatGoldCoast

Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast P.O. Box 7441, Gold Coast MC 9726 info@boatgoldcoast.com.au (07) 5679 0833 Subscribe to our newsletter at boatgoldcoast.com.au/subscribe and go into the draw to win our regular monthly prize giveaways.

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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Gold Coast is a free quarterly publication, distributing around the Gold Coast from Jacob’s Well to Tweed River region. We encourage contributions from the Gold Coast community that support the Gold Coast boating industry, and promote the fun, safe and sustainable use of the Gold Coast waterways. We are an independent publication, with no political or social alliances to any office, group or association. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the contributors, and not of the publisher or editor.

Boat Gold Coast prints 10,000 copies per issue. We encourage recycling.

Please pass this on to others, repurpose, or place in the recycling bin.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 8 The Visiting Boatie 22 Fishing Road Trip 24 Marlin Fishing 26 Fishing Guide 29 Boat Buying Guide 30 Trailer Tow & Launch 32 Boat Health Check 34 Learn to Wakeboard 36 Wake Champ: Cobe 37 IRB Competition 38 Camp Sth Straddie 42 World Boat Delivery 44 Sailability Local Stories

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GOLD COAST SAILING WINNERS 48 Liveaboard: Wild Goose 54 Boating Bucket List 60 Shaggers’ Rendezvous 62 Gold Coast Shipwrecks 66 Secret 33 Boat Builder 67 Marine Pollution Laws 68 Nautical Quiz 70 Jet Ski Review 72 Recipe: Steamed Squid 74 Summer Wine List 76 Hot Gadgets

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BOAT GUIDE FEATURE

The Visiti ng Boatie An introduction to nautical /boating tourism on the Gold Coast

By Roselle Tenefrancia

Photo: sunrisesailingcharters.com.au

F

amous as an international and domestic tourism destination, the Gold Coast is a hub of tourist activities that range from surfing, shopping, family recreation, sports, fishing, parties, events, water sports, dining, boating and sailing, bushwalking, swimming, adventure, wildlife - the list goes on!

There are several subsets of tourism that exist on the Gold Coast, and one significant one is nautical or boating tourism. Although it is not a very popular concept in Australia, it has a great potential to be a driving force for the city’s tourism sector.

What is nautical or boating tourism?

As there are varied interpretations and definitions of tourism, there are also a myriad of concepts that are related to nautical tourism. Boating tourism, waterbased tourism, marine tourism are three of the more common and more directly related concepts.

It is too restricting to define the concept of nautical tourism by placing exclusive focus on boating, yachting or sailing as the main objective or means of transport for the visit. Other activities, such as fishing, diving, watersports or transport, may also require the use of boats or water-borne vessels to complete the experience. Attending a watersports event can also be part of the definition of boating tourism, such as coming to watch a sailing regatta or boat race event, even if the visitor does not actually take part in the sport, as suggested in a book edited

by Gayle Jennings, entitled Water-Based Tourism, Sport, Leisure, and Recreation Experiences (2007).

The same can be said when hiring a vessel (such as a water taxi or a resort ferry) as transport to visit an island or a water-based destination.

The broad nature of this subset of tourism is also faced with increasing diversity and growth. “As different types of vessels are invented, marketed and utilized, we are seeing an increasingly diverse range of offerings available in the nautical recreation realm,” explains Professor Mark Orams, co-chair of the International Coastal and Marine Tourism Society at the Auckland University of Technology.

He cites examples that include SUP versions that facilitate touring and overnight coastal exploration, semi-submersible and submersible watercrafts, amphibious vehicles that facilitate both water-borne and land-based travel, and a wide range of boats (powered, sail, and combinations of both) from twometre dinghies to 100-metre superyachts.

To simplify, we can incorporate the concept of nautical tourism into the broader concept of boating tourism.

Boating tourism can then be defined as a subset of tourism that involves active boating, sailing or yachting, or use of any water-based vessel (except surfing), whether as the main objective or as a mode of transport for the visit, or as a means to complete an experience relating to water-based activities for sports, recreation or entertainment, for short-term (day trip) or long-term (overnight to several days, weeks or months).

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What does the Gold Coast offer?

With 260 kilometres of navigable waters that include the Broadwater and the extensive canal systems and 57 kilometres of coastline, the Gold Coast is a natural destination for boating. “The city’s natural beauty combined with worldclass marinas, events, shopping and dining provide a strong platform for water-based tourism,” states Councillor Tom Tate, mayor of the Gold Coast. “Each year, the Gold Coast attracts millions of visitors to enjoy our lifestyle and experiences, many of whom are attracted to recreational boating, whale-watching, fishing and many other water-based activities.

Under the Gold Coast Destination Tourism Management Plan 2014-2020, beaches and waterways are identified as a hero experience - an experience that sets the city apart from its competitors and a core driver for visitation.”

The Broadwater, rivers and creeks of the Gold Coast are host to various water activities. On the Broadwater alone, tour operators offer diverse water activities that range from jet ski tours, jet boat rides, jetpack flyboard adventures, fishing boat charters, houseboat and party boat hires, to parasailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, kayaking, sailing and boat tours. The Coomera and Nerang rivers also play host to wakeboarding and waterskiing activities.

Dragonboating, paddling and rowing are also popular activities on rivers and creeks.

The Gold Coast waterways have played host to several water-based events, such as power boat races, regattas, rowing races, wakeboarding and waterskiing competitions, as well as major entertainment events (such as the Glow and Bleach festivals), and the annual international boat shows.

The many marinas and boat yards and other boatrelated businesses available on the Gold Coast offer the boating tourism industry a plethora of amenities. While the marinas present a “home” for the visiting boats, other boat-related businesses extend major services to the vessels of the tour operators, as well as sale of vessels for use in the tourism operations.

The myriad of other land-based destinations and offerings on the Gold Coast extends and expands the boating tourist’s experience. The City Council allow access to public jetties and pontoons for loading and unloading of passengers by commercial operators, allowing land-based visitors to enjoy a boating experience. “Outlined in the Destination Tourism Management Plan is a key action to invest in waterways infrastructure (staging and connecting precincts) to create a network of activity hubs or nodes. The sustainable development of this infrastructure will provide greater opportunity for water-based tourism product development,” declares Cr Tom Tate.

Advantages of boating tourism

The economic advantages of tourism for a locality cannot be overstated. With a fast-growing global tourism market, the financial benefits of promoting tourism are substantial. However, the income from tour operators is only one aspect of the tourism economy.

In a European definition of maritime tourism, it “covers tourism that is largely water-based rather than landbased, but includes the operation of landside facilities, manufacturing of equipment, and services necessary for this segment of tourism”. The inclusion of the landside facilities and manufacturing and services sectors in the definition suggests that the potential for growth in economic activity is significant.

“The demand for nautical tourism products and experiences drives a large range of industries, economic activity, and employment,” explains Professor Orams. “This is particularly the case for the Gold Coast where coastal and marine tourism attractions form the basis of the tourism industry and the lifestyle of the region. From boats design and manufacturing, to property developments focused on delivering access to coastal and marine recreation— the growth in nautical tourism has been a major catalyst for the growth of the Gold Coast region.”

He further cites other benefits. “The primary motivation for nautical recreation and tourism is related to people’s enjoyment of water-based (marine and fresh) leisure. Much of the immigration to South East Queensland and the Gold Coast is driven by images of a coastal, seaside and marine lifestyle. Combined with the climate, such imagery is seductive and has driven much of the movement of people to the area providing the main catalyst for growth. Nautical tourism and its promotion have contributed to this reputation and growth.”

Highlighting natural and wildlife resources is also an advantage of nautical tourism. This goes hand in hand with the heightened awareness of the environment and the need to protect it. “Increasing numbers of people utilising the sea for nautical recreation has placed an increased value of the use of the resources for these purposes,” Professor Orams expounds.

“As a consequence, recreational uses of areas have been factored into resource management decisions and, in some cases, have stopped more destructive alternative uses of those resources (eg. sand mining, dumping of waste, land reclamation). An important factor in the designation of the Moreton Bay Marine Park and other protection of local natural resources (eg. South Stradbroke Island) has been because of their value as recreational resources. Nautical tourism is one of these significant recreational uses. Boaties (most) love high quality marine ecosystems and are prepared to advocate for their protection.”

Additional advantages include benefits to the community as well as opening opportunities for visitor experience. Rob Mundle OAM, Southport Yacht Club Past Commodore, lists some specific advantages not NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT FEATURE

Boating touris ts

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only for the Southport Yacht Club but also for the rest of the Gold Coast community. “The advantages of nautical tourism include financial support for the Club and the local community, the opportunity to profile the appeal of the Gold Coast to the wider market via the experiences the visitor enjoys, and the widest possible market appeal from superyachts to all types of sail and powerboats, plus tinnies, jet skis and kayaks.” The Club hosts numerous annual powerboat and sailing events. It is also the only club on the Gold Coast that manages a marina, runs boatyard facilities, and offers dining, conference and events services.

Challenges of boating tourism

While the benefits of boating tourism are plenty and obvious, the challenges this particular sector face are equally great, and many are “hidden” or are seen more as challenges for the local marine industry or local boaties.

For instance, the Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM) cites future development for the Broadwater and the Spit as a number one challenge for local boaties and businesses. “Ensuring that the local and state authorities are putting the priority on the future planning of the Spit and the Broadwater is essential,” states Kym Fleet, business development manager at GCCM. The GCCM have been very vocal about developing policies, programs and infrastructure that encourage more and bigger boats to visit the Gold Coast. “The Gold Coast is losing business to ports further north,” Kym Fleet explains. “A Port of Clearance station at the Spit would allow international visitors to enter Australia on the Gold Coast and subsequently be looked after by the Gold Coast businesses. We also need to relax the laws for internationally flagged vessels. Currently, these vessels (including superyachts) have a massive barrier to make the trip to Australia.”

The seeming “endless” list of requirements for commercial boat registration compliance, and the costs that accompany them, have hindered many local small-scale operators from offering alternative boating tour products. The mass tourism market has been the focus of many operators, relegating the niche tourism market as a less viable option.

While most of the boating industry’s concerns focus more on economic development, other challenges faced by the boating tourism sector go beyond economic benefits. Professor Orams cites challenges for the city relevant to the marine resources, boating safety, and social impact. He lists the following: degradation of marine resources; crowding and social carrying capacity; increase in accidents on the water as a consequence of diminishing focus on fundamental navigation skills, and water and boating safety practices; and, increasing costs and exclusivity in use of resources, as a consequence of a limited supply of high quality marine destinations and a higher demand for nautical tourism experiences.

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Monitoring boating tourism activities also poses a challenge. For many Gold Coast visitors, a day trip on a hired vessel for fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, river cruise, watersports, jet skiing or island visit is a popular choice. These common activities are monitored for tourism statistics, and are commonly referred to as part of boating or waterbased tourism. The other boating activities less highlighted but of equal importance are: (1) visiting the Gold Coast by boat, and (2) using the boat as accommodation for the duration of the visit, both of which clearly fall under the category of nautical tourism. Although these two activities are offered on the Gold Coast, there are no readily available data that show the number of visitor arrivals by boat or yacht (whether owned or chartered, or self-driven or skippered) or visitor accommodations in boats or yachts (bareboat or skippered).

On the one hand, visiting boaties whose main objective is to enjoy the tourist amenities of the city and general visitors who engage in boat-related activities are clearly considered boating tourists.

On the other hand, what about boaties whose main objective is to have the boats serviced at a particular boat yard or marina in the city? Are they considered boating tourists for purposes of the definition?

Marinas and boatyards can provide data on the number of visiting boats they have serviced within a given period, but are these reported as tourism arrivals? This is a major challenge for tourism bodies to determine quantity and quality of experiences related to nautical or boating tourism.

What can be done in the future?

There is no question that the Gold Coast is indeed a boating tourism destination. The challenges listed in this article are by no means exclusive or exhaustive, so we can expect that other matters may arise as new tourism concepts, activities and destinations are developed.

However, in the process of planning and infrastructure development for a sustainable boating tourism industry, the key stakeholders in the tourism and the boating industries may consider the following suggestions by Professor Orams: 1. Protect the quality of the resource! Without healthy, resilient marine ecosystems, the nautical tourism industry cannot survive. Nautical tourism stakeholders should be among the strongest marine conservation advocates.

2. Ensure that local boating opportunities are given equal weight in decisions on utilisation of boating resources. Locals’ rights to access and to enjoy their recreation in their own home must be protected.

3. Ensure that visitors are appropriately educated about local expectations in terms of boating behaviour, disposal of waste, behaviour around wildlife, respect for local resources, people and other uses of popular areas (surf-breaks, dive

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sites, fishing spots, anchorages), including watersafety practices. When a visitor gets in trouble, it is the locals who have to risk their own safety to rescue them.

4.

Create a system whereby visitors make a contribution to the costs of maintaining the facilities and resources that they use. For example, an [environmental fee] that can be used to help meet the costs of important services, such as the provision of waste-water pump-out stations and the subsequent treatment of that water, the provision of boat ramps, mooring buoys and campsites, the management of Moreton Bay Marine Park, and protection initiatives for beaches, bays and endangered wildlife.

5. Ensure that local commercial operators who serve the nautical tourism industry have an association that encourage best practices, and inform, educate, advocate for a strong, sustainable and responsible industry, whose role is more than maximising profit but rather to promote, protect and enhance the special marine environment that surround the Gold Coast region.

Gold Coast stakeholders can also follow the examples of other boating tourism destinations with programs that have proven sustainable. One of these is the “Sydney Harbour Destinations Plan” launched in 2013, where participating marinas offer temporary berthing or moorings, and access to marina facilities for the visitors. Policies that promote safety for all waterways users, such as no-go zones for PWCs and banning of irregular driving of watercraft, are also in place on Sydney Harbour.

Future land and property development planning should also include boating tourism implications (as well as coastal and other water-based tourism) for the city. Currently, proposals for developments on the Broadwater and the Spit have been highly contentious, and have created conflicting attitudes towards the management of resources. Future activities or businesses may be regulated in a manner similar to the “Noosa River Plan” and the “Guidelines for the Establishment of New Businesses on the Noosa River”. Using an inclusive approach in planning may mitigate, if not avoid, conflict.

A visiting boatie or a general tourist who decides to have a boating experience on the Gold Coast is more likely to have a better experience at destinations where the locals promote and protect a clean, safe and healthy natural environment for boating, while having a reasonably convenient access to land-based amenities and public transport that enhance the visiting experience. If stakeholders maintain a broad perspective and a mindset that considers the needs of the local community, local industries and the natural environment as priorities in developing tourism policies, programs and infrastructure, then the Gold Coast can become a truly sustainable boating tourism destination - without money and egos getting in the way.

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BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

CONVOY CRUISING NORTH

PHOTO BY RIVIERA. INTERVIEW WITH BEN CRAWLEY.

Photographic perfection does not come easily.

It is no surprise that a heap of shots were taken to achieve this awesome photograph.

Hamilton Island, during the annual R Marine Crawley Whitsundays Experience in July 2016.

These ten yachts were travelling in convoy for the 630-nautical mile journey from the Gold Coast to the Whitsundays, taking in such iconic places as Wide Bay Bar, Kingfisher Resort, Lady Musgrave Island, Lady Percy Island and

About the R M arine Crawley Whit sundays E xp erience The yachts visit all the popular places, and many more that are not so well known. The passangers enjoy the beautiful turquoise

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There was a period of approximately 30 minutes when the fix wing plane was circling above taking photos of the yachts. The most difficult aspect of taking this photo was getting everyone in alignment. The convoy used VHF radio channel for communications and boat call signs. The captains were required to mirror the speed of the boats beside them (which was 22 knots). The fleet commander, Ben Crawley, gave all captains very strict instructions, “Be safe and keep next to the boat beside you.�

waters, calm cruising conditions and secluded anchorages as they head north in their luxury motor yachts. While many explore the myriad, kaleidoscopic diving destinations and bountiful, teeming fishing grounds, they often go ashore, on beautiful white sandy beaches, taking in views of stunning mountain scenery, and lush sub-tropical rainforests. The exhilaration and fun of cruising in company of fellow Riviera Family members are a major part of the overall experience.

The participants of the 2016 Whitsundays Experience raised $7,500 in charitable donations to support the charity group Sands (a miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death charity in Australia).

The Homeward Bound Experience will be organised in December 2016 for the yachts returning from the Whitsundays to the Gold Coast.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

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BOAT GOLD COAST

DINING BY THE RIVER AT QUARTERDECK With a peaceful Coomera River outlook and views of luxury superyachts, this hidden gem is certainly worth discovering.

The attentive staff at Quarterdeck will have you at hello! The crew always appear to be smiling, probably because there is plenty to smile about.

This little gem is earning rave reviews from diners in the northern Gold Coast region, and was recently named one of the Gold Coast’s top restaurants with water views by Metropolist.

Quarterdeck Kitchen & Bar opened in the administration building at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard at the end of 2015. The new management, and a décor and menu overhaul saw them hit the ground running. There has since been no turning back.

There is a delightful seasonal breakfast and lunch menu, the latter including a most delectable crab BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

and avocado sandwich, and the best coconut prawns you can have.

An in-house pastry chef prepares delectable daily treats such as cakes, muesli and muffins.

The homemade salted caramel and chocolate contreau custard donuts are a must-try, and go splendidly well with coffee supplied by Southport’s very own Silipo Coffee roasting house.

Manager Jo Liakatos says Quarterdeck has fast become a favourite with tenants at the marina, families, ladies who lunch and local businessmen and tradies. Some customers choose to arrive by water with free mooring offered to restaurant diners (You must book ahead!).

You do not have to be a boatie to enjoy this place.

There is something soothing about the serenity of breakfast or lunch on the water for everyone.

Highlight: Amazing views, outstanding service and the coconut prawns!

Admin Building Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera Opening Hours: 7am-3pm 7 Days For table and mooring bookings, call (07) 5529 7127.

QUARTERDECK KITCHEN & BAR PROVIDE CATERING AND FUNCTIONS SERVICES.

With stress-free, quality catering for all tastes, from delicious boardroom bites to mouth-watering canapés and decadent dessert treats station, it is perfect for corporate or private events and celebrations.

For functions, Quarterdeck can seat 55 people, and can host 100 people for cocktails.

Corporate functions, celebratory events or simple get-togethers can all be accommodated in a beautiful setting with 180-degree views of glamorous superyachts and the beautiful Coomera River.

Quarterdeck’s friendly team can provide beverage and catering options for all budgets.

E jo@quarterdeckkitchen.com.au P (07) 5529 7127

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BOAT GOLD COAST

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very first set of Aqualuma ThruHull housings fitted to a boat in early 2005 are still in service today (11 years on) and have had the internal light engines upgraded to the latest technology without the need to slip the boat.

Specializing in LED lighting since 2004, Aqualuma has an unparalleled name for quality and durability in the marine industry around the world and is widely recognized as the world’s leading underwater light manufacturer.

Established on the Gold Coast, the company has gone from strength to strength and has a focus on old-fashioned customer service backed up by a high-quality Australian-made product range. The products are available in more than 50 counties through a vast dealer network.

Aqualuma continues to innovate expanding the product range in both the marine, commercial and industrial LED lighting sectors of the business with world leading products and an amazing >150 Lumens per Watt.

The commercial and industrial lighting range is worthy of a serious look. This range not only has the design and build-quality Aqualuma is renowned for, but can actually save 10s of thousands of dollars in the commercial and industrial world. With a high bay replacement, commercial down light and LED Panel lights, this has grown into a comprehensive range and now covers multiple applications.

Designed for warehouses, factories, manufacturing plants, high-rises, hotels and office lighting, the Highbay range comes with a 7-year warranty and is a true commercial warranty based on 24-hour-7-day operation.

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NOV - JAN 2017

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Cast away your worries

Gone in

! s d n o c e s 0 8 1

“It was all ablaze and we were off in just three minutes,” was how Noel Elliott described the scene you see here. “The most horrendous thing is how quickly all the wiring burns. You’re encased in the stuff, so it’s a bit like being in a single garage with wires in all the roof and wall cavities, as well as the floor. Everything explodes and burns instantaneously.”

Now to put it all into perspective, Elliott is one level-headed chap. He was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal New Zealand Navy and a clearance diver by trade. So when he says, “… It was terrifying, so, so quick and virtually impossible to put out”, you are sort of obliged to pay attention.

Elliott has been kind enough to recount his experiences for us. “I used five dry powder extinguishers. All you get are facefuls of powder and toxic fumes. You cannot see or breathe, and the powder comes back at you with interest. You only get the one chance to stop a fire aboard, so you must do it within about 30 seconds. Otherwise, it is time to clear out. Powder extinguishers are hopeless in an engine room and I now have automatic foam installed,” said Elliott.

“It all started at 0950hrs on Boxing Day, and I wanted to watch the start of the Hobart. So I put the TV on, switched to both banks and that is when it happened,” explained Elliott.

A major short circuit had occurred when a cell in one of the deep cycle batteries had collapsed and instantaneously, the whole system was on drain.

“As soon as I saw smoke from the battery isolator I tried to go back to on or off, but it had fused inside by that time and was rendered useless. I heard crackling, came out of wheelhouse, lifted the lid on the hold, and used two extinguishers. The deckhead and bulkheads were all smoking, and I used another extinguisher on what I could see. I then went back down into the engine room and sprayed yet another.

“From there I went back to the wheelhouse, fell into the engine room in the black smoke that was already billowing furiously and crawled aft along the deck, throwing the fuel isolators on and grabbing the mobile as I went. My dog, Tosh, was on the marlin platform already and he then jumped in the tinnie.” www.hqhh.de 06/2016

Interestingly, only a few weeks earlier, Elliott had installed a Stainless Steel 4WD style grab hook on the transom to hold the painter to the dinghy. “I reckon that if I had to actually untie the tender, then I would have been right in amongst that explosion,” recounted Elliott.

GER14250

“You know there is always a silver lining and, thank God, mine came in the form of the team at Pantaenius. They were just bloody brilliant! My previous insurer said they would not be covering anyone in Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach anymore. Pantaenius were happy to insure me on a swing mooring (after survey) and we’re all covered except for a named storm,” espoused Elliott.

“Their rates are not high, and their service is exceptional. I rang them that afternoon and got a call later. Things moved so quickly, I really could not fault them in any shape or form. I’m telling everyone, because it was such a great experience after the most horrendous disaster.”

Pantaenius appointed a surveyor within 24 hours at their cost. They then provided an independent report within days of the incident, so that settlement could also be reached within a few days.

Pantaenius Australia provide sail and motor yacht insurance.

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

15

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BOAT GOLD COAST

a quiet REVOLUTION hile all the attention in the marine industry W generally goes to all the shiny new boats and motors that get launched and remodelled every year, there is one product that has been quietly starting a revolution. It is not fast; in fact, it generally doesn’t move at all, and is not sexy-looking. You hardly even notice it, but it will save you thousands of dollars a year in the running costs of your boat. What is it?

IT IS A FAB DOCK. It is the very latest in dry docking technology. The Australian/New Zealand team that developed it spent the past six years perfecting it. And what a job they have done! Not only have they solved all the problems associated with previous systems. But they have been able to bring it to market for about half the price of current alternatives.

whether you are new to boating, or your partner is getting sick and tired of leaping from the boat and then getting yelled at for tying the wrong rope to the wrong bollard, then it is time that you had a look at how easy a FAB Dock will make this normally stressful event.

With FAB Docks already in eight countries and hundreds of them in the water all around Australia, the word has already gotten out there on just how cost effective this revolutionary system is.

Even though FAB Docks can be built to cater for boats up to 100 feet, the owners of the company are very excited to have recently launched their Universal Range, which caters for most monohull boats up to 29 feet. This means that the FAB Dock price range now starts at just $6990, with the most popular size being boats between 25 and 29 feet, which costs $9990.

For further information, check out the company’s website at www.FABDock.com

With the rapid improvement in materials over the past decade, a 12-volt inflatable dry docking system will quickly banish the old-style hard plastic systems to the way of the dodo bird and typewriter. A FAB Dock is easily installed, easy to move, easy to use, and easy to maintain. As it runs off the 12-volt power from your boat, there are no running costs.

As well as the obvious economic and performance benefits of keeping your boat in your own personal dry docking system, a FAB Dock will help you berth your boat, first time, every time, single-handed. So

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NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

AN INTERIM OF ENERGY AT RUNAWAY BAY MARINA hile the forecast for Runaway Bay Marina is for major growth over the W next ten years, the iconic marine facility is focusing its energy on the ground as it continues to deliver the Gold Coast’s most enviable location at competitive pricing.

With council planning approval gained in December 2015 for a multi-million dollar development by site owner Caspex Properties Australia, the marina, shipyard, and commercial retail space have been operating in the shadow of the proposed development to the detriment of the local business that has been in operation since the 1970s.

“It’s important for the public to know that Runaway Bay Marina is here to stay,” says Michael Grundy, operations manager, who has witnessed 16 years of this history during his time.

“We have a long-term commitment to the business, which, in the past, has been overshadowed by the energy and uncertainty surrounding the development approvals,” says Michael. “It’s my understanding that there is no rush to break ground here. The current focus is on changes and improvements to elevate the existing offer for the current and potential new clients.”

time here on the ground ranging from 9 years, 10 years, 12 years, to 16 years like myself. We all know what we are talking about and when people make enquires we always give them the right advice.”

And it is a team committed to delivering a quality experience on a daily basis as well as taking the business into the next phase.

Renowned for its original innovations - being the first marina in the Southern Hemisphere to introduce dry stack storage for boats - Runaway Bay Marina’s more recent advances as a marine brokerage hub and 197 premium wet berths continue to set it apart from competitors, but none more so than its location.

“We tick all the boxes,” says Michael. “It’s a well-protected marina basin without the wind and tidal issues that make berthing difficult. We’re easy to get to by land, and on water. There’s no better access to both the Seaway and popular Broadwater destinations.”

A key component of site tenancy includes seven brokerage houses with brands onsite, including names like Riviera, Grady White, and Hatteras that position the marina as the largest marine brokerage hub on the Gold Coast.

“We already have a great offering that we will continue to deliver today, tomorrow, and into the future,” says Michael. “However, there are things we are taking action right now to improve that offering, like new concrete hardstand, the recent acquisition of a commercial sweeper, and signage and site renovations.”

“At any given time, there would be 100-150 boats up for sale here, both dry and on water. It’s a bonus for anyone who is looking to buy a boat,” says Michael.

“Rather than driving around to several different locations, potential buyers can come to one place and view a lot of different options.

“Everything that’s here now - the marina, the brokerages, our diverse commercial tenants, and the bar, restaurants and cafes - will only improve,” says Michael.

“Ultimately, we want our customers to take full advantage of what is happening here on the ground, as they are an integral part of this new energy. We look forward to welcoming them.”

Michael’s wealth of knowledge and experience both on the water and on land is impressive. Yet, it is not unique among his team. “We have a fantastic team.

They’re all passionate about boating. They are friendly, professional, and full of knowledge,” says Michael. “Most of our staff have been here long term with

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More information on the current services and offering at Runaway Bay Marina can be found at runawaybaymarina.com.au or call the friendly team on (07) 5577 1400.

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21

BOAT ANGLER

SUMMER ROAD TRIP

AMITY TO TWEED w it h P a u l B u rt This summer, planning a perfect road trip is in everyone’s mustdo list. For fishers, the perfect road trip always entails the goal of catching fish at every stop. Paul guides us with his summer road trip itinerary, from north to south of the Seaway, for a great Gold Coast fishing voyage. So pack the car, load up your boat, and head away!

AMITY POINT - North Stradbroke Island This once small fishing village is now a thriving tourist destination for people wanting to get away for the day or the weekend. Situated on the northwestern tip of North Stradbroke Island and only an hour to the ferry terminal, the community can be reached by car and boat. A simple but enjoyable one-hour ferry trip across (the sometimes notorious) Moreton Bay from Cleveland to Dunwich, the main town on the island, is all it takes to get to this fisherman’s paradise. From Dunwich, a 30-minute drive will put you in the heart of the Amity Point.

The rock wall that lies along the front of the town were put there back in the mid 1900’s to prevent any erosion caused by strong tidal currents and the prevailing westerly winds the coastline gets in the cooler months. This rock wall houses a variety of marine life, from squid to the general bread-and-butter fish such as bream, whiting and flathead, through to the tasty grassy sweetlip and furious tackle-busting kingfish. The wall is easily accessible for bank anglers, but caution should be taken when stepping on the rocks as they do have a tendency to move a little.

22

SLIPPING SANDS - Jumpinpin This area is situated along the southern end of North Stradbroke Island in the pristine waterway of Canaipa Passage. It is home to a variety of fish life and is only accessible by boat. Sand dunes stretch up to 40 meters into the hillside and provide nonstop entertainment for the kids armed with a piece of cardboard. This area can be the home base for anglers wanting to fish the Pin region. Most spots are found all within a few kilometres of this area.

In the months leading up to winter, bream school up in there thousands along the many mangrove-lined banks that surround these waterways. Kalinga Bank, Tiger Mullet Channel, the southern tip of Short Island, and Whalley’s Gutter are just a few spots that anglers regularly target. Fishing with light tackle on the last of the tides generally produces a catch for the dinner table. Using local baits like yabbies and flesh baits such as strips of mullet fillet always work well.

Although Slipping Sands is sheltered from the blistering winds, most other open fishing spots in the Pin region are exposed to southeasterlies.

Tailor, whiting, mulloway, flathead, trevally, sharks and mangrove jacks are just a few other species regularly targeted in this region.

SOUTHPORT SEAWAY - Southport Broadwater The Seaway is the main entrance for anglers and commercial vessels operating out of the Gold Coast.

The Seaway consists of two break walls stretching more than a kilometre in length from the Southport Broadwater east to the Pacific Ocean. These rock walls are home to a huge variety of marine life, and regularly attract hundreds of anglers on a daily basis.

Anglers and boaties alike take shelter on nearby Wave Break Island for the night where a safe mooring can be found. Further north, the South Currigee Campground is available for long-term or overnight stays. (South Stradbroke Camping, story on P38) Fishing around this neck of the woods is great for all aspects of fishing. One can walk for five minutes across the lower section of South Stradbroke Island from Currigee to the surf where the beaches are

Paul Burt and Jason Hedges don’t always fish out of big boats. This was an old pondgrass 14-footer that had literally no freeboard and they would take the boat 80km out to sea and fish in waters over 3500-feet deep.

pretty well untouched with animal life roaming freely along the white dunes. Fishing the gutters produces a vast variety of fish from large green back tailor, sand whiting, large mulloway, sea bream, dart and flathead.

One can also walk a few kilometres south to the northern break wall of the Southport Seaway. This area often rises to the occasion with quality fish caught. Land-based anglers regularly target large trevally, mulloway, tailor, sea bream, mangrove jacks and tuna, just to name a few. Spinning with metal lures such as Raiders on the run-in tide has produced some of the most memorable catches with large tuna and trevally climbing over each other in the hope of eating your lure. During the summer months, when the bait fish school up along the coastline, this area is one that should be considered as a handy spot, just five minutes from most boat ramps or a quick walk from the water taxi drop off point.

OFFSHORE FISHING – Gold Coast Venturing out to the ocean through one of the five major entrances along the coastline will see you on a reef within no time at all. The first key to successful offshore angling is with live baits. Plenty of local shallow reefs are easily found simply by noticing all the charter boats backing up on the grounds just after you have exited the seaway.

Spots to consider are the local bait reefs and wrecks such as the Aquarius wreck north east of the Seaway, the 12fathom bait ground off the sand pumping jetty, the Scottish Prince wreck, and the Mermaid, Palm Beach and Kirra reefs just to name a few. Bait jigs are a necessity to catch these fish, which generally comprise of yakkas or yellowtail, and slimy mackerel.

Keep them alive in a plumbed bait tank.

The offshore grounds are not hard to find, especially if you have a GPS unit. Most of the local tackle shops are more than happy to help you out with a few spots to get you under way. Reefs off the coast run in a north to south direction, and stretch all the way from Point Lookout off North Stradbroke Island south to the border. The waters off Surfers Paradise house a variety of reefs in depths of 12, 18, 24, 27, NOV - JAN 2017

Nice mangrove jack caught south of the border

Declan Burt with a quality yellowfin tuna he caught while trolling the reefs off Bureligh Headland

36, 42 and 50 fathoms, known as the continental shelf. Other reefs and bombies can be found in different depths, but they are not as massive. A variety of dead baits should also be taken out such as W.A. pilchards, squid, mullet fillets and fresh octopus. Renting fishing charter vessels is one way of fulfilling the dream of heading offshore.

THE SOUTHERN END OF THE GOLD COAST Fishing throughout the creeks and rivers of Tallebudgera, Currumbin and the mighty Tweed offers a vast diversity of fishing for anglers. Fishing the back lakes of these regions produces its fair share of action, especially on light tackle. These myriads of lakes offer a great range of fish life from trevally through to giant herring. These fish are top fighters and put on a show that comes close to that of their distant relatives in the tropics.

The sand flats around the entrances also house plenty of whiting, which are regularly caught during the warmer months and the start of autumn. Whiting are a schooling fish that inhabits the estuaries, and as the cooler months approach, they head out to the beach gutters where they can be caught in good numbers. Utilising our local baits that are found in the area in which you are fishing is the best way of getting a few bites. In this case, beach worms or pippies would be the best to use.

Further south in the Tweed, certain parts along Fingal Wall allow anglers to fish right beside their

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Jason Hedges with Tweed Heads-caught kingy

car, therefore allowing them to set up a picnic and shaded area to sit under. Boats are not a necessity when fishing this river, though it is recommended to hire one just to take in what the mighty Tweed has to offer. Once you get a few kilometres upstream, untouched waterways stretch and wind their way past old townships such as Tumbulgum, a place where time has stopped. This area is so beautiful and full of fish that one can only think back to what the fishing was like in the early 1900’s. Mangrove jacks, school jew, elbow slapping whiting, bream and the tasty flathead are all caught in the holes and channels that lie along this stretch of the river.

The volcanic grounds east of Cook Island and out to the Nine Mile house plenty of action for those anglers after some top action on wahoo (one of the world’s fastest fish), yellowfin tuna and other tuna species, sharks, snapper, mackerel, marlin, amberjacks, kingfish, and many other different species. Live baiting makes a huge difference when fishing the ledges along these reefs. Trolling skirted lures around with a wire trace attached to them, such as Hex Heads, also pay off especially when you are hooked up to a 25-kilo wahoo.

The best time to fish the reefs off Tweed is from January through to May. Different fish regulations and fishing licences apply once you head over the border into New South Wales. These should be adhered to and checked prior to heading out.

Thomas Seeback scored this impressive flathead from Seaway on a live herring

BUDGET PLANNING Short-term trip: For a quick and easy twoday getaway, the cost of getting there is minimal, camping is cheap and food can be taken with you.

Long-term trip: For extended stays, renting a cabin or house should be considered.

This will be your biggest cost, but being comfortable on a long-term getaway is essential. Food can be taken with you or daily meals can be bought from the local pub keeping the cost down. Keep a few pennies aside for anything else you require to suit your own personal needs as this will cost a bit more than it would on a standard two-day getaway.

To start with, two to three days in one of the above locations are enough to let your hair down and escape the bustle of everyday life.

Let us just say it is enough to kick start the engine again on a small budget that will not break your bank. Choose two or more (or all) locations if you have more time (and bigger budget!) for more exciting escapades!

23

BOAT GUIDE ANGLER

HOOKED ON F

rom the brilliant beaches to the bountiful Broadwater, there are many reasons to love the Gold Coast. But one lure you may not be aware of is that its waters are among the best in the world for capturing the elusive blue marlin.

Father-and-son Garry and James Holt have a swag of record catches under their belt, and have fought marlin throughout Australia and across Asia, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Malaysia. But the long and generous marlin season on the Gold Coast led them to choose Paradise Point as their fishing home base.

For Garry Holt, racing is very much a part of his DNA. He owns Eastern Creek Karts, Australia’s biggest kart business, with over 100 hire karts. When he is not racing for work, he is doing it for fun, having an impressive record of four Australian car-racing titles and winning two Bathurst 12 hour races. Garry is also an avid yacht racer. He has competed in more than a dozen Sydney to Hobart yacht races. He was a multiple Australian snow skiing and grass skiing champion, representing Australia in both Europe and United States in the ‘70s.

But if there is one thing he loves more than racing, it is driving the boat for marlin fishing with his son, James, as the angler.

the Gold Coast

Currently a builder by trade, James Holt says he never has any trouble getting the day off work to go fishing because his boss joins them on the boat.

Talk about living the life!

James began fishing at a young age, catching his first marlin when he was just nine years old. He then went on to win scores of Australian titles, especially for striped marlin in Port Stephens in NSW. The record he is most proud of is a 62kg-striped marlin that he caught on just a 2kg line, giving him a ratio of 30:1. However, he knew the size of the marlin he caught in Port Stephens was not big enough to go for the world record he wanted.

This thirst for international titles led the Holt men to look for bigger game in a range of marlin fisheries throughout Cairns, Exmouth and Port Stephens. But the Gold Coast was always their favourite location.

James explains, “I’ve fished all over Australia, and the Gold Coast is the best place because the black marlin fishing is just brilliant, and the blue marlin fishing is world class. You get multiple shots a day, which is massive! It’s pretty much an all-year-round fishing. In any month of the year you can catch a marlin off the Gold Coast.”

Trying to tackle fish as large and aggressive as marlins in a tinnie would be like bringing a water pistol to a gunfight, so the Holts were determined to track down a world-class boat. They found it in French Look III.

By Narayan Pattison

the sting of biting down on a hook can scare them off. That’s the intriguing part. Not many people can do it this way. Marlins are scavengers and they’re very aggressive. So we tease them in with the lure, then we rip it out of their mouths, and they think it’s a fish. They really want that fish and they jump towards us chasing the lure. They’re just a couple of metres behind the boat. That’s when James gets the bait with a hook in it, and I have to get the boat out of gear at just the right time as we throw the bait to the marlin. That’s why they call it ‘switch baiting’.”

Such a challenging method of fishing requires fantastic teamwork. The team needs to be able to react instantly to what the marlin is doing. And this challenge is only intensified because the Holts use very light lines, which are only a thirtieth of the marlin’s weight class. Within seconds of spotting a marlin going for their lures, James sizes up the marlin at a glance and estimates the lightest line he can use to give him the best chance for a record weight ratio.

James sums up his love of the sport. “Marlin are at the top of anglers’ catch lists because of the way they fight. They never fight the same. And on the light line we use, it’s more of a challenge because you can’t wear the fish out. You’re constantly trying to outsmart them. That’s why I love it! It’s the adrenalin rush!”

Specifically built to back-up on marlins at exceptional speeds, French Look III can power along at 17 knots in reverse, making it one of the world’s fastest boats in reverse. While many other boats run into trouble with their cockpits sinking down in reverse, French Look III has no trouble keeping up with the nimble and aggressive marlin.

If there is one thing better than having one worldclass marlin boat, it is having two world-class marlin boats! Garry recently bought his second boat, Chasin Tails, an American craft that was the biggest he could tow, at 4.5 tonnes. With Chasin Tails, he and James can follow the marlin around Australia to ensure they are always there when the fish are biting.

6kg line 157.8kg blue marlin caught on the Gold Coast

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Equipment will only get you so far though. The Holt men credit their success largely to their teamwork and technique. Unlike less experienced marlin anglers who will start off with baited hooks and very heavy-duty lines, the Holts use a complicated bait and switch tactic.

Garry explains how they do it. “We only have two lures out the back. We don’t use any hooks because

8kg line 170.5kg blue marlin caught on the Gold

NOV - JAN 2017

Come on over…

…and create new memories Something very special is happening right now at Couran Cove Island Resort.

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Relax | Recharge | Reconnect | Celebrate We are proud to share this exciting journey with you.

South Stradbroke Island, Gold Coast, Australia | Phone: +61 7 5597 9999 Fax: +61 7 5597 9989 | Reservations@courancove.com.au | CouranCove.com.au BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

25

BOAT GUIDE ANGLER

Summer

fishing guide

F

ishing on the Gold Coast is an all-year-round affair, with many options from rivers, canals, estuaries, creeks, and sand banks to offshore in the vast ocean. As the long summer days heat up, the waters teem with inshore fish such as flathead and offshore ones such as mackerel.

Here is a list of inshore and offshore species, and tips on when, where and how to catch them.

Take this list with you as you prepare your gear and plan your fishing trip before you go out for a day or two. Whether solo fishing or in the company of friends, summer fishing with ice-cold drinks is the best way to soak in the heat.

OFFSHORE

26

By Luke Rafton of Cabbage Tree Point Bait and Tackle

INSHORE

NOV - JAN 2017

PARKER

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PERFECT FOR SUNNY DAYS

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The innovative shape of the hull allows the boat to have superb sea-keeping qualities with rapidly reaching high-planing speeds.

Because the speed is not everything, the Parker 750DC has been equipped with a number of facilities that will make boating even more comfortable and enjoyable, such as a cooker with wash basin, and optional fridge and sea toilet. The private front cabin will comfortably accommodate two people. The open deck area, which includes the helmsman seat, is fitted with a high quality table with seating for seven people.

For water sports enthusiasts, there is a ski-tow hook in the aft section along with good stowage for lines and mooring equipment. In the event of not-so-good weather, there is an optional bimini top mounted on the deck that will provide protection against rain or shine. The stylish interior and excellent quality will please even the most demanding boating enthusiasts.

The Parker 750DC was nominated for Nautic Design Awards Paris 2014 and for the European Powerboat of the Year Award in 2015, and was a finalist in the 2016 International Best of the Boats Awards (BOB). It is the winner of the Polish Boat of the Year 2015.

Overall, the Parker 750DC is an outstanding sports leisure boat of the highest class and quality available for everyone. Demonstration boats are in now in Australia and on-water trials are available on request.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

T

Ian (Boots) Booton...a mate & mentor to many local boaties

assie born with salt water coursing his veins, Ian Booton (or Boots) was well known (some could say infamous) on the Gold Coast waterfront.

His journey from the fashion hub of Melbourne’s Little Collins Street brought him to the Gold Coast where he was head hunted to open one of the first upmarket hair styling salons in Surfers Paradise known as Philip of London in the 1970’s.

Boots was a paradox of the era breaking the belief that all male hairdressers were gay. Boots career varied as did his choice of boats, sail or power - some great, some not so great. If it floated or floundered, Boots would find it to begin his next restoration project.

The sea beckoned once more and Boots bought a 50 foot Schooner which he lived and cruised aboard.

From Humphreys Shipyard at Main Beach to Marine Maintenance Manager for the late Ron DÁlbora at Fishermans Wharf, Mariners Cove, and also seen on the scene at Grumpys Restaurant.

Almost always with a XXXX beer in hand, he should have been the ambassador for the brand.

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Boots was always available to lend a hand, a tool or give advice, even share a funny experience over a few XXXX’s.

His kindly nature saw Boots offering to deliver boats for owners and would not hesitate to go with the wind and weather often for little or no payment.

One log highlight often spoken about was the delivery of Bob Janes (the tyre magnet) vessel to Melbourne.

Recollections of many tall tales of sailing the Whitsundays, fishing, cruising solo when the mood overtook him, Boots knew the Broadwater and Bay alike. He epitomised the Old Man of the Sea. However, Boots was a realist. In remission for over 3 years, his determination, love of boats and trusted soul mate Cath kept him alive and sane.

RIP Bootsy

à à à à à à à

· ·

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GUIDE

BOAT BUYING FOR

BEGINNERS

By Narayan Pattison

Photo by Yamaha Motor Australia

or anyone who is relatively new to boating, getting F your head around all the different boat types and options can be a daunting prospect. To help you sail

through the process as easily as possible, we have put together this brief and handy selection of buying tips.

will frequently be on. An inexperienced boat owner should choose an outboard that is less powerful than those used by experienced drivers.

The choice between a 2-stroke or 4-stroke motor is also important.

Generally, a 4-stroke engine will operate more effectively at slower speeds than a 2-stroke.

PUTTING THE FAMILY FIRST

CHOOSE THE RIGHT DEALER

Heading off to the dealer before you have figured out exactly what you and your family want from the boat will only create headaches later on.

Sit down with your family first and discuss who will be using the boat, where it will be going, and what sort of activities are most important to you. The type of boat you will need for two-person fishing trips is very different to one suited for towing water skiers. Once you have decided the boat’s main purpose and the usual number of passengers, then you will be able to find a boat that your family can enjoy for years to come.

Now that you have the details sorted, the real fun begins. It is shopping time! As well as seeking out the right boat, you also need to pick a good dealer. Ensure your dealer is an Accredited Boat Dealer and then shop around a few dealers, hitting them with the same set of hard questions.

Picking a local dealer is also important so that you can have easy access to support for any issues that crop up down the track.

FINDING THE RIGHT BOAT TYPE The humble tinnie is always a good place to start for beginners. They are very light, which makes them easy to handle, economical to run, and simple to transport and store at home.

For those who want to take more people on their boats and be able to tackle rougher waters, you will want to consider larger boat types.

Runabouts are good all-rounders because the windscreen provides protection for the family, while still allowing for plenty of room in the back for fishing. Bowriders can be another good option for the family if cruising comfort is a priority. However, there is less room for fishing.

And if fishing is your main aim, you may want to consider cabin boats to ensure more shelter from the elements.

SELECTING THE OUTBOARD As usual, keep in mind your boat size and your main boating activities when choosing your outboard. Also, consider the type of water the boat

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ON-WATER TEST For a purchase as important as a new boat, it is critical that you take it for a test drive to see how well its performance suits your needs. Try and take your family or friends who will be using it regularly with you to know how it handles a full crew. And if at all possible, aim to do the test drive on some mildly choppy water rather than calm water.

NEW VS USED The final choice you need to make is whether to buy new or used.

Purchasing a new boat will obviously cost more money, but it will give you the security of a warranty and allow you to pick every detail to ensure it is exactly suited to your needs. On the other hand, used boats will save you money, especially if you are patient enough for the right one to come along. Be wary though, as you may get slugged with unexpected repair costs down the track.

While there are many reliable sources of advice you can refer to when making a decision, it is important to remember that it is you and your family who will use your boat. Ultimately, the boat you purchase should be the boat that meets your expectations and your needs.

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BOAT GUIDE

TRAILER BOAT TOWING & LAUNCHING

By Captain Michael Paddison

Photo by Malibu

HOW TO TOW A TRAILER BOAT First of all, and obviously, you need to ensure your trailer and boat are registered and appropriately insured.

Secondly, It is very important to make full safety inspections and secure your boat for transport before hitting the road.

TRAILER AND VEHICLE CHECKS Before hitching up a trailer, it is necessary to check its maximum load capacity and what weight your vehicle can legally tow. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the vehicle’s towing capacities.

There are a number of safety checks you should make before each trip.

• Make sure the tow vehicle and the trailer are properly connected. Align the hitch and ball, then lower the trailer hitch down over the ball.

• Ensure the latch is closed and the safety pin is inserted properly. Never tow without the safety pin.

• Make sure the safety chains are crossed and attached between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

• Check all lights - brake lights, blinkers and running lights - are working properly.

• Make sure the wheel bearings are properly lubricated to avoid overheating during the drive.

• Check the tyres to be sure they are properly inflated to correct pressure.

• Make sure the towing vehicle is properly maintained. The brakes, tyres, wheel bearings should all be checked for wear and tear and operational soundness. The mirrors should be large enough to give a full view of the rear of the trailer.

BOAT CHECK AND OTHER GEAR Once the trailer and the tow vehicle are checked and determined to be in good working condition, turn your focus on the boat and any gear you will be towing for transport.

Before driving, ensure the following: • Check that the boat is properly secured and seated on the trailer, as unevenness can cause problems with weight distribution.

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• Check that the outboard engine is properly secured for trailering.

• Make sure any gear in the boat is stored or attached securely to avoid blowing away while driving.

• No one should ride in the boat or on the trailer during transport.

• Ensure all doors, hatches, covers and any load or equipment are properly secured.

• Limit the mass of the load carried in the boot or luggage space of the towing vehicle.

When driving while towing the boat, it is necessary to allow greater distance for both overtaking and braking. And when TURNING while towing a trailer, the turn has to be made wider to avoid clipping a curb or other obstructions.

Backing a trailer is also challenge. Many people confuse and turn the wrong way. To solve this problem, here’s a tip: Place your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. When your hand moves left or right, the trailer will go in the same direction.

HOW TO LAUNCH A BOAT Once you arrive at the boat ramp, pull out of the way of ramp traffic and prepare the boat for safe launching. Park the vehicle and trailer in a designated parking area, and conduct the prelaunch checks.

PRE-LAUNCH PREPARATIONS • Install the drain plug (bungs) in the boat. This is very important, so double and triple check to make sure the bungs are in.

• Remove the trailer tie down, straps and engine support.

• Load all of your gear into the boat.

• Disconnect trailer lights from the tow vehicle if you use a portable light board.

• Make sure the winch is properly connected to the bow eye of the boat.

• Leave safety chain connected.

• Prepare mooring lines, fenders and boat hook for immediate use.

THE LAUNCH • Back the trailer slowly down the boat ramp to get the boat into the water.

• Make sure to back down far enough on the ramp towards the water to avoid the boat ‘dropping off’.

• Once the trailer is at the right position, stop the tow vehicle. Make sure to set the parking brake before alighting the vehicle.

• Disengage the holding lock on the winch. With your hand on the winch handle, slowly release the tension on the strap/wire and let the boat slowly slide from the trailer and into the water. If your trailer uses skids instead of rollers, you will need to reverse a slight distance more to ‘help’ the boat get off the trailer.

• Once the boat is completely off the trailer, either beach the boat or tie it to the dock with the bowline.

• Drive your vehicle away from the ramp, and park the vehicle in a designated parking area.

It is helpful to have two people to launch or load the boat. Communication between the vehicle driver and the boat driver at all times during launching procedure will make launching safer.

Ensure that the tow vehicle windows are down and stereos are off to hear each other. If there are multiple ramps at the facility, use hand-signal communication with each other. This will avoid confusion if it becomes too noisy at the ramps.

It is always a good idea to know the condition of the boat ramp before you drive your vehicle and trailer on to it. Check the type of the ramp, whether it is made of concrete, covered in gravel or sand, and determine how steep the ramp inclines. It will help you to safely launch the boat. For example, a slippery ramp can make the trailer and tow vehicle slide further into the water. In coastal areas, the tides may impact a ramp condition.

Although the above tips are based on actual experience, they do not replace professional advice from your local authorities, boat manufacturer and marine service agent. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions that pertain to your specific boat brand and model..

NOV - JAN 2017

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31

BOAT GUIDE

SUMMER BOAT HEALTH CHECKLIST

By Captain Michael Paddison

Photo by Fishing and Leisure Boats

I

f your boat has been sitting around over the winter, it needs extra care before making a comeback for the summer. The proper preparation, cleaning and servicing of your boat will help prevent problems, which could keep you off the water.

It is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instruction manual as every boat has its own requirement.

ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM Drain any old fuel. Fuel that is older than 3 months should be discarded. Then, fill tank with fresh fuel. Don’t fill your tank with fuel that contains more than 10% ethanol (E10) as it will damage your engine.

Inspect the fuel system for sign of leaks or damage.

Check fuel tank for any leaks.

Inspect the fuel line for dry rot, softness, brittleness, cracking and any loose connection.

Make sure the engine exhaust and ventilation systems are all working properly.

Inspect and clean spark plugs. Replace as needed.

Check the impeller for wear and cracking. Also, make sure your thermostat is in good condition.

Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs, and coolant.

Replace engine oil and oil filter if you have a 4-stroke engine.

Drain and replace gear leg oil.

BATTERIES Check the charge level, and recharge as needed.

Clean battery terminals with baking soda solution to remove corrosion.

Clean cables and connection ends, and reconnect.

Check the battery switches to make sure they are functional.

Test all batteries.

Spray terminals with lubricant.

BOAT HULL Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and cracks.

Check rubber seals/gaskets for cracks.

Make sure the drain plugs fit tightly and are securely in place.

Check the transom for the strength.

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ELECTRIC SYSTEM Inspect all electrical components after battery is charged and installed.

Check the bilge circuit, pump and automatic switch.

Check connections for corrosion. Clean and lubricate.

Inspect all wiring for wear and chafe.

Check all lighting including navigation lights/bulbs.

Check radios and GPS working.

PROPELLERS Inspect propellers for dings, indentations, pitting, cracks, and distortion.

Ensure that propellers are securely fastened,

and turn freely.

Damaged propellers can cause unwanted vibration and damage to your drive train.

Check bush is strong and fit with no movement or play. Also check that the bush is not cracked or damaged.

Check and clean backfire flame arrestor.

It is wise to often remove the propeller to ensure no rope or fishing line has been caught between the propeller and prop shaft. Damage can occur to the seal, which will allow water to enter the gear box oil chamber.

BELTS, CABLES AND HOSES Check belts, cables and hoses for cracks, brittleness, swell, or loose clamps.

Belts should fit tightly around pulleys to prevent slipping.

ROPES AND ANCHOR LINES Check ropes and anchor lines for damage and deterioration.

Stow the anchor in so it is secure and will not bounce out of its stored position.

Always have the anchor ‘ready’ for use in case of an emergency.

Although the above tips are based on actual experience, they do not replace professional advice from your boat manufacturer and marine service agent. Always check the owner’s manual for specific instructions that pertain to your specific boat brand and model.

SAFETY GEAR Under Queensland laws, the following safety gear are COMPULSORY to have on board: Life jackets. Check the life jackets for rips or missing parts. Ensure they are in good condition. Make sure that life jackets are enough on board for all potential passengers.

Ensure that individuals have the correct size life jackets for their body weight.

Label/sticker showing where the life jackets are located Fire Extinguisher. Make sure all on board fire extinguishers are the correct size/type for your vessel. Check if fully charged and stow in the proper place. Check expiration date for charge status.

Flare Kits. You need to carry 2-day (smoke) flares and 2-night (flame) flares. Check their expiration dates. Check condition –no rust.

Carry flares in a flare container and pack tightly to avoid movement.

Signaling Device (between sunset and sunrise) Torch with spare batteries/mirror EPIRB If travelling more than 2 nm offshore.

Check expiration date. Check your details are registered with appropriate authorities.

V-sheet. Check condition. Have in handy location on the boat.

There are also some RECOMMENDED safety equipment to be carried on board, so you can meet your General Safety Obligations.

A chart or navigation equipment.

Anchor and chain. Ensure anchor rope is connected to the boat.

Paddle/oars for boat under 6 metres.

Pumping/baling equipment such as a bucket for boats under 5 meters and a bucket, plus a bilge pump.

Drinking water enough for all on board.

Always carry a first aid kit on board.

Giving your boat the routine checks after a few months of hibernation will make a lot of difference to your boating activities. Keeping your boat in tip-top shape and ready for the hot weather will ensure your boating experience will be a safe and happy one.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

With 31 models to choose from, which Chaparral are you?......

CHAPARRAL SSX – STYLE AND ATTITUDE, TWO OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS! R eferred to as the on-water equivalent of a Bentley but with all the hot enhancements you would expect from a Lamborghini, the SSx range from Chaparral starts at 22 feet and goes all the way to a whopping 34 feet. Yes, that’s right - a 34-foot bow rider that comes with accommodation and 860 HP! From bow to stern, the SSx range is the epitome of style and sophistication with the performance and handling of a thoroughbred. The best part is, just like all Chaparrals, they are DNA ready to run in tough salt water conditions and they definitely turn heads on the water with their sleek and sexy lines.

To make the SSx even more interesting, Chaparral has acquired rights to incorporate the Malibu Surf Gate wake surfing system, coupled it to Volvo’s unique forward-facing stern drives, with ballast and the latest Viper surf computer. So, suddenly the Bentley has become an SUV, making it the world’s first saltwater surf boat. The new Surf package is available on the 227 and 257 in the SSx range. And early reports suggest Chaparral have nailed it!

Featuring Malibu Surf Gate

Ssx premium bowriders & surf boats 22-34ft

The home of Chaparral Queensland

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

5665 8400

With 53 years of engineering salt water boats and now holding #1 market share position in several countries worldwide, including the tough U.S market, Chaparral have an enviable reputation for quality, innovation and performance. And it is easy to see why when you experience an SSx first hand, one word describes it - sublime!

For more information on Chaparral SSx range, go to www.chaparralboats.com or call Stefan Boating World on (07) 5665-8400.

27 Waterway Drive Coomera

www.chaparralboats.com

33

BOAT SPORTS

HOW TO WAKEBOARD

Wakeboarders on the rivers of the Gold Coast are becoming a familiar sight. Gold Coaster COURTNEY ANGUS, wakeboard world champion and youth ambassador, gives tips on how to get into this adrenaline-filled watersport.

Interview: Andy Kancachian

W

akeboard season has arrived on the Gold Coast. If you want to learn this watersport that many people are getting hooked on, read on and you will be out on the water in no time!

THE BASICS Correct stance. Before you strap onto your wakeboard, you need to determine the correct stance. The best way to figure out if you are a regular (left) or a goofy (right) foot-forward is to think about how you would ride a scooter or skateboard. The foot you push with and the foot you put forward will be the same when setting up your feet on your wakeboard. The bindings should be set up the same way for beginners and pros. Very slightly angle your toes out evenly and set bindings the same distance from the nose and from the tail of the board. A narrow or wide stance depends on the rider’s preference.

On-the-ground training is very important!

Learning the right positions and techniques before getting in the water gives a beginner a huge advantage! Sit on the ground with your feet planted in front of you with your knees bent up to your chest. Have your partner stand in front of you with a rope and handle. Hold the handle with two hands, and straight arms. As your partner gently pulls you up, do not resist. Reach forward, and move your weight over your feet into a squat position (the frog position). Stand up slowly from the frog position, and move the handle down towards your leading hip.

Turning. It is all about the weight distribution from your toes to your heels, coordinated with your handle position, similar to snowboarding and skateboarding. Put weight on your toes and pull the handle towards your “back pocket.”

Then put weight on your heels, and slowly let the handle move away from your body. Never pull the handle towards your chest. It may cause you to over balance.

Switching feet. Once you are pulled out of the water by the boat and you are successful at standing on your wakeboard, you must next master the switch from front to back foot. Squat down low to avoid a big crash. The taller you

34

stand, the further you have to fall! Lift up your toes and move the handle from your front hip to your back hip in a semi-circle motion.

Jumping the wake. Ultimately you want to be able to jump wake, so approach from as far away from the wake as possible. Keep your back at a right angle to the water. As you reach the wake, straighten up your body and push off the water.

As you lift off, pull the handle towards your hips.

Boat Driver. Essential for wakeboarding is having the correct boat setup. The tow rope between the boat and the rider must be taut, before you attempt to pull the rider out, by slowly idling the boat forward until the slack is taken up.

The speed can then be slowly increased. When towing beginners, it is best to try and stay under 20mph (around 17 knots or 32kph). The driver must be aware of the right speed for the rider, based on the rider’s abilities and instructions.

This can assist the rider to get more air over the wake. When driving, keep a constant speed and the boat steering in a straight line. To avoid rider fatigue keep the tows to 15-20mins and the driver should rest often to ensure you are always alert.

When the rider falls, do not power turn so as to avoid creating large chop but rather slow down and turn smoothly.

EQUIPMENT Rope. A sensible rope length for beginners is 65 feet. For intermediate riders, it is typically 65 to 75 feet. For advanced riders, it is 75 to 85 feet in length. Before you go out and buy a rope, note the importance of having a good quality, non-stretch rope specifically designed for wakeboarding.

Board. When choosing the right board size, one of the biggest factors to consider is rider weight. Unlike the board you might use when snowboarding, wakeboarding will require your board to float sufficiently on top of the water.

So it is important to use the specific sizing guidelines of each manufacturer, as the shapes and performance of the board vary. If you intend to share the board, then base your calculations on either the heaviest person to use the board, or the person who will use the board the most.

Here are the average weight/height guidelines: <45kgs = <130cm, 40-70kgs = 130-134cm, 60-80kgs = 135-139cm, 75-115kgs = 140-144cm 90-125+kgs = >144cm.

Boat. There are a myriad of boat brands specifically designed for wakeboarding. These models include tanks below the floor that can be filled with water to weigh the boat down, so as to increase the wake for the rider. However, you can use any boat for wakeboarding and either weigh the boat down by positioning passengers at the rear of the boat or purchase some modular water tight ballasts. Be sure that the boat is weighed down evenly to ensure even height wake. And remember that beginners do not need too large a wake to practice jumping.

Video recorder. A video camera or phone camera is a great way to record the ride. It will show the rider what they look like out on the water and what they might be doing wrong. They can also get a kick out of watching the replays years from now and laughing at how bad they were when they were starting out COURTNEY’S SAFETY TIPS • Wear a life jacket that fits correctly.

• Use a designated spotter to alert the driver when a rider falls and to keep an eye out for other boats or objects in the water.

“Remember practice makes perfect.”

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

B.O.A.T. CLUB

T

he Brisbane Aquatic Touring Club (B.O.A.T. Club) was first formed in 1963 as a boat racing club.

In 1965, a lease was acquired on South Stradbroke Island, known as Boathaven, to give members a beautiful base to enjoy their boating, which included navigation logging, fishing, and relaxing with family. More importantly, children were taught water and boating safety skills, and respect for the natural surroundings.

Thanks to the the vision of the founding members, all B.O.A.T. members, old and new, are still privileged to enjoy Boathaven 53 years on! The Club has seen many improvements to the wonderful facility. Recently, the

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BOATHAVEN SOUTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

amenities block had a face lift, with solar-powered equipment and lighting installed, relying more on renewable energy.

The Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus around boating through activities such as Seafariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, observation runs, fishing, and in ensuring our junior members are having fun safely in and on the water, are still of major importance.

It is just magical to see children having a wildlife experience with our resident wallabies, goannas, kookaburras, and other wildlife. Boathaven is a wonderful environment to make lifelong friendships with like-minded families and new people from all walks of life.

The Club offers camping for members and their guests within our lease area. Deep-water anchorage is available for members who prefer to stay aboard. Members and guests have access to hot showers, toilets, barbecue facilities and the day shed. Lockers and dinghy racks are available to rent for storing personal belongings to lighten the travel load. All facilities are secured by key for private membership use.

All positions in our Club are voluntary, with the lease maintenance and caretaking done with pride by all members. The Club hold regular working bees, and encourage all members to attend our piece of paradise at Boathaven. www.boatclub.org.au

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BOAT SPORTS

Cobe France

From wake to wake W

akeboarding is a fast-growing watersport that is very popular with young people.

Australians have a large presence on the international wakeboarding stage, with many top-ranking wakeboarders from Australia.

Cobe France is a 17-year-old Gold Coast wakeboarder who is making his mark in the international wakeboard scene with tricks up his sleeve. In an interview with LKI, Cobe says that what he loves most is traveling around the world to wakeboard. And he is doing just that!

the challenges, he gained recognition as the school’s “Sportsperson of the Year”.

He learned how to wakeboard at the age of six.

At 10 years of age, he won his first World Title for Junior Boys in 2009. In 2015, he finished the Australian season of competitions as the undefeated boys champion in the international Junior Pro class (14-19 years old). In the events that followed in his rookie year, he had an unbelievable season finishing second in both the World Wakeboard Association Junior Pro Tour and the WWA Wake Series.

While there are thousands of natural lakes scattered over the state Florida that make it the world’s water-skiing sport capital, Cobe’s favourite destination to hit the water are the Gold Coast’s Coomera River for training and the Broadwater for general boating.

After his international stint and championship wins at the 2016 Junior Pro Tour and WWA Wake Series, Cobe returned to Queensland at the start of September to continue his Year 12 schoolwork at Upper Coomera State College. During the five months of travel, he kept up with his schoolwork and assignments by email with his teachers.

Doing that was a challenge, especially with the distraction of a world class Malibu wakeboard boat permanently on the dock! But despite 36

Cobe spent the last two seasons living with a group of young athletes on Lake Jessamine just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Florida. Sharing a house with the current World Champion and Brisbane wakeboarder, Cory Teunissen, and training with legends in the sport like Mike Dowdy and Gold Coaster Harley Clifford, have been important experiences to develop his skills.

This summer season, Cobe will be training on his purple Malibu on the Coomera River, and wakeboarding in Wakeboard Queensland events held at various locations around Southern Queensland.

The Wakeboard Queensland summer series is run with ability-based classes matching riders of similar levels against each other. With the level of wakeboarders in Queensland, not only can riders of all levels compete against similar skilled riders but you can also see the best in the world hit the water. The events are listed on the Wakeboard Queensland website www.wakeboardqld.com.

Cobe’s 2015 Events Results • Undefeated Boys champion during the Australian season of competitions • 2nd place, Australian Open • 2nd place, World Junior Pro Tour • 2nd place in WWA Wake Series held in Orlando, Florida

Cobe’s 2016 Events Results • 2nd place, Moomba Masters - Junior Pro • 2nd place, Australian Open - Junior Men • 2nd place, WWA Wake Open - Junior Pro • 2nd place, WWA Junior Pro Tour - Malibu Experience Event 1 (Las Vegas) • 1st place, WWA Junior Pro Tour - Malibu Experience Event 3 (Texas) • 1st place, WWA Junior Pro Tour - Malibu Experience Event 4 (East USA) • 1st place, WWA Junior Pro Tour - Series Champion • 2nd place, WWA European Nationals - Junior Pro

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT EVENT were very fortunate as it was quite easy for us to just continue training. We came out, had about a week off after the titles, and then continued training,” the coach described.

NORTH BURLEIGH

VICTORIOUS AT IRB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Kelly Campbell. Photos by Dutch Lifesaving Federation their performance and teamwork, under slightly different rules and in different boats to that they had trained in.

“I think it’s a test to take a group of young people to the other side of the world and to come away victorious. I think our culture and we, as a unit, were awesome. We worked really really well together.”

he North Burleigh Surf Lifesaving Club T recently dominated the World Lifesaving Championships’ Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB)

events in the Netherlands.

Coach Andrew Kelckhoven took his team to the other side of the globe to battle it out in the IRB section of the World Titles, which ran from September 1st to 18th, on the coast of Noordwijk.

Kelckhoven personally came home with three gold and one bronze medals, and the club collected seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals in total. Kelckhoven commended his team on

Conditions were not ideal on the IRB days of the competition with minor chop and wind to contend with. “It was a little bit rough and testing at times, but nothing that was too had to handle,” said Kelckhoven.

Local club Kirra proved to be among the fiercest IRB contenders, North Burleigh having shared one of their Gold medals with the Aussies. “It was really nice to share that with a fellow Gold Coast club. The Kirra team are an extremely well-disciplined and skilled crew. They would probably have been the toughest competitors,” said Kelckhoven.

The next Lifesaving World Championships are to be held in Glenelg and Marion of South Australia, in 2018. Andy says he is very much looking forward to defending his title back here, but describes World Championships as being harder to win on home soil.

“Sometimes it can be easier to win a world title believe it or not, than an Australian title just because you’re away from home and you don’t have the depth,” he said.

The World Lifesaving Championships are unique in that teams are supplied with standard boats to create an equal playing field. This year, a 377 Arancia was used with a 30 HP motor.

Kelckhoven described Australian titles as being more difficult because everybody from around the country turns up for the national events and there’s such a high level of skill here. “I suppose it gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that the future of the sport, particularly within North Burleigh, has a bright future,” he admitted.

North Burleigh had been training three to four times a week since the end of the previous year due to their competition schedule. “We were pretty lucky in the timing because our Australian titles were only at the end of July, which we won. So, we

To add to Kelckhoven’s roll of success, he and fellow IRB teammate, Kate Czerny, are being inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the sport. The pair are the first IRB competitors ever to be inducted.

CHAPARRAL SUNESTA THE ULTIMATE ALL-ROUNDER

T

There were a total of 197 competitors in the IRB events, from 37 different countries.

Kelckhoven described the event as having a good spread of competition.

he Chaparral Sunesta range, from 22 to 28 feet, is the most versatile in their 30 plus boat fleet. Ski, surf, wakeboard, fish or cruise, the Sunesta does the lot!

With 31 models to choose from, which Chaparral are you?......

The spacious, wide open deck layout offers maximum passenger space. But somehow Chaparral have managed to fit in an enclosed toilet, fold-out sunlounge, wet bar, 2 fixed iceboxes, an esky, rubbish bin and massive swim platform!

Available with the just released surf package, incorporating Malibu’s surf gate technology and Volvo’s revolutionary forward-facing stern drive, or traditional stern drives from Mercruiser, and any number of colour options, graphics packages, ballast, wake computers, stereo upgrades, and with or without wake towers - the Sunesta can be configured to anyone’s choice.

Scott Reardon from Stefan Boating World was all praise for Chaparral and the Sunesta range, saying, “We believe the premium range of Sunesta deck boats will be hard to go past for buyers seeking a practical no-nonsense option for salt water play. The Sunesta range is truly designed for the family to put in a full day on the water, equally at home cruising the canals or social fishing, as surfing or slalom skiing. And when it comes to quality, the same saltwater-tough DNA as the rest of the Chaparral fleet makes all the difference, with high freeboard, self draining decks, tinned wiring and Kevlar-reinforced construction ensuring the best resale values in the business. The new surf version will be available in the 244 and 264 models and we can’t wait to try them out.”

For more information on Chaparral Sunesta, go to www.chaparralboats.com or call Stefan Boating World on (07) 5665-8400.

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Sunesta performance deck & surf boats 22-28ft

The home of Chaparral Queensland

5665 8400

27 Waterway Drive Coomera

www.chaparralboats.com

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BOAT JOURNEY

The Perfect Weekend Escape ON SOUTH STRADDIE

“SUN IS SHINING, THE WEATHER IS SWEET…” Although life on the Goldie is not known for its hectic city life, overly steadfast work ethic or consistently dreary weather, an adventurous weekend getaway to South Stradbroke Island is a convenient way to appreciate more of what Queensland has to offer. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to this Gold Coast camping haven, we offer excellent suggestions for making the most of your perfect weekend escape.

TRANSPORTATION Those with their own boats or jet skis will be pleased to find that South Stradbroke Island lies only 200 meters from the tip of The Spit, making it an extremely quick and easy ride to our favourite Straddie landing spot of South Currigee Campground.

Alternately, non-boat owning residents and visitors can easily reserve a water taxi for a scenic and economical ride to the shoreline.

Broadwater Taxi, based at the nearby Runaway Bay Marina, offers daily water transfers to South Stradbroke Island. With personable, prompt and friendly service from co-owner and Captain Chris O’Hanlon, we highly recommend his transportation services for your next interisland voyage.

CAMPGROUND HIGHLIGHTS With easy access for boats and ample accommodation options, South Currigee

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Campground offers plenty of space to spread out, relax, and savour the scenery. Though tent camping is the most budget-friendly option, onsite Wallaby Tents and private cabins are available for larger groups or families seeking a bit more privacy.

Located directly on the water with picturesque views of the north end of the Gold Coast, South Currigee is equipped with everything you need for a successful camping excursion, including fire pits, a covered dining area, gas grills, hot water showers, clean bathroom facilities, a children’s playground, and even a store with firewood, ice, snacks, beverages, and basic toiletries.

While the rainy forecast made for a fairly empty campground during our recent visit, busy summer months see a noticeable increase in visitors, from both near and far, coming to bask in a leisurely weekend away. No matter what time of year you decide to visit, campground reservations are required prior to arrival.

Pack your fishing poles, insect repellant, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water for the best results, and be sure to properly hide your food from nearby wildlife found on the island, primarily the friendly wallabies and notoriously curious Australian white ibis.

SOUTH STRADBROKE ACTIVITIES If you have been searching for a reason to forget your cell phone at home, work on your grilling skills, build an epic fire and explore nature’s finest in a compact and easy-to-navigate destination,

By Kelsey Love

you will be delighted with your options on South Stradbroke Island.

Only a short walk from the campground lies an amazingly desolate and large surfing beach, perfect for a morning sunrise walk, surf session, or sun-soaked lounge on the 22 kilometres of white sand. During whale season, be sure to keep an eye out for nearby humpback whales!

In the early afternoon hours, we were even treated to a show from a nearby pod of playful dolphins, happily swimming in the calm waterway near the many excited onlookers. Wildlife enthusiasts will also want to take a visit to Couran Cove to see the wallabies, birdlife, lizards and more.

Visitors seeking a bit of exercise with their relaxation time may also want to do some rock climbing, while those who prefer their mornings with their feet in the sand can sit back and take advantage of the prime fishing conditions.

Regardless of your reason for visiting, South Stradbroke offers something for everyone, including couples, families, solo adventurers, groups of friends and more. We highly recommend a visit during the beautiful Gold Coast summer months. If anything, it is a great reason to get out on the water and treat yourself to a fun weekend adventure!

Reserve your Spot Broadwater Taxi 0403.587.804 watertaxi@broadwatertaxi.com.au South Currigee Campground 07.5577.3932

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

#LIFEWITHOUTLIMITS #MALIBU #AXIS

M

a ximise your fun and hit your next level with Malibu, the best-selling, most innovative and most versatile watersports boat in the world.

Since 1982, these boats have been built with the highest quality materials, and focused on being the safest and most versatile boat out there - and designed to always leave the competition behind. Today, almost 35 years later, Malibu’s heart remains unchanged, yet the company has transformed itself from an upstart to the undisputed leader of the pack, changing the watersports industry time and time again with cuttingedge innovations.

Malibu is the only way to go if you want to do it all.

Ride, surf, ski, tube or just cruise – and know you’re in the finest watersports boat on earth. Others may talk a big game, but the truth is on the water. With a dedication to unrivalled performance, quality, safety, and luxury. Malibu remains the leader of the pack with first-to-market, revolutionary innovations, and - thanks to their fans - the lion’s share of sales worldwide, year after year. Malibu design and build the best so you can do your best, and enjoy a life without limits on the water!

Check out a brief overview of some of the most popular boats in the Malibu and Axis Boats range ideally suited to the South East Queensland boating lifestyle.

Malibu Response TXi Four world records and counting have been set behind the Response TXi, a gorgeous boat known for laying out those perfect, flat wakes that waterskiers live for.

With the laser-like tracking of its three-finned T-Cut Diamond Hull providing best-in-class handling, the TXi is seriously hot in the waterskiing world.

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Malibu Wakesetter 20 VTX Recognised as the best crossover boat on the market, the Wakesetter 20 VTX is ideal for the family who loves waterskiing as much as wakeboarding and surfing. The VTX’s 20-foot frame fits easily into the garage, and a removal centre pylon maximises skiing performance.

Malibu Wakesetter 22 VLX Completely redesigned, the all-new Wakesetter 22 VLX has grown to a full 22 feet, and now features a new Wake Plus hull, designed to deliver that massive, perfect wake for boat wakeboarding and wakesurfing.

With the amazing new dual-touchscreen Command Centre, total control of everything is at your fingertips, including Surf Gate and the Power Wedge II, which builds even more massive wakes and gets boats on the plane much quicker.

Malibu Wakesetter 22 MXZ Legendary for becoming Malibu’s fastest-selling boat in its very first year, the Wakesetter 22 MXZ is the pickle fork of the pros. It’s now known for pulling pros as the official towboat of the Red Bull Wake Open. The 22 MXZ is also the boat of choice for Malibu stars Massi Piffaretti, Dallas Friday, Parker Siegele and Amber Wing. The greatest athletes in watersports will tell you that this is a boat to be reckoned with, equipped with everything you need to reach your personal best, whether you’re riding worldclass wakes or surfing huge, barrelling waves.

Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV Malibu’s all-time best-selling boat is back ad better than ever. This 23-footer hits the sweet spot and not only sets, but continually raises the bar. If you ever hear another watersports boat maker admitting how fierce

the competition is, know that they’re talking about Malibu and the Wakesetter 23 LSV. This 23-footer’s unmatched performance, stability, quality, and safety, no matter the conditions, are simply unbeatable out on the water. One session is all you need to know the truth.

Axis A20 Axis has taken the fiercest 20-foot towboat out there and made it without question the most incredible value in watersports - without sacrificing a bit of performance.

An all-new boat from the hull up for 2016, this beast is easy on the bank account and built to shred better than ever, with a new wake-and-wave-maximising hull, all-new interior, deeper storage, and an amazing array of across-the-board 2016 upgrades, leaving the competition far behind.

Axis T22 The first Axis designed with a traditional bow, the T22 is anything but old-school. This fantastic 22-footer is loaded with engineering advancements and everything you need to take your lake fun to another level. Its focus on high performance and quality at a huge saving has helped make the T22 one of the most popular Axis model ever, while its cutting-edge hull design and brilliant layout mean balanced weight distribution for a faster hole shot, less bow rise, and a level ride, increasing driver visibility and passenger safety.

Northside Marine is the Queensland Dealer of Axis and Malibu Boats. For further information on the Axis and Malibu range, contact Danny Jordin at Northside Marine.

2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, Qld, (only 15mins North of the Brisbane Airport). www.nsmarine.com.au, or call (07) 3265 8042.

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NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

A Resort for your Boat

F

rom its early days in the 1980s as a slipway and yard under the stewardship of legendary boat builder, Bruce Harris, it was known as the only place to come for boat service and repairs.

Bruce “Sharky” Harris was renowned for his ingenuity and craftsmanship, developing what became known as Shark Cats for leisure, commercial and patrol use, as well as the Cuddles series of displacement cruisers.

Strategically situated within the burgeoning boatbuilding precinct, the yard attracted a loyal clientele from all over Australia and continues to do so.

Today, owned by Tony Longhurst, The Boat Works has entered a new era of service. In the past three years, Tony has invested in a $20-million development program to elevate the premises to industry-leading standard. Thanks to the dynamic team, led by General Manager Shane Subichin, and a complete range of top marine trades, the facility has evolved into what is considered Australia’s greatest boatyard.

has the welcome coffee, their boat is meticulously lifted, water-blasted and securely set down.

The team here is united in its passion, everything they do aims to take the stress out of coming out of the water. The combined experience makes them Australia’s most seasoned and dedicated operators.

On site, there are 30 refit sheds up to 15-metres in height, that can accommodate boats up to 36.5 metres (110-feet). This increases the capacity to cater for major onsite refits, adding to the existing dedicated sandblast and paint bays, shed options, long-term storage solutions.

Boat owners who visit are so well looked after that they comment that it is like a “resort for their boat”. There are colourful murals of tropical islands and surrounding palm trees in the areas we work, instead of warning signs against doing things and no go-zones.

The undercover hardstand area provides a true allweather work environment. This further establishes a controlled working environment across an extensive area, supported by the mandate to maintain a reputation as the cleanest boatyard customers have come across.

We are a customer-driven and focused business and it has shown consistently through its patronage. It is the finishing touches and focus on the happiness of the boat owner that make the difference.

The dedicated hardstand storage facility is ideal for vessels up to 110 feet with an expansive clean and stable working platform.

Doing the lifting are our 100-tonne travel lift, known as “Harry”, which carries boats up to 110-feet with a beam of 26-feet, and the 70-Tonne travel lift, “Sid”.

“The evolution has been the product of listening to our customers,” says Tony Longhurst. From the very start Tony has created the environment he would want as a discerning boat owner himself.

Then there is our 45-tonne hydraulic submersible sealift, ideal for wide-beam catamarans, particularly popular in the idyllic cruising grounds of coastal Queensland, north to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

Located at the entrance of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, The Boat Works is a purposebuilt facility over 23 acres, comprising world-class equipment and a team of qualified and energised marine professionals at your service, with direct water access for every type of vessel, from trailerable craft to yachts and multihulls up to 36.5-metres (110-feet).

The Boat Works can lay claim to the largest concentration of marine trades in Australia, with more than 35 independent businesses on site, guaranteeing clients competitive quotes and transparent pricing. “Our customers have the choice, keeping businesses competitive to the benefit of the boat owner,” Shane declares.

Upon arrival, the shipyard team will provide dockhand concierge guiding you into your berth or in towards the haul-out lift bay area. Customdesigned and built superfenders are in place ensuring every boat is buffered and hauled with the utmost care. By the time the client sits down and

The businesses all share a “can-do” attitude and are experts in antifouling, upholstery and stainless steel, shipwrights, mechanical and electrical engineers, surveyors, watermakers and desalination equipment, electronics and refrigeration, signage and graphics, project managers and boat brokers.

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On water, The Boat Works Marina has 50 work berths for smaller jobs that do not require haul out, catering up to 36-metre vessels with access to all onsite marine professionals.

Boat owners have access to a range of onsite facilities including laundry, ensuites and courtesy vehicles to assist while on site. Other major offerings already in place include retail specialists, onsite marine trade supplies and chandlery, along with a range of electronics through to fixtures and fittings, and The Galley Café restaurant and takeaway.

From the start of your experience at The Boat Works, you will be met by one of our capable team members who will keep you informed during the entire process, putting your mind at ease. While on site, enjoy a drink or a meal with a view over the marina at The Galley Café.

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED! Experience the reason why The Boat Works is Australia’s greatest boatyard. Visit onsite today by boat or vehicle, or go to www.theboatworks.com.au.

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BOAT SAILING

Mission Completed

4,227 NM Across the South Pacific I

deliver boats for a living. It’s difficult to describe what life is like on a delivery voyage across the Pacific.

There is a misconception that it involves sunshine, relaxed sailing and lying on the front deck reading a good book. Not likely. The 3am sail changes, inability to sleep due to losing traction with the mattress below, and the mental tiredness are closer to reality.

THE MISSION: RELOCATE A LAGOON 440 FROM TAHITI TO AUSTRALIA Greetings from the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, somewhere between Tahiti and the Kingdom of Tonga!

Our commercially qualified delivery crew (myself, Les and Shane) are onboard Getaway II, a Lagoon 440, which we are relocating from Papeete, Tahiti to her new home in the Whitsundays, Australia.

The first four days after departing Taina Marina, Tahiti was great. (We departed on 3 May.) Broadreaching with 25 to 30 knots of true SE wind speed, 1st reef in the main sail, following seas, making 8 to 9 knots and surfing 10 to 12 knots down the faces of the waves. At night, sailing at 8 to 12 knots in pure darkness, with the brightest Milky Way above, and phosphorescence dancing on the water around the hull is an amazing experience.

The obvious out thing out here that slaps you in the face is that there’s an immense volume of ocean. After continuously sailing in blue water for eight days, we’ve seen one other ship, and they didn’t even answer my radio call. (But no surprise there!) You are totally alone out here on a level that’s hard to comprehend.

May 6, 2016: It’s 3am during the midnight to 4am watch (aka graveyard shift). We conduct four-hour watches between 2000hrs to 0800hrs that are staggered daily, to reduce the punishment of the graveyard shift to once per three days.

During the day, we split watch - keeping duties, repair or service items that need attention, talk weather routing and delivery logistics, drink tea and rotate sleeping for proper fatigue management.

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By Dylan Kuipersmith

May 8: The boat is treating us well. Lots of little maintenance chores, but she’s solid, and sails well. I haven’t sailed her to windward yet, and I don’t fancy it, not when we have a further 3,800 miles of following seas. (Why would you?) I think my knock (defect) list is up to 63 items. And this is a great-condition boat, really.

But that’s boats for you - always something to fix.

May 9: Our ETA for Tonga is tomorrow afternoon and we need fuel, food and sleep. I bet the local food tastes good!

May 10: Tied up alongside at Nuku’alofa Harbour, Tonga. Diesel arrives in 44-gallon drums, and locals eat raw, whole fish at the seafood market.

May 13: Well-rested and provisioned, we depart Tonga, clear the reef and track west. The watermaker’s circuit board failed this morning. Water rations have begun.

May 14: Someone once told me, imagine that over the lifelines lies a 30,000ft drop. If you fall, you are dead. That’s the reality. If you fall overboard during the night while on watch alone, you are very unlikely to be found.

May 17: After clearing immigration at Lautoka, Fiji, we motored south to Vuda Point Marina. The rubber of the port sail drive mount has separated from the metal plate, so engaging astern best avoided. We enter the marina on one engine and tie up alongside.

May 19: With a temporary fix in place, we depart Fiji, and snag an 80cm yellow fin tuna while navigating the outer reefs. This made great sashimi, and an ever better fish, eggplant and okra red curry. With a box of coconuts and fresh fish, it’s been high livin’!

May 21: Hello from a dark ocean at 0100hrs. The sky is full alto-cumulus, textbook blanket. But it’s still cold enough for me to have on a down jacket, wet weather jacket, longs, socks and beanie. It’s a glass out and there’s some low fog. Dropped the main this afternoon as the wind eased, now motoring, with ETA outer reef entrance of New Caledonia 0900hrs tomorrow.

Les, Rich (owner) and Dylan arriving into Mackay Harbour

May 24: We have 40 miles of inshore piloting to navigate the reef system, and will anchor outside Port Moselle, Noumea for the night as we fly the yellow Q-flag (my vessel is healthy, and I require free pratique), before we’re cleared by health, customs, immigration and bio-security checks the next morning.

May 27: It’s day 23. The solitude is nice. I don’t find it scary out here; I find the vastness of the infinite Pacific calming. It’s ironic; when sleeping at sea I feel safe, and when we’re tied up alongside a Tongan pier, I feel more on edge. It’s because people are more threatening or unpredictable. But, after it blows 60kn with 6m seas, I might temporarily change my mind on that one.

May 28: The crew are a bit run down and stuffy. It gets lonely out here. Right, I’m going to let my night eyes adjust and put them back on the road - not that there’s much traffic to dodge.

May 30: The boat is doing her job. We’ll continue to ride the tail end of this high-pressure system into Australian waters, and should be back early June.

Signing off for now - from 22 degrees South, 158 degrees West.

POST SCRIPT: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ON SCHEDULE (4 JUNE); ARRIVAL IN MACKAY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA. Voyage overview in numbers: 4,227 Nautical Miles, 3 crew, 5 countries, only 2 ships passed within the Pacific Ocean, a few informal bribes, 3 fish, 1 surf, several sleepless nights, 2 storms, 100 cups of tea, 15 knots max boat speed, 40 knots max wind speed, 5 metres max swell height, 0 incidents.

Dylan is the owner and skipper of Deliver My Yachts, a professional yacht delivery service.

NOV - JAN 2017

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BOAT SAILING

Sailing for freedom

By Sailability Gold Coast and Paul Dinniss

“The sport of sailing has given added meaning to the words freedom and fun for a person with diminished capabilities be they physical, intellectual or both.”

These are words of inspiration that keep Sailability actively helping everyone who seek the freedom to sail. Here, we feature the stories of two sailors from the Gold Coast whose sailing experiences brought them a new sense of freedom.

Brendan’s family say, “Sailing is the first activity Brendan has ever been able to accomplish on his own without assistance once he is in his boat. He looks forward to every day he attends Sailability Gold Coast, not only for the sailing but also socializing with the great group of people he has come to know. He absolutely loves the freedom he has being out on the water in his own boat and being completely in charge. If it wasn’t for the amazing group of volunteers at Sailability Gold Coast, their guidance and patience, Brendan would not have been able to reach his potential and be sailing on his own.”

He attended school through the Cerebal Palsy League. He enjoyed school camps, swimming, wheelchair sports, outings and many other activities and was finally integrated into the local school system.

After completing high school in 1999, Brendan joined a disability support service and it was here that he was first introduced to sailing for people with disabilities.

Shortly after attending Sailability Gold Coast, Brendan was asked to join the racing team and with training by some of the dedicated volunteers, entered his first regatta in 2003 at Lake Ainsworth, followed by further local and interstate regattas. Brendan then had the opportunity to purchase his own boat, which allowed him to sail solo and compete in race days on Sundays at Southport Yacht Club, Hollywell.

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While the control of the sails is now the current challenge, in gentle to moderate winds, Stefan is sailing a proper course around our marker buoys with a pre-set jib and electric control of the main sail. He has gone from being a pretty quiet man to one who now laughs and gives as good as he gets.

It is the freedom that comes with the achievement.

And doesn’t he just love it!

Sailability Gold Coast program also encourages people with physical disabilities to sail solo in dinghies or as a crewmember on yachts. Visit sailabilitygc.org or call 0407 979 666 for more information about their programs and how to be part of the team.

Brendan

SAILING IS IMPORTANT IN HIS LIFE Brendan was just three years old when he almost drowned and was left with Cerebal Palsy that badly affected his motor skills. After being in intensive care and on life support for a month, Brendan went home heavily medicated with his body rigid and suffering severe muscle spasms. Following many years of operations and painful physical therapy, Brendan began to show some improvement, although he would always be totally dependent on others for assistance with everyday tasks such as feeding, bathing, toileting, dressing and so on.

two to three years, Sailability Gold Coast sailors took him out in the dinghies to get him to manage the boat but it just wasn’t happening as everyone was hoping it would. This became a pattern, until one day, it was decided to “just send him out”.

Of course Stefan was all for it! So Stefan just set off and sailed on his own—and came back on his own! Stefan was far too much a gentleman to shout, “I told you so!”

Stefan

WHEELCHAIR-BOUND LANDLUBBER TO SOLO SAILOR Stefan was a 21-year old university student in England when he was driving his trusty Morris Minor along a road at “a good speed of 20 miles per hour” when a large lorry coming at speed towards him jack-knifed in the wet conditions. Stefan was trapped under the truck and suffered serious spinal cord and brain stem injuries. He was eventually discharged from hospital with no prospect of even getting out of bed on his own, let alone living independently.

Thus began a long and challenging journey struggling through rehabilitation of many years.

But he was absolutely determined to become what people call “normal”.

He was 36 years old when he and his mother came to Australia. Years later, Stefan had been living independently for a long time and discovered Sailability Gold Coast. He transferred from going for a ride on Tuesdays to being coached on Thursdays using that same determination to learn to sail. For

A LIFT FOR SAILABILITY In June 2016, The Boat Works celebrated its 1000th lift this year by handing a cheque worth $10,000 to Sailability Gold Coast. The Boat Works successfully hauled out 1,000 boats from December 2015 to May 2016. With $10 set aside per boat lifted, a total to $10,000 was raised for the charity group. General Manager Shane Subichin said, “I’m so proud that we’ve reached this milestone. It’s a real tribute for our team to contribute to the greater Gold Coast community.”

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

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BOAT GUIDE SAILING

Retuned

Whitsunday Racing 2016

Many Gold Coast boats reach the podium

Ocean Gem

By Ray McMahon

T

he Gold Coast boats have again shown they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s Whitsunday race series. For the second year running, the Gold Coast has supplied boats that either won or figured prominently in their divisions.

The Whitsunday series started with the Airlie Beach Race Week. Mother nature played her part by supplying strong winds that caused a bit of carnage for many of the competitors. It was not for the faint-hearted as winds reached more than 60kph at times.

The Sports Boat division was won by Gold Coast boat, Retuned, owned and skippered by one of the Sherring boating family, Graham Sherring.

Last year, Graham ran second and returned this year to clinch the title in massive form, winning nearly every race. After running second last year, Graham had the boat reconfigured making changes to the bow and stern that made a massive difference to the boat’s performance.

Pain Killer OP

One of the big hopes in the Sports Boat category was local Gold Coast boat, Shorty, owned and skippered by young sailor Jack Sherring, another member of the Sherring family. It unfortunately succumbed to the conditions by breaking its mast on the second day of the series. A disappointed Jack returned to the Gold Coast vowing to “show them” next year.

In the Trailable Yachts division, local 21-year-old, Sophie Lahey, and her crew showed that the Gold Coast is not a ‘one-boat town’ by taking out second place in a strong fleet of 20 boats. Sophie showed most of the fleet a “clean pair of heels” and narrowly missed the top spot in her division.

In other divisions, The Boat Works catamaran took third place in the multihull division.

Skippered by Julian Griffiths, the fast racing cat, supported by the local ship yard, The Boat Works, showed the Gold Coast is not limited to fast monohulls.

The Boat Works

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Hamilton Island Race Week (AHIRW). This year, AHIRW had a record entry of over 250 boats. To reach the podium was going to be a tough act!

But nobody told Gold Coasters that!

Again, the Gold Coast boats excelled in what is now an internationally recognised regatta.

Leading the way was local boat, Onyx, a 32foot boat owned by local boating family, the Hutcheson’s. Just getting a 32-foot boat to Hamilton Island is a massive six-day sail. And then, to win the Racer Cruiser division made skipper Matt Owen a very happy man. Another Gold Coast boat in the same division, Fareast28R, owned and skippered by Noel Leigh-Smith, came perilously close to the podium by finishing fourth in the same division.

The Gold Coast entrant in the IRC division was the Beneteau Ocean Gem, owned and skippered

by David Hows. It was competing in arguably the toughest division of the regatta. Ocean Gem competed in the Sydney to Gold Coast race, Brisbane to Keppel race, and the AHIRW regatta, all within a four-week period. Those long miles could have had an effect on the boat, as they did not achieve the results they normally would.

Nevertheless, it was in the Cruising Division 4 that the Gold Coast boats felt right at home and shone through as a group. Being pipped at the post and taking second place was Wildflower 2. Glenn Burrell and his crew of locals matched it with the best in what was the largest fleet in the AHIRW regatta. Painkiller OP (Rod West) placed fifth, Upstart (Michael Daly) finished 10th, and Lookout (Paul Giles) placed a credible 11th in the same division. The Bellamy, competing in her first national regatta with owner Barry Berg having only been sailing for a short while, made the top 20 with a pleasing 19th place, followed by Stormy Petrel V (Drew Jones) not far behind in 24th place.

Prominent Southport Yacht Club member, Drew Jones, competed in the cruising division, but unfortunately did not make it to the podium.

The lightning-fast catamaran, The Boat Works, took a credible 9th place in the Multihull Racing division. And the lovely catamaran Tropical Sunset managed 9th place in its second year competing in the Multihull Cruising division.

After the Airlie Beach Race Week concluded for another year, sailors went on a one-day sail over to Hamilton Island for the start of the Audi

With the Gold Coast boats doing better and better each year, it is only a matter of time until we are achieving even more podium placing.

NOV - JAN 2017

Onyx

A ll of t hese b oat s , p lu s many ot her inter s t ate b oat s , w ill b e comp et ing in t he S ou t hp or t Yach t Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s S ail Paradise re gat t a on 8 -12 Januar y 20 17. w w w. sou t hp or t yach tclub.com .au

Fareast28R

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Constellation

Wildflower 2

Stormy Petrel V

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No chasing for Wild Goose

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

LYNDELL JAMES is a passionate sailor whose love for ocean sailing is as natural as the ocean itself. She takes us with her on her journey before Wild Goose, and then beyond.

LET ME INTRODUCE WILD GOOSE

My then husband and I purchased the Wild Goose in 2008 and moved on board. I had searched the world for the right boat and I found her on the Gold Coast. We did a bit of a refit then sailed north as far as Hervey Bay. He lasted less than 12 months. “It’s not for everyone,” he said. I kept the boat.

Lyndell James

A

t sixteen, I sailed from Beauty Point in Tasmania on a 35ft trimaran leaving my mum crying on the jetty. It took four days to sail across Bass Strait. The strait was like a millpond just miles and miles of calm water and mild breezes—just paradise, something no one believes. Then the weather hit. Seven days at sea saw us somewhere near Lord Howe Island.

Eventually, the storm subsided enough that we could turn back toward Australia. There were four of us on board—no radio, no auto pilot, just a compass for navigation. The skipper was seasick and vomited every time he looked at the chart. And the rest of the crew were too scared to go on deck. I sat for countless hours tied on at the tiller with the waves smashing over me while going up and down mountains of water.

Every time the boat crested a wave, I had to pull the tiller hard over so she headed down the wave without capsizing. I don’t remember being afraid, but I do remember thinking, “If I’m going to die, this is where i want to be.”

When we finally hit the Aussie coast again at Newcastle, the harbour was closed. The swell was too big for ships to enter. The captain decided to go in anyway. He had had enough. Navigating about 100 anchored ships, we caught a wave on the breakwater and surfed into the harbour. There were surfers on their board beside us cheering us on. If i had known then what i do now, I would never have gone on that boat.

After spending another six months on the Tassie Trier, heading north in much calmer conditions, I jumped ship in the Whitsundays and worked on cruise boats, including Gretel, Apollo and Trusan.

Over the next many years, I sailed on Supercat to New Guinea, Palau and the Philippines, the Greek islands, Corfu, along the French Rivera, and a few years ago, at the amazing Kimberly’s on Mick Vaudrey’s boat, the Graymac.

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The Wild Goose is a 65ft aluminium Crowther catamaran. She was built in South Africa in 1998 to Australian survey standards (most likely by an Australian, but I have no history of her). In my eyes, she is the perfect long-haul sailing vessel.

She’s 30ft wide for maximum stability, has six crash bulkheads, separate engine rooms, and an enclosed helm. (No more white water for me!)

Powered by twin 120hp Yanmar diesel engines, she turns on her length and has plenty of sail area producing a reasonable speed for such a large heavy boat. The Goose averages 6 to 10 knots, or half-wind speed under sail (although I have recorded 17.9 knots in 30 knots of breeze).

We have all the important things for ocean crossing, including radar. And just in case one fails, there are two GPS systems. The auto pilot, wind and depth instruments are all Simrad. They are all a bit old but easy to use and reliable.

When at sea we use the radar to set an alarm that notifies us if any ships come into our perimeter. It is possible to connect the auto pilot to the GPS to plot a course and let the boat steer herself, but I prefer to keep a watch. Safety first!

Wild Goose has a large battery bank run by a 6kva generator and 8 solar panels. In summer, there is not much need for the generator as the panels provide about 40-amp hours. The inverter gives us 240-volt power. We have a water maker for fresh water when in other countries. The Goose has four double cabins, a large saloon and an enclosed cockpit. There are three bathrooms and three heads. Two of these heads are macerators to tank with pump-out or at-sea release. The other is a day head that can be used at sea but not in port. The most important for an aluminium boat are sacrificial anodes (metals attached to the hull). Without anodes, electrolysis (corrosion) would gradually eat the boat away. Unlike other construction materials, antifouling is not really necessary on aluminium.

Although growth will attach to the boat, they cannot do any harm and can be easily scraped off.

On buying a sailboat: “Hire one first. Sail to sea on any boat you can crew on before you commit to the purchase. Learn the ropes - don’t trip over them. After all, a wise woman once said, ‘Better than a boat is a friend with a boat.’”

ADVENTURES WITH WILD GOOSE BEGINS It took me a couple of years to get my footing again before heading to New Caledonia and Vanuatu in 2014 with my son, Taylor, and his girlfriend, and my now partner, Troy, on board. After clearing customs in Australia, we spent seven days at sea before entering Port Bourail, about half way up the New Caledonia coast. We made a slight miscalculation as we were heading for Noumea, but ended up safe and sound nonetheless.

We spent quite a few months in New Caledonia.

The country is an absolute paradise for sailors once you leave the city of Noumea. There are wonderful surfing breaks everywhere, amazing islands to explore and no people. Best of all, the country is boat-friendly. Customs check - in and out - is easy with very minimal fees.

As for other future adventures, I would leave tomorrow. I’m 52 now and getting itchy feet again.

Anywhere is good. I can live in Asia and probably will in the next few years.

There is much media hype about pirates in Asia, and I have no doubt they are out there. But I have never seen any. One of the smartest safety devices I have seen is 12-volt electric handrails, like a horse fence, enough of a deterrent if you were being boarded to at least make them think twice. In my experience, if you show respect for the country, their religion and their politics, you are safer than crossing the road at Surfers Paradise.

(Although there was times In New Guinea, I did feel like i could have been on the lunch menu!)

NOV - JAN 2017

kaya king in New

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Ca ledonia

My be st wh ale ph

oto

in N oumea Back of bo at in

Most of the time, the locals are excited to see you. In the Philippines, I even met the mayor of Dinagat escorted by about 50 children from the local school. They had never seen a white woman.

I was treated like a princess given special gifts of orchids and local shells.

Money is always the main problem for extended journeys. It costs very little to live aboard at anchor. No rates or taxes, water or electricity.

Diesel and maintenance are the only real expenses. But to travel overseas, you need

A m a zin

Snor kling of

Po rt Vila

funds to get you there and back - mishaps included. You are always at the mercy of the weather and time frames are unpredictable.

The Wild Goose is a big boat, plenty of room for crew, family and friends. I’m not into solo sailing - sounds boring to me. Good company and good times make for a happy life. We do not go to sea in rough weather. We pick the weather carefully.

These days, we have all the tools we need to do so. Only fools challenge Neptune! In any case, I’m a small person, so I need crew if something goes

f the back of

the bo at in Po

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rt Vila

wrong. I don’t have the strength to pull down a torn sail or pull up the anchor if the winch fails. So when i go off shore I need the right people with me. Patience and calm in an emergency is vital on board. When you are heading for a reef and your steering has failed, panicking doesn’t help.

Except for getting in the tender to go to shore, living aboard the Wild Goose is much like living in a four-bedroom house. Best of all, you can travel without packing a suitcase. And you can take the kitchen sink!

Award winning boat builders, race team technicians and an undercover marina, now available for all makes and models, 15 foot to 70 ton. Our service department offers free quotes and inspections on all factory services, including: UPHOLSTERY

DULON PAINT PROTECTION

PROP SPEED

RE CARPETING

TENDERS

UNDERWATER LIGHTS

ELECTRONICS

DAVIT SYSTEMS

DECK WASH SYSTEMS

HYDRAULIC SWIM

ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS

DETAILING

ELECTRICAL

ANTI FOULING

POLISHING

MERCRUISER GENUINE PARTS

ENGINE SERVICE

UPGRADE INTERIORS

GPS & SOUNDER UPGRADES

GENERATOR SERVICE

TO LATEST DESIGN

T + 61 7 5509 3618 L O T 7, J O H N L U N D D R I V E , H O P E I S L A N D , Q L D 4 2 1 2 I N F O @ B OAT M A S T E R S .C O M. AU B O AT M A S T E R S .C O M . AU

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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e rleys

BOAT GOLD COAST

D

ANTIFOULING: FACTS AND FICTION

o you keep your boat permanently in the water?

If yes, then you probably take your boat out of the water on a regular basis to be antifouled. When I talk to boat owners, I find that very little is known about the antifouling products, other than “I have to do it every year”.

It is tempting to think about antifouling as paint but it is more than that. It is actually a very clever piece of chemistry. Here are answers to common questions about antifouling.

What is Antifouling?

Antifouling primarily consists of resin, binder, pigment, biocide and solvent. It is a product designed to keep marine organisms from settling on the underwater hull of boats.

How does it work?

It is made of a soluble resin, designed to dissolve in water at a controlled rate so that we can release the biocides to the surface of the boat over a period of 12 to 18 months.

This process is called saponification, and works just like soap. The product starts out quite hard but once immersed in water, the outer layer starts to soften and washes away. Then the next layer is softened, and so on until the antifouling is exhausted.

How do I get the best result?

To get the best performance, you need a combination of surface preparation, application, volume of product suitable for the size of the boat, and level of activity and maintenance during the year.

Surface preparation is extremely important. Start by removing any weed, shell or slime from the surface with high-pressure freshwater wash and scraping. This must be thorough as leaving any of this behind will affect the adhesion of the new antifouling coats. The wash also removes the soapy layer of the antifouling back to a hard surface.

Although antifouling is designed to be applied over a thoroughly freshwater-washed surface (think of 260m long ships where sanding is impractical), on small

50

vessels that slip every 12 to 18 months, abrading with sand paper or a doodlebug is always best as it ensures the surface is thoroughly cleaned and also helps reduce the buildup of yearly antifouling coats.

Application methods vary from place to place. But the key factor is the surface profile or texture. The smoother the surface, the better the antifouling performance will be. A spray painted surface creates less drag and makes it more difficult for marine growth to attach where as a rolled finish is quite textured and rough. This is important for racing yachts or powerboats wanting to get up on the plane and use less fuel.

How much antifoul should be applied?

The amount of antifouling you apply is also very important. If the product is designed to dissolve and erode away then a thin coat will not last very long.

There is a quick, easy formula that will give you a good indication of the size of your underwater hull to calculate how much antifoul you require: Waterline x (beam + draft) Example: A vessel with a waterline of 12m, beam 3m and draft 2m.

12m x (3m + 2m) =12m x 5m= 60m squared.

In the example above, you should apply antifouling at the rate of about six (6) square metres per litre, so this vessel will need 10 litres per coat. Always apply two coats of antifoul.

What maintenance is required?

Once the boat is back in the water, keep checking the hull and remove any slime that might build up.

Slime will grow on antifouling, and if left alone can get thick enough to cause drag or stop the antifouling from working properly. A light wipe with a sponge is usually enough. Don’t use a hard broom or brush as you could remove excess amounts of the antifouling and cause premature failure.

What if I want to change my antifouling brands, can I apply one over the other without removing the existing antifoul or applying tie coats?

Yes. Most antifouling is made from similar technology and materials and are governed by the local authorities as to which biocides can be used. Check with the manufacturer before proceeding.

My antifouling usually performs very well, but some years I get growth on the hull early.

Why is that?

There are a lot of factors that can influence the performance of the antifouling: • Contamination in the yard before the boat was launched; • Change in water temperatures in your bay, harbour or river; • Excessive rain fall bringing fertilizers or nutrients into the water; • Pollution from spills or storm water; • Changed use of the boat, more frequent or longer trips; • Over cleaning; or • Tidal flow.

Just remember, the way to get the best out of your antifouling is: • Good preparation of your hull; • Correct application. Smooth is best; • The right amount of antifoul (2 coats); • Maintenance of you vessel.

If you need more information on antifouling your vessel, then drop into your local distributor for great advice and service.

Happy boating!

David Harvey is the Australian & New Zealand Maine Manager of PPG Protective & Marine Coatings and has provided an insight into antifouling.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

Looking for a home for your boat before Christmas? Take a look at Hope Harbour Marina.

MARINA BERTHS OF ALL SIZES ARE AVAILABLE NOW

Hope Harbour Marina, not to be confused with the Hope Island Marina, has been providing a home for boats on Hope Island for over 25 years. There you will find more than 270 marina berths able to accommodate boats between 8 and 30 metres, including multihulls. There are currently berths available in all sizes for short or long term rental.

Although this little gem continues to be hidden away, you will find the marina on John Lund Drive, off Sickle Avenue only minutes from the highway via Hope Island Road. Once you arrive at Hope Harbour Marina there are few better or more secure places to keep a boat on the Gold Coast, and from there you can be on the Broadwater quicker than from any other marina on Hope Island, including Sanctuary Cove.

The whole marina is linked by a boardwalk for easy access to parking and the newly refurbished Ramada Hotel-Hope Harbour with its restaurant and bar. There is also a fuel jetty that sells diesel and unleaded, while power and water is supplied to every berth.

Boat sales plus a coffee shop, curios and comestibles for sale are at the Marinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge right beside the fuel jetty. For all the information you will need, including pricing and berth applications (which are downloadable), visit www.hopeharbourmarina.com.au.

Please call our friendly team on 07 5530 1333 or email info@hopeharbourmarina.com.au for more information.

ANCHORLINE BROKERAGE SELECTION

Sea Ranger 46

Back Cove 33

$265,000

Twin 135hp Ford Lehmans and bow thruster. 3 cabin layout.

Generator and Inverter. Well proven cruising history. Vessel has been very well maintained, continually upgraded and is presented in excellent condition.

27m Charter Cruiser

Delivered new in 2007. Single 380hp Yanmar. Bow and Stern Thrusters. Generator and Inverter. Raymarine electronics.

Solar Panels. Electric galley appliances. Cockpit cover and awning.

Owner keen to sell.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54DS

$220,000

Current 1E Queensland Survey. Successfully operated on the Gold Coast for many years. Twin 220hp Cummins. Bow Thruster.

Generator and Air Conditioning. Owners keen to sell and will consider all reasonable offers.

$299,000

$595,000

Renowned for being a very well built, strong, and high quality cruising yacht. Built with almost every possible option included. Professionally maintained and continually upgraded. Beautifully furnished throughout.

3 or 4 cabin layout.

Belize 52 Hard Top

$1,375,000

2012. This luxury cruiser is equipped to a very high standard and has been meticulously maintained from new. Beautifully furnished and presented in impeccable condition. Inspection is highly recommended and is sure to impress.

55â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Long Range Cruiser

$395,000

Gardner powered, 3 cabin motor cruiser. Extensively upgraded by her current owner. Equipped with Naiad Stabilizers, 6,000 litre fuel capacity, Raymarine electronics, Generator and Desalinator. Island double master stateroom with ensuite.

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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WICKED WORK - DESIGN, FABRICATE AND INSTALL BOAT GOLD COAST

T

h e team at Wicked Fabrications in Coomera custom make a range of products to suit each project, whether it is something small like a bait board right up to project planning a complete vessel fit out. Their recent work on the superyacht Hunter involved the latest designs and innovations to deliver modern and practical solutions to the vessel’s owners. The 114” (34.75m) Falcon monohull vessel, which boasts 12 berths and a range of high-end features, required a range of very elaborate custom works.

Wicked Fabrication principal Mark Price explains the Hunter project. “We were commissioned by Motor Yacht Marine to perform a range of fabrication and engineering tasks to Hunter as part of its 2016 refurbishment. These included a new spa plinth and surrounds, the installation of the latest hydraulic swim platform and fabrication of a new mast.” Marks also points out, “Our biggest challenge was the fabrication of the top awning, simple because of its sheer size, and the finished product looks amazing.”

The Wicked team also installed a lightening strike mast, tender chocks, life raft mounts, and hydraulic power packs.

Passionate about the work performed, Mark details, “This refurbishment in particular allowed us the opportunity to work closely with the staff from Motor

Yacht Marine, and provide them with a range of our skills which combined all of our specialised trades.”

The skilled tradesmen at Wicked ensured that all of the custom fabricated works on the Hunter project were of the highest integrity and installed professionally. The team were also tasked with major works to the fuel and water tanks, as well as carrying out enhancements to the waste discharge system and undertaking marine engineering in the engine room. There were many other works carried out to the vessel, with even the smallest fabrication details, such as the installation of bull horn cleats, which were first studied, designed and fabricated to ensure the best possible outcome.

Wicked Fabrications and Engineering work in conjunction with other trades services in the GCCM, which were required, thus providing a seamless solution. Mark and his staff are very proud of their contribution to the Hunter refurbishment. “For our team, we enjoyed works on board the beautiful Hunter vessel, as our exhaustive work came to life as we were able to showcase our skills with customised stainless products right throughout the refurbishment.”

For information about engineering services for your next vessel project, contact Wicked Fabrications on (07) 5580 5355 and read about their list of services at www.wickedfabrications.com.au.

THE ULTIMATE PLYWOOD ALTERNATIVE T

h ermo-Lite Australia has teamed up with Pacific Paint and Fibreglass on the Gold Coast to stock this amazing alternative.

“Thermo-Lite Board® is the smart alternative to plywood and will revolutionise the boat-building industry and other industries where plywood would normally be their first choice. This alternative has the characteristics that everyone has been waiting for - strong, light-weight and rot-free, offering lifetime performance,” says James Keay of Pacific Paint and Fibreglass.

“Thermo-Lite Board® is a unique product, and a great option for so many applications. Whether you’re a manufacturer or a DIY enthusiast looking for the ultimate solution to repair, refurbish, or upgrade the boat, caravan, motor home, horse float, esky, or any other out-thebox projects you might be working on, Thermo-Lite Board® offers many great advantages.”

Check out the product range and data sheet pages for technical information on the Thermo-Lite website at www.thermo-lite.com.au, or feel free to call or email your local dealer with any questions or discuss what advantages Thermo-Lite Board® can offer your application.

Be sure to check out and follow Thermo-Lite Board on Facebook to keep up to date with new products, applications and plenty of photos and info to assist with your next project.

Pacific Paint and Fibreglass is the distributor of Thermo-Lite Boards® on Queensland’s Gold Coast, and offers a full range of fibreglass and paint products with great service and plenty of knowledge to assist with all your enquiries.

Pacific Paint & Fibreglass Ph: 07 5529 4448 info@pacificpaintandfibreglass.com.au

Thermo-Lite Australia www.thermo-lite.com.au

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NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

12-MONTH ANTIFOUL WARRANTY: A BIG WIN FOR BOAT OWNERS

P

acific Paint & Fibreglass have joined with PPG Protective & Marine Coatings (PPG), the world’s leading coatings supplier, and Complete Antifoul Systems (CAS), a Gold Coast coatings application company, to bring a world’s first to the pleasure boat industry - a 12-month antifouling warranty.

James Keay, owner of Pacific Paint & Fibreglass says, “As a business, we were looking for a point of difference in the market place, and as we are a distributor for PPG, we suggested the 12-month antifouling warranty. PPG agreed, but they required a reputable, professional applicator to ensure the integrity of the offer to the boat owners. CAS was the obvious choice.”

This is a new approach from the industry. It takes the job of applying antifouling to a new level and gives owners much better value for money.

“This is something boat owners have to do nearly every 12 months.

The performance and enjoyment they get from their vessel very much depends on the quality of this work,” says David Harvey, marine manager of PPG. “This alliance allows us to give the very best of service and support to boat owners and showcase our products in their best light.”

“CAS has always provided an excellent service to the boat owners,” says Joel Weymouth of CAS. “But with this new initiative, including strict quality assurance, record keeping, attention to detail and working closely with the coatings manufacturer, it means the outcome for the boat owner is even better.”

All par ties in this alliance are ver y excited about being able to bring a new way of doing business to the industr y that means a big win for boat owners.

Ph: 0406 111 360 info@completeantifoul.com www.completeantifoul.com

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BOAT JOURNEY

Family Boating Bucket List 5 Things to do with your families around the Gold Coast

S

chool holidays and Christmas holidays in the summer are almost a combination that can put a lot of stress on parents. What to do and where to go? For many, driving out of town with friends for a weekend (or a week) of camping is a great Australian holiday experience. For boaties on the Gold Coast, you need not go far for that family adventure with nature - plus doing some shopping and dining for the Christmas season.

We have come up with five simple, easy and no stress activities to add to your bucket list that the whole family can enjoy - for one day, or for one week, or more.

1

Despite the bad publicity that the Broadwater sand banks are getting at the moment, driving up your tinnie or dingy on any of these sand banks at low tide are a great adventure for the children.

You can let your children experience being on “land” that disappears at high tide. Young children will enjoy the sensory experience of walking and touching the sand, and the sense of isolation. And who knows what else you can find?

2

Anchor and raft up with friends on the river along Budds Beach and let your children enjoy some SUP fun, build sandcastles on the beach, and let them play at the beachside playground. And when everyone starts feeling hungry for lunch or some cappuccino and cakes, and fresh fruit juices, simply walk over to Bumbles café across the road.

3

Drive further up north to explore the islands and mangroves and beaches past Jumpinpin. There are many undeveloped and unspoiled places that you can simply soak in.

Research online about these places (There are heaps of resources online!) and you will be able to talk with your children about them. Find your suitable anchorage and spend a night or two just enjoying the natural surrounds. Take your dingy to island towns and meet the locals. Encourage your children to learn more about the environment and communities in their own city. (For reference, read David Willmington’s Island Hopping on Moreton Bay, Aug-Oct 2016 edition.)

4

If you need to catch up with shopping and dining, and you prefer to stay afloat, the whole family can dock at Capri on Via Roma, Runaway Bay Shopping Village and Sanctuary Cove, as they all offer free public berthing. Marina Mirage is also open for boaties, but you need to call first to check for available berths. Paradise Point has a public jetty that allows you to stay for 20 minutes for a quick pick up of groceries, food and other items from the shops across the road.

By Roselle Tenefrancia

5

If the whole family wants to be more adventurous and have the luxury of time, driving up to Brisbane is definitely an experience.

Check out Nic Welch’s Gold Coast to Brisbane (May-July 2016 edition) for a comprehensive guide on navigating your way from the Broadwater to the Brisbane River.

Going around in the busy summer months should not be a stress for the whole family. The waterways are free for us to use and we only have to understand and appreciate them better.

As in all things boating, safety and common sense come first. The more time your children spend time on the boats, the easier they can learn safe navigation, boating courtesy and environmental awareness. And all these you can do within the city’s waterways.

Take nothing but pictures.

Leave nothing but footprints.

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NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

CRUISECAT

BUILD THE BOAT OF YOUR DREAMS

T

he Cruisecat would have to be one of the most comfortable and spacious multihulls on the market today.

With its high tunnel clearance and incredible stability, you are guaranteed a soft, dry ride in choppy conditions. Large fuel and water capacity make long-range cruising, or having a group of friends stay on board a breeze.

The Cruisecat can be built from 30ft to 48ft, with the 55ft just around the corner. This power cat has been built to allow for diversity where you can design your Cruisecat with higher hulls and modify design layout to suit your requirements. The versatility of the Cruisecat is what makes it really stand out in its class.

The Cruisecat is a stylish boat that is sure to impress the most discerning multihull buyer.

These vessels are Australian-made and hand-built right here on the Gold Coast, at The Boat Works in Coomera.

James Keay, designer and owner of the Cruisecat, understands that we are in a world where flexibility is the key, and the Cruisecat design provides the platform for you to build the boat of your dreams. Cruisecat cater for the private sector and commercial surveys for bare boat charters, work boats, houseboats (built to any stage), and passenger ferries.

Create the boat of your dreams. Call James Keay on 0432 192 014 or email info@cruisecat.net.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Breathing new life into Couran Cove

I

conic Couran Cove Island Resort holds a very special place in the hearts of so many Gold Coasters, especially passionate boaties – so many special memories, such an inspiring place to cruise on in and play for a day, or stay for a welldeserved holiday.

Today - much to the relief of Couran Cove’s existing property owners, bodies corporate and the Gold Coast community itself - the 354-room resort and its amazing facilities have been totally transformed.

Finally, the vision of establishing a permanent community is starting to come together.

“Let’s get straight to the point: Couran Cove Island Resort is definitely NOT turning into a retirement village,” says managing director Greg Rekers.

“What it WILL be is everything it was always meant to be, and even more.”

Back in 1998, when the late, great Olympian Ron Clarke was driving development of the multiple award-winning resort, a completely separate community of permanent residents was always a key element of the overall vision.

This community was always meant to underpin the long-term sustainability of the resort. There is existing approval for some 300 approved stratatitled dwellings.

FAST-FORWARD TO DECEMBER 2015 For myriad reasons, this very special piece of South Stradbroke Island was in desperate need of a great deal of tender loving care. Indeed, Couran Cove was crying out for people with the passion, foresight, unwavering belief and proven credentials to help it reach its true potential.

Enter Gold Coast entrepreneur Mr Rekers and ASX-listed Eureka Group Holdings – who have most certainly got the whole town and the tourism industry talking.

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A NEW LEASE OF LIFE The new-look Couran Cove Island Resort is the result of many months of hard work by a large group of tradesmen. The waterfront Marlin Bar tavern is now open, pools have been meticulously cleaned, the iconic South Staddie Surf Club is re-opened, boardwalk timbers have been replaced, playgrounds have been lovingly brought back to life, and an array of sports equipment has been purchased for the enjoyment of guests.

“As we continue to build our population of permanent residents, we will open a supermarket, a takeaway store, and a medical centre. And the people who choose to reside here will live a very comfortable and connected lifestyle. We will have ferry services to Southport three times a day. We are in talks with Marina Mirage to stop there too. There will be more beach dinner barbecues and fantastic events. It will boast a very real and very unique community vibe.”

Yet, that is just scratching the surface of everything that has been happening.

Eureka successfully operates 30 retirement villages around Australia and is very successful in doing so. However, the new Couran Village will be home to a wide demographic of permanent residents resort workers, active retirees and others who own their dwellings and choose to use it as a holiday home that offers all the amenities of a world-class resort, and more.

“Come and see for yourself,” says Mr Rekers. “It’s then that you’ll know just how serious we are about re-establishing Couran Cove Island Resort as a premiere Gold Coast tourist destination.”

CRUISE ON IN Upon arrival, whether guests come in their own boats, a water taxi or the resort ferry, they are warmly welcomed at resort reception. Day visitors are welcomed to register and enjoy an impressive array of facilities and activities - a great number of them for free!

A passionate boatie himself, Mr Rekers recognises that day visitors are valuable patrons of The Shingle Inn coffee shop, the waterfront Marlin Bar tavern, the Poolside Restaurant on Spa Island and The Dunes Restaurant just a short train ride away at the iconic South Straddie Surf Club.

He says a range of new incentives will encourage local boaties to cruise on in with their families and friends to create the type of memories that they will treasure for a lifetime.

“Most people appreciate that the marina and the resort are privately owned. We rely on guests dining in our restaurants, enjoying a drink in the tavern, or having coffee overlooking the marina to remain viable,” says Mr Rekers. “Given we provide vouchers for our boaties to redeem throughout the resort, the mooring fees are extremely reasonable and if you choose to stay overnight in one of our luxurious waterfront apartments, the mooring fees are refunded in full.”

HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION If you have not been across to Couran Cove of late, it is well worth the effort now so you can see how far it has come, and begin to appreciate where it is headed next.

“For years, a succession of operators wanted to distance Couran Cove from the Gold Coast. But it is very much a part of the Gold Coast. We are a suburb of the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise is right there, down the beach,” said Mr Rekers.

“Eureka is primarily an asset manager and that’s what we do best,” said Mr Rekers. “Couran Cove Island Resort and the new Couran Village will have the experienced management it was always meant to have, and the means to be all it was meant to be. This beautiful destination will not only be a very relaxing place to come and stay. It will also be a very rewarding place to live.”

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT COURAN COVE ISLAND RESORT • Celebrate with an Asahi or Couran Lager in the new tavern, The Marlin Bar • Relax and admire the marina while enjoying coffee and cake at The Shingle Inn • Treat your tastebuds at The Dunes fine-dining restaurant at the Surf Club • Treat yourself to luxurious waterfront accommodation at very affordable rates • Climb aboard the free Resort Train and explore idyllic South Straddie • Discover nature and a wonderful array of wildlife on the Rainforest Boardwalk • Hire a bike and create those fun family memories that last a lifetime • Smile as the kids enjoy the free playgrounds or challenge you at the sports facilities • Refresh with a dip in the resort’s 25m lap pool, or children’s pools on Spa Island • Reconnect with your loved ones and toast a fantastic day on Sunset Beach

NOV - JAN 2017

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BOAT GOLD COAST

A dam fine place to visit

during the summer H

inze Dam may be the main drinking water supply for the Gold Coast, but its breathtaking setting, boating facilities, picnic areas, multi-use trails and fishing coves also make it a great destination for tourists and locals alike, especially during the summer.

The 40-year-old dam is located in the heart of the Gold Coast hinterland - about a 30-minute drive from the bustle and glitz of Surfers Paradise.

Before the dam was built, the area comprised of farming homesteads surrounded by cultivated fields and grassland. Though the look of the area has changed quite a bit over the years, it has certainly retained its charm and relaxed atmosphere. Built across the Nerang River, the dam was originally constructed in 1976, raised in 1989 and significantly upgraded in 2011. Its immense wall has a crest height of 108.5 metres above sea level - the highest clay core rock dam in Queensland. It is a sight to behold.

Hinze Dam is even more impressive when it reaches full capacity and water flows over the spillway like a waterfall, attracting more visitors who come to admire the spectacle. Visitors are welcome to take a scenic stroll or ride their bikes along the designated track on top of the wall, which stretches about 1.8 kilometres and provides fantastic views over the lake. Anglers and nature lovers can enjoy boating at Hinze Dam, where electric-powered watercraft, sail craft and paddle craft

are allowed to operate. No fuel power vessels are allowed on the water though and activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, tubing and swimming are also not permitted. There are two large boat ramps and associated facilities located at the Eastern Boat Ramp off Range Road, and the Western Boat Ramp off Nerang-Murwillumbah Road.

Fishing is permitted, and anglers can cast off from their vessels as well as the shoreline near the boat ramp. Fishing permits are required, however, and can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The 1,500-hectare dam is stocked with bass, golden perch (also known as yellowbelly), silver perch and saratoga. The Hinze Dam Fish Management Committee is charged with stocking the dam. In 2016, 67,000 bass fingerlings were released in the dam.

The recent stage-three upgrade of Hinze Dam brought with it many new fun activities and places to explore, including an interpretive information centre and café, walking paths, bike tracks, horse trails, lakeside parks, barbecue areas and much more.

The main Hinze Dam parklands incorporates Picnic Parkland, Pocket Park and Waterside Park, and includes an interpretive walk with interesting facts about the dam wall, catchment, local fish, plants and wildlife. The area also includes picnic tables, shelters, toilets and barbeques. A playground is located at Picnic Parkland for kids to enjoy. For those who like to explore areas by bike, the Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct is located on the northern side of the Hinze Dam and is accessible

via foot or bike across the dam wall. The mountain bike precinct is a network of purpose-built mountain bike trails constructed and maintained by the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club. Members of the public can ride these trails when competitions are not underway. Fire trails through the catchment land around the lake are also available for recreation use and provide opportunities for horse riding, biking, walking and running. Dogs on leashes are now welcome in some designated areas at the dam.

Each summer, Hinze Dam proves to be a popular recreation destination. Although Seqwater rangers regularly patrol its areas, visitors are reminded to be vigilant about their own safety.

To reach Hinze Dam, take the Advancetown Road, which leads to a lower carpark and spillway, or forks to the right, leading to the upper car park adjacent to the information centre and café complex.

Plan ahead and play it safe.

BEFORE VISITING ANY SEQWATER DAMS, LAKES OR PARKS MAKE SURE YOU: • Check out Seqwater’s recreation and safety notices. www.seqwater.com.au • Know what activities are permitted and where.

• Obtain permits and proper safety equipment.

• Are aware of access rules and policies.

• Download a copy of site recreation guide.

Our rangers can’t be everywhere to help you.

Visit seqwater.com.au 58

BNEW0284_QP

Play it safe at our dams, lakes and parks.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

SE A SCHOOL MARITIME COURSES & CAREERS

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orking in the maritime industry can be a rewarding and exciting career pathway with a wide range of job opportunities to choose from.

Seafarers and mariners work on and around the waterfront, in marinas and boatsheds, on commercial barges, fishing vessels, passenger ferries and on tourist charter boats, just to name a few.

Kristy Dowling, General Purpose Hand

Kristy Dowling works for CatchaCrab, an adventure tourism operator on the Tweed River. She loves working outdoors in a natural environment and enjoys the diversity her job offers. “Each day is different because we deal with people as well as the changing weather conditions and tides. A big part of my job is berthing, casting off and anchoring. I also take care of the passengers by making sure they safely get on and off the vessel, and by providing them with information.

There’s a lot to do when it comes to keeping the vessel clean, safe and seaworthy. Working well with a crew is important, too. A good deckhand is someone who’s prepared to get in and carry out their share of the work.”

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Kristy recently completed her General Purpose Hand course with Sea School. She says, “I had a great trainer. He was passionate about teaching and sharing his own experiences as a seafarer, which made the course more enjoyable. The training was really relevant to what I do every day at work and I feel more confident now that I’ve done the shipboard safety element, which is actually a requirement for working in this industry.”

Daryl Jurd is a graduate who started his career in the industry with a General Purpose Hand qualification. He went on to get both his Coxswain Grade 1 and Exemption 38 licences.

“I work for Transport NSW, overseeing the safety and quality of some of their maritime infrastructure projects. I use my Deckhand and Coxswain competencies on the job. The AMSA regulations and the basic safety training are essential to my work on board our vessels.”

Having the right qualification under your belt can make a big difference to where you go in your career. Tina Sullivan worked on ferries as a General Purpose Hand for two years before completing her Coxswain Grade 1. “I’m now employed in the Whitsundays as a Coxswain, driving rigid inflatable boats (RIB) of various lengths. Sea School gave me a lot of encouragement to follow my dreams in the industry and I’d like to thank them for that. Their courses really helped me turn my love of boating into a professional career in the maritime industry.”

“Their courses really helped me turn my love of boating into a professional career in the maritime industry.”

-Tina Sullivan, Coxswain G1 If you are interested in starting a maritime career, or you are already in the industry and need a qualification, take a look at Sea School’s courses.

General Purpose Hand is the entry-level commercial course for the maritime industry. Other courses on offer are Coxswain Grades 1 and 2, Marine Radio, Elements of Shipboard Safety and Exemption 38, which is for operators who work in near coastal waters with low complexity duties.

One of the great things about studying with Sea School is that their course delivery is flexible and students can complete their courses in blocks over a period of time. They also offer students the option to re-sit any part of their course before sitting the AMSA Certificate of Competency oral examination.

Next intake dates for Tweed Heads are 21 November 2016 and 20 February 2017. For more information, go to www.seaschool.com.au or call 1300 666 416. Payment plans are available on request.

Master <24 and MED 3 courses offered in Sydney.

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BOAT GUIDE EVENT

AHOY YE SHAGGERS!

Pa rty on Sh ag Isl size of a footba ll et. 50 0 plu s pe ople on the roc ky to the mu sic fro mfie ld - enjoy ing nibble s, BYO dri ou tcrop - an uninh abite d isle t nks, saus age siz ab Co co nu t Radio sta zle s, kite fly ing anou t the tio n! d da nc ing

mates catc hing up!

Retired Squadron Leaderrs and Ken Thacke ray.

Eva n Johnsto n, Rus Pye

By Evan Johnston

E

very year, the yachties fondly called the “Shaggers” (or “SICYC Vice Commodores”) make the trip North for their annual pilgrimage to the Whitsundays and to join other yachties at the Rendezvous. The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) Rendezvous occurs over four days through the last weekend of August every year at Montes Reef Resort and the Cape Gloucester Resort in the Gloucester Passage. The Rendezvous have been held for the last six years in the same location and there are Vice Commodores who have attended them all. This four-day event is also part of the fundraising activities of SICYC to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

This year, $105,248 was raised for PCFA bringing total funds raised by SICYC for Prostate Cancer awarness and research to $400,000.

The 2016 Rendezvous, with theme of Parrot Head, saw some 220 boats of all types and about 800 people hell bent on having fun.

Some have come from far and wide such as a group who came from the USA along with many first time “Shaggers”.

The Season of Sail (introduced earlier in 2016 for sailors who were taking the journey from the south to the Whitsundays) was a success, with east coast marinas, such as Por t of Bundaberg, Roslyn Bay and Mackay, of fering enticements and discounts along the way. Once reaching the Whitsundays, Abell Point Marina of fered significant discounts of f their weekly rate, which was appreciated by all.

Day One kicked of f with a “meet and greet” welcome event. Day Two began with morning tea on boats, and then kite-flying on the diminutive islet was held with 500 people flying kites. The rest of the day was all fun with sausage sizzles, drinks and nibbles, oysters, and listening to the Parrot Head FM radio station. At Montes, live music, crab races, boaties’ auction, raf fle and meals were on of fer, with cour tesy boats transpor ting par tygoers from their boats to the islet or the resor t.

Day Three saw the creation of “Hands Across the Water” event, where dinghies assembled to form the Cancer Foundation

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of Australia logo, while ever yone in the dinghies was dancing to the live music enter tainment from the stern deck of super yacht Norseman. The Parrot Head Par ty was a hit with yachties displaying their best parrot head hats, while judges were also busy choosing the “Best Dressed Boat by Night”.

The “Pirates Parley” star ted at lunchtime of Day Four at the Cape Gloucester Resor t.

Blackbeard and Captain Morgan were pussies compared to this mob! The raf fle for the fully reconditioned 1972 HQ Holden station wagon (donated by Llewellyn Motors) was drawn. A happy motoring enthusiast from Victoria, Adrian Ries, was the luck y winner. Other fundraiser activities were held, including a first-time attendee who shaved her head and raised $1,000 on the spot.

An interesting twist was the introduction of sea safety course, conducted by Sunshine Sailing Australia at the Cape Gloucester Resor t where par ticipants were able to get up close and personal with flare demonstrations, life raf t drills, and came to realise that both a life raf t and a life jacket are definitely a last line of defence!

Another fabulous first for the Rendezvous was the creation of SICYC Coconut Radio broadcasting throughout the event on FM89.5. Adding to the overall fun was the oppor tunity to take a helicopter flight around the area that gave yachties a chance to see their boats from above and saw a general over view of the locality, with a por tion of the fees donated to PCFA .

In 2017, the ‘Season of Sail’ will mature, with possible fleets sailing from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane joined by other boats along the way. SICYC will provide “cruisingin-company” information on marinas, anchorages, and member benefits for the 2017 cruising season.

SICYC now has 5,140 members from 14 nations. To learn more about SICYC and the 2017 Season of Sail, visit www.sicyc.com.au.

These voluntee me rc ha ndise, rs did ever ything - gave ad the pa rty, shuf ra ffle tic ke ts and en try tic kevice, provided paramedic s, sold fle d bo ats to for ts, m ‘H ands Ac ro drove cour tesy bo ats, se t up ss the Blue’ log o.

to imp ress dur ing the Dan cing on boa rd tryin g sse d Boa t by Day ’, a judg ing of the ‘Bes t Dre es dres sed up thei r com peti tion whe re atte nde e. boa ts in com peti tion mod

Co lin Ve itc h an d pir ate s du rin g theLin da We bb er dre sse d up as ‘Pi rat Glo uc est er Re so rt, tog es Pa rle y’ at the Ca pe eth er wit h 60 0 oth er pir ate s.

HQ Holden station ky winner of the 1972 Adr ian Rie s is the luc n MP, James Sturge s of Llewellyn tiga w the ticket dur ing wag on. Jas on Cos st, Ian Anderson, dre Motors and gra phic arti 28 August 2016. on ort Res r e Glouce ste Pirates Par ley at Cap

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

UPGRADED MARINA

SAILS INTO THE FUTURE

InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort Pool facilities for current paid-up berth holders.”

New restroom and laundry facilities have also now opened as the marina evolves to keep pace with demand from the world’s growing superyacht fraternity.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Johan Hasser said the upgrade was well timed to accommodate increased traffic ahead of the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which is expected to draw crowds of up to 40,000 marine enthusiasts during the four-day festival in May. “Sanctuary Cove is an award-winning destination that is renowned internationally for its superior lifestyle offerings, and we are pleased to be able to bring these important upgrades on line as part of our ongoing program of investment in our valued marine community,” Mr Hasser said.

“The feedback from residents and visitors has been very positive, and reflects Sanctuary Cove’s commitment to the evolution of our marina as a modern, world-class facility.”

Sanctuary Cove’s Mediterranean-style marina features a wide-berth design, providing more than 226 moorings for vessels ranging in size from 40 ft (12mtrs) to 120 ft (36 metres).

Providing a dedicated day visitor area allows guests to visit the marina and adjacent Marine Village, drawn to the stunning location and its myriad of attractions, including vibrant waterfront restaurants, upmarket retail boutiques and gold standard golf courses.

For more information regarding short or long term visits to the Sanctuary Cove Marina, please visit www.sanctuarycove.com.

(LR) Johan Hasser (Head of Marketing & Events) Helen Motteram (Marina Operations Manager) Stephen Anderson (General Manager)

T

introduction of electronic access control to the precinct, comprising new gates with swipe card access.

The revamp includes major security upgrades as well as the installation of new amenities and facilities for berth holders at the award-winning facility, which has received an impressive range of industry accolades, including being the first destination in Australia to receive five Gold Anchor residential canal estate accreditations from the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA).

“We have installed large glass gates that look fantastic, so this has really added to the aesthetic of the marina.

he Sanctuary Cove Marina has boosted its worldclass facilities following a raft of upgrades aimed at providing an enhanced experience for existing berth holders and visiting vessels at the renowned Gold Coast lifestyle destination.

Sanctuary Cove Marina operations manager Helen Motteram said works recently completed saw the

“The upgrade was aimed at continuing to provide upmarket recreational marine facilities for our berth holders to enjoy, secure in the knowledge that their safety and wellbeing is always our key concern,” Ms Motteram said.

“We are confident these scheduled upgrades will add another element to the appeal of our marina to the boating community, alongside perks such as discount on fuel and enjoying access to the

ABOUT SANCTUARY COVE The $A2 billion Sanctuary Cove Resort, located on the northern Gold Coast, is Australia’s leading and most successful master-planned community.

Featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 226 berth marina, five-star InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, Country Club including full fitness centre, tennis courts and 25m swimming pool, Sanctuary Cove is also home to some of the most diverse waterfront, golf course fronting or hilltop residential house, and land options on the Gold Coast.

At the heart of the community is The Marine Village – Sanctuary Cove’s vibrant precinct featuring more than 80 tenancies, including a selection of shopping, cafes, business services, restaurants and bars.

customfloats quality boat lifting solutions "Marine friendly 0 Very simple to operate 0 No metal or moving parts 0 Will not puncture, warp or wear "Custom made models available 0 Never antifoul again

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We also build custom floatation platforms for building structures, helicopters, fish farms and other specialised applications. Please call us to find out more.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

61

BOAT HISTORY

Ship Wrecks

OF THE GOLD COAST Photo of The Scottish Prince by local diver Ian Banks

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considerable amount of Queensland’s history is told in the scraps of tangled wreckage and mouldering wood and iron that lie scattered along her coastline. Different years of shipping are identical with various developments of the State.

And the shipping, in its turn, has left behind these pathetic reminders of past tragedies.

The weather was not always the destroyer. A sailing ship caught in a strong current or a savage tidal rip, especially in light or adverse breezes, was doomed.

And sometimes the dreadful grinding crash came in fair weather, when she drove unexpectedly on to an uncharted reef or rock pinnacles.

In 1883, surveyor Henry Schneider named the creek and the township after the wreck. A fragment of the wreck of the Coolangatta is located in Queen Elizabeth Park on the Coolangatta foreshore.

Note: A portion of a wreck was washed ashore on North Kirra Beach in 1974, “more than 120 metres north-west from where the vessel went down”. The identification of this wreck as the Coolangatta has been disputed by historian Harry Lauder, who considered that the beach on which the vessel was driven ashore was on Duranbah Beach, and not North Kirra.

THE CAMBUS WALLACE

For a shipmaster whose navigation was partly “by guess or by God” sailing along the east coast of Australia, danger was an integral part of his life. It is ironic that he was often in greatest danger when he had passed through a storm and was within a few miles of his destination on a savage coast.

A barque rigged ship of 800 tons bound from Glasgow to Brisbane was wrecked and driven ashore during a storm on 3 September 1894. Five members of her crew were drowned. A monument was erected by subscription and a broken spar and part of a wheel were erected over their grave on the terrace. A valuable cargo of printers’ paper, oil, ammunition and spirits was lost or ruined by the seawater. There were 4000 cases of whisky and a quantity of ironmongery.

THE SCOTTISH PRINCE

THE COOLANGATTA Coolangatta, an 88-tonne vessel was entered into the British Register of Shipping (Sydney, 10/1844) and was wrecked on 19 August 1846. The Coolangatta was trying to enter the Tweed River during a gale when it was driven ashore northward of the River. The captain and several of the crew were ashore at the time attempting to locate a water source. The Coolangatta soon beached and the crewmembers stripped the vessel of all removable gear. The crew then travelled overland to Amity Point where they were recovered by the steamer Tamar and conveyed to Sydney.

In December of 1846, an attempt was made to refloat the vessel. According to Captain Freeman of the vessel William, the vessel had been lifted out of the sand by rollers. But just as arrangements had been completed for the launch (including repairs and the discharging of cargo) a gale forced the vessel into a worse position than before.

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On 3 February 1887, under the Command of William Little, the Scottish Prince was proceeding northward along the east coast on the final stages of a voyage from Glasgow to Brisbane. At 11:40pm the master left the deck, leaving the second mate in charge— who had never sailed these waters before. Shortly after midnight the vessel ran aground.

Several unsuccessful attempts were made by the steamers Tweed, Otter and Gunga to tow the Scottish Prince off the bar. Within a few days, as southeasterly weather conditions deteriorated, the vessel keeled over and was abandoned. Over the following weeks, the decks opened up allowing cases of cargo including sewing machines, drapery, whiskey, beer and mineral waters to be washed ashore.

A man named Kirk bought the wreck, which by this time was partly covered by sand. And to uncover his property, he blew up the ship with dynamite.

This explosion caused a big hole in the sand about 30ft wide by 12 or 15ft deep, and loosened the sand round about. There followed after a big king tide and heavy gale and the sea broke through. In a week, the passage was 100 ft. wide.

The figurehead of the Cambus Wallace is still standing near the Railway Hotel at Southport.

Mr. Barney Boulton has the nameplate from one of the cabin doors.

Information provided by Southport Yacht Club’s Maritime Heritage Ship Wreck committee.

The wreck was discovered on 1 October 1955. In 1956, over 140 dives were made to identify the vessel as that of the Scottish Prince. She was an iron ship of 894 tons with a length of 210 ft.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

New Motor Yachts Arriving Jan 17

Fairline 53 GT

Hampton 650 PH

Alaska 47 - $1.1M

Endurance 686

Brokerage Yacht Selection

2004 Monte Fino 70 Flybridge Motor Yacht P.O.A.

1997 Lazzara 80 Motor Yacht $995,000

www.LSYachts.com.au 07 5577 9200

2012 Endurance 72 Bluemoon $3.195M

2011 Endurance 650 Lady Patrice $2.389M

42 Quay Street Sanctuary Cove, Qld sales@LSYachts.com.au

2005 Kingsher 56 Royale $679,000

2005 Four Winns 328 Vista $119,500

Peter Foster 0408 758 830

Colin Cox 0408 758 099

Dean Leigh-Smith 0408 758 887

Ryan Leigh-Smith 0408 758 886

Fairline Yacht’s path to perfection Fairline 63 Targa GTO Italian-designed, Dutch-engineered, Built in Great Britain The Targa 63 GTO is the first of the new generation of models from Fairline featuring the design of Italian Alberto Mancini, with naval architecture by renowned Dutch firm Vripack. The sport yacht is currently in the final modelling stages with production set to begin in November 2016 and customer deliveries expected mid 2017.

Mancini’s influence is clearly evident in the Targa 63 GTO, resulting in a sleeker look for Fairline and an evolution of the recent British-builder styling. The Targa 63 GTO is designed to suit Fairline’s varied global client base, offering complete flexibility of

layout with a multitude of options to suit each individual customer. For example, there are three different galley arrangements, allowing clients to choose the best configuration to suit their needs. A choice of long cockpit or saloon variants, the former offering large outdoor space, the latter for those where air-conditioned interior space is more important. Maximizing space and comfort are the key features of the Targa 63 GTO with every centimetre optimized. Regardless of specification, owners will find a large saloon and cockpit as well as an impressive full-beam master cabin with adjoining full-beam en-suite. The boat features a large sliding, glazed sunroof and powered patio doors that disappear through the cockpit floor transforming the main deck and adding to the overall sense of space and light. As well

as ensuring the sea-keeping and handling qualities that Fairline is known for, Vripack focused heavily on minimizing noise and vibration levels throughout the boat.

For more details on the Fairline 63 Targa GTO, consult with East Coast Australian Yacht Brokers, Leigh-Smith Yachts, your dedicated Fairline dealer, who are based at the renowned Sanctuary Cove Resort. LSY has over 50 years of experience servicing the Queensland market.

Ryan Leigh-Smith says he is very excited to bring this dynamic brand with the exciting new model to the Australian Luxury Yacht Market.

With brands including Fairline, Hampton, Endurance and Alaska Motor Yachts, LeighSmith Yachts literally have something for anyone considering a new luxury vessel.

Leigh-Smith Yachts | 42 Quay Street, Sanctuar y Cove Qld 4212 | Ph 07 55 77 9200 | Email queensland@fairline.com BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

63

BOAT GOLD COAST

Superyacht Haven ON THE GOLD COAST

old Coast City Marina & Shipyard announces new services for superyachts, G forming a refit hub as more private and charter yachts head to Australia.

The Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has announced it will now be the official agent for Seal Superyachts on the East Coast of Australia.

The announcement comes as the marina furthers its facilities to meet the demands of the increasing number of superyachts reaching Australia.

“With extended cruising ranges and the rapid increase in popularity of the Asia Pacific region as a cruising destination, we are starting to see a slow but steady increase in international superyachts heading in our direction,” said chief executive officer, Trent Gay. Seal Superyachts is the premier superyacht support agency spanning the Indian Ocean, Asia and Pacific regions. The GCCM business philosophy, onsite facilities and wide network of industry contacts made it the obvious choice for Seal Superyachts on Australia’s East Coast.

“We’re really excited to be representing Seal Superyachts in Australia. Our award-winning facilities, strategic partnerships on the East Coast of Australia, and our vast experience with superyachts will ensure that clients receive first class service in Australian waters. We are well prepared to provide refit, maintenance and shore support services for vessels up to 2,500 tonnes,” said Gay. “We are equally excited that our Aussie clients will also now enjoy a fantastic service network across these regions,” he added.

To meet a growing demand from larger vessels, works will soon commence on the installation of eight additional 65m superyacht work berths with vehicle access, water and power up to 400 amps.

Most of this power will be supplied by the marina’s solar facilities. GCCM lays claim to being the largest solar power marine facility in the world.

“Australia is rightly being recognised as a more cost-effective option for superyacht maintenance and refit, with the added benefit of owners being able to enjoy the great diversity and unspoilt beauty of the southern cruising grounds.

We’ve also got some big events coming up which are attracting both charter and private superyachts, such as the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Our planned site upgrades and new strategic alliances will ensure that we are able to keep up with demand and continue to provide unparalleled service to visiting superyachts.”

Additional refit sheds will also soon be constructed and GCCM is set to become the first marina in Australia with a dedicated on-site recycling yard in late 2016. The facility already boasts a hardstand that is over 50,000m2 in size and eight dedicated superyacht refit sheds. Proposals for future improvements and expansion of the current facilities also include the development of GCCM Stage 2 on a 20-hectare site with planning currently underway.

The GCCM team are committed to ensuring visiting superyacht crew are well catered for with onsite customs and shipping agents at GCCM to provide assistance to vessels. There are free courtesy vehicles and vessels available on request, plus

a complimentary shuttle bus service to and from Brisbane and Gold Coast International Airports, both within 50-minutes’ drive. Accommodation requirements and provisioning advice can also easily be arranged via the administration office.

Customer focus, collaboration and innovation are central to GCCM’s future plans that also include enhanced project management capabilities in order to take away the stress of deadlines, budgets and quality control.

“While some superyacht captains prefer to come and utilise our facilities and onsite trades themselves, others want the complete service from our team including project management.

We are happy to help either way. We are able to offer project management services better than any other boatyard in Australia due to the combined experience of over nine highly qualified and internationally accredited project managers operating here on site,” said Gay. In 2014, the Gay Group Of Companies took sole ownership of the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard. The newly consolidated team have since been pleased to achieve a raft of industry accolades, including Best Marina & Boatyard Facility 2013/2014, Best Marina & Boatyard Facility 2015/16, Best Dry Storage Facility 2015/16, and Superyacht Australia Business of the Year.

With over 40 years combined Marine experience, we let our work speak for itself.

www.wickedfabrications.com.au | 07 5580 5355 | office@wickedfabrications.com.au 64

NOV - JAN 2017

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

65

BOAT GUIDE BUILDER

Designer’ notes: SECRET 33

By Derek Ellard

T

h e history of electric boats goes back a hundred and fifty years back. By the late 19th century, electric boating was common in many countries. The Thames, for instance, had a network of charging stations - no range anxiety then.

The Secret 33 is very much a modern boat. But the DNA of the early Thames river launches is still very much in evidence. As a designer, I specialise in modern interpretations of boats from the late 19th century and early 20th century, the golden era of yachting. During that period, the internal combustion engine began its long journey to global dominance. But the tide is turning. Electric boats, just like electric cars, are rapidly challenging that fossil-fuelled invincibility.

The key to successful electric boating is in fact a whole bunch of keys. Let us start with the hull. Scruffie boats are designed primarily as sailing yachts. While they look like something from a century ago, their hull forms are anything but. Under the water are some smooth slippery lines from the long fine entry to the wider, flatter stern sections. The maximum beam is aft of amidships, whereas vintage racers or well-honed fishing smacks had their beamier sections much further forward.

The next key is weight. As the great American designer Herreshoff once said, “To go faster, add lightness.” And he did, using all sorts of exotic alloys in the search for lightness and speed. Today, without sacrificing integrity, we have all sorts of weight-reduction materials at our disposal. The Secret 33 uses foam-core fibreglass, extruded plastics, rigid foam-core thermo-formed sheeting, and hollow laminated posts and beams. The whole boat is held together by the boat-builder’s friends—epoxy resin and new miracle adhesives in a tube. So, a fully fitted-out 33, with some big battery banks, water ballast tanks and trimming ballast, weighs in at just over three tonnes. It will not bend, break or rot. So that is less boat in the water and less power needed to push it along.

Technically, the Secret 33 is a semi-displacement hull. With a very modest eight-kilowatt motor,

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Night cruising

Decorative light brackets

More flourishes

Secret construction

she will crack close to eight knots and cruise all day at six. The boat fully laden will do four knots by solar power alone - that is, to say the power draw is equal to the solar input from the lightweight panels on the roof. But as speed rises, the power draw goes all parabolic on us, so that while that four knots require just over a kilowatt and six knots need three kilowatts, eight knots will draw on every last bit of the eight kilowatts we have available.

Now let us look at another key on the ring: the motor. First up, the motor is tiny - think shoebox.

It does not have bushes anymore so it is efficient, reliable, and does not weigh much. The battery bank is the big issue and this key is an important one. Lithium is the buzzword, of course, as it can pack more power with much less weight than lead-acid ones. With lithium, you can utilise pretty much all of the available energy, and

fully recharge within an hour. Lithium batteries, however, are still depressingly expensive.

The good news is experts have developed a battery with double capacity of the best lithium cells, which may be available commercially in the next 18 months.

The next key is the upper-works, the superstructure that needs to be low and streamlined to reduce windage, yet high and boxy to comfortably accommodate passengers.

Clearly, you cannot have both, especially on a ferry. So you try to find a workable compromise.

The Secret 33 has very good headroom of two metres and a well-insulated roof. The corners are rounded off with thermo-formed cast acrylic panels, which look cool in a 1920s-way, and reduce wind resistance in a 2016-way. The freeboard needs to be as low as possible without contravening the very sensible regulations regarding passenger safety.

The other little keys on the ring unlock final performance parameters. Rudders, for instance, should never be of the barn-door variety. The leading edge can be rounded, then widening out to a pleasing foil, but the trailing edge is the important one and razor sharp is the goal.

Ditto with skeg keels. Antifoul should be racingtype or, better still, copper suspended in epoxy and sanded back for a nice smooth bottom. Any measures to reduce turbulence are worthwhile.

In addition, the right propellers are vital for good fuel consumption figures.

There is one aspect of boat design that is perhaps the most important to be considered: ergonomics. There is no point in building a boat that ticks all the boxes, unless it is both easy and safe to operate. Car manufacturers for instance, spend up big on ergonomics - it’s the same with boats - we’re all trying to get it right! While the first two Secret 33s are passenger ferries, the custom interiors are equally adaptable to private buyers. One observer even noted, “You could live on this.”

In any event, all the keys must work all the time.

It only remains for you to unlock the Secret.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GUIDE

GIVE A HOOT, DON’T POLLUTE

Marine pollution laws in Queensland

By Captain John Kavanagh, AFNI MQLS

W

e have received a number of queries recently about marine pollution laws for recreational vessels.

One inquirer was under the impression that minor oil spills (such as from a bilge system) more than three miles from the coast was not against the law. Wrong! A discharge of oil from a boat into the water is an offence wherever you are.

Another inquirer believed that an accidental oil spill was not against the law, because an accident was always just an accident and could not attract criminal liability. Wrong! An accidental discharge of oil from a boat is against the law.

Yet another inquirer was under the impression that littering from a boat was a minor offence that would only result in a ticket. Wrong! The laws relating to the discharge of garbage from a boat do not have an infringement notice, and could result in you being summoned to appear before a court.

Fortunately, legal professional privilege will protect the identity of these inquirers, because the questions showed a worrying lack of understanding of the laws concerning marine pollution in Queensland. This is worrying not only because of the huge fines that can be imposed, but also because the offences are strict liability.

We explain what strict liability means further below.

STRICT LIABILITY The law regarding pollution from boats in Queensland waters is contained in the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995 and the supporting regulation. It is important to appreciate that these laws (with the exception of the sewage discharge laws, which are complex and are worthy of an article in their own right) are based upon an international convention that was designed to apply to international seagoing ships

DEFENCES

For the discharge of garbage by an individual, a penalty of up to 3,500 penalty units, which equates to a fine of $426,650, will be imposed.

(MARPOL 73/78). Consequently, the laws are regarded as very serious. They provide for very large penalties and are relatively easy for the government to enforce.

So, for the purposes of pollution in Queensland, it does not matter whether it is a huge cruise ship in the port of Brisbane or a tinny in the Southport Seaway. The laws that apply to the discharge of oil and garbage are exactly the same.

Essentially, if you discharge any pollutants (oil, garbage or chemical substances) from a boat without a defence, then you commit an offence. It is not a defence if the discharge happened accidentally, or if you are mistaken as to the nature of the substance being discharged. For example, it would still be an offence if you believed it was water and not oil being pumped over the side. This is what we mean by strict liability. In essence, if the pollutant enters the water, and you do not have a defence available, then you are guilty of the offence regardless of the other circumstances.

The only defences available are: • The discharge was necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea; • The discharge resulted from damage to the ship or its equipment, and all reasonable precautions were taken after the damage happened, or the discharge was discovered to prevent or minimise the discharge of the oil; and, • The discharge was approved by an authorised officer during an oil spill response or for training purposes.

In practice, these defences do not arise very often. Most of the time, pollutants go into the water by accident.

Nevertheless, it is important to remember that an accidental discharge of any pollutants is not a valid defence and will still incur penalties.

MAXIMUM FINES For the discharge of oil by an individual, a penalty of up to 5,000 penalty units, which equates to a fine of $609,500, will be imposed. For a corporation, it is considerably more, with penalties up to 100,000 units which equates to a fine of more than $12 million.

For the discharge of garbage by an individual, a penalty of up to 3,500 penalty units, which equates to a fine of $426,650, will be imposed. More than $2 million if committed by a corporation.

With fines like that, spending a few dollars ensuring your bilges are clean and that your fuel tanks are in good condition would be a good investment. So, before you take your boat out next time, you might like to secure all loose items so that they cannot go over the side by accident. Check that your bilges are clear of oil, and think twice about throwing that chip packet or empty drink can over the side!

PRACTICAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE BOATING COMMUNITY Tired of expensive and irrelevant advice from lawyers who have never been out of sight of land?

We specialise in cost-effective legal services to the boating community. MER Solutions can help with all aspects of maritime law, including marine insurance claims, purchasing of boats, chartering, incident management, licensing advice, marine pollution, regulatory compliance and registration. Our lawyers have more than 50 years of experience as mariners, marine regulators and maritime lawyers.

Capt John Kavanagh AFNI MQLS

0481 170 373

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

www.mer-solutions.com (Incorporating Kavanagh Law)

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BOAT GOLD COAST

BOAT SAILING

Test your knowledge: Nautical Quiz Compiled by Phil Short

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE THE SECRET IS OUT: Off the beaten track in the Gold Coast hinterland, Scruffie Marine has been around for over a quarter of a century now. While their Secret 33 solar-electric boat has been grabbing attention recently, it is one of their core-range sailing boats that is currently in the spotlight.

Practical Boat Owner, the UK’s biggest selling marine publication, has bought their Secret 20 kit and will document the build of this racy little gaff cutter over the next two years. The series on the build-process started in the magazine’s October edition with the photo taken by Scruffie Marine director/designer/builder/photographer Derek Ellard as the front cover. When completed, the boat will be exhibited at the London Boat Show and various regional events.

Considering the plentiful supply of small boats available in Europe, it is remarkable to see a Gold Coast small boat builder taking on the world.

Q1

What is an Irish Hurricane?

Q2

Hollystone is used for?

Q3

Whereabouts on a ship would you find Scuppers?

GOLD COASTER IS NEW GMI CHAIR: John Hogan CMP, of Superior Group based on the Gold Coast, takes over the role of Global Marina Institute (GMI) Chairman in November, during the GMI meeting in Amsterdam.

Q4 On a yacht, what is a Topping-Lift?

Q5 Millibar is used to measure what?

Q6 What is the Freeboard of a vessel?

Q7

GMI was established to contribute to the development of marina standards through globally focused industry education delivered by partners British Marine and the Marina Industries Association.

Where would you find a Pod?

Q8 What part of a dinghy is a Thwart?

Q9 What are Meridian Time Zones referred to?

Q10 How long in feet is 10 cables or 1 Nautical Mile?

Q11 Visible difference between Stars & Planets

The inaugural GMI Chairman Mick Bettesworth CMM hands over the role after serving two terms and having successfully steered GMI since its inception in 2011. “I am delighted that John Hogan is succeeding me as GMI Chairman. John is well known world-wide and will bring an added level of professionalism and drive to the GMI as it achieves maturity.”

Q12 First international dinghy class to compete regularly Q13 What does the term “Larboard” mean?

Q14 What does an Anemometer measure?

Q15 What year did Australia win the Americas Cup? Q16 Where would you find the Orlop deck on a ship?

Q17 Meaning of M’aidez Q18 Name of the village on South-Stradbroke buried under Seaway Q19 What is an Anabatic Wind?

Q20 What is a Tell-Tale on a yacht?

Q21 Bolt Rope is used for what and where?

Q22 What is the Ebb Tide?

Q23 What is the Flood Tide?

Q24 What is a Lee Tide?

Q25 “Sailing Goose-wing” means?

Q26 What is the Troposphere?

Q27 In Seamanship, the term to Belay means?

Q28 What is a Bowline and when is it used on deck?

Q29 What do you call the watch when time is 16:00 till 18:00?

Q30 What are the principles of the Fire Triangle?

Answers on P77 68

SUSTAINABILITY A KEY THEME DURING METSTRADE SHOW: The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry to be held from 15 to 17 November in RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

The keynote speech by renowned architect Steven Beckers will address the topic of “Circular Economy: Towards a positive impact on the recreational marine industry”. As recycling can be seen as the starting point for circular economy, this presentation will dovetail well with the Sustainability In the Marine Industry conference, to be held on 14 November in RAI Amsterdam. The sustainability theme is also echoed throughout METSTRADE itself in a wide variety of ways - an Environmental Initiative Award category, unveiling of pioneering new eco-friendly products and services, and an exhibition area to show how lightweight materials can inspire designers and yards in sustainable boatbuilding. (metstrade.com)

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT SERVICE DIRECTORY

• Extensions • 2 Pac Spraying & Brushing • Construction • Restorations • Antifouling Coatings • Modifications • Maintenance • Varnish Work • Fit-outs • Bow/Stern Thrusters

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BOAT GUIDE

THE PAST,

PRESENT & FUTURE OF

to propel water in two directions. This enables it to perform some neat tricks, like being able to sit stationary, instead of forcing you to do slow donuts like other models do. The dual throttle can also help you slow down rapidly by angling water diagonally towards the front.

in 1973, which went on to become a global sensation.

It is a testament to the success of this model, which Kawasaki has trademarked “Jet Ski” brand, that it has become the default description for today’s craft.

By Narayan Pattison

Subtle but effective refinements to the seat ensure your comfort is always a priority. The seat boasts tiers to raise both riders and passengers, while providing back support. The heat resistant material of the seat will also be appreciated by anyone who has been scolded by jumping onto a jet ski that has been sitting in the sun too long. And no, the focus on music and comfort does not mean performance has been forgotten. The 310LX can easily reach speeds of just under 110kmph.

J

et skis have become increasingly popular up and down the length of the Gold Coast, especially as the mild waves of the Broadwater make it the perfect playground for these high performance personal watercrafts. Over the last sixty years, the jet ski has come a long way from its experimental beginnings, and it still has plenty of innovation left in the tank, as we can see from the new features arriving this year and beyond.

KAWASAKI ULTRA 310LX It was not so long ago that the noise of jet skis was a common complaint. But the sound of Kawasaki’s new Ultra 310LX will be music to your ears. This jet ski is the first to come with its own powerful sound system, capable of streaming music from your phone or USB, and turning it into crisp tunes via the waterproof dual 60-watt speakers.

THIS SUMMER’S MODELS For anyone interested in carving through the waves during this sunny season with a new jet ski, we have taken a look at three of this summer’s hottest models.

1955 Amanda

1968 Sea Doo

THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS While the appeal of larger boats had been understood for centuries, the idea of powered personal watercraft was still science fiction in the 1950s. It was the British motorcycle manufacturer Vincent that first made the jet ski a reality in 1955, with its propeller-powered watercraft dubbed the “Amanda”.

A decade later, in the 1960s, a Byron Bay motocross enthusiast, Clayton Jacobson II, was experimenting with adding in the pump jet propulsion that is now commonplace in today’s jet skis. Clayton’s design was used as the template for the first commercially released Sea Doo in 1968. This original concept was then modified into the standing Jet Ski by Kawasaki 70

SEA DOO RXP-X 300 Starting with the Sea Doo, you can rest assured the brand has come a long way since that early 1968 model. The current RXP-X 300 provides many improvements for riders, but the most notable one is the engine’s impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The 300HP Rotax 1630 ACE engine delivers 1G of acceleration, allowing it to go from zero to its top speed of 96kph in a blistering 3.9 seconds.

As well as the improved engine, you will notice a host of other refinements in the RXP-X, including more responsive braking, tighter turning thanks to a redesigned hull, and an easier to grip seat. Now that last one may sound trivial but anyone who has ridden the older models will know how often you slip backward while accelerating and cornering, forcing you to constantly readjust your position. By narrowing the seat, it makes it a lot easier to grip with your legs, which increases your control and reduces your fatigue.

YAMAHA FX CRUISER SVHO The Yamaha’s flagship model, the FX Cruiser SVHO, has speed and acceleration nothing short of extraordinary, allowing it to easily outpace other brands in its class. The 1.8-litre Super Vortex High Output engine can propel the SVHO from zero to 96kph in just 2.6 seconds, and a top speed of over 110kph.

Yamaha’s proprietary “RiDE” dual throttle technology is another impressive feature, allowing the jet ski

WATER CRAFT OF TOMORROW: THE QUADSKI Tired of attaching your jet ski trailer to the back of your car and driving it to the nearest boat ramp?

Well, then the Quadski will save you that hassle, while delivering a James Bond-style experience as it transforms from a quad bike into a jet ski in less than five seconds. While its transforming technology is breathtaking, it does come at the cost of speed. Unlike the 110kph speeds of the fastest jet skis, the Quadski tops out at just over 70kph on both water and land. And if you prefer motorcycles, the manufacturer is also working on a two-wheeled prototype called the Biski. It functions just like the Quadski, except the lighter weight enables it to reach an impressive 130kph on land and 60kph on water.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT EVENT

this year was absolutely magic.” With a group of enthusiasts riding a range of high-powered and well-maintained skis, the week without rain and calm winds of around 10 knots was the jackpot.

E

ach year, the JetskiShop.com Breakfast Club and Adventure Rides hosts the ultimate jet ski adventure to the Whitsundays, staying at Hamilton Island for five days. Jetskishop.com owner and event organizer, James Tod, says, “With dates booked months in advance, it’s always a challenge as the weather is never guaranteed to be on our side. We used 10 years of weather data to determine the best week for calm winds and great weather. While it was still a lot of luck, the weather

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This year’s group comprised 10 skis and 15 people, with several participants being new riders.

The others were experienced riders wanting to learn more about the area. Tom explains, “The day after arriving, we rode the skis along the western side of Whitsunday Island. Two of the skis carried our supplies in eskies, so we found a picturesque spot for lunch before setting off on our afternoon ride to Daydream Island.”

The following day was the long awaited big-ride day through Hook Passage and to Hayman Island.

“From Hayman, we beached the skis at Langford Island to check out the Langford-Bird Reef. Our group headed to the very beautiful Butterfly Bay, at the northern tip of Hook Island, for lunch and snorkeling over the corals.” The riders then

headed east, down the coast of Whitsunday Island for a stop at Whitehaven Beach, with some of the riders becoming surrounded by whales on their migration north. The day trip was 120km, and up to 140km for some riders who decided on several quick side trips.

With years of leading guided tours, Tom was able to simultaneously navigate and ensure the safety of all riders, all the while he was operating his quadcopter camera drone, which was used to capture many everlasting treasured photos and video footages of the group.

Beyond the annual Whitsunday adventure, the Jetskishop.com Breakfast Club and Adventure Rides has conducted guided riders around Moreton Bay, including visits to Bribie Island, Clarence River, Fraser Passage, The Narrows, Tweed River, and local dams.

For more information connect at www.jetskishop.com.

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Steamed Whole Squid with Herbs and Ginger Dressing

PHLA MEUK NOENG MA NOW Southeast Asian seafood delights is a 3 -par t recipe series by Chef WOODY ZEN who shares exciting seafood recipes for you to experience authentic homemade Thai dishes.

A whole squid always looks amazing on a plate. Cut it into strips around 1.5cm wide from the top to the bottom on the final Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a chef from Thailand who now calls the Gold Coast home. Creating food has always been central to my life. Growing up, my family and I would cook and sell food at markets or on the streets of Bangkok.

Later in my 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, I set off to the island of Koh Samet, where I opened a restaurant to cater for international guests. Now an accredited professional chef working on the Gold Coast, I know the most important thing I have brought to my cooking here in Australia is the Thai ideal of balancing flavours. Using the five fundamental flavour senses, we always taste the dish in progress and assess if it has the right amount of saltiness, sourness, spiciness, sweetness or bitterness. This can be applied to all types of food and adjusted according to your taste.

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serving dish.

Ingredients: 1 large whole squid 2 inch chunk of ginger, finely sliced into thin julienne strips 2 long green shallots, finely sliced 1 red onion sliced finely 3 cloves of garlic finely sliced 1 large handful of coriander, leaves only (half for cooking and half for garnish) 2 limes thinly sliced 2 chilies finely sliced (use larger chilies for less heat)

Dressing: 100 ml fish sauce 100 ml soy sauce 4 tablespoons of lime juice 50ml of water Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cut out squid eyes and remove any insides such as internal organs and beak (the quill). Clean thoroughly. Place the whole squid on a rack in a large oven tray. Cover squid with ginger, shallots, garlic, red onion and half the coriander leaves. Mix all the dressing ingredients together and pour evenly over the squid. Leave all the dressing sitting on the bottom of the tray, as that will infuse into the squid while cooking. Cover the tray with aluminium foil and pop in the oven for around 18 minutes until cooked. Transfer squid and dressing to the final serving plate, and top with remaining coriander, fresh chili and lime slices. Serve and enjoy with steamed jasmine rice.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT BOAT GUIDE GALLEY

The Fish Emporium The Boaties’ Fish’n’Chips shop

C

apri on Via Roma has fast become the Gold Coast’s premier destination for Gold Coast boaties. Centrally located on Isle of Capri, the centre has established itself as a one-stop-shop for the boating community, with The Fish Emporium’s retail and takeaway seafood offerings a key drawing card.

FISH AND CHIPS The Fish Emporium serves up chef-cooked Fish’n’Chips using trawler-fresh quality seafood fried in premium restaurant-quality cooking oil. The take-away menu provides traditional favourites like battered fish, burgers, potato scallops and dimsims. They also serve gourmet items not offered at any Fish’n’Chips shop, like New England-style fish chowder, salmon croquettes, coconut prawns, and a seafood salad. A take-away Fish’n’Chips meal starts at just $9.90 and is available from 11am to 8pm.

FRESH SEAFOOD STORE The man behind the counter at The Fish Emporium fresh fish store is not only the fishmonger; he is also a qualified chef with years of fish preparation experience. Cooking meals at home will be made easy, as you can ask the Chef for advice on what to buy and be guided by his step-by-step cooking recommendations. The fish store has an extensive selection of fresh seafood that includes over 10 different fish varieties, local prawns, fresh sashimi, and oysters ready to be shucked on request. For the freshest seafood experience, you can order live mud crabs and lobster from the saltwater display tank.

CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING The outdoor waterfront dining area, which features incredible views of the Surfers Paradise Skyline, offers a laid back dining experience. The indoor trendy bar, manned by an in-house mixologist, provides a casual ambiance for having cocktails while nibbling on fresh seafood. Offering a wide selection of the best of the seas, The Fish Emporium has an exciting menu attracting regular clients with a menu of everyday traditional classics. The long list of mouth-watering share plates offers fried, grilled and BBQ goodies. Beyond seafood, there are pasta and salad dishes, and steak options, among others.

COME BY BOAT - 8 BERTHS PUBLIC PONTOON

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

DIRECT BY BOAT Head upstream along the Nerang River, turn right into the canal just before the Isle of Capri Bridge. A 3-hour free temporary berthing is allowed on the 8-berth pontoon. You can dine in, have a drink or shop while you wait for your take-away orders. If you are in a rush to get out to the Broadwater, then simply order ahead over the phone for easy pick-up. There is ample outdoor parking and undercover car park for those travelling by car.

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BOAT GALLEY

Days of Summer Wines

By Alfie Pardoe

LaZona Prosecco NV

Vidal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Pasqua Pinot Grigio

W

e are well and truly into the warmer time of the year now, and my rocket and salad patch is producing a bountiful supply. The lemons are falling off the tree and this leads me to wanting lighter meals and wines to match. The heavier reds and whites can go to the back of my cellar, for drinking next year, and I am now on the hunt for crisp refreshing whites and lighter styles of red wine. I get to taste hundreds of wines each year, and below you will find my go-to, affordable, everyday wines, that are doing it for me. Enjoy!

Some of my recommendations for the warmer summer months (most under $20 per bottle): La Zona Prosecco NV (King Valley, VIC) Prosecco makes the sparkling wines for which the Veneto region of Italy is famous. It is also well suited to the King Valley region in Victoria, and Chrismont’s La Zona Prosecco is one of Australia’s finest. Subtle green apple aromas, a crisp clean zesty palate of apple, melon and delicate bubbles, freshly shucked oysters—the perfect marriage.

Vidal Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (NZ) The 2015 won numerous awards around the globe, including three International Trophies. The 2016 follows on in the same vein. Made by New Zealand’s most awarded winery, Villa Maria, this wine is an

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Pikes “Traditionale” Riesling

La Vieille Ferme Rose

RockBare Chardonnay

amazing value for money! Gooseberry and guava notes on the palate lead to a long refreshing finish.

Grilled scallops, please!

Pasqua Pinot Grigio 2015 (Italy) Light and crisp with lovely notes of apples and citrus, this wine is slightly lower in alcohol (12%), yet packs loads of flavour into every glass. Close your eyes and you could be forgiven for thinking you are holidaying in the Mediterranean.

Serve with char-grilled octopus.

Pikes “Traditionale” Riesling 2016 (Clare Valley, SA) A generous and immensely enjoyable wine, filling the mouth with lime, lemon and apple flavours, perfectly braced with acidity. Now in it’s 32nd consecutive vintage! Thai green chicken curry is a perfect match.

La Vieille Ferme Rose 2015 (Rhone, France) The red wine for white wine drinkers, or the white wine for red wine drinkers - whatever way you approach this style of wine is up to you. Such a versatile wine, this pale pink rose has a lovely nose of rose petals and citrus fruits. It is great value and a perfect introduction to rose. It is great with all manner of Asian cuisine and summer lunches. Yet, it always screams out to me, “Pan-fried salmon!” I love it!

Josef Cromy Pepik

S.C. Pannell Tempranillo

RockBare Chardonnay 2015 (McLaren Vale, SA) Sourced from the cooler regions of McLaren Vale, this great drop is made in small batches of only the purest fruit - laden with crisp, natural acidity, a lick of spice from French oak, and a nutty complexity from lees stirring.

BBQ chicken salad, please.

Josef Cromy Pepik 2015 Pinot Noir (Tasmania) This easy drinking and elegant wine is packed full of Tasmanian goodness. Ripe dark cherry aromas lead to a spicy palate full of bright red cherries and raspberries, with subtle juicy tannins and a lingering finish. Drink with BBQ lamb chops, good friends and philosophical conversation.

S.C. Pannell Tempranillo/Touriga 2015 (McLaren Vale & Barossa Valley, SA) Tempranillo and Touriga are indigenous to the warm, dry Iberian Peninsula of Spain and Portugal. They are ideally suited to the South Australian climate, and Steve Pannell is the master winemaker embracing these varieties in Australia. A lovely balance between the red fruit characteristics of Tempranillo, and the darker plum pudding fruits of Touriga, this juicy medium-bodied red wine should be present at your next BBQ. The future of Australian winemaking is represented in this bottle!

This goes well with tapas and cheese.

NOV - JAN 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST little silly. So, we recommend that the family home deserves a wash at least once a year.”

The benefits are that windows, screen, awnings, fascia, gutter, doors and patio covers get a freshen-up. Many clients comment on how well their homes breathe after cleaning, when window fly and security screens are free to allow air into the home.

SOFTWASH THE BETTER WAY

N

ick Hopkins of Excess Cleaning-Exterior Cleaning Services is singing to a different tune than most when it comes to house and property washing.

“We have gone away from the older method of pressure washing, which can do more harm than good in some cases. We now choose to ‘Softwash’ and we have been achieving unbelievable results in really fast turnaround times,” says Nick. “Softwashing is a process where we make a customised soap solution specific to each individual job. We apply the solution to the home exterior with a low-pressure application system and allow the product to gently do its thing. Within a few minutes, most surfaces have shown real improvement. Mud nests, cobwebs, bird and bat staining are broken down, and we then simply rinse off with water.”

The process is really good on mould and algae, whether it be on the walls, gutters or even the

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

roof. It is disinfecting the home of organic growth and the impact on its immediate environment. The process is safe on delicate architectural products like Hebel, foam molding, painted timber, render, PVC and canvas, steel, Perspex and acrylics. In fact, because the cleaning solution is customised to suite the substrate and applied at low pressure, the applications are limitless.

Softwash has become very popular in the USA recently where homeowners have identified the benefits of having their home regularly washed, helping with curb appeal, insect and vermin control, and health issues associated with mould spore and respiratory ailments.

Nick explains, “Consider this. Often we will wash a devaluing motor vehicle once a month but we don’t take the same attitude to the one and often major appreciating asset in our family home. It seems a

“If you have pets around your home, then Softwash is a fabulous way to freshen and disinfect those areas they also consider home. We can even introduce a nice fragrance into the soap solution to assist with controlling those pet smells that aren’t so enjoyable,” Nick adds.

Nick shares, “We recently provided a full exterior clean to the Cairns Airport. Providing a service in a region that is faced with many environmental issues was a real challenge. Our spray and rinse process was perfect as we use very little water compared to traditional pressure washing or water blasting methods. What a fabulous project to be involved in. The client was really impressed with our site management. Juggling the demands of one of Australia’s busiest international and domestic airports. The results were amazing and we completed the job in 50% of the time allocated.”

Excess Cleaning take what they do very serious and all staff are accredited working at heights, EWP operators and carry full work cover and public liability insurances.

Excess Cleaning are Softwash Australia-accredited and provide exterior cleaning services to residential and commercial property owners and managers.

If you would like advice or a free appraisal of your exterior home cleaning needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a no obligation quote.

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BOAT GUIDE

Hot Gadgets FOR

Summer

QUATIX 3

FUSION STEREOACTIVE

With a powerful range of marine and fitness features, this smart watch is equally at home on the water and on land. When you’re boating, its streaming support with other mounted Garmin electronics allows you to use the watch to see at a glance important data like your speed, water depth, temperature, wind speed and more.

There’s also a safety feature that can literally be a lifesaver—a dedicated man-overboard button to save your exact location. Fishing enthusiasts will also make great use of features like being able to mark fishing hotspots and return to them later, as well as solar and lunar calendar integration.

When you’re back on dry land, you can use the Quatix’s advanced fitness equipment to monitor steps taken, distance travelled, heart rate and much more. www.garmin.com

This powerful little Bluetooth speaker has been purpose built with watersports in mind. Not only is it fully waterproof, it also floats, making it easy to retrieve if it goes overboard. It is unlikely to move around much since it comes with a rugged mounting system that attaches it securely to everything from paddleboards to tinnies. Getting it to play your music is effortless and flexible thanks to Bluetooth connectivity for iOS and Android, as well as an inbuilt FM radio tuner and an internal flash drive for playing MP3s. When it comes to sound quality, the Class D amplifier and dual 2.5” 40 Watt speakers ensure superb fidelity and volume levels in outdoor environments. As an added bonus, you can also get a separate waterproof wallet to attach to the Stereo Active so your phone stays safe from splashes while it’s connected. www.fusionentertainment.com

ICOM M25 RADIO

STEINER COMMANDER 7x50c BINOCULARS

FLIR OCEAN SCOUT THERMAL CAMERA

If you don’t like being weighed down by a boatload of bulky equipment when you’re on the water, this Icom radio is the perfect choice. It’s super slim and light, enabling it to be stored easily on any jet ski or boat. You also have the option of attaching an external speaker microphone, which can be clipped to the shoulder to save you unclipping the radio each time you want to talk. As well as being waterproof, the radio floats on the surface and has a bright LED light that flashes on contact with water. Its powerful range of features packed into the small radio ensures you can comply with all the communication requirements of Australian maritime law, without taking up much room in your emergency kit. www.radiowarehouse.com.au

For serious boating enthusiasts and professionals, the Steiner brand is a popular choice because of its uncompromising quality. These binoculars achieve exceptional image clarity at up to seven times magnification because of the indexmatched glass and advanced lens coatings. The 14-psi pressurized dry nitrogen sealed inside the optics makes the binoculars fog-free in any conditions, from arctic to desert heat. Don’t worry about breaking them either. The polycarbonate rubber armouring is built to withstand 11Gs of impact. www.opticscentral.com.au

You’ll never need to squint for landmarks at night again with this handy little night vision camera.

It’s designed for one-handed use so you can steer effortlessly while using it. This rugged camera uses high-contrast images based on heat, rather than light, enabling you to easily see boats, buoys, landmarks and people overboard in complete darkness. The camera also handily stores up to 1,000 photos and four hours of video with its five-hour rechargeable battery. And don’t worry if it gets wet out there. The camera is designed to work well in extreme rain and wind, and is splash resistant. www.chsmith.com.au

By Narayan Pattison

Your boating adventure starts here, with a selection of leading gadgets and 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 gadget for us to review by contacting info@boatgoldcoast.com.au

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© Copyright Commonweatth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology.

Tide Times Seaway Nov Dec 2016 Jan 2017.indd 1

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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 GOLD COAST

Nautical Quiz (from P68) ANSWERS Q1. A sailor’s name for a flat calm, when no wind blows. Q2. A piece of sandstone used for scrubbing decks. Q3. Draining holes cut through the bulwarks of a ship to drain sea water. Q4. Topping-lift is usually attached at near the after-end of the boom. Q5. A unit of measurement of Atmospheric Pressure. Q6. The distance in the centre of a ship from waterline to upper deck level. Q7. A collective name for a group of whales, dolphins or seaelephants. Q8. Wooden seat in a rowing boat. Q9. A division of the world by meridians of longitude into zones. Q10. 6080 feet. Q11. Stars twinkle and the planets don’t; they are still. Q12. International 14 in 1923. Q13. The old term for the port side. Q14. An instrument to measure the force of the wind. Q15. 26th September 1983. Q16. Refers to the lowest deck in a ship.

Q17. French for “Mayday. Mayday. Mayday.” Q18. Moondarewa. Q19. A wind created blowing up a slope. Q20. Fine strands of wool on each side of the sail. Q21. A strong rope sewn around the edge of the sail to reinforce it.

Q22. The flowing back of the tide from high to low water. Q23. A rising or flow tide. Q24. A tide running with the wind. Q25. To sail downwind with the mainsail set on one side, foresail on the other. Q26. First thin layer between ground and stratosphere of about 4 to 11 miles. Q27. To secure a rope to a cleat or bollard. Q28. Bowline is for quickly putting a temporary eye at the end of a rope. Q29. First Dog Watch. Q30. Main 3 elements: fuel, heat, oxygen. Eliminate one to extinguish the fire.

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Clar!s, image Clar!s,builder image -builder Photo -Jérome Photo Kélagopian Jérome Kélagopian

630 MY 630 MY

COME AND SEE US AT OUR NEW OFFICE AND SHOWROOM NOW OPEN AT THE BOAT WORKS, 1 BOATWORKS DRIVE, COOMERA

Time sTands sTill aboard Time sTands aboard a lagoon mY…sTill Drawing on

www.lagoon-motoryachts.com www.lagoon-motoryachts.com

a mY…tested Drawing on the lagoon tried and qualities the tried and tested of proven Lagoon hull qualities designs, of proven Lagoon designs, Lagoon makes motorhull catamarans Lagoon motor which, inmakes addition to catamarans their seawhich, in addition their seagoing qualities, their luxury, elegancetoand comfort going qualities, luxury,moored, elegance andincredible comfort whether at sea their or when have whether at sea up or when have incredible range, opening whole moored, new horizons for the range, opening up whole new horizons the owner (one Lagoon 630 MY even crossed the for Atlantic owner Lagoon 630 MY even crossed the Atlantic before (one taking a cruise from Singapore to Japan!). before cruise from Singapore to cruising.

Japan!).

Lagoon,taking puttingaeven more pleasure into your Lagoon, putting even more pleasure into your cruising.

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the multihull grouP the multihull grouP Phone: 1300 175 325 - www.themultihullgroup.com info@themultihullgroup.com Phone: 1300 175 325 - www.themultihullgroup.com info@themultihullgroup.com Sydney Harbour - Phone: 02 8294 4144 Pittwater - Phone: 02 8294 Sydney Harbour - Phone: 024144 8294 4144 Queensland - Phone: 3010 4171 Pittwater - Phone: 0207 8294 4144 Victoria - Phone 03 8488 79634171 Queensland - Phone: 07 3010 Victoria - Phone 03 8488 7963

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Free style!

Clar!s, image builder - Photo Nicolas Claris

COME AND SEE US AT OUR NEW OFFICE AND SHOWROOM NOW OPEN AT THE BOAT WORKS, 1 BOATWORKS DRIVE, COOMERA

Clar!s, image builder - Photo Nicolas Claris

Free style!

Anticipating your desire for freedom, listening to your needs and offering you a choice from the many different versions of our 12 models (including 2 new SporTop versions and 2 motor yachts) Lagoon makes catamarans that suit you so well. Our ambitions remain the same: we love to hear your tales of being out at sea and the happiness it brings you and we watch with envy as your eyes turn to new and distant horizons.

Lagoon, putting even more pleasure into your cruising.

www.cata-lagoon.com | 380 | 39 | 400 | 421 | 450 S - 450 F | 52 S - 52 F | 560 | 620 | 40 MY | 630 MY |

the multihull grouP

Phone: 1300 175 325 - www.themultihullgroup.com info@themultihullgroup.com

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Sydney Harbour - Phone: 02 8294 4144 Pittwater - Phone: 02 8294 4144 Queensland - Phone: 07 3010 4171 Victoria - Phone: 03 8488 7963

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