BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE SEPT - DEC 2017

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Editor’s Note any conversation points have been discussed within the domestic and M international boating industry in the past months. Our team have been privy to most of the industry conferences, and have gathered more than our fair

share of information and learnings. One of the most significant factors impacting recreational boating is not only the growing population, but also the increasing diversity and digitalisation of the populace. The boating industry is preparing to develop strategies to adapt to these changing environments.

The Australian boating industry had a turnover of $2.28 billion in the period 2016/17, with a total of 25,340 people employed. There are more than two million (2M) people with boat licences in Australia, and countless non-powered users and those who do not need licences. There are more than 900,000 registered boats, plus as many unregistered low-powered vessels, paddle craft, SUPs, sailing dinghies. Queensland has the most number of boat licence holders (694,000) and most number of registered boats (256,000). There is a 15,000 increase in vessel registration every year throughout Australia. These numbers are significant to the boating industry, but more importantly, the industry wants increased use of the vessels. The way to grow boating is to mobilize boating, as highlighted by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) during the Marine 17 Conference in Sydney this year.

Are we seeing more users of the waterways? And who are these users? Are they using their own vessels, or are they chartering? With an increasing population comes a bigger competition for space and infrastructure. On land, we are seeing construction of roads, buildings and services, to accommodate the growing population. The waterways are a different matter altogether. Although data show that there has been an increase in boat registrations, we do not yet have the statistics on the carrying capacity of our waterways as to waterways use (powered and non-powered, and human and non-human). There is, however, available data on incidents that help in policy reviews. As per the BIA report, over the past two decades, the total number of reported boating incidents has decreased, while the number of vessel registrations has steadily increased. This is a significant trend, as it shows that the increased interest in boats has most likely increased the awareness about boating safety. A more comprehensive approach to boating safety and enjoyment should also include identifying needs to promote and protect the natural environment, as waterways experiences are directly impacted by waterways carrying capacity.

Safer, enjoyable and positive boating experiences come with an improved boating and business environment. It is a two-way street. With a better – albeit not full – understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the boating businesses, we now have a sound perspective of the whole sector. To achieve the balance for all the stakeholders in recreational boating, collaboration is the key. At the same time, the power of digital technology should be used by stakeholders to enhance the boating and waterways experience, not to detract from it.

While our Boat Gold Coast team acknowledge how the digital world seems to dominate our lives, we decided to increase the magazine’s print run from 10,000 to 12,000, to distribute throughout South East Queensland, with the goal of highlighting and enhancing the quality of boating in the region. As the BIA are developing a bigger boating business community in Queensland, we are looking forward to a resurgence of excitement with boating as a leisure activity in the region and in the state.

Our Crew PUBLISHER

Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

andy@boatgoldcoast.com.au

DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

ADVERTISE

Richard Newman

richard@boatgoldcoast.com.au

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

Hayden Aspinall, Caroline Strainig, Narayan Pattison, Richard Pyne, Joey and Gary Angove, Daniel Williams, Tom Bialows, Michael Von Backstrom, Vlad Tesic, Kevin Ballantine, John Costello, John Curnow, Chris Morgan, Rony Kennedy, Misha Merzliakov, Dianne Katra, Anthony Stanton, James Gullison, Shauna Rose, Martial Peter, Andy Kelckhoven, Tom McNaught, Andrew Donovan.

COVER PHOTO The Aquila 44 power catamaran from Multihull Central is a fresh evolution of classic boating traditions, where efficiency in design and performance complement her luxurious living.

Gold Coast magazine is FREE to readers. The magazine is printed in large format glossy 275W x 345H. We print 12,000 copies, and hand deliver to 400 participating locations for distribution on the Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs, cities and towns, from Tweed Heads, throughout the Gold Coast to Manly, also around Moreton Bay and Brisbane. We distribute to most waterfront business premises and have a high pass-along rate.

We also distribute to marine equipment sales and service businesses that receive a quantity of these magazines for distribution, as well as brokers, boating clubs, sports clubs, fishing clubs, sailing clubs, marinas, tackle stores, and real estate agents. Additionally, we conduct boat-to-boat distribution along South Stradbroke Island, door-to-door at select waterfront homes, and shop-to-shop in exclusive shopping strip locations. There are permanent magazine stands at the Gold Coast City Marina, Sanctuary Cove Marina, Hope Island Marina, Hope Harbour Marina, Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage Marina, Runaway Bay Marina, and most marinas along the Redlands Highway, and throughout Manly. We publish the magazine online at the world's largest online magazine publishing site issuu.com. We also conduct social media campaigns on Facebook and Instagram.

Boat Gold Coast magazine is a proud member of

The season of boating conferences has passed. We welcome Spring and head towards Summer. Let the active boating now begin.

Roselle

editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

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 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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BOAT GOLD COAST

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 8 Photo: Springbok 14 Boat Brokers 20 Aquila 44 Test Drive 22 - 40 Fishing Stories 44 Boat for a Cause 64 Charter History 66 Marinas Guide 71 Sailing Electric Boat 72 Yacht Designer 74 Boat Interiors 78 Safety System 82 Cardinal Marks 83 Mindfulness 85 Take a Quiz

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WATERFRONT Living & Lifestyle 86 Hidden Moreton Bay 88 Love Survey Results 89 Boat Wake 90 Passion Cruising 92 Whale Research 93 Events Guide 94 Boat Show wrap-up 96 Rescue Champions 97 Jet Ski Titles 98 Waterski Reunion 100 Grassroots Boating

FEATURED MAGAZINE OUTLETS vailable at waterfront and boating businesses throughout the Gold A Coast, from Tweed Heads to Manly. Grab your next copy of Boat Gold Coast Magazine at one of our featured participating locations: TWEED HEADS Ivory Coast Marina, Ivory Tavern, 156 Wharf St Boyds Bay Houseboat, Tweed Marina, River Terrace SOUTHPORT Southport Yacht Club, 1 MacArthur Parade, Main Beach STS Marine, 2/9 Enterprise St, Molendinar Marina Mirage Office, 49/74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach RUNAWAY BAY Klein’s Coffee Bar & Grill, 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay Marina, 247 Bayview Street HOPE ISLAND BoatsRus, Marina Shopping Village, 10 Santa Barbara Rd Marina’s Edge, 1 John Lund Drive, Marina Quays Hope Harbour Marina, 9 John Lund Dr, Hope Island SANCTUARY COVE Leigh-Smith Yachts, 42 D&E Quay Street The Harbour Master’s Jetty Office COOMERA MARINE PRECINCT Gold Coast City Marina Office, 76-84 Waterway Drive The Galley Café, The Boat Works, 200 Beattie Road JACOBS WELL Horizon Shores Marina, 1 Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Woongoolba Calypso Bay Marina, Harrigans Ln, Jacobs Well BRISBANE Northside Marine, 2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club, 34 Fairlead Cres, Manly BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

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his macho photo was taken on board the Fusion 40 catamaran Jamesby while travelling on the Coomera River bound for Tipplers Passage.

Joey and Gary Angove hosted the South African Springbok Rugby Team aboard their boat Jamesby, which can quite comfortably accommodate 15 passengers for a day cruise.

Gary handled the possible dangers of his expensive “cargo” without a hassle.

He did however stress to the players the potential for serious injury if they happen to kick the deck fittings!

Jamesby sailed the team to Tipplers Café. “This is such an awesome location to visit, and food at the café is really impressive. We frequent the area and wanted to share this jewel with the team,” says Joey and Gary.

Joey explains the remarkable circumstances surrounding this overtly masculine Gold Coast boating image. “We were asked to host the team for a boating experience while they were in the city for the Tri-Nations tour. As ex-pat South Africans, we were honoured to share our local boating life with the team in our newly adopted city,” reminisces Joey excitedly. But it almost did not happen! “The boys were actually scheduled to play golf that day.

However, for some reason, it was cancelled. And we received a last minute call requesting our help to entertain the team on board our boat. We put on a spread for the team with beers and wine, a cheese platter, fresh prawns from the local trawler, and of course some biltong (South African style jerky) which was donated by Springbok Foods.“ With the Gold Coast sun shining, the team members had a chance to take it all off. Gary says, “They absolutely loved sailing down the Coomera River looking at all the waterfront properties and were flabbergasted at the high prices of waterfront real estate on the Gold Coast compared with similar homes in South Africa. The boys were also impressed at how many boats and varied size of craft frequented the waterways.”

Gary having experienced life in other boat countries says, “There is an enormous difference between the two countries as far as boating is concerned 8

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with the Gold Coast having a vast waterway system and much calmer seas.

The boating fraternity is also much larger here on the Gold Coast, with boaties being able to visit various places of interest with many anchorages.”

Joey explains how South African people are very patriotic, noting that their Constitution defines the importance of relationship, to bring togetherness, so it is no surprise this was an important milestone for the Angoves. “It is an absolute honour to socialise with our birth nation’s sporting team, especially a rugby union team which is our favourite spectator sport. These opportunities don’t come around too often and it was a pleasure to accommodate the request.”

About the photo The photo was taken with an iPhone 6. Joey requested the team to line up facing forward, took a shot, then got them to turn around for another one.

Calling her “Tannie” (meaning Aunty), which is a sign of respect, they were very obliging. It was a calm day with light winds, so keeping steady was quite easy.

Gary says, “Taking photos on the water is very special, you are able to get a different view of things which most people don’t normally see because you are aboard and looking at the object from a different perspective.”

Gary’s photography advice: “Make sure the sun is behind you and you are able to stand steady. Be very mindful of your surroundings when taking photos while on a boat. Too many times have I seen equipment fall overboard especially with people that don’t spend much time on boats.”

Now that this image has been published, this photo is sure to be popular among our female readers!

Scan the QR Code to read more about Joey and Gary, and their dreamboat Jamesby, or type in this link: http://boatgoldcoast.com.au/jamesby-the-dream-boat/

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KEVLACAT SERIES 2400 BOAT GOLD COAST

ULTIMATE POWER BOAT FOR OFFSHORE FISHING allows plenty of space for 4-6 fishermen without getting in each other’s way. The fishing platform is uncluttered and everything can be hidden away. Built with self-draining deck and a handy deck wash, the cockpit has a bait station and cutting board on the transom, four rod holders mounted on the gunwale and another six on the hard top.”

And if you want to fish up front, there is a non-skid walkaround with high rail. The standard setup offers a large kill tank to port and ice box and/or storage space to starboard.

Wyld says, “Even more, it’s the thoughtful little things like a dedicated moulded recess for the EPIRB and fire extinguisher. The boat is fitted with Reelax seating and foot rests that make it so comfortable.”

If one of the crew wants to take a nap, the lock-up cabin is huge and can easily fit two large men on cushioned bunks either side. There is a toilet under the port-side bunk and a central hatch for good ventilation.

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or serious sports fishermen, the 6.5-metre Kevlacat Offshore 2400 delivers a drier and softer ride. The strong but lightweight boat is trailerable. The large fuel capacity allows for long running time, ideal for overnight fishing adventures far offshore.

Local Kevlacat dealer principal, Hayden Wyld of Wyld About Boats says, “The 2400 is the ultimate power boat for deep water fishing. The advanced design ensures a safe, comfortable ride in the most demanding sea conditions.

It’s set up for serious fishing. I will take you fishing in the Kevlacat 2400 and you will instantly want one.”

Wyld explains why his company is having great success selling this fishing-friendly catamaran. “We recently kitted up a 2400 Kevlacat Offshore and went game fishing with some interested buyers. We ventured way out offshore with these

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guys who are experienced blue water tournament game fishermen. The conditions were not kind, but the Kevlacat made easy work of the harsh conditions and demonstrated astonishing stability.”

Wyld points out, “The Kevlacat 2400 allows for all required navigational aids and gauges for monitoring your location and the boat’s performance. When we go outside, this package offers a low fuel consumption at cruising speed of 32 knots.”

Wyld explains the reason behind the boat’s impressive handling. “In these types of tough conditions, the catamaran hulls are far superior offshore than even larger mono-hulls.

The high-sided dual hulls pierce through the waves, which buffers the impact and shield the crew from overspray by a five-piece windscreen and a solid hard top with roll-up clears. These hulls are bullet proof, made from Kevlar cloth and vinylester resins between layers of fibreglass, making them the ultimate power boat for fishing in deep water.”

The Kevlacat 2400 is a tried and proven vessel choice of the Volunteer Coast Guard and Volunteer Marine Rescue - proof that its performance and sea-keeping ability are superior to anything in its class. Wyld reminds, “Before you buy a boat like this, be sure to test how the boat performs in not-so-perfect conditions.” Wyld About Boats has a brand new demonstrator fitted with the new 150hp 4 stroke Mercury’s on display and ready for your sea trial.

The Kevlacat 2400 is sold as a fishing layout. Wyld explains, “The 2.5-metre beam means a large cockpit space that

Call (07) 5563 2223 and speak with the guys at Wyld About Boats, about your new Kevlacat.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

World’s best LED lighting, both below the waterline & above AQUALUMA Marine underwater Lighting AQUALUMA, a local Gold Coast manufacturer has been leading the world in underwater lighting since 2004. The AQUALUMA range of LED underwater lighting is the only light on the market that is designed and manufactured in Australia and offers the world’s only six year housing warranty.

The company has won numerous awards for its innovation, environmental focus and as a wellestablished local family business; the latest being The Premier’s Export Award for an ‘Environmental Solution’ in late 2016.

The Thru-hull range of LED lights is suitable for all craft from tinnies through to luxury motor yachts.

The range is also ideal for any type of hull construction, including aluminium, steel, wood and GRP. There is a range of sizes and brilliant colour options to suit owners’ specific needs, the key point of difference with AQUALUMA lights in addition to the 6-year unconditional warranty, is the ability to service, maintain and upgrade the light without the need to lift the boat out of the water after initial installation.

The unique patented housing is made from a corrosion proof, high-impact polymer material, which makes it virtually indestructible. If you want to upgrade in the future as LED technology improves to the latest model or you want different colours, all Thru-hull models are upgradable, again without the need to haul the boat out of the water.

AQUALUMA also manufactures a range of surface-mounted underwater lights for smaller runabouts and trailer boats, these are available in two colours and ideal for boats that are not kept permanently in the water. There is also a high-resolution colour CCTV camera that can be used to monitor underwater fittings, allow fishermen to see their catch or just for the kids to watch the fish on a TV screen!

AQUALUMA Industrial & Commercial Highbay LED Lighting It may come as no surprise that the leader in marine underwater LED lighting is also a world leader in energy efficient LED lighting for commercial premises.

AQUALUMA manufacturers the world’s most energy efficient commercial LED lighting. Building on its experience in the demanding marine environment, in 2010 AQUALUMA diversified into the Commercial and Industrial lighting market and now manufacturers a range energy-efficient Highbay LED light fixtures for manufacturing, warehouse, ‘big box’ retail and outdoor environments.

A focus on innovation has seen the company produce world leading energy efficiencies, making a change over from old metal halide lights not only provides a very quick payback, with a reduction in running costs of over 70% but importantly a much improved working environment. The range carries a 7-year warranty and is waterproof to IP66, meaning that they can be used outdoors in carparks, as flood lighting, for sports facilities and general outdoor areas.

If you would like more information on how this exciting local manufacturer of the world’s best LED lighting can enhance your leisure boating or business, contact AQUALUMA directly on info@aqualuma.com; call 1300 145 555 or visit www.aqualuma.com.

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BOAT GUIDE

Brokers Talk WHAT A SELLER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT BOAT BROKERS

By Andy Kancachian

DANIEL @ BOATS'R'US

A

re you thinking of selling your boat? First, decide whether you want to sell the boat yourself or if you want to engage a boat broker. If you choose the latter, or you still cannot decide, then better read on.

A boat broker is a specialist who serves boat sellers and/or buyers as a representative for the sale or purchase of a boat. A boat broker works very much like a real estate agent. Just like selling a house, you have to find an agent that you feel will help you promote your boat to a wider market. Therefore, finding the right agent is vital for a good outcome.

A boat broker is technically a “middle man” who has to ensure that the seller sells for a good price, and that the buyer feels he is buying into the best possible deal. “It’s a balancing act between achieving the best price for the current owner and having the purchaser feel they are getting a good deal,” describes Daniel Williams, owner of Boats’R’Us in Hope Island.

More than being a middle man, a broker is also a negotiator who is constantly learning about boating, boats, relationships, markets, strategies, and everything else relevant to the industry. “They are advocates for the sale of your vessel.

They are there for the initial inspection, the second inspection, and the contract and settlement stage. They will be there for any mechanical tests, survey and sea trial required by the buyer. Brokers conclude the deal and assist with the handover,” says Daniel.

As negotiators, brokers often add value to the transaction. “I always negotiate myself into a situation where no negotiating is required. By offering more after-service to the buyer, I can receive a better outcome in price,” explains Tom Bialowas, owner of Bosun’s Locker in Southport.

Keeping the client relationship after a sale is also a significant aspect of a broker’s job. This can ensure that he/she can be engaged again by the same client for a transaction involving the same boat, or a different one, and other future transactions, and will keep him/her motivated to achieve the best outcome for the client.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE While a good broker should have at least a general boating knowledge, a deeper understanding by the broker of the specific boats he is selling, such as features, specs, abilities, is a substantial advantage.

Daniel says, “Knowledge of boating is key, as each boat specifications and abilities are different. An intelligent broker does his homework on each boat and has an extensive list of features and benefits gained by having good rapport with the current owner, and armed with his experience to use his information as well.”

Tom adds that candor in dealing with the clients is just as important. “The majority of boat brokers in the industry today have a broad knowledge of the vessels they 14

TOM @ BOSUN'S LOCKER are dealing with, such as power, sailing (monos and catamarans), and are able to offer sound advice to the purchasing client. However, in some cases, the client knows more than the broker about the intended vessel, so transparency and honesty are vital.”

It is therefore best to choose a broker who is an expert in the type of boat you are considering to sell.

KNOWING THE MARKET Boat brokers are expected to have a database of clients with whom they can connect and communicate. How a broker uses of this valuable resource is essential in marketing a boat for sale. An extensive knowledge of the market place for your boat is a trait to look out for in a smart and professional broker.

“A good quality boat broker will know the market and the best medium through which to sell your vessel. Most brokers have a client base that they can often draw on to help sell your boat,” points out Daniel. “Your broker should have a customer database of potential buyers. This is very important in the initial promotion of your boat to customers looking for something similar. A quality broker will also recommend a sale price for your boat after taking into account the age, condition and the market situation.”

Tom confirms, “This market knowledge, advertising experience and facilitation of transactions between all parties involved will achieve the best results. What is most important is trust and integrity. The brokerage is a legal safeguard to protect everyone’s interests.”

A broker is also equipped with the marketing experience and skills to help sell the boat. This includes using public relations, advertising, direct mail, and social media, among others, to market your boat. Tom says that one advantage of engaging a broker to sell your boat is that, “There are various strategies and platforms for advertising that depend on the type of vessel. These days, electronic mail-outs, print and internet advertising, including social media are the key areas for boat brokers.”

Tom points out further, “Most brokers fees will cover all advertising. If you want to go outside the usual mediums, there would be an added cost depending on the areas you wish it marketed. Your broker will compile information with specifications, an overview of recent maintenance history, and what sets your boat apart from another similar one.”

Daniel advises, “While a lot of advertising is done through the internet, it is best to select a broker that has a high traffic location. It is pointless using a home-based broker unless you have a specialized vessel. For those brokerages that have an office, there should be an advert material on the brokerage’s window, like a silent after-hours salesman. The broker should use high quality images of the most impressive aspect of the vessel.”

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GUIDE Many boat brokers, if not all, use various marketing tools depending on the boat being sold. If a broker has clear strategies to use these tools effectively, it will boost the chances of selling your boat for the right price. These tools obviously involve more than promotional tools. For instance, if a broker conducts market surveys, understands his current positioning in the market place, and where the competition is, then you will know that he or she will be effective in marketing your boat.

EXPECTATION FROM SELLER Daniel believes the most important aspect of selling your boat is presenting your boat at its best. “Presentation. Presentation. Presentation. There is nothing worse than taking a client on to a vessel that is dirty, is untidy, or has dirty bilges. If you know the broker is coming with a client, have the boat opened up and ready. Small things make a huge difference."

Aside from preparing the boat for inspections, sea trials may be required.

“Most purchasers will expect a sea trial,” says Daniel. “There is often a second sea trial when you have a mechanical inspection and survey. The broker will be present during the sea trial, and in certain situations the current owner of the vessel will be in attendance.”

Sea trials should generally only be conducted once a contract has been signed.

Both Tom and Daniel will confirm that an agreed price must have been reached first. Tom points out that if sea trials were conducted without a contract, “People will be going for joy rides wasting every one’s time.”

of the year you traditionally used the vessel the most; and then, plan to have it on the market before this period.”

Tom assures, “Don’t panic if it doesn’t initially sell. The market is constantly changing.

After three months, the broker should call you to discuss a new game plan that both parties will agree upon.”

RESEARCH There is no better way to find the best boat broker to help you sell your boat except to conduct your own research. You should be comfortable with the broker and trust his abilities and integrity. Where do you start in this search?

Tom says, “Like selling anything of substantial value, it is recommended that you do your research. Jump on the internet, talk to other boaties, and call as many brokerages as you can to help you make the right choice on which broker to use.”

Daniel expounds on this. “Shop around and you will often find big differences between broker’s fees and services. By asking around and visiting the brokers, you can find one with whom you feel comfortable. Geography also plays an important part in your decision. For example, if you are selling a sail boat, it is best to use a broker located where the majority of sailing boat users are located. Once you meet a potential broker, ask where they advertise vessels, discuss brokerage commissions, and if your vessel is not yet at a marina, discuss the possibility of moving your vessel into one of their high exposure berths.”

Tom further adds, “You will get the best results when selling your boat by having your vessel presented at its best, cosmetically and mechanically. By also obtaining an independent survey before you list the vessel and addressing any problems that need resolving, there is a greater chance to get the best results.”

FEE INCLUSIONS A broker’s fee is normally a percentage of the final sale price, although there may be instances where a different fee structure can be arranged depending on the parties involved. Tom says, “Generally, a commission is calculated on a percentage basis, from 5% to 10% of the final agreed sale price.”

REVIEW Boat brokers are not magicians, and will only be effective in selling your boat after considering many factors.

Inclusions to the fee may vary depending on the expectations and agreement. But Daniel insists that, “Your all-inclusive brokerage fee should cover advertising and representation that markets your vessel 24 hours a day, such as an advert at the broker’s office window, for instance, and other sales collateral.”

“If your boat doesn’t sell in the first three months, understand why,” suggests Daniel. “Consider these questions: Is the presentation of the vessel lacking? Is it overpriced? Is the marketing campaign wrong? Sit down with your broker and ask what you can do to aid in the sale. Depending on the boat type, boats may sell at certain seasons. Houseboats generally sell all year round. Bowriders sell only when the weather suits. Take a look at your boat type, and think about which time

Both Tom and Daniel agree that giving the broker exclusive rights to sell your boat assures the broker that you have commitment and integrity. This gives the incentive and motivation for the broker to sell the vessel and take ownership in achieving the best results for selling your vessel. By ensuring you keep a good relationship with your broker, listening to each other, being open to each other’s suggestions, and working well together, you will succeed in selling your boat.

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To find out why Credit One is fast becoming Australia’s leading choice for all types of Boat & lifestyle finance options call on 1300 273 348, or contact via email at boats@creditone.com.au

Don’t just take our word for it though, have a look at what our customers have to say

The smart way to boat finance i rstly, consider your budget, where you will be keeping the boat. For example, will the boat be on a trailer at a Fresidence or mooring at a marina, and the costs involved?

Then, choose a vessel that you want to purchase.

New or used boat?

A new boat is going to be supplied by a dealership, which gives you peace of mind. New boats are less likely to break down than used boats, and are likely to remain mechanically sound for many years after purchase if serviced correctly. They are also covered by a warranty, which provides some certainty about future operating costs.

A used boat is either available firstly from the private owner or through an experienced boat broker. There are a lot of pros and cons for buying a used boat. While it might not seem as glamorous as a new boat, there are thousands of well-maintained and serviced used boats available. If you do your research and negotiate well, it could save you a lot of money. You might even find that the new boat you have been considering is available as a used boat at a much cheaper price, with only a handful of hours. The key is research.

16

It should be noted that private sales are high risk and unregulated. As such, you must be extra vigilant with your checks, therefore obtain a condition report, completed by a marine mechanic. It is also recommended to complete a Personal Property Securities Register search (formally REVS check) to help identify if a boat has money owing on it or if it has been reported stolen.

Who should I go through for finance?

There is a plethora of financiers and brokers out there, some just obtain your application and sends off to the lender without doing the necessary background work to help with getting you approved. Credit One liase with the lender with your information before submitting a formal application.

In that way, we are able to obtain all the necessary documentation and information that the lender will require to help support your application.

Who are Credit One? Did you know as well as being judged as one of Australia’s best car and asset finance brokers, the Credit One Group

In late 2016, Christian McNally wanted to buy a boat and take delivery before Christmas so that his family could be out on the water. Christian had a long-term history with bank finance, but on this occasion he was won over by the Credit One experience. “The team did a great job securing our finance. It was hasslefree and saved me so much time in the process.

Adding that it was the Christmas rush period and my requirements were for a boat - not a car, Credit One still exceeded my expectations.”

In the same year, another boat buyer, Bastien Treptel, was looking at an older vessel built in 1996. To further complicate matters, Bastien is self employed. This did not stop Credit One delivering on their promise. “The Credit One team went above and beyond to get the loan settled quickly, right before Christmas. Furthermore, their rates were better than the banks and the team was very friendly. I can’t recommend these guys enough.”

Credit One are incorporating their support of the Southport Flotilla (QF1) of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard into the finance options to boat buyers. For customers signing up for boat finance, they will include a two-year membership with Coast Guard’s Marine Assist, similar to your car’s roadside assist, but on the water.

SEP - DEC 2017

MARINA | DRYSTACK | SHIPYARD

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17

WHY RUNAWAY BAY MARINA? LOCATION, ACCESS, & SERVICE W EXPECT SERVICE LIKE YOU USED TO GET EXPERIENCE RUNAWAY BAY MARINA TODAY

i th direct access from the Broadwater, great facilities, quality service and highly qualified marine trades all in one place.

Runaway Bay Marina is set apart from every other marine service provider on the coast.

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

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

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

“We’re at the southern end of the Broadwater. People can easily pull in, get the best service and advice, access the professional trades and services available and ultimately save their valuable time, rather than using it to travel up the river.” explains Michael.

The point of difference is the exceptional service delivered by a highly-skilled and experienced team. “Our people are friendly, professional, and full of knowledge. Most of our staff have been here long-term like myself, ranging from 9, 10, 12, and 17 years.”

THE GOLD COAST’S BEST SERVICE LOCATION THE GOLD BEST SERVICE LOCATION runawaybaymarina.com.au | (07) 5577 1400COAST’S | info@runawaybaymarina.com.au R U N AWAY B AY M A R I N A . C O M . A U 247 Bayview Street, Runaway Bay Marina, Queensland 4216

It is this dedication that allows the team to deliver a unique, rewarding experience for passionate boaties and seafarers alike, time and again. “It’s what all our staff are focused on - day in, day out - providing the best support to our customers and being the best at what we do,” says Michael.

BOATS FOR SALE @ RUNAWAY BAY Mustang Marine’s largest sport cruiser offers a state-of-theart hull design. Volvo Penta’s revolutionary IPS drives create a fantastic fast cruiser with diesel performance and economy. This boat has twin 600 IPS diesels fitted for extra get up and go!

The captain’s helm is equipped with the latest navigation package for long trips, with the benefit of joystick control for easy docking. The cockpit provides comfortable seating for up to eighteen people and has a wet bar within easy reach. At the back, a hydraulic swim platform can be lowered to remove the dinghy with ease, or can be placed just below the water line for lazy summer days swimming. The gourmet galley is equipped with Corian benchtop and everything you will need for catering onboard. Plenty of storage is provided with the saloon finished in rich Cherry Wood timberwork. Price $449,000 The multi-award winning Mustang 3800 sport cruiser is an entirely new concept in Gold Coast boat building, with its 12’6” wide beam and functional layout, which offer generous internal entertaining space coupled with excellent rough-water handling from its deep vee hull design. It has a capacity to take 15 persons onboard offering a great day with friends and family alike. This boat boasts a dry and comfortable ride in local conditions making it perfect for day boating, whale watching, island hopping, or just lazing about doing nothing! This Mustang is a hard top configuration with electric sunroof. It has the added benefit of a second air-conditioner (reverse-cycle so can be used for heating year round) devoted to the cockpit area. The engine power is provided by twin 320hp Volvo Penta duo-prop sterndrives, which have only travelled a mere 400+ hours and have been regularly serviced by a local service provider. Price $179,900 These are just some of the great cruisers on offer at the pre-owned Mustang specialist Gold Coast Boat Sales. Contact Stuart Stephenson Ph: 0424 800 000 18

SEP - DEC 2017

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

19

BOAT FEATURE

A FRESH TAKE ON A POWER CAT: THE AQUILA 44

By Michael Von Backstrom

I

t is all you want in a boat and more. As the Aquila 44 pulled into the Runaway Bay Marina, I initially noticed her stocky proportions: short, wide and high on the water (for a power cat, that is). Her seamless ultra-modern lines tie it all together in such a way that I doubt her style would ever age. Standing close next to her, I then noticed her sheer volume; and, as most of us do, immediately associated the boat with a certain price tag. (Check out the details below and be surprised at the price.)

Andrew McLeod from Multihull Central was kind enough to stop in on his travels - from Brisbane to Sydney for the Boat Show - to allow our team to test drive the Aquila 44. Once on board, we went straight up to the flybridge and noticed the excellent all-round visibility. We made our way into the Broadwater, and headed for the Seaway. With great ease and in no time, she pounced up on to the plane at around 14 knots. Taking her size, weight and volume into consideration, I could not believe my eyes, and actually leaned over to check for myself at the helm.

Her bulbous bows allow the Aquila to easily get up onto her skirts very quickly. These bows deliver a lot of lift and certainly eliminate a lot of pitching and rolling, assisting the Aquila achieve great fuel economy, which is almost unbeatable for any boat her size. On our way out, a wake boat crossed our path 40 meters ahead, leaving behind a 1.2 metre wake. At 19 knots, Andrew did not even consider backing off on the throttle. To our amazement, she hardly pitched or rolled much at all.

Once we were about a click out of the Seaway, I took the helm at about 17 knots. It was very empowering!

Without any warning, I threw the wheel port side as hard as I could, and she responded with great ease and stability. Somewhat like a sports car with a lowered suspension, she dug in and came 20

QUICK SPECS Length: 13.44m

Beam: 6.56m

Draft: 1.16m

Height Off Water: 5.70m

Power: 2 x Volvo D4 300hp Displacement:

16,000kg (light) 18,000+ (loaded)

Fuel Tank: 1100lt

Water Tank: 680lt

about crossing over our own wake with hardly any pitching. At first, I had my doubts about these bulbs on any non-commercial vessel, but I was pleasantly surprised at how effective they were.

Now, down to the details.

ENGINE POWER AND VESSEL FEATURES The Aquila 44 is powered by two Volvo Penta 300hp diesel engines with V drive gearboxes, each producing 224kw of torque. The vessel’s close corner manoeuvering is excellent, as the diesel engines are widely spaced.

With the standard 1100-litre fuel tank, the Aquila 44 is set up for long range cruising at 6.5 knots. Both engines will burn just 7 lph/combined , giving a fuel range of 900+ nautical miles leaving a 5% reserve.

The engine design incorporates underwater engine exhaust to reduce engine emissions noise, while the well-lit engine room offers excellent all-round engine and systems access for ease of maintenance.

As part of the Category A CE compliance and US Coast Guard regulation compliance, each of the Aquila 44 hulls is fitted with a glass front escape hatch and a hammer in the rare occurrence of a capsizing.

SEP - DEC 2017

The Aquila 44 hull has a bulbous bow just below the waterline. The bulb modifies the way the water flows around the hull, reducing drag and thus increasing speed, range, fuel efficiency, and stability. Power catamarans with bulbous bows generally have approximately 15 percent better fuel efficiency than similar vessels without them. A bulbous bow also increases the buoyancy of the forward part, and hence, reduces the pitching of the ship to a small degree.

Another great feature of the Aquila is that she is entirely constructed by means of the resin-infusion method, making it tough as nails. Between the two skins is a perforated balsa core that then ties it all together with the infusion of the resin; hence, delamination will not occur.

The helm station console is moulded in dark grey non-glare UV protect finish, and houses a complete systems control at the touch of a finger, including a Raymarine ES127 high performance navigation computer with sonar charts, and a Volvo electronic vessel control (EVC) 7" display. A dedicated display panel offers easy access and visibility to electronic systems and instruments. In addition to the electronic compass display, there is a magnetic compass, a multi zone entertainment system slave unit offering multi zone control, and a bilge pump warning light all fitted at the helm.

All of the batteries, fuses and chargers are neatly tucked away and easily accessible under the bridge floor, keeping them high and dry, out of the hulls, and make monitoring them a breeze. Monitoring navigation and engine status, as well as operating external cameras and mood lighting, is all done from the helm on the flybridge.

With easy access to vessel controls and system monitoring along with a marvelous view from the flybridge helm station, taking the wheel is such a pleasure. The fly bridge can be completely enclosed with clears or kept open, and features lounges for 12, collapsible table, a wet bar, a barbeque, fridge, icemaker, and great views!

EASE AND COMFORT COME FIRST Getting down from the fly bridge onto the bow is a piece of cake through the distinctly featured forward steps. The access to the stern via the BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

aft stairway makes handling of this vessel by a husband-and-wife crew very easy.

The vessel features an open plan bridge deck layout with a saloon dining area, and a gourmet galley. An aft cockpit table and lounge with the collapsible galley splashbacks serving as a bar counter, creates a great “man cave” most other vessels do not offer.

The centrally located galley features high quality finishes and top-of-the-line equipment, two sinks, large ice box, a two-burner induction stovetop, a microwave oven, a refrigerator-freezer unit, ample underfloor storage for groceries, as well as 360-degree visibility. No need to compromise the comforts of home while on board the Aquila 44.

The three spacious en-suite guest cabins maximize the performance hull shape. The larger main cabin/ stateroom located towards the bow is the reason for the bulkhead not being flush with the rest of the bow, as it allows for ample headroom down below.

Thanks to utilising the full 21.5’ beam, you do not just get the big berth, but also a reading nook, ample storage space, and the full stand up en-suite bathroom with shower.

The two other cabins that are far enough away to ensure absolute privacy for the main cabin, are both equipped with queen-size beds, ample storage, and fully equipped en-suite bathrooms. What really stood out to me was the attention to detail and the amount of windows allowing great views as well as natural light inside the cabins.

The Aquila 44 is indeed a fresh take on a classic power catamaran. The efficiency in performance is complemented by the luxurious living features.

If you spend a day aboard this boat, you are not going to want to get off it either.

Designed by multi-award winning J&J Designs, a Slovenian Company, the Aquilas are constructed at the climate-controlled 110,000sqm Sino Eagle Yacht Group (SEY) factory in Hangzhou, China.

Dow Jones-listed Marine Max, the largest boat distribution company in the world, order 40 boats at a time, giving SEY the ability to deliver in very short lead times (4-6 months). An Aquila will only set you back AU$ 1,325,000.

Aquila have just announced the completion of the first 100 vessels, and the sale of 10 Aquilas into Australia and New Zealand in just 18 months.

To book your sea trial, contact Andrew McLeod at Multihull Central-Queensland. amcleod@multhullcentral.com

IS THE AQUILA 44 YOUR DREAM BOAT? MAKE IT A REALITY TODAY! Yachtshare is introducing the Aquila 44 to the sharing economy with its successful and proven yacht syndication program. For just $134,990, you can purchase a 1/10th equity share in the Aquila 44. The catamaran is managed by the Yachtshare team, offering all the benefits of boat ownership without all the hassles. For a monthly fee, Yachtshare provides berthing, cleaning, insurance, servicing, and much more. As an owner, you are guaranteed a minimum of 33 days on the water per year, more than most use their own boat! Yachtshare makes boating affordable, accessible and easy. Get on board today at http://yachtshare.com.au/boatgc 21

BOAT ANGLER

an arsenal of gear to take with you. The key to success here is to put a fine-tooth comb through everything; in the end, you should be left with a neat backpack, and your rods and gaff tied together.

This sounds like a lot of work, and indeed it is.

Tailor at Burleigh Headland

HEADLANDwFISHING it h P au l B ur t T

he feeling becomes overwhelming as you climb over the last pinnacle of rock face to the views of swirling waters, birds diving, fish chopping the surface of the ocean as far as the eye can see, and the thought of knowing you are finally there.

Rock fishing has the title of claiming more lives than any other recreational sport around the country. For this alone, most anglers opt to fish the more accessible areas where the fish are hunted in more ways than one.

Spear fishermen, professionals and every day anglers swarm to these more accessible spots. Over the years, the fish become hook shy and weary of anything that generally swims or is placed in front of them.

Scattered along the coastline from the Sunshine Coast south to northern New South Wales are a variety of rocky headlands with steep escarpments and good ledges. Most of the fishing activities around these areas are normally done where the beaches meet the rocks. But further around the face of rocks, virgin fishing grounds can be found. It is these holes and locations that the intrepid angler dreams of. During certain times of the year, anglers come out of the woodwork to fish for the different migrating species making their annual run along the coastline.

There can never be enough planning when it goes into these kinds of topics, and at the same time there can never be enough fish to catch. Headland fishing is exhilarating, mesmerising, and a total thrill. Just watching the fish chasing your lure back to the rocks with their

mouths wide open chomping at every opportunity they get. Seeing the baitfish showering behind the break and watching the jewfish slap their tails along the ledges as mullet and other small fish school up in small crevices trying to escape the predators. Setting out live baits under balloons and watching mackerel or tuna, or even a marlin come up to gorge, and then swimming off at a fair rate of knots is something you can never get enough of. All of this is what waits for that intrepid angler as he climbs over the last rock face.

Knowing the areas you intend on fishing is an important part of the pre-planning stage. Tracks should be marked out. Of course, the easiest route should be taken.

Having an escape plan, in case you do get washed off the rocks and into the water, is a necessity. Knowing which direction to swim can save your life.

Spanish mackerel, cobia, tailor, a variety of tuna species, drummer, black fish, groper, kingfish, and even marlin are all targeted from the ledges. To catch these fish, a fair amount of gear is required to tackle them.

Long gaffs to reach the water are essential. A combination of rods and reels, and various leaders lines, terminal tackle, somewhere to keep your bait alive, and not to forget a carry-bag to bring your fish home in is required. All of this has to be carried in along with some food, water, and more importantly the safety gear.

Ropes, rock boots, a waterproof jacket and long pants, headlamp or torch, and a personal floatation device (PFD) just in case. Put all of this together and you have

There are other easier ways to rockfish, and that is off our local headlands, such as Burleigh. Still, a lot of caution is required, as you do not want to stand on that slippery rock with barnacles glued to the edge. It does resemble a cheese grater. Believe me, your leg does come off second best. And do not forget those rocks that are seriously unbalanced.

There are quite a few factors to keep in mind. The Burleigh headland is one that many anglers fish, and timing is the key. For me and a few others, being down there when it is pitch black and walking around the front, knowing the rocks, knowing where to fish from, and what you are about to target are all extremely important. By sunrise, you should have a bag of fish, and be walking back out, often passing other anglers heading down for a fish, who unknowingly have already missed the bite.

Given the right conditions, it is an area that I teach my seven-year-old son to fish from. I feel learning to rock fish at an early age will give him plenty of experience as he gets older and understand the safety aspects of rock fishing.

Tailor is a species that schools during the cooler months of the year. However, they are also found here every day of the year, just not in larger numbers at times.

Gear selection is paramount. Keep the rod light, but have the length to get over the rocks. I use a Shimano Aerocast 11-footer, matched with a 14000LC Baitrunner.

Even a Sustain 6000 would be good, spooled with 30lb power pro braid, and 4 feet of 30lb fluorocarbon leader.

Arm yourself with a bunch of Raider 40 and 65gram lures.

The locally made Lasers work well in 25gram white.

Work the wash and work the ledges, and remember you will come off second best against the rocks when your lures bite into one of the thousands of cunjevoi bulbs lining the outer rock ledge. There is nothing like fresh tailor for breakfast, and what a great way to start your day.

Good luck and enjoy!

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23

BOAT ANGLER anglers have resorted to “bait fishing”, which is permitted within the Hinze Dam, with the proviso that the bait must be indigenous to the area, such as freshwater shrimps, earthworms and freshwater yabbies.

Stocking up the T

he Hinze Dam is the Gold Coast’s main drinking water supply and premier freshwater fishery. The 1,500-hectare dam is stocked with bass, golden perch (yellowbelly), Silver perch, and saratoga.

The raising of the Hinze Dam and subsequent flooding of large stands of timber surrounding the old water’s edge produces a protected habitat and abundant feed for the fingerlings released by the Hinze Dam Fish Management Committee. The Australian bass have thrived in these conditions.

The Hinze Dam is now one of the best locations for bass fishing in Australia, with even mid-winter fishing producing many fish.

Despite the present abundance of these quality fish, many anglers have been disappointed. The likely reason is that they have not adapted their fishing tactics to the changed environment.

24

DA M

Over many years when the old dam edges were fringed with weed, grass and waterlilies, slow trolling of lures along such fringes, or casting and retrieving of lures, or flies to the fringes, usually resulted in a quick hook-up. Such conditions are presently almost non-existent. And while slow trolling of hard body lures, especially in warmer weather, will still produce the occasional catch, most fish now appear to be shoaling in or about the drowned timber frequently at a depth of 15 feet or more below the surface.

While some anglers adopt a catch-and-release policy, anyone is permitted to keep two bass per person. If properly dispatched, filleted, skinned and kept in the fridge for 24 hours, the bass fillets make excellent eating when lightly floured and panfried in a little butter.

The Hinze Dam Fish Management Committee is charged with stocking the dam. In 2016 there were 67,000 bass fingerlings released in the dam. In December 2016, the Committee released 500 Mary River cod fingerlings into the Hinze Dam. In February 2017, assisted by SEQ Water, the Committee released 40,000 Australia bass fingerlings.

Since 2010, a total of 432,500 fingerlings have been released comprising:

A change of tactics is required. And after locating a shoal of large fish on their fish finder or sounder, successful anglers are now resorting to jigging soft plastics, blades jackal lures, spinner baits, or even ice jigs to the depth of the shoal.

- 284,000 Australian bass - 106,000 golden perch (yellow belly) - 42,000 silver perch - 500 Mary River cod.

The Committee used to issue Hinze Dam fishing permits. Since July 2016, the Hinze Dam joined 63 other water storages in the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) administered by the State Government.

There is of course risk of losing such expensive gear in the heavy underwater timber, and some

Visit www.fishhinzedam.com.au for information about the Committee and SIP.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GUIDE

very boat owner is going to experience engine E problems at some point in a boating lifestyle.

During a breakdown, the best tool to have is

troubleshooting knowledge. Understanding the possible reason for outboard malfunction and how to fix it will avoid delays on your adventures. Before you take off, understand the basics about your outboard engine. Read on.

DOESN’T START

• The fuel tank is empty, so fill it with the right type of fuel.

• If the boat has been sitting around for many months or years, the fuel may be old. Empty and refill the tank.

• Make sure the engine is in neutral and not in gear.

• The engine kill switch might be engaged.

Disengage, and try again.

OUTBOARD PROBL EMS

Trouble Shooting Guide

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

• The engine control has a kill switch clip. Make sure the clip is firmly in place. You can remove the clip and put it back to ensure it is connected before trying again.

• Check your spark plugs with a tester. This will determine if the plugs are working and that the ignition system is in good condition.

• With an electric outboard, make sure the battery is not dead. If so, charge it and retry.

SUDDEN CUT-OFF A loss of vacuum caused by a leak in the fuel line will lead to fuel starvation. Also, this may occur when a vacuum has been created inside the fuel tank that causes the primer bulb to go flat. Loosen the vent screw and prime the bulb until it is full.

Another reason is that the kill switch may have been accidentally engaged. Disengage it, and start the engine again.

PROPELLER NOT TURNING When the propeller does not turn, first check for any debris stuck in the propeller or around the shaft.

If it is clear, another reason for the propeller to stop turning is a broken shear pin. This is the cross pin on the shaft when the propeller has been removed.

Remove the propeller and replace the pin.

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION Check that the propeller is attached tightly and that the blades are not damaged in any way. If they are, then remove and replace.

Another cause may be that the rubber isolation mounts to the hull are either worn out or loose. Try tightening and/or replace.

OVERHEATING Outboard engines function on a constant flow of water passing through to cool the engine. When there is not enough water intake, the engine will overheat. If this occurs, turn off the engine and check the water intake to see if it is clear of any debris or foreign objects.

The other possible cause is that the water pump impellers that circulate the water through the engine are damaged and require replacement.

Your outboard should be professionally serviced once a year. Preventative maintenance and regular service will ensure a long engine life and trouble-free boating.

Disclaimer - Information provided in this list of outboard engine trouble shooting tips is general in nature and does not constitute technical repair advice. While all reasonable care has been taken in providing this information, it should not be construed as being instructions on how to undertake repairs on your outboard engine. We strongly suggest you consult a professional mechanic about having your outboard repaired.

25

AWESOME FISHING

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY ANGLER

By Vlad

Tesic

Spanish mackerel, north of Jumpinpin, approx. 15kg trolling hard body lure.

l, ou t the . m ac ke re S p a nish . It to ok a ya k ka a h it w Ta hne e 1, a pprox. 17kg fron t of Q

G

old Coast is a haven for an array of fish, and different fishing waters and conditions. The canals hold some great fishing opportunities, from sharks to whiting and Jewies. While fishing offshore, you can see the migrating whales and the local dolphin pods often stopping by to say hello.

My main motivation to go fishing is to find peace with nature while I am out enjoying my environment.

I love fishing these waters; you will never really know what you will encounter. I rarely kill my fish as I am out fishing as a sport. However, I will take fish home with me if they are worth being kept. I never take more than my partner and I can eat on the day.

I am out that often that fresh is best. I never keep small ones; it is best to let them grow so I can catch them when they grow up!

A few months ago, I went out with the sole purpose of catching a marlin, and dedicated the trip to my nephew, Sasha, who has a brain injury. I packed my marlin lures and headed out to a spot that I had some luck with previously. There was nothing special about this spot, but as I sent my first lure on the outrigger and started getting ready for the next lure – Bang! went the outrigger, and I was on, with not enough time to put the second lure in. It was a black marlin and was screaming line off my reel. I chased it down. It did a couple of jumps, and

26

AmberJac k, 50 Fathom Ree fs Gold Coa st.

It was heavy - put up an epic figh t. Caught using jigging tec hnique .

eventually behaved for me. I got it on board, took a couple of photos and video, and then swam it for about 20 minutes. As it started kicking, I released it.

My girlfriend and I motored back home smiling. The entire trip, including the marlin catch, took just two hours. This proves that sometimes, luck comes your way, and if you put the lure in front of a hungry fish, he will eat it.

MAHI MAHI My favourite species here on the Gold Coast are mahi mahi during summer, and amberjacks during winter. The reason I enjoy targeting mahi mahi is purely because of the aerial show they give when hooked. And the reason to target amberjacks is for the fight; they are beasts to fight.

I was trolling one day, and it was so calm out wide.

We noticed floating debris and headed that way with our trolling spread of five lures. Out of the far corner, we could see the fin of a huge mahi mahi zeroing in to our spread at full speed. That in itself is an awesome sight. He hit the lure and took off jumping around when the hook set. It did not take long to get him in, but the show was pretty awesome.

I find the most productive areas for mahi mahi are where there is a dirty line with debris or foam floating. The mahi mahi seem to hang around these

augh t mpinpin. C no rth of Juw S as ha , lin ar m he B lack to my N ep D edic ated

on the 1s t

lure.

areas, as do the desired big male bull mahi mahi.

Your strategy should be to find anything floating or dirty in the water, and look for birds and maybe flying fish. These are sure signs that there might be fish hanging around. Troll lures or you can also spin them up if you see them.

The equipment required to catch these fish does not have to be specific. I have personally caught bulls on spin and overhand reels. I recommend trolling with a braid line because of its high knot strength, lack of stretch, and great overall power in relation to its diameter.

THE WARMER MONTHS During the months of September to December, you can expect to catch mahi mahi, baby black marlin, longtail tuna, and mackerel tuna. You can fish for these species along our coastline from Tweed and all the way past North Stradbroke and Moreton Bay. The recommended equipment are trolling rods and lures, teasers and skirted lures. Your strategy should be to get out early, and find some bait (as the bait moves in around these months and coincides with the pelagic run to our shores). Set your teasers and put a spread of lures out, troll at a desirable speed, usually between 6 and 9 knots, depending on the lure type.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

ADVICE FROM A BOAT BUILDER W

h en buying a boat, it is important to do your research before you arrive at a dealership. Ask yourself these questions: What features would you like on your boat? What do you want to do with the boat? Do you want a centre console or a cabin? Will it need to be in survey? Where will you keep the boat when not in use?

People often buy a boat for the wrong purpose. If you want a fisher, then buy a sportfisher boat. If you want to just cruise around, then buy a cruiser. If you are going to use the boat for watersports, like skiing, then buy a ski boat.

Do not be put off by a big size boat, as I have found that after a little while you will get used to the large size boat and wish you bought an even bigger boat.

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The boats I build are fishing boats, so I get great satisfaction to build a vessel then take it fishing. To be passionate about your occupation is a great motivation to strive for perfection.

When conceptualising my ideal boat, my considerations are: long range fuel for extended trips; saltwater wash down to get rid of the fish blood; fresh water to shower or wash down my equipment when needed, and also, if for some reason you become stranded, to use it as drinking water until you sort out any problems; storage facilities for the killed fish or an area for fish storage bags; sounder and transducer setup; a boat that could either live in water or be easily trailerable; toilet for the ladies and for us in extended trips. We put all these ideas into our boats and offer the buyers the options so they have input into what they want on their ideal boat.

VMAX24 The VMAX24 is built on the Gold Coast, so it is very rewarding to see these tough-looking boats cruising around, catching all the big fish. The easy to handle VMAX24 can go out where the big charter boats and game boats go, and catch the same fish species. I have been out on these 24’ boats to the Continental Shelf chasing big blue marlin and big yellow fin tuna.

My personal boat is fitted with 2 x 300hp outboards, so I tend to get out to where I want to go pretty quick.

I have also installed outriggers, and each of our boats has underfloor storage bins to keep the caught fish fresh with slurry. Our 24’ can also be trailered by one person.

I regularly go out fishing on one of these by myself. This model is the only centre console available in Australia built to 2C survey standard.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

WHAT FLOATS YOUR

BOAT?

S

i nce 2006, all new recreational boats under six (6) metres in length must achieve either basic or level flotation. This required many manufacturers to increase the level of buoyancy and to display the Australian Builders Plate (ABP). This occurred because there were 45 deaths and 109 serious injuries associated with recreational boating annually, and was increasing with more inexperienced people boating. Fatal and serious injuries were estimated to cost $52 million annually, and were twice as high in boats under six (6) metres, often as a result of inadequate buoyancy.

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anzsbeg.com.au

BASIC FLOTATION Basic flotation requires a boat to float in some form if swamped, and allows you to possibly cling to the upturned hull. The boat can be in any position as long as it floats within 15cm of the surface. This is safer if a lifejacket was being worn, but does not reduce the risks associated with predators such as sharks and crocodiles, or hypothermia in colder waters. anzsbeg.com.au

LEVEL FLOTATION Level flotation requires a boat to float in a level position if swamped and is prevented from capsizing in calm water.

Occupants can remain in the boat and bail the vessel. It provides more opportunity to put a lifejacket on, to call for assistance and would also reduce the risk of exposure to predators and the elements.

Many recreational boats only have basic flotation, often achieved by placing polystyrene under seats. Some boats display both basic and level flotation on their ABP, but reduce the number of occupants with level flotation. Other boats achieve level flotation and are virtually unsinkable.

This certainly does not include inflatable boats.

Since July 2013, all commercial boats, including hire boats and those belonging to sailing clubs must achieve level flotation. All inflatables are assessed with at least the two largest air compartments deflated.

The material used to provide buoyancy is a closedcell foam, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane. Polystyrene does not meet the flotation standard. Foam buoyancy is required in all inflatable boats, and their air chambers are not considered to be equivalent to foam buoyancy.

Boating consumers, especially those without experience, would be significantly safer if all recreational boats were required to achieve level flotation. Polyethylene is inherently buoyant and will float regardless of shape. Fibreglass and aluminium are denser than water and will sink unless they trap air within their form or in the foam they contain.

Polyethylene boats, such Mac Boats, have polyurethane foam to provide additional buoyancy and achieve level flotation with ease. A commercial operator recently stated that his dinghy, which had a rated capacity of 250kg, had over 800kg of lead on board, and still floated when towed in the port. To demonstrate their buoyancy, polyethylene boats still float when cut in half, something that would not occur in fibreglass, aluminium boats, or inflatable boats.

Mac boats have a double skin, unlike fibreglass, aluminium and some plastic boats, which provides a double barrier. This is important in very cold waters and when near large predators, especially if the outer barrier is penetrated.

Polyethylene has five times the impact resistance of fibreglass, and is less likely to be damaged by rocks or coral. They will not be damaged, like inflatable boats, when mouthed by crocodiles. Polyethylene will not abrade fibreglass and makes an indestructible tender for larger craft.

Mac Boats are available at Me Tender Boats, 8 Waterway Drive in the Coomera Marine Precinct. For more information, go to www.metender.com.au, email boats@metender.com.au, or call 0422 750 100.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

Making boat ownership enjoyable I

f you do not own a FAB Dock, or at least heard of FAB Dock by now, you must be living under a rock. After seven years of serious research and development, the team responsible for developing the world’s best dry docking system is now setting sales records across numerous countries. If you happen to be travelling across Australasia, the Pacific Islands or either coast of the US, you will likely see a boat or two safely tucked into a FAB Dock.

A FAB Dock may not be the first dry docking system ever invented, but it is the first one to solve the myriad of issues facing such systems, and at half the price of previous efforts. On top of this, it also helps you berth your boat all by yourself without having to throw the wife or girlfriend off the boat to catch lines and pull the boat in before you hit the dock or the boat next to you. With a projected payback period of three years, particularly for stern drive boats, it is actually amazing that every boat living in the water, is not living in a FAB Dock.

Success always breeds success, and as the FAB Dock brand becomes the number one choice of dry docking for boat owners and boat brands, more marine industry personalities are becoming involved. The latest to join the growing list of agents and distributors is Callum Jupp. Most people here on the Gold Coast will know Callum as the previous owner of STS Marine and Industrial Products. Having built that business into the most successful chandlery store on the Coast, he decided that it was time to move on after receiving an offer he could not refuse. Way too young to retire, Callum had numerous choices to join marine teams all across the southeast, but was always impressed with the FAB Dock product and FAB Dock philosophy; and so has become the South East Queensland distributor.

Having sold many litres of antifoul and thousands of anodes over the years, Callum can see the financial and environmental benefits of owning a FAB Dock, which reduces maintenance costs substantially. Mooring and berthing can also be a major source of frustration that Callum has had to deal with many times over the years, with misunderstandings between the skipper and the deckie being very common.

Therefore, by eliminating this stress from your boating experience, it will make owning your boat so much more enjoyable.

So, if you know Callum, give him a call and ask him about his new venture, or just check out the website at www.fabdock.com and send him an email and he will get back to you. You will be pleased you did.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

29

BOAT GOLD COAST

MAKE YOUR VESSEL LOOK NEW WITH SPEED DETAILING percent of boat exteriors that are sun faded and dull do not need to be repainted. The S eventy surface needs to be just rejuvenated and brought back to life.

Speed Detailing business owner, Lyndon Walker, knows the importance of looking after your boating asset and the value of presentation. Every job Speed Detailing carries out is different and requires a unique process and application to achieve the perfect result.

If you are considering selling, trading-in, or getting an insurance appraisal for your boat, or just need your boat detailed properly, Speed Detailing can add value to your boat or luxury craft. “I can possibly help you make more money than what you initially thought you'd receive when selling your boat, by providing a service many consider to be a gifted art form. It’s the reason I started Speed Detailing – to provide the boating sector a service that is untouchable, and make your boat look like new again in every possible way as if as it was just off the showroom floor.”

Speed Detailing specialises in every facet of detailing imaginable, including interiors, exteriors, alloy and stainless steel polishing. The interiors are fully cleaned using the Speed Detailing method to look and smell brand new. “There is no job too big or too small for me to handle. I’m a passionate tradesman with unwavering attention to detail, and skills and work ethic matched with experience are second to none.”

Speed Detailing offer obligation-free quote to restore your boat to new. “Every day, I receive calls from within Australia and internationally. The best news is, I come to you and do not charge for travel to and from the location of your boat.”

Speed Detailing continues to set the highest of standards. Clients only have praises for the quality of service that they receive from Speed Detailing. David Spann, the director of Warrego Truck and Machinery Referral, has this to say: “I recently engaged the services of Lyndon Walker at Speed Detailing to detail my 48ft Riviera Sport Fisher boat that we wished to sell based at Hope Island. After talking with Lyndon for only a few minutes, I knew he was the right man for the job. Not only was he prompt, but he also knew exactly what we needed to make the boat look its best. The vessel had a full machine cut and polish; windows were cleaned inside and out; and all the stainless steel and alloy were polished to perfection. The boat turned out far better than expected, it almost made me want to keep it. Since then, Speed Detailing has continued to impress by putting their special touch on a whole range of vehicles in our fleet.”

For more information, please contact Lyndon on 0457287192, 24 hours every day.

Call now to get things moving.

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

TRAILER DILEMMA ?

SKIDS

ROLLER S

VS

I

t is one of the most common questions we are asked. Some swear by skids, whereas others won’t steer away from rollers. For some, it is personal preference, while for others, it is what their fathers and grandfathers used and recommended.

Here are some things to consider SKID ROLLERS Skid trailers are best with boats with a very simple, plain and deep-Vee bottom, so the boat aligns itself as it moves up the trailer. Some boat owners simply do not have a choice. Here is an example: For fibreglass, rollers are not a sensible choice. Gelcoat is easily scratched. It is not great idea to scratch the barrier that keeps the water out of your fibreglass boat! Therefore to slither your fibreglass boat across Teflon-coated (skid) rollers will result in the skids being covered in dust, grime and salt crystals scratching against the gelcoat every time you launch and retrieve your pride and joy.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

At Swiftco, we do not advocate a skid trailer for any fibreglass boat. The only exception to this rule is for a plate aluminium boat that is unpainted with a 5-6mm plate.

If you are chasing a tonne limit, skids are to be considered, as they will be lighter and add less weight to the unsprung trailer.

Aluminium will slide on and off Teflon-covered skids easily, so make sure your boat is always tied. We have seen too many people untie before descending the ramp resulting in a boat pre-launching before it has even touched the water. Likewise, we have also seen, people not tying their boat until they drive to the top of the ramp, again resulting in a boat relaunch on the way up!

WOBBLE ROLLERS A benefit to Teflon -coated wobble rollers is your boat weight will be distributed evenly over many different points offering more support across the hull than skids.

One of the main advantages of wobble rollers is that the running gear, including springs, hubs, breaks, etc, do not need to be submerged into the water as far. This is a great advantage in salt water due to corrosion problems on hubs and bearings over time. It is also very advantageous in launching or retrieving in low tide, as the trailer does not have to be lowered as far into the water as skid-roller trailers. If you use a ramp with high tidal changes, depending on your location in Australia, or on shallow or short ramps, this can be a deciding factor to consider.

In summary, the above are just the first few things to consider. It is just a start. Much depends on you, your boat and the type of boating you do, how often you will be launching and retrieving, how far you will be towing your boat, hull shape, size, etc.

Other considerations to take into account are leaf or torsion axle/suspension system, breaking systems, and your actual BMT (boat, motor and trailer) weight. This includes the weight of your boat plus weight of motor and onboard water, petrol, tools and all gear you will be towing in your boat.

Trailers are never a straightforward purchase. Selecting the correct trailer for your boat requires expert research, superb engineering and manufacturing process, along with the individual boat type and model research to ensure the correct match and synergy between the boat and trailer.

Swiftco Trailers are a family business, manufacturing and assembling trailers in Australia for Australian harsh conditions for over 42 years. You can trust your journey on a Swiftco Trailer. Swiftco have built their reputation on trailers of possession, everything from tinny trailers, 3-8m boat trailers, shark cat trailers, single, double and quad jet ski trailers, and even equipment trailers. www.swiftcotrailers.com.au

31

BOAT ANGLER

Mulloway 9kg at Harry Atkinson Reef on soft plastic

THE G

FISH OF THE SEASON

By Kevin Ballantine

oing out fishing is a fantastic way to enjoy quality time and relax with family and friends. The numerous Gold Coast boat ramps provide an easy access to the Broadwater, which is a great boating environment. Access is the key here; you can be fishing within minutes of leaving the boat ramp, or your house if you live on water. On most days, there are enough fish to catch that can feed the whole family, and at times, crabbing can be full on.

GENERAL FISHING KNOWLEDGE My favourite species are usually calendar-based. I really look forward to the changing seasons to alternate through my favourites, and to keep me sharp. In spring, there are still plenty of mulloway or jewfish (also nicknamed “jewies�) spread throughout the estuary and bluewater reef areas, larger fish being more common offshore especially when livies are used.

Back in the estuary, soft vibes work a treat. They are simple to use, can be trolled, cast, or just teabagged along the deeper gutters. Due to their soft composition, fish will repeatedly hit them until a solid hookup is achieved. Jewies just love them. Paddle Tail- and Jerk Shad-style soft plastics are effective and easy to use options.

The most productive areas for this species are generally deeper waters over eight metres to start with. Once found, start looking for variations in current flow in any location where bait fish can school up. This can vary a lot depending on tidal direction, creating nice little back eddies that hold bait. Bottom structure in the form of submerged timber or rock bars tend to consistently support permanent populations of

32

mulloway. By concentrating your fishing efforts an hour either side of a tide change, especially if tides coincide with first or last light, will enhance your chances of success.

When purchasing equipment to catch mulloway, it is important to acknowledge that they are large powerful fish. The legal catch size is 75cm minimum, but the opportunity to catch a mulloway over a metre is quite realistic. Therefore, a medium-sized baitrunner spin or overhead reel with a smooth drag is a critical element in the ability to wear a big one out. Matched to a 10-kilo rod, you should be able to tackle anything that takes the bait.

The best strategy and technique to catch big mulloway is to use live bait. This will produce majority of specimens over 15 kilos in offshore and estuary situations. In Moreton Bay, Brisbane River and the Broadwater, soft plastics account for huge numbers of fish of all sizes.

Electronic depth sounders or fish finders will improve your ability to find targets and concentrate efforts in clearly defined locations.

50lb line is perfect for live baiting the deep heavy current driven channels around the Seaway, Jumpinpin Bar, and the Rous Channel.

A high proportion of the really big specimens are caught on large live baits, such as pike and mullet.

Legal-sized tailor and mulloway are the main target when using jumbo baits. However, huge dusky flathead, greenback tailor, and even yellowtail kingfish are common bycatch. Baits can be drifted through or can be anchored on the edge of a backwater eddy or drop off; and then you wait.

The most productive time is usually an hour either side of a tide change. Bouncing large soft plastics along the bottom produces larger numbers of flathead, school jew, big eye, and GT trevally, and just about every other species found in our local waters. Trolling 50-60mm hardbodied lures in depths between two and eight feet is another highly successful method of targeting flathead.

A variety of estuary fish including flounder, bream, whiting, and tailor are frequently encountered. This is a great technique for kids, as the constant changing scenery keeps their attention and enthusiasm at a cheerful level.

TACKLE ADVICE My consistent advice in buying fishing tackle and gear: You need to have an idea about what fish you want to catch and in what area/s you are going to be fishing. Always buy tackle from a specialist tackle shop, preferably from an experienced person who fishes the area, and who can give you expert advice and answer any questions you may have. By doing so, you will at least have the right gear and be a step closer to catching fish. Buying the wrong fishing gear can make the whole fishing experience very frustrating. So avoid department-stores type equipment suppliers, and stay away from online sites as they are relying on you to purchase the tackle that look good or have a cheap price, but are not necessarily effective.

Mulloway 16kg at Sullies Reef on live yellowtail

FISHING THIS MONTH The next four months of fishing in the Broadwater and Moreton Bay are going to be very exciting for mulloway, tailor, flathead, and trevally. You will also find these species in gravel areas off the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and close in reefs off shore.

A variety of different tackle combinations ranging from a light spin outfit suitable for soft plastics and small diving hard body lures are perfect for flathead, tailor, small trevally, and juvenile mulloway. For big mulloway, a heavy spin or overhead outfit capable of using 30-

Kevin Ballantine is one of the most well respected anglers on the Gold Coast. He owns Gold Coast Fishing Tackle, and provides expert advice on all types of fishing.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

wonderful and relaxed start to our boating experience.

On our return home, the same applies, as I no longer need to hang off the side of the boat waiting to jump off to secure the boat with fenders and ropes.

“Our SeaPen has a walkway around the boat, which makes it so easy to wash the entire boat and to conduct general maintenance. There is no need to turn the boat around to wash both sides.

“I love the Riv, but I love the SeaPen more.”

Another happy customer is Craig from Benowa.

Here is his story:

WHY KEEP YOUR BOAT IN A SEAPEN

T

h ere are many reasons why people keep their boats in a SeaPen apart from the obvious – to keep the barnacles and growth off the hull.

Here is what Kay from Mermaid Waters has to say about the impact of SeaPen in her boating life: “I would like to share my experiences of having a SeaPen with all my fellow lady boaties. We have a Riviera M370 and had a SeaPen installed nearly three years ago now. Besides the obvious technical benefits of the SeaPen, such as safety, stability of the boat, less anti-fouling and maintenance, there are many more important reasons to have it.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

“Prior to having the SeaPen, taking the boat out for the day or a week was a challenge due to the expectations my husband had of me. Instead of having a relaxing day, it started with frustrations over doing the ropes and fenders, both of which I was not that good at, apparently.

Then after a lovely day out on the boat, we came home to more ropes and fenders, and more frustrations.

“The Sea Pen has been our savior, from a boating relationship perspective. The sheer ease of leaving the pontoon and returning to the pontoon in a very safe manner relieved us from stress. I am no longer required to manage ropes and fenders. I can now step onto the boat and prepare some refreshments, which make for a

“The SeaPen is easy to use, low maintenance and suits shallow water conditions. I have owned two SeaPens, the most recent being the 7990 XL gated unit to suit my Cobalt. The service from the DOCKPRO team was excellent during the purchase, delivery, and installation. I would have no hesitation in referring family and friends to use a SeaPen.” The locally made SeaPen has undergone many design improvements since its launch in 2004. Many of these improvements have been designed to make it easy to enjoy your boating experience. The unique and patented Rope Mesh Technology allows the hull to be ventilated, which is important. The rope mesh also protects the skin from all sharp items and from rubbing caused by props, trim tabs, and transducers.

The current model, SeaPen XL, is the latest technology available in water level dry docking systems.

DOCKPRO are your local experts in water level dry docking. The head office is located in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, Queensland. Give them a call for free-of-charge advice on the right products to suit your boating needs. Ph:(07) 5580 4465 33

50% off the Hybrid System 3G only with VOLVO D3 220 EVC E engine

75% off the upgrade engine – Yanmar 8LV-370 cruise at 20 knots top speed 26 knots

100% off electronics inc: navigation, entertainment, audio, electric toilet, search light, horn on mast, indirect floor lighting

Solar pack - 4 panels 1200W management system with 4 extra batteries 3000VA T H Eand GR E E N L inverter INE 39’S NEW UNMATCHED Reverse cycle conditioning S T AAir ND ARD SPECS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Bow thruster Electric comfort pack – Electric oven/microwave, induction stove, 224L Fridge with freezer Two electric opening hatches on the roof Electric opening transom Opening driver’s side door Anchor winch and anchor pack Microfiber upholstery in saloon and Gino Taupe Curtains Furniture finished in White Oak, dark laminate floors in saloon, Kerrock galley; toilet counter top Good size shaft drive diesel engines by Volvo or optional Yanmar with top speeds of 25 knots

OFFER

IS

LIMITED

TO

THE

FIRST

5

BOATS

INTO

AUSTRALIA

ORDERED

BEFORE

THE

31

AUG

2017

CONTACT

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p: (02) 9979 6612 e: boats@eyachts.com.au w: eyachts.com.au

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT ANGLER

MANGROVES

By Gary Fooks

CRITICAL TO GOOD BOATING AND FISHING

M

angroves are a common sight around Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast, fringing local waterways and covering many of the islands found in the bay and open estuaries.

Whether they are along the boardwalks at Paradise Point, Currumbin, Jabiru Island, Macintosh Island or the Southport Broadwater Parklands, local mangrove forests are vital to the health of our marine and freshwater environments.

Many people do not realise it but these unique ecosystems are critical for maintaining the quality of our boating and fishing experiences, supporting healthy populations of fish and maintaining the quality and clarity of our waterways.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘kidneys of the coast’, mangroves play an important role in nutrient cycling – which occurs when crabs and other animals feed on dead or decaying matter, and then return these nutrients to the environment in a form that can be used by animals higher up in the food chain, such as fish.

Mangroves also provide shelter for fish, prawns and crabs, and a place for them to give birth and raise their young. Without these critical habitats, many of the fish species you see while boating on Moreton Bay or cruising the waterways of the Gold Coast would not exist.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

In fact, up to 70 per cent of the seafood we eat is dependent on mangroves at some stage, giving these forests high economic as well as recreational value. They support populations of bream, flathead, Moses perch and many others.

Every boatie and fisher loves clean water.

Mangroves play an important role in reducing the impacts of boat wash by slowing wave motion down and trapping sediments. If mangroves are removed, wave action from boat wake becomes more powerful and disrupts sediment. This reduces water clarity.

To better understand the link between mangroves and the fish communities in our estuaries, Healthy Land and Water has undertaken a research project with the University of Sunshine Coast.

To date, the research team has surveyed 22 estuaries in South East Queensland, gaining a clearer understanding of how estuarine habitats such as mangroves, seagrasses and areas containing woody debris or rocky outcrops support a productive marine environment.

As more people move to South East Queensland, drawn by the outdoor lifestyle benefits we enjoy, the results of this research will inform strategies that ensure the natural assets that make our region so attractive in the first place are not lost.

Photos by Healthy Land and Water

About Healthy Land and Water Healthy Land and Water was formed in 2017 after two of South East Queensland’s most experienced natural resource management groups – Healthy Waterways and SEQ Catchments – merged to form one entity.

It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to develop science-based solutions to local environmental challenges, and to improve the sustainable use of our land and waterways.

Whether it is removing plastic and other forms of marine debris from waterways, repairing gullies and streams to reduce erosion, or harnessing the power of its extensive networks to deliver innovative realworld solutions, Healthy Land and Water works to maintain the health and resilience of our region, and the wellbeing of local communities.

35

PARKER

BOAT GOLD COAST

COMFORT AND SPEED

T

he Parker 660 has been designed for fishing but with two objectives in mind: to get quickly to a given place safe and to accommodate on board a reasonable size fishing group. The V-shaped hull of Parker 660 Pilothouse works particularly well at sea and gives an exceptionally stable and dry ride at speed even in difficult conditions. The boat can reach speeds of 35 knots with a 150 HP engine. The Parker 660 Pilothouse is perfect for fishing trips with friends.

The movement around the cabin is easy and safe with its high sides and numerous handrails and grab handles. There is ample storage space for bait, other fishing equipment, and special storage tunnels for the rods. The standard equipment include a deck shower to wash down the deck after a successful fishing trip, port and starboard rod holders, aft deck light. For optimal fishing comfort, an outside steering position can be installed on the open deck. There can also be a table and chairs, and a Bimini roof that will allow you to

comfortably enjoy your boat while relaxing. The Parker 660 Pilothouse offers an original design, optimal comfort and high-quality equipment for even more pleasant cruising trips with family and friends.

Parker 660 Pilothouse comes with: Locker for fishing rods, sliding hatch in side windows, aft seats, fresh water system with 40L tank, bilge pump, windscreen wiper, cabin LED lights, cabin ventilation, bathing ladder, anchor roller, work lights aft deck, salt water flushing deck, rod holders on sides (4 sockets), 3 upholstery colours to choose from.

OPTIONS: Available with 115HP, 135HP or 150HP engine. Underwater lights, antifouling, outside steering position, side benches aft deck (incl. cushions), heater WEBASTO 2 Kw with stainless steel tank 11L, trim tabs, fish box, additional seat in Cockpit, round table in cockpit, rod holders on roof, keel protection, bowthruster, additional fender on hull sides, anchor winch with remote control, bimini over cockpit, manual sea toilet, cooker, fridge, sliding roof hatch, fishing net roller, second battery, petrol tank 190L stainless steel, petrol tank 230L, fresh water deck shower, shore power, Lowrance, Simrad or Garmin chartplotter/fishfinder, Fusion MS-RA205 True-Marine™ Stereo + 2 speakers.

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

Parker 750 Cabin Cruiser

Length: 7.46 m Dry weight: 1860 kg

Beam: 2.50 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $108,888

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Parker 750 Day Cruiser

Length: 7.46 m Dry weight: 1750 kg

Beam: 2.50 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $105,888

Parker 660 Pilothouse

Length: 6.60 m Dry weight: 1250 kg

Beam: 2.50 m Max HP: 150 HP

From $80,888

SEP - DEC 2017

PARKER

BOAT GOLD COAST

Pilothouse designed for fishing and cruises

T

he boundary between sports fishing boat and weekend cruiser is a very blurred one in the Polish built Parker 800 Weekend. The boat has been designed with cruising credentials to a point where you can easily forget the fishing capabilities, and view them almost as an out and out cruiser.

The 800 Weekend is very economical to run and maintain as it’s powered by a Mercury 300hp four stroke outboard.

As a weekend cruiser the accommodation is, perhaps, the most important aspect and the 800 packs a lot into its 26 foot length. There is a separate bow cabin offering a unique privacy for this length of boat. The cabin has ample sitting headroom and beneath the bed there is lots of open bilge storage.

Moving aft, on the starboard side, is the toilet compartment and a compact crawl-in double berth which is ideal for the kids.

The helm comprises a single sliding helm seat with lifting bolster. The helm is well thought out with all switches easy to reach, and all instruments easy to read. Alongside the helm there is an opening sliding window, and above an opening sunshine roof.

Opposite the helm is the forward dinette seat with a flippable backrest to enable it to provide a second forward facing seat. When not underway this seat forms part of the dinette, which is set around a lovely teak table. Here you can comfortably seat three or four people for dinner and, at night, this area can be converted into a third sleeping area.

Behind the helm, on the starboard side, you will find the galley. This compact unit delivers the basics for a weekend afloat including a small sink, a double burner hob, a fridge and a useful amount of cupboard space and storage.

The 800 can reach speeds of over 30 knots, capable of getting you to where you are going quickly. The boat turns sharply and precisely, the steering is well balanced and overall the drive is smooth and with the patio doors closed, quiet. When the going gets rough and you are in a boat of this length, details like this matter.

Parker boats are making waves in Australia as they offer great value for money while deliver a mix of cruising and fishing capabilities. They are practical and easy to own and offer little design features and levels of equipment that you don’t always find on their rivals. You can have one of these 8 metre, four plus berth family cruising boats on the water for a tad under $140,000. See the range of Parker Boats at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show (SCIBS) and take advantage of the exclusive boat show special offers. (By Digital Marine Media Ltd) www.nautilusaustralia.com.au

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

Parker 800 Weekend

Length: 7.90 m Fuel Cap: 230 L

Beam: 2.90 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $134,888

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Parker 800 Pilothouse

Length: 8.43 m Fuel Cap: 230 L

Beam: 2.90 m Max HP: 300 HP

From $125,888

Parker 770 Weekend

Length: 7.69 m Fuel Cap: 230 L

Beam: 2.50 m Max HP: 250 HP

From $102,888

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BOAT GOLD COAST

FISHING BOATS FOR FISHING

Popular models for SEQ boaties F

ishing is one of Australia’s most popular pastimes.

Over the years, a greater number of boat brands have hit the market to entice families and mates off the banks, and out on our majestic waterways to chase that fish of a lifetime. It seems though the hardest thing about boating has become choosing the right fishing boat to suit your needs. Generally, the most popular styles for the South East Queensland region have been fibreglass centre consoles, aluminium tinnies, aluminium offshore plates, and fibreglass offshore cabin boats.

The only dealership in the country where you can find this entire range of fishing boats is at Northside Marine. It is home to some of the best fishing boat brands in the world, including Sportsman Boats, Stabicraft, Stacer, Surtees, and Whittley Sea Legends. You will be able to find a boat that suits your lifestyle from the variety of styles and the most popular models available.

SPORTSMAN BOATS – FIBREGLASS CENTRE CONSOLES Sportsman Boats have a reputation for building premium boats with the best ride on the water and the most yacht-calibre features for the price than any other boat in its class. They manufacture an intelligently designed series of fibreglass centre consoles and bay boats, and take great pride in the craftsmanship and quality of their products. Sportsman Boats provide a nice stable platform, with loads of storage room, and a centre console design that allows 360-degree fishability. All Sportsman Boats are powered by Yamaha Outboards and fitted out with Simrad electronics to provide the ultimate turnkey solution to boating. Northside Marine came on board as the Queensland distributor for the Sportsman Boats range back in July, and these are the hottest boats on the market! With plenty of orders already placed for the Island Reef 17, Island Reef 19, and the Open 212, and with drive away packages starting from under $50k, these boats present excellent value for money.

STACER – INSHORE ALUMINIUM TINNIES TO OFFSHORE ALUMINIUM PLATE BOATS Ranging from a small tinnie for taking the kids whiting fishing up the Broadwater or out to the dam, through to hard core bluewater fishing machines, such as the Stacer Plate Series, Stacer have a model that suit most aluminium boat enthusiasts need. The most popular models for inshore fishing in protected waters are the Stacer Proline, Stacer SeaSprite, and Stacer Rampage range of open tinnies. These range in size, from 3m to 4.3m, with packages starting from as low as $4,990. If you are after something a little bigger to venture further afield, the Stacer 509 Sea Runner cuddy cabin is ideal for those calmer days to duck offshore with the family

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FUN

SPORTSMAN

or a couple of mates, yet still handy in the Broadwater.

If serious offshore fishing is more your style, the Stacer 659 Ocean Ranger Hard Top aluminium plate boat is a stylish rig that has all the bells and whistles, performs exceptionally well offshore, and yet is very keenly priced.

STABICRAFT – INSHORE & OFFSHORE ALUMINIUM PLATE BOATS Stabicraft are the world’s best-designed aluminium chambered boats for business and leisure bar none.

It is a bold claim, but one you can believe in. The first to pioneer positive buoyancy life-ring protection, Stabicraft boats are a triumph of Kiwi ingenuity over the elements. It is the breakthrough combination of strength, stability, safety, comfort, performance, and unbeatable usability. Tested in the ‘roaring forties’ of New Zealand’s southern waters, Stabicraft prove their worth no matter what is thrown at them. At Stabicraft, “Adventure with Confidence” is more than just a motto – it is a promise.

One of the most popular models since its release early 2017 has been the Stabicraft 1550 Fisher, which is a nicely appointed family-friendly 4.7m plate boat that will not break the budget, with packages starting from $35,995 drive away. Other popular models for those wanting to venture further afield include the 1850 Supercab and 2100 Supercab. These provide an exceptional ride in the roughest conditions. When the weather gets too much, the neat cabin design provides comfort.

SURTEES – INSHORE & OFFSHORE ALUMINIUM PLATE BOATS Surtees Boats are jam packed with innovative design features so you can enjoy your day out on the water in true fishing comfort and focus on landing the ‘big one’.

Safety is at the forefront of Surtees design, so it is no surprise that the Super Deep V Hull is designed to not only stop pounding through the chop, but also to stop broaching in following seas, ensuring maximum safety.

The hull also boasts spray-deflecting chines to keep you dry. Surtees boats are designed to be non-pounding, stable and comfortable. The super smooth ride is the result of combining three innovative design features: the Surtees Non-Pounding Super Deep V Hull, the Surtees Original Stabilising Technology, and the Surtees Ultra Strengthened Deck System. The most popular work horse of the Surtees range in the past year has been the all-new Surtees 575 Workmate, a 5.75m aluminium plate boat that has a reduced cabin and larger cockpit that maximises deck space for the serious fisherman – and serious fishing gear. These are available in a hardtop or an ingenious fold-down roof that enables garage storage.

With its handling, stability and extended cockpit providing more deck space for fishing, another iconic fishing machine has been born.

STABICRAFT

WHITTLEY SEA LEGENDS – FIBREGLASS OFFSHORE CABIN BOATS Whittley Sea Legends are the dream crossover, balancing the needs of a blue water fishing boat, without compromising on the creature comforts of home. They put the adventure in boating, where you can take a couple of mates out for a day (or two) of hard-core fishing, yet versatile enough to spend a weekend away with the family cruising the Broadwater. The most popular model recently has been the Whittley SL 22; at 6.6m this boat has loads of storage room and a functional fishing cockpit that will accommodate four anglers. This model is easily towed by many larger-size family SUVs, and is very capable of handling itself in a fistfight with Mother Nature. A practical rigging station with pull-out work table shrouds the engine and a generous plumbed livewell occupies the port transom step. The Whittley Sea Legend range is definitely making a statement as one of the best offshore fibreglass fishing boat on the market.

Sportsman Boats, Stabicraft, Stacer, Surtees, and Whittley Sea Legends are distributed in Queensland and Northern Rivers region by Northside Marine. Check out their extensive range at Northside Marine’s 10,000m2 purpose-built boating megastore at 2294 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, Qld, 4034 (only 15 mins north of the Brisbane Airport). View the range online at www.nsmarine.com.au or call (07) 3265 8000.

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY ANGLER

KAYAK FISHING: Taking a moment to appreciate the prize.

By John Costello are in search of an adventure, escapism, and I fa you sports fishing challenge with opportunities to fish waters inaccessible to boats, then kayak fishing is for you. The Gold Coast is blessed with such an incredible variety for kayak fisher locations with excellent access to launch across the region.

There is a basic difference between kayak fishing and fishing from a boat. With a kayak, you fish slower and more thoroughly because you are limited in the distance you can cover. You can also sneak up on fish and often watch them attack a lure right beside you because your profile in the water is much smaller.

When kayak fishing during the months from September to December, flathead and bream are the easier targets nearing the summer season. If you are looking to take your kayak fishing challenge up a notch, have a go at bass, trevally or mangrove jack. I recommend bass in a freshwater creek or out at Hinze Dam, trevally in Nerang or Coomera Rivers, and mangrove jack in a heavily structured stretch of Currumbin or Tallebudgera Creek.

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WHERE TO GO Getting a feel for kayak fishing is best done by fishing shallow waters and flats were you can pick up bream and flathead pretty consistently, and in calm safe conditions. As you learn about your kayak and grow in confidence, you can take the adventure of kayak fishing further.

The most significant elements to be worried about if you are considering kayak fishing offshore, estuary or fresh water for the first time are wind, wave and tide action. Keeping close to a shoreline is best as you learn while ensuring your safety, and it is usually your best chance for finding fish. That is why estuaries, canals and fresh water streams are my favourites.

The lower reaches of rivers and creeks are great to try out kayak fishing. Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks are my pick spots as they are generally wind protected and shallow, and have clear waters with plenty of access and low tidal flow.

If you are social media savvy, direct message some of the leading kayak fishermen targeting the same waters you want to fish.

KAYAKING FOR JACKS In South East Queensland, the mangrove jack present the toughest challenge in our calm water creeks, estuaries and rivers. The bone-rattling fight and cunning feeding tactics make them the ultimate sports fishing target. They belt lures like nothing else, and can pull you around at their mercy once hooked – a feeling you will never tire of.

The Gold Coast canals are home to our country’s biggest estuary mangrove jack, with the Nerang and Coomera Rivers and nearby canals providing

endless options for anglers looking to find some calm water. Also, the backwaters of Tweed River and Tallebudgera are perfect spots for kayakers to test their nerves against jacks.

The best strategy is to get out on the water in low light conditions, early morn or late afternoon to escape the boat traffic. Drifting live baits into fallen trees in the water or around bridge pylons is a deadly technique. However, most kayakers learn to prefer the heart-in-mouth experience of tossing lures into a jack’s lair and trying to get it back to the kayak. A technique is to challenge yourself to cast as close as possible to the immense variety of structures you find and slowly retrieve your lure so you can feel the beating cadence as it works its way into the strike zone. You want to land the lure close enough to the cover as possible. You want to scare the paint off it, swimming it aggressively with long pauses right in front of the fish holding beside bridge pylons, moored boats and pontoons. Allow the feeding fish time to hone in on your presentation by stalling your retrieve every now and then. Repeat this cast-and-retrieve technique as you drift your favourite stretch of water and hang on tight. Exercise your discretion and etiquette in these built-up residential areas.

WHICH KAYAK TO BUY? There are different kayaks suited for various locations depending on the accessibility to the water’s edge and storage requirements. My main considerations when deciding to buy a kayak for fishing are comfort, stability, and stand’n’cast option. I also want the ability to add an electric motor, and to be able to be carried and loaded onto a car by one person. I make sure the kayak is specifically designed as a fishing platform, and has raised seat for comfort and back support to allow longer fishing sessions with a better position to fight bigger fish.

SEP - DEC 2017

A stable casting platform makes the difference.

A modest fish still proves a challenge.

STEALTH ESCAPISM A comfortable and stable casting position is key when choosing your kayak. There are two important points to consider that are the biggest factors when you are trying to get the upper hand to land a big fish.

First, you should expect long sessions on the water.

And second, you should be able to give everything you can in a fight with a fish.

Aside from a kayak, you will require a paddle, a rope, and a whistle. You will need a rod-and-reel combo ideal for the fish you are targeting. Also, you will have to take a handful of lures, lip grips, or a small net to assist in catch-and-release. A 1000-2500-size spinning reel with a 2-5kg rod is a sensible outfit to cover your bases.

8lb braid and 12lb leader will be more than sufficient for everything, barring mangrove jack, to which I run 20lb line. A range of deep-diving lures at around 3m depth, and some 3-4 inch soft plastics are on the money.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

There are plenty of great product reviews online.

But there is no better way to get a start than hiring a kayak and getting the feeling for a new style of approach. If you are serious about what you want, and you do not find it straight away, have some patience and keep looking. I am incredibly fussy these days about what I fish from to get the most out of my days on the water, so there are kayaks to suit everyone’s needs.

You do not necessarily need to buy the “best” kayak from the very beginning. Your time and money is better spent getting on the water and actually using the equipment. Too often, expensive gear is left in the shed to be paid off and worked for. Entrylevel fishing gear can get you a long way into the fishing game. I still prefer my old gear at times. It is

Easy top loading at Tallebudgera Creek.

time on the water, not the best and greatest reel, that will make for a great adventure or memorable experience. So the important point is to just get out there with what equipment you have!

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST commitment to deliver the best products for customers extends to submitting all manufacturing processes to rigorous evaluations by third-party auditors, which ultimately guarantees the highest quality standards.

The peace of mind AB offers also ensures each and every boat is delivered with a unique history report, which also keeps a sample of fabrics/components, information on which manufacturing team made it and what specific materials were used. This information is very useful to improve or modify production procedures.

This quality-control system is just one way in which AB inflatables fulfil its promise to continuous learning throughout 40+ years in business.

Why is an AB

B Inflatables is internationally recognised as the manufacturer of premium rigid inflatable boats (RIB) A designed and built using the best materials available in Europe and the United States of America, specifically for the leisure and commercial sectors, and is known and respected worldwide.

AB Inflatables is the manufacturer trusted by thousands throughout the world and is America’s number one selling RIB brand. With proven safety and stability, stylish design and luxurious features, AB’s popularity is attributed to so many key points it is difficult to narrow it down to one key element.

The design of the AB hull, with its deep “V” and curves, provides the ideal sea boat, for a smooth, dry comfortable ride. The wide square design of the deck, bow and transom provides the biggest deck area with loads of storage. These features make it an ideal tender or platform for fishing, diving, and make a great family day

RIB better? boat. It adapts to all scenarios. Every AB model has a unique forward hull design that creates a raised bow and enhances performance by enabling easier planing with less horsepower. The boat cuts through wakes and choppy water, virtually eliminating spray, resulting in a smoother, more stable, and drier ride than any other inflatable boat on the market.

Boasting over 75 leisure models and 30 commercial models, built with Latin design influences and using the best materials available in Europe and USA, the factory complies with strict ISO 9001 standards and is the envy of its competitors. Critics argue no manufacturer can compete with the degree of development and testing that AB undertakes in producing outstanding RIBs. AB has a commitment to build to the highest international standards, and in its build, surpasses CE regulations as well as being compliant with ISO 6185, ABYC , US Coast Guard, NMMA (USA), Bureau Veritas. AB Inflatables

AB handcrafts each boat to ensure even the smallest details are handled with care, and the end result is a full line of inflatable boats designed and built to please with the exceptional quality expected from an AB Inflatable boat.

All aluminium inflatable boats are built using a cuttingedge, powder-coating pre-treatment process that is chrome-free. This eco-friendly technology maximizes corrosion protection and ensures superior coating adherence to the aluminium hull.

Product safety is also of the utmost importance and AB partners with the marine industry’s most trusted and respected suppliers, ensuring the highest-quality components go into every AB Inflatable boat. The AB quality control manufacturing team also inspects and leaktests each and every one of tube and baffles for quality.

Each tube is individually tested for two weeks.

To learn more about an inflatable boat, or inspect the range of inflatable boats from AB Inflatables, Aurora Inflatables, or Mercury Inflatables, talk to Mike or Diana Orsmond and the team of friendly and helpful professionals at RIB Force Inflatable Boats. RIB Force is also the Gold Coast’s number One Mercury Dealer and is located in the Marine Precinct at Shop 7, Gold Coast City Marina 58-74 Waterway Drive, Coomera, City of Gold Coast, Queensland.

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43

BOAT GOLD COAST

Poppy brings

Poppy Moore at Sanctuary Cove

Australia to her dad who has Parkinson’s It’s a very sad way to begin such a great voyage. Not that you would know from the ultra-effervescent Poppy Moore, mind you. So the chance to talk with her and learn her tale was fantastic, and she is also the best one to recount it.

“I decided to sail around Australia to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease, because my father has Parkinson’s and his older brother died of Parkinson’s-related illnesses. About two years ago, my dad asked if could I actually do something to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s, not quite expecting the journey that I was about to undertake,” Poppy explained. “I actually think he hoped I’d do a cake raffle! But instead I decided I would combine my passions of sailing and cycling, and actually sail around Australia, fundraising as I go. Along the way, I’m picking up people who can actually help fundraise and promote me on their social media to really get behind this.”

Her father is back in the UK, and wanted to see more of Australia. He and Poppy’s mum have been to Australia three times previously, and indeed wanted to emigrate.

But Poppy’s dad is no longer able to travel himself, so she is doing it for them.

“They thought Australia was an amazing country, so I thought the next best thing would be to take Australia to them using Face Time and Facebook. And they now get to meet all the crew, see all the destinations that I’m going to, and they get to explore Australia from their living room.”

Poppy bought her boat Scaramouch just two years ago and has then spent a year and a half refitting her. “So I’ve learned a lot more about sailing yachts than I ever thought I’d need to. I’ve done engines, electrical, and things like water pumps to actually get her ready for this big journey, as well as preparing myself, which has actually been quite a large task.”

At the time of speaking with her during the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, Poppy was around six weeks into it, and covered some 650nm. “It’s been absolutely fantastic!

The support I’ve had along the way from all the sailing clubs and all the different people that I’ve met has been amazing.”

Just like everything that preceded this circumnavigation, Poppy had set herself some goals in terms of donations, but was more than well on the way, just six weeks into it. “Well, I’ve actually set myself a goal to raise $12,000, so effectively $1,000 for every month that I’m assuming it’s going to take me to get around. Aside from funds already raised (which was $5,500 as of June 2017), I’ve some things to auction off, which is fantastic.”

Now a lot of people too have helped her along the way with that. Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance have paid her insurance premium for the year, and there have been others that have jumped in, especially hearing about her story in May 44

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST Poppy explains how she came to be undertaking a circumnavigation of Australia.

Real teamwork!

at the Sanctuary Cove and also the ASMEX Conference that preceded it.

“Yes, they’ve been incredibly generous.

The opportunity to speak and be at Sanctuary Cove through Pantaenius has been amazing, and it’s opened up so many doors. I’m really thankful for the opportunity they gave me. It meant I met Carl and Grant Amor from Aqualuma, who have actually given me some lights to auction off, which have an RRP of $2500, so I’m hoping to get a really good price for those.

Carl Amor from Aqualuma presents Poppy with one Peter Staalsmid from Sevenstar Yacht of the lights he and brother Grant donated to her cause.

Transport gave me a significant cash donation, as well.”

“I’ve also met Muir, who actually donated an anchor windlass at cost. Anchor Right gave me the anchor for the boat. MacDiarmid Sails have actually done all the logos on the sails for me, and gave me a cut price on the sails and a trysail. Then there was also Beauty Boosters who have actually paid for a lot of the logos to make Scaramouch look fantastic. So yeah, it’s been a brilliant journey so far and people are being very generous and supportive.” At the end of May, Poppy departed the Gold Coast City Marina in Coomera with a new bimini that they donated to her.

All the crew at Pantaenius are on deck to make your boating safe and enjoyable.

AUS16230

Now you would not know if you have never met Poppy, but do not be fooled by her diminutive stature, for she possesses an utterly ginormous heart and is supremely dedicated, riding away at every opportunity, as well. In terms of inspiration, other than her father, Poppy draws upon an article about a catamaran that circumnavigated Australia. “It just sounded like an absolutely fantastic thing to do, a great way to meet people, and see the country.”

www.hqhh.de

“Scaramouch is an East Coast 31, and I found her at the CYCA in Sydney. I’ve also managed to meet up with all her ex-owners along the way, which has been brilliant! They’ve come on board and also been supportive as well. She’s an ideal seaworthy boat, small enough for me to single hand, but large enough and sturdy enough to take on this trip,” said Poppy.

11/2016

In terms of her own sailing, you just learned that Poppy took a year and half to get Scaramouch ready, but the sailing bug started some time ago. “I actually started off sailing with the Balmain Sailing Club for the last 17 years in skiffs. I raced 12-foot and 16-foot skiffs, and Lasers. So to take on a yacht is a whole new experience, and she’s my first yacht. So it’s yeah, quite a different kettle of fish.”

“What I’m trying to do is meet people along the way who would like to help fundraise with me, and possibly come on for a leg of the journey. It could be one day, or it could be a week. But I’m happy to have anyone who wants to come on.

I can teach them how to sail, show them the ropes, how Scaramouch is all put together, and how to live on a yacht. And yeah, if they help fundraise, that would be amazing.”

Anyone wishing to make a contribution can do it through my Everyday Hero account, Scaramouch Parkinson’s: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/scaramouch-parkinsons For updates on where Scaramouch is currently sailing, check out: www.facebook.com/poppymoore2017/

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

Submitted by Pantaenius, written by John Curnow (First published on Sail-World.com)

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

45

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Home of BAYLINER in Queensland have moved into a purpose built show room at The Boat Works Marina - Gold Coast Marine Precinct

A

lot has changed in the last nine years - when Cameron Ward started C Worthy Marine from the back of a van as a mobile marine mechanic to being one of Bayliner’s largest dealers in Australia.

Born and bred on the Gold Coast, Cam is an enthusiastic proponent of the boating lifestyle. “There’s nothing better than to get out on your boat with your family and enjoy relaxing days on the water. The week’s stresses melt away, and you make memories for a lifetime.”

In 2002, Cameron started his marine mechanical apprenticeship at a local marine wrecking yard. He left the wrecking yard in 2007, and took a step away for more experience on the new engines and technology. Cam worked at Avante Marine, the Bayliner dealer at the time, until he set up his own business he called C Worthy Marine. Growing purely from word-of-mouth the marine mechanical business boomed. In 2011, an opportunity arose to become the Gold Coast Bayliner agent. Cam grabbed it with both hands.

This expansion of new boat sales alongside the already reputable mechanical workshop was an easy decision.

Six years on with the US-built Bayliners, the next step has been taken – moving into Australia’s greatest boatyard, The Boat Works Marina at Coomera. With four marine mechanics on the team, C Worthy has handled the servicing and repairs, antifoul and polishing of all their clients’ boats at The Boat Works for the past eight years. “It made sense to relocate to The Boat Works, the amazing facilities that are on offer, and now with our very own purpose-built showroom to showcase our Bayliner boats,” states Cam. On the street front, the impressive modern sales showroom is home to the full range of Bayliner Boats, versatile US-built vessels that are ideal for family boating, fishing and other watersports. “They are a great all-rounder,” declares

Cameron Ward owner C Worthy Marine

48

Cam. “Bayliner makes modern, user-friendly boats that are extremely good value and offer the best warranty in their class."

Currently on display are nine boats, and Cam plans to raise that number to 13 in time for summer.

C Worthy Marine has in stock and on display every model of Bayliner that is brought into Australia. With the versatile, family friendly and affordable Bayliner packages, it is hard to look past them. From the new model of centre-console fishing to water sports or just cruising the beautiful waterways we have here in South East Queensland, there is something to suit everybody.

With warmer weather around the corner, visit Cam and the team to check out the range on display, or visit Cworthymarine.com.au

The numbers don’t lie. Among world-class brands, Bayliner’s warranty claim rate is the lowest—something that should give you added peace of mind when choosing us. All Bayliner models come standard with exceptional warranty coverage. Element, Bowrider and Deck Boat models are covered by a Lifetime Limited Transferable Hull Warranty.

Nine new Bayliner boats on display

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BOAT GOLD COAST

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Tethered theedge a tranquil harbourMarine and marina, to you’ll nd theofendlessly surprising marina, you’ll  nd the endlessly surprising Marine Village. Drop anchor for the day and discover a Village.

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Power down or sail in to the world-class marina and Power or sail to theneed world-class marina and you’ll down discover yourinevery is quietly catered for. With personal assistance you’ll discover yourberthing every need is quietly catered and premier facilities, it offers over 226 moorings for.

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Awarded ve harbour-estate alongof with a level 3 Clean gold anchors for marinas the category residential Marina accreditation, directly into harbour-estate marinas you’ll alongdisembark with a level 3 Clean Sanctuary Cove’s Marine where Marina accreditation, you’llVillage, disembark directly into Sanctuary Cove’s Marine Village, where

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LSY LSY

est 1964 est 1964

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BOAT SPECIAL SECTION

WATERFRONT living & lifestyle

• FIND YOUR DREAM HOME • PROPERTY FOR SALE • RESIDENTIAL LAND • ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS • RESORT LIVING • FURNITURE & DESIGN • BUILDERS & RENOVATIONS Photo by Villa Blue Waters (www.villabluewaters.com)

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BOAT GUIDE WATERFRONT LIVING

Let the water carry you away!

When buying a traditional house, the focus is very much on the structure and design. However, with waterfront properties, a great premium is set for the value of the land. So getting the right geography of your dream home is just as important as the style and design of the house. ANDY KANCACHIAN shares good advice for selling or buying a waterfront property.

FOR SELLERS Selling a waterfront property is much different to selling a traditional home. If you decide to buy or sell your waterfront home, here are some tips that will help you to achieve a successful outcome.

It is critical that you engage the services of an agent you are comfortable with and that agent has experience with waterfront sales. You do not want to list with an agent that is going to post your home online and pray that it sells. The right agent will know how to sell the waterfront lifestyle that your home offers, and not just the structure.

walls, flood and insurance issues, rules relating to jetties and boat ramps, and what types of fish or marine life the buyer can expect to catch or see from the shoreline.

Your agent should also be familiar with the competition in the area by visiting and reviewing all the other homes of the same caliber. With a limited number of high-end buyers, your agent may need to go head-to-head and feature-for-feature with another property a premium buyer is considering.

Most buyers looking for a waterfront property are doing so because of the body of water or the access to water. It is a good idea to make any minor repairs required to your jetty, pontoon, boathouse, and boat exterior. A potential buyer is going to visit your waterfront structures to evaluate potential difficulties and ensure its safe.

Assist your agent to pen the written description of the property they intend to use when marketing your property. This includes a list of the same things that turned you on to the home when you bought it, and the reasons why you loved living in the house, that should be conveyed in the marketing material.

Ensure your agent selects the most flattering photos of your home and insist on including video footage for interstate and international buyers to view. Remember, a picture tells a thousand words.

Living on a waterfront property in South East Queensland with inspirational views of the waterways is a dream many boaties seek to make a reality.

A great real estate agent understands that quality buyers are interested in the water access of the property. As such, the buyers often search for the right property from the water, so insist on a “for sale” sign on your water’s edge.

FOR BUYERS Buying a home is always complicated. But adding the term “waterfront” to your acquisition makes it even more complex to understand and decide.

In any home sale, you have to be on the same page with your real estate agent if you are going to sell your home at a great price without too many hassles. This relationship is even more critical when you are marketing a waterfront property, as there are many technical aspects that need to be conveyed to astute waterfront buyers.

In today’s market, the price of the property is one of the many deciding factors. If you price your home right, it will sell. If it is over-priced, then it is going to sit on the market for an extended period of time and attract the wrong reputation. Buyers may begin to believe there is something wrong with it because it has not sold yet. The most common method of determining a reasonable selling price is to undertake a comparative market analysis by review the recent sale price of neighbouring properties, and then adjust accordingly, based on differing criteria such as location, views, frontage and amenities. Pricing your property too low before an auction is going to cause potential problems with disgruntled buyers claiming the agents were under-quoting.

The experienced agent must know the ins-and-outs of selling waterfront property in order to handle buyer queries. Such knowledge should include information on accessibility by water, revetment

Your buyer is paying a premium for the waterfront visibility, so ensure that trees, bushes, shrubs, pot plants, sheds, or equipment do not obstruct the water views. These should be trimmed back or

You would think that waterfront homes should essentially sell themselves. Unfortunately these days, they do not. Allow the buyer to experience that relaxed lifestyle on a private beach. To achieve this, there may be a need for a bit of staging to make a property more desirable, such as placing beach chairs, umbrellas, boats, inflatable swans in the pool, and a barbeque.

Do not leave it to the buyer’s imagination.

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moved to make way for that gorgeous view. Another simple and common sense way to increase visibility is to have the windows cleaned inside and out.

If you are going to move into a waterfront property, you need to develop a detailed understanding of these types of properties before actually buying one. If you ask yourself all the right questions, it could possibly be that you are not suited to a waterfront property, or perhaps the lifestyle you are looking for does not necessarily have to be in a waterfront home. If needed, an agent who is an expert in waterfront properties will also be beneficial for a buyer. In such a case, the same qualifications for a seller’s agent apply to a buyer’s agent.

You might think you have found a great deal on a waterfront property only to later realise your home is two hours by boat from the ocean where you were intending on going for fishing. Or your waterfront mansion is built on very shallow waters, or that the beach at low tide is actually rocks, or even worse that your waterfront is actually a lake and there is no boat access to the river, Broadwater, bay or ocean.

(Now, don’t laugh as it does happen all the time!)

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT WATERFRONT LIVING

In some cases, low bridges will affect your boat access. Narrowing canals and waterways mean that water pressure causes fast currents, making docking or ramp access dangerous or impossible.

Many residential waterfront suburbs of Australia were built on flood plains, and as such can be vulnerable to higher than expected tides, which may actually be ok as long as you know what to check for before buying. You should first determine the previous floodwater height that occurred after an extreme rainfall, then check to ensure that the floating pontoon has sufficient ramp length and pile height to allow the pontoon to float high without disconnecting. Also, check that the pool pump and electrical machinery are well above the flood height to avoid a shorting out or expensive repair.

The direction of the property plays a vital role in your family’s comfort. For instance, a practical advice is to buy a north-to-water aspect. This will give you sun on your backyard, boat and waterfront all day, esp. in the winter. If the house faces any other direction, you will be left with half-a-day in the shade, which gets very chilly during the colder months. Aside from choosing the home with the aspect of your choice, it is also worth considering if the land fans-out towards

the water or not. A block of land that fans out towards the water will allow for a larger pontoon and sufficient room to maneouver; whereas land that fans-in towards the water will have restrictive boat access and will compete for space with neighbouring jetties.

You can check with your local council to confirm the current pontoon and jetty specifications as many council now allow these structures to be moved further out to avoid touching the sand at low tide and ensuring deeper water for boat access.

If you are considering a home on a main river or canal be sure to check the speed limits in the area and the types of activities allowed on the body of water. These restrictions may affect your travel time to destinations and in worse cases, fast moving boats or even wake boats will be causing high wakes that may effect your waterfront structures.

On the Gold Coast, recent changes to council laws make the responsibility of the ageing government-built revetment walls that of the home owner, so ensure the walls are in good condition or seek an assessment from an expert as part of your due diligence.

Do not buy property without talking to the neighbours. They are going to play a significant role in your life, whether you like it or not. You may find that these neighbours are always willing to fill you in on the local gossip and anything they know about the home for sale. You are joining the local community, so you need to determine if you are going to love living there.

Understand your responsibilities as a waterfront homeowner, such as caring for your beach and immediate waterways. While most city councils will clean the waterways, they are not responsible for clearing the beach and fallen branches.

Sure, it might be more complicated to decide on a waterfront home, as there are more aspects to consider. But the pay-off is that once you move into a property well positioned on a waterfront location, you will be living close to nature with an everchanging backdrop for your family lifestyle.

Living on a waterfront property in South East Queensland with inspirational views of the waterways is a dream many boaties seek to make a reality. And the Gold Coast is an attractive location, as more than 90 percent of all residential canals in Australia are in this city.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Boaties Eye

SAFE HARBOUR

AT SERENITY COVE

By Nick Nichols

T

he $500-million waterfront community Serenity Cove is making life a breeze for boaties eyeing an exclusive residence in the Gold Coast’s booming north, with the opening of the city’s newest navigation lock.

The Serenity Cove lock connecting Lake Serenity with Saltwater Creek was completed last year at a cost of $5 million.

Sports cruiser Wall Street passing through the $5 million Lake Serenity lock

Construction was completed well ahead of the launch early this year of Serenity Cove, a luxury waterfront enclave that will ultimately comprise a mix of 143 vacant land lots, townhomes, freestanding homes, and apartments when completed.

Central to the project will be a mini-marina with a stunning 3,800sqm retail and dining precinct fronting Lake Serenity.

The lock provides direct ocean access to homes on Lake Serenity where more than $15 million in sales have been secured in the firststage boutique land release, comprising 48 generous sized lots.

Colliers International National Director of Residential Project Marketing, Tony Hymus, said waterfront land was proving popular among the early buyers of the first stage.

“The lock has definitely been a winner among some of the true boaties looking to drop an anchor at Serenity Cove,” Mr Hymus said.

“Hope Island is home to a very strong boating community, and Serenity Cove is perfectly located to take advantage of some of the best waterways in south-east Queensland.”

Future Marine Village

54

Serenity Cove is located about 1.6km upstream from Coombabah Creek, which feeds directly into

the southern arm of the Coomera River and into the Southport Broadwater.

The navigation lock can accommodate boats up to 15 metres long and 4 metres wide, and with a draft of up to 1.5 metres.

Dan Draper, General Manager Urban at Golding Contractors, said the lock is state-of-the-art and has the ability to transfer a vessel between gates in an average of five minutes.

“The design has been specifically crafted for leisure vessels, with ease of use an important part of the process,” he said.

Bordering Oyster Cove and Hope Island Resort, Serenity Cove is considered the final piece of the Hope Island masterplan, and will bring to life a new marine hub featuring luxury homes and designer apartments with water views.

More than a third of the Serenity Cove site, or about 27ha, is dedicated as a nature reserve, while a further 10ha will become parkland. Just 19ha of Serenity Cove will be developed.

Serenity Cove is being undertaken by SDSC, a joint-venture partnership between two of Malaysia’s largest developers, Sime Darby and Brunsfield International Group. The partners have spent approximately $25 million in civil works, including the lock.

Colliers International has been engaged to market the project. Lots in the first stage are priced from $475,000.

The Serenity Cove Sales Centre, at Helensvale Drive, is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.

For more information visit serenitycove.com.au or phone 1800 188 018.

SEP - DEC 2017

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The natural waterfront habitat, for everyone.

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BOAT WATERFRONT LIVING

BUILDING HOMES FOR THE GOLD COAST LIFESTYLE In tune with the Gold Coast way of life, GCHomes brings something special to the market: years of experience in waterfront construction, a level of flexibility rarely seen and a warm, personalised approach to building.

Exceptional service and value are delivered by a small, friendly team where the home you’re building is never just ‘Lot number 1234’.

From floating offices to chic, contemporary waterfront homes and replica retro beach shacks, GCHomes knows the Gold Coast aesthetic intimately.

They’re passionate about building for the local lifestyle and constructing homes that make the most of its natural beauty and plentiful sunshine.

Whether you’re building on the water or creating a hinterland hideaway, talk to the GCHomes team about making your new home somewhere you never want to leave.

GCHomes can take your existing plans and show you what’s possible. If your vision involves a pontoon or dream deck for entertaining, GCHomes can build you a beauty. Other value-adding, lifestyle-enhancing services include transformative renovations and seamless extensions.

Looking to build? Talk to us about your next project. Get a FREE quote from GCHomes today and your project could be in full swing by Christmas.

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BOAT WATERFRONT LIVING

M

Be Wine-Wise

any wine drinkers probably consider themselves wine connoisseurs. But with so much new wine varieties and brands in the market, how does one keep up? Enter the world of the age-old tradition of wine tasting.

Free Wine Ta sting

Wine tasting is as old as the invention of wines.

While the practice was traditionally exclusive to the professional wine tasters, known as sommeliers, the know-how has spread among the savvy retail buyers.

At professional wine tasting sessions, a select set of lingo is used to describe such aspects as the perceived characteristics, flavours, and aromas of a wine. A leisurely wine tasting session may use similar terminology for describing the wine, but the descriptions would be less critical as the wine is consumed only for personal appreciation.

Corkers Express in-house sommelier Chris Morgan says, “The more you know about wine, the more you can enjoy the experience.” As an experienced wine merchant, he explains how to get the most from your wine and to make it love you back. “An attendee will gain more appreciation of wine, a greater knowledge of wines from around the world, and the ways in which they are labeled. I will sample best storing, tasting and identifying wines from sight, alcohol content, scent, and taste.”

Grapes and climate have changed so much over the centuries. Winemaking practices have also been refined and re-refined to complement the altering tastes of the drinkers. During a wine-tasting session, Chris discusses the winemaking processes, including oaked and un-oaked, malolactic fermentation, and steel barrel processes. He hopes that with more knowledge about wines, participants can “talk wine” with their friends and have them ask in surprise, “How do you know so much all of a sudden?”

Chris explains further concepts in wine appreciation.

A wine’s “complexity” is shown by how many different flavours and sensations are detected. Its “character” illustrates how true to the grape varieties the wine is.

The “potential” of a wine determines the suitability for aging or drinking. Not all wine are age worthy, for example, a sauvignon blanc and pinot gris are made to be consumed young. Age worthy wines are Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay and Riesling. The age ability depends on the alcohol content. The wines with a lower alcohol percentage (alc%) will age better and longer than the higher ones. A wine with 12% alcohol is going to age better than a wine that has 16%.

62

Margaret Baszko and Melanie Gibb sample wine with sommelier Chris Morgan

TIP: When dining at restaurants, Chris advises to ask the in-house sommelier or wait staff first for recommended wines, as they may have already paired the wine with the head chef’s chosen menu items.

Don’t worry about getting drunk at the tasting, Chris assures us “The tasting will rarely exceed one glass in total and we have a spittoon, not so classy I know but it’s there. We do call it a ‘tasting’ not a ‘drinking’ for a reason, and we do keep a close eye so you won’t overdo it.”

Chris wants to make everyone a wine guru and points out that there is no obligation whatsoever to buy wine after the session. “Many of the first-time sommeliers will buy our wine as they now know they like the wine featured. And wines on the taste are discounted if purchased in pairs, so that’s a great incentive.” *Safety reminder: Drink responsibly. It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption if you are the skipper of a boat, even at anchor.

The basic stages of wine tasting, according to Chris: The look – Swirl the wine in your glass, and keep an eye on the sides of the glass. The dripping wine, known as “the legs”, indicates the percentage of alcohol. The alcohol content is higher if the wine sticks to the glass.

The nose – When you sniff the wine, there is a scent of oak, berries, grass, cassis, pepper, or possibly herbs.

The taste – Move the wine around your mouth until it reaches the back of your tongue where you can really taste the wine.

The finish – This refers to the sensation left behind after tasting. This may be a furry feeling, or smooth and soft. In addition, the wine can be said to have “length” measured by how long the flavor lasts in your mouth after drinking.

If you would like to learn more about wines and taste an interesting range of red and white wines, Corkers Express at Hope Island hold wine tasting sessions every Friday between 4pm and 7pm to expose people to wine they may not have tried before and to educate on wine making practices and tasting methods.

SEP - DEC 2017

Be inspired COMFORT AND STYLE ARE THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE RANGE AT INSPIRATIONS FURNITURE.

E

stablished on the Gold Coast since 2002, Inspirations is owned and run by Paul and Di Sparrow who have been in the furniture business since 1980.

“Over that time, we have seen many changes, not just in trends, but certainly with the demise of Australian manufacturing and huge push on imports. Our ethos is to source and select only the highest quality brands, from chairs and dining settings to rugs and alfresco living items.”

Among the collection at Inspirations is the range of IMG of Norway chairs, perennially popular for the past 10 years for their quality, function and style.

“There is a lot of product on the market that is sleek and modern, which may look great on the pages of a magazine, but try sitting there to relax and watch a movie! That’s where the IMG chairs come into their own as they are designed and made for relaxation and superb comfort.”

Manufactured in Melbourne by Agem, Inspirations’ sofas and chairs can be custom covered to suit your décor.

“Agem makes every sofa in a choice of four sizes and will customise different levels of comfort cushioning. With all our sofas you can choose from leather or fabric. We prefer Warwick fabrics because of their quality, service and extensive choice.”

Rugs too are a specialty, comprising a large range of Bayliss rugs. From urbane to rustic, there’s a Bayliss rug to suit all tastes and situations. Bayliss offers a vast array of distinctive pieces that reflect the current and classic design trends.

To cater to growing demand for furniture that does double duty, Inspirations has taken on a selection of indoor/outdoor furniture by La Forma of Melbourne.

“Our customers were asking for something different to put outside rather than the aluminium and glass or imitation wicker that you find everywhere. Our new range of acacia timber with cement top and woven cord chairs gives a completely different look it’s earthy and stylish, equally as smart for inside or outside, undercover to protect it from the worst of the elements. Like any timber product, it can bleach. It’s ideally suited for the covered patio area or garden room” Paul and Di were the recipients of the 2011 Vice award given by Warwick fabrics for outstanding contribution to the Australian furniture Industry following in the footsteps of the late John Moran of Moran furniture and Ross and Tony Parker (Parker furniture).

SPACE FROM

116-118 Bundall Rd Bundall 07 5570 3885 sales@inspirationsfurniture.com.au | inspirationsfurniture.com.au

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FROM CHAIRS AND DINING SETTINGS TO RUGS AND ALFRESCO

63

BOAT BOAT GUIDE HISTORY

- EXCLUSIVE -

a Party aboard the Riv

The highs of

CHARTER: The glamorous past and the attractive future of charter boats

By Andy Kancachian

A collection of photos courtesy of Rony Kennedy, exclusively released for Boat Gold Coast magazine.

T

he boating life cannot be more glamorous than running a Sydney luxury charter boat business in the 70’s and the 80’s. Rony Kennedy shares what it was like back in the day hosting Hollywood stars, and how the current Gold Coast charter industry can benefit from a growing market.

Tim Burton was hard

to read and a bit stra nge like most geniuses

Perched on the balcony of his Southport Central apartment, Rony, the famous Sydney restaurant and nightclub entrepreneur of the 70’s and 80’s, has a bird’s eye view of the happenings on the Broadwater. “There is going to be a lot more highend charter boat operators offering boat trips on the Broadwater. This area is too good to go unnoticed.”

And Rony should know.

For 15 years, Rony steered the highly successful Riva Marine Charter boat company in Sydney Harbour. “We refurbished a beautiful 50ft Riva Super America, and pitched it as a luxury charter for people who only wanted the best.” Sounding like an awful cliché of the times, Rony points out, “Our clients mainly drank Moet Chandon and Grande Hermitage.”

very friendly s chatting and Liam Neeson wa

Rony was raised by hardworking Hungarian migrant parents who established the iconic Glomesh brand in Australia. Fresh out of school, Rony enjoyed a wild and admirable social life as he established a string of trendy hangouts –restaurants, coffee shops, bars and nightclubs, such as Nox on Knox in Double Bay, Pips in Woolloomooloo and Studio 66 in Rose Bay. He was the life of the party, who would eventually live a thousand lives, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rod Stewart and George Harrison. “I’ve done it all at a very young age. I’ve

played backgammon with Omar Sharif and spent late nights with the beautiful Shirley Bassey. My life was a ‘who’s who’ of the Sydney social scene and visiting celebrities.”

And then Rony got into boating. “I needed a new challenge so I leased the Riva and did it up as an entertainer. With Sydney Harbour as the backdrop, it was easy to keep the clients enthralled. I kept the champagne flowing and the gourmet food aplenty.

‘Rony Riva on the Harbour’, they called me. My operation was well organised. The boat captain was an off-duty Water Police officer, so we offered a level of safety and security that was well known among businesses and famous people, who wanted to get out on the harbour without any hassles.”

Rony lived a very busy boating life, with the boat booked up to three times a day. “It wasn’t easy. We needed to keep the boat constantly maintained and the staff in-line. For me personally, there was always some anxiety, worrying about being on schedule and that everything was going to plan. But generally, it was a wonderful way to live life, among the clients who were always having a good time, happy and smiling.”

Pushed to reveal some Hollywood secrets and stories of wild sexy parties, Rony calmly responds, “What happens on the boat, stays on the boat. What I can say about all my famous clients is that they are very normal people, not very fussy at all. There were no rules on board.

We gave them what they wanted. As a host, it’s important to gauge whether the clients want to talk or they want their privacy.”

ms Nightclub for a George Harrison dropped into Willia e few bottles of champagn

Rod Stewart partying at

al estate terfront re ted in wa s re te in s is wa Bruce Will

64

Pips nightclub

ed it for er his hotel cook ught a marlin; lat Charlie Sheen ca

SEP - DEC 2017

him.

Riva e aboard the e Van Damm ud la -C an Je

Michael Hutchence chartered the boat wit h daughter Tigerlily

A charter boat legend and the host with the most, Rony certainly knew how to attract prominent clientele. So his impressions of the local Gold Coast charter boat scene are very interesting. “I’ve been on a few charter boats on the Broadwater. A beautiful boat always helps to make the experience. These operators seem to be very good at boating, but I think there is room to improve with the level of hospitality.

The catering can definitely develop.” He admits that times have changed but the principles of charter operating should be the same. “There are too many rules and regulations these days.

You can’t treat the client like a child. The client should get whatever they want, within reason.

The operators need to be reminded that the client is the star and the most important person on the boat. As an operator, you need to find out who is paying the bill and what the expectation is at the outset. If they have requested girls and champagne, so be it.”

Rony believes that the Gold Coast is growing as a boating destination and a city of boating events. “I’m very enthusiastic about Gold Coast boating. The Gold Coast is the new playground for Australia’s high society. It’s where the beautiful people come to let their hair down. The government should try leading with an advertising campaign where boating is the experience. For tourists, it’s very exciting seeing the prestige homes on the water and the endless white sandy beaches from the comfort of a stunning yacht of sheer opulence.”

Rony notes that this year’s Australia Day celebration fireworks display set the benchmark for a must attend on-water boating event in the city. He asks, “Where are all the waterfront bars and restaurants?

If they aren’t allowed, let’s have a floating bar.

There can be much more boating infrastructure added, like marina berths and swing moorings.”

He also makes an interesting point about how the charter boat market has evolved. “Back in the day, chartering boats was only for rich people. These days, the rich want to be on 100ft superyachts! The good thing is that the smaller luxury charter boat is now accessible to more middle class people wanting to experience the high life.”

It is no surprise that Rony is supportive of some of the Gold Coast development ideas for the area as long as they are environmentally viable.

“Cruise ships, superyachts, casinos and highrollers directly benefit the upmarket charter boat operators. Bring it on, I say! It’s all doable, as long as everyone respects the marine life and the impact on the environment. Look out there, that’s a lot of free space that can be sensibly developed into an environmentally sustainable tourism landmark!”

Jimmy Barnes came on

board from a neigh boruing boat for a social visit

Geena Davis

From someone who has lived the high and Hollywood life of charter boats in the 70’s and 80’s, this advice is what Rony’s experience tells him. “There is a great deal of boating history out there. People should be reminded that it is a port.

That’s why it’s called Southport. The government needs to realise that this area and the surrounding waterways are a boating destination.”

Ralph Fiennes takes a shower after a swim

Vanessa WIlliams at the opening of Willia ms Nightclub

It was Cindy Crawford's first

bour. time to cruise on Sydney Har

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Danny G lover

was a re al gentle man onb oard.

65

BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

CRUISING

NORTH

HORIZON SHORES MARINA

Ideally located between Brisbane and Gold Coast, Horizon Shores is one of the largest wet berth marinas in Australia. The marina caters to vessels up to 80ft in length, including catamarans, houseboats and cruising boats. Visiting boats are welcome, as the marina provides short-term or long-term berthing arrangements to suit your budget. Each berth offers power and water, after-hours security patrols, access-controlled and keyentry gates. The marina offers a variety of services: 500 wet berths, 350 dry stack storage bays, 200 trailer boat storage locations, a 70t travelift, 24/7 dockside assistance to catch your lines and assist you into the berth, on-water fuel facility, fresh water, chandlery, marine refit and repair trades, hardstand, and refit sheds, plus onsite cafe.

Lat/Long: S 27° 45' E 153° 21' www.horizonshores.com.au 1 Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Woongoolba 4207 Ph:(07) 5546 2300

ROYAL QUEENSLAND YACHT SQUADRON

The Squadron is proud of its world-class marina, and shipyard services and facilities. Facilities include: floating berths (10m-33.5m mono berths and 12m-18.5m multihull berths), the Boardwalk Café (casual dining, coffee, snacks, packed lunch, burgers, fish and chips or formal a la carte dining), three laundry facilities, bathroom and showers, Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fuel pontoon. The marina also offer various services: 35-tonne marine travelift (up to a maximum beam of 16' 9"), a 2.5-tonne slew crane, on-site maintenance and slipping facilities, and a concrete hardstand area. The Trade Centre service providers include: stainless steel fabrication, boat building and repairs, marine electrician, boat trimmer, rigger, marine mechanic, marine plumbing, welding and machining. Call ahead of time to arrange overnight, short, medium or long-term berthing.

Lat/Long: S 27° 26.7' E 153° 12.3' www.rqys.com.au 578 Royal Esplanade, Manly 4179 Ph:(07) 3396 8666

SCARBOROUGH MARINA

Centrally located with direct access to Moreton Bay, Scarborough Marina offers a broad range of services and facilities to suit the needs of all boating enthusiasts. The marina comprises over 230 wet berths, a full service boat yard and a valet-serviced rack storage facility for the modern, affordable and convenient alternative to trailer boating. Whether passing through or planning to stay, the full-service marina, backed by great customer service, aims to bring back the real enjoyment to your boating. It has a modern cruisers lounge with TV and free WIFI, electronic-gate access, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and 24-hour fuel service. Casual, overnight and long-term berthing are available, but bookings are essential. This marina is home to a full-service boatyard and on-site services, including chandlery, rigging, mechanics, boat repairs, and more.

Lat/Long: S 27°10.75’ E 153°06.3’ www.scarbmarina.com.au 28 Thurecht Parade, Scarborough 4020 Ph:(07) 3880 0300

MOOLOOLABA MARINA

The Sunshine Coast’s largest and most popular marina, the Mooloolaba Marina is the home of the Sunshine Coast Yacht Club (SCYC), and the famous The Yacht Club bar and restaurant. The marina has 265 wet berths, with 24-hour access to onshore amenities. The marina office is open seven days with access to quality local trades and services for maintenance, upgrades, and improvements. There are fuel and haul-out services nearby. It is best known for its friendly welcoming atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. The proximity to the beach is a definite attraction, along with access to the freshest seafood in the region within 200m, being the fisheries and associated restaurants. It is located 100 metres from Mooloolaba Beach, and is only 500 metres away from the esplanade, which offers a full range of cafes, dining, and Sunshine Coast nightlife.

Lat/Long: S 26°, E 153° www.mooloolabamarina.com.au 33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557 Ph: (07) 5444 5653 66

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BOAT JOURNEY

Just like a road trip, cruising the coast of Queensland is a delightful adventure. Knowing where to find safe anchorages and fuel stops are important to keep the journey enjoyable. But sometimes, both you and your vessel may also need some TLC, as the wandering spirit becomes weary from the travels. Here are several recommended marina locations as you cruise north along the Queensland coast.

A guide to your marina stopover GREAT SANDY STRAITS MARINA

Located in the Urangan Boat Harbour at Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Straits Marina offers 176 berths, which cater for the 8m-30m vessels. The marina is situated at the doorstep of the whale-watch capital, and is a perfect place to explore the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Marine Park, and world heritage-listed Fraser Island. The secure facilities include toilets, showers, laundry and hire car services.

A restaurant and cafe, hotels, souvenir shop, chandlery/food store, and local craft shop are located in the marina. There is 24hr fuel wharf, a slipway with a 300-tonne and a 30-tonne lift, and a range of marine tradespeople available to assist. The Hervey Bay Boat Club, which welcomes visitors, is a five-minute walk from the marina.

Lat/Long: S 25-17.613, E 152-54.641 www.greatsandystraitsmarina.com.au 17 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan 4655 Ph:(07) 4125 3822

KEPPEL BAY MARINA

Located in Rosslyn Bay, the gateway to the stunning Keppel group of islands, the award-winning facility includes long- and short-term berth rental, boatyard and chandlery, fuel, water, 40-tonne travelift, onsite marine services, charter boats, sailing cruises, fishing charters, residential villas for sale, and the best local cuisine. With over 500 marina berths for vessels up to 30m, Keppel Bay Marina is the largest marina north of Brisbane, with wide channels for easy navigation and colour-coded pile cape to assist vessel berth location. The Keppel group of islands on the Capricorn Coast are a destination in their own right, which includes Great Keppel Island offering 17 beaches, and North Keppel Island, are uncrowded safe anchorages in all weather conditions.

Be mindful of “No Anchoring Areas” around the islands.

Lat/Long: S 23° 10' , E 150° 48' www.keppelbaymarina.com.au Rosslyn Bay, Waterline Way, Yeppoon 4703 Ph:(07) 4933 6244

ABELL POINT MARINA

L ocated in Airlie Beach at the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Abell Point Marina (APM) is the first in the world to attain Global 5 Gold Anchor Marina Accreditation in 2016.

Visiting APM, you can expect the Blue Carpet Treatment they roll out for the boating family – from dockhand concierge to assist you with berthing, to the complimentary use of the fleet of courtesy cars.

The newly launched Ocean Club provides 12 en suite private bathrooms and an expansive sundeck. A range of dining and leisure options are on offer within the vibrant marina village. A Marina Lifestyle Card provides guests the access to the hidden gem experience of the Whitsunday region.

Lat/Long: S 20° 16', E 148° 43' www.abellpointmarina.com.au Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach 4802 Ph:(07) 4946 2400

THE REEF MARINA - PORT DOUGLAS

With 135 berths that accommodate monohull and multihull vessels, all serviced with power and water, the Reef Marina can berth superyachts up to 50 metres. There are 20 superyacht berths available to accommodate 25-50m vessels.

Each berth is of heavy-duty concrete construction, equipped with three-phase power (up to 2 x 63 amps), potable water, and fire services. The marina offers a designated 24-hour fuel berth, with high-flow diesel pumps up to 250 litres per minute. The secure facilities include shower and laundry services, concierge services, dock master assistance, chandlery, mechanical services, and courtesy trolleys. The marine services for repairs and maintenance are available, and can service vessels up to 50 tonnes and 9 m beam. The marina is 31 nautical miles northwest of Cairns Harbour and 62 nautical miles south of Cooktown.

Lat/Long: S16 29’06', E 145 27’33' www.thereefmarina.com.au 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas 4877 Ph:(07) 4099 5775 BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Abell Point take out

Marina of the Year

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n a gala award ceremony hosted at the recent Marine17 conference at Sydney’s newly revamped exhibition centre, Abell Point Marina took out the coveted Marina of the Year award. This nationally accredited awards program judged by the Marina Industries Association recognizes excellence in the marina industry.

Luke McCaul, Abell Point’s General Manager agrees the award belongs to the hard work of the dedicated marina team “I’m incredibly proud of our entire team. They drive the business every day, with a customer focus and a shared vision of excellence. Paul Darrouzet (owner) bought the marina four years ago with a vision to make Abell Point a first-class destination marina. This award recognizes the realization of that vision.”

Since coming under new ownership in 2013, Abell Point Marina has undergone a $17 million development including upgrades to shore based facilities, the launch of a waterfront wedding/ conference venue, the upgrade of superyacht facilities to accommodate vessels up to 70m, the introduction of concierge services, the installation of two private helipads, the upgrade of marina buildings, grounds and gardens including development of a 2.5hectare community parkland within the marina facility.

It is this focus on continuous improvement and providing a first-class destination marina at the gateway to the Whitsundays which has culminated in this recent award.

In addition to the Marina of the Year award, Abell Point also took out the Best Innovation award for their Blue Carpet Treatment initiative. With a strong focus on customer service and concierge services, the team at Abell Point Marina roll out the ‘blue carpet’ for all their guests by providing personalized service and a range of concierge services including courtesy cars, welcome vessel,

dockhand concierge and marina lifestyle card. This strategy is testament to the innovative approach to business Abell Point is has been recognized for with this award.

Less than three months ago, Abell Point Marina experience major structural damage to 20% of its onwater facilities during tropical cyclone Debbie, the effort put into the restoration project lead by the experience team at Superior Jetties is an indication of how the marina operates. By the end of August all on-water berthing will have repaired with six arms being replaced for new.

With the launch of the marina’s latest development, Ocean Club a 26m floating customer lounge, last week, the timing couldn’t be more pertinent with this awards win.

With plenty more on the horizon for Abell Point including being Host Port Sponsor for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in January 2018, as well as the launch of the much anticipated Abell Point Parkway it is skies the limit for the most highly-awarded marina in the Whitsundays.

We’re making quite a splash in the Whitsundays.

THE ‘BLUE CARPET’ TREATMENT GOES GLOBAL. At Abell Point Marina, we go the extra nautical mile to make sure your stay with us is a memorable one. From the Dockhand Concierge on arrival to our tailored 5-star service, you can expect the famous Blue Carpet Treatment we roll out for our boatie family. We’re constantly upgrading our Marina and setting the bench so high we’ve attained the world’s first Global 5 Gold Anchor Accreditation. Come and see why Abell Point Marina is making such a splash — drop anchor with us soon.

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SEP - DEC 2017

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BOAT GOLD COAST

FIND TRUSTWORTHY LOCAL TR ADES FAST SEARCH BOATING AND LIFESTYLE Boat Gold Coast Magazine Business Directory utilises an extensive 72 easy-to-browse category listing for products & services, with quick keyword, business name, and geographic area searches. Simply click on the service you require to find the best marine industry professionals and lifestyle providers to assist with your boating life.

www.boatgoldcoast.com.au/ business-directory

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GUIDE SAILING

The little big ship Locally built sailing & electric power boat

By Caroline Strainig

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hree men are admiring a bright red classic-looking small sailboat next to the boat ramp. I recognise one of them immediately. It is 10 years since we last met, but Scruffie Marine owner Derek Ellard has changed little.

Even without one of his trademark classic-looking boats next to him to give him away, I would recognise the boat builder anywhere. I have come to see him and the Sienna Mark II at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly.

“G’day, Derek,” I say. He turns, beaming. “Caroline!” We hug, and start chatting excitedly about the last time we saw each other. Derek has been busy in the intervening years, and the 19ft Sienna Mark II is only one of many boats he has produced. He has even built two widely acclaimed solar electric ferries.

This boat was built for a South Australian client, Leo Davey, who wanted a sailboat that would be easy to sail single-handed and stable enough to handle challenging offshore conditions. Derek took the opportunity to make some significant modifications, including a 200-litre water-ballast system to supplement the leadballasted keel, foam-core GRP decks, raised seating to accommodate a portable toilet, and extra space for five 200 amp-hour batteries and a house battery. He has tagged the new version “a little big ship” because of her extended cruising capabilities.

Proud owner Leo Davey (right) with RQYS sailing academy manager, Ben Brearley, on the helm. Photo Caroline Strainig

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“Look, no hands!” In light winds, it is easy to balance the sails.

Owner Leo Dave on the helm, with Ben Brearley from the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and Caroline Strainig.

Looking her over, I like what I see. The Sienna is a happy combination of new and old. The fibreglass hull and deck promise low maintenance, but the lugsail yawl rig and timber trim give her a classic feel.

The cockpit is large enough to seat four comfortably, and the separate forward cuddy cabin area has a removable cover, two berths over 6ft and extra stowage room. I love this area – it is probably the best containment area for small children on a sailboat this size. There is no ugly outboard on the transom. Instead, there is a 2hp retractable electric saildrive engine, which Derek says will push the boat at 4+ knots, and has a range of 12 hours at 3.5 knots.

Launching goes off without a hitch, courtesy of the purpose-designed Oceanic trailer. As we motor out from the jetty, the breeze catches the mizzen, which pushes us back in. But a little more throttle and we are underway. The electric engine is music to our ears – wonderfully quiet compared to a petrol outboard.

The main was raised before launching, so all proud new owner Leo has to do is release a brailing line and the sail billows out. A brailing line is a rope you pull in to depower a sail. It means you can raise the main on the mast while on the hard, so you do not have the hassle of doing so on the water. The headsail is also on a furler, so this takes Leo only a couple of seconds to unfurl. I am an instant fan.

No fighting for elbow room in this cockpit. Photo Scruffie Marine

The breeze is only 4 knots, but the Sienna still slides along well, and clocks a top speed of 3.5 knots. In the light winds, she is beautifully balanced, and we have no trouble tweaking the sails so she self-steers. Having no boom also means we can relax without worrying about hitting our heads.

Our brief outing is over all too soon, and once back at the jetty, it is all hands on deck to get the “little big ship” ready for her long road trip to her new home in Adelaide.

Derek looks happy but wistful, as he watches the Sienna leave. “Much as I like to think of all the adventures ahead for them, it’s always just a tiny bit sad seeing a boat go.”

OTHER SIENNA MARK II FEATURES AT A GLANCE • Power version available • Proven performance in winds over 25 knots • Optional rowing kit for standing or seated rowing • Fresh water used in ballast system for extended cruising • Whisker pole system to pole out genoa and main • Self-righting with self-draining cockpit • Can be built to CE survey • Canvas cuddy over cabin doubles as a cover on road • Four berths (two under boom tent) • Under 20 minutes to rig and launch • Price: $50,000, plus trailer

Proud boat builder Derek Ellard with his creation. Matt, owner’s son, is hard at work rigging on deck. Photo Caroline Strainig

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BOAT DESIGN

Thoughts of a yacht designer

Misha Merzliakov is a yacht designer based in Brisbane. Born in Sydney and raised in Brisbane, he lived abroad and in Sydney before returning home to Queensland. Currently, he is working on a 50ft sailing yacht refit project and has another larger sailing yacht concept brewing. His design, the Battlewagon, a 70ft luxury sport fisher, has been shortlisted for the Concept Under 40 Metres Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2017 by the Design Society.

What is your yacht design history?

I started immediately in this field with Oceanic Yacht Design on the Gold Coast. First day on the job was working on a 100ft Azzura motor yacht. Never looked back. Then, on to Tony Castro Yacht Design, Oceanfast and Austal ships. There is a pattern there: design office, design office, shipyard and shipyard. The shipyard teaches you how to design better.

When I started my degree in naval architecture, superyacht design was what I was aiming for. I suppose it is the creative nature of the beast. Interiors and exteriors and even the technical have a certain charm when applied to a superyacht. It is the ultimate way to create a vision.

Salvatori said, “Perfect engineering does not imply good design.” True?

Engineers are rewarded for reaching the desired technical outcome. Designers are rewarded for achieving the desired aesthetic and functional outcome. The scopes or aims sometimes do not align with one another across the PPF_BoatMagAd_QP-245x75.pdf 1 7/08/2017 1:29:24 PM disciplines. That is why you need project managers!

What is the most appealing to prospective yacht owners?

Some owners like an adventurous design, and I hope I bring that to each project.

How much of your knowledge involves an understanding of ergonomics and history?

Quite a bit. History helps with context. Ergonomics, well it’s everything!

Digital programs used?

AutoCAD, Rhino, Maxsurf, Alias, Photoshop, rendering software. And not to forget the pencil! You can communicate a lot with a pencil sketch.

As a designer, what is most important to you?

Experience helps your process and focus. Style and finesse takes time to develop but can be evident in shimmers early on I’m told by the great designers.

Does a designer need experience in boat repairs and boat-building?

I think so. I have met a lot of star designers, like Espen Oeino, Tim Heywood, Andrew Winch and Terrence Disdale, to name a few. And the common advice has been that talent is good but you do also need to learn how to get things built.

What is your boating lifestyle?

Every chance I get, I am out on the water. I'm also always out with clients, builders, et al. It is very important to my life and career. I can’t go a few days without seeing the water.

The future of yacht designing in Australia?

Queensland and Western Australia have become attractive places to bring projects for new build, refit, and repair. If the projects continue to grow in Australia, so will the need for designers. In my line of business, designing for the 40-300ft boats is indispensable to construction, quoting and tendering.

Queensland is a hub for recreational boats. I think its waterways, weather, and natural attractions are key.

The marine industry based here is quite mature. So combine that with deep waterways and the Queensland attractions, it is a recipe for success.

THE “BATTLEWAGON” This design has been short-listed for a yacht design award in the under 40-metre category.

The feature I focused on was the exterior styling, specifically a more customized approach. Rather than mimic competitors, I go for a fresh look and achieve a vessel that says what it does. The lines and styling of the vessel can be described as aggressive, purposeful, adventurous, and lots of glass. Its unique features include the hull form to allow better low speed cruising efficiency, the usage of glass on a vessel this size, a generous forward lounge. Its appearance is innovative. I have had many applaud the wild nature of the design, considering low speed cruising as an important operational profile. I hope Battlewagon would be built. The design is scalable so in essence can be applied to a smaller or larger vessel.

The fixed furniture are positioned in the area exposed to the weather. Won’t there be higher maintenance requirements in the future?

Good question. Furniture covers would achieve this. The backrests collapse down to make this easier. You see covers often on aft deck furniture and forward sun beds etc. The forward area is primarily for fair weather cruising — the best seat in the house, so to speak, when steaming at five knots, no wind, summer weather, down a river at sunset. Magic!

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BOAT GOLD COAST

SUPER PONTOON FENDERS PROTECT YOUR BOAT

n 1986, Goodline Trim (Peter Goodbun) designed IPermanently the original and superior quality Super Fender. fixed to pontoons and jetties, the Super

Fender means no more fenders required when berthing or mooring. The ingenious product reduces boat maintenance, making scuffing and scratching while at dock a thing of the past.

Available with an optional extra chaffing cover made of marine-grade soft carpet that will not scratch your boat; reduce accidental damage, wear and tear caused by UV; and generally prolong the life of the fender. Super Fender reduces stress on the boat and pontoon with the load spread over a greater area.

Constructed of UV-treated super tough vinyl, the fender material is a cylinder of the finest high-density energy-absorbing material. Uniquely designed, all structural seams are high-frequency welded for durability and appearance.Each Super Fender is custom-made to fit each installation. It is fixed well clear of the water, and therefore remains attractive and ensures long-life expectancy.

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The fenders are mounted to your pontoon using uniquely design tracks – top and bottom. To ensure your boat is protected, corner sections and right angles are available to cover your pontoon, while the zippers of the fender cover are sealed to keep water out.

When you are serious about looking after your boat, the choice is easy with Super Fender. Each one is custom made to fit your pontoon, and available in a choice of colours to suit your pontoon jetty. The Super Fender is made to measure, delivered and installed by experienced marine trades people. The product is covered by a full 12-month warranty.

Super Fenders are designed and manufactured in Queensland.

Over 5000 have been installed.

Established in 1976, Goodline Trimming, Australia’s luxury marine designers, trimmers and upholsterers, have an impeccable 40-year history of producing first class, timeless marine interiors, products and services. Goodline Trimming is a specialist manufacturer of exterior cleats, clears, awnings, screens and covers.

They are experts in refits, refurbishments and new vessel fit-outs. They are constantly crafting new and exciting products for the ever-changing and increasing market, providing flawless design, value for money and outstanding service without compromise to quality.

Goodline Trimming’s extensive range of products and services include design consultation, interior and exterior seating and carpets, clears, screens and covers, deck heads and wall linings, as well as furnishings, mattresses and fender hooks. With confidence to fulfill each client’s expectations, the company offer an obligation-free quote.

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BOAT DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN Boats provide many options for decorating, especially those with interior cabins. These spaces can be decorated with your own personal style, much like a room of a house. With many options and small details to consider, having prior experience designing the interior of a boat is invaluable.

DIANNE KATRA of Classic Marine Trimming offer basic advice in this two-part series about decorating boat interiors. This first part focuses on designing the general areas on a boat, while the second part will focus more on specific aspects, such as furniture material and accessories.

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h ere is often limited space available on boats, so functionality is key. Boat owners must ask themselves how they wish to use the space, how many people will be using the area, and what they want as a theme. We usually suggest to clients that they keep the overall palette fairly neutral, and add colour in soft furnishings, particularly with the interior. The exterior furnishings will often be driven by the colours used in canvas covers.

SPACE ADAPTABILITY. With space at a premium on a boat, adaptability of the designed area is very important. For instance, a dropdown table next to the lounge setting with an infill cushion can become another bed, or custom ottomans can be used both as storage and seating, or mesh screening on a flybridge can make a nice area for entertaining without baking in the sun. Areas on a boat need to be flexible, and are generally used for a multitude of purposes.

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CARPETS AND FLOORS When considering carpets and flooring, how you use your boat is critical to this decision.

If you go out with the family and stay on the boat, chances are you will want the comfort of a carpet when getting out of bed in the morning. If you take your mates out fishing, you are going to want flooring that will take people tracking fish guts through your saloon!

When choosing a carpet, make sure it is totally synthetic and has stain protection built into the fibres. Rugs on a boat can move around a lot and be a slip issue, so make sure if you choose a rug that it has a non-slip backing or you can get one put on it. Stay away from wool rugs – they don’t smell nice when wet.

BEDDINGS AND BUNKS How you use your boat is important when contemplating changes to bedding and bunks. If you do sleep onboard regularly, you will want a mattress that is as good as your one at home – even oddly shaped beds can have inner spring mattresses custom made. If yours is more of a day boat, you might just want foam with a water resistant fabric to cover it, so if anyone throws wet towels on the bed, or wants to lie down with wet hair, you will not worry about it.

The odd sizes and lack of maneuvering space can be a real challenge when making beds on a boat. However, custom-made fitted sheets and bedspreads really take a lot of the hassle out of this task. Make sure the bedspread, once made, can be slept under, as storage is often an issue on a boat. Keep that in mind when choosing cushions, too; you have to have somewhere to store them when you go to bed.

If you are changing the bed set-up, consider making the space underneath the bed into storage with either gas lift struts to lift up the whole bed base, or by installing drawers.

LOUNGES AND SEATS Comfort and cleaning are the two main things you need to consider when making changes to lounges and seats. Good quality foams and materials, which are easy to clean and are not likely to hold stains, are essential. If you are changing the actual lounge carcass, think about incorporating drawers or storage under the seat cushions, or how to make the lounge into a pullout bed. Also, consider rub rates for materials – the likelihood of sand coming in contact with your lounge is highly likely and is quite abrasive, especially when people have to skirt around a fixed table to sit down.

For more storage space, consider ottomans with storage inside that can be made to take wine bottles while doubling as extra seating in a saloon area.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT DESIGN

Tips to make your boat look good BATHROOMS When considering a bathroom makeover, try to keep the colours light and neutral.

Bathrooms on boats are usually small spaces, so light and bright, and easy to clean are key design ideas. Choose materials that are marine-grade, including 316 stainless steel fixtures and fittings, where possible. You can add colour to your bathroom with shower curtains, towels, bath mats, and soaps. Try to make sure there are no sharp edges, and put as much storage space as possible.

KIDS AREA If you are decorating an area for young children, be practical by making sure there are no sharp corners or edges in the space that kids could fall against if there is a bit of a swell. It is important to make sure anything you install in this area is easy to clean. Colourful bedding will make for an inviting space.

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNERS There are aspects of interior design that can be undertaken by the boat owner.

But aspects that require large-scale design alterations should be entrusted to an

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expert. Deciding on a new material to re-cover your saloon lounge is one thing, but doing that in conjunction with new bedding, curtains and carpets, is another. The more you want changed on your boat, the more you need expert advice to make sure it all combines successfully and contributes to increasing the value of your vessel.

Choosing the right interior designer for your boat is very important. Look for someone that you are comfortable with, and that you feel takes on board your personal wants and needs. After all, the only person who knows how you use your boat is yourself, and the design should reflect your personality and what your boat means to you.

Done well, an interior makeover will not only increase the value of your boat but make it easier to sell, too. Buyers can easily be put off by shabby lounges and disintegrating curtains, especially if they are not seasoned boaties, and are not sure of the costs of replacement or refurbishment. If you are looking to sell in the foreseeable future, try to be budget-conscious, and make improvements to things that have the biggest impact on the look of your boat.

The second part of this series will be published in the Jan-Mar 2018 print edition.

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BOAT GOLD COAST Step 1 - Take off the wheel and hub. Remove the tyre and wheel from the trailer, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the grease cap by prying it off in a circular motion.

Step 2 - Remove the castle nut on the spindle. The castle nut should be visible after removing the grease cap. Wipe the extra grease off the nut, and then look for a “tab” (one of the castle nut notches). Push the tab back toward the spindle with your screwdriver. You may also see a “cage” surrounding the nut, which can easily be pried away in a circular motion using your screwdriver.

REPLACING TRAILER WHEEL BEARINGS: T E N E A SY S T E P S J

ust as we do with our car every six or so months, we need to service trailers. Boat trailers need service most especially because of the harsh conditions they are put through, including being submersed in salt water.

One of the most important items on your maintenance schedule should be to check the wheel bearings. These bearings should be changed if the wheel does not spin freely when jacked up or if undue noise is heard from the wheel. Bearings are comprised of a cup pressed into the hub and the cone, which contains the bearing rollers. When inspecting the cone, look for signs of wear, pits, chips, or discolouration of the rollers. Inspect the cup for wear, damage or scoring marks. If any damage is found, the bearings should be replaced. In an emergency, you can remove the cone and replace it with a new one with a screwdriver.

While replacing a wheel bearing may seem an intimidating task, following these 10 steps will help you become an expert.

Step 3 - Remove the hub. Use a paper towel to hold in the outer bearing as you pull off the hub. If the hub is stuck, rock it in a circular motion to help it slide off. If the bearing is frozen to the spindle, you will need to knock off the hub with some force. Remember, even the smallest of nicks can wear out the bearings and their seals very quickly. If there are nicks in the spindle where the bearings and seal sit, consider replacing the spindle or the entire trailer axle.

Step 4 - Once removed, disassemble the hub. First, remove the outer bearing by pulling out the outer bearing and spindle washer, and set it aside. Then, remove the inner bearing and seal. Place the hub on a cinder block, with the wheel studs facing up, and place a 2.5cm wooden dowel to knock out the bearing.

Step 5 - Clean and inspect the bearings, looking for nicks and dents in the roller cage.

If you see these problems, or lines, spots or discolouration of metal, discard the bearings. If everything passes inspection, clean out and dry the bearings.

Step 6 - Check the seal. If the seal is no longer round, or the rubber looks dry rotted, the seal should be replaced. Sometimes, removing the grease seal from the hub causes enough damage to require its replacement.

Step 7 - Repack the trailer bearings with grease. Ensure that you fill every space of the bearing. To repack the bearings by hand, place a gob of grease in your palm and press the bearing into the grease with force.

Step 8 - Insert the inner bearing and seal by turning the hub over so the front sides of the wheel studs face down. Place the inner bearing in the hub and install the seal on top. Tap the seal in a circular motion until it sits flush. Then, apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle, and slide on the hub.

Step 9 - Insert the outer bearing and seal by sliding it in while rocking the hub back and forth until the bearing is seated soundly.

Step 10 - Install the castle nut, by tightening it until it stops or becomes snug. Rock the hub and push in to ensure the hub is properly seated onto the spindle. Then, tighten the castle nut as needed.

Swiftco Trailers offer a FREE TRAILER SAFETY CHECK at any of our four locations. This free service is open to all makes and models of trailers and includes the check of bearings, brakes and general condition.

Swiftco Trailers also have a spare parts division where you can source all spare parts including all hubs, bearings, discs, suspension kits/parts, brake kits/parts, guards, winches, couplings, lights, axles, boat rollers and all fittings. www.swiftcotrailerparts.com.au

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT SERVICE DIRECTORY

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BOAT GUIDE LEGAL

O .

S .

S

I THINK I NEED AN SMS

By Anthony Stanton, MER - Director of Business Solutions

WHO NEEDS AN SMS? If you own or operate any type of boat that is used for any kind of commercial purpose, then you will almost certainly need to have a written Safety Management System (SMS) in place. This includes yacht charter, fishing charter, hire and drive jet skis, jet boats with passengers, trawlers, ferries, water taxis, sunset cruise gondolas, parasailing vessels, dive tenders – the works. If a boat is used in connection with a money earning activity, then it is likely that it must have an SMS. If you own or operate such a boat and you do not have an SMS in place right now, then you must act immediately (SOS!).

The owner is either the legal owner of the boat or the party whose name appears on the Certificate of Operation. The owner has the duty to ‘implement and maintain’ an SMS, which ensures the operations of the vessel are safe. The master or person operating a boat in any kind of commercial application must ‘implement and comply with’ the vessel’s SMS. These duties are required under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012.

Heavy penalties can result from an owner or master’s failure to comply with the necessary SMS requirements.

More importantly, a failure to have a properly considered SMS in place could lead to the death or injury of a person.

In practical terms, it is more likely that the failure to have a proper SMS in place will result in the regulator issuing you a Prohibition Notice – meaning that you will be unable to use the vessel subject of the notice until an appropriate SMS is in place.

The period of downtime resulting from a Prohibition Notice can be very costly to a business operation.

HOW DO I PREPARE AN SMS? Fortunately, Part E of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) describes quite clearly what needs to be in an SMS.

Basically, your SMS must contain: - Vessel details - Owner’s and designated person’s contact details - Risk assessment - Statements of owner’s and master’s responsibility - An assessment and determination of appropriate crew levels - Procedures for all onboard operations - Emergency procedures There are many components to the above items, and it is easy to end up with a very long SMS that does not really do its job – which is to make your commercial boating activity safer for crew and passengers.

In order to maximise the usefulness of your SMS, we have found it is best to construct the document in the following stages: STAGE 1 Do a skeleton of all the headings required by Part E, NSCV, and fill out all the basic contact information and vessel details.

STAGE 2 Go straight to a risk assessment. Consider all of the day-to-day operations of your boat when used in its commercial setting, and all of the things that could go wrong, the ‘risks’. For each ‘risk’ identified, think about how likely it is to occur, and about how severe the consequences would be if it occurred.

Finally, think about all the things that can be done in order to minimise the chances of the identified risks occurring (called controls).

STAGE 3 All of the controls identified at stage 2 then become the basis of your procedures, both operating and emergency. Make sure your procedures are simple, in bullet points, and kept readily accessible for your

crew. Ensure that drills are conducted regularly to ensure procedures are being followed.

STAGE 4 With the procedures completed, you will have a good feeling for the manning requirements of the boat, which will enable you to complete the appropriate crew assessment. Remember, a boat cannot be used for a commercial purpose if only the minimum crew is carried. Your SMS appropriate crewing assessment will ensure that your boat has the appropriate crew for commercial use.

Ensure you have a system for recording incidents and improving the SMS in response to what caused those incidents. The SMS must also be reviewed each year.

This ensures it is a ‘living’ document.

As an owner and master, you should also ensure that all new crew are familiar with the SMS, and have a section where crew can certify that they have been inducted and have carried out drills as appropriate.

THERE IS YOUR NEW SMS! Once the document has been created, you’ll need to make sure that it is handy and in a form that is easily presented to Marine Safety Inspectors (MSI) if they visit to conduct a monitoring activity. The inspectors will ensure that you, the master and crew, are familiar with the contents of the SMS, and that the operation is actually conducted in accordance with the words in the document.

The completed SMS is a very important document to a maritime business. No matter the size of your commercial boat, or the scope and scale of your business operation, this is a document that forms the basis of a safe and compliant operation. In the event of an incident, the first question you will be asked by an investigator may well be…'Show me your SMS' Call lawyer Anthony Stanton on Ph: 0428 894 882

PRACTICAL LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE BOATING COMMUNITY Tired of expensive 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

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

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

LU X U RY YA C H T JOBS C

oastal Yachting Recruitment provide professional crew worldwide for luxury super yachts. The team have the advantage of hands-on experience and will match the most suitable crew to the right yacht. Through a structured and personal interviewing process, they are able to build a detailed picture of each individual’s experiences, qualifications, abilities, and character. Coastal Yachting Recruitment ensures a personalised service to both crew and clients needs.

Most importantly, Coastal Yachting Recruitment have been accepted by AMSA having met the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, and Marine Order 11.

Coastal Yachting Recruitment founder Jade Fitzpatrick has experienced the extravagance of life aboard luxury yachts around the world. Jade explains, “In 2006, I left Australia and travelled to the Mediterranean to work onboard luxury yachts.

During this time, I helped friends and acquaintances from around the world find work in the yachting industry. My passion for the industry and the ability to help people find work, contributed to my launching of Coastal Yachting Recruitment.”

LOOKING FOR CREW? Jade says, “Coastal Yachting Recruitment believe in building long-term relationships with clients and candidates. The team will achieve the best match by researching as much information about the yacht as possible and will not stop looking until they have found the right crew member for you.”

Coastal Yachting Recruitment maintains an excellent network of contacts and insists on meeting crew whenever possible. “We will source your crew and keep them up to date.” Jade confirms. Utilizing a thorough screening and interview process, once a suitable candidate has been identified they undertake detailed reference checks and provide crew salary guidelines. “The entire process is private and confidential with all personal information secured, and the service is personalised ensuring no annoying automated emails. This expert industry knowledge and experience is available at competitive fees.”

LOOKING FOR WORK? If you are searching for your perfect yachting job, Coastal Yachting Recruitment have a wide range of vacancies currently available. The best feature is there is no registration fee. Jade states, “The more information we have on you, your experience and your requirements, the better we can match you to your ideal position. The team can help candidates with CV guidance and advice on interview techniques to help you secure your desired position. They recommend where to go for crew training, medicals, crew housing, and visas. The service is conducted through one-on-one sessions whenever possible and/or direct phone conversations to ensure personalised attention. You can count on us for continual advice and support whenever needed, including salary guidelines.”

With a Bachelor of Education and Training qualifications, along with extensive knowledge and experience onboard yachts, Jade has developed a unique approach to educating and assisting those looking for a career in the yachting industry.

“My personal experience as a crew member has enabled me to make successful matches between my clients and crew. Working onboard both motor and sail yachts all over the world, I have made valuable connections with captains, yacht owners, and crew members. I look forward to continue providing professional and dedicated service to all my clients and crew.”

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Your ticket to safer, better boating Just launched! advancedskipper.org.au

An online refresher for your boat licence, designed by boating industry experts, to show you how to handle the risks that have caused incidents and accidents.

Get recognition and rewards as an Advanced Skipper, and show your friends and family that you’re a safe pair of hands on the water.

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SEP - DEC 2017

Safety

Shows

Rewards

Network

Learn how a good skipper manages a journey, and avoids trouble ahead. Refresh what you learned for your boat licence, way back when.

Enjoy discounts on insurance of up to $100 per annum, plus discounts on marine products and services for completing Advanced Skipper.

Advanced Skipper is an online program from the Boating Industry Association, which believes that good boating is safe boating, and that good boaters deserve recognition.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Take advantage of early release ticketing and VIP entry at BIA Boat Shows.

Have your say on the big issues facing boating, through the advocacy work of the Boating Industry Association.

Find Advanced Skipper online at advancedskipper.org.au Cost is $55 every 5 years (incl GST)

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BOAT GUIDE PROTOCOL

Know your Cardinal Marks Traffic lights and signs guide drivers on the roads. Buoys, beacons, lights and marks do the same on the water. NIC WELCH shares information from Department of Transport and Main Roads (Maritime Safety Queensland), which outlines how to understand cardinal marks. Once you think you know, take our quiz on page 85.

C

ardinal marks show where the deepest and safest water is by using a compass.

They can mark:

• where to find the deepest water in an area • the safest side to pass a danger • a feature in a channel (for example, a bend, junction, or the end of a shoal) Cardinal marks have black and yellow bands with black double cones on the top showing the different compass directions that identifies the safest and deepest water.

NORTH CARDINAL MARK The top cones point up or north, showing there is safe water to the north of the mark.

EAST CARDINAL MARK The top cones are in the shape of an egg, showing there is safe water to the east of the mark. To remember this, think of “e” for egg and for east.

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At night each type of cardinal mark has a flashing white light with different groupings of flashes (continuous, or groups of 3, 6 or 9). To remember each type, think of a compass face with the numbers of a clock marked on it beside each direction:

SOUTH CARDINAL MARK The top cones point down or south, showing there is safe water to the south of the mark.

• 3 (quick or very quick) flashes for East

WEST CARDINAL MARK The top cones make the shape of the wine glass, showing there is safe water to the west of the mark. To remember this, think of “w” for wine glass and for west.

• 9 (quick or very quick) flashes for West

• 6 (quick or very quick) flashes followed by a long flash for South • continual (quick or very quick) flashes for North.

Quiz answers: 1.a, 2.b, 3.c, 4.d, 5.a, 6.b, 7.c, 8.b, 9.c, 10.a

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GUIDE

8 WAYS FOR

Mindfulness

I N BOATI NG

By Roselle Tenefrancia

I

t initially seems paradoxical to be a boatie and be friendly to nature—unless you use wind and solarpowered boat that is made of 100% biodegradable or recyclable materials. But even if you are not 100% natural, there are many ways to enjoy boating while lessening your impact on others and on our fragile environment.

1. Reduce your carbon footprint Efficiency in engine power is key. While solarpowered engines are ideal, being a petrol engine user does not exempt you from caring for the environment. Even if you use petrol, you can still manage the way your engine works. Ensure that your engine is well maintained and cleaned as often as you use it. This not only provides efficient driving, but it also encourages longer engine life.

2. Watch your wake Time and time again, we are reminded to watch our wake. It is particularly important to be mindful of how your wake affects other boats and other users of the water, as well as the environment. Don’t just watch your speed. Keep a good lookout (including astern), and slow down when you see vessels and persons who are vulnerable. Moreover, wakes from boats cause damage to fish, wildlife habitat, shorelines and shoreline structures over time.

3. Use natural cleaning products inside and outside By using phosphate-free biodegradable cleaning products you can minimize the impacts of greywater on the marine environment. Whenever possible, avoid discharging into the water, and conduct cleaning onshore.

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4. Dispose of waste properly.

Use hazardous waste collection facilities for disposing paints, oil, oil filters, batteries, etc. Make sure you manage sewage wastes mindfully by only using shore-side facilities to pump out sewage. Any trash or rubbish (cigarette butts, plastic bags, fishing line, etc.) on board should remain on board until you are able to dispose of them on shore.

5. Conduct maintenance checks at accredited marinas and boatyards If possible, perform work on the boat in accredited facilities where toxic wastes can be contained. If you have to do it yourself, ensure that you are able to contain the waste by using tarps or vacuum sanders to collect drips and debris for proper disposal.

6. Know of which materials your boat and its parts are made Your boat may not find its end-of-life with you, but it does help to know what it is made of. When you do have to dispose accessories or parts of your boat, you have to know how to dispose of them properly. Fibreglass, composite and plastic waste are not biodegradable, so their disposal should be conducted in professional facilities. Some boaties who are mindful of this are able to make decisions on which boat to buy based on how boats and boat parts are to be disposed of in the future.

7. Support and patronise marine businesses that are eco-conscious There are several local marine businesses that are taking a more environmentally friendly path to running their enterprise. Whether it is reducing the use of electricity in their facilities (such as installing

solar panels) or simply offering marine products that are accredited as natural and environmentally friendly, a marine business that promotes the protection of our environment through safe practices should be supported, as they will lead the way to your sustainable boating experiences.

8. Be an aquatic steward. Educate yourself and other boaties.

The health of our waterways will determine the quality of our boating experiences. If we keep our waterways and the environment around them healthy, we are in for more pleasant experiences.

As people whose lifestyle revolves around the water, we are not excused from learning and educating ourselves about the environment. After all, the water that we protect is the same water that supports our boating lifestyle.

• Fuelling tip: When fuelling, stop the drops. Avoid fuel spills by filling tanks slowly and catching drips with absorbent pads.

• Did you know that… A “wake” refers to the recirculating flow of water directly behind a moving vessel. A “wash,” which is a component of a wake, consists of broken or loose water, such as that tossed up by a propeller.

• Cleaning tip: Use vinegar and baking soda as your general cleaning solutions. It’s cheap and non-toxic. To keep the inside smelling good, use natural oil or aromatherapy products.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

Water-side and land-side ....Gold Coast gets ready to shine I

t’s been a busy year on and beside the water for the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) and with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner, GCWA is on track to ensure its water-side and land-side facilities are looking their very best.

GCWA CEO, Hal Morris, said the Authority had invested more than $8.5 million in providing better access to waterways from Cabbage Tree Point to Currumbin and beyond.

“The goal of our dredging program is to keep the waterways safe for navigation and in the past year, we’ve carried out projects throughout the Gold Coast’s most used waterways,” he said.

In addition to managing the vast network of Gold Coast waterways from south of the Logan River to the New South Wales border, GCWA is also trustee for the 30 ha Doug Jennings Park at the end of The Spit. As trustee, GCWA also manages land-side facilities and has implemented a range of major improvements to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

“The Park is a unique place to fish, dive, surf and swim in the Broadwater and ocean, or for other activities such as picnicking, walking and relaxing with the family,” Mr Morris said. “In the past year, we’ve invested around $2 million providing the community with Seaway Emergency Access Stairs, an amenities block, extra beach showers, upgrades to the Seaway Kiosk and the rehabilitation of Moondarewa Spit”.

L to R: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad, GCWA CEO Hal Morris

And there’s more in store.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced in August that the Doug Jennings Park makeover was continuing with $1.35 million being spent on new footpaths, park furniture and car parking areas. The upgrades, including a footpath running the length of the Seaway wall, are designed to make the area more accessible to the public.

“With the installation of park furniture such as picnic tables and seating, landscaping and revegetation, we’re encouraging more people to enjoy and connect to the waterways,” she said.

With the Broadwater as a background, Doug Jennings Park is becoming more popular than ever for commercial and private events.

“In the past three months alone, our team has received and assessed more than 60 new applications for aquatic and other events being held in the Park or nearby in the Broadwater,” Mr Morris said.

High profile events including the Australian Corporate Triathlon, filming of $300 million Hollywood epic “Aqua Man” as well as the Ironman USM have been held in and beside the Broadwater.

“We are proud to be able to offer Doug Jennings Park as a spectacular backdrop for international as well as local events,” he said. “We can’t wait to be able to showcase our waterways to the world throughout the Commonwealth Games.”

For enquiries or to book an event in Doug Jennings Park or Moondarewa Spit, visit https://www.gcwa.qld.gov.au/events-at-doug-jennings-park/

Dredging the Gold Coast waterways Sustain. Enhance. Promote. www.gcwa.qld.gov.au | Our waterways are vital for our city’s economic prosperity and social well-being. An important part of our role is maintaining safe navigational access. In the four years since our establishment, we’ve invested $8.5million dredging 10 channels in:

The Broadwater Tipplers Passage Biggera Creek Labrador Channel Cabbage Tree Point Jacobs Well Coomera River Canaipa Passage

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More dredging, is planned for completion in the next four years. We’ll be investing over $7.5million in these waterways: Canaipa Passage Coomera River Eastern Channels Main Channel South Nerang River North Channel South Channel South Wavebreak Island Channel Tipplers Passage

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT QUIZ

BOAT GOLD COAST

AMW launches new mazu app in Australia

Test your knowledge

Cardinal Marks Quiz A

Compiled by Nic Welch

ustralian Marine Wholesale launched the mazu SkyMate app to the Australian an NZ market at the recent Sydney International Boat Show.

The all-new mazu app delivers a useful array of reliable global communications, weather and navigation functions that cruisers want in an iPad app that are exceptionally easy to learn and use

Q1 What is the following navigation mark?

Owner of AMW, Errol Cain, said the mazu app is the leading system in its field and AMW were please to exclusively offer this world-class product to the Australian and NZ market, knowing it will make communicating whilst out at sea a whole lot easier for boaters.

a.

North cardinal mark

c.

East cardinal mark

“We we’re excited to demonstrate the capabilities of this world-class system to the industry and public alike and have had a lot of interest since its inception into our market,” said Mr Cain.

Q2 What does a north cardinal mark mean?

“The reliability, versatility and affordability of mazu and the mSeries will keep our customers connected for years to come.”

The mazu SkyMate is an mSeries system designed for “do it yourself” installation; this plug and play system supplies reliable global coverage via the Iridium satellite network. Providing email and SMS while out at sea, real-time navigation information, seven day forecasts showing wind and wave height and Sentry so you can monitor boat functions from anywhere in the world.

Users simply download the mazu iPad app from the app store, use the in-app registration to sign up, and they can start using many of mazu’s functions via shore based Internet for free. This allows interested boaters to familiarize themselves with the app and its functions before buying the mSeries system and installing it on their boats. Then you can connect your app via satellite anywhere in the world using the mSeries system and activating your SkyMate service with a variety of affordable connection plans. The mSeries system is available with connection plans starting as low as $39.99 per month and $9.95 a month for the dry dock plan – when the vessel does not require active service.

Global Coverage - With mazu fast reliable satellite service is affordable and available anywhere in the world. This includes emergency response. SOS buttons on the mSeries illuminated keypad can initiate an SOS that includes vessel name and position. The system is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days every year by GEOS. SOS calls are quickly and effectively transferred to the International Emergency Response Coordination Center.

Search and Rescue emergency responders are then notified and dispatched accordingly throughout the world.

Weather - mazu provides live up to date forecasts during passages. These include seven-day point forecasts with wind and wave heights, graphical, charted, zone forecasts and more. Storms can also be tracked using NEXRAD and with an optional sign up NOAA weather alerts can be received where they are available.

Email & SMS - mazu provides the ability to send and receive emails and SMS texts anywhere in the world. Position reporting sends updates ashore so owners can track their vessels when not on board or to keep others updated on the vessel’s progress. The vessel’s position can be automatically sent to a list of email addresses at preset intervals.

Navigation - Free NOAA charts are available for trip planning and can be accessed on board to follow a vessel’s progress under way. mazu has full navigation functions that track a voyage, and monitor weather along the route.

Sentry* - The optional Sentry monitoring and control system keeps track of vessel functions and sends alerts anywhere in the world. Wired sensors/actuators 4 per cable (max 16) deliver information via satellite as email or text alerts. Current vessel conditions like battery voltage, high water/bilge alarms, intruder alerts, anchor or vessel movement and more are sent out via satellite. *Sentry is a paid add-on and activation plans require Sentry activation for monitoring.

SkyMate President, Peter Hunt said they set out to create a system with an easy to use interface backed by the quality engineering and design SkyMate is known for. “mazu and the mSeries are the culmination of these efforts. We are confident cruisers will agree that this accomplishment was worth the wait.”

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

a.

b. South cardinal mark d. West cardinal mark

Danger to the north

b. Safe water to the north

Q3 How many white flashes does an east cardinal mark have when lit? a.1

b.2

c.3

d.4

Q4 What top mark is missing from this cardinal mark? a.

b.

c.

d.

Q5 What cardinal mark has a quick, or very quick, continuous white flash? a.

North cardinal mark

b. South cardinal mark

c.

East cardinal mark

d. West cardinal mark

Q6 What is the correct buoy for a cardinal mark displaying this top mark? a.

b.

c.

d.

Q7 How many white flashes does a west cardinal mark have? a.3 b.6 c.9 d.12 Q8 The only cardinal mark which has a long flash as part of its light flash sequence? a.

North cardinal mark

b. South cardinal mark

c.

East cardinal mark

d. West cardinal mark

Q9 What cardinal mark might have a “Q(3) 10s” notation on a chart to identify its flash sequence? a.

North cardinal mark

b. South cardinal mark

c.

East cardinal mark

d. West cardinal mark

Q10 Choose the invalid light flash sequence for a south cardinal mark a.

Q(6) & LFl 5s

b.

VQ(6) & LFl 10s

c.

Q(6) & LFl 15s

Answers on page: 82

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BOAT JOURNEY

H idden Treasures The author on the jetty at St Helena. Photo: Richard Pyne

O F M O R E T O N B AY CAROLINE STRAINIG discovers gold from our convict past when she sets out to explore by boat off Wynnum-Manly.

St Helena Island “What’s that? I can see some buildings on that island. Are they ruins?” I said excitedly to my friend, Richard. A quick glance at the marine guide and booklets we had picked up from the tourist information centre in Manly revealed the island was St Helena and the ruins were that of an old convict settlement.

One of the aspects I love the most about visiting somewhere new is the sense of anticipation. Today was one such day, our first outing in the runabout on Moreton Bay since moving to the area.

The stackade and stores building. Photos: QPWS

For us, finding convict ruins was sheer gold in terms of discoveries, and Richard immediately turned the runabout to starboard and headed for the anchorage near the jetty on the western side of St Helena. Ashore, the first thing we came across was a modern toilet block. Yes, useful if nature called. But where were the ruins?

A short walk further on we encountered a convict graveyard and the remnants of an old lime kiln-like building. However, a fence and locked gate prevented us from accessing the main complex.

Research revealed you needed to join a guided tour to see the restricted area, and the following week we did just that. You have the option of joining a tour on a Wednesday or Sunday with a transfer by boat from Manly, or travelling to the island on your own boat and just joining in the island section of the tour, which costs only $30 a head. There are also several other tour options, including night “ghost” tours.

The caretaker's cottage has been turned into a museum.

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The island has a fascinating history. Initially, it was a quarantine station, but it was turned

into a high-security colonial prison in 1867 because of overcrowding in Brisbane’s gaols. Seven per cent of the original penal settlement remains, mainly that made of beachrock or brick, plus a caretaker’s cottage built in the 1900s that has been turned into a museum. While idyllic now, back then it must have been a living hell for the inmates, who had to toil long days at farming or a trade, and live in cramped conditions on a diet that was cringingly unhealthy by modern standards.

The guides, all skilled actors from a theatre troupe, helped bring the convict history alive by dressing as convicts and staging a mock flogging, much to the delight of the children on the tour. One of the guides told us many people do not discover the island until they have lived in the area for half a life-time. “It’s Brisbane’s best-kept secret,” he said.

Thankfully, many schools are now including a visit to the island as part of their curriculum so this is changing with the new generation.

INTERESTING FACTS: ST HELENA St Helena is located five kilometres from the mouth of the Brisbane River and eight kilometres north-east of Manly.

GPS: 27°23’36″S 153°13’54″E The public may use the jetty to disembark and board passengers, but the vessel may only be tied to the jetty if the skipper remains on board; otherwise, the vessel must be anchored away from the jetty.

History: npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/st-helena-island Tours: sthelenaisland.com.au

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT JOURNEY

Fort Lytton A few weeks later, we discovered more gold.

This time, it is of a military nature, just a short distance to the north-west on the southern bank of the Brisbane River.

The Fort Lytton Historic Military Precinct is a heritage-listed 1880s coastal fort, complete with gun emplacements and a moat. It was operational through the Boer War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean War. Today, Fort Ly tton is a national park, open to the public on most Sundays and some public holidays, when Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers and a non-profit volunteer organisation offer tours. There are also battle re-enactments every winter.

You can still see some of the original fort, including guns painstakingly restored. Many of the buildings in the surrounding military precinct are also intact and some of them are used to showcase military equipment and uniforms from different periods. For my partner Richard, who is ex-RAAF, it was a wonderful trip down memory lane.

You can access the fort by road from the Brisbane suburb of Lytton, or via the water from a public jetty on the Brisbane River. The QPWS can make ranger tours available to people who visit in their own boats on some weekends, but you must book in advance.

The guns are still fired at Fort Lytton several times a year.

The jetty is locked to the public outside these times and the fort inaccessible from the water. You also need permission from the Brisbane Port Authority because of shipping traffic on the river.

So, there you have it – two wonderful historic destinations to add to your must-visit list next time you head up this way, whether by boat or car. Don’t wait 30 years to discover them. Enjoy!

INTERESTING FACTS: PORT LYTTON Fort Lytton is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, 14km from the Brisbane CBD. GPS: 27°24’44″S 153°09’00″E The jetty can only be used by prior arrangement with the rangers on some weekends if you book a tour in advance.

For more information phone 07 3393 4647.

You can take a guided tour for a donation. Photo: Richard Pyne

History: npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fort-lytton Tours: fortlytton.org.au

Getting There If traveling from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, you may refer to the article Gold Coast to Brisbane by Nic Welch published in Boat Gold Coast May 2016 edition. http://boatgoldcoast.com.au/gold-coast-to-brisbane/

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BOAT FEATURE caught out. While most respondents say they make sure that they only do it when no one is around or close by, there have been unexpected turns of events. One respondent claims, while at a marina, they were “busy on the dinette when some punters walked past”. And another recalls how the people in the next boat told them the next morning that they could hear them! Definitely awkward! And yet, a few say that the thrill of getting caught out is part of the lovemaking adventure.

When a boat becomes a

“LOVE BOAT”

E

arlier this year, a news report came out about a couple who, with the intention of stealing a boat, decided to have sex before they commit the criminal act. Well, they got caught out before the robbery could have been committed. The owner of the boat thought it was more despicable for the two to engage in the sexual act in his boat, than the intention to steal it!

What is it with the boat that they found so arousing anyway?

In the last few months after V-Day this year, we asked our readers to take our “Love Survey” anonymously.

The survey was about experiences making love in or on a boat. The answers are varied, but while some are a bit predictable or conservative, others are leaning towards kinky and adventurous.

Let us read through the summary of the responses.

The most common type of boat of the respondents is a cabin cruiser. However, the list of answers shows that pretty much all types of boats are just as good to make love on. Making love in bigger boats is much more common, including houseboats.

Others have done it on game boats, sports boats, sailing boats, tug boats. But a rowboat may just be the most interesting!

We continued to ask where on the boat they most enjoy doing the act. The bed is a common answer, but quite conservative. On the deck, on the benches in the top cabin, and on the fly bridges were the other more popular answers. The “shower/bathrooms” answer caught our attention, as everyone knows these offer very limited space.

What we thought was most interesting was on the trampoline on a catamaran. Careful coordination between the partners in that case is a definite requirement, for sure!

The consensus was that anytime is a good time to make love on a boat. The respondents’ requirements vary though. Making sure the kids or other passengers are not around seems like a common requirement. But for a few brave ones, doing it at a time when there is a “higher chance of being caught” is the best!

The location of the boat does not seem to be a big factor. However, most respondents say that they have done it while the boat is at the marina, at anchor and/ or out at sea. Some claim to have done it underway, but they do acknowledge the dangers involved in that for sure. And some admit that the boat does not even have to be on the water. Making love on a boat on a trailer seems to offer more stability.

Creating a romantic ambience is just as important in making love on a boat as anywhere else. The usual mood-setting activity does involve wine a lot though; so let us just advise that if you do have wine, make sure the boat is at a marina, a private jetty, or on a trailer! Music, candles, dinner, lights down are typical modes of romanticising the mood before getting down to business. One respondent believes that a simple act, such as closing the curtains, is enough to impress! The “kinkier” answer involves “catching marlin in the nude”. We say, why not?

When the mood is set and the partners are in full action, nothing else matters – that is, until they get

The respondents’ experiences taught them about the dangers of lovemaking on a boat. The boat suddenly rocks or moves, the anchor drags, the boat drifts, you hit your head on the roof, and of course, getting caught out, are a few of the dangers. Other unusual, but practical, insights have been mentioned. One respondent says that sand is a problem, as it creates “unnecessary friction that can cause serious pain”, while another problem is that the wind may pick up and swing your boat from “out of sight” to “into sight very quickly”. Another respondent seems to suggest that too much sex is like being intoxicated that it “might leave you distracted, and mistakes can be made.” And the “trampoline” respondent says that you can get a “wet arse” if the boat is moving along.

It must be the rocking motion of the boat. Or the feeling of being on a small private island. Or the proximity to the water and the open view of the sky.

Or the feeling of the “wind on your bits”, or “in your sails!” Whatever it is, one respondent summarises it well: “There is something primal about bobbing around on the waves that makes you want to get it all off, and make love.”

Don’t we all agree?

Here are some very interesting tips from the “love-making-on-a-boat” experts: • Use portholes on the deck to put your head through.

• On a rowboat, wear a skirt or take a towel; do not slide around so you do not get splinters.

• Limit the number of crew!

• Beware of drone cameras.

• Be impulsive. Play dirty. Don’t be shy.

• Don’t do it underway if you are the skipper; you might nod off afterwards leaving the boat driverless!

• Set goals. “Our rule is to catch as many marlin on the boat as love-making sessions on the boat. That way, if one gets ahead of the other, you know what area to work on.”

FIND TRUSTWORTHY LOCAL TR ADES FAST SEARCH BOATING AND LIFESTYLE Boat Gold Coast Magazine Business Directory utilises an extensive 72 easy-to-browse category listing for products & services, with quick keyword, business name, and geographic area searches. Simply click on the service you require to find the best marine industry professionals and lifestyle providers to assist with your boating life.

www.boatgoldcoast.com.au/ business-directory

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GUIDE PROTOCOL

Waking a difference!

By James Gullison, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management

R

esidential and commercial development along the Gold Coast beaches and foreshore has seen a reduction in the number of natural dunes along the coast. Stable and well-vegetated dunes are a barrier to erosive waves, stop sand from being blown inland, and act as a buffer zone that protects land and property. Dunes play an integral role in the protection and ecology of the City of Gold Coast’s most important asset, our beaches.

As regular beach and waterway users, sometimes we may underestimate the role that dune plants play along the shoreline. We have important pioneer sand-stabilising species such as beach spinifex, goats foot, pig face and fan flower that capture and hold windblown sand along the fore dunes.

This captured sand can act as a reserve during large storm and erosion events. These plants are generally ground cover with roots that lock the sand

in place as the last line of defence and help with the formation of new dunes. Without them in place, dunes would be susceptible to erosion and we risk losing our beaches.

We have all seen the “no-wash zone” signs along Gold Coast waterways and we need to be aware of the impact our wash can have along the foreshore.

Apart from the fines that are in place for ignoring waterway regulations, there is evidence to suggest boat wake can lead to shoreline erosion in fragile areas. Anytime our boats are in the transitional pattern, our stern displacement increases and this results in the most destructive wake wave from the boat leading to bank erosion. Be aware of this and take steps to minimise the damage by reducing your wash in vulnerable areas, observe speed limits, transition quickly into planing speed, and report any shoreline erosion to authorities. Just remember, if

your wash is larger than the natural waves you would find in that area (wind and swell assisted), then there is the risk you are causing the problem.

The Griffith Centre for Coastal Management in partnership with the City of Gold Coast council, have been working towards the revegetation of Gold Coast dune areas. The programs from the centre are BeachCare and DuneWatch and require volunteers to actively participate on Saturday mornings to assist with the regeneration of dunes sites ranging from Paradise Point to Rainbow Bay. Our fragile beach environments encourage all regular users to actively help in protection of the ecosystem. Stay clear of the dune plants when you berth at a beach, and leave no litter behind. Come along to one of our BeachCare events and learn more about the Gold Coast dune environments and become a champion in your local area!

advancedskipper.org.au An online refresher for your boat licence, designed by boating industry experts Advanced Skipper is an online program from the Boating Industry Association.

Cost is $55 every 5 years (incl GST)

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BOAT GUIDE JOURNEY

OUR BOATING

Lifestyle

Passion

Interview by Narayan Pattison

For SHAUNA ROSE and MARTIAL PETER, it has been a whirlwind romance with their boating lifestyle, being completely swept off their feet by the lure of the beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the Gold Coast waterways. Martial expresses their zeal for Our Passion. or us, we just love the calming lifestyle of boating.

F It is the one place where we least talk about work. And as soon as we are on the water, we both feel it – the calm just washes over us.

Our favourite time is definitely the evenings. We make sure the back of the boat is facing west, so all we can see is the water, the trees and the sunset.

One night, while we were anchored at Tipplers, enjoying the sunset with wine, cheese and crackers, the moment of truth came to us. We knew we had made the right decision in buying the boat. The next morning, while having our coffee, we were visited by dolphins. When you get that as a morning greeting, you know you have done the right thing.

CURRENT BOAT Just a couple of months ago we upgraded our Riviera model from our old M370, to our new 40-foot M400, named Our Passion. We are relatively new boaties, having bought our first boat a couple of years ago, so we wanted to stick with the Riviera brand because they have such amazing after-sales service.

We just love the boat’s flat, open layout. The main cabin is where you spend most of you time, so you want it to be roomy enough that you are not always stepping around each other. We also went with the hard top instead of canvas because we are not really sun people. The hard top keeps it cooler in the sun, and it is always comfortable, even if it is blowing a gale outside. We could not be happier with our boat.

FAVOURITE LOCATIONS We are still finding our feet on the Gold Coast so we have not ventured too far yet. But we absolutely love 90

anchoring at Tipplers and Wave Break Island. Even though we have been to those spots plenty of times, it still feels like we have not seen all they have to offer.

For us, boating is not about constantly doing new things – it is about relaxing and fishing. We had our first real test with the boat last week when we took the kids to Couran Cove Island Resort at South Stradbroke Island, and it couldn’t have gone better.

We had accommodation there but we barely used it – the boat was more than enough. The kids had a brilliant time fishing and relaxing with us.

BOAT BUYING ADVICE If you want a bargain, you have to be prepared to travel. We did a lot of looking before we ended up buying in Newcastle. When it comes to price, obviously you want to negotiate it down as much as possible. But it is also essential to set aside 10% of the purchase price for initial fixes and maintenance.

Even if the boat is in immaculate condition, there will be little things that need doing.

We also find that it really helps to buy through a reputable dealer. Even if you have to pay them for their time, a professional boat dealer is invaluable to come on board and do a separate check from the initial survey.

CLOSE CALL The scariest moment we had on the water was when we were doing 18 knots. I turned to say something to Shauna and suddenly we were heading into dangerously shallow water, which could be really scary. No one had warned us about how quickly you could get off course. It really caught us by surprise.

Martial and Shauna both work in the financial services industry and are based in Clayfield, Brisbane.

LOCAL THOUGHTS The main reason the Gold Coast is so popular is because of the great protection it offers the boaties.

Obviously, the Broadwater provides a huge amount of protected water. But all the way up to Jacobs Well and beyond provides so many scenic and safe waterways. That is why we moor the boat in Calypso Bay because it is so protected, even though we live up in Brisbane.

We find the Gold Coast to be really safe as well. The only thing we can say is watch out for the jet skis. We had one guy jumping his ski in front of us but then he came off the ski, and I had to power off because I could not see where he was under the water.

Some of the places in summer can get quite noisy with parties, especially when you are trying to relax.

That is one reason we prefer boating in winter, as it is not as busy on the water.

SEP - DEC 2017

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BOAT ENVIROMENT

Giving back to the

whales

W

hale watching is more popular as a tourist activity than anything else. The whale and dolphin watching is a huge industry in Australia. The most recent data available from the Department of Environment indicate that in 2008, whale watching tourism in Australia was worth $31 million in direct expenditure to the Australian economy, and that the number of tourists participating in whale watching has grown to over 1.6 million people per year. In 2016, data from Tourism and Events Queensland showed 164,000 domestic and 585,000 foreign visitors engaged in whale or dolphin watching in Queensland from March 2015 to March 2016.

Beyond the awesome experiences offered to visitors and locals of the east coast, there is another aspect of whale watching that is of equal significance. Scientific research conducted on the species and their behaviour, as well as their environment, creates long-term benefits to whale-watching management and conservation efforts, as well as co-existence strategies.

Humpbacks & High-Rises (HHR) is running South East Queensland’s largest whale and dolphin monitoring program. They are looking after thousands of whales and dolphins in the region. Founded in 2011 on the Gold Coast by Dr Olaf Meynecke, surveys are currently being undertaken in the Gold Coast bay, Moreton Bay, and soon the Sunshine Coast.

In this interview, Dr Meynecke shares the process involved in the HHR volunteer research program.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH The main objective of HHR’s work is to provide a better understanding of whales and dolphins in the region, and help translate this knowledge into improved conservation management for these iconic species. We also aim to educate and inform the public about ocean and marine life-related topics, and create awareness and interest among our community.

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Methods used

Our team of trained volunteers use whale-watch boats to survey and monitor whales and dolphins. With the kind support of a number of operators, we have been able to collect very useful data. Our volunteers record detailed behaviour information such as dive time, and behavioural categories such as tail slashing. We also take GPS tracks during the surveys and gather physical data. Fluke and dorsal fin photographs are taken of each surveyed whale and used for identification. HHR also supports or runs a number of other projects such as the determination of health of humpback whales through the collection of blow samples and analysing samples from deceased whales.

RELEVANCE TO THE COMMUNITY The work we do for our community provides detailed estimation where and when whales occur along the coast. We provide data on resting hot spots and are working on a map for self-regulated go-slow zones around South East Queensland. Over the past years we have witnessed more and more newborn calves in the Gold Coast bay. They spend additional time on the surface and travel slow, if at all. Besides being a “navigational hazard”, they are also very vulnerable.

Mother and calf cannot be separated, as it would certainly mean the death of the calf. Our studies have further shown that during certain weather conditions the whales come very close to shore and might be in waters of 10m where most people do not expect them.

HOW COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATE Our research is a great opportunity for the boating community to participate. We have a simple online form that people can access via their phone to enter information where they sight a whale, and what it is doing there. We have a whale app called WhaleTrails available for free on GooglePlay and iTunes.

Photo by Seapix Photo by Humpbacks & High-Rises

It is always a good idea to check the rules around whales and dolphins. The bottom line is 100m distance to whales, and when there is more than three boats, it is 300m. The rules do make sense because they keep both animals and people safe. www.humpbacksandhighrises.org/get-involved/ HHR also works together with researchers from Hervey Bay and Southern Cross University as well as scientists around the country and overseas. Over the past 6 years more than 2,000 individual whales have been surveyed and 5000 fluke pictures for identification were taken.

USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE “USELESS” WHALES Humpbacks had become ‘useless’—‘commercially extinct’—too few in numbers to make it worthwhile for the last local whaling station at Tangalooma on Moreton Island to pursue and kill them. The brief period of whaling along the east coast of Australia had proven far too efficient, killing too many whales too quickly, resulting in the inevitable population crash. It is believed that up to 95% of the east coast population was killed in the decade from 1952 to 1962. Similar exploitation of whales around the world had left many of the larger whale species verging on extinction. (ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals-az/whales.html#white_whales)

SEP - DEC 2017

MAY

19-20

GREAT NORTHERN BREWING CO. FLATHEAD CLASSIC

SEP

27-28

An iconic event on the fishing tournament calendar, the Flathead Classic attracts sportfishers from around the country. The event offers random prize pool, giveaways, entertainment, and much more. There is a 200-team cut-off for the number of competitors, so don’t delay! (www.flatheadclassic.com.au)

OCT

28-29

NOV

11

Southport Yacht Club at Main Beach is open to all visitors, with live entertainment and family fun activities.

Free discover sailing for kids and adults. Large vessels open for viewing, trailerable boats on displays and onwater trials. 10am-4pm. (www.southportyachtclub.com.au)

AUCKLAND ON-WATER BOAT SHOW

SEP

28-1

Held in the magnificent Viaduct Harbour over four days, this is New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show.

Whether you are looking to buy a boat, get a boat built, buy some new accessories, or research professional services, the Auckland On-Water Boat Show has your needs covered. (www.auckland-boatshow.com)

OFFSHORE SUPERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS

A purpose-built Jetboat race track is the venue for the Australian V8 Superboats, the top class of racing in jet sprinting with the boats being unrestricted, using methanol fuel.

Hosted by the Australian Formula Jet Sprint Association. (www.tweedvalleyjetsprintclub.com.au)

GOLD COAST MARINE FAMILY FESTIVAL

SEP

9-30

Watch Brisbane come alive with all the fanfare of a world-class arts and entertainment festival and the city's biggest cultural event. Around one million people each year flock to the Queensland capital for an explosion of music, theatre, dance, opera, circus, and major public events, such as Sunsuper Riverfire. (www.brisbanefestival.com.au)

EVENTS GUIDE SEP – DEC 2017

TWEED VALLEY JET SPRINT CLUB

BRISBANE FESTIVAL

JETTY FIESTA REDCLIFFE PARADE

SEP

9

This is Redcliffe’s biggest street party to soak up the cool beach-style atmosphere. A free event featuring stage entertainment, spectacular light displays, Mariachi bands, beach performances, twilight markets, food stalls, and firetwirling, plus the biggest fireworks display ever seen in the Moreton Bay Region exploding from the Redcliffe Jetty. (www.redcliffefestival.com.au)

GOLD COAST 600 V8 SUPERCARS RACING

OCT

20-22

The Gold Coast’s biggest weekend of entertainment is back, featuring high octane, action-packed Supercars racing. Drivers get set to do battle through the streets of Surfers Paradise.

Free public transport is available on select services to and from the event with a pre-purchased ticket. Kids, 12 and under, receive free trackside admission with a paying adult. (www.v8supercars.com.au)

OCT

28-29

Get ready for the thrill of high-octane powerboat racing in Hervey Bay. The weekend includes the chance to see the boats out of the water and meet the drivers in the pit bay, an esplanade boat parade, and fast and furious racing action out on the water.

Saturday: Pole Position Shootout, noon to 1pm; Street Parade of Boats, 3:30pm. Sunday: Racing from 11am. (www.superboat.com.au)

OYSTER FESTIVAL

NOV

DEC ROLEX SYDNEY 26-31 HOBART YACHT RACE

18

Celebrate oysters, seafood, and wine at the Sandstone Point Hotel 2017 north of Brisbane by Pumicestone Passage. The sprawling bayside venue will serve up free family friendly fun and entertainment, oyster shucking demonstrations, oyster appreciation classes, seafood and wine stalls for lunch, along with fresh seafood to take home from the trawlers at the jetty. (www.sandstonepointhotel.com.au)

Over the past 72 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia's summer sport.

Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the yachting event attracts a huge media coverage at the start on Sydney Harbour. The race has had a marked influence on international ocean yacht racing, and influenced the world in race communications and sea safety. (www.rolexsydneyhobart.com)

Marine Industry Foundation www.marinefoundation.org.au The Foundation’s mission is to provide support to disadvantaged groups and those disconnected from recreational boating with access to boating experiences and skills and to provide opportunities for employment, education and training within the marine industry.

Charity Golf Challenge The Palms Golf Course, Sanctuary Cove Country Club

24th October 2017

The marine industry is seeking your support by way of sponsorship and participation. For sponsorship opportunities or to register your player interest contact BIA Queensland Manager Aaron Mckenna on 0430 115 043 or aaron@bia.org.au All proceeds will be donated to the Marine Industry Foundation.

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BOAT GUIDE EVENT

Champagne Sailing at the SANCTUARY

By Caroline Strainig

A report on all things sailing at the 2017 SCIBS uxury sailing catamarans and monohulls will making its world debut. The 1260 L become an even more common sight in South East is larger in interior volume than its Queensland if buyer interest at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is any gauge.

“It was the best show since the GFC,” was the consensus of distributors. Organisers reported that visitor numbers for the 2017 four-day show were slightly up on the previous year, reaching 42,256, as opposed to 41,621 at the 2016 show (which previously held the same title).

Norm Ambrose, director of Gold Coast-based Ausail Marine Group, stated he has enough work stemming from the show to last him the rest of the year. “It was fantastic,” he said. “I am flat-out doing quotes.” Ausail is the Australian distributor for the popular US-built Catalina sailboat range.

Rowan McMahon, manager of The Multihull Group Queensland, said they also had several sales finalised at the show and expected many more to come. “It was the best result we have had in years,” he said. The Multihull Group’s portfolio includes leading French catamaran range Lagoon.

Both Norm and Rowan confirmed that homegrown buyers were out in force, but distributors also reported a noticeable increase in buyers from Asia.

While powerboats proliferated, there were plenty of sailing multihulls and monohulls. In fact, sail enthusiasts had so many yachts to drool over they were spoilt for choice. Sail brands included Beneteau, Catalina, Catana, Dufour, Fountaine Pajot, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Leopard, Seawind, and Sunreef.

The undoubted belle of the ball was the custombuilt Polish-built Sunreef Loft, a stunning 18-metre catamaran, which costs more than $2m. This yacht boasts all the bells and whistles, and a black and red oriental-inspired fit-out that set it apart from the other multihulls. And, take heart, if you cannot afford that price tag, you can still charter the boat for US$30,000 for eight days to go diving in Indonesia.

Split six ways, that’s reasonably affordable.

Another new boat turning heads was the new Seawind 1260 cruising catamaran, which was 94

predecessors but has the same C aroly n M streamlined under-water profile. w ith S e aw ar tin and John M ar ind/M ulti This model also has the trademark hull C e n tr tin (r igh t) dis cu ss al sa le sm an A ndre the new S e aw ind fold-up saloon doors, creating w Craw fo 12 6 0 rd. a huge open-plan area when raised. Seawind offers the 1260 with its popular galley-down configuration (in a hull), but also an innovative galley-up option (adjacent to the saloon) promoting a $995 get-into-boating package that they sponsor in conjunction with the Royal Queensland for the charter market.

Yacht Squadron at Manly.

The Fountaine-Pajot Helia 44 Evolution catamaran was just one of many French-built eye-catchers. The There were also two halls choc-a-bloc with new layout of the display boat was the owner’s version, products and gear, including a narrow-beam, with a large owner’s cabin in one hull and two guest forward-looking sonar from Garmin, and some cabins in the other. Even though this catamaran nifty slip-resistant magnetic glasses from Silwy, has a galley up, there is still plenty of entertaining which promise to make enjoying a beverage on the space. The lounge area on top of the cabin is just move much easier. Multihull Solutions’ used yacht brokerage division also had a mouth-watering one stand-out feature. photo display of second-hand multihulls for sale.

The Lagoon 42 was also attracting keen interest, which is hardly surprising given 170 were sold So that’s it! The SCIBS done and dusted for another internationally within six months of the world year, all signs indicating one of the most successful launch. This model boasts the space the Lagoons shows sail-wise in a long time, and with dozens of new yachts to grace our waterways as a result. No are renowned for but with improved performance. doubt there will also be more than the odd bottle of The Catana Bali catamaran was a must-see for champagne consumed as buyers celebrate naming buyers interested in investing in a charter yacht. their new purchases.

The Catana has abundant accommodation and a host of charter-friendly features that should make it the perfect holiday yacht.

Germany was also represented, which the Nautitech 40 Open catamaran, built by Bavaria, which was yet another example of this mega-builder’s ability to turn out a well thought out boat at a good price.

Not to be outdone, monohull sailboat distributors turned out en masse, with French manufacturers yet again to the fore, including Beneteau, Dufour and Jeanneau. However, manufacturers from other countries were also represented, including popular US builder Catalina.

Next to the marina, luxury cars proliferated, but there was still the occasional stand to interest the sailor, including entry-level small sailboats. These comprised an off-the-beach Corsair from Multihull Central,

The stunning Lagoon 42 sailing catamaran.

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT GOLD COAST

GC TO HERVEY BAY IN A DAY great company - countless whales - dolphins escorting the riders - beautiful coloured sands -

perfect conditions - spectacular sunrise over the Pacific Ocean - amazingly clear water in some places h e Jetskishop.com has been synonymous with jet T ski trekking for more than 20 years. The long-running initiative, The Breakfast Club, is a social group for jet ski

owners who have a passion for discovering new destinations with personal watercraft. By organising treks to interesting destinations, the Club believes that riders can build their confidence to take others with them to exciting spots where they can discover new activities and great places for lunch.

One Friday morning, before the sun rose over the horizon, Tom McNaught, The Breakfast Club president, set off with Andrew Johnston and his son Ethan, from Southport to Hervey Bay in one day – a journey of over 400km by water.

“We set off from the beautiful Gold Coast, with navigation lights on. Soon after exiting the Seaway, we spotted our first whales. After a short stop to admire such majestic creatures, we continued the journey before being greeted by an amazing sunrise over the Pacific Ocean,” Tom recalls.

The three riders took the path on the ocean side of South and North Stradbroke Islands, as well as the world-renowned Moreton Island. “The sights were nothing short of amazing.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

On both port and starboard sides, it was like whales were escorting us. At one stage, we slowed to let a pod of dolphins cross in front of us. To our surprise, instead of continuing their path, the dolphins seemed to be curious about us crazy jet skiers, and decided to play with us. The dolphins would swim right up to the skis and turn on their sides. They appeared to be smiling at each rider. A couple of them were posing in front of the skis, then swimming back to the rider and repeating the process,” explains Tom. “The dolphins stayed with the riders for over five minutes. In awe of this really intimate interaction with nature, Andrew called to me in a really excited tone, ‘We got it all today, Tom.’” As they rounded the northern end of Moreton Island, the water was a very clear aqua green. Tom says, “At a depth of six metres, we could see the marble effect of the sun's rays reflecting off the ocean floor.”

Wanting to keep the team moving, they opted to have a breakfast bar on the go, planning to have an early lunch at Caloundra. There was a quick fuel stop at Sandstone Point just before the Bribie Passage. “The passage was as smooth as glass, which makes for an enjoyable ride. Lunch was at

Caloundra at 11am. We ate homemade sausage rolls, which were quite amazing,” Tom reminisces. An hour after stopping, they hit the seats and took on the Caloundra bar.

Tom describes, “The scenery was nothing short of fantastic.

More whales on the way, with one popping up only 10 metres from Andrew.”

Next destination was Noosa for their last scheduled fuel stop, before taking in the surroundings as they powered to their destination. “The scenery going past Teewah Beach and the Coloured Sands around Double Island Point was simply stunning. The waters through the Fraser Passage were as smooth as glass,” remembers Tom. As the team leader, Tom needed to make an important safety call. “With the fuel buzzers going off, we decided to put a few litres in at Kingfisher Bay Resort just to be sure.

We couldn’t risk any of the skis running out of fuel.”

The riders arrived at Hervey Bay Marina around 5pm as the sun was setting. Summing up, Tom says, “It was an exciting challenge to complete in one day, helped by perfect weather.

It can only be described as an awesome experience.”

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BOAT GUIDE EVENT

NORTH BURLEIGH INFLATABLE RESCUE BOAT CHAMPIONS

By Andy Kancachian

T

he North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club has taken out their fifth consecutive Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championship in a historic July weekend of racing.

all the boxes, the chances of success are slim. Being both the coach and a competitor of our team has its challenges. However, I really enjoy nurturing new and young competitors more so than my own success.”

The competitive IRB club took out six gold, one silver and two bronze medals to cement their win, continuing their reign as the most successful IRB club in history.

Remarkably, Andrew's own team boat won three of the four of the open races. But it could have been four of four, if not for mother nature. “Like all Surf Life Saving events, we compete in the surf, and anyone who has been to the beach can understand the unpredictability of the ocean particularly at the beach.

I was unfortunate in my final race of the Surf Rescue to meet a wave only a few boat lengths offshore, which broke on top of us, all but stopping the boat and filling it with water. This final race is known as the blue ribbon event, and allows for no mistakes or misfortune. So, we were met with some bad luck and it was not meant to be. My old foe, Nathan Foster, was in the alley next to me, and suffered a similar fate. It was a shame to not be able to have another hit-out with him. Luckily, we had other crew who picked up a bronze medal for the club, with Spencer Moncrieff driving and Anthony Shanagan as the crewman.”

Andrew Kelckhoven, who is coach, captain and competitor of the North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club said, “I believe we are this good because of a long history of continuous growing of our abilities. We have a solid platform, which was laid by many club stalwarts before our generation of competitors. Our club has a strong culture of success, and more importantly, we are like a big family. This allows our members to learn and develop seamlessly while having a great time. As is with most organisations, you are only as good as your people, your systems, and the culture you cherish.”

The club notched up twice as many points as its nearest competitor, so Andrew must be coaching differently to other clubs. “As the sport has evolved, so has my coaching techniques. We have been forced to adapt to a number changes in the sport's format and rules over the past 10 years. IRB racing is a challenging sport, so competitors need to prepare themselves physically. They are also required to prepare their boats and motors, and of course each team must acquire the skills to operate a vessel in extremely challenging water conditions. There are then many areas to master within. So unless you tick

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When asked to pinpoint what it is that makes North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club so much better at racing than the rest of the Australian teams, Andrew ponders, “Our culture, like all other surf club culture, is one which is built from members willing to volunteer their time to patrol our beaches around Australia for no pay. This very fact, I believe, separates IRB racing culture from

Photos by Surf Life Saving Australia

other sports. North Burleigh has a unique culture in that we all race for each other. We will do anything to assist each other on and off the beach. This family-like atmosphere has strengths on many different levels.”

Surf Life Saving Australia general manager of capacity and capability, Greg Meagher, said that the record number of crew competing noticeably increased the quality of competition. “This year, we had over 720 competitors, the most we’ve ever had, and it was clear the number of competitors brought up the quality of competition significantly,” he said.

Andrew, not being one to take all the glory, was quick to note that, “Our female team won five medals: three gold, one silver, and one bronze. Mikaela Rawlings (driver) and Maddie Phillips (crewman) won three gold medals (Mass Rescue, Teams Race, Surf Rescue races). It was their first year together as crew and only second year racing, which is a massive effort! Brooke Ward (driver) and Sarah Cartwright (crewman) won one gold in teams race; one silver, behind Mikaela in Mass Rescue race; and a bronze with Surf Rescue Race.”

The scores speak for themselves. Andrew Kelckhoven will not only be written in history as one of the greatest all-round IRB athletes of his time, but more importantly he is a great role model for the Surf Life Saving community and a very humble and generous champion. Well done mate!

SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT EVENT

Moreton Bay Hosts

AUSTRALIAN JET SKI TITLES

R

edcliffe is located just north of Brisbane Queensland. It is a sleepy little town with a beautiful backdrop of Moreton Bay. It is also a marine park with a plethora of turtles, dolphins and dugongs. So organising the Australian Jet Ski Titles 2017 race entailed some serious negotiations with the powers-that-be, but proved to be successful. The 2017 AJSP Australian Watercross Championships were held on 29-30 April as part of the Redcliffe Lifestyle on Water Festival.

Racing started early on the Saturday morning with everyone getting a few sighting laps before the race.

The conditions were improving from Friday's practice so the day was looking good.

With the introduction of the new SXR and Yamaha’s Ex, the organisers, Australian Jet Sports Boating Association (AJSBA), decided that the SXR would run in GP as they could not make up the numbers to separate the classes. Moreover, the Rob White’s Yamaha Ex were put in with the Seadoo Sparks in Pro Am Lites Runabout, due to it being a heavier than the Spark.

This worked out well for both classes, with neither of the new boats dominating the race. Justin Winsor, the owner of Liquid Industries on the Gold Coast, had blistering speed on his Seadoo Trak 903. It was doing 75mph right up until it let go and the team had to throw a new motor in overnight. Winsor went on to take the overall win in GP Ski, and the Australian Title.

Pro Am Lites Ski was also closely contested, with Tom Akien, Michael Stevens and youngster Byron Lewis (from Western Australia). Akien was looking like he was going to take the title just ahead of Stevens. The boys were on the pace all weekend in perfect condition one day, and surf like conditions the next. At presentation, to the surprise of all – especially Stevens – Akien was

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

penalized for missed buoys. This meant Stevens received the title, and bumping Lewis up into second place.

Vintage ski race is always great to watch. The beautifully turned out skis always impress. Tim Ryan and the boys always put on a great show. With two motors combined into one, it makes a fantastic show.

Every heat, the boys have two starts. I am sure, though, that the guys do not take the race too seriously. (I noticed Ryan waiting for Jarrod Martin to catch up a bit so they could rub shoulders in the turns.) There was also a great Vintage display on show for all to see, with plenty of replicas and original skis.

It was good to see international rider Mohammed Burbayea at the titles. His Seadoo was a weapon on the track, dominating the first few laps on GP Runabout. Unfortunately, that did not last long with Burbayea dropping out of the first race with mechanical issues. Paul Leven and James Masterton took up the challenge. Actually, the entire field of GP had some great racing. At one stage or the other, I think, they were all in a podium position. Leven won the race. He is a great supporter of the sport and always makes a huge effort at every event. He rode consistently all weekend, and well deserving of the title Australian Champion. If you have never seen A GP class, make the effort to so. It is the F1 of our sport.

In the Enduro Open race, a one Moto a day consisting of a 35min + one lap race, Christian D'Agostin went on to take the title, the fifth Australian title for him and a great ride.

Brett Douglas took out Race One convincingly only to have electrical gremlins turn up in Race Two. This gave the opportunity for Guy Greenland and D'Agostin to give it a go. Race One offered glassy water conditions with the racers holding it wide open the whole half hour. But Race Two welcomed a twofoot swell, with a solid wind chop making things a bit

By Andrew Donovan Photo by Skip

more exiting. Mitch Casey and D'Agostin both went over the hangers in the chop. Unfortunately, Casey did not recover after corking his legs on the ski. He was rescued by the safety crew and brought ashore.

He later made a full recovery with only minor injuries.

D'Agostin, on the other hand, managed to remount his ski and continue on to take third in that moto.

Enduro Open was a mixed class race due to limited numbers, so another winner in Enduro Am Showroom Stock was Paul Bazely. His Kawasaki was at home in the rough conditions and deserved the win.

Mitch Wayt on his 2 Yamaha Gp1800 was consistently fast. The 2016 Australian champion showed us again why he was the champ. Taking the podium in three different classes, he is an outstanding rider and always keen to give it a go. Wayt took out Enduro Pro Am Stock, and placed second in Stock Spec Runabout. Pro Am Stock was a close contest with Wayt only just edging out Casey by one point. Casey is only a newcomer to the sport and with Wayt taking him under his wing. I expect to see a lot of good racing from these two in the future.

Australian Jet Ski Parts were on hand to give away some cool gear and prizes. Loco energy drinks kept everyone hydrated. Swiftco Trailer also donated an awesome trailer for the event.

Justin Belczowski won the trailer with a bit of lighthearted backlash from the crowd.

The organisers put on an impressive event. It has been a long five years since the last Australian Titles held at the Spit on the Gold Coast. This year’s event has been the first national title race since the racing incident on the Gold Coast, where racer Joey Scaturchio died. At this year’s event in Redcliffe, Joey’s father, Tony, turned up and supported the event with the handing-over of the Joey Scaturchio Memorial Trophy to Mitch Wayt.

Looking forward to not having such a long wait between titles.

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BOAT EVENT

Reviving the golden era of water skiing

By Narayan Pattison

GOLD COAST SKIERS JOIN THE REUNION

Torrens Title, a blown alcohol drag boat driven by Grant Torrens

Gold Coast local and barefoot skiing world champ Grant Torrens was one of the many who enjoyed the gala night. “I was stoked to see Graham Barclay get into the hall of fame. He was my coach back in the day. He taught me how to walk on water.” Graham was clearly a great coach because Grant had an incredible career on the water, scooping up pretty much every barefoot skiing record around the world. At age 12, he was setting barefoot records in the junior endurance and speed divisions, being the first junior to get over 80mph. Before long, he was travelling to the USA and winning a string of world barefoot records in both LA and San Francisco, with speeds up to 150mph.

Hall of Fame

F

orster in New South Wales was buzzing in July with the roar of power boats and plenty of spectacular water skiing. This year’s Fred Williams Boaties and Skiers Reunion event was by far the biggest yet, with over 125 boats and 15,000 attendees. And there were plenty of Gold Coast local legends, including barefoot skiing champs Grant Torrens and Tom Wyld, who both took the trip down to meet up with fellow heroes of Aussie water skiing and boat racing.

Grant also likes to get behind the wheel and has been very successful, scoring records in Aussie drag boat racing as well. Grant has been taking his drag boat Torrens Title down to the Forster event for the last seven years. The boat’s hefty 540in2 “blown-injected alcohol Chev” makes it a regular crowd pleaser when Grant demos it. Grant’s other boating love is his classic Hammond, the Rolls Royce of ski boats, which he takes out regularly from his waterfront mansion on Sovereign Island.

Another Gold Coast local Vicki Smith is a regular attendee of the reunions. Vicki and her husband, Pete Smith, ran Everingham Boats for 20 years, with many of their

Freddy Williams started the annual event 10 years ago, with a small gathering of just five boats, based around his desire to catch up with his old racing buddies.

Freddy, now 86, is the first Aussie to make water skis, and has been a major fixture of the Aussie racing scene ever since. In recent years, fellow boating enthusiast Rhonda Wojcikewycz took over the event’s organisation for Freddy.

Rhonda used her extensive connections with both boaties and the local council, to create the Mid North Coast Speedboat Club, which is focused entirely around supercharging Freddy’s event and its attendees. And by all accounts, the 2017 gathering was a roaring success.

At the gala night, five ski racers were recognised for their significant contribution to the sport. Rhonda said, “We set up a hall of fame for ski racing athletes and officials because they’re not getting the recognition they deserve. We chose five people for this first one, but we’ll be opening it up to nominations next year.” The hall of fame athletes and officials were Ken Warby, Fred Williams, Bert Everingham (whose business Everingham Boats built many of top ski boats on the Hawkesbury), Pete Smith (a hugely successful boat racer who took over Everingham Boats), and Graham Barclay.

GOLD COASTERS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE One of the event’s happy attendees was Tom Wyld, whom most Gold Coast boaties will know well from his business, Wyld About Boats. What you may not know is that Tom is also one of the founding fathers of Aussie water skiing. In the 1960s, he was the first Victorian to ski the bridge-to-bridge race on the Hawkesbury River.

He then played a large role in shaping the sport through his work as the president of the Victorian Barefoot Water Skiing Club, as well as the Victorian Ski Racing Association, which he created. Tom also founded the Southern 80 ski race on The Murray that went on to become one of the biggest annual races around the world.

Tom fondly remembers when he first heard about the Fred Williams event. “I saw the list and there was so much history there. Some of the guys had been around since before me. It was unbelievable! I thought, ‘Geez, I’ve got to go to this!’”

Ken Warby’s Spirit of Australia II was certainly one of the event’s biggest crowd pleasers, and it is easy to see why. Bolted on his boat is a jet engine from a plane that blows huge flames out the back. Getting to see ‘the fastest man alive on water’ was a particular highlight for Tom. “Ken firing up his jet boat was brilliant.

The noise and power of that thing was unbelievable.” After holding the world speed record for 40 years at an incredible 511kph, Ken and his son David will be attempting to break the record again later this year.

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3 Demand Avenue Arundel QLD 4214 Hayden Wyld, Tel: 07-5563 2223 SEP - DEC 2017

Event organiser Rhonda Wojcikewycz sitting on speed record holder Ken Warby’s new boat Spirit of Australia II which was the biggest crowd favourite

boats winning numerous races. “Pete was one of the first people to put a blown alcohol engine in a displacement hull. I remember it needed so much testing to figure out the best way to handle that much horsepower,” Vicki explained.

Getting to catch up with so many of her old friends was a highlight for Vicki. “Our whole life was racing back then. And after so many years, it was just brilliant to get all the oldies together who competed back in the day. I think this event helps bring a lot of generations together, too. I saw plenty of boat drivers who were just kids back in the day, and there were also lots of youngsters today who are getting a chance to see the old legends they’ve watched in the videos.”

LOOKING FORWARD After this year’s resounding success, Rhonda is already hard at work planning the 2018 reunion event. “Force boats will be a bigger part of it. I’ve already got five more confirmed for next year. And the council have given us approval to let the popular ski boat Burnin do ski race demos next time. And hopefully Ken Warby will be back, and he’ll have broken his speed record.”

Visit the Mid North Coast Speedboat Club Facebook page to keep an eye on next year’s event which promises to be even more exciting.

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BOAT BUSINESS

LET’S TALK GRASSROOTS BOATING What motivates you to boat? What matters most to you as an advocate of recreational boating and as a steward of the waterways? How can you become a collaborative partner in the policy and strategy changes that impact your safety and enjoyment on the waters? What is it about your unique boating experience that you want to share with those not engaging in the activity or not familiar with boating?

By Roselle Tenefrancia

O

ur team had the privilege to be part of many significant boating industry events, international and local. The insights and learnings we obtained are invaluable.

With many expert presentations and notable comments made during these events, the information on recreational boating, both as an industry and as a universal leisure interest, surpasses political and geographical boundaries.

The concepts like “digital disruption”, “millennials”, “share economy” and the “waves of change” are the key focus of where the future of recreational boating is going. Looking forward, we deemed it important to also re-focus on the core concepts that relate to the tangible experience of boating. We coined the term “grassroots boating” to push forward the voices of those who are engaging in boating and who are waterways users. In this age of intangible concepts, we thought that, by bringing back what matters on the water, boaters should have a better appreciation of their unique experiences.

2017: A BOATING YEAR This year was a showcase of international events for the boating industry on the Gold Coast. There were two international boat shows held on separate dates, the international boating organisations’ joint congress, a superyacht conference, the first superyacht rendezvous, and a waterways resilience conference.

The various industry organisations and businesses were strategic players in many of the recent changes that happened in the local boating industry. The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is now the industry group in Queensland (which used to be Marine Queensland). The superyacht sector also celebrated milestones. For many years, this sector has been lobbying the government, through Superyacht Australia, to relax its policies on international superyacht charters, among many other proposals. The Queensland government showed its support to the sector by funding a research study to determine the economic impact of the superyacht industry in Australia. The Gold Coast is also now a Port of Entry (immigration and customs) for foreign-flagged vessels, with Southport Yacht Club as the Boarding Station, albeit on a one-year trial that is timely with the Commonwealth Games.

What significance do these events and milestones have on our boating life? The high-level conferences and the high-profile events are necessary to engage decision-makers and those who are involved in creating, amending and enforcing policies and regulations. They are activities that seek to educate and to create awareness of new developments in the industry, locally and globally, as well as of the challenges and issues that face the different boating sectors.

In May, the week dubbed as “International Boating Week” saw a number of international events held on the Gold Coast. The International Council of Marine Associations (ICOMIA) and the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) held their annual joint Congress. The BIA, the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), and Superyacht Australia, and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) are respective members. Although the event was an “industry” event, it was also an opportunity for the Gold Coast to showcase the city’s waterways and the boating lifestyle to the international delegates.

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SEP - DEC 2017

BOAT BUSINESS

Photo by Discover Boating

A presentation (by the Boat Gold Coast team) to the delegates from the IFBSO about the boating life on the Gold Coast and in the country was well received with new insights and opportunities gained by the international audience.

SIGNIFICANT LEARNINGS The first economic impact study on Australia’s superyacht industry presented at the Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) in May, reveals that the industry contributed $1.97 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016, and finds “the local superyacht industry is held back by restrictive policy – if relaxed, it could contribute an additional estimated $1.12 billion to GDP in 2021, for a total contribution of $3.34 billion”. For Australians, this translates to more local jobs, and more opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses, and the marine service industries. The common sentiment of the experts is for the businesses involved to remain creative and focused on the boating lifestyle experience, rather than the actual product.

The economic value of the Gold Coast waterways, beyond the recreational boating industry, is huge, and should be integrated into the planning and policy development regarding waterways use, as suggested by the data presented at a waterways resilience symposium held by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) in May, dubbed “Gold Coast Waterways 2017 and Beyond”. The economic value is often assessed in conjunction with built capital, such as goods, services and infrastructure. On the Gold Coast, the “waterways underpin significant economic activity, with an estimated contribution to regional GRP of around $440 million”. The values are taken from the total contribution from marinas, tourism and recreation.

As regards impact to the regional employment, the total direct jobs attributable to economic activity are around 4,000, and over 6,000 jobs including flow-on impacts.

A vital discussion point during the Marine 17 Conference in July revolved around identifying who the current boaters are, and how to engage more non-boaters into this leisure activity. Currently, there are two million boat licence holders in Australia, 85% of whom are male, and 15% are female, while 60% of boaters are over the age of 45. There are 900,000 registered boats in Australia, with 15,000 new boats registered each year. The State of Queensland has the most number of registered vessels (at 256,000) and of boat licences (at 694,000).

Australia has experienced an increase of three million Australians in the last five years. This comprises 8.8% of the total population. The total population shows the average age to be 38. It is worth noting that the cultural backgrounds of many of the new Australians are Chinese and Indian. There is significantly greater cultural diversity, and hence, a broader range of audience that needs to be targeted. The new Australians are not yet fully familiar with the Australian waterways lifestyle, although it is something that would have appealed to them when they first arrived.

Based on research, it seems that the current generation are not showing a significant interest in recreational boating as a family pastime. People, particularly the millennials (Generation Y comprise 22% of the total population), are generally spending more time on the screen than on any other leisure activity, with an BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

average three-minute attention span. If and when the more traditional outdoor recreational pursuits, like boating, become attractive to the digital generation, we may witness an innovative and diversified boating sector. With the popularity of Uber and AirBnB, and other share-economy activities that are powered by digital technology, we may also see a similar shift of interest in boating.

Moreover, it is recognised that population increase is currently considered more of a risk to the resilience of the waterways in the region than climate change. The aspects of safety and quality of experience thus play a huge role in recreational boating. The increasing number of boat users on the waterways should become an important point of interest, as this affects the strategies in balancing various interests in waterways use, taking into consideration the increasing diversity in the population. Boating safety regulations, infrastructure policies, and business strategies should remain relevant and targeted, and be reviewed in the context of the evolving social, economic and natural environments.

BOTTOM LINE: GRASSROOTS BOATING The Australian population has experienced significant growth not only in the number of people in the country, but also in the extent of cultural diversity.

With more young Asians driving economic activity, it will not be long before the Australian spirit of adventure will find its way into these new Aussies. We can expect greater interest in the boating lifestyle, particularly in areas where the waterways life is the norm. Moreover, in terms of industry participation, the hospitality sector is seeing many of these new Aussie millennials being involved in and supporting the tourism, hospitality, science, and IT industries. Why should they not find similar opportunities in the boating sector?

The recreational boating industry is competing with many other present-day recreational distractions. The digitally connected generation is a product of the digital disruption in the last 10 years. Although this gives the impression that everyone is less inclined to engage in “touch-feel” experiences, it is but a logical consequence of the relentless introduction of new technologies in our daily life.

It is clear that the recreational boating as an industry will have to adapt to the changing environment. Although we are currently focused on these technologies in our everyday life, the physical leisure experiences are not going to disappear. Boating as an activity will survive, as it has over the centuries. How the businesses will approach the waves of change and deliver the unique experiences, through innovative and creative contexts and structures, is now the biggest challenge they face.

The core value of grassroots boating is quality of experience. Beyond the brand names, the products and technologies, we are encouraged to go boating because we enjoy the freedom that it offers, and the social, psychological and environmental connections that come with it. We use the waterways for leisure, sport, transport, or survival. Although we are now exploring and learning new things through the digital domains, we are still experiencing life in the physical realm. The bottom line of boating is the value of that physical experience – and you, the boater, are key in creating it.

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© Copyright Commonweatth of Australia 2014, Bureau of Meteorology.

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

Andrew Chapman President MIA, Steve Sammes GM GCCM, Trenton Gay CEO GCCM, Simon McLean CEO Club Marine.

GOLD COAST CITY MARINA

INDUCTED INTO BOATYARD HALL OF FAME

M

arine industry icon, Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) has recently been inducted into the Australian ‘Marina Hall of Fame’ by the peak body, Marina Industries Association (MIA) at the Marine 17 International Conference & Exhibition.

It is the first time any facility has achieved this accolade under the Boatyard category as the ‘Hall of Fame’ was specifically created to recognise marinas that have consecutively won a major Australian ‘Marina of the Year’ category - a track record only achieved by the Coomera-based service facility.

Trenton Gay, CEO of Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard said “We are delighted and humbled to be recognised. This award acknowledges all the hard work and dedication of not only the whole GCCM team but also our tenants. We are grateful for the support we receive from our customers and, of course, the MIA. In the end, it’s all about the customer, listening to what they want and striving to exceed their expectations through a process of continuing improvement. This award further motivates us to stay on the top of our game,” he said Andrew Chapman CMM, President of the MIA said, “The MIA strives to support and encourage marinas to deliver exceptional facilities and service through our education and awards programs for the benefit of the boating public and the broader community.

Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard has consistently demonstrated this commitment to excellence and it is fitting it is the first facility to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the boatyard category. We hope that this recognition motivates other boatyards to embark on a similar journey.”

The presentation was a highlight of the Gala Dinner and Club Marine Marina Awards Presentations at the Marine 17 International Conference and Exhibition in Sydney.

Yet, it was not the only award presented to GCCM on the night. Owner and CEO, Trenton Gay, was recognised for his Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry through exemplary business practices and contribution to the marine sector and wider community. Trenton has worked tirelessly to highlight to local, State and Federal governments key industry issues such as dredging, Gold Coast customs clearance and much-needed changes to the regulations governing superyacht charter.

The recognition did not stop with the Hall of Fame and its CEO. GCCM was also bestowed the award for the Best Environmental Initiative by a Marina for its continued environmental improvement which has set a global benchmark. Initiatives which include water recycling, treatment and rainwater capture; on-site recycling of hard and liquid waste; and perhaps most impressively, the largest marine solar power in the world. Only further demonstrated by the facilities recent 100% score on its Clean Marina audit.

Finally, GCCM employee and long-standing figure of the Australian marine industry, Steve Sammes, was nominated as the Marina Employee of the Year for his dedication to best practice marina management, outstanding customer service and leadership in the industry.

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