BOAT GOLD COAST MAGAZINE NOV - JAN 2016

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU | NOV-JAN 2016

FREE MAGAZINE

WATERFRONT LIVING

Page 39

SAILING IN PARADISE

COFFS TO COAST - SURF, SAIL & CITY

SUMMER DESTINATIONS TANGALOOMA & SEQ DAMS

LOCAL BOATING HISTORY

SANCTUARY COVE & DUNLOPS CANAL

GIFTS FOR ANGLERS

BOAT GOLD COAST

Editor’s Note

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n my personal life, I have had to leave behind a place where I was born, raised and formed—like many Gold Coasters. Moving forward to a new life in a new city, I have to keep an open mind and heart to be able to live life with my family to the fullest. But moving forward does not mean I should forget my past. In fact, for me to advance, I have to look back, acknowledge my past and learn from it.

The Gold Coast has a rich history. In this fourth edition of Boat Gold Coast, we collected stories of the past that have made impacts on the current Gold Coast boating and waterways lifestyle.

Our editorial team had the privilege of meeting the woman behind the man responsible for the Sanctuary Cove Act of 1985. Her name is Margaret Toose and her story tells of her personal interactions with the people behind the place of “ultimate living” (p44). We also look back and remember the waterskiing era, where Keith Williams and Vaughan Bullivant were champions in their own right (p8). An engineering feat that the Gold Coast is known for is the Sand Bypass System developed in the 80s (p50). We also recall how in the 90s, a man named Rod McLaughlin proposed for signages on our canals. We look into his proposal, and bring out insights on naming residential waterways (p42).

We remind you of the days when there were only six races a year held by the Southport Yacht Club and how the current 76 races have come to be (p26), and how a young man attempted to use a computer as a navigational aid way back in the 80s and was successful (p30).

With a glimpse of the past, we are able to learn more about our city, and how it has grown from dairy farms into a bustling destination city for people who love the sun, the surf, the beach and the boats. Government policies and stakeholder participation are key to a future of a boating industry and a lifestyle that are thriving and sustainable.

The National Clean Air Agreement is a reality that will affect the future of two-stroke outboard engines in the country (p18) but it is no cause to worry as the aim is to achieve a cleaner environment for us. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority are bracing for more projects to implement and support for the coming year, such as dredging and infrastructure developments (p37). Industry leaders also speak up about their boating life and look forward to a bright future for boating (p36).

It is indeed an exciting future ahead for Gold Coast in a lot of ways. I find myself understanding my new home city more as I venture into its past. But as I have to move forward in my own life, the Gold Coast has also no way to go but forward. The future of Gold Coast boating—the industry and the lifestyle—is something to look forward to with an open mind and an open heart. Although we seek outside to find our greener pastures, we must look inside our own city, our own people and our own resources, and give them the opportunity to flourish in a place that was only a dream to those who lived before us.

Our Crew

PUBLISHER

Competitive Brands Pty. Ltd.

DIRECTOR

Andy Kancachian

EDITOR

Roselle Tenefrancia editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au

Richard Newman

SALES

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

CONTRIBUTORS Vixter, Ian Anderson, Ian Banks, Jason Keily, Carmel Bellchambers, Kevin Ballantine, Ray McMahon, Norman Ambrose, Nick Ramensky, Noemi Acub, Leanne Wyman, Patrick Molnar, Chris Morgan, Sally Jenyns, Nic Welch, Byron Hoskins, Matt Jackson, Di Thompson, Dohun Aaron Kwak, Sam Gilmore COVER PHOTO Absolutely depicting the Gold Coast boating lifestyle, the Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge coasts out front of the spectacular Surfers Paradise skyline.

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.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Gold Coast is a free quarterly publication, distributing around the Gold Coast from Jacob’s Well to Tweed River region. We encourage contributions from the Gold Coast community that support the Gold Coast boating industry, and promote the fun, safe and sustainable use of the Gold Coast waterways. We are an independent publication, with no political or social alliances to any office, group or association.

Opinions expressed in the articles are of the contributors, and not of the publisher or editor.

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

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

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with R MWhitsunday c ruising p arine Cr awley rogram

If your cruising dreams involve exploring the Queensland coast including the 74 tropical islands that lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, then the R Marine Crawley Club is one that you will definitely want to join.

R Marine Crawley is a dealership totally created around the love of boating. Dedicated exclusively to the luxury Riviera and Belize marques, they offer a full valet service department as well as a premium brokerage

division. If you are a Riviera or Belize owner and are wanting to explore the reef, R Marine Crawley are uniquely positioned to help turn your Whitsunday cruising dreams into reality.

Chart your fun-filled course to the Whitsundays in 2016. Membership of the R Marine Crawley Club is complimentary. Your family cruising experiences will be priceless.

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For a detailed copy of the extensive 2016 Whitsunday cruising calendar, please contact Ben Crawley

R MARINE CRAWLEY Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay QLD 4216 admin@rmarinecrawley.com.au Office 07 5529 5007

Ben Crawley Ben Leigh-Smith Michael Donnan Jason Kowalski

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RmarineCrawley.com.au

BOAT GOLD COAST

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INSPIRATIONAL WATERFRONT LIVING

END OF 2-STROKE OUTBOARDS p.18

p.28

p.39

BUYING A SAILBOAT

TANGALOOMA SHIPWRECKS ADVENTURE FIND THIS BEACON AT NIGHT p.54

p.58

6 Through The Porthole 8 Waterski Gold Coast 12 Events Guide 14 Xcat World Series 16 Sealegs Boat Review 18 Emissions Standard 22 Marlin Fishing 25 Sailing Events 2016 26 Sailing Race History 28 Buying A Sailboat 30 Sailing Into Digital Age 35 Shag Islet Update 36 Local Personality Q&A 37 GCWA Update 39 Waterfront Living 42 Canal Name Signage 44 Sanctuary Cove Early Days 48 IRB Race 49 Enjoy SUP 50 Sand Bypass Anniversary 52 Boatie’s Wine Guide 53 Thai Bream Recipe 54 Navigate At Night 56 Platypus Watch 57 Sea Wasp Rescue 58 Tangalooma By Boat 60 Trips To Seq Dams 62 Keep Fit Onboard BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

5

BOAT PHOTOGRAPHY

BOATS TIE UP FOR A CLEAN-UP PHOTO BY JASON KEILY WORDS BY IAN BANKS

This was our first official dive clean-up event held on 5 July 2015. The boats arrived at 8:00 in the morning, and tied up together, waiting for the divers.

I posted on Facebook an image of a dead turtle caught in fishing lines. The response from the people is what caused me to organise the event. So many people felt a need to right a wrong situation.

Fishermen are not always aware of the fishing lines they leave behind. So, divers, fishermen, boaties, and people who don’t have any marine interests all felt a need to help and do something. This was an ideal opportunity to promote community action and discourage the mentality that we need to make money out of every situation.

A green turtle caught in 20 fishing lines in Broadwater, posted on Diving The Gold Coast Facebook site on 24 June 2015

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There have been two clean-up events conducted and both have been very successful. In total, over 40 km of fishing lines were removed. There are still more than 400 km of fishing lines to be removed, it will take at least 10 more clean-up events to achieve.

The opportunity for people to bond together and be part of something worthwhile was of highest priority. All who took part were volunteers, helping in any way they could. Any funded groups would require a lot of administration and regulation, but this is purely community volunteering—community spirit at its best.

How many boats have been involved?

A total of 30 boats have been of assistance in the two clean-up events we have organised. The boats are used to transport divers and moor up, and some are used as service boats that assist in relaying anything needed from the barge to the moored boats—food, drinks, rubbish, etc.

Other boats assist in patrols or standby tasks.

How do you organise to clean the area?

I have made up a grid using cable and labelled every 25 metres along the grid so that divers know where they are on the Seaway wall. In this way, they are able to target certain areas. It also prevents areas already cleaned from being redone. Buoys are set up and are assigned to the volunteer boats to tie up.

Why is this clean-up important?

The clean-up is important because large amounts of fishing lines have become snagged on the rocks and the exposed hooks are snaring all sorts of marine life, such as the turtle that drowned.

What types of rubbish do you find?

We are targeting fishing line, hooks, lures, sinkers and crab pots. The debris collected is taken to a sorting area in Doug Jennings Park and sorted to be recorded for scientific surveys. It is then placed in the skip bins.

When is the next clean up?

The next clean-up event will be 15 November 2015.

Boaties are encouraged to assist in the community activity so the boats can be used for transport, service or patrols, or simply to join in the fun. *For more information and updates about the cleanup events, please check out Diving The Gold Coast Facebook page.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:

Jason Keily is a local pharmacy owner who was born and raised on the Gold Coast. Jason has been a hobby photographer for 10 years, and enjoys landscape and portrait photography. He is currently using a Nikon D800E as his primary DSLR. Jason is an experienced diver. He is the proud owner of a Barcrusher 670c, and uses it extensively for fishing, diving, and as a family runabout.

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT GOLD COAST

WYLD ABOUT BOATS APPOINTED AS KEVLACAT DEALER evlacat Power Boats Australia have K appointed Wyld About Boats as key dealer in South East Queensland, a territory spanning

Both models have exceptional handling The Arundel-based powerboat specialist is servicing all makes of engines from their Mercury characteristics and are one of the quickest service department. Hayden declares, “We are travelling rough-water boats on the market. They south of Gladstone and including Northern NSW. are perfect for the weekend fisherman who is short able to fit out and rig the boat to your application.

Our business premises have a fully equipped Hayden Wyld, managing director of Wyld About on time and wants to get out and back quickly.” workshop as well as on-site service so we Boats says, “We wanted an Australian-made All Kevlacats are built with multiple buoyancy deliver comprehensive aftermarket support to fishing boat to sell that could handle our local all of our Kevlacat customers. Every vessel is tanks and will remain afloat and stable even testing conditions. We chose the Kevlacat as extensively water-tested with a sea trial before with major damages—a virtually unsinkable it has proven to stand the test of time. They delivery. We insist that instructional driver craft. The hull designs are the result of years can easily be optioned to buyers’ needs and training is provided to all customers.” custom-built for specific applications. The unique of practical experience and extensive ongoing Wyld About Boats recently celebrated 10 years catamaran hull is manufactured from Kevlar—a research programme. Kevlacat has a long in business and have built a strong business space-age, super strong yet light material, the history of fulfilling the needs of government that is geared towards delivering first-class very same material used in bullet-proof vests.” and non-government organisations, such service. The Kevlacat catamaran has a model Hayden is one of the city’s most experienced as the Water Police, Volunteer Coast in its range that is sure to suit the needs of a boaties. Growing up in a renowned boat sales Guard, VMR and rescue groups. They also recreational angler, a tournament game fisher, family, he knows a good product. “Kevlacat have specialise in custom commercial boats for a family boater or a commercial operator who an almost cult following amongst the fishing makes a living from the boat. the fishing and dive operators. community so it makes them very desirable to own and they have excellent resale value which Kevlacat models range from 5.2m to 9.8m, available in open style Hardtop, Cuddy Cabin and Lockable Hardtop. is an important selling feature,” he says.

Sales expert at Wyld About Boats Rafe Holm knows the Kevlacat boats well, having previously enjoyed working at the Kevlacat factory on the Sunshine Coast. Rafe explains, “Kevlacat boats provide an exceptional level of build quality and have a reputation for being extremely safe. They also offer a comfortable ride in any condition.”

Rafe details, “Kevlacat’s ever-popular boats are the Off-shore Series 2400 which is easily towable with a large 4WD and is one of the safest and best-riding trailer boats on the market. The Series 3000 is also ideally suited for harsh conditions on the east coast of Australia, available in open style Hardtop, Cuddy Cabin and Lockable Hardtop.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT FEATURE

WATERSKI GOLD COAST STORIES OF OUR LOCAL LEGENDS

By Carmel Bellchambers

attraction and very popular with holiday makers.

The Ski Gardens was available for skiers to train, producing some of Australia’s best waterskiers. It ran successfully for 13 years creating memories that will always live on. Some of those memories included ski shows, aqua ballet, speed boat exhibitions and also various Australian Water Ski championships. It closed down in 1971.

Waterskiing clowns, Nerang River 1960’s Photo by Vernia Bullivant FB/Have You Seen The Old Gold Coast

W

aterskiing is a popular water sport for the whole family to experience and enjoy.

Whether you are a beginner or wanting to improve your skills, here on the Gold Coast we are fortunate to be able to do both. Gliding over the Gold Coast waters behind a boat—it is not walking on water, but close and definitely a unique feeling!

Waterskiing has a century worth of history attracting both national and international attention. The Gold Coast with its fancy history is not a stranger to the sport and some of our most successful locals started out as water skiers and became some of the city’s most successful local identities.

KEITH’S SKI GARDENS Formerly located on the southern bank of the Nerang River in Carrara, The Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens was founded and developed in 1958

by Keith Williams. The Ski Gardens was a tourist

With such a passion for water skiing, Keith Williams developed Ski Land in 1971 on a 50-acre leased property at The Spit. This obviously became one of the Gold Coast’s significant theme park attractions.

Ski Land became Sea World, and by 1981 drew more than 500,000 visitors per year.

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VAUGHAN TO SKI

The Sea World’s ski team, Waterski Wipeout had world class talent. The costumes and the amazing stunts that included barefoot doubles, swivel skiing, aqua ballet and freestyle jumps created an amazing atmosphere. The crowds always looked forward to the end which was of course the iconic multilevel pyramid.

There is yet another iconic inspiring person who has contributed to Gold Coast waterskiing history.

Vaughan Bullivant was a waterski champion in the sixties. He was one of the featured acts at Ski Gardens. Vaughan competed in two World Water Skiing championships, and for 10 years held the world record for the longest ski jump at 42.5m.

Vaughan was the Australasian Water Ski champion for four years.

The last memorable Waterski Wipeout show was performed in July 2009 after nearly 40 years with 30,000 performances. The Sea World waterski shows will never be forgotten as it truly was the start of Sea World which we all know and love today.

Vaughan was the first water skier in the world to perform the barefoot toehold. Skiing at high speed, bare foot, he held to the ski rope handle with his foot. So extraordinary was this manoeuvre at the time, he travelled the world performing this trick in a dazzling on-water act.

Keith Williams brought Australian tourism to the Gold Coast with his development of Surfers Paradise Ski Gardens and Sea World. Keith had a love for waterskiing and with it being so popular in Australia was able to be so successful in his developments.

He became the Australian Water Ski champion in 1959 and staged the world championship in 1965.

Unfortunately, Vaughan had a terrible accident while barefoot skiing backwards at 90km/h and smashed into a steel tower. He was knocked unconscious and spent several minutes under water before he was rescued. Due to lack of oxygen, it was thought that Vaughan would not survive or walk again. With a recovery that left doctors dumbfounded, Vaughan was teaching his paralysed legs to walk again in three weeks and was skiing again six weeks later.

He later went on to build Surfers Paradise and Adelaide Raceways. He started the development of Hamilton Island and financed Port Hinchinbrook Resort and Marina

Keith Williams

Vaughan Bullivant

With such an amazing contribution to the Australian tourism by following what he loved doing so much, Keith became a legend. He passed away in October 2011 at aged 82, remembered for his passion.

Vaughan strongly believed that his vitamin and antioxidant nutrient consumption helped with his recovery. He also felt that he had a second chance in life and began to explore his other passions.

Vaughan proudly owned several vitamin stores which were extremely successful and eventually established Nature’s Own vitamin empire. Three decades later he sold the company and purchased Daydream Island in the Whitsundays.

NOV - JAN 2016

Photo by Queensland State Archives

SKI WING

Joel Wing

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

With such an amazing history about waterskiing we are still fortunate to be able to enjoy the experience and be treated to its mastery by our modern day waterski heroes such as Joel Wing.

Joel has dominated Australian waterskiing for more than a decade. He is a 13-time Australian Water Ski champion and Australian Water Ski record holder. Joel has travelled the world and competed in tournaments throughout USA, Europe and other international locations. He has been a member of the Australian Water Ski team since 1999. He is a qualified coach and helps develop the best

practices for water safety and training techniques.

He now runs his own waterski and wakeboarding school on the Gold Coast. His attitude at events and amazing work ethic towards training has made him a role model and inspiration for tournament skiers across the world. Some of his many titles include: Australian Trick record holder for 9 years, Australian Overall record holder for 6 years, 2012 Elite World Ranking 9th, 11 times Australian Champion, Moomba Masters Overall Champion, 2012, Australian Overall Champion, 2008, 2011 and Australian Open Slalom Champion, 2011.

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BOAT GOLD COAST

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FABULOUS WATER LEVEL DRY DOCKING SOLUTION

n the last few years, there has been a quiet revolution happening in marinas all around the country. A local Gold Coast innovation is not only keeping boats clean and dry—and hence, saving their owners thousands of dollars a year in maintenance—but it is also making novice skippers look like seasoned pros when it comes to berthing their boat.

FAB Dock was launched at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in 2011, and is now saving hundreds of boats all around the country from the perils of living in salt water. The beauty of it is in its simplicity. A completely welded, one piece inflatable unit that is self-contained and operates on 12-volt. This means that it is easily moved if required, and is a substantially cheaper option than any other dry docking system. Not that there is anything cheap about the final product—it is made from the finest materials and components available and comes with a three-year warranty.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

It is hard to keep something so good a secret for long. There are now FAB Docks installed in six countries, including in use by various New Zealand councils as a ‘Quarantine Dock’ in the fight against the spread of unwanted marine organisms in some of their more sensitive marine environments.

GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE FAB DOCK

• Lowest cost solution of this type • Self contained system • Easy boat docking in windy conditions first time every time.

• Portable: just roll it up and take it with you • Footprint is about the same size as the boat Having successfully built custom-made FAB (actually smaller in some instances), therefore no problems in tight spaces or marinas Docks for nearly five years, the company • Inconspicuous: some marinas have already has now launched their ‘off-the-shelf’ range banned other alternatives because they are for most boats up to 28 feet in length, with unsightly and potentially dangerous prices starting at just $6990.

• No issues in shallow waters; if you can get So, if you want to join the fight to save our your boat in and out, you can have a Fab Dock marine environment by eliminating toxic • There is no additional stress or strain placed antifoul, and save yourself thousands of on your pontoon or jetty dollars every year in the process, then we • Your boat remains at water level meaning recommend that you check out the company’s no chance of the boat rolling over or having to climb up to board or blocking your water views website and see if they can tailor a solution for your boat. www.fabdock.com • Completely self-contained. No bulky and hazardous control boxes or pipes to trip over • No hard plastic or metal parts to damage your boat if something goes wrong • No metal parts to corrode • No moving parts to service • Keeps water out of pipes preventing sea growth • You will save money on maintenance by keeping your boat’s legs, shafts and propellers dry • Your boat will go faster • You will save money on fuel • You will be helping the environment • It will improve the resale value of your boat

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NOV

BONJOUR FRENCH FESTIVAL

The Sunshine Renault Bonjour French Festival is a free Gold Coast French event. The Festival will celebrate Freedom, Equality and Fraternity, providing a rich cultural experience to the local community.

French cuisine, art, music, educational activities and sports.

Southport Broadwater Parklands.

EVENTS GUIDE N OV – F E B 20 1 6 AUSTRALIA PGA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

DEC

3-6

BROADBEACH CHRISTMAS CAROLS

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COFFS TO PARADISE Join Southport Yacht Club for the Feeder race during the Annual Sail Paradise Regatta. The event will start from Coffs Harbour Yacht Club on Thursday 7 January, finishing at Southport Yacht Club, Gold Coast.

Open to all Category 2 Monohull and Multihull Yachts.

Organised by the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in association with Southport Yacht Club, the race is open to monohulls and multihulls. Inshore Fleet follows the main channel from Southport to Brisbane past all of the islands in the southern part of Moreton Bay. Offshore Fleet start off the Southport Seaway, the yachts head to enter Moreton Bay and finish at Cabbage Tree Creek, in the picturesque Brisbane bayside village of Shorncliffe.

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JAN

JEEP MAGIC MILLIONS RACEDAY

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL

DEC

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An annual six-day-and-night event, it is one of Australia’s largest and most iconic events in Woodford, Queensland. A gathering of artists and musicians, with dance, music, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums, visual arts, an entire children’s festival and many special presentations including a spectacular fireworks event on New Year’s Day. (woodfordfolkfestival.com)

SAIL PARADISE REGATTA

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JAN

13-17

Southport Yacht Club’s spectacular high summer four-day regatta will be staged on the beautiful ocean waters off the Gold Coast. The regatta is open for a wide variety of sailboats— from Grand Prix level ocean racers to cruising yachts, racing and cruising multihulls and off-the-beach small boats. Friday will be a special lay-day/ fun-day event for the sailors, their families and friends to enjoy. Southport Yacht Club, Main Beach.

The jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast and indeed Queensland, this is the event which defines all that is great about being Australian. The love of horses, the beach, the sun and the surf is what brings people from all over the globe to the one destination.

Racecourse Road, Bundall.

FEB

JAN

23

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Under the stars, the annual Broadbeach Christmas Carols in Kurrawa Park offers an afternoon jam-packed with kids’ activities and incredible entertainment filled with Christmas spirit and joy. Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach (6pm).

JAN

NOV

12-15

The first national kiteboarding event series for Australia and New Zealand. With the exciting speed and rush of windsurfing combined with the dangerous, thrilling tricks of wakeboarding, kiteboarding is fast becoming the most exciting sport for both competitors and spectators.

Phillip Park Main Beach.

DEC

Australia’s oldest professional golf tournament now welcomes the European Tour to the Gold Coast, with $1.75 million being contested, the richest prize in Aussie golf this year.

The week includes activities for all the family such as autograph signings, interactive zones and putting practice areas. It’s a fun way to spend the day!

RACV Royal Pines Resort.

SURF TO CITY YACHT RACE

NATIONAL KITEBOARD LEAGUE (NKL)

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BURLEIGH PRO 2016

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The three-day World Surf League (WSL) sanctioned event for both men and women. A great warm-up for some of the best surfers in the world who will later compete at the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro contests at Snapper Rocks. The prize purse of $15,000 up for grabs and valuable Qualifying Series points at the iconic Burleigh Headland.

FEB

CHINESE NEW YEAR

5-8

This event marks the new lunar year in the Chinese calendar. Sanctuary Cove welcomes visitors to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. Enjoy traditional Chinese crafts, kite making, mask painting and Chinese calligraphy, and also Chinese music and lion dancing, fire cracker and kung fu display. Try a special New Year banquet on offer at Dragon Cove Chinese Restaurant, Sanctuary Cove Marine Village.

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT EVENTS

MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE XCAT WORLD SERIES INTERVIEW WITH CEO RONAN MORGAN ON HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT GOLD COAST

August 2015 welcomed a new spectator water sport on the Gold Coast waters. The UIM XCAT World Championships Series 4 was held on the Gold Coast for the first time.

This free event included an impressive XCAT international boat fleet, shorelines lined with spectators, long stretches of sandy beaches, bikini babes, perfect blue skies and sunny days, and the Surfers Paradise skyline—all promoting the Gold Coast boating lifestyle.

Adding to the international excitement, a

spectacular high speed power boat crash directly in front of Wave Break Island saw the Dubai boat somersaulting end to end. With all this publicity, it subtly helped promote Gold Coast’s major local industries—tourism and events.

Photos by Dohun Aaron Kwak & Sam Gilmore

What do you think of the Gold Coast as an XCAT race venue?

We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our first race in Australia. It was stunning for the teams and all involved and stunning for our massive global TV audience.

Which aspect of the Gold Coast City did you enjoy the most?

To be honest it’s almost the complete package so it’s hard to pick just one, however on my next visit I do plan to stay on for a mini vacation after the event to try and see more because there is plenty on offer in the region.

What did you learn from the conditions of the 2015 race course?

That, as ever, in this great sport, you need to be flexible and adapt accordingly.

Ronan Morgan

Are there plans to improve the race course for the 2016 event?

Very much so, and we are currently consulting all stakeholders to help us in that planning process.

We are constantly evolving and growing in order to provide the best possible platform for all involved.

Were you surprised that Gold Coast Team of Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton were able to take the second place honours?

Not at all, as they had the advantage of local knowledge, but also they are serious sportsmen who put plenty of hours of work into preparing for the event. They also had the backing of the local crowd, which was a big factor.

Did you see the Team Dubai boat flip over & what were your thoughts at the time?

Yes I did! And despite a lifetime in motorsport, my heart missed a beat. Naturally, my first concern was for the welfare of the crew but as always, our safety crew did an immaculate job in reaching the boat in no time at all and ensuring that all was well.

What do you think is the secret to success of the XDubai Team of Arif Al Zaffain and Nadir bin Hendi?

They are the ones to ask, but I feel they are true world champions in every aspect of their approach to the sport and have years of experience behind them. That said, I think they need to keep an eye on Tom Barry-Cotter going forward!

XCAT TV live coverage was televised worldwide

The man who spearheaded the competition is Ronan Morgan, the CEO of World Professional Power Boating Association (WPPA). He arrived with an impressive coordinated race production comprising boats, pilots, support crews, officials, media centre, technology, equipment, floating pit lane and a wealth of experience.

Ronan is no stranger to motorsport as he personally boasts more than 50 FIA International Rallies wins, 10 Middle East championships, and a remarkable curriculum vitae of global motorsport management including Formula 1 and WRC. 14

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT GOLD COAST

GRAND OPENING - INTRODUCING LATEST YAMAHA WAVERUNNER DEALERSHIP - SHORELINE YAMAHA ®

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HORELINE YAMAHA has recently been appointed as an authorized Yamaha WaveRunner® dealer for Queensland. Conveniently located between Gold Coast and Brisbane on the very popular Moss Street in Springwood, the new dealership is owned by Patrick O’Keeffe and his sons, Jordan and Thaine.

Having owned a Waverunner dealership in South Africa for over 25 years, they are firm believers in the superiority and reliability of the Yamaha product.

The future looks bright for these highly motivated and friendly guys. Jordan says, “It really is an exciting time ahead for us and the timing couldn’t be better as the 2016 Yamaha WaveRunner® model line-up is going to be mind blowing. The highlight is an all new three-cylinder engine making its way into some of the VX Models, the powerful, lightweight, three-cylinder Yamaha TR-1™ is a 1049cc purpose-built four-stroke marine engine that is going to revolutionise the entry-level market. It will have the ultimate mix of performance, fuel efficiency and low maintenance all at an affordable price.”

Patrick is world-renowned for his technical knowledge and incredible work ethic towards all things personal watercraft. Growing up with such a dynamic dad, his two sons inevitably followed suit in the family

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

business. Patrick had them riding stand-up jet skis from a very young age. Both boys are extremely competitive and highly skilled, both on the water and in the workshop.

Jordan invites WaveRunner® riders looking for a performance edge. “Our workshop is fitted with the latest equipment and machinery making the Shoreline Yamaha service department the ultimate choice for annual service requirements, rebuilds and upgrades.

We are factory trained and have many maintenance ideas to share with customers.“

One of Patrick’s many areas of expertise is PWC fishing, which is fast growing in popularity world wide.

One of the biggest challenges a PWC angler faces is the lack of stability and storage space. Enter Patrick’s invention—the SHORELINE TUBBY. The Tubbys are fibreglass pods that latch on to both sides of your watercraft, stability and storage are taken to an all new level. The craft is transformed into such a versatile platform, eliminating the need for the more traditional esky set up which can hinder your access on/off the back.

For 2016, Yamaha is introducing an all-new marine motor to be featured in its VX series WaveRunner®

For more information, visit the friendly and helpful team at Shoreline Yamaha.

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BOAT GUIDE

AMPHIBIOUS ADVENTURE IT FLOATS ON WATER & DRIVES ON LAND

Photos by Dohun Aaron Kwak & Sam Gilmore

At the Paradise Point boat ramp, Boat Gold Coast crew stood waiting for the arrival of Tom Carlisle of Sirocco Marine North and his amphibious boat the Sealegs 7.7F RIB—a New Zealanddesigned and built watercraft that has made a splash around the world by offering hassle free drive on land launching and retrieving.

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s the Sealegs moved towards us, all three hydraulically controlled wheels were lowered into the water as the craft effortlessly crawled up the sandy beach. And with the same flow of a resting camel, the wheels were again raised slightly to allow the hull to sit on the shore. Out stepped Tom, a burly sailor with a gift of the gab, who knows every aspect of the Sealegs range, and wants the Gold Coast to appreciate that these boats are an ideal addition to waterfront living during low tides, and “for those wanting to avoid queuing at boat ramps,” he jokingly adds.

ONTO THE PIN!

“You’ll never keep up!” Tom warned us as we set out on the trip to Jumpinpin. And right he was.

The Sealegs’ plated aluminium hull painlessly cut through the chop. At his command, a 200HP HO Evinrude ETEC outboard powered over the wake of oncoming cruisers with the hull taking flight off the water. Once at our destination, Tom circled our crew boat showing off the Sealegs’ agility that has impressed recreational boaties, military, coast guard, emergency services, police and navy the world over.

As the Sealegs drove out of the water onto the beach, all heads turned as dozen of curious onlookers gathered to watch. The 24HP Honda engine powering the three all-wheel drive 25-inch nubby tyres made easy work of the soft white sand and mud flats. Witnessing the 16

Sealegs emerge from the water onto land, one cannot help but feel the absolute brute power and strength that these boats utilise.

THE TEST DRIVE

It was now time for our onwater test. Tapping the sand off our feet, our crew boarded the boat, licensed to carry eight persons. (We number just five.) Triggering the hydraulics, the boat stood tall on its wheels and rolled off the beach. Once floating, we retract the legs, turn off the hydraulic motor, and switched the 200HP outboard on.

Unlike the bus-shaped amphibious tourist boats used to transport tourists from Surfers Paradise to Southport, the Sealegs is an absolute highperformance boat. With the wheels up and out of the water, the boat maneuvers like a performance RIB. Even with our 500 kg of well-fed passengers, we get on-plane quickly and headed towards the Jumpinpin Bar at a very respectable top speed of 40 knots, the V-shaped 5mm marine grade aluminium hull with seven longitudinal stringers creating a rigid strength, and the inflatable Hypalon rubber tubes that line the gunwale providing balance.

As we neared the shore of the ever-changing northern tip of South Stradbroke Island that is defined by its vast sand flats and large sand dunes, while being coached by Tom, our team’s designated driver prepared to leave the water by firstly lowering the front wheel, at the same time raising the outboard while still maintaining forward thrust. After lowering the rear wheels, the outboard pushed us along until the front wheels touched the sand and began to drive us forward. Both engines are controlled from the center console, with the steering wheel capable of steering the outboard and the wheels simultaneously. Alternating between the controls, cutting the outboard and raising the leg, we steered towards the vast dunes of powder white sands transforming the Sealegs into an all-terrain vehicle.

A drive stick on the console controls the speed of the hydraulic motors. In either forward or reverse, the boat moves like a powerful tractor with a top

speed of 7kph. The three-wheel drive system allows the Sealegs to climb and descend up to 25-degree grades on soft sand, rocks and concrete making inaccessible beaches and receding tides of the least concern. Slowing down our stride, we come to rest by lowering the hull onto the sand for our photo shoot, with the Pacific Ocean as our backdrop.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Tom drives the Sealegs with a smooth skill honed by repeated practice of launching and landing, making for an effortless transition from land to sea and back again. Our first test drive was faultless, new to the controls the process was not too complicated, and can easily be perfected with a few more repetitions.

At $190,000, you will not only be the envy of every boatie who witnesses the marvel of your amphibious landing. You will enjoy easy access to previously unreachable waterways and sand bars.

Tom explains that he often takes friends and family out in the late afternoon. The boat loaded with food and drinks, they travel by water to the destination, then drives right up to their chosen picnic spot, lowers the hull to the sand, and they all disembark to enjoy the sunset. When the group is ready to leave, they have immediate access to load the boat, and he then raises the Sealegs and simply drives away to the water’s edge. “There is no need for a long hard walk over the sand dunes with a full esky. With the Sealegs, we just drive there.”

CONQUERING SEA AND LAND

The Sealegs story is one of remarkable international success. First launched in 2004, more than 1,000 boats have been delivered worldwide. Sirocco Marine North of Coomera recently delivered a Sealegs to a family who own a Redlands waterfront property on South Moreton Bay. Capable of immediate action that can save a larger expenditure of effort and time, the Sealegs offers top performance on the water and on the land. Who wouldn’t love it?

NOV - JAN 2016

SPECIFICATION: Length (overall)

7.74m

Beam 2.61m Draft 0.42m Dry Weight

1500kg

Deadrise

21 degrees

Payload

700kg on land/sea

Maximum HP

200HP

Max Speed

Sea 85kph, Land 7kph

Fuel Capacity

180L

FEATURES:

Increased protection from the full width console, dual house/start battery system, Outboard Pod for better utilisation of deck space, two (2) pedestal seats with gas strut suspension, engine boat seat and backrest, integrated starboard helm station.

OPTIONS:

Wide dash for electronics, bow anchor system, Maxwell winch, boarding ladder, compass, bimini top and console cover.

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

For more information, contact Tom Carlisle directly Ph: 0407033827 or email tom@siroccomarinenorth.com

17

BOAT PROTOCOL

IS IT THE END OF

TWO-STROKE OUTBOARDS? INTERVIEW WITH GARY FOOKS OF BLUE SKY ALLIANCE, DAVID HEYES OF BOMBADIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS (BRP) AND NICHOLAS WEBB OF MERCURY MARINE

I

n April 2014, the Commonwealth Environment Minister, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, secured the agreement of Australia’s Environment Ministers to work together to develop a National Clean Air Agreement by July 2016.

The proposed Agreement will focus on actions to reduce air pollution and improve air quality through cooperative action between industry and government. After engaging business, industry and community representatives on the development of the Agreement in the first half of this year, the government is now considering more than 300 submissions gathered. A Clean Air Champions Initiative was also set up to assist the government in educating the public and create awareness, and to support industry and community engagement on clean air activities.

Since taking office, the Hon Hunt has made it clear that Non Road Spark Ignition (petrol) engine emissions standards are back on the table. That includes outboards, inboards, stern drives PWC (Jet Ski) as well as lawn mowers, generators, brush cutters and chain saws. We will still see two-stroke handheld equipment like chainsaws, but only the high quality models will meet the softer standard necessary for handheld equipment.

One of the major proposed changes included in the Agreement is the phasing-out of the carburettor and EFI two-stroke engines.

SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR THE OUTBOARD ENGINES

Proponents of the changes say that the announcement should not come as a surprise. All of the outboard and marine industry leaders have been in discussions on government panels since 2006. Public consultation was held in 2010, when it was planned that standards could start in 2012.

Boat builders and Boat-Motor-Trailer (BMT) package retailers will have new responsibilities under the proposed laws. One of the US standards being matched includes an evaporative standard. Basically, the fuel system on every boat will need to be radically redesigned to dramatically reduce the pollution from fuel evaporation. In practice that means: * Fuel tank expansion capacity (an overflow tank or ullage) * Back flow limiting valves * A carbon filter on the fuel breather line * Low permeation fittings and fuel hoses.

Tote tanks (portable fuel tanks) will also have a new design and lower permeation. Any boat dealer who puts together BMT packages becomes a “manufacturer” under the proposed code.

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According to Gary Fooks, a technical analyst and chairman of Blue Sky Alliance, a group of manufacturers and distributors advocating for lowemission engines, the Australian standards will mirror those of the USA, which started regulating non-road engines seventeen years ago. It is the standard Europe is harmonising with. Carburettor two-strokes have been off the market in the USA, Canada and Japan for at least four years. He claims, “By the time Australia gets these standards, we will be five years behind China.”

LOW EMISSIONS AND CLEAN AIR The benefits of low-emission engines cannot be overemphasised. Nicholas Webb, director of Engine Products at Mercury Marine, states, “The benefit to users, by changing to new technology engines with low emissions, is improved fuel economy, quieter and smoother operation, and lower emission outputs.” The general agreed estimate of fuel saving from low-emission engines is 30%, but several manufacturers record much higher savings.

Will the benefits outweigh the costs? David Heyes of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) says, “The cost of a clean engine as part of a total BMT package does add some cost. However, customers who do their homework quickly realise that the small amount they pay extra for the new technology repays itself back over and over at the fuel pump and in reduced service cost.”

Even without these changes, there is a strong trend towards low emission technology with more than 50% of buyers already choosing engines that meet the world standards. Webb states, ”The low emissions trend is driven by new product development, particularly in four-stroke. For example, Mercury’s latest generation 115hp 2.1litre four-stroke model performs better, is more fuel efficient and is lower in weight, than Mercury’s previous 115 1.7L fourstroke model and the ever popular OptiMax DirectInjection 115hp equivalent model.”

It is safe to say that direct-injection two-strokes, such as Evinrude E-TEC, and all the four-strokes currently on the market are here to stay. So, for around half the boating market, we will not notice any change.

Nothing owned now will be banned in any way, and spare parts for old two-strokes should be available for a few years yet. The regulations will only affect new imports after a certain date, which means that dealer stock and even stock at the importers’ warehouses will still be allowed to be sold.

Heyes states, “There should be no significant effect to outboard dealers who are now preparing boating packages with new technology engines, and the current compliant product offering provides consumers with a broad range to choose from. These changes will provide certainty in the market place and for owners of outboard engines, and will give confidence to customers about what to purchase and the benefits of those choices. To some degree, outboard dealers will reduce the level of stock offerings on the shop floor, in turn, reducing the cost of inventory finance.“ NOV - JAN 2016

but similar regulations haven’t harmed the USA or Europe, not Japan or Canada. BRP are an innovative company that respects the environment and have won many awards for its technologies.

We respect and support the Government’s efforts to bring emission regulations in line with international standards to our sector and welcome the positive approach our industry are taking on implementation.”

BUT WHEN IS “D” DAY? Minister Hunt announced that a working group, including industry representatives, has been formed, and is to report by the end of 2015 so he can deliver implementation in early 2016.

Industry insiders say that means the earliest possible date is 1 July 2016. But even if it starts that soon, there will be at least a phase-in period—how fast or slow will not be known for some months, with the industry representatives on the working group bound by the usual confidentiality rules.

Heyes declares, “BRP made the environmentally responsible decision to take carburettor and EFI two-strokes off the market some 10 years ago.

I am predicting legislation is a difficult thing, but my personal guess is not before mid-2016, and it could drag on for a year or more, perhaps not across the range but in some limited categories.

What the legislation will stop is USA and Japanese manufacturers dumping in Australia outboards that they are not allowed to sell in their own countries.”

Heyes continues, “This isn’t a dramatic change to hull design. Boat builders should all be ready by now. AS1799 Australian Boat Building Standard was updated for the emissions standard in 2009 so I would be concerned about a boat that is six years behind current standards.”

“This Evaporative standard will probably take a little longer to implement,” according to Fooks. “The best insider advice we could glean was that ‘Evap’ should be with the second and final part of the standards, probably 1 July 2017. We hear that the boating industry should be planning an education program.AFloat ButHalfinPage the meantime, USA web sites, Advert Oct 2015.ai 1 16/10/2015 10:32:50 AM like Perko, explain the new system very well.“

Fooks further states that any boat builder who has not made the necessary changes in seven years will not find much sympathy in Canberra. According to him, the best advice is to get any changes made now, and completed before 1 July 2016. “Boat builders should not waste any time getting ready, and will not be granted any extension of time.

Authorities are very aware that the Australian Boat Building Standard (AS1799) was upgraded in 2009 to allow for heavier, low-emission four-strokes.”

As for the penalties involved for failure to comply with the new standards, Fooks warns, “Fit out a boat with low grade fuel line that does not meet the standard and be prepared to face hefty fines.

If the USA is anything to go by, a $30,000 fine per boat is not out of the question.”

WHAT DISTRIBUTORS SAY Engine distributors have their own statements on the proposed changes to the standards.

Heyes believes, “BRP are not worried about our own business or the industry to implement these changes. We all know that people fear change

Webb at Mercury Marine suggests that any potential standards implemented should have plenty of runway for the marine industry and consumers to adapt. He says, “Consideration of special use categories need to be carefully considered in any potential standards.

For example rescue use, where traditional twostrokes are still better suited to the specific critical needs of the operator. In recent years, large emissions reductions have already been achieved, well ahead of targets discussed by government, so the industry has been great by driving this change with its focus on new product development, and that will continue.” Further, Webb has commented that the US model is based on a range of different criteria, as well as Averaging, Banking and Trading which permit manufacturers to offset “dirty” twostroke engines with cleaner technology.

“By the time Australia gets these standards, we will be five years behind China.”

- Gary Fooks Do you agree that two-stroke engines should be prohibited? Share your thoughts with us via email editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au.

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BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT GOLD COAST

RIVIERA’S NEW 57 ENCLOSED FLYBRIDGE EMBODIES INNOVATION

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he newest member of Riviera’s impressive and supremely seaworthy collection of flybridge luxury motor yachts—the 57 Enclosed Flybridge—is the embodiment of innovation.

Stylish and sophisticated, the three-stateroom/twobathroom Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge—with full-beam master stateroom—features a fresh-thinking design which encompasses her state-of-the-art navigation systems and continues right through to her final fit-out and luxuriously hand-polished finish.

Riviera dealer Ben Crawley, from R Marine Crawley at Runaway Bay on Queensland’s Gold Coast, sold the very first 57 Enclosed Flybridge model to a long-term Riviera owner, soon after her World Premiere at Sydney International Boat Show.

Mr Crawley—who in Sydney was named as Riviera’s 2015 Sales Excellence Award winner as an individual, and whose dealership secured the R Marine network Sales Excellence Award for Australia and New Zealand—says her owner plans to take the 57 north to Hamilton Island to cruise the idyllic waters of the Whitsundays.

“The dedicated team of designers, engineers and master craftsmen at Riviera have integrated easy-to-use and dependable marine systems into the new 57 Enclosed, including the full features of the innovative Glass Cockpit navigation and CZone digital switching systems,” he said.

Turning up the volume. With her contemporary styling and impeccable blue-water heritage, the robust Riviera 57 Enclosed exhibits powerful and noble lines with muscular

sheer forward and deep topside dimensions, giving her a freeboard akin to a much larger yacht altogether.

Her hull lines run straight aft from the maximum mid-ship beam of 16’10” (5.13m) which, in turn, provides an extremely buoyant lift and an easy planing surface, while her keel delivers straight tracking and great stability, enhancing her exceptional blue-water performance. The spacious and sumptuous saloon features premium brand entertainment system and furnishings, including a capital C-shaped deluxe dinette (convertible to a double berth) that encircles a drop-down table that can easily wine and dine six. Opposite, to starboard, is a generous L-shaped settee that provides comfort for up to five additional five people.

“The master stateroom is located amidship in the most stable and quiet part of the yacht, and defies convention for a vessel of this size in that it luxuriates right across the full beam and features a king-sized bed with innerspring mattress as well as stylish upholstered headboard detailing,” says Mr Crawley.

A flybridge to look up to. The new Riviera 57’s fully enclosed flybridge is another complete revelation. As you ascend the highly detailed internal staircase, you arrive at the ergonomic, sports-inspired forward helm.“Skippers will really appreciate the three massive clear, tempered windscreens with excellent visibility, and two fully adjustable helm chairs from which all essential navigational and systems controls are within arm’s reach,” says Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst, whose passion for excellence underpins Riviera’s continued growth on the world stage. Seamlessly integrating the state-of-the-art

Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit navigation system with CZone digital switching that enhances the ease of monitoring and operation of the Riviera 57’s onboard systems even further, extending centralised touch-screen control to lighting, pumps, batteries, entertainment systems and appliances.

Your choice of pod or shaft drive. Owners of the new 57 Enclosed Flybridge are able to select their personal preference of either pod or conventional shaft drive propulsion to suit their specific geographic region.

“There are three choices for a drive package for the new 57 Enclosed Flybridge—IPS2-950 or IPS2-1200 pods or the conventional CAT C12.9 shaft drives. The IPS pod propulsion system already offers the amazing joystick maneuverability, Dynamic Positioning System for station-holding while preparing lines and fenders, or while waiting off a fuel jetty, as well as Anti-Corrosion Protection and Auto-Pilot, and optional auto-trimming features,” explains Mr Crawley.

Riviera has indeed put to purpose every piece of available space onboard the new 57 Enclosed Flybridge, with cutting edge computer software allowing Riviera’s team of talented and passionate designers to maximise living and storage space while at the same time ensuring there is easy access to every key maintenance point, ensuring future service costs are kept to a minimum.

Mr Crawley says, “Of course, this thoughtful built-to-last consideration for the Riviera family of owners is a key part of our ethos of doing all we can to help our valued owners achieve ‘The ultimate boating experience’.”

Put yourself in this picture next winter

150557

R Marine Crawley has a new Riviera 57 Enclosed Flybridge available for April 2016 delivery and enjoyment.

Don’t miss next winter in the Whitsundays.

Call now for full details.

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Shop 1A, Runaway Bay Marina 247 Bayview Street Runaway Bay Qld 4216 | Ben Crawley: 0421 054 182 | 07 5529 5007 | RmarineCrawley.com.au

NOV - JAN 2016

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21

BOAT ANGLER

MARLIN

CATCHING THE ELUSIVE BILLFISH Gold Coast has one of the most consistent marlin fishing locations in Australia. Local fishing personality KEVIN BALLANTINE of Gold Coast Fishing Tackle shares his experience on how to catch this billfish—an activity that is said to be the pinnacle of offshore sport fishing.

D

uring the next three months blue and striped marlin are the predominant species outside the 100-metre line. Juvenile black marlin are a coastal species and start arriving on their southern migration late November. Their numbers rapidly increase as the water temperature rises and the East Australian Current pushes close to the coast.

will depend on the size of individual vessels. Your boat size will determine what conditions you can stay out in as plenty of billfish have been caught off the Gold Coast in small vessels. Anglers should be reminded that the Seaway Bar needs to be crossed and conditions may not be the same on the return journey as it was when coming out.

THE RIGHT CONDITIONS The most productive fishing areas in Southeast Queensland are abundant and constant food-rich areas that will attract and hold large numbers of marlin and other apex predators for as long as the baitfish schools remain prolific. The aptly named Spot X and Deep Trag locations in 85 metres of water are famous areas where massive schools of slimy mackerel congregate and hauls of six, seven or more little blacks are commonplace, most of them tagged and released.

The best technique and strategy for catching marlin is trolling a spread of small skirted lures in the 6-8’’ range—a great way to cover ground visually searching for bait schools on the surface or by scanning depth sounders to find deeper bait.

Other indicators include water temperature, dirty water colour changes, current lines, feeding birds or dolphins, or floating objects. Basically, anything out of the norm needs to be investigated. Live baiting is another effective way to catch marlin once the bait has been found.

The best times and seas for marlin are during the southeast trade winds, which tend to push the warmer current closer to land. Any session that allows you to fish two-tide changes will enable you to try a variety of locations. Usually, 10 to 15 knots of breeze is perfect, while fishable wave heights and conditions

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Photo of Graham Roggeveen

Tiagras or roller tipped backbones for the TLD and Tyrnos models. The 1200d matches up with Shimano stick bait special rod and suits braided line up to 50 lb.

Skirted lures dominate the local captures and Australia has been blessed with a number of master lure makers. Brands such as Meridian, Pakula, and the locally made Black Snack Hotlips work perfectly and have proven to be one of our mainstays. If your preference is live bait, using live slimy mackerel or yellowtail is quite easy when the bait is packed up hard. Skilled deckies can rig a variety of different baits such as garfish, mullet, bonito, slimies and yellowtail to either work as a deep swimming bait or a skipping bait on the surface—both styles are dynamite in the right circumstances.

BE ALERT! Ben Job preparing a skipping garfish to be fished along the dirty water line

EQUIPMENT The best tackle is light overhead game outfit that is great for trolling or live baiting, as are bait-runner style spinning reels loaded with braided line that work equally as well and are a lighter option.

When choosing a reel, Shimano have three preferred overhead options the longtime favourite the TLD 20, the Tyrnos and the glamour model the Tiagra 16 on which 8 or 10 kilo mono is perfect.

In spinning reels, the Baitrunner 1200d loaded with 30 or 50lb braid is a deadly and lightweight combination. Recommended rods are fully rollered 8 to 10 kilo T-curves that match up perfectly with the

Pay attention to every aspect of your immediate environment such as the stage of tide, water colour, sounder readings and radio chatter. If another boat is hooked up, give the boat a bit of space as small marlin make rapid directional changes with cut-offs or fish crashing onto boats. This happens every year so pay attention to avoid danger.

Once you have hooked a marlin, do not be frightened to let the fish take plenty of line if it is jumping madly all over the place. The last thing you want is for it to end up in the cockpit. Keep the line tight and wind the fish in smoothly.

The pelagic species of fish frequent similar water conditions to marlin and are a commonly encountered bycatch. So do not be surprised if you hook a mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, and Spanish and spotty mackerel in your quest to chase the elusive marlin.

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT GOLD COAST

AUSTRALIAN MARINE WHOLESALE AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY I t’s been more than three decades since Australian Marine Wholesale managing director Errol Cain started working in the field of marine electronics.

But even today, he’s inspired by the myriad ways advancing technologies continue to make boating so much easier and more enjoyable.

“When I started Cain Marine in the 1980s, boat owners basically just had a VHF radio and digital depth-sounder…and that was it,” he says. “Today, the range of new features being integrated into state-ofthe-art technology such as multi-function displays, for example, still manages to amaze me.

marine-specific electronics such as high-tech nightvision cameras, sophisticated fish-finders, radars and chart-plotters, as well as high-capacity water-makers and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Indeed, the extensive suite of leading-brand products distributed through Australian Marine Wholesale testifies to these long-established links: Raymarine, Garmin, Iris Innovations, Icom, Simrad, Lumitec, Aqualuma, Fusion, Clarion, Mastervolt, Sea Recovery and Blue Water Desalination, to name but a few.

Errol and the experienced Australian Marine Wholesale team help boat owners every day to navigate what can “More importantly, all this cutting-edge technology is enhancing the user experience for those of us who like be a minefield of information to ensure they get exactly what they need, at the right price. to spend as much time as we can out on the water.”

But the service goes much further than that.

Over 30 years, Errol has fitted evolving technology to thousands of vessels – everything from super yachts “Before we recommend a product to our customers, to sailing yachts, trawlers to trailer boats – and has we listen and learn how they use their boats so we can built up a wealth of knowledge and experience. ensure they get exactly what they need without paying He has also formed very close and personal alliances too much for something they may never even fully use, or perhaps recommend a better alternative,” says Errol. with many of the world’s leading manufacturers of

Errol Cain with Mark Leach (Sales Manager for Raymarine) checking out the new Raymarine gS195 multi-function displays

Some of the great staff at Australian Marine Wholesale

“Quite often people who buy elsewhere come to us to help sort out issues with their equipment and it’s then that they see what really sets Australian Marine Wholesale apart – we not only source, supply, install and calibrate the most reliable accessories and equipment ourselves, we also educate our customers to ensure they enjoy the full features of their purchase, and this is a key at the core of our philosophy.

“Our job at AMW is to ensure our customers receive great value from their investment and this is not something we take lightly.”

Australian Marine Wholesale sources the best and most reliable technology from throughout the world in an effort to stay at the forefront of a rapidly advancing industry.

“Look how far we have come in just the past five years,” Errol says. “Imagine where we will be in another five years!”

For more information and a full product range from Australian Marine Wholesale, please visit our website www.amwholesale.com.au.

Errol Cain with Chris Rollins (Owner of BlueWater) and Toni Chavez (VP of Sales) accepting the Australian distributorship for BlueWater

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16/10/2015 6:48 pm

23

BOAT GOLD COAST

VACUWASH AWARD WINNING YACHT SAIL & CANVAS CLEANING TECHNOLOGY

E

very now and then you come across a new business that screams to you, “Why hasn’t anyone done this before?” This new product from Vacuwash Australia is just that.

There now exists a way to effectively and safely remove mildew from your yacht sails and canvas. You do not have to be embarrassed by the way your sails and canvas look anymore.

Every sailmaker, both in Australia and worldwide, recommends that you wash your sails annually. Sail cleaning in the Northern Hemisphere is commonplace, yet in Australia and New Zealand there has been no professional way to do this. The expectation was that you would hose and scrub them yourself—a very ineffective process, even if you could find an area large and clean enough to do so.

After purchasing a yacht with mouldy sails, Mark and Kirsty Hunter opened Vacuwash Australia.

A fruitless search locally for a way to get the sails clean only led to more determination to find a solution. Sailmakers would say that they were asked all the time by boat owners, and apart from the odd brushing technique, nothing was available. They finally found the process in the USA, and licensed its use for Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

The process involves placing the sails in a vacuum chamber, removing the air and water from the voids between the sail layers and fibres, slowly introducing a cleaning agent that penetrates every layer and subsequently thoroughly rinsing the sail. The sails are cleaned in 3 to 4 days.

The Vacuwash process has since been awarded by the Industrial Fabrics Association International, and is now recommended by Glen Raven, the manufacturer of Sunbrella products. There is nothing else like Vacuwash on the market. The process removes mildew in sails and does so without damaging the sails or adhesives in any way. There is no agitation, scrubbing or high-pressure water-washing at all.

Cleaning your sails and canvas will increase the replacement cycle, thereby reducing your boating costs and that is a great outcome for any boat owner.

Salt, mildew, dirt, bird droppings and pollution are all working at the fibres and stitching. An annual professional clean will remove all these and help keep the fabrics in tip-top condition.

When you consider how often the rest of your boat is cleaned, then it is a wonder why sails and canvas have been left off the list for so long.

Over the years, boat sizes have increased so that now many sails are left furled on the forestay or flaked on the boom due to their size. Removing them at least annually to clean will not only increase their lifespan, but you will also be able to do other regular maintenance at the same time. Your boating enjoyment and confidence will increase if you know that your sails are in tiptop condition.

Prevention is always the best option. Vacuwash will apply McLube SailkotePlus to the sail when new or just after cleaning, which goes a long way to keeping the sail clean. SailkotePlus will give the sail a friction-free surface, reduce water absorption by half, and will enable your sails to furl up to 30% tighter, meaning less windage on the forestay. SailkotePlus is compulsory for in-mast and in-boom mainsails where space is restricted, and perfect on spinnakers, from the smallest of sail training boats, right up to grand prix racing yachts. For more information on this product, see the link on the Vacuwash website.

The cleaning process for sails costs $10 per sqm + GST (which equates to approximately 10% of the cost of replacing the sail with a new one). Canvas cleaning is $15.00 per sqm + GST. Transporting sails and canvas down to Sydney costs approximately $100 and the return shipping cost is included in your cleaning.

SAIL: BEFORE

The genoa from a 30-ft boat costs $250 to clean.

A new sail would have been around $3000.

SAIL: AFTER

CANVAS: BEFORE

Vacuwash cleaned and coated this boat cover for $330.

The replacement cost for this would be around $2500.

CANVAS: AFTER

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

Recommended by the makers of Sunbrella canvas products.

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See our website for details & call us for a quote.

www.vacuwash.com.au

02 9939 4365 / 0415 333 244 NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT SAILING

Sailing Race Month: January 2016

By Ray McMahon Picture of Surf to City Offshore Fleet

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he Gold Coast is the place to be for yacht racing this January. With the Coffs to Paradise Race on 7 January, followed by Sail Paradise Regatta from 13 to 17 January, and then Surf to City Yacht Race on 23 January—and a host of supporting events throughout the month.

Day 3: Lay day with everyone invited to Southport Yacht Club’s Dux resort on the South Stradbroke Island—a 50-minute cruise from the SYC Main Beach Clubhouse. There will be activities for the whole family.

FROM COFFS TO COAST

Days 4 and 5: Inshore and offshore racing.

Every year, good sailors face a dilemma: “Do I join the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, or do I join the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race—warmer, shorter, with a holiday feel?” (Did I mention warm?)

Off-water entertainment will be included—a taste of the familiar Gold Coast holiday experience. An evening at the Club will offer fun activities for crew members to participate in with fabulous prizes on offer.

The Pittwater to Coffs race starts every year on 2 January. As the boats leave Pittwater, just north of Sydney, they turn left and head for the warmer weather of Coffs Harbour. A lovely one- or twoday sail, it generally sees all of the boats at Coffs by 4 January. On the 5th, there is the annual Round Solitary race which is about a six-hour sail and an enjoyable day. And then, there is…uhmm…home.

SURF, SAIL AND CITY

This year you can add one more thing to your midnorth coast experience. Instead of ending at Coffs, come on through to the Gold Coast. After an extra day in Coffs, and enjoy all that it has to offer that time of year with good restaurants, carnivals and a holiday feel. Then, on 7 January, be part of the Coffs to Paradise Race staged by the Southport Yacht Club (SYC).

Run on 23 January, the boats race north from the Gold Coast to the Brisbane area. Around 100 boats are expected to contest this sought-after trophy.

Sail up along the Northern NSW coastline absorbing the magnificent views of Yamba, Byron Bay and Kingscliff. Rounding Point Danger, your breath is taken by the scenic view of the entire Gold Coast in one beautiful picture. A short run up along the beaches and you are at the finish line on the northern end of the Gold Coast. A lovely 24 to 30 hours is all you need to get you to Australia’s holiday playground. We promise it will not be cold!

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The annual Surf to City Yacht Race (Gold Coast to Brisbane) will have a little more significance this year for the Gold Coast. Every year this race is a major event on the Southeast Queensland racing calendar. This year, it will close the sailing month of January.

SAILING IN PARADISE Basking in the magnificent Gold Coast weather, go for a sail, spend time with the family. This year, SYC’s Sail Paradise Regatta will be from 13 to 17 January.

It is a five-day regatta with a rest day in the middle.

The race divisions include: IRC, ORC, PHS, cruising, sports boats, trailables, multihulls, etchells, off-thebeach dinghies, and catamarans.

The schedule looks like this: Days 1 and 2: Offshore racing along the magnificent backdrop of the Gold Coast beaches.

It is one of the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club’s (QCYC) major events of the year.

In past years, visiting boats start arriving two days prior to the event in preparation for the race. This year they will have the opportunity to arrive 12 days prior and enter the Sail Paradise Regatta the week beforehand. Visiting boats will be given free berthing at the Southport Yacht Club if they are competing in both events. As there is a week between the events, visitors can stay and enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer including some supporting races to keep the boats and crew tuned up.

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BOAT SAILING

BRING ON THE 76 RACES!

RISE OF GOLD COAST KBG - KEEL BOAT GROUP

By Ray McMahon

Bridget Prolific Winner In SYC Thursday Twilight Series

From six races a year in 2007 to 76 this year, sailing races have become more popular and have grown bigger and better on the Gold Coast through the Southport Yacht Club.

RAY MCMAHON reminisces how these races came to be.

NEWS FLASH! NEWS FLASH! GOLD COAST BOAT WINS ITS DIVISION AT AIRLIE BEACH RACE WEEK! Gold Coast boats and particularly Southport Yacht Club (SYC) boats are going through an unprecedented period of great results on the big-boat racing calendar. It was not always this way, and a lot has changed since then.

Let us go back to a universe far away (well, it seems like that!) when big-boat sailing was a little smaller here on the Gold Coast.

THE PAST: SIX RACES A YEAR Having done several Sydney-Gold Coast races every July, I arrive at the SYC and enjoy the fantastic hospitality the club extends to its visiting sailors. The place rocks and I decide that the Gold Coast is a great place to move to and continue my sailing. I move to the Gold Coast at the end of 2005 and quickly run down to the Club to see when the next race was.

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The lovely lady at reception politely directs me to Hollywell where the sailing squadron is. That is strange, I say to myself. Here is this lovely big clubhouse with a magnificent marina attached, and I am off to a place called Hollywell. Anyway, it is only around the corner from where I live so it all sounds very encouraging. Upon arrival, I think: Ah ha! I now know why the juniors have been so successful. This sailing squadron at Hollywell is fantastic and a great breeding ground for young sailors. But where are all the big boats?

on big-boat racing on the Gold Coast. On a very pleasant spring afternoon in 2007, our first twilight race (the beginning of the Thursday Twilight sailing race program) hits the waters with a massive five keel boats participating. We are excited! We have five boats that want to come out and race on a Thursday afternoon, and then come back into the Club afterwards with four of them making wonderful excuses why they did not win. For us—a few guys dedicated to big-boat racing out of one of the nicest yacht clubs in the country—this was yacht racing!

So we complete our Thursday twilight series, having done eight races and managing at times, seven boats. After a few years, we build a fun series based on primarily having fun on big boats, and occasionally trying to win a darn race. Wow! We suddenly have more twilight races in a season than the Club had for the whole year for its offshore fleet of big boats. And we had a sponsor!

My investigations showed there were only about six bigboat races a year. So, here is this beautiful big clubhouse at Main Beach, lots of boats on the marina, and they only do six races a year!

KBG FORMED Fortunately, at the time, there were a few other people thinking the same thing. So the KBG was formed (no, not an international intelligence unit that is the KGB).

We were to be known as the Keel Boat Group, or KBG. The KBG used SYC Main Beach as their headquarters with their total focus being

Leeway Division Winner Airlie Beach Race Week

The timing is now right to come under the banner of the Southport Yacht Club and wave goodbye to our KBG. The move is a good one, as this gives us the resources of the Club, which can only enhance our series.

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SO THEY CRIED, “WE WANT MORE RACES!” We took a good look at the offshore racing calendar and looked at ways of running more races and introducing more people to big-boat racing. Our work is done! We have brought bigboat racing to the fabulous SYC Main Beach Clubhouse. Or so we thought! More and more people approached us, saying, “We have a boat and want to go racing,“ or “I want to learn how to sail on a big boat.” More enquiries came in.

Onyx Competions At Recent State Irc Titles At Mooloolabah

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Currently, as we are about to commence our 2015/2016 sailing season, we have 42 Thursday Twilight races and 34 offshore races scheduled for keel boats racing out of SYC Main Beach Clubhouse.

In a short eight-year period, we have gone from six races a year to 76 races planned for this year, including a massive offshore regatta in January 2016 that will bring boats from all over the East Coast.

WINNING FOR THE GOLD COAST Recently, one of our local boats won its division at the Airlie Beach Race Week regatta with two other local boats running second and third in their divisions. We had a boat run second in its division in the prestigious Sydney-Gold Coast race. We had a local boat win the State Sports Boats title. We had five boats competing at the recent (and massive) Hamilton Island Race Week. Although they were in the middle of

Oh, but what about the boats?

Well, from a five-boat start that consisted of mainly cruising their respective divisions, they yachts eight years ago, this competed hard and mixed in year we had 35 keel boats Painkiller Forte- on it’s way to second place in its with the best in their divisions. division, 2015 Sydney-Gold Coast Race that competed over the last 12 months, and more than 20 of them competed in While all of this big boat success has been going on, every series. We now have three divisions for big the Hollywell Sailing Squadron has still been doing boats: multihull, cruising and serious racer. And we great things, boasting four current World Champions! are building all the time. We have new-to-boating The junior sailing numbers are up massively, and owners come and join us. We also have existing now they are staying in the sport because they have boat owners upgrade their boats. The most pleasing opportunities to progress onto big boats if they wish. result is we have people who have joined us as crew It has been an amazing eight years! I am extremely and now owning their own boats. proud to have been a part of it. From very humble Eight years ago we had one to two boats that wanted beginnings we now have a Keel Boat race series to fly the SYC flag at big events around the nation. that many clubs would envy. I am sure that in another Now, I am getting asked more and more, “How do I eight years, I will be writing about Gold Coast boats get involved in more racing?”

WINNING major events around the country.

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BOAT GUIDE

BUY AND SAIL

The 101 Of Buying A Sailboat

By Norman Ambrose

S

ailing is a pastime and a sport you can participate in from five years old to 85 years old. Not many other sports allow this lifetime endeavour. The wind is free so sailing is free once you own a sail boat.

John Rousmaniere once said, “The goal is not to sail

TYPE, SIZE AND PRICE. When considering the type and size of sail boats, the best advice for Broadwater/ Moreton Bay sailing is an inshore sailing dinghy, which starts from $1,000, or a keel yacht at about $15,000. For those wanting to go offshore sailing,

shallow draft keels, popular among cruising sailors in

the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself.” The feeling you experience while sailing is not possible while driving a power boat.

most experts suggest purchasing yachts over 30 or 35 feet for these voyages, although many people have crossed oceans in very small yachts. What is more important is to choose a yacht design with a reasonably high ballast/displacement ratio, which is the measure of the stability of a boat’s hull and determines the stiffness and resistance to capsize.

possibly sails and canvas covers.

Queensland. A second-hand sail boat that is 10 years old will probably still make the trip you have planned.

However, remember to allow some funds to upgrade the electronics, radios, chart plotters, autopilots and

PARTNER DECISION. If you involve your partner from the start of the decision-making, it will be a great pastime you can enjoy together for many years to come. If your partner is not confident with your buying decision, they may avoid the ocean voyage and end up flying to a tropical location to join the

TECHNOLOGY. On the Gold Coast, we are fortunate that we can sail for the weekend or set off on longer distances. Most owners aspire to sail to the Whitsundays at some point, so it is probably best to purchase a yacht over 30 feet to start with. New sail boats have come a long way over the last five years, now with furling main and head sails. Also, the new models have onboard electronics that are controlled by smart phones or iPads. The latest sailing boats offer

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yacht in sheltered waters. Once you have purchased your dream yacht, it is easy to hire a skipper to sail with you the first few times while most new sail boat brokers include this in their sales contract.

CALMNESS. The mental attitude required to overcome the fear of learning to sail is a calm state. Be relaxed and forget about what you are doing at work next week. Once you have been sailing in your own

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newly acquired yacht a few times, you soon get into the groove and enjoy commanding and managing your own vessel. Appreciate the insight of Bob Bitchin who expressed, “Attitude is the difference between ordeal and adventure.”

DEALING WITH DEALERS. On the Gold Coast, there are only three dealers specializing in the larger monohull sailing vessels. They are Ensign, Bosun’s at Southport, and Ausail Marine at Sanctuary Cove. New yachts will have a two-year warranty on the engine, five years on the hull, and 12 months on most other items. Second-hand yachts have no warranties, so it is important to conduct a full out-of-the-water survey by a qualified marine surveyor. When conducting an on-water test and walk-through in a sailing boat, take the specification sheet published by the dealer and ensure every single major item works. Check the operation of the engine, the electronics, the refrigeration, and most of the large ticket items.

Always insist that any deposit is fully refundable and the sales contract is subject to a satisfactory test-sail and out-of-the-water survey.

New sailing boat being trucked and delivered to the Gold Coast

YOUR PRE-SUMMER CHECKLIST Sailing boat preparations, preventative maintenance and organising to undertake before the summer sailing season: 1. Wash the boat with fresh water and soap.

2. The hull should be polished once a year.

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

4. Test deck, fittings and safety equipment. Free-up with water and or WD40 or similar.

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

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

7. All main equipment should be tested before each sailing season.

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

9. Outboards should be serviced every 12 months.

10. Head should be checked before every outing.

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

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

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS Day trip - On the Gold Coast, day trip destinations include Sanctuary Cove and Southport, depending where you start from and lots of great lunch spots in between. Coomera River has lots of stops with restaurants (Gold Coast City Marina, Riviera, The Boat Works, and Coomera Waters).

Overnight stay - Tipplers Channel, Wave Break Island, Harrigan’s Irish Pub at Jacobs Well, Horizon Shores Marina, and Couran Cove.

Long passage - Tangalooma in Moreton Bay, Mooloolaba and Fraser Island.

Before you depart, here’s a tip: Filling out a log book is a great idea, not only for service records with problems to be fixed; by reviewing later, you can just keep an eye out during the return trip. The poet Lee Allred summed it up best, “Without patience, a sailor I would never be.” So allow plenty of time, and do be mindful that the return trip may take longer. And, most important of all, just have fun!

Norman Ambrose offers free sailing boat buyers advice at Ausail Marine Group, Sanctuary Cove (5514 8541; www.ausailmarine.com)

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BOAT TECHNOLOGY

Iain Murray’s tactician working on the computer we donated for use as navigational aid on board Kookaburra III for the 1987 America’s Cup. The use of the computer was successful; unfortunately, the defence was not.

By Nick Ramensky

SAILING INTO THE DIGITAL AGE

For the price of my smart phone, I can get into a Jubilee at Redland Bay and take it to Hamilton Island, enjoying all that computer power and also testing my claim about its unsinkability.

WHY USE A “REAL” COMPUTER?

Well, a PC offers a much bigger screen for output, and a keyboard for input. It also offers integration with other devices and specialist computers.

I

was seventeen when I started sailing. It was in the Jubilee, a tubby centreboard craft, eighteen feet (about 5.5m) long, with a crew of four. Designed in Port Philip Bay, it was virtually unsinkable. (I believe that there is, today, a fleet of five Jubilees in Redland Bay, Queensland.)

…THE SMART PHONE

A key requirement of navigation, is knowing where you are at the moment. I am reminded of a joke: “An airplane pilot makes an announcement – Ladies and Gentlemen, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is – we’re hopelessly lost. But never fear, the good news is – we’re making excellent time.”

I was also seventeen when I encountered Siliac, a computer built at Sydney University and installed in 1956. It was in use in 1961 when I enrolled.

Pic 2 shows the menu that comes up after pressing the “Menu” button. I choose “Create Waypoint”.

Because I know the coordinates of my first waypoint (-27.6108546o, 153.3082910o), I choose the “UseKeyboard” method. I save it as “RedlandBay”.

GPS is committed to providing an accuracy, subject to the quality of the GPS receiver, of 7.8m (at a 95% confidence level). That accuracy can be improved by using augmentation systems. Other improvements are the quality of the charts, which require a lot more data—the integration of wind and tide data and devices that measure speed and acceleration. Speed and acceleration are important in racing because one cannot feel the difference between 8.05 knots and 8.15 knots, nor can one feel the acceleration between them. But that tiny difference can result in a yacht coming in a mile behind, or ahead, over the entire course. Specialist stuff, sure, but it must be mentioned.

The notion of using that computer on board a Jubilee was laughable. Not only did it weigh a multiple of the weight of the Jubilee, but it was several times as large. It required air-conditioning and its power requirements were immense. Anyone who made the attempt would have destroyed the reputation of the Jubilee as being unsinkable!

Today, the scene is radically different. It is now possible to have many times the computing power of Siliac on board a Jubilee. Computers are used on boats, both as stand-alone devices and as ancillary to another device. But for this article, I am going to discuss their use as navigational aids.

I am going to start with a class of computers that rival the computing power of many a mainframe of yesteryear…

PIC

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PIC

2

On my smart phone, I have installed a navigational system. Please note the “Menu” button, on the bottom of Pic 1, which is that of the main screen. I am going to take you through one of the basic actions in navigation: setting a waypoint.

For the second waypoint, I am going to use the “Use Map” option. The useful map options include (a) Downloaded Maps, and (b) Google Maps in Satellite and Map View. I am going to use Google Map View (Pic 3). I choose Hamilton Island harbour, and I save it as “Hamilton”. The two waypoints are now on the map. I can zoom in, as shown in Pic 4, which I display in Satellite view, and I can zoom out as shown in Pic 5.

I can now go into various functions and establish the distance between the two waypoints and choose “Go to Waypoint”–assuming I have a clear view of the sky to enable my phone to pick up the GPS satellite signals and establish the remaining distance, the heading, the speed, the remaining time and the ETA. Pic 6 shows me going to Redland Bay. PIC

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PIC

4

In the meantime, I am content using my smart phone for the purely recreational sailing I still enjoy.

Nick Ramensky worked for Digital Equipment Corporation for 18 years, finishing up as the Director of Marketing for the South Pacific Region. He then opened and ran Nota Consulting which specialised in Business Strategy and Marketing consulting. Nick never gave up his love of sailing.

He also writes for thePCDoctor.com.au.

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PIC

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BOAT GOLD COAST

THE BARBER OF BOATING teve Ackerie, or Stefan to us Gold S Coast locals, has been the flamboyant hairdressing tycoon cum offshore powerboat racing guru since the 1980s.

In a racing career that spanned three decades, Stefan ‘The Barber’—as he is affectionately named by the boat racing fraternity—won Australian offshore titles in 1985, 1987-88, 1990-91, and 2002.

As well as these championships, he set many long distance powerboat speed records, such as Sydney-to-Brisbane and Cairns-to-Brisbane. During the Sydney-to-Newcastle race Stefan’s boat spun at high speed narrowly avoiding a life threatening crash believed to have been caused by a collision with a submerged shipping container.

Stefan’s involvement in powerboat racing started when he was asked to sponsor a boat in the early 80s. One day, he was taken out for a test drive and found that rather than being scared, he actually loved it, so he started competing in events. Then, by chance, the man who had the best boat and team in Australia passed them on to Stefan when he retired from the sport and his international power boat racing career went from there.

Stefan’s earliest power boat, which was driven by petrol engines, exploded during a New Zealand race in 1989 with him and his crew having to jump for their lives as the boat burst into flames. This era of Australian powerboat racing was extremely dangerous. For example, a controversial NSW law outlawed safety harnesses as it was considered that boat occupants had a better chance of survival if thrown out of the boat. So rough was the ride that specially designed padded seaters were used as the boats skimmed the water surface in danger of “stuffing” a wave bow-first or barrelrolling the boat. The crew sat three abreast, all wearing helmets and life vests. A driver steered the boat through the waves, the throttle man controlled speed and trim tabs, and the third would navigate the course.

In 1993, Stefan and his three other crewmen smashed the Bass Straight crossing in his $1 million powerboat Jager Paris. In just five and a half hours they raced the clock from St Kilda Pier in Melbourne to the mouth of the Tamar River in Tasmania. A journey of 236 nautical miles through huge seas.

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In 1999, Stefan’s new big and bright pink aluminium catamaran, aptly named Stefan Shampoo and sponsored by his own Jager Cosmetics was built on the Gold Coast.

With such an eventful boating history, Stefan has been an outstanding ambassador for Australian powerboat racing and for Gold Coast boating. His not-so-secret mantra that is the driving force behind not only his boat racing success but his commercial business trading accomplishment is: “Believe in yourself and never, never, never give up!”

Stefan’s boat was powered by two 1350-horsepower engines capable of a topspeed of 285kph. And just three months later, Stefan made an extremely dangerous record breaking crossing of Malaysia’s Malacca Straits in rough seas with five-metre high waves and bad weather.

In 2012 he established Stefan Boating World with showroom on Waterways Drive Coomera that can house up to 400 boats at any one time. Stefan has personally scanned the world’s best boat builders to of fer a range of brands with many models ready for immediate delivery and all outboards powered by Yamaha.

These include Karnic, Chaparral, Scout, Sea Jay, Anglapro, Highfield, Oceania, Morningstar, Reflex, FX and Fibrafor t. www.stefanboatingworld.com.au

In 1999, Stefan’s new big and bright pink aluminium catamaran, aptly named Stefan Shampoo and sponsored by his own Jager Cosmetics that was built on the Gold Coast, and powered by twin 12-litre V-8 Detroit diesels, punched out 2700 horsepower racing at 90-plus knots. This placed the boat at the forefront of the Australian competition and up there with the big league international spectacle for Class 1 Offshore powerboat fans around the world, with boats skipping across the water at top speeds of 240kph and some international teams reporting race budgets of $50 million.

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BOAT COMMUNITY

SHAG ISLET CRUISING YACHT CLUB

ONE SUCCESSFUL RENDEZVOUS

Hosted on the stunning turquoise waters of the Whitsundays, the annual Rendezvous at Shag Islet in the Gloucester passage, gathered yachties from around the world. At this year’s event, 180 power and sail boats participated.

T

he Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC), a not-for-profit club, raises money for the charity, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The phenomenally successful SICYC has seen the club’s numbers increase by 500 members over the last 12 months, now 4000-strong from 15 countries.

At the 2015 Rendezvous, the guest of honour was distinguished professor Judith Clements AC, a prominent prostate cancer researcher and chair of the Queensland Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Professor Clements spoke of the cancer that affects all ages with an increasing younger demographic being diagnosed each year and explained the research being undertaken to update the testing and diagnosis procedures.

Also in attendance was Deputy Major of Whitsundays Andrew Willlcox who described the activity as the best event he has attended in his position with the council, proclaiming, “Here in the Whitsundays, we have good days and we have great days. And today is a great day!”

There were 700 members, friends and sponsors on hand who dug deep and raised $82,000 for prostate cancer awareness and research taking the total charity collections to a whopping $252,000.

On the Saturday of the four-day event, 106 dinghies from the participating yachts assembled just off the beach from Montes Reef Resort “holding hands across the Blue” in the shape of the Prostate Cancer of Australia (PCFA) logo to drive awareness of the cancer that takes lives of more than 3,000 Australians per year.

Professor Clements and founder of SICYC Ken Thackeray said their goal now was to spread the message beyond the Whitsundays, with the hope that on the last Saturday of August each year, other boating, fishing and surf lifesaving clubs might hold hands across the blue ahead of Prostate Cancer month every September.

Every SICYC member is a Vice Commodore of a nautical location and are lifetime members. To become a member of SICYC costs $60 including a polo and membership card. For further information, join and support a great cause at sicyc.com.au.

GOLD COAST ANCHOR UP PARTY On 4 September 2015, the Gold Coast chapter of the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) hosted a party for “Vice Commodores” at the Southport VMR Base at Main Beach. Around 60 members and guests arrived by land and sea to enjoy the dinner and drinks with the live entertainment by “mustavabeers”. The evening brought together cruising yachties and individuals who enjoy boating. The events admission fee and raffle, organized by Richard Newman, raised money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Pictured: Ian Anderson, Vice Commodore of Surfers Paradise presents SICYC founder Ken Thackeray with a cheque for $750 collected on the night.

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BOAT FEATURE

MY BOATING LIFE INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE ORMONDE BRITTON

Dealer Principal & Maritimo Sales Australasia Sales Manager Maritimo Gold Coast & BMS I have been boating on the Gold Coast for almost 20 years.

My ideal day out on the water Right now, any day out on the water is ideal for me as I do not get enough of it anymore. But if I look back on some of the awesome days we have had in our own boats rafted up with friends and having a nap after lunch, it is a case of less is more. Boating has a very unique way of letting you forget about life for a while, and I am sure it promotes longevity to your life.

My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast Although not accessible for larger vessels, I always enjoy some time around the Bedrooms. It is a great place to avoid the wash from passing vessels, and the sunsets on the beach are beautiful as there are only a small number of beaches here on the East Coast you can sit and enjoy a sunset drink on the beach whilst watching the sun setting. And on top of that, it is only a short stroll over to the Surf Beach.

These courageous leaders share their insights that are a crucial part of cultivating a robust Gold Coast boating community. Their guidance and ideas will help others set a course to better boating while helping maintain the revived enthusiasm and optimism currently gripping the local industr y and boating groups.

As well as the health aspect, I think it would be fair for all boat users to not have—or limit the number of—live-aboards in a lot of these populated areas so that everyone gets a turn at enjoying these locations from time to time.

Another improvement would be a strategy to rid the Broadwater of the old halfsunken wrecks that lay around for years. It is looking like the anchorage on the inside of Brown Island across from Sovereign Island, becoming a dumping ground for old boats and become quite an eyesore.

My views on community ideas I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced.

It sounds like a nice alternative to the vehicle traffic we endure some days. But I doubt it could be a viable alternative financially. I think if you were going to add any public berthing, it would probably be most utilised in places such as Tipplers.

My Gold Coast boating industry outlook The Gold Coast’s proximity to the open ocean, with the current facilities available for production and maintenance, coupled with a highly desirable location for employees to reside, make the Gold Coast’s boating industry look very promising. In fact, Gold Coast is one of the best locations in the South Pacific.

If you take into account the spread between the Australian and US dollar at the moment, this also promotes some fantastic opportunities for our exports as well as larger vessel refits, boosting the local economy for everyone’s benefit.

My boating industry business advice for success I guess for me, whether you are in production or maintenance or sales, just be prepared to stand up behind what you do and be proud of it, and be prepared to follow through with your promises. Every industry has only a small amount of service providers that follow through with all the small things, like being somewhere when you promise to, calling people back when you promise to, and delivering on your promises. It usually is the very small number of businesses that succeed, and they seem to have all of this in common.

My recommended improvements for our waterways It would be good to focus a bit more attention on the health implications of our waterways with the growing number of live-aboards in areas such as Marine Stadium, Wave Break Island and Paradise Point with so many people with small children and babies swimming so close to these boats that do not move for weeks on end, leaving a lot us wondering what is going on with their holding tanks.

DAVID ROBINSON

Sales Manager Stefan Boating World I have been boating on the Gold Coast for 20 plus years.

My ideal day out on the water Calm seas, cold drinks and a few fish.

My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast I really like spending time at the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club near Tipplers. It has a really social atmosphere surrounded by lots of people who are passionate about boating—lots of kids and lots of adults all having a great time.

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My boating industry business advice for success Embrace what you are not great at. Do things differently—be your own business.

My recommended improvements for our waterways It is possibly more of an issue for the Water Police, but I am mainly concerned with child safety on the water. I am all for having fun, but kids in 8-ft tinnies with 15HP engines is a recipe for disaster. The moment a child is killed, everyone will be up in arms and want the police to enforce the 6HP law, instead of allowing 15HP engines to be restricted to 6HP. My views on community ideas I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced as long as it is managed properly. Additional transport is always good.

I think if you were going to add any public berthing, they should be beside or near major boat ramps or boating destinations.

My Gold Coast boating industry outlook It’s a very bright future because we think differently. We are growing rapidly and changing the way people perceive the boat industry.

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BOAT FEATURE

TONY JAMES ROSS

Managing Director Ensign Shipbrokers, Sanlorenzo Australia, Bavaria Australia I have been boating on the Gold Coast for 12 years.

My ideal day out on the water Cast off at sunrise and cruise north whilst water glass, anchor up at midday, rod out and BBQ on...Friends rafting up and a rowdy afternoon dance session, culminating in a quiet G&T before retiring…Or smashing into some good waves with the rig straining and every bit of cloth we have on board flying (race Farr 40)...Or zooming around on one hull hanging on for life barely in control. (Nacra racing cat)

waterfront dining precinct/restraint (or restaurant?) has easy approach berthing which will be good for the location and generate boat usage. We need to create events and destinations, and reasons to raft up and enjoy a night on the water.

I think making some family events at places accessible only by water would be awesome. Personally, I have a vision of a charity event that is dedicated to raising funds—but, catch is, you can only attend by boat! Like everyone full of good ideas, daily life and business noise gets in the way of great things…but I am working on this.

My views on community ideas I agree the Gold Coast should have a public transport ferry system introduced as long as suitable sleek vessels are implemented in keeping with our limited waterway size.

My Gold Coast boating industry outlook We must be mindful of the change in demographics, and ensure we have the suitable facilities and vessel styles to suit the new and changing markets.

My recommended boating location on the Gold Coast Each spot has its own unique brilliance. However, I do love it up near the Bedrooms. I enjoy the secluded feel, the narrow entrance, limited space...Great crab spot nearby…Whiting for breakfast.

My boating industry business advice for success Treat your customers, our customers, with the full respect they deserve. Make their experience fulfilling and as cost-effective as possible. Engage them in using the vessel as much as possible. It will help our entire industry if we encourage people to go out on their vessels.

My recommended improvements for our waterways A united approach to dredging is required, as well as help with destinations both inshore and offshore. We need access to waterfront restaurants, pontoons and visitor-style berths. Boaties should be able to visit Surfers Paradise and other shops and restaurants by boat. We need to try and ensure every

BOAT COMMUNITY

GCWA UPDATES

By Nicole Munro, GCWA

U

nder the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act of 2012, the GCWA produces a 10-year Waterways Management Strategy and 4-year Waterways Management Program. The current Program includes funding in the current, 2015-16, fiscal year for nearly $12 million worth of works.

DREDGING. About one-third of the funding is for

dredging in various navigation channels, including Biggera Creek, the Main Channel North near Cabbage Tree Point, Tipplers Passage, the Main Channel South near the Pimpama River, Canaipa Passage, and the Seaway approaches in the Broadwater, including the North, South and South Wave Break Island channels.

DREDGE MANAGEMENT FACILITY. The

Program includes a substantial commitment of $1.6 million towards the long-held realisation of a

Surfers Riverside pontoon for commercial operators

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dredge spoil management facility on the Coomera River to facilitate sustainable navigational access for the marine precinct, residential canal estates and associated marinas and maintenance of flood mitigation facilities such as the Hope Island drain.

The GCWA actively partners with the City of the Gold Coast to ensure that dredged sand is beneficially used for foreshore nourishment wherever practical.

The Coomera dredge spoil management facility is an important alternative.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

through the Scientific Research and Management Program of the GCWA, including ways to provide boaties better information on matters such as bathymetry and tides, as well as enable them to inform the Authority about issues and priorities.

ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION. GCWA is a small organisation,

SAND BYPASS SYSTEM. The GCWA is also

so it is important that it works with organisations such as the Water Police, and Boating and Fisheries Patrol to educate stakeholders and, where necessary, undertake appropriate enforcement. A lot of the challenges facing us lack simple solutions and involves trade-offs—you can make some people happy, but other people are likely to disagree. If we can foster a dialogue among the stakeholders, we have the best chance of getting an agreed consensus and realising the best possible solutions.

undertaking a program to improve energy efficiency of the Sand Bypass System, as well as ongoing management of the navigational aids system.

Visit www.gcwa.qld.gov.au to know more about the current programs and projects, or contact (07) 5539 7350 for any particular matter.

BOATING INFRASTRUCTURE investments in public boating infrastructure include building and maintaining pontoons at Tipplers, and Appel Wharf on the Nerang River—progressing recommendations from the recent master plan consultation for Surfers Riverside Precint project.

Dredging at Southport

GCWA’s new maintenance vessel ‘Currigee’, launched in 2015

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BOAT GOLD COAST

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Comparable to the classy amenities and inclusions found on much larger luxury vessels.

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NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT FEATURE

INSPIRATIONAL WATERFRONT LIVING The Boat Gold Coast team provide some helpful tips on choosing the waterfront home on the Gold Coast that is perfect for you. We showcase a diverse range of homes along the rivers and canals of the city through photos. The boats – big and small, power and sail, pontoon and catamaran. The decking and lawns. The boat lift and boat ramp, pontoons and jetties. With the right mindset and armed with important information, there is something to suit everyone’s preferences.

I

magine this: Your backyard view vividly changing with the temper of the seasons, and the ebbing and coming in of the tide provides a constant reminder of nature’s dynamics. There is no bet ter way to combine a residential home and live the boating lifest yle than on the Gold Coast.

Living on a waterfront property on the Gold Coast with inspirational views of the waterways is a dream many boaties seek to make a reality.

More than 90 percent of all residential canals in Australia are located on the Gold Coast. Although other states, such as New South Wales and Victoria, have prohibited the development of new canal estates, Queensland has kept its doors

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open for these developments, albeit with strict guidelines...So, the right Gold Coast waterfront property will be valuable in the future.

Unlike Venice canals, where there is technically no car access or road system following canals, the Gold Coast offers both land-based transport access as well as water access. When considering a waterfront home, your land-based considerations should be assessed first—your work location, kids’ schools, proximity to shops and services, and leisure and recreational activities. Once you have defined the suburbs you want to live in, then you need to look for the right house with boating accessibility that suits you.

DIRECTION AND LAND

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/waterfront all day. If the house faces any other direction, you will have part shade during the day possibly making it cooler in summer, but it may be chilly during the colder months. A westto-water aspect means you do not have sun on your backyard waterfront until the afternoon and in some cases the glare of the sun setting fills your windows often requiring you to pull the blinds down. Aside from choosing the home with the aspect of your choice, it is also worth considering if the land fansout towards the water or not. A block of land that fans out towards the water will allow for a larger pontoon

39

BOAT FEATURE

and sufficient room to maneuver; whereas land that fans-in towards the water will have restrictive boat access and will compete for space with neighbouring jetties.

ACCESS AND WATER

There are 400 kilometres constructed canals on the Gold Coast with every navigable kilometre offering something different, often challenging, for boaties. Understanding the pros and cons of different areas is important before deciding where to buy. If you want direct and quick access to the Broadwater and Seaway, then Runaway Bay is the obvious choice. In fact, there are more registered boats in the Runaway Bay 4216 postcode area than any other postcode in Queensland, with the Runaway Bay Shopping Village having the busiest public access jetties adjacent to a shopping centre in the city. The downside is that some dead-end canals are congested with boats, and generally, the architecture of the residential houses is older than the newly established suburbs.

More than 90 percent of all residential canals in Australia are located on the Gold Coast.

If you are looking into the Sanctuary Cove-Hope island-Upper Coomera areas, you have the option of choosing from many exclusive gated communities that offer a high level of security and a quieter and slower pace than the rest of

40

the outside world. The architecture offers some of the newest on the Gold Coast. However, the Coomera River has quite a temper in the rainy summer months. Both Runaway Bay and the Coomera River areas are the choice for sailing boat owners as many sections are bridge-free and offer deep water passage. The main arm of the Coomera is a 6-knot zone for all vessels, so travelling to the Broadwater is a slow process.

The northern arm of the Coomera allows vessels 8 metres or less the travel at 40 knots arriving on the Broadwater near Couran Cove, providing quick access to Tipplers, Jumpinpin, Jacobs Well and Moreton Bay. For 8-metre or smaller vessels, the Nerang River has both 6-knot and 40-knot zones. From the Southport Broadwater, travelling by boat to locations such as Carrara will take approximately 45 minutes. Travelling by boat to Broadbeach Waters and Mermaid Waters will take considerably more time. The canals of Clear Island Waters are only accessible by Boobegan Creek lock which will add time to the journal. The benefits of living off the Nerang River is that you are never far away from the ski-access zones of the main river, the fishing is great in these waters, and you can pull up on the many beach front parklands to walk to local shopping strips. There are established public access docking at Pacific Fair and Capri on Via Roma. Like most of the canal areas of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach Waters and Nerang River areas have a well established kayaking culture with many waterfront residents using their canoes for fitness training and leisure.

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While main river frontage is desirable, it carries a premium price tag. An issue for boat owners on main rivers and canals is that wake from passing vessels and wakeboard boats can be annoying and sometimes damaging to boats, pontoons and jetties. But at least you get to watch the boats pass by as entertainment.

Before you buy a home, travel there by boat and see for yourself what challenges lay ahead for boat passage.

There is no better way to combine a residential home and live the boating lifestyle than on the Gold Coast.

BOATS

If you buy into waterfront lifestyle but still deciding on a boat to purchase, then an entry-level investment is a tinnie or a kayak that allows you to experience the boating lifestyle and explore your local waterways without the hefty price tag. A step up the boat ownership ladder is a boat 8 metres long or less allowing you to go anywhere with ease while traveling up to 40 knots along most stretches of the main rivers. Larger boats longer than 8 metres will be restricted to 6 knots on most of the canal systems across the city. If wet berthed, these large boats can be fitted with draining skirts or boat lifts to avoid the maintenance costs associated with engines and hulls at rest in salt or brackish water for extended periods of time. While fly bridges are deemed essential further north

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where there are many reefs to navigate, here on the Gold Coast they may reduce access to many of the canals with low bridges.

PONTOONS

If replacing an old pontoon or building a new one, there are many factors to consider before making the purchase. Piled pontoons are floating structures fixed in place with large concrete posts that are secured into the seabed. Piles are usually used in waterways that have strong tidal flow where the pontoon must be held in place firmly.

In calmer waters, the pontoon can be attached to land using aluminium struts or cables. If your boat is under 6 metres long and weighs under 1,500 kilograms, you have the option to dry berth on the pontoon that incorporates a tapered end allowing for a boat or Jetski to be parked on top of the pontoon using a roller system with an electric or a manual winch. In this case, a 3.5-metre wide pontoon is recommended allowing enough space to be able to walk safely down each side of your boat. Narrow pontoons tend to be a little unstable and leave very little room for storage of kayaks, etc. If dry berthing, then extra freeboard (freeboard refers to the height the pontoon sits out of the water) is recommended so that when the boat is on the pontoon the aluminium frame work will also be out of the water. The extra freeboard height is very important if you are positioned on a main river with ski zones (like the Nerang and Coomera rivers). A pontoon that has a high freeboard will be more durable and can handle crashing waves from power boats and will stay drier, as passing power boats, especially wakeboarding boats, make large waves.

It is worth noting that council regulations allow your pontoon length to be up to 70 percent of your total waterfront property length.

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BOAT PROTOCOL

DO YOU KNOW YOUR WATERFRONT ADDRESS?

By Roselle Tenefrancia

C

ruising leisurely along the Nerang River, my husband points to one canal on our right asking if I remember the house we inspected a few months ago. Of course I say that I do not remember. He tells me that the house is in Sorrento, and it had this and that on the jetty, and so on. In my mind, I have no idea of what he is talking about, let alone remember what the jetty looked like. If he showed me a map of the street where the house was, I would have had a fairly good idea of where the house was. But would it be better if there were signages of canal names?

Coast, a tourist unfamiliar with suburb names and addresses, and clueless about the waterway system here, and you go out boating on Coomera or Nerang Rivers, what would you search for on your smartphone?

Places like Venice and Amsterdam have old-world canal and waterway systems that have determined the culture and lifestyle of the people. It is even part of a tourist’s experience to get lost in mazes that do not seem to have a particular order or pattern that you can follow. The local way of life has adapted to the myriad of canals, inlets and rivers. Perhaps it can also be said that it is the same here on the Gold Coast—or maybe not?

In 1999, a company called Gold Coast Aqua Signs, owned by Rod McLaughlin, proposed to the Gold Coast City Council the installation of waterway signs of canal names along the waterways of the Gold Coast. In his proposal, the primary problem that he sought to address through the signage system involved safety and crime prevention. In a letter submitted to the CEO of the City Council, Paul Stevens, Rod stated: “Serious gaps in the city’s current `mud-map’ system were highlighted last year when Gold Coast Water Police and ambulance crews could not pinpoint a two-boat collision, making the rescue cumbersome and potentially lifethreatening. Aqua Signs fills this gap to streamline response times and procedures.”

Rod McLaughlin of Gold Coast Aqua Signs, 1999 proposal to install waterway signs of canal names

CANAL NAMING AND SIGNAGE ON THE GOLD COAST During the era without the GPS, locating places were done through printed maps or charts. These days, GPS and smartphones make it very easy to search any place in the world with just a few clicks.

On a smartphone, type an address and there you have it! But if you were new boating on the Gold 42

It is obvious that in 1999, GPS was not a technology that was readily available for the general public. The problem that Rod McLaughlin wanted to address was the difficulty to pinpoint the exact location of a stranded boat or of an accident, such as a collision.

Today, it is no longer a problem, as most boats are equipped with a GPS system at the very least. And of course, police and rescue boats are not without such technology being used for everyday patrols and for emergency response activities.

And so, not surprisingly, the proposal that was seriously being considered at the time now remains

un-addressed, and the underlying principles behind the need to implement canal naming and install waterways signs, especially those involving safety and emergency response issues, no longer exist.

It is worthwhile to note that there are existing signs installed naming some of the Gold Coast waterways. There is an interesting story behind the the “Dunlops Canal” signages, located at certain areas along the waterways from West Burleigh right through the Little Tallebudgera Creek. The Dunlops Canal (originally Dunlops Drain) was created in the 1800s by farmers who wanted to drain marshes in West Burleigh, the outlet of which was where the Jupiter’s Casino is now. It is protected by an Act of Parliament and has historical significance for the Gold Coast canal estate developments.

There are other signages that indicate the names of waterways and bridges, such as the Little Tallebudgera Creek that joins Nerang River in Surfers Paradise, Coomera River sign in the Hope Island area, and Nerang River signs on bridges. However, some of these are not visible from the water.

What could be the significance of naming canals?

More than the practical use of names for places, historically, place names have had some deeper value or implications to a place. Even street names have to be studied and be subjected to consultations.

It has been written that, “‘The act of naming is itself a performative practice that calls forth the ‘place’ NOV - JAN 2016

to which it refers’ and thus participates in the social construction of the landscape and its meaning to people.” (Rose-Redwood, et al. 2010)

newcomers and visitors who prefer to go around by boat may not have the luxury of identifying locations by simply “looking around”.

While we are so used to street name signs, we take for granted their significance to a place—whether or not the name stands for anything historical, practical, Aboriginal or simply named after flora or fauna, or another existing place. Street names

WHAT THEY SAY

Photo by Queensland State Archives

have been so practical for our daily lives that we overlook its importance in identifying places and determining exact locations, without using the geographic coordinates, such as longitudes and latitudes. Road maps (including GPS) have been very useful in navigating streets and highways of places unfamiliar to us. Can you imagine a world of suburbs and millions of streets without a system of street names and signs?

I am sure that many residents on canal estates have no clue how to explain where they are on the waterway system of the Gold Coast, without using land-based street names and/or geographic coordinates. These man-made canals have been constructed out of the natural river channels, streams and creeks, and they extend further inside suburbs to form palm-shaped waterways, allowing more homes to have water access. Identifying and naming these canals were obviously not on the list of the developers—and rightly so for practical reasons: costly and bureaucratic.

Boaties who live in these canal estates and who have very good sense of direction will not need any map or chart to navigate from their homes to the Broadwater, for example, or any other place of interest accessible by water. But there are still quite a lot of people who will always need assistance whether by GPS or a printed map or chart to navigate through the residential canals. Although it will help to memorise landmarks (such as particular properties at the waterway entrance of a suburb),

The City of Gold Coast has comprehensive rules on naming streets and roads in the city, but thus far, nothing on naming canals. After Rod McLaughlin’s Aqua Signs business proposal, there has not been any open discussion on naming canals in the city, much less on installing waterway signages. While some people think that it is just another expense for the city residents, others think that it may actually help the boaties and enhance the boating experience of visitors to the city.

David Robinson, sales manager at Stefan Boating World, does not agree with installing signages.

“Realistically, most boats are fitted with a GPS which tells you exactly where you are.” And most boaties would probably agree that signages are not necessary in this sense.

Tony James Ross, managing director at Ensign Shipbrokers, thinks otherwise. “Many boaters would find it advantageous as they often do not read navigational maps well.”

Ormonde Britton, dealer principal and sales manager at Maritimo Sales Australasia, states his personal pros-and-cons. “Probably not a bad idea for visiting tourists renting tinnies and BBQ boats, but most boaties would have correct charts, usually paper and/or electronic which would void the need for this. I think the money would be better spent contributed toward a dredging fund which benefits all boaties—visiting and local.”

Nicole Munro, executive support officer at Gold Coast Waterways Authority, confirms that there has been a discussion on naming canals in the city. “We [GCWA] have discussed the need to name the canals with our partner, the City of the Gold Coast, and we are jointly working on some related initiatives. However, while it would be good to have an agreed reference system, signage is expensive and can contribute to visual clutter, particularly if it is not maintained (a key part of why it is expensive). So, we will probably look for alternatives, such as maps on smart devices (phones and tablets) as an alternative way to get the benefits, but minimise the expense.”

Using street names on either side of a canal is being considered for informal naming, as an

internal reference for the Council. But Nicole explains, “While this has an obvious attraction, it is also cumbersome (hyphenated names). Bridges would require working with the asset owner – Council or Transport and Main Roads typically. Both organisations have processes for naming and these processes sometimes involve consultation. So, a challenge is whether it is possible or desirable to keep it sharp and simple or undertake a more consultative process, which will necessarily be longer and more expensive.”

Perhaps, the Gold Coast can start naming bridges that can be used as reference points for those navigating Nerang River and the main canal of Runaway Bay (crossing under Morala Avenue and Bayview Street bridges), for instance. Installing signages on these bridges, which are few and far between can be less expensive for the city and residents and a less bureaucratic scheme that may already be sufficient to achieve ease in identifying exact locations when on the water. And in the near future, it may be worth considering actually naming canals for posterity, possibly through a community-initiative process at no cost to Council, where the affected residents will conduct their own consultation procedure for naming, as suggested more than a decade ago by Rod McLaughlin.

With 700 kilometres of residential waterways, identifying canals by their designated names surely has its advantages. For residents, this may mean a new sense of value for waterfront living and a greater sense of attachment to the water. This may also mean more boating opportunities for locals and visitors that will increase interest in the canal suburbs, and eventually may help the local boating industry improve business and services. While installing signages may be convenient for people like me, it is admittedly unreasonably expensive and bureaucratic. But naming our canals, even simply for a uniform reference system, does have its merit.

Tell us what you think: Should we name our city canals? How do you think the names should be determined? editor@boatgoldcoast.com.au.

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BOAT FEATURE

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE EARLY DAYS OF SANCTUARY COVE Compiled and written by Roselle Tenefrancia and Noemi Acub

Pi ct ured: Pa ul B. Ph otos an d ca

To os

oa rd his Ch oe e wi th fri en ds ab

of M ar ga re t pt io ns co ur te sy

y Le e bo at in Sa

To os e

S

anctuary Cove was an adventurous vision to develop a community focused on the boating lifestyle, surrounded by nature and leisure facilities.

An exclusive interview with Margaret Toose, who has close relations with the people who made the Sanctuary Cove dream possible, gives us some behind-the-scenes look at the world class integrated resort from her vantage point.

STORY OF A LEGISL ATED SANCTUARY An exclusive paradise enveloped by nature’s beauty, Sanctuary Cove is a leading resort-style master planned community and considered as Gold Coast’s icon. Founded through the Sanctuary Cove Resort Act of 1985, a landmark piece of legislation enacted by the Queensland Parliament, Sanctuary Cove’s development has historical, economic and global significance as a premiere waterfront resort destination on Hope Island.

In the search for property for the expansion of their boat building business in 1981, Michael (Mike) and Jenny Gore found an old dairy farm on Hope Island.

The husband and wife team then developed a vision to build a world-class resort based on a master plan.

The residential and commercial development was strictly controlled and regulated and the architecture a traditional Australian theme. The development included a range of activities to be available for residents and visitors, such as boating, golf, tennis, bowls, and swimming. The Gores’ partnership with a Chinese family from Hong Kong, the Lo family, formed

88 in M ay 19 st Fl e e t” ir ew “F N e m th o fr l of me “T he ar ri va ,0 0 0 p e o p le , w ho ca ib ut e to th e tr 0 30 ay p at tr ac te d e ns la nd to s an d Q ue S o ut h Wal e an d th e ir cr e w.” af t ‘h is to ri c’ cr

44

nc tu ar y Cove Ha

rb ou r.

the Discovery Bay Developments (DBD), the company that would develop what is now Sanctuary Cove.

Ownership of DBD changed in the late 1986, first with the Ariadne Group providing additional financial support to the project, and eventually the interests came to the hands of a Japanese company, EIE, for a reported record price for a single property transaction in Australia. EIE committed to completing the Gores’ original plan. However, EIE encountered financial problems in the early 1990s and DBD remained in voluntary receivership for 10 years, until Mulpha Australia Limited, the current developer, purchased DBD’s assets in Sanctuary Cove.

As the development of Sanctuary Cove comprised a waterfront integrated resort involving the creation of harbours and buildings over waterways, it required a Special Act of Parliament. In 1985, the Sanctuary Cove Act was passed. It was the first of such developments in Australia, making it an iconic heritage on the Gold Coast. It made a significant impact in planning legislation within Queensland because the legislative parliament had to make substantive changes to allow the Act to proceed. In 1987, the Queensland Government through the sitting Parliament passed two pieces of legislation which had wide-ranging ramifications for tourist resorts and other subdivisions throughout the state of Queensland. The legislation was aimed to attract financial investors who were more likely to support development projects such as Sanctuary Cove based on freehold.

In th e ea rl y 19 8 0 ’s re ti re d N ew S up re m e C S o ut h W al o ur t Ju s ti ce es P au l B . To o M ar g ar et ’s se an d w ife , ne g o ti at e d to b uy b o at fr o m M a C ho ey Le ik e G o re . e

One of the original residents at Sanctuary Cove, Margaret shares the story of how they met the Gores, and how that meeting would be instrumental to fulfilling the vision of the resort to be known as Sanctuary Cove, where she still lives for more than 27 years. When retired New South Wales Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Toose, Margaret’s husband, met Mike Gore, a friendship began and the Gores shared their dream with the Toose’s.

Margaret recalls how they first met Michael and Jenny Gore. “We bought a boat from Mike and Jenny Gore who had a Choey Lee dealership together with the Lo family from Hong Kong. These boats were like trawler boats. They were lovely boats—a lot of teak. Mike and Jenny brought the boats to Australia, and we bought one in 1983.”

She describes how Mike shared with them his vision of what is now Sanctuary Cove: “When Mike came down to spend the weekend to do the deal, he told us he had this dream. Apparently, at the time the Lo family were very worried about what would happen when China took over Hong Kong. They were talking about building in America. But they thought they would come here to Australia. Jenny found this land, but it was more than they needed to build boats. So, Mike had this idea of having private roads and private harbours. He was telling Paul about this. And Paul said, ‘The laws do not permit that in Australia, because if you have some land, and you have a road, you can’t stop anyone from going in.’ So, Mike asked, ‘What can I do about it?’

BUILDING A DREAM

It was Paul who undertook to understand the legal issues involved in developing the Gores’ concept of a resort with a master plan, and found that the existing laws of Queensland at that time would not allow such a development. From Margaret’s recollection, “Paul said to Mike, ‘You have to have a Special Act of Parliament.

I think this government might be very interested. Paul introduced Mike to the Queensland Premier, and he was interested. And that was how Sanctuary Cove started.”

Beyond the legal and political background that shape the stories of Sanctuary Cove’s history, the personalities behind the project will always have a special place in Margaret Toose’s heart.

Paul came up with a draft of the Special Act, and it was presented in Parliament, and was later on approved by Parliament and signed by the then Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

“T h e C o u n tr y C lu b To u ri n g p rofe s s io , o p e n e d o n A ugus t 6 n a ls , in th e T P C th 19 8 8 . a snap R ive rs id p o ll ta ke e Oak s c lu b h o u n d u ri n g , v s e in th is co u n tr y.” o te d it th e b e s t g o lf

a re so rt th at now have is s o ur w ay e w t ha “W sa id , le b ra te M ike G o re o ne th at ce d s aro un d th e A us tr al ia n, ar d an st t se is p ro ud ly th at ha s ne o d .” an w e, llo of lif o nl y fo o th e rs ca n wo rl d th at

NOV - JAN 2016

at se a un til w er e a lit tle ty ni er at fr g ar y C ov e “T he bo at in n th e Sa nc tu ne 19 89 w he ‘B oa tie s Ju of ly th th on 20 th e rm ed . Its m fo as w b lu Ya ch t C r y po pu la r.”

D ay s’ ar e ve

Margaret is proud to share her thoughts on Sanctuary Cove. “It would have been just another suburb, but the actual concept was very, very good, because at that time, it made foreign residential ownership more accessible and the construction would generate much needed jobs. Sanctuary Cove offered something new that people were allowed and could afford to buy.“

FIRST SETTLERS “In those early years we spent a lot of time boating.

We used to go up north to various places. We spent time in Tangalooma and Jumpinpin. Actually, it is wonderful here because of the easy access to the Broadwater and southern Moreton Bay areas via the north arm of the Coomera River. We also used to socialise a lot in the beginning. Everybody who moved in had sandwiches and drinks, and would invite everyone. I came to think of what it was like when the first settlers came to Sydney—all joined in together, like one nice little family. Many of the people who came here initially were in their 40s and 50s and many of us had boats.”

Margaret and Paul Toose attended the Ultimate Event in January 1988 on their Choey Lee boat. In her own writing way back in August 1989, Margaret describes the Ultimate Event: “Aptly named ‘The Ultimate Event,’ it was a gala week of birthing such as the residents of Hope Island had never imagined. The water of the beautiful Coomera River was crowded with boats of all sizes. Cars packed the roadways for kilometres, and light aircraft filled the sky. In the streets and shops were the people who had come to see for themselves exactly what was happening to quiet Hope Island! The village welcomed them. Thousands upon thousands of people braved overcast skies and long traffic queues to see and hear a variety of leading artists. Headed

by Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra—the man who had vowed never to return to Australia—their support greatly aided the official birth of Sanctuary Cove.”

She brief ly describes Frank Sinatra’s stint at the Ultimate Event. “Mike paid him a million dollars to come here. He f lew in, and the moment he f inished, he f lew out.”

“S a n c tu a ry C ove o ffe re d p e o p le w so m eth in e re a llow g new e d an d co th a t u ld a ffo rd to b u y.”

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“T h e s e b o a ts w e re li ke love ly b tr aw le r o a ts -a lo bo t of te a k th e b o a ts . M ike a a ts . T h ey we re to A u s tr nd J a lia , a n d we b o u g e n n y b ro u g h t h t o n e.”

gi nn in g. a lo t in th e be have to so cial is e ld ed ou us w so y al e he “W oved in …t m ne.” yo ho er w ev y te vi Ever yb od an d wou ld in , ks in dr d an sa nd w ic he s

In Margaret’s own words in a document dated August 1999, she writes: “Much has happened since that week [of the Ultimate Event]. Sadly, for many, the Gore family sold their interest to Ariadne Ltd, a public company, and left their life’s dream to others. Inevitably, the image of the ‘Cove’ changed, especially for the people so heavily involved from the beginning of the dream. Gone were the parental figures so familiar to all on site.”

For Margaret, Mike was the ideas man, and Jenny was the nuts-and-bolts person. She believes that, “They were a great team and he had a group of very good people working with them. There were a lot of people who came on with this because they thought it was good. And with all their help it became a reality.”

It was a gloomy outcome for the Gores. Margaret relates, “I have always been very, very sad that Mike and Jenny both worked hard for all this, and we are living here enjoying the lifestyle they dreamed of.” The two people who dreamed up the first world-class integrated resort in Australia were unable to enjoy the lifestyle they created that the residents now appreciate.

“It would have bee n jus concept w as very, ve t another suburb, but the ac ry good.” tual

The Sanctuary Cove was the first of its kind in Australia. New South Wales and later on, Western Australia, followed with new laws of their own. Mike Gore was a visionary, among other things. In his own words, published in the newsletter, The Spirit of Sanctuary Cove, “What we now have is a resort that is proudly Australian, one that celebrates our way of life, and one that has set standards around the world that others can only follow.”

Margaret only has praises about living in Sanctuary Cove. As one of the original residents she has seen the glory days of Sanctuary Cove and watch the residential community change and evolve. Remaining faithful to the vision of Mike and Jenny Gore, Margaret is still clear about what Sanctuary Cove was meant to be. In her own words in 1989, “The brave and daring concept of Sanctuary Cove, has attracted a wide variety of people from many parts of Australia and overseas. They share with the original developer the dream of the ‘Ultimate’ place to live.”

y ne 1988 b ened in Ju oolshed, p o s a w l ote House, W nificent H It s Great have an “The mag e Ahern. ik aurant all M st r re ie e m g n ra G the Pre d n a .” n Centre Australian Conventio that is truly re e h sp o atm

ted nt integra a waterfro d buildings d se ri p m n Cove co arbours a Sanc tuary ation of 4 h arliament. ing the cre d a Special Ac t of P lv vo in rt e ir reso u q re rways, it over wate

A ll th e p e o p le w 4 0s an d 5 0 s a h o c a m e h e re nd man in it ia ll y y of us we re in had bo th e ir a ts .”

45

BOAT GOLD COAST

PROPERTY OWNERS RESPONSIBLE FOR CANAL WALLS Signs and Symptoms Greg Sweetman, owner of Gold Coast Barges says, ‘Firstly, the wall owner needs to regularly attend to visual inspections and act quickly when changes are evident. Cracking, widening of cracks and subsidence on your property behind the wall are signs of problems arising. If caught early, walls can be corrected. Preventative maintenance is key in canal wall health.’

I

t is Your Legal Obligation. Owners of waterfront properties are legally responsible for the care and maintenance of their own canal walls. This change of law in the majority of local councils has been in place for several years. Despite this, most owners are unaware of this obligation and the requirement by law to ensure their wall is serviceable.

Exposed Toe: When a wall is built, it is engineered to withstand tide and flood. The base of the wall is engineered to be covered and supported. Over time the toe of the wall can be uncovered and this can destabilise the wall, causing leaning and twisting.

This causes cracks to occur, and the wall may slump and eventually will fall over.

Concrete spalling or concrete cancer: This occurs when saltwater causes corrosion of the steel reinforcing inside the wall. Sometimes this is due to poor construction—where the steel was too close to the surface—and the steel has been affected early by the salt being absorbed into the concrete.

Since 2013, buyers and sellers of waterfront property Sometimes, it occurs when saltwater penetrates through hairline cracks in the concrete. As the steel on the Gold Coast have been subject to Local corrodes, it expands and causes the surrounding Law 17. Under this law, a contract of sale involving concrete to crack. In bad cases, the concrete falls any property that has ‘prescribed work’, such as away further exposing the steel and exacerbating the a revetment wall, jetty or pontoon, must have a particular clause that includes a disclosure obligation problem. This can be corrected if detected early. specifying certain matters about the operation Deterioration of Construction Joints: Revetment of the Local Law. If the contract does not contain walls are built with construction joints to allow such clause, the buyer may be able to terminate the them to expand contract and obtain a refund. Further, the Local Law and shrink with requires the responsible person for the specified temperature prescribed work to maintain and keep the specified changes. Usually, prescribed work in a safe condition, and of good these joints are working order, repair and condition. A responsible sealed with a person includes a person who owns the property on rubber material to which a prescribed work is located or who receives prevent water and the benefit of the prescribed work. soil from being lost What’s the Big Deal? through them.Over time, the rubber When walls fail, the expense in removing and replacing them can hit the pocket hard. Sadly, deteriorates, unsuspecting owners can wake up to a fallen wall especially below and wonder how this could even happen, being the high tide completely blindsided to the potential financial line. (Crabs seem to love it!) When the rubber burden they have now placed themselves under. deteriorates, sand and soil can be lost through the joint causing subsidence behind the wall.

All walls age and deteriorate. With maintenance and repair, the wall’s life can be extended and kept Blocked and Failing Weepholes: Weepholes are viable for many years. designed to allow water to flow from behind the wall relieving pressure. Over time, these block and The symptoms and signs of wall failure and wall aging are clear. Know the symptoms, monitor the prevent water from escaping putting pressure on wall and save yourself the heartache. the wall from behind. Ongoing maintenance of

46

weepholes is required for the wall to remain healthy.

Weepholes should have a geotextile fabric (geofabric) behind them which allows water through, but prevents washing out of the sand and soil. Many walls have been poorly built without this protective feature.Also, early forms of geotextile fabric had a limited lifespan particularly in the marine environment. In many cases, the fabric has deteriorated and is now letting soil through. This is an issue which requires regular maintenance and vigilance.

Subsidence: When material is lost from behind the wall, subsidence occurs. This is very obvious when grass slumps, fences become uneven, concrete and paving become uneven or crack. The concrete pathway behind your wall may be concealing a very big problem.

Pools and retaining walls on your property close to the revetment wall may crack or move long before the revetment wall fails. Subsidence is a wakeup call for owners of canal walls. The wall is no longer adequately protecting the property. In the photo above, the geofilter behind the wall has failed allowing the material from behind the wall (sand and gravel) to escape through the weephole. Overtime this will cause subsidence.

Recognising the need for a team dedicated to ensuring the health of canal walls in South East Queensland, Gold Coast Barges have deployed, ‘The Canal Wall Doctor’. This team specifically target the maintenance and ongoing checking of canal wall health.

Greg Sweetman says, ‘We can take the worry out of canal wall ownership. The pairing of The Canal Wall Doctor and Gold Coast Barges gives the canal wall owner a comprehensive care package. Gold Coast Barges provide the support when the wall needs ‘intensive care’ to sort the big issues and the Canal Wall Doctor attends to the maintenance and health check-up every year to ensure your wall, though aging is monitored, maintained and functional.”

Gold Coast Barges will protect your wall with qualified inspections, reports, repairs and maintenance.

Ph: 0427949163 www.canalwalldoctor.com.au

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT GOLD COAST

LEIGH-SMITH YACHTS INTENSIFY ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR 2016!

L

eigh-Smith Yachts (LSY) expand at the iconic Sanctuary Cove Marine Village. As Australian/New Zealand dealers for New Alaska, Hampton and Endurance Motor Yachts, and Queensland/Northern Territory dealers for Elandra and Fairline Motor Yachts, company owners Dean and Ryan Leigh-Smith have committed to a purpose built new Motor Yacht Showroom right in the heart of the Marine Village adjacent to their existing LSY brokerage.

The showroom is more “chic-design-studio” than a conventional office. The premium fit-out boasts the latest fully interactive/multimedia equipment making the process of 3D, 2D and video walk-throughs of various products an exciting and efficient method when designing a new yacht for a future owner. The company’s ability to view the web live with a client, their husbands or wives and their captain, means their vessel is cutting edge with the very latest equipment, design and components ensuring they have the yacht of their dreams. The new showroom also has event capabilities for niche functions and release events with boutique catering options aplenty from several surrounding restaurants. The Leigh-Smith brothers are proud to offer a place to call home for the hundreds of new yacht owner both past and present for all five brands.

LSY have just intensified its service capabilities with the appointment of a new full-time service manager Macleay Lewis.

From left Anouk Grant, Steve Jenkins, Macleay Lewis & Peter Foster

With a wealth of production motor yacht experience and dynamic approach, Macleay will be a fundamental part of increasing the customer experience at LSY, Queensland’s premier motor yacht dealer.

Mrs Anouk Grant, front office manager at LSY, is a familiar face to many luxury car buyers with her past long-term position at Porsche GC. Anouk understands the service and professionalism expected in a high-end luxury dealership. LSY are proud to have Anouk in their team and her involvement is a major contributing factor to their rapid growth and positive customer experience.

Brokerage has always been a primary focus from the Leigh-Smith team and now with four permanent Executive Yacht Brokers, LSY has positioned itself to be an industry leader. With strong marketing presence in the digital, social media and conventional avenues, LSY is the place to get sales results. Trading seven days and located amidst the exciting Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, LSY are the best option to sell or buy your next yacht.

Leigh-Smith Yachts is a trusted name in the sales of new and used Motor, Sailing, Fishing, Sport and Superyachts.

New Motor Yachts

Fairline 62

Hampton 680 PH

Endurance 686

Alaska 47

Elandra 53

Brokerage Yacht Selection

2012 Hampton 680 Pilothouse $2,450,000

2012 Belize 52 Hardtop $1,375,000

www.LSYachts.com.au 07 5577 9200

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

2015 Riviera 515 SUV $1,490,000

2013 Alaska 49 Aft Cabin $780,000

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

2009 Riviera 440 Sport Yacht $559,000

2016 43 Alaska Arriving Nov $899,000

Steve Jenkins 0408 758 099

Peter Foster 0408 758 830

Dean Leigh-Smith 0408 758 887

Ryan Leigh-Smith 0408 758 886 47

BOAT COMMUNITY

IRB TEAM

TOUGHS IT OUT IN NZ Interview with Andy Kelckhoven Photos by Kate Czerny

T

hey call themselves “Team Maussies”—one Maori and two Aussies—who are all members of the North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club. This crew, made up of Andy Kelckhoven, Tim Watene and Jack Watson, flew to New Zealand, borrowed a boat and motor from Sunset Beach SLSC and raced against a fiercely competitive line up in the “90 Mile IRB Classic”. They came fourth out of 42 competing team boats—not too shabby a result!

These men are a local surf club members who are also the Australian Surf Life Saving IRB Champions who recently won in July. They trained for the 90 Mile IRB Classic race on the Gold Coast. The Maussies were the only Australian team in the competition and finished higher than any other non-New Zealand team has done before. The boat that was generously provided was a 3.8-metre inflatable made by Arancia and powered by a 30HP Mercury outboard.

Andy, Jack & Tim

The 90 Mile IRB Classic is the only race of its kind in the world and involves four challenges on the way.

Stage one is to carry the boat nearly 400 metres on the shoulders of the three crew who must lift with no outside assistance. The second stage is a 300-metre motor carry followed by a 2-km run up a steep hill face. And finally a boat lap around an island out to sea which was eventually cancelled this year due to large seas that found the men facing 4.5 to 5 metre swells into a 60 to 70 kph head wind for nearly three hours. This year’s conditions were the toughest since the annual race was held nearly 20 years ago.

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NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT BOAT COMMUNITY JOURNEY

10 TIPS ON HOW TO ENJOY SUP

By Leanne Wyman, All Coast Paddle Boat Hire tand-up paddle boarding, or more casually S called SUP, a fast-growing popular activity on the Gold Coast, is a very pleasant and

addictive form of water sport. It is also a safe and healthy activity provided you follow fairly simple and important basic instructions, such as the position on the board, correct use of the paddle, and correct posture.

HERE ARE SIMPLE TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED. 1. It will be of course a lot easier to get into SUP if you are not afraid of getting wet.

2. On your first attempt, start on your knees as this will give you the ‘feel‘ of the board. Place your knees either side of the deck grip about shoulder width apart as this is usually the centre, widest and most stable part of the board.

3. Make sure that before you mount the board you are at least in knee-deep water. This ensures that the fin is not hitting the sand and cause the board to stop abruptly, which can result in a fall. While in that position, practice paddling technique, turning and stopping the board.

4. When you feel more comfortable and confident, place the paddle across the board, put your feet where your knees were one foot at a time and slowly stand up, bringing the paddle up with you.

5. It is important to try to stand in a relatively relaxed position with your knees slightly bent, and your legs and feet as relaxed as possible.

Photos by Jon Blackwood

Bec

6. It is advisable to move to deeper water when standing—at least one-metre deep—as this will help prevent hitting the bottom if you do fall.

7. Always fully submerge your paddle blade as this gives you more power and control of the board and helps with your balance.

8. While paddling, if a boat passes, it is safer to try to go directly onto the wave. It is also advisable in such a situation to keep the paddle blade fully submerged as this helps to stabilise the board.

9. Try not to use your upper body to balance. Balance with your hips and knees and keep your upper body as central as possible. This is extremely important for heavily-built and tall people.

Viewing the marine life with crystal clear water, from above can leave you constantly in awe. Whether you leisurely cruise along on a board or get into an energy-packed fitness workout, either way can be exhilarating. It is an enjoyable activity for families and friends to get together and enjoy the great outdoors, suitable for most ages even up to the 80s age group.

So often, before people go out on a board, they ask, ‘Is it difficult?’ After a lesson and instruction, and returning after their hire, they have grins from ear to ear telling us how they had so much fun. And if you are really lucky, the friendly dolphins that seem to like human company may also come for a visit!

Get paddling on your SUP board or hire one, and experience the natural surroundings found here.

10. It is always a good idea to check the weather report on tides and wind.

PADDLING THE CREEK

Jon

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

Tallebudgera Creek is a beautiful place for paddle boarding and is an ideal way to explore the creek. The pristine water conditions and the everchanging colours of the creek can be amazing.

Being framed by the Burleigh Heads National Park on one side you will definitely find yourself among nature. With the natural surrounding scenery emanating, you gain a feeling of calm, and the experience of a different perspective while standing on your board can be a tonic to the soul.

Mark

49

BOAT ENVIRONMENT

A FEAT FOR SAND THE WORLD’S FIRST SAND BYPASS SYSTEM The Gold Coast needed a Seaway, a permanent entrance for navigation that could withstand ocean swells.

But with it came the challenge of addressing natural sand movement.

PATRICK MOLNAR writes about the world’s first Sand Bypass System, an engineering feat that has made The Spit, Wave Break Island and South Stradbroke beaches special spots on the Gold Coast.

T

he Spit is undoubtedly one of the most popular places on the Gold Coast which is also the location of the Gold Coast Seaway. Boaties love the Seaway, divers explore the underwater world below, fishers enjoy the challenge of catching fish, and surfers master the surf off South Stradbroke.

Gold Coast Seaway is the main navigation entrance from the Pacific Ocean to the Broadwater that can be found between South Stradbroke Island and The Spit.

It was constructed in 1986 and it is a significant part of the most unique engineering feat in Australia—the world’s first Sand Bypass System.

Before the construction of the Gold Coast Seaway (or Southport Seaway), the Nerang River mouth to the Pacific Ocean was a highly unstable and dangerous entrance. Approximately 500,000 cubic metres of sand moved northward along the Southeast Queensland coast each year as a result of predominant south-easterly winds, wave climate and the significant northern drift of sand.

The Nerang River entrance to the Pacific Ocean steadily migrated up to 60 metres each year, causing land erosion and changing sandbanks.

In the 1800s, the entrance was located where Jupiter’s Casino is now, and by 1930, it moved up to where Sea World stands today. Because of this ongoing movement, South Stradbroke Island had continuously eroded. The entrance also changed in width and depth, resulting in extremely dangerous navigational conditions and numerous boating accidents.

Beach erosion problems on the Gold Coast was previously researched and reported to the Queensland Government by The Delft Hydraulics Laboratory of Holland. They again presented a report in 1976 which established a number of parameters for the final design of the scheme.

It was obvious that the most economic approach would be to form a new and secure entrance by constructing two training walls at The Spit. The design of these walls had to ensure they would be capable of withstanding the cyclonic conditions and would also reduce the entry of ocean swells.

However, construction of man-made structures such as the Seaway rock walls raised some questions regarding the natural flow of beach sand. John Bendel was part of the supervision team for the construction of the Seaway project between 1983 and 1986. Following that, he has been employed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority in 1989.

“Research showed that when constructing manmade structures such as the Seaway rock walls to provide a safe Seaway entrance, the rock wall that extends out into the ocean interrupts the natural flow of beach sand predominately moving from south to north, and therefore an artificial sand bypassing system is required to re-establish the natural flow of the sand,” says John.

The enormous project cost $50 million, used approximately one million tonnes of imported rock, two layers of 20-tonne concrete cubes armoured with rocks of sizes up to 15 tonnes(4,500 cubes in total), and dredged 4.5 million cubic metres of sand.

The Sand Bypass System uses high-pressure water and 10 jet pumps to transfer sand from the southern side of the South Wall, and discharge it onto the beach on South Stradbroke Island. It was designed to mimic the natural flow of sand along the coast line and avoid any impacts to the coastal environment. “Being the first of its kind, the jet pump technology was borrowed from mining settlement ponds,” adds John.

Russel Ratcliffe, Jason Apps, John Bendel & Frank Hiron

It consists of a steel-structured jetty, constructed 500 metres out to sea and 250 metres south of the southern training wall. Ten jet pumps, suspended from the jetty at 30-metre intervals from the seaward end, are submerged to 11 metres below sea level.

The Sand Bypass System is an integral part of the Seaway and it pumps 500 cubic metres across the Seaway per hour and runs up to five days per week on an as-needs basis, with the capacity to run unattended overnight and at peak capacity if required.

“The main functions of the Sand Bypass System are to remove the build-up of sand behind the south wall thereby preventing any excess sand from flowing around the south wall into the Seaway entrance and therefore maintaining safe navigational access.

The sand bypassed to South Stradbroke Island re-establishes the natural sand flow which prevents erosion of the beach on the island,” explains John.

“Due to increasing electricity costs an energy efficiency review was recently carried out and some minor modifications will be made. However, due to the high level of maintenance provided by the operating staff over the past 30 years the system will be able to continue operating for many years to come.”

View of the length of the jetty

50

Russel Ratcliffe and Frank Hiron are two of the three plant operators who commenced work in January

1986, and have been working in their original position for 30 years. Jason Apps, a new operational team member, joined them four years ago.

Jet pumps being extracted from the seabed for maintenance. The sea growth can add up to an extra 3 tons of weight to the jet pump pipework.

Their assignment is to economically operate the Sand Bypass System and maintain the system to a high standard. It is undoubtedly a challenging role, considering that the system is the first of its kind in the world.

“Being tradespersons and coming from a mining background, we could see the challenges involved with pumping sand from a fixed jetty. As the system was a design-andconstruct project and the first of its life to iron out bugs and cope with operating in the natural environment, the operations team changed, redesigned and upgraded many components to achieve a more efficient and economical Sand Bypass System,” explains Russel.

Their biggest challenge is to develop maintenance and operating procedures for the system and meeting the challenges of designing and fabricating components capable of withstanding the incredibly harsh and aggressive environment they need to operate in. “To be able to overcome those challenges through the application of our engineering skills is personally very rewarding,” says Frank. The system has proved to be extremely successful during its 30 years of operation and has transported more than 16 million cubic metres of sand.

“The construction of the Gold Coast Seaway and Sand Bypass System has provided a safe navigable access between the Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean. Also, the dredging of navigation channels in the Broadwater has enabled the boating fraternity, business and industry to safely move about the waterways. The enhanced navigational access has allowed for the massive expansion of the boating industry in the past 30 years. The Gold Coast is one of the largest recreational and white boat waterways in Australia,” declares John.

The older staff members have a unique understanding of the weather and its impact on the operation of the plant. This knowledge is handed on through daily education of younger staff members while on the job.

“Through the development and ongoing review of the system’s operating manual, work procedures and with the help of a programmed maintenance system that holds years of historical plant data, we are able to provide a library of information to the younger members of the staff,” explains Russel.

Being the world’s first system for sand bypassing, the original design of the system caught the attention of many countries around the globe. It has been replicated in Japan, South America and South Africa, and locally at the Tweed River in New South Wales. Ongoing research and development ensure the smooth operation of this innovative Australian engineering feat.

NOV - JAN 2016

THE EDGE OF THE GOLD COAST IS IN THE HEART OF TOWN!

dgewater Dining has become E a favourite restaurant for locals to hang out. The owner,

experienced restaurateur Peter Cianci says, “Gold Coasters gather here to eat and drink because of the casual eating menu and our unique waterfront position complemented by consistent and friendly service.”

Located on Isle of Capri, at the waterfront balcony of the Capri on Via Roma shopping centre, Edgewater Dining restaurant is northeast-facing with amazing views of the Surfers Paradise skyline from sunrise to late nights.

Peter describes the menu as, “Food that everyone can enjoy across a wide spectrum of cuisines.” He says there are no “must-try” dishes but recommends that patrons should “just start at the top and work your way down because you will come back.”

One look at the breakfast menu at 7.30 am and you will want to try one of everything listed. The house favourite is Oh Boy— that’s three eggs (any style), bacon, chorizo, hash potatoes, tomato, baked beans, mince and grilled mushrooms with ciabatta at just $23.50. The plate is a real challenge to finish. Peter declares, “Some of the bigger men plough through it. However, it’s not very often we see a customer finish off an Oh Boy completely, they cheat and their partner may help just a little.”

Edgewater serves Dimattina coffee, which Peter describes in his slightly faded New York

Try Oh Boy on the breakfast menu at Edgewater Dining

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

accent, to be “good quality Italian coffee from our friends in Melbourne,” in a tone that almost whispers of some secret family business.

With the Nerang River waters a few steps away, the bar at Edgewater is a hot spot this summer. “We have over 50 cocktails and specialty drinks.

My new favourite is the Bloody Boss, which is an authentic Bloody Mary made the New York way,” Peter points out.

It is now also that time of year for end-of-year corporate functions, as well as Christmas and NYE bookings. Peter confirms, “We can cater to functions 20 to 450 people. Come in for a site inspection or check out our interactive website. Accessibility to the restaurant is easy, with ample free undercover parking and eight public boat berths. You are very welcome here.”

An ex-New Yorker, Peter has lived on the Gold Coast for 20 years, and also owns The Fish Emporium at Capri on Via Roma shopping centre with his wife Tracey. Peter humours that his management style might be a little on the “OCD” (obsessivecompulsive disorder) side. But he backs it up by saying he is firm and fair. Both Peter and Tracey are hands-on restaurant operators. “I tend to be more focused on the culinary and business side, while Tracey is a legend on the floor.”

“The greatest challenge of running a restaurant of this calibre is finding balance. When you do, it’s a very enjoyable occupation.

No two days are ever the same and you will never be bored owning restaurants,” Peter enthuses.

Edgewater kitchen team prepares daily tasty dishes, hearty culinary delights and delicacies. It is the Gold Coast’s hidden gem.

So, see you at Edgewater Dining!

MODERN AUSTRALIAN CUISINE | WATERFRONT DINING EDGEWATERDINING.COM.AU

FRESH SEAFOOD | SASHIMI | FISH & CHIPS THEFISHEMPORIUM.COM.AU

ONLY A 5 MINUTE WALK FROM SURFERS PARADISE FULL HANDICAP ACCESS AND 275 FREE CARPARKS CAPRI ON VIA ROMA, ISLE OF CAPRI, QLD 4217

...........................................................................................

Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar 07 5570 1624 7 Days 8am till late Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

The Fish Emporium 07 5539 9257 Lunch | Dinner 51

BOAT GALLEY

CHARTING THE WHITES AND THE REDS

Boatie’s guide to the right wine

By Chris Morgan

H

is opinions might surprise you, for Chris Morgan of Wine Freaks on Hope Island believes that, “Gone are the days you have to drink a specific wine with a particular food. Therefore, the wine choice for different cooking methods like BBQ fish, fried fish, grilled fish, baked fish and smoked fish is totally up to you. If you enjoy a Shiraz with fish, you are not a crazy person who needs a strait jacket. Likewise, if you enjoy pinot noir with no shirt on, then go nuts. The best advice is try a few and find an awesome wine just for you.”

at ‘room temperature’. This is confusing and vague at best. Red wine should be served and maintained at around 18 degrees Celsius. If your red wine gets to 30 degrees, the flavours will be lost, muddled and jamlike. However, rosé and pinot noir should be served between 11 and 18 degrees Celsius. It is generally hotter in Queensland and a lower serving temperature is best, as once it is in the glass it will rise quickly.

Always remember that ‘room temperature’ is where the grapes are grown not your room.”

ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINE. “Firstly,

Age, please? Knowing at what vintage to consume

the wine must not ‘dominate’ your food— it should enhance the experience.” The wine Chris recommends with fish caught locally on the Gold Coast is, “A Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc, or as some call it a fresh dry white. Semillon gives a lovely body to the style and offers a bit more than your straight Sauvignon Blanc. St Hallett Poachers Sem/Sav at $16.99 is of good value and a great Aussie.”

He advises that the ideal wine to drink while on a boat in the hot summer sun of November to January is the favoured standard Shaw and Smith’s Sauvignon Blanc (Adelaide hills) 2015 at $29.00, “arguably Australia’s best for a white wine.” He recommends Charles Melton’s Rosé of Virginia Rosé at $25.00 for a red. “This is a lovely dry style rosé from the Barossa, and consistently judged amongst the finest rosé’s in the country. I myself find heavy reds do not go well in heavy seas.”

When it comes to combining these two wines with a meal onboard, Chris offers, “A fine coupling with Shaw and Smith chilled would be fresh calamari and lightly battered whiting fillets, no salad required. The Melton rosé chilled would go swimmingly with chili mud crab or any Asian dish.”

THAT RIGHT TEMP. The proper temperature

to consume wine is a hotly debated issue. To settle the matter, Chris shares his wisdom. “All white wine should be served chilled at 4 degrees Celsius, except Chardonnay and Riesling. These should be served at 10 degrees Celsius. Red wine should be served

52

your wine is vital. Chris advises, “White wine generally needs to be young and fresh, although Rieslings from Clare and Eden Valley can age beautifully for decades. Generally, white wine should be no more than three years old on the bottle for Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdelho. While more than three years for Chardonnay or Semillon. Red wine needs to be aged (over three years). A 2014 or 2015 red is still a bit green for a heavy red. That is as general as it gets. To be correct across all wines, every bottle’s ideal vintage to consume will have a specific consideration.”

However the reaction to the preservatives is almost immediate so if you are getting a headache on the second bottle, then have some water and a time out.”

COST CONSIDERATIONS. How much do you need to spend on a good bottle of wine is always a point of contention. Chris estimates, “I average that any single person will spend $1,000 in entry level wines ($10-$15 per bottle) in order to find that cheap wine that ticks most of their boxes. My favourite red is Stump Jump GSM from D’arenberg at $12.99. To nail it down, there are so many great Aussie wines for around $20. Entry level Aussie wines have improved in quality over the last 10 years, so much so that they are getting multiple medals around Oz.”

TOP 3 WINE PICKS FOR SUMMER:

ON STORING WINE. “How long you can keep

a sealed bottle of wine depends on your cellaring/ storage options,” according to Chris. “Fluctuations in temperature are fatal to your wine. Wines with higher alcohol content (15% to 16%) do not last as long as lower alcohol wines. Most wine benefits from some cellaring (including whites) but 95% of wine sold will be consumed immediately.”

ADVICE ON DRINKING. Speaking from

experience, Chris shares, “Scientifically, when drinking wine you might experience a headache because your brain swells and puts pressure on the fluid between your brain and skull. If you continue drinking you will go into a mild psychosis.

Otherwise, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the sulphites added to the wine to preserve it. Sulphites have been used in allowing wine to age since early Roman times. These are most commonly known on the bottle as preservatives 220 to 228.

Josepf Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir ($16.99)

Vidal Sauvignon Blanc ($12.99)

Charles Melton Rosé of Virginia ($25.00)

WARNING. The skipper of a recreational boat

must have a blood alcohol limit of less than 0.05.

The skipper is also responsible for the safety of passengers and their alcohol consumption.

Skippers of recreational boats should also be aware that the limit is still 0.05 even when your boat is at anchor, unless the boat is securely moored in a marina, to a jetty or wharf or on a swing mooring. www.msq.qld.gov.au

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT GALLEY

THAI STEAMED BREAM WITH HERB SALAD

By Sally Jenyns

B

ream are particularly suited to recipes calling for small to medium whole fish for baking or frying. Their clean white flesh stays moist during cooking and is perfect with spicy Asian or rich Mediterranean flavours.

Ingredients

PROCEDURE Wipe fish well with paper towels then make 2 incisions in thicker part of fillet on either side. Rub fish with sesame oil and set aside. Grease a double layer of foil and 2 folded foil strips to make “slings” for each fish.

1 bunch coriander, leaves torn

Toss together coriander, basil, onion, chili, lemongrass and lime leaves. Stuff gut cavities of each fish with half the herb salad. Squeeze over juice from 1 lime and place a squeezed half in each gut. Place each fish onto 2 slings and seal foil packages by crimping edges. Place fish packages onto a preheated BBQ plate for approximately 10 minutes.

1 bunch basil, leaves torn

Meanwhile, dress remaining salad with a squeeze of lime and a splash of sesame oil.

1 red onion, sliced

Using slings, carefully lift cooked fish onto serving plate and pile herb salad on top.

1 each red and green mild chilies, sliced

Garnish with half a lime and serve. Serves 2.

2 x 300-400gr whole bream, scaled and gutted sesame oil

2 stalks lemongrass, finely sliced 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced 2-3 limes IMPORTANT: In Queensland, there are limits of size of fish that can be taken for many species typically based on biological research into each species’ reproductive cycles. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has set a Bream minimum catch size of 25cm and a combined bag limit of 30 in total of pikey, yellowfin bream and tarwhine.

Sally Jenyns is a resident seafood cook and presenter on Channel 7’s Creek to Coast. She is the author of The Coastwatch Cookbook available at coastwatch.com.au.

SOUTHPORT YACHT CLUB Main Beach - Hollywell - South Stradbroke Island

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53

BOAT PROTOCOL

DON’T WEAR YOUR SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT

TIPS FOR NIGHT NAVIGATION

By Nic Welch

I

have fond memories as a young teenager when my father often let me drive us home from Tipplers at night in our 17-foot half-cabin. While the first time seemed a little daunting to me, my father taught me some valuable lessons about driving at night that I still use today.

Driving a boat at night is now one of my favourite boating activities. However, it does not come without danger. If you are new to boating and are considering driving your boat for the first time at night, hopefully these tips will make your experience a safer one.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS It is compulsory for powered vessels to display sidelights, and either an allround white light or a stern and masthead light at all times while the vessel is underway between sunset and sunrise, and also in restricted visibility (such as rain or fog). A vessel is also deemed underway when drifting. An all-round white light should be displayed when the vessel is at anchor.

It is a good idea to test your navigation lights regularly to ensure they are in working order for when you need them. You should also carry spare fuses, spare bulbs, or a set of emergency navigation lights.

Ensure your navigation lights are properly fitted.

Navigation lights indicate what direction a vessel is travelling. If you have improperly fitted navigation lights, your vessel’s direction cannot be accurately determined, which may lead to a collision.

TORCH

Carry a good quality torch on board your vessel, and have it within reach of the driving position at all times. An excellent choice for a torch is the original-sized Dolphin torch. It is durable, waterproof, and offers a strong light beam that is particularly handy for illuminating reflectors on unlit navigation markers. The colour of the reflectors on unlit navigation marks mimics the colour of the light which would be present on the mark if it were lit.

Make sure the battery in your torch is new or fully charged, and test the torch prior to departure.Carry 54

spare bulbs, spare torch batteries, or even a complete spare torch as a backup.

If you see another vessel approaching, do not shine your torch directly at the other vessel. This will blind the other driver and ruin their night vision. I often see vessels travelling at night with spotlights mounted on the bow, with the spotlights switched on at all times. While this may seem like a good idea, it is actually dangerous for all other vessels on the water due to the blinding light. With no torch or spotlight on, your eyes will adjust to the darkness and you will see further into the distance than with a light on. Only use your torch when necessary. If your vessel type permits, holding your torch over the side of the boat when switched on will reduce glare, rather than switching on the torch inside the cabin.

DAYTIME LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Having daytime local knowledge of the area you wish to operate at night is imperative. Making a beeline between navigation markers can sometimes lead your vessel straight onto a sandbank or worse.

It is essential that you already know how the channel runs before any attempt at night. It is important to have memorised the number and position of markers in the area, and have identified any unlit markers. It is also worth remembering that lights on lit navigation markers sometimes fail. So, if you do not have local knowledge of the position of every marker in the area, I strongly suggest studying a navigation chart prior to your trip—and always take a chart with you.

If your vessel has a GPS chart plotter, plot a route of your intended course before you depart.

TRAVEL AT A SAFE SPEED AND KEEP A PROPER LOOKOUT

Unlike driving during daylight hours, it is impossible to see sandbanks waves, and other obstructions such as crabpots, until they reflect off your navigation lights, especially on dark nights around the new moon, and prior to moonrise on other nights. Travel at a slower speed at night than you would normally travel during daylight hours.If you are unsure about a situation or your exact whereabouts, slow right down or stop. Most importantly, if your boat travels over another boat’s wake, and you cannot identify the vessel the wake came from, I cannot stress enough that you should come to a complete stop immediately. It is very likely that the other vessel may not be displaying any navigation lights and could be just metres from your own vessel.

Map NGC-8, Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Guides

Judging distances at night is difficult. If the compass bearing of a vessel in the distance does not change over time, then a risk of collision exists and you must take action to avoid the collision.

Which marker is next?

So you are approaching a cluster of markers and you know that the next three markers you should follow are green (starboard lateral marks). But which green marker is the next one? The answer lies in the flash rhythm of the marks. The correct mark can only be determined by looking at a chart and finding what the flash rhythm of the next mark is.

Lit markers on navigation charts, such as Figure 1 Maritime Safety Navigation Mark Flash Rhythms Queensland’s Beacon to Beacon Guides, indicate the flash rhythm of markers using abbreviations such as Fl G 4s (meaning Flashing Green every 4 seconds), and Fl R 2.5s meaning Flashing Red every 2.5 seconds.

If there is no colour indicator (where R=red, G=green, Y=yellow, Bu=blue, Or=orange), then the colour of the light is white.

Other abbreviations include Q (quick flash), VQ (very quick flash), L (long flash), VL (very long flash), Iso (Isophase—equal light on and off duration), Oc (Occulting—longer light on than off), F (Fixed— solid light, not flashing), Fl(3) (Group of 3 flashes), and Q(3) (Group of 3 Quick flashes).

Cardinal marks exhibit a white light when fitted.

North cardinal marks have continuous quick flashes, east cardinals 3 quick flashes, west cardinals 9 quick flashes, and south cardinals 6 quick flashes followed by one long flash. An east cardinal mark with the notation Q(3) 5s means a group of 3 quick white flashes every 5 seconds. A south cardinal mark with the notation VQ(6) & LFl 10s means a group of 6 very quick white flashes followed by a long flash, every 10 seconds.

Bridge span navigation lights are often a fixed blue light (F Bu), and indicate the navigable channel under the bridge, which may not necessarily be in the centre of the bridge.

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Figure 2 - Bridge span navigation light

Can you identify the John Elkes Beacon in this photo taken from Roes Kamp on South Stradbroke Island?

BACKGROUND LIGHTS

The Gold Coast, at times, can be difficult to navigate at night, especially when there is a backdrop of lit high-rise buildings, street lights, and traffic signals making it very challenging to distinguish navigation marker lights from mainland lighting. Take care and reduce speed accordingly. Arguably the most difficult section of water to navigate at night on the Gold Coast is the area when you head south along the Broadwater towards The Deep Hole as you pass between Crab Island and South Currigee campground on South Stradbroke Island. The navigation mark you should head towards is the John Elkes Beacon at The Deep Hole, which is very difficult to locate against the backdrop of mainland lighting. (Pictured: John Elkes Beacon, The Deep Hole.)

Acknowledgements Navigation Lights diagrams and Beacon to Beacon Guides excerpts © Copyright The State of Queensland 2014, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads – Maritime Safety Queensland.

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55

BOAT ENVIRONMENT

“ARE YOUR YABBIE TRAPS LEGAL?”

and opera house traps with a rigid maximum opening size of up to 5cm in all its dimensions can be used in all Queensland non-tidal waters. Funnel traps and opera house traps with a rigid opening size between 5cm and 10cm can only be used in listed impoundments east of a line following the Great Dividing Range and east of the Gore Highway (A39) or in non-tidal waters west of the aforementioned boundary. A funnel trap map is available at the Queensland Government web page with all other guidelines on other types of traps and locations. So please check it out and get rid of illegal yabbie traps before you catch a platypus!

The consequence of not having our aquatic mammal would be devastating for one of Australia’s most unique animal icons and evolutionary diverse creatures on our planet. Our furry duck-billed mates are one of two mammal species (the other being the echidna) that are able to lay eggs and could possibly play a very useful part in the development of scientific research.

The traps laid out in freshwater creeks are not the only cause of harm for these guys. Water quality, pollution, drought and lack of natural food cycle are a few other major harms to their population.

PLATYPUSWATCH

By Byron Hoskins

D

o you know that platypus live in our very own Gold Coast freshwater creeks? If not, that’s ok.

Most of us do not know it and it is causing a great toll on our near forgotten friends. They are shy and timid creatures and generally become more active at night or low-light hours, when most of us are still hitting the snooze button.

The platypus population is seriously under threat for many reasons, and one of these is the use of funnel or opera house traps. These traps are a popular way of catching freshwater yabbies, but they are also very effective in catching platypus. The platypus that gets caught eventually drowns if it is unable to breathe air from the surface. It is important to know that platypus are air-breathing mammals and can only hold their breath for a few minutes underwater.

Our native mates are calling out for a friendly hand.

Volunteers are currently taking a stand by spending time supporting their local PlatypusWatch group.

PlatypusWatch helps monitor habitat deterioration, water quality, illegal/accidental capture, and they even go out and survey the populations! So if you have yet to encounter your first wild platypus, becoming part of Gold Coast’s PlatypusWatch group is a fun and exiting way to helping understand our iconic local critter.

The surveys take place in the Coomera River and other locations such as Currumbin, Tallebudgera and Mudgeeraba Creeks twice a year. The next scheduled surveys are for August 2015, so if you’re keen, email Natalie at platypuswatch@goldcoastcatchments.org and let her know! Happy platypus watching!

HELP OUR AUSTRALIAN ICON AND SAVE YOURSELF A FEW 20c COINS. HERE’S HOW: • Be aware of the current regulations governing use of yabby and fish traps, and immediately report the improper use of such devices to your state wildlife authority.

• Spread the word among friends and acquaintances that opera house traps and homemade equivalents are responsible for drowning many platypus, Australian waterrats and freshwater turtles each year. The only safe way to set such nets and traps is to ensure that a generous air space is available at the top of the trap or net. Even then, animals may be killed if water levels rise overnight, for example after a thunderstorm.

• Use either baited lines and a dip net or liftstyle hoop nets as wildlife-friendly methods for catching yabbies or spiny crays.

• If you notice a platypus has started feeding nearby while you are fishing, move a short distance upstream or downstream to reduce the chance of hooking the animal.

• If you do hook a platypus, do NOT cut the line to release it. Instead, reel the animal in gently and remove the hook before releasing it back to the wild. Take GREAT care to avoid the spurs of adult males.

• NEVER set unattended fishing lines (which are illegal in Queensland in any case).

• NEVER leave tangled or surplus pieces of line behind when fishing. From the viewpoint of wildlife, abandoned line is just a deadly accident waiting to happen.

Source: www.platypus.asn.au

The Queensland Government estimates that more than 200,000 of these traps are sold in Queensland every year. New laws have recently been introduced by the Queensland Government and yabbie fisherman need to be aware of the changes or face fines.

The new laws do not stop you from catching yabbies and that is the good news. However, they will make catching platypus harder, and that is better news. The new legislation is already underway and funnel traps

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Coomera Crew

NOV - JAN 2016

BOAT COMMUNITY

SEA WASP STRADDIE’S RESCUE BOAT

By Matt Jackson

eastern region running operations between the coast and the eastern side of the highway. In 1999, however, the local South Stradbroke Island Fire Brigade could no longer carry out their service of that region, which is when the now well-established WCRFB then expanded its territory beyond the mainland.

T

he Wasp Creek Rural Fire Brigade (WCRFB), like any Rural Fire Brigade, is a volunteer fire and rescue service that operates primarily within the suburbs of Coomera and Pimpama. First established back in 1994 by concerned local resident Charlie Smith, the WCRFB was originally conceived due to the troubling distance between the area and its nearest urban fire station, which was Southport— over 20km away.

For the first five years of its existence, the WCRFB was responsible for Coomera and Pimpama’s

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WCRFB’s new acquisition of the isolated island meant that they needed to expand their skills and equipment to cater for a much more marineoriented area of operations. Out of that necessity for marine equipment and experience, the first thing they needed was a boat.And with that, the Sea Wasp was born. With backing from the Rural Fire Service of Queensland, the WCRFB rallied for funding from the Gold Coast City Council and, once granted, Swift Marine designed a purpose-built version of their surveyed flood rescue boat, which are widely used by the State Emergency Service. A year later, the fully equipped Sea Wasp was officially commissioned and ready for service.

The Sea Wasp is a modified 5.9m Swift SES Barge, generally fitted with twin 90hp outboards. Designed to negotiate the most hazardous of flood conditions the SES of QLD has become accustomed to, the Sea Wasp has fully foamed flotation cells within the hull, providing maximum positive buoyancy and control in extremely shallow waters. Built to legally carry up to ten fire fighters, plus all their equipment, it is needless to say that the Sea Wasp is an integral member of the WCRFB team.

The now well equipped South Stradbroke Island Fire Station is home to the Sea Wasp as well as up to three fire trucks with over 30 volunteers spread between the South Stradbroke and Wasp Creek Fire Stations under command of the WCRFB. These volunteers are constantly training their skills of fire fighting and marine operations in preparation for any emergencies that may arise in their region, making them one of the most versatile emergency services our beautiful coast has to offer.

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BOAT JOURNEY

TANGALOOMA ADVENTURE A BOATIES GUIDE

“A friend of mine had never been to Tangalooma before, so that was a good enough excuse!” NIC WELCH sets off on a long boat journey from the Gold Coast full of a great adventure documenting it for our readers. He outlines all the best things to do and see as the Tangalooma wrecks provide a surreal backdrop to overnight stays with amazing sunsets across Moreton Bay.

T

angalooma was originally a whaling station.

Later on, the Tangalooma Island Resort was built on the site of the old whaling station.

The relics of the original whaling station are a feature of the resort. The wrecks—now also a popular dive spot—were placed there to create an anchorage for vessels so boaties can drop anchor right beside the wrecks. These anchoring sites are in high demand, so it is best to arrive midweek to secure your spot.

The wrecks at Tangalooma on Moreton Island lie halfway between Cowan Cowan Point and Tangalooma Point. Unfortunately, there is not much protection against the predominant summer northeasterlies or predominant winter south-easterlies.

Westerlies during winter can also cause a very uncomfortable night if sleeping on board your vessel.

Having said that, if you are visiting the wrecks for diving, then winter offers the best water clarity.

Moreton Little Sand Hills

TRAVELLING THERE

Depending upon the weather and the design of your vessel, allow two days to travel from the Gold Coast to Tangalooma, spending a night at Peel Island. Also, allow another two days for the journey home, plus two to three spare 58

days in case the weather turns bad and you are unable to return on the day you planned.

Photos by Nic Welch

For large vessels, Horseshoe Bay on the southern side of Peel Island is suitable as it offers great protection in north easterlies. Lazaret Gutter on the northern side of Peel Island offers protection from south easterlies although it is a narrow channel and swing room can be of concern. Please note Peel Island has coral everywhere and great care should be taken when navigating around the island.

A word of warning: When you travel to and from Tangalooma, your vessel will enter the shipping lanes of the Port of Brisbane. Ships have the right of way over all other vessels due to their restricted maneuverability and deep draught.

They cannot alter course easily and take many kilometres to come to a complete stop. Never anchor in shipping channels and always give them a wide berth when passing. Always travel off the plane when in goslow zones as turtles and dugongs are prevalent in Moreton Bay.

In south easterlies, vessels with a deep draught should consider anchoring between Macleay

A recommended route is to travel from the Gold Coast up the Southport Broadwater and Canaipa Passage via Tiger Mullet Channel and Five Ways, then spend the night on the southern side of Peel Island. Choose Canaipa Passage as it is more scenic than travelling up the Main Channel on the western side of Russel Island. Canaipa Passage also offers greater protection from the wind.

Island and Karragarra Island instead, or behind Canaipa Point on Russel Island. Another option is to anchor at One Mile at Dunwich.

The shortest path from Peel Island to Tangalooma is to head northwest from Peel Island to near Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef, and then head north towards Tangalooma Point. If you are not in a rush, head up the Rainbow Channel to Amity on North Stradbroke Island, then west down the Rous Channel at South Passage Bar before following the five-metre depth contour north along Moreton Island, taking in as much of the scenery as possible.

North Stradbroke Canaipa Passage

CAMPING

On South Stradbroke Island, there are camping grounds at South Currigee, North Currigee, and Tipplers. The next campground north is at Peel Island. Alternatively, you can camp on North Stradbroke Island at Adams Beach (Dunwich) and at Amity. There is also holiday accommodation available at Dunwich and Amity. Heading north, the next campground is at Tangalooma wrecks. Resort accommodation is available at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. North of Tangalooma, there are campgrounds at Ben-awa and Comboyuro Point.

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Canaipa Passage, which runs alongside North Stradbroke Island and Russel Island is a beautiful stretch of water. Slipping Sands at the southern end of the passage is worth a stop, as is climbing the steep Mt Willes (134metres high) on North Stradbroke Island at the northern end of the passage for spectacular views of the passage and Moreton Bay. Peel Island, named after being a leper colony in the colonial days, is also a beautiful island with white sandy beaches in Horseshoe Bay, and worth a snorkel around the coral, which surrounds the island.

There are massive sandbanks in Moreton Bay, particularly around the Rous Channel, which runs between North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. You are guaranteed to see heaps of turtles and dugongs. For this reason, many of these sandbanks are regulated as “goslow zones” to avoid propeller and hull strikes on these slow moving marine animals. The “goslow zones” extend to either a two-metre or five-metre depth contour depending upon location.

The Little and Big Sand Hills towards the southern end of Moreton Island are a highlight. If you have time, walk across the narrowest part of Moreton Island at the Little Sand Hills, which is only two kilometres across. Just make sure you bring heaps of drinking water with you (and a camera!).

If you have a slow vessel, troll a lure. You never know what you may catch.

RE-FUELING

There are on-water fuel stops available at Horizon Shores Marina and Rudy Maas Marina at Woongoolba north of Jacobs Well, Raby Bay Marina at Cleveland, and Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron at Manly Boat Harbour. There are also land-based service stations located on Macleay Island, Russel Island, and at Dunwich and Amity on North Stradbroke Island. The only fuel available on Moreton Island is at the general store in Bulwer, five nautical miles north of the wrecks, and is sold in 20L containers. The closest on-water fuel location to Tangalooma is at Scarborough Marina, 14 nautical miles due west across the bay.

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Moreton Bay is notorious for its short steep chop, which can easily double your fuel consumption.

Also consider the extra weight in cargo you will undoubtedly be carrying on board. The direction of the tide also plays a significant part in the amount of fuel used.It is over 50 nautical miles one way by waterusing the shortest path from the Gold Coast Seaway to Tangalooma. Double the amount of fuel you expect to use, and then carry a further third more as spare.

THINGS TO DO

Set anchor between the wrecks and the shoreline.

In a north-wind direction, it is calmer to anchor just south of the wrecks. In a strong northerly, it is slightly better to anchor south of Tangalooma Point close to shore. Likewise, in a strong southerly it is better to anchor north of Cowan Cowan Point.

There is a no-anchoring zone between the yellow markers to the north of the wrecks, where the

Tangalooma Wrecks

Climbing the giant sand hill at False Patch (at the wrecks) is a must do, although there are signs advising against this due to the instability of the dune. The view from the top across Moreton Bay is amazing, and is quite spectacular at sunset. Sliding down the dune on a piece of cardboard or boogie board is great fun too! The evening wild dolphin feeds at the resort are famous and resort guests have an option to swim with the dolphins.

7 THINGS YOU CANNOT DO WITHOUT: 1. A VHF radio allows you to monitor local shipping traffic.

2. Check that all your safety gear is in working order and stored in an easy-to-reach location, including flares that are in date.

3. Carry all the tools required to fix any mechanical and electrical problems, including spare fuses.

4. If required, purchase dry ice and block ice for the esky too, and plenty of drinking water.

5. Evenly distribute the weight in your vessel, and secure loose items by lashing them down. Moreton Bay is notorious for its short steep chop. A 20-knot wind will easily produce 1m+ chop in the bay. The last thing you need is attempting to lash down loose items in bad seas.

Tangalooma Wrecks

vehicle ferry MICAT lands on the shoreline. For smaller vessels, there is a campground with toilets and showers just behind the tree line opposite the wrecks. Small vessels can pull up on the beach overnight. Just be aware that 4WD vehicles use the beachfront as a road, and therefore you should not have a long anchor rope; otherwise, it will be a hazard for vehicles.

The best way to view the wrecks above water is to drift alongside them using a small dinghy or a kayak. It is highly advisable not to climb on the wrecks. If you do snorkel or dive the wrecks, you will be amazed at the underwater aquatic life. There are tropical fish (such as emperor angelfish and moon wrasse) and hard corals that can be found on the Great Barrier Reef, along with other species, such as trevally, harmless wobbegong sharks, turtles, bream, snapper, luderick, morwong, butter breamand giant flathead resting under the wrecks.

6. Remember to take a good pair of binoculars. Navigation marks in Moreton Bay can be several kilometers apart, and almost impossible to see with the naked eye.

7. Boaties can use a map (Beacon to Beacon Guide) and a compass at the very least. A GPS is fantastic tool to have on board. However, it only takes an electrical fault, water ingress, loose wire, flat battery, corroded connector, or a blown fuse to render your GPS useless and place your vessel in potential danger. An up-to-date paper chart and a liquid-damped compass are virtually failsafe navigation tools.

Tangalooma Resort

59

BOAT JOURNEY

DAM THIS SUMMER Photos by moogerah.com

Summer is here! Sun, surf, sea move up a notch on the Gold Coast. And boaties and fishos—the experts, neophytes, occasional ones—all gather up their gear to soak up the heat with families and friends. If the Broadwater and the wild oceans are not your thing this year, why not try visiting lakes and dams that allow you to use your boats, paddle on your canoe or kayak, catch some fish, relax, and play with family? Escape the crowded beaches and head inland to a picturesque lake instead.

Here, we list down four Southeast Queensland lake destinations that are no more than two hours driving distance from the Gold Coast.

By Roselle Tenefrancia

LAKE WYARALONG

Photos by seqwater.com.au

Lake Wyaralong, north-west of Beaudesert in the Scenic Rim region nestled at the base of Mt Joyce, is a little over an hour’s drive (78 km) from the Gold Coast. Lake Wyaralong and the surrounding areas provide a great variety of recreation facilities to the local community and visitors to the region.

The lake is popular for paddle craft, fishing and campers. Permits are not required for boating or fishing at the lake. Boating is a very popular activity for rowers and nature lovers. Only electric powered watercraft, sail craft and paddle craft are permitted.

LAKE MOOGERAH

is another popular destination for fishermen, nature lovers and waterskiing or jetskiing. Motorised and nonmotorised watercraft are permitted on the lake.

The boat ramp is located at Slater Park, off Slater Park Road. Boating permits are not currently required at Lake Maroon. Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are all permitted on Lake Maroon. You can fish from your boat or paddle craft or along the shore of the designated recreation area. A SIPS permit is required for fishing at Lake Maroon.

Photos by moogerah.com

Lake Moogerah is located on Reynolds Creek near Boonah. It is 121 kilometres away from the Gold Coast, a little less than a two-hour drive. Moogerah Dam provides irrigation supplies to riparian landholders along Reynolds Creek and also supplies water to Warrill Creek and Warrill Valley farmers through a series of diversions. It is an un-gated dam, meaning that when it reaches 100 per cent capacity, water flows over the spillway and safely out of the dam.

Boating is a very popular activity at Lake Moogerah for fishermen, nature lovers and those who enjoy the thrill of water skiing or jetskiing. Motorised and nonmotorised watercraft are permitted on the lake.

There are two boat ramps located at AJ Muller Park (off Muller Park Road). Permits are not required for boating. However, a Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) permit is required for fishing.

Due to the safety risks posed by submerged hazards, a 6-knot speed limit in the heavily timbered arms of Lake Moogerah has been endorsed by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). Signage has been erected at boat ramps advising of the 6-knot speed limit areas. Buoys have also been installed to define these areas to lake users while on the water. Seqwater staff and other authorities, including Queensland Police Service and Boating and Fisheries Patrol will continue to patrol the lake.

LAKE MAROON Maroon Dam is situated on Burnett Creek and is part of Southeast Queensland’s drinking water supply, as well as supplying water for irrigation. It is 121 kilometres away from the Gold Coast. Completed in 1974, Maroon Dam permitted expansion of irrigation along Burnett Creek and the Logan River for about 130 kilometres downstream. It is also an un-gated dam. Lake Maroon

The boat ramp is located at the Meebun Recreation Area (Eastern Trailhead). Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are not permitted. You can, however, fish from your boat or paddle craft or along the shore of the designated recreation area.

Note that swimming in the lake is not allowed as there are currently no designated swimming areas.

If you enjoy exploring trails, bring your bikes and enjoy more than 40 km of multi-use trails available for walkers, horse riders and mountain bike riders.

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Photos by lakemaroon.com.au

HINZE DAM

Photos by seawaykayakingtours.com.au

Hinze Dam is located 15 kilometres south-west of Nerang in the Gold Coast hinterland, so is a perfect option for those who do not wish to venture too far.

It is a fantastic recreational destination, featuring lakeside parks, walking, bike and horse trails, ample car parking, toilet facilities and barbeque areas for public use. Dogs on leashes are now welcomed in designated areas at the dam.

The Hinze Dam Interpretive Centre houses a kiosk, function centre and viewing platforms. A state-ofthe-art educational audio-visual displays take you on the journey of our water supply from source to tap, featuring informational panels, videos and interactive virtual tours. The displays also trace the history of the Nerang Valley and catchment, as well as the surrounding Border Ranges.

Boating is a very popular activity at Hinze Dam for fishing and nature lovers. Electric powered watercraft, sail craft and paddle craft are permitted on the lake. Designated launch points are located at: Eastern Boat Ramp (Range Road) and Western Boat Ramp (Nerang-Murwillumbah Road). Water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are not permitted on Hinze Dam. Fishing is permitted on Hinze Dam from vessels, as well as from the shoreline of the Eastern and Western Boat Ramps. Fishing is also be permitted from the shoreline of the paddle craft launch point at the Western Boat Ramp.

Take a leisurely stroll or cycle along the dam wall. The three kilometre walk/ride is popular with visitors wanting to stretch their legs and take in the sights, or check out the Peter Hallinan Mountain Bike Precinct which is located on the northern side of the dam.

NOV - JAN 2016

General safety guidelines for all SEQWater destinations “Escape the crowded beaches and head inland to a picturesque lake instead.”

1. Remember to slip-slap-slop. And do not forget a (reusable) water bottle for each person.

2. A first aid kit is also handy to carry with you, as is a mobile phone—in the event you need assistance.

3. Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back if you are embarking on a considerable hike or ride.

4. A lifejacket is a must if you are boating, paddling or skiing. Seqwater is a safety partner of the International Lifejacket Wear Principles, a collaboration of boating safety authorities and organisations around the world.

Safety at our lakes is a priority.

5. When conducting activities at the lakes, please be guided by the following: * Please be courteous to our neighbours. Much of the land surrounding the lake is private property. Do not launch, retrieve or beach on land around the lake, other than at signed, designated recreation areas. Accessing private land to fish is not permitted. * All activities on Seqwater lakes are covered by the Boating Regulations set by Maritime Safety Queensland (www.msq.qld.gov.au). * Remember the lake is home to an abundance of wildlife.

It is very important to ensure that all rubbish, especially fishing line and hooks, are disposed of properly to avoid serious harm to wildlife. * The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) control the fishing rules and regulations in Queensland and administer the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS). Please visit www.daff.qld.gov.au to purchase a SIPS permit or for a list of outlets in Southeast Queensland that sell permits.

6. Before you leave home, check the latest recreation and safety notices at the Seqwater website.

Our rangers can’t be everywhere to help you.

Play it safe at our dams, lakes and parks.

Visit seqwater.com.au/playitsafe

BOATGOLDCOAST.COM. AU

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BOAT WELLNESS

KEEP FIT ON BOARD

ARM EXERCISES Arm circles, utilising the full range of motion by extending the arms out wide and moving them both ways, keep the shoulders from hunching over and shortening the chest muscles, which is an easy habit to get into if you are at the helm for long periods of time.

ARM EXTENSIONS

LEG EXERCISES

Ever wondered how boat skippers keep themselves fit and fabulous while at the helm? Professional marine crew DI THOMPSON provides these tips with demonstration photos of Richard Hughes (MV Aki).

T

here are many of us who are simply keen on the flexion of the arms while having a beer at the bar. But now that summer welcomes a busy boating season, let us have a look at simple ways to keep our bodies moving, blood circulating and creating more energy to stay drink-fit, fighting-fit or even armchair-fit, if this is your style.

Balancing knee lifts is a simple fitness tip with dual action of keeping your hips mobilised and at the same time working on your balance. Make it easy for yourself by holding onto a rail with one hand and working the opposite leg. Add some ankle rotations and toe flexion for circulation and flexibility. Do this especially if you find you spend most of the time standing while under way to prevent tired and sore feet. Squats are also good for the legs, hips and core muscles. Just remember to hold your navel centre in and breathe out on the squat down.

ARM STRETCH

KNEE FLEXION

ANKLE ROTATION

CORE EXERCISES If you have the deck space why not hit the floor for a few rounds of push-ups, sit-ups and side planks? You will burn fat, tone muscle and increase your energy all at the same time. Squeeze these fitness tips into the time it takes for your boat engines to warm up, and you will be on top of your game in no time.

SIT-UPS

PUSH-UPS

BREATHING It is always good to begin with the breath. Deep full breathing is an exercise in itself. For ten minutes of focused breath-work first thing in the morning, you can receive a burst of energy to kick-start your heart and lungs getting them working together to nourish every cell in the body. The action of the inhalation provides a subtle massage for the spine and internal organs, with the exhale allowing a complete relaxation response for the mind. Also, the simple action of raising and lowering your shoulders with the breath, will release any stored tension that may have accumulated during your working week.

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Di Thompson - While working as crew on board superyachts

from 1994 until 2008, Di found that a basic fitness routine of swimming, stretching and paddling passive water craft provided the essential benefits of balancing out the work and play. Each of these exercises has specific, yet similar bio-mechanics and are relaxing and energising in equal measures. Di is an Austswim and a Swim Australia teacher of Swimming and Water Safety. A Level 1 ASI SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Instructor, a Level 1 MHY Yoga Teacher and Santosha SUP Yoga Instructor.

Disclaimer The information provided are solely those of the author in her private capacity and do not in any way represent those of Boat Gold Coast Magazine. These tip serve as a guide to establishing your own workout with professional advice from a registered personal trainer or other professional healthcare provider.Â

NOV - JAN 2016

Sustain. Enhance. Promote.

North Stradbroke Island

Gold Coast Waterways Authority is working hard to improve waterways access and management across a range of initiatives. Our Waterways Management Program 2014-18 identifies more than 60 projects being planned and delivered over the next four years.

Steiglitz

THE BROADWATER

Here are some of the works that are underway.

South Stradbroke Island Coomera

Upgrade of public boating infrastructure at Tipplers Precinct

Coombabah Lake Gold Coast Seaway

GOLD COAST CITY

The Spit

Coomera Regional Dredge Management Facility

Southport

CORAL SEA

Hinze Dam Advancetown Lake

New public toilet block at Doug Jennings Park

Nerang River canals and lakes

New and upgraded public boating infrastructure at Currumbin

Tallebudgera Creek

Currumbin Creek

Several key dredging projects throughout our waterways network COOLANGATTA

For more information about our program of works visit gcwa.qld.gov.au NSW

Great State. Great Opportunity

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