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CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SA

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT

President Treasurer

David Roper

David Hughes

Aaron Low

Mark Hutton

Doreen Perrin

Amanda Rice

Mike Holmes

FLAG OFFICERS

Commodore

Vice Commodore

Rear Commodore PATRON STAFF

General Manager

Financial Controller

Port Vincent Marina Manager

COMMITTEES

Members Committee Chair

Fishing Association Chair

Racing Association Chair

Cruising Association Chair

Social Association Chair

LIFE MEMBERS

Andrew Saies

Dianne Schwerdt

Pat Catley

The Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR

Catherine Foreman

Kerry O’Brien

Rob Marner

Andrew Saies

Peter Schembri

Rob Human

Darren Harvey

Erin Labadas

Geoff Boettcher

Arthur F Carolan (Dec’d)

Geoffrey R Catt

Craig A Evans

Richard H Fidock AO

Gay Footer

Graeme L Footer

John D Gerard

Jacqueline Heffernan

James A Henry (Dec’d)

Roderick C Hunter

Malcolm A Kinnaird AC (Dec’d)

Peter J Page (Dec’d)

Andrew D Saies

Robert J Sellick

EDITORS OF GROUNDSWELL

Advertising & contributions to Mellissa: mellissa@cycsa.com.au

Registered by Australia Post Publication No PP565001/00184 ISSN 1039-4230

Printed by Newstyle Printing Graphic design by Mellissa Vahoumis

Volume 43 | Edition 2

Gay Footer, Mellissa Vahoumis, Pat Catley, Dianne Schwerdt

Phone: 08 8248 4222

Email: reception@cycsa.com.au

Web: www.cycsa.com.au

Phone Port Vincent: 0414 611 110

Groundswell is the official journal of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia Inc

Lady Gowrie Drive, North Haven PO Box 1020 North Haven SA 5018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Thank you to the members who attended the recent Members Information Evening. It provided a useful opportunity to share information about the Club’s current priorities, explain the work now before the Board and Management and hear members’ questions directly. A report on the discussions is provided on page 7 of this edition of Groundswell.

Club Culture and Member Contribution

In my presentation to members during the recent Information Evening I spoke about some of the key areas in which the Board would be putting its time this year. Alongside its regular oversight of performance and risk, most notably the coming Marina East Redevelopment, the Board will place particular emphasis on Club Culture. The principles of Transparency, Respect and Unity help shape the kind of Club we want the CYCSA to be - welcoming, constructive and respectful of the many different people who make up our community. The diversity of our Club is one of our strengths. Different views and personalities are part of Club life and they are at their best when matched by civility, goodwill and respect.

Clubs like ours are at their best when members have opportunities to be involved in ways that suit their interests, skills and availability. The events, activities and sense of community we value do not happen by themselves. They are built by members, volunteers and staff working together. Our aim is to make volunteering easier to understand, easier to access and better supported so members who want to contribute can do so with confidence.

Volunteer and Event Management

A related priority is to strengthen how we attract, support and retain volunteers. This includes more targeted recruitment, better matching members’ skills and availability with Club opportunities, clearer communication about where help is needed, clearer role descriptions, skills development opportunities and more regular recognition of those who contribute.

This is also part of the broader area of event management. The Club holds a wide range of events each year. Some are led by Associations, some by staff and some by members but successful delivery usually requires cooperation across all areas of the Club. The aim is to keep event delivery practical while making good practice easier to repeat. Clearer success criteria, earlier planning and budgeting, better communication and practical tools for volunteer support will all help new and developing events build on what already works.

Strategy

The Board will also commence a refresh of the Club’s strategy. The current plan remains useful but it is timely to step back from day-to-day priorities and revisit the Club’s longer term direction. The first step will be to consider the Club’s future priorities, risks and opportunities before engaging with a broader group including Association Chairs and Flag Officers.

Financial Overview

Despite several challenges over the past year the Club’s overall financial position remains sound. As reported in our last Groundswell the year end forecast remains positive, although below our original budget expectations. This reflects specific factors in Hospitality, Slipping and Marine Academy activity, including event activity and food and beverage performance, slipway works and vessel readiness and compliance work. The drivers behind each of those areas have either been addressed or are being actively worked on.

On 30 April 2026 the Club’s Sinking Fund stood at $7,666,506. This follows a $245,000 withdrawal in March to help fund the recent slipway upgrade.

Sinking Fund Value (April 2026)

Invested in Portfolio

Withdrawn to fund overwater assets

Thank you to all our staff and volunteers who continue to make the CYCSA an enjoyable and welcoming Club.

David Roper President

As I write this I am well settled into the role of General Manager and remain genuinely excited to be part of such a great Club. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you already and been impressed by the strong engagement and shared desire to see the Club continue to grow and improve. Your feedback consistently highlights the importance of keeping the Club at the heart of our community. Our staff team is enthusiastic, passionate and deeply committed to the Club’s success and this collective energy makes my role both exciting and rewarding.

April was a busy and successful month with the South Australian Women’s Match Racing event hosted at the Club, the school holiday YSF program and the wide range of Marine Academy courses and opportunities all demonstrating the strong impact and future potential of our sailing activities. Crabbing Day in March was another wonderful event showcasing the breadth of experiences available at the Club while the Easter Egg Hunt was thoroughly enjoyed by our youngest future members.

Our hospitality offerings have also continued to do well with a very successful Mother’s Day celebration for members and non-members alike. This, along with Good Friday, Anzac Day, New Members Welcome Night and our regular Members’ Draws, highlights how vital hospitality is to our overall Club environment.

Many of the events and activities mentioned above rely heavily on the dedication and generosity of our wonderful volunteers and sponsors. There are many ways for members to become involved and we would love to hear from you if you are interested in growing your involvement further.

National Volunteer Week in May provided a perfect opportunity to thank our current volunteers and recognise how crucial these roles are to the ongoing success of the Club. There are many opportunities to get involved whatever your interests or availability. Some of the roles you may like to consider include –

• Sailing and Water Based Support – race management, start boat crew, safety boat assistance, coaching support

• Event and Activity Support – helping with regattas, onshore events, volunteering your boat and other roles to make the event a success

• Social Activities – support during busy service periods, members’ nights, family days and special functions

• Maintenance and Working Bees – grounds, marina, clubhouse and equipment upkeep

• Committees and Working Groups – contributing skills in governance, planning, facilities, or a passion for sailing operations, fishing and cruising.

Whether you can help regularly or on an occasional basis your contribution makes a real difference. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more about any of these roles we’d love to hear from you.

The slipway has now reopened and is fully operational. We thank everyone for their patience as these works extended longer than originally anticipated. Upon removal of the old rails, previously unseen damage to the concrete became evident, requiring additional repair works to be undertaken.

With the reopening of the slipway this is a timely reminder to all members of the safety requirements within the surrounding area. When the slipway is in operation movement within this zone may be restricted, high visibility clothing must be worn and boat owners will be required to complete an updated induction prior to first use.

I would also like to thank members who continue to report maintenance items via the online form. This is extremely helpful as it enables our maintenance team to address issues promptly (if not already identified) and allows works to be properly tracked within our maintenance system.

As winter conditions begin to settle in we still have a great range of events planned along with our regular Thursday Members Draws. We look forward to seeing many of you continue to visit the Club and enjoy spending time and connecting with one another.

Catherine Foreman General Manager

The last few months have seen a few important changes around the Club. The long-awaited replacement of the slipway rails has been completed, hard stand vessels can launch and routine lifts for other vessels will begin soon.

I was interested to learn that the original slipway rails were installed before the North Haven basin was flooded in 1973. They have been under water for 52 years! I also acknowledge the substantial disruption to summer sailing and racing that this has caused to our hardstand members and boat owners generally. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The other major change has been the commencement of our new General Manager, Catherine Foreman. In just a brief few weeks since starting Catherine has already met many in the Club and has identified some key operational issues to work on. Catherine was introduced more widely and formally at the mid-year Member Briefing held on 14 May where she presented her first ‘100’ days impressions of the Club and was able to competently and confidently answer a range of questions from members.

I attended our end of season Racing Presentation Night and it was good to see the sense of achievement and joy that the winning boats, skippers and crews all displayed and across all levels of our sport from twilights to the more serious regattas and whole season competitions.

Congratulations to the Yacht of the Year, Dr Feelgood 3, McHolm, Coonan and crew. The Racing Excellence Award was presented to Dan Turner, Immortal Game, for his endurance, skill and success in building, competing and completing this mini boat solo round the world yacht race and coming second! An extraordinary achievement.

As Commodore I try to attend as many Club events as possible and have recently been on water watching the Women’s Match Racing Regatta in the Elliotts and attended their presentation function that night. I was on water to observe the Offshore National Speed Boat Championships and met with Club member, Dave Clark, a major sponsor of the event, along with that Association’s National President. Both were very enthusiastic about our Club as host to their event. Many thanks to my hosts Erin and Raf on Ain’t Mis Behavin’ for a pleasant day out watching these machines fly by at speeds on the day in excess of 120km/h.

I also assisted with the presentations for the Fred Neill Match Racing Regatta, another prestigious event in our racing calendar, attracting crews from around the State.

At the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron’s Presentation Night I reluctantly handed back my shield, the Commodore’s Shield, to the Squadron. While there I met Lewis Gibson from Flinders Ports who is the Ports Operation Manager and has offered us a tour of the Vessel Traffic Service in the Passenger Terminal at Outer Harbour.

It was with a great deal of sadness that I learnt of the death of Catherine Tillett in May of this year from a sudden and previously undiagnosed medical condition. Catherine, the wife of David Tillett, international sailing rules luminary involved in all levels of our sports administration and rules adjudication from America’s Cup to Olympic Games, was a significant support to David in his lifelong involvement in prosecuting the rules of sailing. David has been a great friend and supporter of many in our Club and to me in particular. On behalf of our Club I extend our deepest condolences to David and his family. Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.

As winter approaches on-water activity slows but there is still plenty happening in and around the Club and of course, lock in the Commodore’s Dinner for Saturday 12 September where I have invited Shevaun Bruland, President of Australian Sailing, as a guest speaker. It will be great to hear from her on Australia’s latest entry into the America’s Cup along with getting the inside running on what is happening at a national level in our sport. There will of course also be food, fun, music and dancing.

Andrew Saies Commodore

Presentation Night, with RSAYS Vice Commodore, Owen Haskett with the Commodore’s Shield.

The CYCSA Members Information Evening held on 14 May provided members with updates on Club operations, marina infrastructure, financial performance, strategy, volunteering and member engagement. Around 50 members and Club representatives attended contributing to a constructive and wide-ranging discussion.

The evening opened with an introduction from our new General Manager, Catherine Foreman, who shared early observations since commencing with the Club. Catherine noted that work is underway to strengthen Club structure and processes, particularly the volunteer journey, event planning and delivery and the overall member journey. The aim is to improve day-to-day operations and provide a more consistent and positive experience for members, volunteers and visitors.

Catherine also provided updates on the slipway, dredging and hospitality. Members were advised that the slipway was re-opening in a limited capacity initially using two 12-tonne cradles. Discussions with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport regarding marina entry dredging had commenced and were positive with dredging expected before October. Catherine also highlighted the importance of hospitality to both Club operations and Club culture.

Member questions during this session centred on service, communication and member value. Key matters included the management of existing slipway bookings, hospitality offerings, strategies to improve membership value and attract new members and continuing support for women in sailing. Members also raised the opportunity for the CYCSA to better connect with major events and the wider boating community.

Board Member and Facilities Committee Chair, Aaron Low, then presented on the Marina East rebuild. His update explained that while the concrete walkways remain a visible concern, the condition of services is a more significant issue. Compliance matters include electrical distribution, fire-fighting equipment, ladders and water leaks. Aaron noted that standards have changed since the marina was originally built and the objective is to achieve a new design life of around 50 years.

Members were advised that the Club is commencing a competitive tender process, including preparation of a specification and scope of work, with volunteer input continuing to be important. Member questions focused on the core project scope, timing, supplier options, construction model, replacement of fingers and fire compliance. These questions reflected a clear interest in ensuring the project is comprehensive, well scoped and delivers a durable long-term result.

Treasurer David Hughes provided a financial update. He noted that membership numbers are broadly static across most categories although racing membership is declining. Contributions from several activities are also under pressure with slipping affected by service interruption and rebuild work, ramp revenue impacted by the algal bloom, the Marine Academy affected by compliance issues and hospitality remaining depressed. The Youth Sailing Foundation was noted as a positive area following restructuring. Despite these challenges the Club’s overall financial position remains sound.

Members asked questions about bank debt, capital replacement funding, State Government funding opportunities and future use of the Sinking Fund. These questions highlighted member interest in how the Club will fund major asset replacement while maintaining financial sustainability.

President David Roper then provided a broader update including matters arising since the AGM. These included Marina East as a priority, the Marine Academy returning to operation, the transition from Jamie Joyce to Catherine Foreman as General Manager and replacement of the slipway rails. David also spoke about Club culture, respectful discussion, the diversity of member views, the importance of volunteers and the need for members not only to participate in events but also to help deliver them. Improvements in volunteer management and event management were identified as priorities together with the need to revisit the Club’s strategy.

Members raised practical and strategic matters including the capacity and delivery of new slipway jinkers, asset management, alternatives to the current slipway arrangements, towing vessels with engine problems to the slipway and maintenance and cleaning standards in Marina West. The evening also identified opportunities for stronger engagement with local marine businesses and organisations that may benefit from using the Club’s facilities.

Overall the evening provided members with a clear update on key operational, financial and strategic issues facing the Club. It also gave members the opportunity to raise material concerns about infrastructure, funding, maintenance, communication, member value and the Club’s broader identity. The discussion confirmed that the CYCSA is managing significant challenges, particularly ageing infrastructure and financial pressure, while also pursuing opportunities to improve the member experience, strengthen volunteering, broaden participation, engage more effectively with the wider marine community and continue developing the Club as a respected sailing, boating and waterfront destination.

Mark Hutton

Changing of the Watch: SAC Chair Update

Adrian Wilson has been a steady hand on the tiller as Chair of the Social Association Committee and I want to offer a genuine thank you on behalf of the Club.

Across 2025 and into 2026 Adrian kept the SAC on course with calm continuity, respect for members and a strong sense of stewardship. Through a busy period he helped ensure our social calendar still delivered the kind of connection that makes the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia feel like home: good company, good humour and events that brought us alongside one another.

Leadership in a volunteer club takes patience, discretion and the ability to trim the sails to changing conditions while keeping an eye on the destination. Adrian has done exactly that. He has given his time generously, kept things shipshape and carried the role with integrity.

While Adrian has now stepped down as Chair, I’m pleased he will remain aboard as a member of the SAC, continuing to lend his experience and steady perspective as we move forward.

As the new Chair of the Social Association Committee I’m looking forward to meeting more members and helping shape a great run of social events for the Club. You’ll see a thumbnail photo of me with this article so you can put a face to the name and I warmly welcome you to come to me with ideas, suggestions and feedback.

Thank you Adrian for your watch. I’m glad to be taking the helm and fair winds and smooth throttles for the season ahead.

Erin Labadas Chair, Social Association Committee

Electrical Lead Testing & Tagging

Club members are reminded of the importance of ensuring all power leads supplying their boats are regularly tested and tagged.

Regular testing and tagging helps confirm leads are safe to use and free from faults, reducing the risk of electric shock, fire or equipment failure within the marina.

This service is provided free of charge to all CYCSA members whose vessels are kept at the Club.

Power leads can be dropped off at the maintenance shed, clearly labelled with the member’s name, contact number and berth number and our team will carry out the testing and tagging.

Welcome New Members

Over the last three months the following people have joined the Club. Please make them welcome.

James Beazley, Christopher Cleary, David Colwell, Greg Jenkins, David Kolbig, Christopher Mann, Donna Marshall, Alan Mclean, Joanne Mitton, Katy Nadebaum, Paul Newport, Adam Nicholson, Louise Rigoni, Jason Rolph, David Seago, Brian Smith, John Spencer, Luke Westenberg and Susan-Jane Westmoreland.

NEIL PENTECOST

15/02/1950–04/04/2026

Sadly, the Club has lost another of its incredible volunteers. Neil joined the Club in 1983 as a Racing Member at much the same time as two of his best mates for many years, Greg Borg and John Collett. John owned two yachts during his time of racing, first Cascade and then Serein , and the three of them sailed the twilights and coastal races in these boats until John sold Serein in 2006.

At the suggestion of the then General Manager, Craig Evans, they decided to keep the team going as volunteers and ran the course laying boat for all the racing at the Club. CYC2 essentially became their boat and if John was not available, Neil took over as skipper.

It was in February of this year that his health prevented him from continuing. During his time on CYC2 he indulged his love of photography and many of the graphics of racing in Groundswell came courtesy of Neil.

His volunteering did not stop at the CYCSA and as a Life Member of the Port Adelaide District Hockey Club, after years of playing on the field, he helped wherever it was needed whether it be serving behind the bar, changing light bulbs, at a working bee or contributing to the Building Fund, he enjoyed doing it. Of particular pleasure to him was watching his grandchildren play the sport he so loved. Scouting was his other great love and he was also involved in volunteering with the movement.

Born and raised on the peninsula, he was the epitome of a gentleman, kind and generous to the core. Neil would always say “hello” and be up for a chat, happy to help others, he never sought anything in return and the Club is sorry to lose such a valuable, giving member.

He is survived by his daughter Tracy who organised the Celebration of his Life which was held on the patio at the Club. He also had a son, Bradley, and four grandsons; Josh, Oliver, Noah and Hamish. Neil will be sorely missed and our condolences and thoughts are with Tracy and her family at this time.

Gay Footer

SAWKR

3–5 OCTOBER 2026

IT’S TIME to think about your role in the South Australian Women’s Regatta 2026.

The SAWKR Committee is already preparing for this year’s event and we are putting a call out to all those who are interested in being part of the racing and its festivities this year. Details will soon be up on the web page to enable competitors to register and skippers to nominate their boats. We are calling for volunteers again this year, confident that there are many among you who would want to support our Club and women sailors. The Regatta is hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA) in partnership with the Port Adelaide Sailing Club (PASC) and the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron (RSAYS).

Over the past four years the regatta has proved to be a standout success in women’s sailing locally and nationally. With our partner clubs we are very proud of the progress we have made so far and we hope to be even more successful this year. To do this we are appealing for the loan of more yachts from all our Club members to lend to skippers and crews with excellent sailing references who are wanting to take part.

Boat owners, you can alternatively offer to run spectators around the Port River and/or Gulf St Vincent courses to see the racing up close.

If you are interested in offering your boat for SAWKR 2026 or if you have more questions about this year’s regatta, please reach out via email at: sawkr@cycsa.org

Dianne Schwerdt Chair SAWKR

Scan the QR code to find out more

The MaxiSpan TrueCore Post-Christmas Twilight Series was completed with five abandoned races, including a Ladies helm race unfortunately abandoned due to strong winds and rough seas.

Post-Christmas Twilight results were -

Cruising A, Vulcan (Chris Jones) first with G-Wizz (Greg Patten) second and Marnico (Graeme Footer) third.

Cruising B, Tiga (Stuart Shimeld) well ahead of Aurora (Brenton Pegler) and School’s Out (Adrian Wotton) in third.

Many thanks to Laura Hughson and Ligita Bligzna for filling in as Race Officers while our regular Race Officer was unexpectedly unavailable.

Combined Twilight Series results were -

Cruising A, Sintara (Derek Morrison), G-Wizz and Vulcan third.

Cruising B, Aurora, Seduction (Mark Moore), JenWho (Dennis Poole).

Inshore Series results were -

PHS Division 1, Ocean Hawk (Steve Emery), Dr Feelgood 3 (McHolm & Coonan), Sintara.

PHS Division 2, On equal points but first on countback was Outlier (Abbott/Riddle) with Pure Magic (Haakmeester/Holmes) followed by Rock On (Trevor Conyers).

AMS Division 1, Ocean Hawk and Dr Feelgood 3 just a point difference with Sintara third.

AMS Division 2, Outlier well ahead of Pure Magic and Rock On IRC Division 1, Ocean Hawk, Dr Feelgood 3, Sintara Commodores Shield results were –

PHS Division 1 Ocean Hawk first

PHS Division 2 Outlier third

Queen of the Gulf Regatta

Two races (triangle & windward/leeward) held on 14 March 2026. Division 1, Ocean Hawk, Dr Feelgood 3, Next Step (John Mortimer) Division 2, Rock On, Mystery Taxi (Wayne Knill, RSAYS), Outlier.

I would like to thank the regular Duty Crew who volunteer to run all the races and those who help when extra help is needed as was especially needed for the SA Women’s Match Racing Championship and the Fred Neill Trophy Match Racing Regatta. The CYCSA is grateful and if anyone else would like to help please let us know.

We are now into winter racing with the combined Winter Series with the RSAYS and the Short-Handed Series with an upcoming destination race to Port Vincent in June.

Thanks to our race series sponsors Yalumba Wines, Bravo Sails, MaxiSpan TrueCore and Heatlie for their continued support.

Inese Lainis Racing Administrator

Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Racing Group

Rock On

Ocean Hawk

The 2026 Changshu Shanghu International Elite Regatta was hosted on Shanghu Lake, approximately a twohour drive from Shanghai, China. Twenty teams from 14 nations competed in Fareast 23 keelboats with a strong international fleet featuring multiple world and national champions.

Among the competitors was Team AUS, skippered by Sandy Higgins with CYCSA Head Coach, Luke Allison, as part of the crew.

The team travelled to Shanghai to represent Australia at the event sailing Far East 23s. The boat was skippered by Sandy Higgins (BSYC) with crew Joel Mackenzie (BYSC), Matt Meanie (MHSC) and Luke Allison (CYCSA).

Competing against a strong 20-boat fleet, including ten Chinese teams and several international crews featuring past 505 World Champions, the racing was highly competitive.

The event itself was a huge spectacle both on and off the water. The catering and presentation side of the regatta was incredibly impressive with large functions, media coverage and hospitality throughout the week. Off the water one of the highlights was meeting sailors and athletes from around the world and sharing stories after racing each day. The Americans were always the first to convince everyone to head out for a drink after racing with Tsingtao quickly becoming the beer of choice among the crews.

The cultural experience was also a memorable part of the trip, with the team trying a range of local foods including pigeon soup, chicken feet and many traditional Chinese dishes that were completely new to most of us.

Racing on the lake brought light and tricky conditions making pressure spotting, strategic flexibility and clean starts crucial throughout the regatta. The competition was extremely close, with tight battles across the fleet all week, particularly against the Cayman Islands team who eventually finished third overall. We traded positions multiple times across the week with several races coming down to small tactical decisions, clean manoeuvres and consistency under pressure.

While the event was run professionally, the equipment side of the regatta created some interesting challenges. Around half the fleet were supplied with brand new sails, while the other half were racing on much older sail inventories, which certainly added another layer to the competition. Although our sails were well used, we were at least fortunate to have a solid boat without any major damage or holes.

That said, the crew still had to put in plenty of work before racing even began. During the training day several hours were spent removing years of barnacles from the hull to get the boat race-ready. It was far from glamorous but it became part of the experience and made the result at the end of the regatta even more rewarding.

Team Australia finished the regatta second overall after a close battle with the Russian team, with racing abandoned on the final day due to a lack of wind. The team was proud to come away with silver medals along with Chinese cigars. The team hopes to return in the future as Shanghai continues to grow and promote sailing within the region.

Luke Allison

Images courtesy of: 2026 Changshu Shanghu International Elite Regatta - photo © CSL

The CYCSA Fishing Association took to the water for a cracking charter adventure from Marina St Vincent, Wirrina, on Sunday 29 March. It was a friendly mix of members and guests, a shared appetite for salt air and a collective optimism that the deep reef would deliver and deliver it did.

Our ride for the day was Fishstalker, a 65-foot Westcoaster vessel that made the whole trip feel more like a comfortable cruise than a fishing mission. Plenty of space, steady underfoot and set up for serious fishing on deeper reef systems off the south east coast of Kangaroo Island in search of nannygai, snapper, trevally, blue morwong, gummy sharks and whatever other reef characters felt like joining the party. The day began with an early departure at 6am on a very dark and fresh morning. Skipper Jarrod, from Southern Fishing Charters, gave a clear safety briefing and then put the sophisticated on board navigation systems to work confidently threading us out to sea and on toward the grounds. It took just over two hours to reach the destination and the anticipation rose with every nautical mile. Rods were checked, tackle was discussed, the classics.

Before we even started chasing reef fish we got a bonus experience that quickly became one of the day’s stand out moments, cray fishing. Our first stop was to retrieve the first of six cray pots the Southern Fishing Charters crew had set the day before. The excitement on deck was instant. Everyone leant in and cameras appeared out of nowhere as the pots came up from the depths. The first pot produced the first cray of the day and by the end of the run we had collected a total of nine. For a few of us it was a first-time ‘pot pull’ experience and it added a real sense of variety and fun to the charter. With the cray mission complete Fishstalker headed to the first fishing destination and the deck came alive. Baiting up, casting down, rod tips quivering and that familiar silence that only lasts until the first call of “I’m on!” We did not wait long. The group started bringing aboard a mixed bag of reef fish with steady action and the odd line tangle. One of the more entertaining challenges came from the ever hopeful seabirds who seemed convinced our catch belonged to them. A few fish came with aerial escort and some of the best laughs of the day came from the battle of keeping your prize intact while a determined Albatross tried its luck.

Through a few additional stops across the day the variety kept building. The reef fish continued and then the heavier hitters joined in. Two large gummy sharks were added to the tally,

giving a taste of that slower, weightier fight that makes you reset your stance and pay attention. However the absolute highlight came when a Samson fish decided to test two of our group. Guests, Eric and Anne, a husband-and-wife team, took on the challenge together in a genuine team effort that had everyone watching closely. The fish was all power and stubbornness and it took patience, coordination and a lot of determination to bring it to the surface and onto the deck.

The Samson measured 108cm and weighed well over 20kg making it the battle of the day and making those gummy sharks look easy by comparison. Following the Samson fish, guest Cameron landed a whopper snapper at 74cm, the kind of fish that earns a few “that’s a proper one” comments.

A couple of participants also chose to fish with lures or jigs adding a different flavour to the day’s tactics. One lure fisher, 13 years old Nic, proved mighty successful, putting on a clinic and racking up an impressive bounty compared to his more experienced jig-fishing opponent who requested anonymity.

No fishing story is complete without a bit of on board comedy and this was delivered by part of our group consisting of three mates all named Peter. Yes, three Peters. It was both entertaining and timesaving. Calling “Peter!” got an instant response from a third of our group which was great for efficiency but less great for clarity.

After moving through a number of locations we reached a point just after 1:30pm where we had bagged out. It was time to head back but not before re-baiting and dropping the crayfish pots back in, carefully marking the locations so the next charter group could enjoy the same experience we had. The return trip took over 2.5 hours giving everyone a chance to wind down, compare notes and replay the best fights of the day in conversation. Back at the marina a very happy but exhausted group collected their spoils and posed for the allimportant end-of-charter group photo.

A big thank you goes to Jarrod and the Southern Fishing Charters crew for a safe, smooth and seriously productive day on the water. If this is the fishing that deep reefs are serving up we will be back and we strongly encourage and welcome all those who wish to join us in future charters.

Rafal Staporski

CYCSA Fishing Association Member

The CYCSA is proudly supported by our valued sponsor, St Louis Care — providing trusted aged care and support services to South Australians since 1946. We sincerely thank St Louis Care for their ongoing support of our Club and community.

The ‘night of the year’ for racing members was once again a fantastic celebration of the season with an enthusiastic crowd coming together to recognise the achievements and successes of our racing community.

The evening commenced with acknowledgment of the many people who contribute to the success of our racing program including our valued CYCSA sponsors, dedicated race management team and tireless volunteers. Their ongoing support and commitment are greatly appreciated and play a vital role in delivering another successful season on the water.

Racing Association Chair Rob Human acted as MC for the evening keeping proceedings entertaining and engaging throughout the night. Sponsors proudly presented trophies and keepsakes to award recipients highlighting the strong support and partnerships that continue to enhance racing at the Club. We also acknowledged and sincerely thank Neil Penecost for the many wonderful on-water photographs he captured over the years while serving as Duty Crew. His images have preserved countless moments for the Club and sailing community.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors Yalumba, Bravo Sails, Heatlie, MaxiSpan and Truecore whose continued support is sincerely appreciated. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported and celebrated the season, helping make the evening another memorable occasion for our racing community.

PRESENTATION NIGHT AWARD WINNERS

Cock of the Walk – G-Wizz

Chairman’s Trophy – Vulcan AG Walters – Rock On Racing Excellence – Immortal Game

Yacht of the Year – Doctor Feelgood 3

Crew of the Year – Sean Hackett

Commodore’s Shield – RSAYS

Ocean Hawk

Dr Feelgood 3

Outlier

Immortal Game

G-Wizz

Building world-class waterfronts for over 65 years

YSF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: MATCH RACING PROGRAM

Another highly successful School Holiday Program wrapped up this April with seven enthusiastic young sailors taking part including participants travelling all the way from Goolwa to experience the exciting world of match racing. The program gave these up and coming sailors the opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and enjoy plenty of fun on and off the water in the fantastic autumn weather, even squeezing in a swim along the way. Throughout the program sailors developed their understanding of teamwork, match racing rules, pre-start tactics, starting sequences, kite work and competitive racing skills. Coaches and Instructors were impressed by the talent and enthusiasm shown across the group with several sailors already catching the eye as future prospects for the Youth Sailing Program and upcoming regattas.

With strong interest continuing to grow the next School Holiday Program will be during the July holidays with more information to be released soon.

The YSF squad delivered an outstanding performance at the recent Fred Neill Match Racing Regatta, with Fraser Baker and his crew winning the prestigious Fred Neill Trophy. After narrowly missing victory last year with a close second-place finish, Fraser and his team returned determined to go one better and achieved an incredible result for the Club. Fraser’s victory continues his strong run of form following his Sailing League win in 2024

The win marks a historic achievement for the CYCSA with the Club claiming the Fred Neill Trophy for the first time since Geoff Boettcher’s successful campaign in 2002. Even more significantly, Fraser’s crew becomes the first youth team ever to win the event.

Adding to the excitement of the regatta was the debut of the YSF’s first women’s youth team led by Lucy Cree. Lucy entered the event following her recent victory at the Women’s Match Racing event and led a talented young crew who represented the Club with determination and skill throughout the regatta. Read the full regatta report on page 28.

The performances of both teams highlight the strength of the YSF program and the exciting future of youth match racing at CYCSA.

Luke Allison CYCSA Head Coach

For more course information, dates and bookings, please scan the YSF QR code:

YSF FIRST AT FRED NEILL REGATTA

Team Baker

Team Cree

Hello fellow sailors and interested boaters in the CYCSA community from the Marine Academy. We have had a productive and busy autumn with lots of great sailing and well-attended courses.

At Easter we conducted our first RYA Coastal Skipper course which entailed a long 12 hour passage that needed to be managed by our candidate, Tim. The passage we decided on and that Tim planned was from the CYCSA to Rocky Point inside Eastern Cove on Kangaroo Island.

We had a full crew of six people on board Southern Investigator and after a day of familiarising ourselves with the boat and its systems on Good Friday, we set off on Saturday at 12 noon.

We had a very good passage and anchored just off the beach at Rocky Point at midnight in about five metres of water. Highlights of the passage included a calm beginning down the metropolitan coast and a typically boisterous crossing of Backstairs Passage at about 10.30pm on the Saturday night.

Easter Sunday began with us motoring into American River for coffee and Portuguese Tarts at the café/ restaurant on the wharf. On our return to Southern Investigator a steady drizzling rain set in and we made our way around to the Bay of Shoals and after a fruitless attempt to visit the local winery as it was closed for Easter Sunday, we weighed anchor and headed out of the Bay of Shoals to anchor inside the Beatrice Islets in a steady northerly wind for the night.

The next day we ventured over to Kingscote and anchored near the jetty for the crew to stretch their legs and get a good coffee before setting sail for North Haven at approximately 1100 hours. The passage back to the CYCSA was lovely with a poled out headsail wing on wing for almost the entire trip.

On the Easter course we maximised the favourable weather conditions and basically had fair easterly winds on the passage to Kangaroo Island and a south to south westerly breeze for the trip home.

Tim passed his Coastal Skipper and after a few loose ends to tidy up on the last day we all went home weary and content after an adventurous Easter at sea.

Other courses of note during autumn include a Five Day Liveaboard Course instructed by Mark Hutton featuring participants from the Setting a New Course (SANC) program formerly referred to as the ‘veterans’. They had a few days of very strong south westerly winds and concluded with some very calm gulf conditions. All candidates passed their Dayskipper and continue to be very active in the SANC Friday program which runs every fortnight and is a great initiative.

Over the Anzac Day weekend we conducted a Three Day Competent Crew Course which had excellent weather and we got to explore the coastline between Port Vincent and Stansbury on Anzac Day itself. We anchored after lunch at a beach just north of Stansbury called Beach Point (a very creative name) and had tea and Anzac biscuits and a bit of reflection on the Anzacs. The rugged beach and rocky headland with no other signs of civilisation there inspired us to rename it Non Anzac Cove. It’s an excellent spot to anchor in a westerly breeze and worth a look if you are over that way.

I have just completed the last Five Day Liveaboard Dayskipper Course of the season and we had excellent weather with a highlight of having a large full cooked breakfast anchored off Troubridge Island in the Cutter Patch before having an idyllic sail back to North Haven on Saturday 9 May in about 10 knots of wind from the west south west.

Other training that occurred during autumn included a number of International Certificate of Competency (ICC) candidates that we tailor programs for based on their experience and skills. The ICC enables you to charter bareboat yachts in Europe and is the minimum requirement for chartering in lots of countries around the world.

This ICC course is almost a distilled Dayskipper Course and can be completed in about four hours by an experienced and capable yacht skipper. If you are interested in finding out more about this qualification send me an email to peter.chambers@cycsa.com.au or give Reception at the CYCSA a call and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

In addition to this training we have a group of members who are working their way through the Dayskipper syllabus on an individual basis.

With winter approaching the Marine Academy is going to be offering tailored weekend training on Southern Investigator in the following areas –

• Boat handling under power berthing and unberthing, anchoring and mooring

• Sail handling and maintenance including set, trim, reef and basic ropework

• Passage planning and practical navigation with an emphasis on our gulf waters

• Private lessons as requested on Club members yachts.

If you would like to express an interest in any of these initiatives please contact Kimberley at Reception or me directly and we will work with you to put together a program to suit your wishes.

Fair winds and following seas.

Pete Chambers Marine Academy Principal

Sail Port Stephens is Australia’s largest regatta with over 300 boats competing. Held on the beautiful waters of Port Stephens Marine Park on the New South Wales central coast, the event comprises three different series and runs over three weeks, from late April to early May.

Week Two saw the running of the Performance Racing Series which incorporated the NSW Yachting Championships, Act 3 of the TP52 Gold Cup, the InterClub 40 Teams Challenge and the Cape 31 National Championships. Julian Newton and his Game On 31 crew couldn’t resist the opportunity to compete in another one of Australia’s great regattas, as well as the chance to line up against four other Capes from Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

One of the many great features of a Cape 31 is the ability to transport the boat to local, national and international regattas, either on a road trailer or in a 40ft shipping container. For Lincoln Week we go in ‘high mode’ on a semi-trailer but for Port Stephens and the upcoming Hamilton Island race week, Game On travels ‘in the box’ which is a relatively straightforward, albeit delicate exercise.

It goes a little something like this -

Act 1

Lifelines, stanchions, boom and prodder removed, wind gear removed, mast and rigging craned out, rigging and spreaders removed, halyards moused, mast separated. All the above then get placed in their own protective covers.

Act 2

The boat comes out of the water on a travel-lift, keel and rudder out and put in their covers, boat then rotated to 45 degrees and special cradles are placed fore and aft which protect, support and allow the boat to be rolled up and into the container.

Act 3

All sails, shore gear, crew kit and other equipment gets loaded into the container and strapped down then the boat goes in with some of the more delicate items loaded inside, finally the mast and boom get lashed to the cradles, the keel gets loaded in and strapped down and the equipment used for setup and pack-down goes in last and is secured.

Act 4

Lock the box and head to the Club bar for debriefing and cocktails. As I said, relatively straightforward, at least it is after the third or fourth time doing it.

The boat and shore team arrived in Newcastle several days prior to the regatta and commenced Acts 3 to 1 in reverse then prepared for the delivery sail up to Nelson Bay. Initial forecasting had us with a pleasant reach all the way up the coast with a jib up, however, as we logged on with Marine Rescue Newcastle for the 27 nautical mile delivery, we found the breeze as an onshore ENE with a big and confused seaway. Not what was in the brochure at all! We were very diligent with our navigation and gave the headlands and bombies a wide berth, especially around Point Stephens and the entrance to the bay. Once we were over the entrance bar at Shoal Bay we were very relieved to say the least.

Another Cape 31 was several hours behind us on the way up from Sydney and due in after dark. The delivery crew came to grief off Point Stephens and were winched to safety by RAAF helicopter after several hours stranded on a rock and fortunately they made it out with only minor injuries. Sadly, the yacht was in worse shape, left high in a ravine on nearby Shark Island, the rig and later the hull were salvaged by helicopter several days later, a truly bizarre sight!

The following day the rest of the Game On crew arrived and we got on the water, along with the three remaining Capes, for some boat-on-boat training. The forecast for the coming days was light unfortunately and we saw the best breeze of the week that afternoon.

The regatta schedule was for two days of windward/ leeward racing in Salamander Bay and an Anzac Day passage race out through the heads, north around Cabbage Tree Island and back into the finish off d’Albora Marina, where we were based.

Anzac Day was quite special as Port Stephens played a pivotal role during World War II as a major Allied military base and the primary training ground for joint AustralianUnited States amphibious operations. Our windward/leeward racing had been conducted just off Soldiers Point and we had also noticed several heavy gun emplacements on the headland when we first arrived. The Dawn Service was understandably well attended that morning and quite moving. Pre-race started very light and the fleet drifted around the start area while the Principal Race Officer read The Ode of Remembrance followed by a minute silence observed. Almost on cue we were treated to a flypast by an F35A Lightning from nearby Williamtown RAAF base. It was awesome to see and thunderous to hear! After a bit more drifting the PRO sent us motoring out through the heads in search of breeze and we eventually got racing underway within sight of the stricken

Cape 31still high and dry on Shark Island. The racing was very tight and the scenery along the coast, around the islands and back into the bay, was truly spectacular and a real dogfight.

After three days of very tight one-design racing within a mixed fleet of larger high-performance yachts, Game On finished a close third to Trex from Queensland. The stand out boat, however, was CYCA Commodore Sam Haynes’ Celestial which came away with a picket fence of firsts. The fact that we were nipping at their heels all the way was a great consolation to us as they had done a lot more racing in Sydney and several key crew members also race Cape 31 Flying Jenny, the current back-to-back UK Champion as well as third placegetter at the European Championships.

Results aside, the team, as always, had a great time on and off the water and we continued to improve our boat handling and performance. We look forward to continuing that momentum as we prepare for Hamilton Island Race Week in August.

Port Stephens was a great place to sail and visit and it felt like a cross between Hammo and Lincoln in more ways than one. I highly recommend putting it on your regatta bucket list and hope that the Game On team will see you there.

Having spent several days in Newcastle both setting up and packing down the boat, I also recommend dropping anchor there to take in the nautical history, eclectic mix of old and new architecture and of course it’s bustling port, but most of all, the cracking cocktail bars!

Jason Webb

CRAB, CATCH & COOK DAY

Crabbing Day, held on 15 March, was once again a great success! The autumn weather was perfect for a day of crabbing, barbecuing and enjoying some of South Australia’s finest seafood. Members were also treated to a selection of delicious chilli dishes prepared by our special guest, retired chef extraordinaire, Mark Spartalis.

More than 60 members, family and friends attended with plenty of crabs to go around, enough for a hearty lunch and for many, extras to take home for dinner. A special thank you goes to the Club kitchen team (and Mark) and the ground staff who help make this event so enjoyable each year. Thanks also to the Fishing Association Committee for once again delivering such a memorable day.

With three door prizes thrown in for good measure everyone went home a winner! Thank you to our event sponsor, Heynen Planning Consultants, for their support.

It was also great to see our new General Manager, Catherine Foreman, at the event enjoying a feast of our finest and having a great time meeting members and getting a first hand feel for our Club. Welcome Catherine!

Crabbing Day continues to be one of the CYCSA’s most iconic member events and we look forward to seeing even more members join in next year. See you on the water in 2027!

Vadis Rodato

CYCSA Fishing Association

AWARD WINNERS

The awards for Biggest Crab, Most Crabs and Overall Winner for the day went to ‘Erwin's boat’. Our special thanks to the crew; Ian Tarbotton, Simon Milutin and Erwin Vuzem who not only won most of the awards but also fished for crabs the previous day to ensure we had enough to feed our hungry guests.

Other winners were –

• Overall Winner – Erwin Vuzem’s boat

• Biggest Crab (Junior) – Jordan and Joyce (CYC1)

• Most Crabs (Sailboat) – Sea Lark, Ryan Williams

Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Fishing group

THE AURORA AWARD – A NEW CHAPTER

A special mention must go to the generosity of retired CYCSA member Gareth Thomas who has donated a unique and historic crabbing trophy to the Club and Fishing Association.

The trophy, known as the Aurora Award, has its origins in a friendly rivalry between Gareth Thomas, Rowley Richardson and Trevor Paynter. For many years, while participating in Crabbing Day, the trio also competed privately for the largest crab caught.

To recognise this Gareth commissioned a striking perpetual trophy featuring a professionally mounted taxidermy crab. Each year the winner’s name, the year and the size of the catch were recorded on engraved brass plaques. A smaller keepsake trophy was also awarded to the winner while the main trophy was returned for the following year’s competition.

With the original competition no longer running Gareth has generously given the trophy a new life through the Club. The Fishing Association will now act as custodians of this special piece of Club history with the Aurora Award to be presented annually for the largest crab caught on Crabbing Day.

The name Aurora is drawn from Gareth’s yacht, named in honour of his grandfather, Sir Douglas Mawson and his vessel SY Aurora, used in his Antarctic expeditions, adding further significance to this remarkable trophy.

The Aurora Award will be proudly displayed in the Club’s glass cabinets and we are pleased to announce that the inaugural 2026 recipient is Erwin Vuzem for the Largest Crab caught on the day.

Aurora moored against the Shackleton Ice Shelf, unloading stores for the Western Base , 1912. Photo by Frank Hurley.

Your Sailing Journey Starts Here...

The CYCSA Marine Academy delivers accredited boating courses for all experience levels.

Based at North Haven on Gulf St Vincent, the CYCSA Marine Academy is a member-directed training centre providing internationally recognised courses.

As South Australia’s only accredited Australian Sailing and Royal Yachting Association training provider, we offer highly regarded boating and sailing courses for members and the wider community.

Scan the QR code to view courses and upcoming dates.

When I lived in California we used to say “west is best” and I think the same is true of the west coast of Australia. After a two-week intermission we were excited to be back in Western Australia. Swapping a flight for the bus from Perth to Geraldton let us see the inland landscapes we missed while at sea. To us sailing trips are always enhanced by land-based exploration hence our frequent car rentals at various ports.

Last minute shopping in Geraldton meant a leisurely departure time of 09:30 followed by a fast beam run of 44 nautical miles to Gregory. The next day we pushed on to False Entrance but the fickle southerlies meant we averaged only 5.9 knots and didn’t reach the anchorage until 01:00.

We had been eagerly anticipating our return to Shark Bay as awaiting us were elusive dugongs and Aperol Spritz at the Dirk Hartog Island beach bar but not necessarily in that order. The following day we crossed South Passage for the third time and continued all the way to Homestead Bay. This time the resort and beach bar were open. After working up a thirst with a beach walk we enjoyed two Aperol Spritz as the sun went down. It felt like the Mediterranean without the crowds.

We asked the bartender about good spots to view dugongs and he recommended two bays further north. The following morning we set sail for the first of them, Herald Bay, ten nautical miles north. The bay was empty, no dugongs, and no other boats. Later we learned that most sailors wait until May to escape the heat and cyclone risk.

The next day offered a glimmer of dugong hope. En route to Louisa Bay I caught a fleeting sight of a dugong gliding between us and the shore but the animal dived, never to appear again. Louisa Bay had people on the beach but no dugongs!

We awoke to an ESE wind and lee shore meaning it was time to move. Since none of the anchorages on the eastern side of Dirk Hartog Island would offer good wind protection in such conditions we set sail for the Peron Peninsula on the other side of the bay.

Ninety minutes later disaster struck. It is a sickening feeling to have a steering wheel spinning freely disconnected from the rudder. I instantly recognised the situation having experienced it 18 months earlier in Victoria. That time the pinion shaft had snapped in half but this time the whole housing had cracked.

No doubt the earlier failure had somehow contributed to the current failure, perhaps a micro fracture had grown to become a macro fracture. I was starting to hate rack and pinion steering.

I immediately implemented my emergency steering procedure by locking the rudders and then using their engines to provide differential steering. Eight hours later we were anchored in Broadhurst Bay on the western shore of the Peron Peninsula. I used the remaining daylight to jury rig a rudder control system using two winches. One winch would pull the starboard rudder to starboard, the other to port, so we could steer without engines.

The next day we set sail for the nearest port, Carnarvon, fifty nautical miles to the north. For most of the eight hours we sailed while I stood operating our ‘steering winches’. The following seas necessitated constant steering adjustments that were tiring, work usually performed by my trusty autopilot. I couldn't leave my post for more than a minute so Merri delivered sustenance.

I reverted to differential engine steering on the final, nervewracking approach to Carnarvon which entailed navigating a narrow channel with seas on our beam. Eventually we pulled into the safety of Carnarvon Boat Harbour which would be Arriba’s home for the next twelve days.

I made a quick call to Marine Control Systems to order a new part. Cyclone Alfred was lashing southeast Queensland and large areas were without power. It would be a couple of days before the part could be fabricated and then up to five business days to be shipped from the other side of the country. There was no point hanging around which meant it was time for another road trip!

The following day we rented a car for a week and set off to explore the hinterland. Before leaving town we visited the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum which is a must visit museum for anyone interested in the history of lunar exploration and Carnarvon's role. We particularly enjoyed the Apollo capsule simulator and taking off for the moon.

Our next stop was Mount Augustus National Park which features a massive ancient inselberg that is twice the size of Uluru and rises over 700m above the surrounding red sandplain. Unlike the latter, it is a monocline, not a monolith.

Steering by winches

We tent camped in the nearby campground which was very pleasant and we had it to ourselves except for the cows mowing the lawns. The friendly hosts went out of their way to help and advise us, in particular, encouraging us to avoid a remote section of road.

Next we drove to Karijini National Park, located in the heart of the Pilbara region, famous for its massive red-rock plateaus and steep gorges. The deep, shaded gorges and cool waters were a highlight, especially Fern Pool, providing a vital escape from the relentless heat. In stark contrast our campground offered baking heat, red dust and pitiful shade. Mount Augustus had been hot too but at least there was shade and green grass. Karijini National Park is undeniably beautiful. We were just there at the wrong time of year.

We’d prepaid for three nights but after two days of enduring the furnace we forfeited the final night and fled to the coast. We found refuge in a Coral Bay motel where the air conditioning provided the relief we’d been craving. Merri was happy to spend the next 24 hours in the room staying cool but I had other plans.

Coral Bay is a jumping off point for Ningaloo Reef, a spectacular fringing coral system and UNESCO World Heritage site that hugs the coast for nearly 300km. In many places the reef is just a short swim from the beach but I decided to sign up for a boat tour to cover more ground. Ningaloo is world famous for whale sharks which were just starting to make their appearance for the season. I was fortunate enough to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and even a tiger shark. It was one of the highlights of my diving and snorkelling career. I made a note for our next visit that there are some official DBCA moorings near the town wharf and boat ramp.

From Coral Bay we drove south on Highway One, leaving the tropics behind when we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn. Back in Carnarvon we went straight to the post office to pick up the new steering housing and I got to work installing it.

On 22 March we bid a reluctant farewell to Carnarvon. We didn't get to explore further north this time but that just gave us a reason to come back for another trip. Watch this space! We sailed for the Peron Peninsula and anchored at Skip Jack Point where we enjoyed a walk along a beautiful beach which we shared with thousands of Pied Cormorants.

The following day we returned to Homestead Bay where we enjoyed another Aperol Spritz (or two) while enjoying the sunset. We awoke to very light winds and motored to Cape Ransonnet, the southernmost tip of Dirk Hartog Island, where we swam and went ashore, enjoying the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Reluctantly, we reboarded Arriba, crossed the South Passage one last time and headed to False Entrance for the night.

From there we could have retraced our tracks to Geraldton via Gregory however offshore southeasterly winds presented an alternative for the first time. Ever since visiting Kalbarri by land we’d been intrigued about the possibility of sailing there, not least because it breaks up a long leg between Gregory and Shark Bay. The entrance to Kalbarri, which is the Murchison River estuary, is narrow and features a dog-leg turn but it is well defined by channel markers. On previous passages we’d always had westerly seas which rendered the approach quite dangerous.

Sailing through the night I timed our arrival at the entrance with the first light. After waiting for a fishing boat to exit I made my move and raced in with both engines firing. Power is your friend when navigating tight channels with seas on the beam. By 06:40 we were anchored in the river with good holding in 2-3 metres of water.

It was a stinking hot day in Kalbarri but we managed to get to the local supermarket without heat stroke. After lunch we moved Arriba to the western side of the river and cooled down with a swim.

At 06:06 the following morning we weighed anchor and re-entered the Indian Ocean. Eleven hours and 75 nautical miles later, having averaged 6.8 knots under sail, we were back at Town Beach, Geraldton. The following evening we enjoyed our final dinner in Geraldton at the Geraldton Yacht Club where we could admire Arriba from our table.

The next day we would sail for Perth.

Alan Noble

Gemini capsule

Knox Gorge

Fern Pool

History, Hilarity and Hard Work

SAWMR Championship Makes Waves at the CYCSA

What started as an idea supported by an Australian Sailing Sail Our Way grant has quickly grown into one of the most exciting and energising initiatives seen at the CYCSA in recent years. Over six months the South Australian Women’s Match Racing (SAWMR) program transformed from Friday evening coaching sessions into a fully-fledged State Championship complete with fierce racing, whistles, champagne, teamwork, bruises, laughter and just the right amount of chaos and honestly, it was brilliant.

From Twilight Training to State Championship

The SAWMR initiative was born in late 2025 with a simple goal, to give women access to structured keelboat and match racing coaching in the CYCSA’s Elliott 7 fleet. For many of the sailors involved it was their first real opportunity to helm in close quarters, learn pre-start tactics, navigate marina basins or confidently take charge of a keelboat. Week after week women turned up after work to train until dusk practising dial-ups, circling, kite work, sailing astern, docking and match racing manoeuvres under the watchful eyes of coaches, safety crews and volunteers. By April those same sailors weren’t just learning anymore, they were ready to race.

A Perfect MorningFor About Five Minutes

Six all-female teams gathered eagerly on the CYCSA patio on the stunning morning of Saturday 18 April for the race briefing. The weather looked picture perfect; sunshine, 22 degrees and a lovely 10–12 knot north-easterly breeze. In other words, absolutely perfect sailing weather. Clearly the prayers to the weather gods had worked, or so we thought.

Meet the Gold Helms

Leading the charge were six Gold Helm skippers, each bringing wildly different sailing backgrounds but the same willingness to throw themselves into the fast, tactical and occasionally chaotic world of match racing.

There was rising youth sailor, Zoe Robinson, who was relatively new to keelboat racing after an impressive dinghy career. Much loved SAWMR coach, Lesley Roberts, skippered Boat 2 carrying the unofficial title of ‘woman most responsible for creating this fabulous madness’. Simone Fejer brought an extraordinary sailing résumé spanning Holdfast Trainers, the One & All , offshore racing and even a Sydney to Hobart, while Sophie Davidson arrived with her trademark smile and growing match racing confidence after competing in last year’s Fred Neill Championship. Lucy Cree, youth sailor, sea-lover and all-round dynamo skippered Boat 5 while Renee Newman balanced skippering duties with coaching

and mentoring the next generation, including her daughter Summer, who crewed aboard her Elliott 7.

Racing, Whistles and Very Light Wind

The plan for the day was ambitious; up to 10 flights and 30 matches, giving Gold, Silver and Bronze helms the chance to race. The Gold fleet kicked things off in style completing five flights and 15 races as every skipper faced one another in tightly contested match-ups. Twenty-eight women rotated through helming, trimming and kite recovery roles throughout the day, staying engaged and sharp right to the finish.

Then the breeze did what sailors fear most, it disappeared. The north-easterly softened, swung around and faded away after 3pm leaving competitors drifting ever-so-slightly faster than the spectator boats. Still, through patience, persistence and sheer stubbornness, another three flights were completed, two for Silver helms and one for Bronze helms bringing the final tally to an impressive 24 matches.

Through it all whistles echoed across the course as umpires Lisa Bettcher, Subin Wright-Simon and John Whitfield kept a close eye on the action, supported on-water by Sarah McGrath and Mike Holmes. If you’ve never watched match racing from an umpire boat add it to your list. It’s part sailing, part chess match and part reality television.

The Real MVPs

Behind the scenes an army of volunteers kept the regatta running. Race officials Laura Hughson (PRO), Ligita Bligzna (RO), Darryl Emery, Kirsty Hammet and Sally Morley somehow balanced professionalism with a running commentary that was, at times, unintentionally hilarious. Mark laying was expertly handled by CYCSA Volunteer of the Year, Michael Nettle, a familiar face from Friday night coaching sessions alongside Mick Noy and Mitchell Baker. Meanwhile Luke Allison and Rob Human ran breakdown support with Luke and Guy WoganProvo ensuring the Elliott fleet was race ready before the first warning signal. In match racing, if something can break, it usually will.

Onboard Minnon

While competitors battled fading breeze and tactical duels, spectator yacht Minnon quietly became the social centre of the regatta. Skippered by Joe Mezzini, the yacht hosted VIPs, supporters, medical officer Serge Kamkin and SAWMR patron Tess McGrath, alongside Councillor Vanessa Tulloch and seamstress extraordinaire Elena Martynenko who produced 18 event flags to help bring the regatta to life.There was champagne, platters, plenty of storytelling and a steady stream of sailors boarding briefly to ‘use the head’ before mysteriously lingering for snacks.

More Than Just Racing

The post race presentation captured exactly what the SAWMR program has become, a celebration of women supporting women in sailing. Stories were shared, jokes got louder as the evening went on, bruises were compared like trophies and the recurring question of the night? “When are we doing this again?”

Club Commodore, Andrew Saies, Vice-Commodore, Di Schwerdt and Treasurer, Mike Holmes, joined competitors and supporters for presentations with awards presented by Tess McGrath and Di Schwerdt. Gold Fleet honours went to Lesley Roberts ahead of Sophie Davidson and Renee Newman. Sofie Yelavich claimed the Silver division ahead of Paige Grigg and Catherine Linley while Nadya Veryasova topped the Bronze rankings.

The Bigger Picture

The SAWMR Championship was more than a regatta. It was the culmination of six months of coaching, mentoring and determination. It showcased what can happen when barriers to participation are removed and women are given genuine pathways into leadership roles on the water. Most importantly it strengthened CYCSA’s sailing community bringing together sailors, volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters in a way that felt energetic, welcoming and genuinely

fun. Programs like SAWMR do more than teach racing skills; they build confidence, they build friendships and they build the future of sailing at the CYCSA.

A huge thank you goes to Australian Sailing’s Kylie Baker for helping launch the SAWMR coaching program through the Sail Our Way grant and to Henry Quin of Morgans and Sarah McGrath for their generous support of the regatta itself.

After six months of training, twentyfour matches, countless laughs and one rapidly disappearing sea breeze, one thing became very clear - this was only the beginning.

Sarah McGrath and Lesley Roberts

CRUISING ASSOCIATION

CRUISERS WITH WIND IN THEIR SAILS

There’s been plenty happening on and off the water with a strong run of events bringing members together and keeping the Cruising Association spirit thriving. Thank you to our committee members and the wider cruising community for your involvement and continued encouragement.

PORT VICTORIA 150TH CELEBRATIONS, 6–8 MARCH

Arriving into Port Victoria alongside the tall ships Soren Larsen and One and All was a memorable moment for many vessels who took part.

It is remarkable to experience these vessels under sail, witnessing the leadership and teamwork on board and recognising the dedication of those who commit their life to these community programs.

Yachts from the CYCSA, PASC and RSAYS made the passage into Spencer Gulf trading marina comfort for a rewarding cruising experience. While the well-known rolly anchorage kept crews awake at night it was all part of the adventure.

A highlight for many was the opportunity to enjoy a sail and lunch aboard Soren Larsen followed by a relaxed Sunday BBQ ashore in warm, sunny conditions together. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to attend, either by sea or by road. It was a truly historic occasion.

ANZAC WEEKEND AT PORT VINCENT, 24–26 APRIL

ANZAC weekend at Port Vincent once again delivered a meaningful and memorable gathering – LEST WE FORGET.

At dawn cruisers marched to the town’s War Memorial to reflect and pay their respects. The service continues to hold a special place on our cruisers calendar. The traditional Gunfire Breakfast followed at the Bowls Club, made possible by a dedicated group of local volunteers whose efforts are sincerely appreciated. CYCSA members, Adrian Wotton and Darren Harvey, represented the CYCSA during the service.

As evening arrived the atmosphere shifted to celebration with a classics playlist bringing everyone together for a lively and enjoyable night in the Port Vincent clubhouse. It was fantastic to see our friends from Glenelg Yacht Club join in the weekend’s activities.

CLUB BBQ ‘DE VINYLS’ THEME, 9 MAY

Great music, complimentary pizza and good company, it was another successful Club gathering.

DJs Israel Dunk, Belle Dunk and Roger Flint kept the vibe going with classic vinyl hits creating a relaxed and nostalgic evening enjoyed by all. It was great to see our Commodore arrive late in the evening to keep the atmosphere going. Thank you to all volunteers who contributed to the fun evening.

Stay connected – Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Cruising group.

LOOKING AHEAD – SAVE THE DATES

There’s plenty to look forward to with a great line-up of events in planning.

The New Year’s Eve Bash at Rocky Point on Kangaroo Island returns with live music and the theme ‘Light it up’. Get creative, light up your yacht with LEDs, kick off your shoes and join us as we celebrate the end of 2026.

On 1 January we’ll also mark the 25th Ballast Head Cup, our much-loved novelty race around Eastern Cove. Have you considered racing your yacht or joining as crew? We’d love to see as many as possible get involved. All clubs are welcome.

Other upcoming events include:

• September - Port Adelaide Weekend Cruise

• October - Members vs Members Elliott Day (CYCSA and PASC)

• November - South Australian Cruisers Rally (all clubs event)

• Dec/Jan New Year’s Eve Bash (Kangaroo Island) –all are welcome.

Stay informed via our Facebook group, Club noticeboards and Club email updates, we look forward to seeing you there.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

We gratefully acknowledge the continued support of Charlesworth Nuts and Heynen Planning Consultants. Their generosity has enabled the purchase of new electrical appliances for Port Vincent and Marina West including a pie warmer for future CYCSA events. We have also upgraded our portable sound system, perfect timing as we gear up for this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

CYCSA SWING MOORINGS – MEMBER REMINDER

Our swing moorings at Edithburgh, Stansbury and Black Point are a valuable Club asset supporting safe and enjoyable cruising. Please remember to -

• Navigate these areas with care

• Consider using a grappling hook when picking up a mooring

• Ensure your vessel and prevailing conditions are suitable to use the mooring

• Review the Club’s mooring guidelines on the CYCSA website.

If you notice any misuse please report it to the CYCSA General Manager, including vessel name and registration details. An online ‘Incident Report’ form is available on the Club’s website located in the footer of the page.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay up to date with cruising events and news via:

• CYCSA Cruising Facebook Group

• CYCSA Noticeboards

• CYCSA Website and Email Newsletters

Darren Harvey Chair, CYCSA Cruising

Association

LIVE POWER CORDS ON OUR MARINAS

Power cord safety on a marina is essential for protecting people, boats and property from electrical hazards. Marinas are unique environments because electricity is used close to water which greatly increases the risk of electric shock, fire and equipment damage. Following safe practices with shore power cords can prevent accidents and ensure a safer waterfront for everyone. One of the most important steps is using marine grade power cords designed specifically for marina use. These cords are built to resist moisture, sunlight, salt exposure and physical wear. Household extension cords should never be used on docks or boats as they are not intended for wet or outdoor marine conditions and can quickly become dangerous.

Before connecting a power cord inspect it carefully for cuts, cracks, exposed wires, loose plugs or corrosion on the connectors. Damaged cords should be replaced immediately. Even minor wear can allow water intrusion or cause overheating. Plugs and sockets should fit tightly to avoid arcing which can create heat and fire risks.

Keep all power connections elevated and away from standing water whenever possible. Cords should be routed neatly along docks to reduce trip hazards and prevent crushing or abrasion from carts, trolleys or foot traffic. Avoid stretching cords tightly as tension can damage internal wiring or loosen connections.

When unplugging a cord always switch off the breaker first. This reduces the chance of arcing and protects both the user and the electrical system. Pull from the plug body rather than yanking the cord itself which can weaken wires over time.

Ground fault protection devices and regularly tested marina electrical systems are also critical safety measures. Our Marina Operators schedule routine inspections by qualified electricians and ensure all pedestals are in good condition.

Boat owners and marina visitors share responsibility for electrical safety. By using the right cords, checking for damage, keeping connections dry and following correct procedures, the risk of injury or fire can be significantly reduced. Safe power cord habits help create a reliable and secure marina environment for everyone who works, visits, or enjoys time on the water.

Wayne Grant CYCSA Safety Officer

JOIN THE REX: SAFETY OFFICER NEEDED

Are you passionate about boating, water safety and supporting the CYCSA community? The REX is looking for a Safety Officer to join the team.

This is a rewarding opportunity to play an important role in keeping members, guests and participants safe during Club activities, sailing events and onwater operations. As a Safety Officer you will help promote and maintain a safe marine environment by assisting with safety planning, emergency response readiness and compliance with Club safety procedures. Further information is available from Inese in the Boating Office. Phone 8248 4222.

Whistles, Wind Shifts and Broken Chopsticks

Over the weekend of 16–17 May six skippers and their crews descended on the CYCSA to battle it out for the Fred Neill Match Racing Trophy, a World Sailing graded event that once again delivered tight racing, tactical chaos, floating comedy and enough flags to make everyone question whether they’d accidentally joined the navy.

Saturday morning began with crews arriving bright-eyed and suspiciously punctual to rig their Elliott 7s before the race briefing. As this was a World Sailing graded event there was naturally a healthy amount of paperwork to complete before anyone was allowed near a start line. Skippers hovered nervously while forms were checked and official declarations made, all eagerly awaiting confirmation from the Organising Authority that they were under the crew weight limit and therefore still eligible to compete. The whole thing felt oddly reminiscent of a boxing weigh-in. Once the formalities were complete crews grabbed their Sailing Instructions, checked they’d remembered snacks, sunscreen and their pairings list and headed for the dock.

Day one opened with light northerly winds and a low tide that had everyone quietly aware the last thing they wanted was to become permanently attached to Osprey Island. The Elliott fleet departed the marina in procession behind the RIB of

Chief Umpire John Whitfield, towing the race boats out toward the course area. Bringing up the rear was second umpire Wayne Thompson accompanied by smiling extraordinaire, Subin Wright-Simon, as crew.

At exactly 1130 hrs, much to the delight of race officials everywhere, Flight 1 got underway on schedule. The northerly breeze hovered uncertainly around the race course while the Race Committee worked overtime to keep racing fair and the course vaguely aligned with whatever the wind thought it was doing that minute. Mark laying became less of a task and more of an extreme sport. An alternate mark was introduced, radio chatter increased dramatically and several crews enjoyed surprise educational moments while trying to determine which windward mark they were actually supposed to round after the gate.

Meanwhile, on the umpire boats there was plenty happening. Y flags appeared regularly during pre-starts, particularly as crews discovered the subtle but important difference between ‘hunting’ and ‘not giving your opponent enough room’. Protest flags went up enthusiastically only to be met more than once with the umpire’s green flag, universally recognised as the nautical equivalent of ‘nice try’.

Without question the best vantage point on the racecourse was aboard an umpire boat. From there match racing reveals itself in all its chaotic glory: frantic tacks, rapid-fire gybes,

whistles, yelling, aggressive circling and boats missing obstacles by centimetres while pretending it was all completely intentional.

By Flight 4 the breeze had all but evaporated. At 1432 hours the AP flag was hoisted while the Race Committee stared hopefully toward building cumulus clouds to the north and west. Sadly, those clouds were doing exactly what every sailor fears, sucking every last breath of wind out of our tiny patch of water. With racing postponed, competitors and officials settled into the universal sailor pastime of waiting around and entertaining themselves. Georgia North from Adelaide Uni Sailing Club and her merry band of singers took it upon themselves to provide the soundtrack to the afternoon with an enthusiastic rendition of Mr Brightside by The Killers.

Elsewhere snakes were being tossed between umpire vessels while one particularly relaxed crew member from the chief umpire boat decided the rubber collar of the RIB was the perfect location for a leisurely horizontal rest.

At 1450 hours the PRO finally made the call to abandon racing for the day and the Elliott fleet returned home exactly how it had left, under tow. A couple of minor breakdowns, including a small kite tear and a stubborn kite pole trigger, kept the breakdown boat busy performing floating first aid before everyone headed ashore. Four Flights and 12 races had been

completed. Not quite what the Race Committee had hoped for but enough to keep everyone optimistic for Sunday. Sunday morning brought renewed energy, stronger breeze forecasts and the knowledge that a boat swap was looming after Flight 5. Racing began promptly at 1130 hrs, this time in a west-north-westerly breeze of around six knots. Unfortunately the weather gods had clearly decided the regatta still needed more entertainment value. The breeze swung repeatedly throughout the day, triggering multiple course changes and keeping the mark-laying boat gainfully employed in what can only be described as aquatic chaos management. Umpire and breakdown vessels were repeatedly called into service to wrangle floating gates, reset lines and generally prevent the course from drifting toward Glenelg.

As the breeze stabilised around 8–9 knots later in the afternoon the racing intensified dramatically. The pre-starts became fast, tactical and wonderfully aggressive, with whistles, Y flags, green flags, yellow flags and blue flags appearing seemingly every few seconds. A few crews also received an impromptu refresher course on precisely where the starting line existed between the orange flag on the committee boat and the pink pin buoy.

The halyards on board the Race Committee vessel got an exceptional workout where one flag barely came down before

another shot skyward. The boat also evolved into a floating hydration station and unofficial public restroom, generously distributing water bottles to thirsty sailors before welcoming periodic visits.

Once the starting signal went the racing was fast, tactical and incredibly close. The Elliott 7s charged upwind in pairs, locked in aggressive covering battles with crews desperately trying to force mistakes, steal clean air or push opponents into awkward positions near the boundaries. At times the boats looked impossibly close together with helms balancing the fine line between brilliant tactical pressure and ‘this might become expensive’. The windward mark became the scene of some of the most intense action of the weekend. Approaching on opposite tacks crews threw everything into mark-room calls, tactical ducking contests and split-second decisions while umpires hovered nearby with whistles practically glued to their mouths. Boats rounded within metres of each other before crews exploded into coordinated chaos, poles launching out, kites hoisting skyward and trimmers yelling instructions over the noise of flogging sails and whistles. Then came the downwind legs and there are few prettier sights in sailing than Elliotts charging toward the finish line under symmetrical spinnakers, coloured kites drawing bright arcs across the water as the afternoon sun reflected off the gulf. From a distance it almost looked calm and graceful, up close it absolutely was not. Crews scrambled to call overlaps, timing gybes and trying desperately not to wrap kites around forestays while the boats headed towards the finish line. Meanwhile, on the Race Committee vessel, officials peered windward, attempting to identify tiny bow numbers from what felt like several postcodes away. While the racing itself was spectacular the undeniable star of the day was the breakdown boat. Luke Allison and Lucas Cree treated the racecourse like a sold-out concert tour; charging across the water, delivering emergency repairs, fixing gear, untangling problems and then speeding off toward the next crisis before anyone could properly thank them. At times it genuinely felt like the breakdown boat was seeing more action than some of the competitors.

Following completion of Round Robin 2 at 1525 hours and with 18 races completed for the day, the Race Committee called an end to proceedings. Tired but exhilarated crews sailed home grinning while race officials quietly calculated how quickly they could beat everyone else to the bar.

At the presentation Christies Beach Sailing Club’s Marc Read formally bestowed the now legendary Broken Chopstick Y Flag Trophy upon Lucy Cree as the regatta’s most improved skipper. The award, wonderfully ridiculous and surprisingly prestigious, began at the 2025 Fred Neill Regatta when Singapore’s Joe Howe handed the handmade broken chopstick Y flag to Marc. Now, just one year later, it has somehow become a legitimate South Australian match racing tradition.

Lucy and her all-female YSF crew were thoroughly deserving recipients of the now-legendary Chopstick Trophy. After a challenging Day 1 the team returned on Sunday with renewed confidence, composure and determination, delivering standout performances that firmly established Lucy as one of the regatta’s rising stars. What made the achievement even more remarkable was that the crew had never raced together before the event, not once. By the end of the weekend however, you would never have known it, with the team sailing with growing cohesion, positivity and grit throughout the final flights.

Fraser Baker and his Youth Sailing Foundation crew of Will and Oscar Gaylard and Calin Went were deserving overall champions after delivering an outstanding undefeated regatta performance. While they looked sharp from the very first start on Saturday it was their progression as a team across the weekend that was most impressive. By Day 2 their communication, manoeuvres and tactical decision-making had lifted to another level entirely, a development that did not go unnoticed by the rest of the fleet who were simultaneously improving and realising just how difficult Fraser and his crew would be to beat. The battle for second and third was razor close with up-and-coming Adelaide University Sailing Club skipper Kieran Schortz narrowly edging out Marc Read and the CBSC crew. Lesley Roberts and crew finished fourth, Lucy Cree and her crew fifth, while Georgie North and the second AUSC team claimed sixth, their position on the scoreboard doing little to dampen their spirits with the entire team smiling like a Colgate commercial for the entire weekend.

A special moment during presentations saw Commodore Andrew Saies award Chief Umpire John Whitfield a CYCSA pennant in recognition of his contribution to the event. John, effectively a walking encyclopedia of match racing knowledge, travelled from Canberra not only to officiate but to mentor, advise and generously share his experience with competitors and volunteers alike. Quite simply, the regatta would not have been the same without him.

Behind every successful regatta is an enormous team of volunteers, officials and staff quietly making everything work. A huge thank you goes to race committee organisers Rob Human, John Whitfield and Sarah McGrath; Race Committee members Darryl Emery, Ligita Bligzna and David Hughes; umpires John Whitfield, Wayne Thompson and Andrew Waterman and volunteers Terry Denham, Subin WrightSimon, JD, Michael Nettle, Rob Sellick, Pete Sheridan, Steve Edwards and Lucas Cree from Port Adelaide Sailing Club. Special thanks also to CYCSA staff Catherine Foreman, Inese Lainis, Luke Allison and Guy Wogan-Provo for the countless behind-the-scenes hours that kept the regatta running smoothly.

While the trophies, flags and racing make the headlines, events like the Fred Neill Regatta are really built on peoplepeople who volunteer their time, people who fix broken gear, people who tow Elliott 7s around in no wind and people who know how to hoist the correct flag at the correct moment and that is what makes a regatta great.

Sarah McGrath

Commodore, Andrew Saies with John Whitfield

Easter Fun at the Club

There was plenty of excitement at the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia on Sunday 29 March as 37 enthusiastic children arrived with their families for this year’s Easter Egg Hunt and what a morning it was!

From the moment families arrived the Easter spirit was impossible to miss. Some children came dressed in Easter Bunny outfits, others wore colourful Easter egg-inspired creations and one memorable family delighted everyone in matching Easter Egg print outfits, setting the tone for a morning full of fun and laughter.

The festivities began with a visit from Farmer Darcy’s Animal Farm which quickly became a crowd favourite for children and adults alike. There were fluffy bunnies to pat, cheeky goats demanding attention, sheep happily mingling with brave visitors entering the compound, curious chickens weaving through legs and one very wise looking lone alpaca keeping a watchful eye over the crowd.

Soon it was time for the main event, the Easter Egg Hunt itself. Armed with baskets and bags children raced around the lawns and bushes in search of hidden eggs. Excited squeals echoed around the Club grounds as eggs were collected and presented to the Easter Bunny helpers for the ultimate prize, a large chocolate Easter Bunny.

But the fun didn’t stop there as, of course, no Easter celebration would be complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny. After posing for a flurry of family photos with excited families, Easter Bunny stayed to admire the next activity which may have been the messiest (and certainly glitteriest) part of the morning, Easter hat making. Before long tables were covered in feathers, glitter, stickers and colourful craft supplies as children enthusiastically created everything from elegant bonnets to wonderfully wild masterpieces, all competing for the chance to win two giant Easter eggs.

Eventually the children gathered in several slightly wobbly lines around Easter Bunny for the final judging. Choosing the winners proved no easy feat with every child proudly showcasing their masterpiece. After much consideration two lucky winners received the giant Easter eggs although Easter Bunny later admitted it was one of the toughest decisions he had ever had to make.

As the morning came to a close Easter Bunny bid farewell and families slowly hopped away though not before many children squeezed in one final cuddle with Farmer Darcy’s animals. A number of families then continued the celebrations at Admirals Bistro where children happily tucked into favourites from the kids’ menu while parents enjoyed a relaxing lunch.

All in all it was a fantastic day filled with laughter, creativity, a little chaos and plenty of chocolate. Judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces the 2026 Easter Egg Hunt was another wonderful success for the Club even if many attendees went home bouncing off the walls after one too many chocolate eggs!

Erin Labadas Chair, Social Association Committee

This is another in the series of articles aimed at providing you with an insight into new boats and other boats of interest at the Club. Contact Patricia Catley through the Club if you are interested in having your boat featured here.

Panacea is a yacht recently brought into the CYCSA by members Rob and Sue Last together with Peter and Helen Palm. I am delighted they allowed me to write about this new addition in their lives and to our Club.

For almost 20 years the two couples have sailed with Graeme and Gay Footer on Marnico in the twilight races as well as in regattas and to Port Lincoln. Rob also sailed on many other boats in Adelaide, interstate and overseas while Peter and Helen are part of the Clockwork team. Over the years they spent many an hour sipping wine and enjoying dinner while toying with the idea of buying a boat together but it had always been just a dream. That was until at the end of 2025 when this very special boat became available and she was just what they’d been looking for. The delivery was easy as the boat named Panacea was in our neighbouring Club, the RSAYS. It was a quick trip around the corner to bring her to her new home in the CYCSA. Panacea has a sister ship named Nerana that races from the Squadron.

Panacea is a Salona 38 built in 2014 in Split, Croatia to a J & J design with input from Jason Ker, an American Cup designer. Well noted for the finish and design, the hull is hand-laminated GRP while an internal stainless-steel grid is bonded directly to the hull structure. This gives confidence when sailing and anchoring in unknown waters. One of the prerequisites for the two couples was to have a boat that was quick and well balanced and the Salona fit the bill. She has a waterline length of 11.5m, a beam of around 3.62m and draws 2.28m. The boat has a reliable Yanmar 38hp engine with a fuel capacity of roughly 100 litres and a water capacity of about 180 litres. B&G instruments makes the boat well suited for extended coastal cruising.

The word ‘panacea’ means a hypothetical remedy or medicine to cure all illnesses or difficulties. It is a very appropriate name for this vessel as she is so easy to handle and a pleasure to sail. Because the name suited the boat there was no decision to change it and Panacea she will remain. She has a roomy cockpit with dual carbon-style wheels that give good allround visibility. The deck is teak with plenty of seating and a removable aft-bench. The small removable table in the cockpit enables easy dining on the deck. Below deck there are forward

and aft cabins that give three sleeping spaces. A shower is located in the head and also in the cockpit. The airy saloon has a table with wine storage in the middle and sides that fold down when not in use. The galley consists of a gimballed twoburner stove and oven, a double sink and refrigerator.

None of the new owners have owned a boat before. They’ve been happy sailing as crew on other people’s boats and gained a lot of valuable experience that way. However, they have their own sailboards, which I believe can be quite difficult to manoeuvre and that gave them their sea legs. They plan to cruise locally initially but are keen to one day also explore the west coast and Bass Strait islands (including the big one!) Rob agrees that racing is all very well but it will be great to have the time to stop and explore and also pick the weather for pleasure rather than be character building during a race. Rob’s current racing is vicariously on Marblehead boats on a lake in Stirling with David Knights and windsurfer racing next season at BSYC and he hopes that will be quite enough. Peter and Helen, with their daughter Mia, will be involved in the Clockwork campaign on the east coast this year. Helen will sail in the Women's Keelboat regatta in October and Peter sailed the last Hobart race with the Clockwork team with more racing planned further north.

With so much experience behind them, finally owning their own boat is a wonderful move forward especially as they will find it’s quite different when the boat is theirs. Their heart and soul will go into everything and every place they sail. I wish you really good days ahead and may gentle winds and calm seas go with you.

Pat Catley

When leaving or entering North Haven harbour it’s hard to miss the big black power boat moored in Marina West. She’s an impressive looking vessel and I am very excited to be able to share this boat with our Groundswell readers.

The name of the boat is Masquerade, a Sunseeker Predator 82, and belongs to CYCSA Club member Paul Martin. She was built in Europe in 2007 with a length of 86 foot overall, her width is around 20 foot and she draws 1.7 metres. The boat weighs between 65-70 tonnes, depending on the fuel load. She was purchased in New South Wales and Paul had some fun using her on Sydney Harbour for two weekends before having his captain and crew take her to the Gold Coast. She spent about six months on a hardstand with a full time crew to perform a major refit. The boat had all new electronics, navigation, radar, Star Link, depth sounders, nav screens, night vision camera, watermakers, air-conditioning, galley white-goods and a complete boat cut and polish. She was antifouled, the sunroof refurbished, props and shaft rebalanced and all new through the hull fittings on the entire boat. Custom garage and platform works were done so Paul can fit a full size jet ski and a 3.6 metre centre console rib side by side in the boat. The main reason Paul purchased the boat was the size of the toy garage. He could finally fit everything he needed and it is convenient and accessible on the back deck.

Other major works included the installation of a massive Sea keeper 26 Gyro stabilisation system. This was by far the biggest job and took about three months to have engineered and installed into the boat. This means the boat has zero roll and sits perfectly level in the water even in three to four metre seas which they tested on the way back to South Australia. Paul gets seasick easily so a big boat that’s stabilised is the only way he can enjoy time on the water. Paul says it sounds ridiculous but if he’s going boating he wants to be comfortable and have all the mod cons available. His wife says, well, it’s like a floating holiday house with a different view every time.

Paul hates things that are not perfect so anything on the boat that was not right or needed attention was replaced with new and she is now just as he wants her to be. Masquerade has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a separate galley and can sleep 12 people. It’s rated for 36 people and so far they have had one trip with 26 on board for the day and it was fine. There are separate quarters for the crew.

The engines consist of 2 x Rolls Royce MTUs and each is a v12s, 28L diesel @ 2,000 hp each. With 4,000 hp on tap she happily cruises at 26 knots using about 700 litres per hour and will do a top speed of 35 knots using a lot more fuel than that! The boat has heaps of power and it’s quite nice being able to motor along at 26 knots in choppy water in high winds and the boat does not even notice.

Paul was on board to take Masquerade from the Gold Coast back down to Sydney and they had a blast sitting on about 26–28 knots the entire way. Leaving the Gold Coast at 3pm on Saturday they were in Sydney Harbour at 9pm Sunday night. They did have to spend Saturday night in Coffs Harbour as the fuel bowser was closed but it was the fastest trip from the Gold Coast to Sydney that his boat captain of 40 years has ever done.

The boat crew then did the rest of the trip to bring her from Sydney to Adelaide and they encountered some massive weather and waves but the boat handled it very well and the gyro kept everyone happy. Unfortunately the boat winch motor failed in Robe on the way so the crew had to cut the chain and leave the $30,000 anchor on the sea bed. As they commented, someone would have to be very keen to lift that thing off the bottom of the ocean to steal it. It was retrieved about one month later by a dive team but it almost sank the small boat they used to retrieve it as they tried to pull it onboard.

Paul’s future plans for the boat are uncertain at this time. With diesel at around $3 a litre and 700+ litres an hour to run he jokes that he might have to consider adding a jib to the front of the boat to help out. Of course there is no way he would consider that move. He plans on doing some longer distance adventures to and around Kangaroo Island to explore the beautiful island and also head over to York Peninsula and do some deep sea fishing. In the next two to three years Paul would like to take the boat to Fiji and the Whitsundays for some extended adventures. If anyone sees Paul on Masquerade in the marina he’s very happy for them to come and say hello and he will show you around. His is the boat closest to the breakwater. You can’t miss it.

Thank you Paul for sharing your boat with our Club members. I hope you get much pleasure from her and look forward to seeing her out on the ocean.

Pat Catley

MARINA EAST NORTH HAVEN

CYCSA Marina East has berthing for 240 vessels up to 22 metres and 150 hardstanding berths up to 12 metres.

(Note: ‘s’ denotes single berth, ‘tw’ denotes twin berth and ‘T’ denotes berth at T Head). All prices include GST.

BERTHS FOR SALE - MARINA EAST

8m tw: F01, F02 – from $35,000, C11 – $35,000 All offers considered C12 – $5,000 All offers considered URGENT SALE

C06 – $35,000 All offers considered C08 – $10,000 All offers considered, C13 – $33,000

10m tw: A09, A10, from $30,000, A14 – $20,000 offers considered A17 or A18 –$15,000 ono, A35 – $5,000 ono, A28, A38, F09, F28 – All offers considered A40 – $9,000 All offers considered, A21 – $12,000 F14 – $18,000 – all offers considered, F18 – $20,000 F25 – $15,000, F26 – $10,000, F36 – $9,000 offers considered, A20 – Reduced to $15,000 ono, F34 – All offers considered, A32 – $10,000 All reasonable offers considered 10m s: A12 – from $73,000, A05 – $35,000 – All offers considered A25 – All offers considered, A03 – $30,000 reduced F08 – $25,000

11m tw: A41 – $35,000

12m tw: D20, D35, from $29,000, D28 –$35,000 – All offers considered D19 – $22,000, D36 – $15,000 – offers considered, D37 – $20,000 – All offers considered URGENT SALE E13 – All offers considered, E26 & E27 – $35,000 FOR BOTH suitable for catamaran E30, E31 – $35,000 All offers considered suitable for catamaran

12m s: D08, D17, E07, – from $60,000, D03 – $55,000 offers considered, D04, D21, E03, E04, E05, E22, E23 – All offers considered, D18 – Reduced to $40,000 – All offers considered E10 – All reasonable offers considered, E32 – $30,000 All offers considered, E33 – $40,000

13m tw: C23 – Reduced to $40,000 – All offers considered

13m s: D40 – $60,000

14m s: A46 – $65,000, C24 – $120,000, C29 – $100,000 offers considered

15m s: C35- from $145,000, B26 – $115,000, B31 – All offers considered

16m s: B20 – $159,000, B16 – $110,000 – Offers Considered B22 – $150,000 – All offers considered

HARDSTANDS FOR SALE

9m: HS54 from $3,500, HS22 – $3,400, HS38 – $2,000 HS81 – $1,800, HS64 – $1,500, HS72 – $3,000 HS89 – $3,000, HS90- $2,000, HS10 by negotiation contact club for information

10m: HS147 – $4,200, 12m HS123 – $5,500, HS124 – $5,500

MARINA WEST NORTH HAVEN

It is the larger berths that make Marina West appealing to many potential buyers. Berths range from 11m to 35m. (Note: all berths in Marina West are single berths).

BERTHS FOR SALE - MARINA WEST

11m: M03 – Reduced to $60,000 – All offers considered, suitable for a catamaran M04 – under offer

14m: M07 – $40,000 – All offers considered

15m: N03 – under offer, M08 – $15,000 offers considered

17m: J19, J20 – from $150,000, J09 – Reasonable offers considered, J08, J10 – All offers considered

18m: M10 – $99,000 – offers considered

20m: K07, K08, – from $135,000, K05 – All reasonable offers considered, K10 – All offers considered L02 – $195,000

25m: M14 – $290,000, M15 – $249,000

27m: M16 – All offers considered

30m: K16 – $475,000

BERTHS FOR SALE AT PORT VINCENT MARINA

10m tw: A02, A05, A17, A18, A21, A23 – from $15,000 A20 – $12,000, A08 – $10,000, A10 – all offers considered 12m tw: C53, C63 – from $28,000, B29 – $5,000 offers considered, C60 – Reduced to $20,000 B34, B33 – under offer

C61 – All offers considered 12m s: B44, C47 – from $29,000

14m s: D70 – $40,000 – offers considered D78 – from $45,000, D77– Offers invited, D73 – $25,000

C29 – $100,000 offers considered

All berth sales and leasing enquiries to Eryn: Ph: (08) 8248 4222 | berthing@cycsa.com.au

Information correct at time of printing and subject to change.

Located in the heart of the city, the Club sets the standard for exemplary customer service and hospitality. The Club is also proud of the reciprocal relationships that it has established with similar clubs located in Australia and overseas, including the Cruising Yacht Club of SA. Find out more... (08) 8223 2422 | navmil.com.au 111 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000

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