PROFESSIONAL BOAT DETAILING SERVICES
We provide professional boat detailing services of the highest standard including trailer boats, yachts, power cruisers and super yachts.
Dockyard Services has the experience, skilled workforce and infrastructure to complete any restoration and detailing task, whether you are a regular client or in need of a one-time service.
Our comprehensive boat detailing services cover a range of areas to keep your vessel in the best condition:
• Gelcoat & Paintwork - Our attention to detail extends to gelcoat and paintwork, ensuring a flawless finish.
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• Stainless & Metal Polishing - We specialise in restoring the shine and luster of stainless steel and metal surfaces on your boat.
• Teak Cleaning & Brightening - Experience the wow factor with our teak cleaning and brightening service, leaving your teak surfaces looking stunning.
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• Engine Room Detailing - Our expertise includes meticulous cleaning and detailing of the engine room to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics.
• Wash & Detail - We provide thorough wash services to keep your boat looking its best.
Please Customer Service Manager Kane Beeching on 8252 6420 for more details.
CRUISING YACHT CLUB OF SA
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
President Treasurer
David Roper
Mark Hutton
Garth Heynen
David Hughes
Doreen Perrin
Amanda Rice
Troy Smith
FLAG OFFICERS
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodores
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
Mike Holmes
Dianne Schwerdt
Pat Catley and Andrew Saies
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 42 | Edition 3
Jamie Joyce
Kerry O’Brien
Rob Marner
Mike Holmes
Peter Schembri
Rob Human
Darren Harvey
Giorgi Gauci
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)
Malcolm A Kinnaird AC (Dec’d)
Peter J Page (Dec’d)
Andrew D Saies
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
Cover photo: Winter sailing, Venom by Neil Pentecost
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As winter draws to a close our Club is already shifting gears into what promises to be an active and exciting spring and summer season.
Use of our slipway is already increasing so I encourage members not to leave annual maintenance to the last minute, as I’m sure there will be a queue.
New General Manager
At the end of May we welcomed our new General Manager, Jamie Joyce, to the Club. Jamie has spent the first few months working closely with staff and the Board to gain a clear understanding of how we operate and has already begun developing plans for improvement. This has led to a focus on key areas that will enhance service delivery including:
• Staff training and development
• Managing workloads and building resilience
• Strengthening safety management
• Improving asset management
• Enhancing our emergency response capability.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
These initiatives are important investments in both our people and our infrastructure ensuring the CYCSA is well placed for the future.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Annual General Meeting
It is once again the time of year when the Club’s leadership will provide their formal reports to members and next year’s Board members and Flag Officers will be announced.
At this year’s AGM members will also receive an update on our ongoing marina refurbishment program with the opportunity for open discussion.
The AGM will be held at the Club on Thursday 18 September 2025 at 7:00pm and I encourage all senior members to attend.
New Defence Steering Group
The Board has approved the formation of the Defence Steering Group to strengthen the CYCSA’s engagement with the defence community and support the wellbeing of South Australian veterans through sailing. Working with our General Manager and Sailing Operations staff, the Group will connect defence sector sponsors with Club programs such as the Marine Academy, Elliott 7 Keelboat Program and the revitalised Setting a New Course initiative a liveaboard sailing experience designed to assist veterans in recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The Group will also help grow senior membership from the veteran, serving ADF, and defence industry cohorts, while raising our profile in the broader community. My thanks to our Commodore, Mike Holmes, and The Honourable David Fawcett for their collaboration in bringing forward this exciting new initiative.
Financial Overview
Our financial year ended in May with the Club’s Earnings before Tax, Depreciation, Amortisation and Investments (EBTDA) at $384,238. This result enables us to maintain and improve our facilities through our capital expenditure program. While revenue for the year was 24% below budget with the main shortfalls in Hospitality, Youth Sailing Foundation/ Sponsorship and the Marine Academy, the Board has already approved strategies to strengthen these areas in the year ahead. For 2025–26 the Board has set an EBTDA target of $450,000.
Sinking Fund
Our investment advisers, Ord Minnett, have recommended a change to our portfolio following APRA’s decision last December to abolish all AT1 Bank Hybrids. These investments have served the Club very well, and we have now locked in strong profits from them and from some recent bond purchases.
We will transition into a new ‘hybrid replacement’ fund designed to deliver similar returns and risk levels, keeping our capital safe while aiming to continue the healthy income we’ve been achieving around 2.75% p.a. above the cash rate. This involves selling $1.7M of hybrids, floating rate notes, and credit funds to enter the new fund, while retaining $781K in fixed rate bonds as a hedge and adding to these when opportunities arise.
As at 31 July 2025, the Club’s Sinking Fund for marina refurbishments stood at $7,838,113.
Sinking Fund Value (July 2025)
Invested in Portfolio
Withdrawn to fund overwater assets
Opening of the Season
The CYCSA Opening Day for the 2025-26 season will be held on Saturday 25 October 2025. For the official ceremony we will be joined by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia. This is always a highlight of our calendar and I hope to see as many members and guests as possible on the day.
Thank you again to all who continue to contribute to this Club as members, partners, volunteers and friends. Your support and enthusiasm are what make the CYCSA a strong and welcoming community. I look forward to seeing you on the water and around the Club in the months ahead.
David Roper
Having now been in the role for a couple of months, I’m pleased to say I’m settling in well and thoroughly enjoying getting to know the CYCSA community. Firstly I would like to extend my thanks to Kerry and the team for maintaining business continuity during the General Manager vacancy. Their efforts ensured that Club operations remained steady and well-managed during the transition period. It’s been a busy and productive start with a strong focus on reviewing policies and procedures, safety management and risk assessments to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of our members, staff, contractors and visitors.
Over the past eight weeks our team has responded to out-of-hours emergencies, managed oil spills and assisted with salvage and repairs, consistently demonstrating dedication and professionalism.
As part of our ongoing commitment to professional development we recently had the opportunity to send our Maintenance Supervisor, Nick Dodd, to attend the Marine Industries Association’s Intermediate Marina Management Course. The course was hosted at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club and brought together 16 marina professionals from across Australia and New Zealand. Nick’s participation in this program is a valuable step in building on his existing experience and enhancing his skills in marina operations and management. It was also a great opportunity for him to connect with peers in the industry, share knowledge and bring back fresh insights to our team. We’re proud to support this kind of professional growth which ultimately benefits the whole Club community.
In the coming month the focus will be on emergency response training, using new oil spill response equipment and enhancing the vessel handling skills of our emergency response team by working towards Coxswain 3NC qualifications.
One of the key initiatives implemented recently has been the roll out of QR codes throughout the Club. These provide a quick and easy way for members to report hazards, defects, or incidents and they’re also accessible via the footer of our website. We’ve also introduced a new Severe Weather Policy, now available online, which outlines clear procedures to follow in the event of adverse weather conditions.
Storm Response – A Team Effort
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated maintenance team: Sean, Guy, Mark, Vinny and Paul, led by Maintenance Supervisor Nick, for their outstanding work during the storm in late May. Their tireless efforts, working day and night to replace damaged lines and secure vessels, were instrumental in preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of our marina.
A sincere thank you also goes to the members who stepped in to help during the wild weather. Your support and teamwork truly made a difference and are a testament to the strength of our Club community.
We strongly encourage members to report any safety concerns or incidents as soon as possible. Early reporting helps us respond quickly and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
The team has successfully implemented several initiatives such as installing new bird deterrent devices in Port Vincent, providing potable water access on Marina East and introducing a solar lighting system at the main entrance board. We are collaborating with engineers and the maintenance team to ensure our infrastructure and assets are properly maintained and remain fit for purpose.
To help kick things off and build connections we hosted a relaxed ‘meet and greet’ evening on Friday 25 July at the Club. It was a great opportunity to meet many members and share a bit about my background and plans for the future. For those who couldn’t attend, I have over 20 years of leadership experience across the marine, hospitality and government sectors. My career has included roles with Sea World Cruises, SeaLink SA and Weymouth Harbour in the UK, along with service in the SA Police Water Operations Unit and STAR Group. I’m passionate about team building, safety, maritime operations and I’m genuinely excited to be part of the CYCSA. Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome a fresh wave of energy to the Club calendar, thanks to Chef Camillo. Keep an eye out for his upcoming lineup of themed dinners and special event nights, a fantastic opportunity to enjoy new flavours and experiences with fellow members. It’s shaping up to be a vibrant and delicious addition to our events calendar.
Thank you for the warm welcome so far. I look forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks and working together to ensure our Club continues to thrive.
Jamie Joyce General Manager
Guy, Sean, Nick, Vinny & Mark.
As we prepare for the new sailing season let’s take a moment to reflect on the events and activities over this winter around the Club.
First off I would like to offer my thanks to the tireless efforts of the Club volunteers without whom many of the fun activities we have just wouldn’t be able to happen. It was great to see so many at the Volunteer’s Appreciation BBQ on 23 May this year, with the Board turning the snags, cooking the onions and serving the drinks. As Commodore I also get a ringside seat to see all the hard work the Board puts in over the year so thank you to them as well.
With the Cruising Association in a traditional period of reduced activity over winter, there was still a number of social events including a fun quiz night and several Friday night Boating Conversations. You can read about these events elsewhere in Groundswell. Thanks to all the Associations for getting involved. I know there are big things planned for the cruising summer program.
Unfortunately the winter race program was impacted by several bad weather days which we can’t do anything about, but for the days where we had good weather, the racing was wonderful with blue skies, decent breeze and good competition with our friends from the Royal SA Yacht Squadron. Thank you to the volunteers for making it all happen.
We had many wonderful sailors from South Australia travel to Melbourne for the June Long Weekend to compete in the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta. Hats off to Clockwork for making the commitment to get to St Kilda and give it everything. At the time of writing there are other sailors from the Club who have been involved in the transition of races north from Sydney this winter, chasing the warmth as they move up the Queensland coast. Good luck to those fortunate enough to take part.
Dan Turner, our intrepid Class 5.80 Adventurer, is now on Leg 3 with Immortal Game which will no doubt bring him to Darwin before this magazine is published. He and his wife/campaign manager maintain an impressive social media campaign that should inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Upholding our Club Values: A Reminder for All
Around the grounds with our other CYCSA member travellers, Julian Newton’s Game On 31 (Cape 31) competed at Hamilton Island Race Week in the onedesign division. Daz Greig finished the Melbourne to Osaka two-handed race and will be joining me to talk a little about it and his chosen charity at the Commodore’s Dinner. Paul Judge and Laoise O’Beirn bravely competed on an Irish boat, Leda, in the Rolex Fastnet Race before retirement due to breakage. Well done to them both on taking on such a challenge. Let’s not forget pro-sailor, pod-caster, globetrotter, ex-Commodore and current CYCSA and Port Lincoln Yacht Club member, Nick Bice, who recently competed in the AC1 Division on UK boat Final Final in the rejuvenated Admiral’s Cup which included the iconic Fastnet along with a regatta of inshore races and a dash across the English Channel.
Finally, turning to the Club, we’re pleased to share that the BBQ area has been beautifully updated, now featuring new blinds, fans, a sink, fridges, and heaters, ready for everyone to enjoy this coming season. A big thank you to the office team for bringing this project together and to the Cruising and Social Associations for their valuable input in making it happen.
I look forward to seeing everyone on Opening Day. Stay safe everyone and happy boating.
Mike Holmes
At the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia, we’re proud of the inclusive, respectful and safe environment that defines our community. As part of this commitment, everyone connected with the Club is reminded of the importance of following the Club’s Code of Conduct. The Code sets out clear expectations for behaviour both at the Club and during any Clubrelated activities. We encourage everyone to take a moment to review it at: cycsa.com.au/about-the-club
CYCSA Code of Conduct — At a Glance
The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia requires all members, volunteers, service providers and employees to uphold our Code of Conduct at the Club, when representing the Club, and at any Club activity.
• Respect & Courtesy: Treat everyone with dignity. Be courteous and civil. Harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.
• Safety & Wellbeing: Respect the health and safety of others, report hazards, and be a positive role model.
• Fairness & Privacy: Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings, and respect the privacy of members, guests, employees and visitors.
• Standards & Compliance: Follow the Constitution, By-Laws, Member Protection Policy and other Club policies, comply with reasonable directions of employees, and observe the rules and guidelines of boating, fishing and racing.
• Reputation & Enjoyment: Respect others’ right to enjoy Club facilities and services, and refrain from any behaviour that may bring the Club into disrepute.
• Guests & Accountability: You are responsible for the conduct of your guests. Understand your obligations and the consequences—if you breach, or become aware of breaches of the Member Protection Policy.
Deliberate Decisions: Choosing the Right Fit
When the General Manager (GM) role for the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA) became vacant the Board knew that we had our work cut out for us. The GM of the CYCSA is not only a people leader, an operational manager and a revenue generator (although these are all very important skills), the GM of a yacht club also requires a high level of marina, hospitality and asset management along with expertise in training, sailing/boating, slipway, volunteer, committee and member experience.
The Board recognised that its capability to find the right person was limited as they are also volunteers, with most having day jobs, so they approached three executive recruitment agencies for help. All three agencies replied with the Board selecting Underwood Executive as they didn’t provide a cookie-cutter response and they really understood the brief and the type of person the Board was looking for.
Underwood Executive leveraged their networks to scan the nation for the right person. They also advertised the position on job boards such as LinkedIn and Seek and this generated significant interest from people with strong skills and experience, including international marina experience in the UK, Asia and Europe. This created a very strong pool of applicants from which the selection panel (David Roper, Mark Hutton, Mark Johns and Amanda Rice) worked closely with Underwood Executive to draw up a shortlist. The panel interviewed the three strongest candidates at Underwood Executive’s offices. They then shortlisted again to two who were both interviewed by the whole Board at the CYCSA.
Throughout the selection process Jamie demonstrated proven experience against the selection criteria. He also demonstrated his sound judgement, commercial acumen and critical thinking skills, which he has demonstrated in spades, walking into a ‘baptism of fire’ on his first day where he had to navigate his way through the Club systems and structures as well as mop up after the significant weather event that occurred the previous day. He’s had to draw from these skills again and again, particularly when he led his team to respond to a boat fire within the first month. The manner in which he approaches his work provides a level of assurance that the Club is in extremely safe hands.
Amanda Rice Board Member
Get to Know Our New General Manager
I started my career in hospitality as a graduate manager at the five-star Eastwell Manor Hotel in Kent before moving on to Surrey Free Inns, one of the largest hotel/bar and conference companies in the UK.
After the birth of my daughter I made a significant career change and joined the Police, where I served for 18 years, most of that time with the Water Operations Unit under the Special Tactics and Rescue Group. People often ask about the selection process for water police: it starts with a one-week intensive fitness test, followed by four weeks of commercial diving and then four weeks of seamanship training.
The Water Police are responsible for marine search and rescue up to 200 nautical miles offshore. A select few, myself included, were trained as Search and Rescue Mission Coordinators through advanced national training with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Our 14-member Semaphore team worked closely with SES and other marine volunteers across the state. Our duties also included commercial diving, fisheries enforcement, alcohol and drug testing, cliff and swift water rescue, non-compliant boardings as designated Border Force officers and running a training school.
After a rewarding career in the police we returned to the UK so that my daughter could attend university. During that time I worked on developing digital tidal discharge systems for commercial shipping with the Admiralty Hydrographic Office, a role that led me to become Marine Manager for a new-build nuclear power station on the Bristol Channel. With its 12 metre tidal range, we handled vessels up to 110m long and carrying 7,000 tonnes of materials, all while ensuring precise timing, safety and cargo management.
I completed my Harbour Master exams through Lloyds Maritime Academy and was appointed as the Harbour Master at Weymouth, a historically rich and commercially active harbour, home to over 1000 recreational berths, 90 commercial fishing vessels, wind farm support ships and more. It was also the host of the 2012 Olympic sailing events and filming location for the movie Dunkirk.
Once my daughter completed university we returned to Australia, and I took on a role at Yaringa Harbour, overseeing the facility’s transformation, from dock replacement and pier construction to establishing a contractor precinct.
Next came a dream job on the Gold Coast as Operations Manager for Sea World Cruises using my Master and Chief tickets to operate whale-watching boats, jet boats, ferries and jet skis. Unfortunately, Queensland’s humidity wasn’t kind to my wife’s health and when she was offered a teaching role back at her former school in Victor Harbor, we returned to South Australia. That decision led me here to the CYCSA and I couldn’t be more excited to join this vibrant community.
To close, I’ll leave you with a moment that stuck with me during my water police days. While conducting alcohol testing operations off Port Vincent a large shark surfaced directly behind the response vessel. It is a sharp reminder that no matter how prepared or experienced we are, the water always has the final say.
Looking forward to meeting you all.
Jamie Joyce CYCSA General Manager
A Tribute to a Maritime Pioneer
The Matthew Flinders Statue
Members and visitors to the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia will now be greeted by a striking new addition to our ground, a bronze statue honouring the legendary navigator Captain Matthew Flinders and his faithful cat, Trim.
This sculpture, created by artist Mark Richards, captures Flinders in a moment of charting his historic voyage along the South Australian coast. Kneeling beside his loyal companion, Trim, the statue evokes both the courage and curiousity that defined Flinders' life at sea.
Generously donated by the Lang Family Foundation, this is one of 75 castings of the statue, the first of which is held by His Royal Highness Prince William. Its presence at our Club is a fitting tribute to Flinders’ enduring legacy and his vital role in mapping Australia's coastline.
The statue stands as a permanent reminder of the pioneering spirit that continues to inspire generations of sailors.
We extend our sincere thanks to Roger Lang and the Lang Family Foundation for their support and generosity.
CYCSA Members Draw
Sponsor Recognition
As we launch into another sailing season we take this opportunity to sincerely thank the businesses that support our Club. Our sponsors play a vital role in keeping our Club strong, from helping maintain our fleet and facilities to supporting our events and regattas. Please take a moment to support those who support us. View the full list of our Club sponsors on the inside back page of the magazine.
Welcome New Gold Sponsor – St Louis Care
We’re proud to welcome St Louis Care as a new sponsor of our Club. St Louis Care are a family-owned South Australian provider with a proud history of delivering personalised care and support. Their services include Home Care, Nursing Home, Allied Health and Independent Living Homes.
We extend our sincere thanks to Club member Paul Naish for supporting this partnership and we warmly welcome St Louis Care on board as a valued sponsor.
Thank you to our long-time sponsors
We would like to give special recognition to Yalumba Wines and Charlesworth Nuts, two sponsors who have supported the Club for well over a decade.
Yalumba Wine
As Australia’s most historic family-owned winery, Yalumba has been a generous and consistent supporter of our Club and racing program over many years. Their dedication to quality and community mirrors our own Club values and we’re proud to have them with us again this season.
Charlesworth Nuts
A South Australian icon, Charlesworth Nuts, has backed our Club for decades. Their ongoing commitment to our cruising community is greatly appreciated and we thank them for their continued partnership.
Congratulations to Marty Heffernan, winner of our $1,950 cash jackpot in draw #304 on 5 June. Marty becomes our 18th jackpot winner, bringing the total prize money awarded to members so far to an impressive $23,450.
A big thank you to draw sponsor Two Cats Distillery for their generous support. It’s been a pleasure partnering with such a passionate local South Australian business and sharing their award-winning products with our members.
Remember – be at the Club by 7pm on Thursdays for your chance to win! Come along for dinner, enjoy the atmosphere, and you might just walk away with the next jackpot!
Development Holiday Program
An epic few days for the Opti Sailors from the Largs Bay Sailing Club, Jake, Lachie and Elia kicked off learning the fundamentals of rigging and sailing the Elliotts diving into the importance of teamwork on a four-person boat. With perfect 8–12 knot breezes, we introduced asymmetrical kite work, refined boat handling and practised key seamanship skills like knot-tying and marina manoeuvers.
To top it off our final day featured sunshine, speed and one-versus-one races, guided by expert tips from AS Coach Nick Neale and Youth Squad member Calin. Big thanks to both and congratulations to the squad for absolutely smashing it!
Missed out? The Spring Holiday Squad is coming so don’t miss your chance to join the action!
Performance Squad getting ready for Hobart!
Exciting times ahead for the YSF Performance Squad as they gear up for their second trip to Tasmania to compete in the Youth and Open Match Racing Championships at the Royal Tasmanian Yacht Club. We’re thrilled to have locked in a strong team with Fraser Baker making his interstate match racing debut as skipper, joined by crew Will Gaylard, Oscar Gaylard, and Calin Went.
Over the coming months the team will undergo intensive training with support from South Australian coaches to ensure they’re race-ready and aiming for strong results.
To help support their campaign we’ll be hosting a fundraiser on 12 October. Any donations or support to help the team on their journey would be greatly appreciated. More details about the fundraiser will be shared soon.
Adelaide Uni and SA Veterans
The Adelaide University and SA Veterans teams have stayed active through the colder months, braving the winter chill to get out on the water, including making appearances in a few Sunday Winter Series races on the Elliotts.
Looking ahead, their next major focus is preparing for SAWKR, with training set to kick off in the coming months. The teams are eager for some warmer weather and the thrill of competitive racing!
Luke Allison YSF Head Coach
Scan the QR code for upcoming course dates
Good luck to the YSF team, Will, Fraser, Oscar and Calin as they prepare for the Match Racing Championships in Tasmania this October.
CYCSA MARINE ACADEMY UPDATE
NEW TRAINING PROGRAM LAUNCHED
As members prepare for another spring and summer of on the water enjoyment, it is important to assess not only any boat maintenance required but also your preparedness for any incident or emergency you may come across. To this end the Academy has just launched next season’s training program with some 44 courses from September through to May 2026. Please scan the QR code to book online and please feel free to email me if you have any training questions.
We have a couple of members expressing interest in completing their Yachtmaster qualification. We are working with these people to gradually get their qualifications and miles up at the helm. To this end, next summer’s program includes an opportunity to undertake miles builder sessions with our instructors so if you are interested in this, please email me.
SSSC COURSES
We thank Andy Shipp for his significant contribution running our Sea Safety and Survival Courses over many years. With Andy retiring from delivering these courses the Marine Academy has partnered with Genevieve White at Marine Safety Works who will be delivering the courses in Adelaide from now on. We intend to list these courses on the Club website so reach out to me if you have any questions regarding this change.
BOATING CONVERSATIONS
Lastly it is timely to reflect on the truly fantastic and at times inspiring presenters we have recently had for our Boating Conversations evenings. Please remember to check the Club website and weekly emails for exact dates. They are held once a month on Friday evenings at 7.30pm. There is no need to book for these, just turn up on the night but perhaps book for dinner in the Bistro beforehand.
David Royle
Marine Academy Principal marine.academy@cycsa.com.au
The Easter Dayskipper course was crewed by Helen, Clive, Richard and Tim. The first day had light south-westerly winds and after a comprehensive briefing and lunch we set off for Port Vincent. It was an uneventful combination of motor and sail across the gulf with the highlight being a nighttime entry into Port Vincent when we crossed paths with Brindabella on her way out of Vincent in the dark. She looked magnificent.
Easter day two began gloomy and very windy from the north west with the forecast wind to go westerly and into the south west later in the day. As we were on the western side of the gulf we were able to sail
A TALE OF TWO DAY SKIPPERS
A Course Instructor’s Recap of Two Distinct Day Skipper Journeys by Pete Chambers.
Charles Dickens opened his book, A Tale of Two Cities, with the famous line “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Thinking about two of our Marine Academy 2025 Day Skipper courses, Dickens’ immortal line fell into my head.
The worst of times? The Easter Day Skipper course blew 20-35 knots from a westerly slant almost the whole five days. And the best? Our May offering where the wind barely exceeded five knots the entire course.
But best and worst are relative concepts, especially in sailing. Having lots of wind can make for the best of sailing depending on your point of sail or what you are trying to achieve. On the other hand, light winds for cruising and teaching navigation and boat handling techniques can be great, as long as it’s not too light to sail properly. For overnighting on a mooring, or at anchor, light winds are definitely preferable. Strong winds can make for sea conditions where thinking and navigating down below creates the worst of times for some.
Learning good seamanship and how to manage a boat and crew in a dynamic environment is one of the main features of the Day Skipper course as both the Easter and May courses had the best of sailing and the worst of sailing in their own ways.
If you wanted to learn about heavy weather sailing and boat handling, the Easter gale provided ample opportunity for sailing heavily reefed and the importance of really planning a suitable destination. By contrast, the extremely light wind in the May course took Southern Investigator to some new destinations with a focus on ‘old school’ compass and paper chart navigation. Spending time below at the chart table was a joy and not a quick get-me-out-of-here-before-I-lose-mybreakfast event.
Here’s a quick wrap up of both courses from my skipper’s log -
close inshore out of the worst of the seas and had a rollicking sail on a broad reach down to Edithburgh. The Club moorings at Edithburgh are excellent and we settled down to a bumpy night there as the wind still had a bit of north in it.
On Easter day three the students prepared passage plans for the day. First up was from the Edithburgh mooring to the Cutter Patch off Troubridge Island, then the Cutter Patch to Port Giles, Port Giles to Stansbury and Stansbury to Port Vincent Marina. It blew absolutely ‘old boots’ from the south west all day up to 35 knots and we had a lot of fast and fair wind sailing. In the final leg from Stansbury to Port Vincent we ended up with just a third of the headsail out and no mainsail and were still reaching at over seven knots. While Helen was on the helm to Stansbury we hit 10 knots which must be a record for Southern Investigator under sail.
Day four of this course was spent in and around Port Vincent practising mooring up in the marina and sailing inside the reef, honing helming skills and taking turns at being in charge.
Day five was a fast sail back to North Haven, still in 20 plus knots of wind from the south with a good dose of rain thrown in for good measure.
These students certainly got a wild five days and handled it all with humour and a terrific attitude. Since the course finished Helen has continued with more training, completing her Sea, Safety and Survival (SSS) course conducted by Genevieve White and is currently on track to do some racing in the Whitsundays this winter. Tim is having his dream boat built in Europe and Richard has chartering planned for later in the year.
MAY DAYSKIPPER COURSE
The May course could not have been greater in contrast with no wind for the five days. I remember looking at the forecast before the course and having a bit of a head scratch about how to approach it. I decided to find as many interesting places to visit in the five days and make navigation and boat handling under power a real feature of the course.
Day one was boat familiarisation, provisioning, boat handling under power and finishing up with a night pilotage activity up the Port River which is always fascinating.
Day two was a big day starting with a full cooked breakfast at CYCSA before getting underway to the outside marina at Glenelg. We moored up outside a café and had lovely coffee and cake in the sunshine pretending we were somewhere fancy in the Mediterranean. Afterwards we were back to sea heading for the marina at Wirrina and doing navigational exercises on the way. It was a beautiful day to watch the coastline go by and just be happy to be onboard. We stayed in the marina at Wirrina overnight and spent the next morning practising putting Southern Investigator alongside an outside berth.
It was now day three and we headed across Backstairs Passage to Eastern Cove, Kangaroo Island. I have never had to motor all the way across the passage and we did get to sail a little bit. The crossing gave us an opportunity to plot a course taking into account the considerable effect the tidal flow has in that part of the gulf and was a chance to put some theory into practise.
Day four we awoke anchored just outside the entrance to American River out of the worst of the oily rolling northerly swell and headed in a moderate sea mist over to Rocky Point for breakfast. This is probably my favourite breakfast spot and a place I used to visit with my father on his home built 27 foot plywood cutter when I was a boy. After a lovely breakfast all hands turned to the dinghy to practise manoeuvring to and from Southern Investigator. We decided not to land on Island Beach as it looked a little foamy. It was a day of significant tidal flow so we headed to American River to have a play in it. Each of the students displayed very good boat handling skills putting Southern Investigator on to a Club member’s mooring (we telephoned and got permission to use it). After an aborted attempt ashore to get something to eat as the café at American river was closed, we took the ebb tide out of the river to anchor at Ballast Head for a late pasta lunch and a nap before heading south. Just before sunset we weighed anchor and headed north up the gulf towards home. Prior to leaving I briefed the crew on night time sailing and we started a two hours on two hours off watch system with me
keeping an eye on things from either the chart table or the cockpit. When off watch I encouraged the crew to get into their berth and rest to get a feel for being in the bunk when at sea, albeit it being a pretty calm sea. It was a beautiful night and we finally got a nice breeze from the east off the land to turn off the engine and enjoy the serenity. About midnight we arrived at Myponga Beach and with a nice bit of pilotage, found a good spot to anchor and all get a few hours sleep.
Day five we weighed anchor about 0630 hours and motored back to the CYCSA practising skills like dropping and rehoisting the headsail and setting the very orange storm jib.
In this course we did a lot of engine hours and covered a lot of ground compared to the Easter course when we hardly used the engine at all. Exciting news from this course is that one of the participants, Ramona, together with her partner, have recently bought a 42 foot yacht in Sydney and are about to begin living aboard and travelling the East coast. Ross and his family have been sailing in the Ionian Sea in June, Carolyn is sailing in exotic places like Montenegro and Roger has future chartering plans. All very inspiring stories and I am a little jealous as I write this on a grey July Adelaide day.
I hope to see you on the water soon. Hold fast.
Pete Chambers Marine Academy Instructor
Darrell Greig’s journey to one of the world’s most demanding offshore yacht races began far from the sea. Raised on a farm in the heart of rural New South Wales, sailing wasn’t an obvious path, until a family tragedy shifted the course of his life. After the loss of his uncle in a farming accident, Darrell’s grandfather purchased a Griffin 17 trailer-sailer, hoping that time on the water might help the family heal and create new memories together.
That small boat became Darrell’s introduction to sailing. He fondly recalls racing with his grandfather on Lake Keepit near Gunnedah, often finishing at the back of the fleet but always enjoying the experience. School holidays were occasionally spent sailing at different spots around NSW, slowly building a connection with the water that would eventually grow into a lifelong passion.
From those humble beginnings, Darrell’s sailing story evolved into something far greater. This year he completed the Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race. An extraordinary 5,500 nautical mile, double-handed, non-stop journey through some of the most unpredictable and challenging waters. Aboard Roaring Forty, a unique offshore racer built for longdistance performance and fitted with water ballast, Darrell teamed up with seasoned sailor, Kevin Le Poidevin.
The pair first crossed paths in 2008 at RAAF Williamtown where a sailing club was being established. Kevin had a yacht and was looking for crew; Darrell was keen to gain experience and had big goals in mind. When he mentioned a desire to one day do the Sydney to Hobart, Kevin instantly saw a like-minded sailor. That conversation laid the groundwork for a partnership that would ultimately see them take on one of the toughest two-handed offshore races. Fifteen years later, their dream became reality and the race they set out to finish would test their resilience, seamanship and spirit.
A Life in Uniform and on the Water
Darrell's other great commitment of 38 years and counting has been to the Royal Australian Air Force. Initially aspiring to become a pilot, average physics grades redirected him toward a mechanical apprenticeship, eventually leading to a
diverse and rewarding engineering and logistics career that’s taken him across multiple aircraft and deployments.
“I thought I’d do 10–15 years but I just kept getting new challenges,” he says. It was during one of those early postings to RAAF Edinburgh in the mid-90s that he flew with then-Army test pilot (and now Club member and Senator) Dave Fawcett. “He even had me in the co-pilot’s seat a few times in the Black Hawk and Iroquois, coaching me,” Darrell recalls. But ultimately, it was the RAAF that felt like home and sailing became the passion he pursued around his professional commitments.
Darrell still owns that original Griffin 17, Sarona, passed down from his grandfather. The name traces back to his family’s migration from Germany and represents his connection to both his past and his sailing beginnings. While he's crewed or skippered everything from 505s to Melges 24s, Mumm 36s to Pogo Minis and even a former America's Cup 12 metre (Geronimo), it's Roaring Forty that offered him the adventure of a lifetime.
Preparation
The Melbourne to Osaka race isn't just long, it's intense, remote and extremely demanding. It requires a level of preparation far beyond a typical offshore race. “For me, it was about learning a new boat,” Darrell explains. Roaring Forty had features he’d never used before, such as water ballast systems and sophisticated navigation and routing software. “As soon as I did a familiarisation sail, I knew I needed more offshore time.”
Preparation wasn’t just about boat handling. It also included the unglamorous but essential logistics: renewing passports, updating safety and first aid training, fitness work and reviewing gear. The boat itself needed remeasuring for IRC after upgrades and the blown A5 spinnaker from their Sydney to Hobart qualifier had to be replaced with a new A6. Then there was the discovery of hull damage after the delivery sail from Hobart to Melbourne, requiring rapid repairs before the race even began. “Boat preparation is key,” Darrell emphasises. “Make it simple to sail and as comfortable as possible.”
Sailing Roaring Forty: Darrell Greig's Journey from Melbourne to Osaka
Image Credit: Kazuyoshi Yamano
A Rough Start and a Broken Boom
The race began well enough with decent breeze and reasonable sea state but the honeymoon period ended on night five. About 250 nautical miles off Jervis Bay, in what Darrell describes as “fairly normal conditions,” disaster struck.
“At around 10:30pm, the carbon fibre boom snapped in half,” he says. “It was a mad scramble not to damage the mainsail, the boat or lose anything overboard.”
It took the pair four hours to get the situation under control, dropping and securing the mainsail, derigging and wrapping the broken boom and ensuring the exposed carbon fibres didn’t pose a danger to themselves or the vessel. “Carbon can be nasty if it gets into the skin,” Darrell explains.
Initially, it felt like their race was over but quick thinking, determination and good contacts turned things around. They diverted to Newcastle, close to Kevin’s home and a reliable boatyard. With Starlink keeping them connected offshore, they sent images and information ahead. Joe at Midcoast Boatyard responded swiftly and repairs were completed in a staggering five days.
“We had the boom back on by Friday night,” Darrell says, “but then a big east coast low trapped us in Newcastle for three more days. The delay was painful but at that point, we just wanted to finish the race.”
Back on Track: The Long Road to Japan
Once they restarted the goal became clear, to finish the race whatever it took.
A typical day on Roaring Forty involved a three-hour watch schedule during the day and two-hour shifts at night. Flexibility was crucial and both sailors needed to be ready to respond to weather or equipment changes at a moment’s notice.
To stay motivated Darrell and Kevin set small goals; chase down the nearest competitors, beat their previous 24-hour run (eventually topping out at 221 nautical miles) and celebrate the moments of magic.
“There were days that were draining, doldrums and storms but others were just beautiful,” Darrell recalls. One standout day saw them surfing downwind under an asymmetric spinnaker through the Queensland trades, covering their record distance with a full moon overhead.
Challenges Beyond the Horizon
The route north to Japan brings a unique set of challenges. Ocean currents like the East Australian Current, the Equatorial Counter Current and the powerful Kuroshio off Japan can dramatically alter boat speed and direction. PredictWind routing software was essential, however routing in the doldrums relied more on our powers of observation. We used the Raymarine Quantum 2 Doppler Radar in weather mode to track and navigate through and around squalls. In the doldrums we needed to sail the breeze we were in to best effect, even though that meant heading in the wrong direction at times. Local conditions change very quickly in the doldrums. Radar and AIS were vital, particularly for spotting unlit vessels or squalls through the tropics. One sobering issue was the amount of debris they encountered, remnants of storm damage and floods washed far out to sea.
“And the heat,” Darrell adds, shaking his head. “The tropics were hot, humid and uncomfortable. There was little breeze at those latitudes, it was probably the most frustrating part.”
Lessons Learned
Looking back, Darrell is clear on what matters most for anyone thinking of taking on the Melbourne to Osaka, it’s preparation.
“Boat preparation is everything,” he says again. “If you try to sail it like a race around the cans, you’ll burn out. Make it as simple and comfortable as you can. Plan your power usage and generation. Get a Starlink Mini, it’s a game changer.”
While crossing the finish line in Osaka might not have brought them trophies, it brought something far more valuable; experience, camaraderie and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles that would have stopped most crews.
Darrell and Kevin proved what can be achieved with resilience, preparation and a calm mindset. They didn’t just survive the race, they adapted, persisted and finished it on their terms.
Sailing with Purpose and Gratitude
Aviator Ocean Racing sail to help raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Alliance Australia, Solider On and PanKind. These Charities have helped our military mates and family members through very difficult times and it’s the least we can do to show our thanks.
Aviator Ocean Racing greatly appreciates the support from our racing partners Raymarine, Zhik, Zoom Sails, OnTrack Meals, MidCoast Boatyard, Soldiers Point Marina, Musto, Ronstan and Predict Wind.
Hear the Story Firsthand
Darrell Greig’s Melbourne to Osaka journey is one that deserves to be heard in full. From storm squalls and broken booms to moonlit spinnaker runs and life lessons from the sea.
That’s why we’re excited to announce that CYCSA member, Darrell, will be our featured guest speaker at an upcoming Boating Conversations evening at the Club.
Come along to hear the full story, ask questions and dive deeper into the planning, execution and emotion of this extraordinary race. Whether you’re a seasoned offshore sailor or just love a good adventure tale, it’s not to be missed. Stay tuned for the event details.
Horizon Shores Marina, QLD Completed 2025!
Calypso Bay Marina, QLD COMING
Image Credit: Kazuyoshi Yamano
Geoff Vercoe
Christened Geoffrey Stanley Vercoe, Geoff was born on 25 October 1940 and is an Adelaide boy through and through. He attended Highgate Primary School and undertook his secondary school education at Pulteney Grammar School. Initially studying Engineering at Adelaide University, he changed to Medicine and graduated in 1966.
To help fund his medical degree Geoff, along with many others, joined the undergraduate scheme of the Australian Army and spent just over two years in New Guinea as a General Duties Medical Officer in a hospital there and in his second year of service was promoted to Major. He also served in Vietnam acting as the Commanding Officer of the 8th Field Ambulance Brigade from November 1970 to November 1971. Aiding in the general withdrawal of the service personnel in Nui Dat, he was the last person to leave in the Brigadier’s helicopter and the next day managed to wangle a seat on a plane back to Australia.
In 1964 he married Pamela and they had two children, Jane and Edward, and Jane later produced their grandchild, Tom Parolin. The family travelled to Scotland in 1972 where Geoff undertook Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Training, returning in 1975 when he set up a practice.
For over 30 years Geoff contributed greatly to the Aboriginal Ear Care Program in the Northern Territory as perforated eardrums are a common problem in indigenous communities throughout the world. After he retired from private practice at the age of 68 he continued in this work and for this mainly voluntary endeavour was awarded an OAM in 1996.
Geoff’s association with sailing started as a youngster when he sailed dinghies out of the Henley and Grange Sailing Club with his stepfather, Gordon Porter, then moved onto being the forward hand on a friend’s Rainbow at Largs Bay Sailing Club.
In his early twenties racing cars became a great passion and he entered the Australian Grand Prix but did not make it past practice as he crashed into the wall. This occurred during his medical training and there was not much spare time available but that did not dampen his enthusiasm for cars and he built a car called the Cicada Ford and won the ‘Fastest Under 1500CC Sports Car Up The Hill’ in the Collingrove Hill Climb.
In 1985 Geoff joined the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron and bought a 30’ Farr design yacht built by Binks Yachts from Fred Niell Called Farr Out. His next yacht was a 40’ Farr out of Sydney and he called it Maglieri Wines House of Lambrusco and sailed it in a Sydney to Hobart race.
Geoff came around to the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia in July 1989 and has been here ever since. He entered Maglieri in the Sydney to Hobart the following year but encountered an east coast low and lost the mast while attempting to motor back to Eden so he called for assistance and was towed in instead. It was trucked back to Adelaide and sold. Out of the ashes came a phoenix in a Jutson 43’ yacht which he called Maglieri Wines and competed in several more Sydney to Hobart races coming fifth on
handicap in one of them receiving a trophy for his efforts. With Maglieri Wines he also won a Sydney to Southport Yacht Race.
Michael Keough built two yachts for Geoff, first a Jutson 30’ called Clubman followed by a Farr 42’ design called The Gnome which he sailed around South Australia and Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays in Queensland. Aboard Lorelle, another Farr 42’ out of Melbourne owned by Ray Borrett, he sailed his last Sydney to Hobart.
His love of the sea and sailing was not yet over and on three occasions Geoff joined Gay and Graeme Footer on their yacht Jemmaroo sailing around Italy, Turkey and Greece with them. There was a very memorable moment in Amalfi in Italy when the gas bottle needed refilling and as the terrain was quite hilly, Geoff towed the small gas bottle around using his luggage trolley. Walking along the path he passed a rather large, very strong gentleman carrying two gas bottles each about three times the size of Geoff’s on his shoulders. It caused quite a giggle but Geoff was unfazed.
Geoff’s car racing, sailing and skiing days are now over and, together with his wife Pam, spends most of his time on his property above Carrickalinga where he grows olives and, together with his son Ed, farms cattle.
Having been a member of the Club for over 36 years Geoff has been there while it grew from just the Kinnaird Room to what it is today. Friendships made over the years have been a highlight of his time around the Club and he feels the camaraderie that exists is one of its great attractions.
Gay Footer
South Australian sailor Dan Turner recently started the third leg of the Global Solo Challenge on 26 July 2025.
After eight months at sea and more than 16,000 nautical miles under his belt (including the Atlantic qualifying leg), South Australian sailor Dan Turner finished in second place and is now embarking on the circumnavigation challenge for sailors in compact 5.8 metre yachts.
Sailing aboard his home built yacht, Immortal Game, Dan has already navigated treacherous ocean conditions including powerful storms, squalls, torrential downpours, near hits from lightning, a close encounter with two orcas and an unnerving brush with an unidentified vessel. He was most recently docked at Vuda Marina, Fiji, following the completion of Leg Two, and has been preparing Immortal Game for the next leg, a westward passage across the Indian Ocean toward Cape Town.
Dan is the only South Australian competing in the Mini Globe Race and has proven himself a formidable contender moving up from fourth to now second overall in the international fleet of 15 competitors only behind Renaud Stitelmann from Switzerland, which has now dwindled to 12 entrants after Fiji saw the retirement of Dan Turk, John Blenkinslop and Mike Blenkinslop. With his characteristic grit and determination together with his always positive mindset, he has now set his sights on the upcoming back half of the race and a further eight months away from Australia to finish off this first-of-itskind extraordinary global challenge. This next leg through to Cape Town is considered to be the toughest of the race and he knows the biggest challenges are yet to come.
“This race is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one,” Dan shared before departing. “Every day out there is unpredictable. But I built Immortal Game for this moment and I’m proud to represent South Australia on this world stage.”
To date Dan is extremely happy with how both he and the boat are going, having built the boat himself with no prior building experience and taking to the ocean with very limited solo sailing experience.
After coming in seventh in the Transatlantic qualifier, fourth in Leg One of the Mini Globe Race and now second in Leg Two and overall, Dan says Immortal Game continues to exceed his expectations in every way and notes that winning is not his primary goal in the race. He just wants to sail safely, have fun and continue to learn and compete to the best of his ability.
BATTLING THE ELEMENTS
Leg Two of the race, from Panama to Fiji via Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands and Tonga, brought with it some of the most testing conditions Dan has faced. While sailing under spinnaker he encountered a powerful storm cell with increasing wind speeds off the Tuamotu Islands. He quickly lowered all sails and encountered wind strengths in excess of 60 knots for several hours before continuously battling winds between 40-50 knots for 10 hours.
“The sea was completely white,” Dan recounts. “Immortal Game was completely knocked down and side-on to the waves, moving downwind at a strong rate of knots and I was actually being pushed back toward where I had come from.” Worried about running into reefs and losing miles against the fleet, Dan deployed a drogue during this time to help slow the boat down.
The sea state continued to build rapidly and after approximately four hours battling the storm, Dan managed to contact his Campaign Manager to report the situation. As lightning began to strike nearby Dan made the critical decision to shut down all electronics onboard to protect the systems
from damage. Along with having a separate moment where a lightning strike came within 100-200 metres, Dan describes the storm as a defining moment of the journey so far: “It was a true test between myself and Immortal Game. The boat held up well and it’s been character building.” Immortal Game has proven itself to be a strong and reliable vessel.
MOMENTS OF CONNECTION AND CULTURE
After a 33 day passage from Panama to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands through the doldrums and across the equator and a further 14 days to Papeete, Dan found a welcome reprieve in Tahiti where he was warmly greeted by his parents who had flown in from Australia. They arrived with a new anchor delivered via air freight following the loss of his previous one in the Marquesas after getting tangled with an underwater mooring. Dan also made the decision to replace Immortal Game’s furler in Tahiti to best position the boat for Leg Three after his forestay detached in Leg One of the race and a near loss of his rigging during this time. He had since been using a different method of using his headsail via a ‘hanked’ system.
From Tahiti Dan sailed on to Tonga where he experienced the rich local culture and world-renowned hospitality, calling it one of the highlights of his journey so far. This included drinking Kava with the local police, eating amazing food and exploring caves, beaches and mountains with friendly locals.
Continuing west Dan made his way to Fiji, staying connected with his Campaign Manager and immediate family using Starlink satellite internet installed onboard Immortal Game. The day before his arrival Dan celebrated a small victory at sea catching a skipjack tuna which he presented to the local customs team.
After a well earned break and some time spent with family back home, Dan has now commenced Leg Three of the Global Solo Challenge having set sail again in late July.
MOORING MATTERS
In this edition we’ve dedicated our safety feature to a topic that’s as essential as it is overlooked, mooring of vessels.
This follows a request from the CYCSA Discretionary Trust who expressed concern over the current standard of mooring practices observed around the marina. Their concerns were highlighted during a recent severe weather event when Club staff and a few volunteers had to intervene to properly secure a number of vessels that were inadequately moored, a situation that could have led to significant damage if not promptly addressed and that could have been avoided with better preparation
THE CHALLENGE CONTINUES
The Mini Globe Race is known for its unforgiving format designed to test the endurance, seamanship and resilience of solo sailors as they navigate some of the world’s most remote and hazardous waters. Being in 19-foot boats, never before has the world seen such a challenge and it is likely one of the longest, if not the longest race of any sport in history. Dan himself left Australia back in November 2024 with a qualification leg across the Pacific starting in December 2024 and is not anticipated to finally come home to Australia again until April 2026.
Dan is currently between Fiji and Thursday Island having positioned himself first and currently sailing in second place. The race is far from complete and will be worth the watch on the YB Tracking app which sees the fleet being able to select if going into Darwin is on their own radars and/or if they bypass Darwin and head to Cocos Keeling Island, followed by Mauritius, Durban and then onto Cape Town.
As Dan sails the next leg of this extraordinary challenge he welcomes sponsorship partners who share his spirit of adventure and commitment to continue pushing boundaries. Joining the Immortal Game campaign offers a unique opportunity to align with a powerful story of courage, innovation and Australian tenacity on the global stage.
A walk along the marina’s finger pontoons reveals a wide range of mooring practices. While many boats are properly secured with suitable lines and fenders, others rely on a tangle of mismatched or worn ropes. In some cases, there are too few fenders, poorly placed ones, or lines that are too long, too short, frayed or incorrectly rigged. At the very least boats should be secured with bow and stern lines along with a pair of springs to prevent any forward and backward movement.
When it comes to boat moorings, opinions vary widely on the best techniques available. Use a dedicated line for each purpose, combining a bow line with a spring prevents individual adjustments. Protect your lines from chafing and ensure your well-placed fenders
Dan has also written a book about his previous adventures called ‘From Sands to Sea,’ which can be purchased at http://danturneradventure.com
Nikki Turner
won’t get tangled and remain above water. Lastly, avoid the temptation to use old sheets or polypropylene rope. Quality custom nylon or polyester mooring lines provide the necessary stretch, strength, and abrasion resistance, ensuring you can trust that your boat will be where you left it.
Proper mooring protects not just your own vessel but also neighbouring boats and the marina infrastructure.
For more information, including diagrams and recommended practices, please refer to the CYCSA Severe Weather Policy available on the Club’s website
Wayne
Grant CYCSA
Safety Officer
Leaving Eucla our plan was to sail for Eyre, the nearest anchorage to our west. According to the Western Australian Cruising Guide (WACG), it is possible to anchor there between the shore and a shoal, although protection from the south is limited, reminiscent of Eucla. However a stop there would mean one less overnight sail.
We retraced our path to Wilson Bluff then headed offshore for three nautical miles before turning west and following the coast. Motoring on flat seas in very light wind conditions were perfect for trawling so we deployed lures and promptly caught two tuna. It was more than we needed but I was too slow bringing in the second lure. About 15 miles later as we approached Low Point we were confronted by a 20 knot south-westerly headwind. Continuing to Eyre would require too much upwind work so reluctantly we bore away onto a southerly course in order to fill our sails.
Winds continued to strengthen and at 23:30 we reefed the main for the night. In the distance there was a boisterous display of thunder and lightning. Most of the activity was over the coast so we decided it was prudent to maintain our southerly heading and keep sailing further offshore.
The following morning at 06:00 we tacked onto a westerly course. The sea state became increasingly confused and we motor-sailed to maintain our speed. In general I consider five knots to be the absolute minimum speed when covering large distances. At 11:30 we set our waypoint for Daw Island 176 nautical miles away on a heading of 248°T. The wind had shifted to the southeast making it possible to sail.
Just before sunset we went to shake out the reef and I noticed the starboard prop was fouled by a line that was dragging in the water. Although we didn’t need that engine at the time having only one operational engine always makes me nervous. So with a rope lassoed around my waist and Paul grasping the other end I promptly jumped into the water before the light faded. The prop was freed with barely a second to spare! Although we’d pointed the boat into the wind, without engines running the autopilot was ineffective and Arriba started to bear away and pick up speed. The rope started pulling hard on my waist but I managed to crawl onto the swim ladder before being dragged too far.
We enjoyed a second night of sailing under mainsail and jib, this time without menacing skies. By the time I relieved Paul at 06:00 the winds were only 13 knots from the southeast. I replaced the jib with the gennaker boosting our speed to 7.5 knots for a while. At 16:32 we were anchored at Daw Island having sailed 322 nautical miles in 51 hours averaging 6.3 knots. This marked the end of
our east-to-west crossing of the Great Australian Bight. There was just enough time for a shore excursion before we lost the light. We scrambled up the rugged granite slope to the highest point which offered striking views over the island and a thriving Australian sea lion colony. The following day we were poised to pick our way through to the more than one hundred islands and 1200 hazards of the Recherche Archipelago.
Alan Noble
The story continues in my next article: Cruise: Cape Leeuwin and Beyond on page 22.
The 2025 Winter Series has been completed. The series was predominantly sailed in variable winds but two races were abandoned due to much stronger winds than forecast. Twentyone boats signed on for the combined fleet with 12 CYCSA boats as well as several casual entries.
MyEasyBnB CYCSA Winter Results
PHS Division 1 results had Dr Feelgood (Dan McHolm) dominating with three wins from four races with Game On 31 (Julian Newton) second and Vulcan (Christopher Jones) third. AMS Division 1 results were the same.
PHS Division 2 results had Outlier (Abbott/Riddle) dominating with two wins with Rocksalt (Denby Steele) second and Rock On (Trevor Conyers) third on countback and fourth by one point was Sophie Davidson on Young Einstein preparing for SAWKR 2025. AMS Division 2 result was Outlier first, Rock On second with Pure Magic (Haakmeester/Holmes) third.
Combined Presentation was to be held at the CYCSA this year but was postponed due to the last race being abandoned. Sonia Neumann was unavailable to present the Hans Neumann trophies.
Combined Winter PHS Results
Division 1 had Dr Feelgood 3 in first place with Game On 31 second and Vulcan third while in Division 2 Rock On was first with Outlier second on countback and Rocksalt third.
The combined Winter AMS results had Dr Feelgood 3 first and Game On 31 second for Division 1 and Division 2 had Outlier first, Rock On second and Pure Magic third. It was a clean sweep for the CYCSA Division 2.
Bravo Sails Short-Handed
Series
Unlike the Winter Series the two-handers were dealt slightly lighter winter weather with only one race being lost to a bad sea state after strong winds. This year six boats entered. On PHS Ocean Hawk (Steve Emery) was first with three wins ahead of Enchantress (John Muirhead) from the RSAYS and third was Freedom (Bob Schahinger) from the RSAYS.
Three boats having 2Hd AMS certificates had their own competition and the result was Freedom (Bob Schahinger) ahead of Ocean Hawk (Steve Emery) with Inukshuk (Robert Large) third.
Again this year some of the Short-Handed fleet competed in the annual Port Vincent Dash and, with the addition of a fully crewed division, a total of five boats made the crossing. The start to the Port Vincent Destination Race was in very cold, light winds and the Race Officer decided to shorten the race to Orontes Beacon instead of the Middle Spit Beacon so all boats could finish before sunset. The winds picked up so all finished in plenty of time. Enchantress achieved the fastest time of three hours 21 minutes and won the Short-Handed Division on PHS. They were joined in Port Vincent by the Cruising Association Solo Cruisers.
Thank you to our Winter Sponsors; MyEasyBnB (now Homesite SA), Bravo Sails and Yalumba Wines.
The Racing Program for the 2025-26 season was published in July and is available on the Club’s website.
Safety auditing will continue to be the focus of attention preseason for owners with our Equipment Auditors undertaking mandatory safety audits on all boats before racing in the 202526 season. More information will be available at the Skipper’s Briefing on Thursday 4 September.
Inese Lainis Racing Administrator
Flying Fifteen Australian Championships
at the CYCSA 11-16 January 2026
The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia is proud to host the 2026 Flying Fifteen Australian Championships, taking place from 11–16 January 2026. This prestigious event is part of the broader Flying Fifteen International calendar which features national, international and world championships for this iconic class.
As many will appreciate the pristine waters of Gulf St Vincent off North Haven provide an exceptional setting for sailing. It’s no surprise that the Flying Fifteen fleet is eager to test their skills in our waters and chose the CYCSA as the host club for this event.
The Flying Fifteen is, what we like to call, the original one design sports boat and is renowned for it’s close tactical racing and we might spill a couple of drops of shiraz while telling stories afterwards. The class appeals to a wide age group but mostly to those over 35 who still have the desire to race in a tight fleet. These boats are sailed in every mainland state of Australia with particular strongholds in Victoria and Western Australia. Crews are typically quite varied in their combinations although husband/wife teams make up a decent portion of sailors.
Racing will kick off with an invitation race on 11 January followed by five days of competition. It promises to be an exciting week of racing and camaraderie.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply curious, we encourage all members to drop by the hardstand area during the regatta to meet the sailors and take a closer look at how these boats have evolved over the years.
We look forward to welcoming competitors, supporters, and guests to the CYCSA for what promises to be a fantastic week on and off the water.
We had a great turnout this year for the Commodore's Dinner, with ten tables, a great band, great food and a very busy dance floor.
Following a brief welcome from the Commodore, Chef Camillo sent out the beautiful and very generous entrée, a Casarecce pasta with spinach and chicken. Everyone was wondering how they would be able to find room for the main course!
The Commodore then introduced our special guest, Darrell Greig, in front of the stage for an interview style conversation about sailing, boats, challenges and charity. Having recently completed the arduous Melbourne to Osaka race, Darrell gave us all an insight into how tough
the race can be and tips for how you could prepare for the next edition in four years. Darrell also spoke about the Brain Tumour Alliance Australia charity and how important this cause is to him and many others. The raffle sponsor items were then introduced and Inese kindly started working the room to collect raffle entries.
The main course followed, an alternate drop of slow-braised pork shanks and Cantonese BBQ beef brisket. Service from Haresh’s team was smooth and professional and guests were impressed by the generous and flavourful servings. Well done Chef and team. To round out the meal a Hummingbird cake dessert was served as the Commodore stepped up again to oversee the raffle draw
It was announced that the raffle had raised over $2,000 on the night, an impressive effort. The raffle featured 15 prize lots, with a Musto jacket, Zhik and Ronstan bags, t-shirts, watches, hats and the all-important red ‘protest flags’, all finding excited winners.
The live band, Pina & Co, then played to a packed dance floor to work off some of the food! They played a wide set list with plenty to please everyone, finishing around 11:30pm.
All in all, it was a memorable evening filled with great company and generous hearts, all in support of Brain Tumour Alliance Australia.
Mike Holmes Commodore
Six Generations of Family Winemaking
SIX GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE AND DEDICATION GO INTO EVERY BOTTLE OF YALUMBA.
“An extensive mass of dangers” was how Captain Matthew Flinders famously described the Recherche Archipelago. That is not exactly what you want to read in your cruising guide. I was initially inclined to give the whole area a wide berth as sensible navigators should. Of course, thanks to twenty-first century charts, the potential for danger is now manageable and the risk is further reduced by opting for daylight sailing.
The Dutch navigators, François Thijssen and Pieter Nuyts, were the first to sail past the archipelago as they charted a significant portion of Australia’s southern coast. It was not until 1792 however that it was named the ‘Archipelago of the Recherche’ (L’Archipel de la Recherche) by French RearAdmiral Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, after one of his ships, Recherche (‘Research’).
Before we could depart from Daw Island we fixed the second reefing line that had jammed the previous day. Weighing anchor at 10:35 we brought up a huge mass of seaweed that took several minutes to remove. Once clear of the cove a 15 knot easterly propelled us along at six knots. We were doubly reefed expecting stronger winds but the most we encountered was 18 knots. Our destination was the north coast of Middle Island but as the wind swung to the northeast the northern anchorages became less attractive. Instead we headed for The Keyhole on the southern side of the island. This dramatic deep-water anchorage is surrounded by tall cliffs, a safe haven from all but southwest seas. We ventured ashore to a speck of beach that was too small even for our dinghy, choosing to anchor it and swim the final stretch.
We departed early the next morning at 05:36 ensuring ample daylight hours to reach our next destination. Four hours later with the wind blowing ten knots from the northeast we replaced the jib with the gennaker to boost our speed to six knots. At 13:29, having travelled 36 nautical miles, we anchored on the eastern shore of Lucky Bay for lunch and a swim. Located in the Cape Le Grand National Park, the bay is renowned for its bright white sands and turquoise-coloured waters and we were not disappointed. Our ninety-minute stop was all too brief.
At 16:00 we jibed into Esperance Bay so named by d’Entrecasteaux after this second ship, the Espérance (meaning ‘hope’) and two and half hours later we were anchored at the town of the same name. We were keen to dine at the Taylor Street Quarters, a stylish restaurant on the foreshore. In retrospect perhaps we were a little too keen. Enjoying our sumptuous Sri Lankan curry, washed down with a fine Western Australian Semillon Sauvignon Blanc (an ‘SSB’ to locals), we were oblivious to the gusty conditions developing out in the bay. It was only when walking back to the boat that we noticed that Arriba had drifted and was almost on the beach, north of the boat ramp. It was high tide and the onshore wind was driving Arriba further ashore. Desperate to avoid ending up in even shallower water we deployed a kedge anchor and spent the next few hours securing Arriba in place. We fell asleep at 01:00 as there was nothing else we could do until the wind abated.
We had a parade of curious onlookers the following morning including some elderly ocean swimmers who wondered why a boat was blocking their usual swimming path. An official from the Port of Esperance, operated by Southern Ports, also paid us a visit. He gave me the name of a local salvage operator whom I called and later came by offering advice that we would probably float off at the next high tide. That was not until 19:45 and I didn’t particularly want to wait that long so I borrowed a shovel and set to work excavating under the rudder and mini keel. To counter the tendency of the fine sand to slump into the hole as quickly as it was removed every load of sand had to be dumped a distance from the boat. After thirty strenuous minutes I could punch into the sand and feel the bottom of the rudder. I was getting close!
In the meantime we had secured bow and stern lines to a strong mooring and emptied our water tanks to lighten our load. The fine sand meant that no damage had been inflicted on Arriba. It also explained why the holding in the bay was so poor, a fact that is not mentioned in any cruising guides. Shovelling and kedging aside, there was one more trick we had at our disposal. Taking advantage of the fact that there
The Keyhole
is almost no weight in the stern of catamarans (nor in the bow), it is possible to use a dinghy as a giant lift bag. This technique requires placing two lines over on the top of the dinghy (on boards to protect the rubber) then under the transoms and up the exterior of the hull with one winched on the port side and the other on the starboard side. Winching the lines pushes the dinghy down which in turn raises the stern. Success! The dinghy lift bag raised Arriba a critical 15cm (6”).
At 16:24, a full three hours before high tide, we floated off and bid farewell to Esperance. I made a note that there was a marina at Esperance, operated by the Esperance Bay Yacht Club and berths are very affordable. Ninety minutes later we turned for Cape Vancouver named in honour of Captain George Vancouver in 1791. Technically he named it Couverden after his family’s hometown of Coevorden in the Netherlands and it was later anglicised. George Vancouver was a contemporary of James Cook and served under him on both Cook’s second (1772-1775) and third (1776-1780) voyages of discovery to the Pacific.
Shortly after taking my midnight watch I adjusted our course slightly to ensure we cleared the north coast of Investigator Island, named after Captain Matthew Flinders’ ship. Four hours later we passed the island and were able to again set our course for Cape Vancouver. The light winds necessitated motor sailing through the night and morning. Eventually in the early afternoon, with a nine-knot wind from the southeast, we could finally turn off the engine. Raising the gennaker we enjoyed fine sailing conditions for the next twenty hours averaging over six knots.
The following midnight the wind dropped and swung to the northeast.
CRUISE: CAPE LEEUWIN AND
With the wind abaft we continued under mainsail alone eking out five knots for the next few hours. At 03:52 we anchored at Whaling Cove on the western shore of King George Sound. We had travelled 215 nautical miles and averaged 6.1 knots since leaving Esperance.
The following morning we headed over to the Albany Waterfront Marina where we berthed at the free visitor dock for a couple of hours. It was just long enough to enjoy breakfast ashore and a walk around town including a visit to the obligatory second-hand book shop, Gemini’s. There is plenty to see in and around Albany, Western Australia’s third largest regional city, but a proper visit would have to wait until our return voyage. Fifteen days had already passed since we departed Adelaide and we needed to be in Perth in only three days’ time.
We departed again at 09:53 and once around Peak Head were confronted with an unfavourable westerly headwind. By 16:30 we’d had enough of upwind sailing and decided to take a break at Dunksy Beach where we enjoyed a rest followed by an early dinner. This anchorage overlooks a very pretty beach but be aware of the shoal which lies 100m off the beach and is only 1.2m deep at low tide.
Although conditions had not improved we got underway again at 20:00 motor sailing through the night. The following morning the wind dropped off completely before swinging to the south shortly before noon. We sailed until 18:30 when we lost the wind again and resumed motoring.
It was during this leg of the journey we had a distressing conversation with Marine Rescue Western Australia (MRWA), after overhearing some search and rescue chatter on VHF channel 16. A solo sailor named
Maurice Saunderson who had left Albany almost two weeks earlier had failed to reach his destination and had just been reported missing. Sadly his vessel’s EPIRB and debris would be later found washed up near Augusta. It is a poignant reminder of how unforgiving this stretch of coastline can be.
Our destination was Dead Finish, south of Augusta and one nautical mile east of Cape Leeuwin, which we reached at 21:42. We entered on light southeast winds which shifted to the northeast overnight. We found the holding to be good and despite moderate swell on the outside the anchorage was quite comfortable. There are lots of rocks so pay attention and ideally approach in daylight. We approached on a westerly course aiming for 34°22.187’S 115°9.805’E. We then went round the north of the rocks to reach the anchorage which is northwest of the rocks.
We weighed anchor at 05:17 the following morning and were within hailing distance of Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point of mainland Australia and one of the Great Capes (the others being South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and South America’s Cape Horn). The Dutch were the first navigators to sight the Cape in 1622, referring to the area as “Landt van de Leeuwin”, meaning “The Land of the Leeuwin”. Leeuwin, meaning Lioness, the name of their ship.
The Western Australian Cruising Guide (WACG) advises that when rounding Cape Leeuwin in good conditions to maintain a depth of 35m which yields a clearance of about 5½ nautical miles. However the conditions were so good we kept within two nautical miles of the Cape
Arriba beached in Esperance
End of voyage celebration
CRUISE: CAPE LEEUWIN AND BEYOND
In adverse conditions heavy swells would demand a much wider clearance. At 06:08 we were due south of the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which is the tallest on mainland Australia and has been guiding mariners since 1895. This meant we had officially entered the Indian Ocean, Arriba’s third ocean (the others being the Southern Ocean and the Pacific Ocean). To get some sea room we continued on a generally westerly heading for another twenty minutes before we turned north. The north-northeast wind was on the nose so we beat our way upwind assisted by one motor.
At 13:10 we passed the famous surf beaches of Margaret River tacking offshore to avoid entering one of the surf breaks. Five hours later we were north of Cape Naturaliste. We set course for the northwest tip of Garden Island with the intention of sailing through the night all the way to Fremantle. Although there was only six knots of wind we were motor sailing at 7.3 knots using a single engine at 1,700 RPM.
By 20:00 the wind had died completely and I became concerned we would not make it all the way to Fremantle without refuelling. We therefore changed course for Mandurah and continued to motor at 1,700 RPM, averaging five knots. At that low RPM, Arriba’s Volvo Penta D1-30F engines are remarkably fuel-efficient consuming just one litre per hour which is roughly a quarter of a US gallon per hour. So while we wouldn’t win any races I knew we’d reach our destination. Sliding through the placid waters of Geographe Bay the powerful swells of the Southern Ocean were already a distant memory. As the sun rose it was quite a shock to find ourselves offshore from civilisation, the southern sprawl of Greater Perth. By 08:24 we were docked at Mandurah. We put 216 litres of fuel into Arriba’s 240 litre tank and another 120 litres into six empty jerry cans. It was another 31 nautical miles to the Fremantle Sailing Club where we berthed at 14:08.
The numbers provide the data. We had travelled 1603 nautical miles in 18 days, anchored 11 times, spent 7 nights at sea and used only 336 litres (~88 gallons) of fuel since leaving Adelaide.
The data is not the whole story though. We’d successfully crossed the Great Australian Bight, marvelled at the spectacular Bunda Cliffs, explored the ruins of a town engulfed by sand and observed nature in its most unspoilt, magnificent form, culminating in rounding one of the Great Capes. Witnessing the rugged, rarely-seen beauty of southern Australia on our voyage was an immense privilege.
Paul was returning to Melbourne in two days but my Western Australian adventures were just beginning.
Alan Noble
Lucky Bay
Here we bring you two on-the-water accounts from this year's iconic Rolex Fastnet Race. Club member Paul Judge took the helm of Leda as skipper, navigating one of offshore racing’s most challenging courses. Meanwhile, former Club Commodore Nick Bice joined the crew of Final Final, bringing his wealth of experience to the team.
The CYCSA is proud to acknowledge the participation of Leda, a Mumm 36 skippered by Club member Paul Judge, in the 2025 Rolex Fastnet Race.
Based out of Galway Bay Sailing Club in Ireland, Leda was crewed by a mix of Irish and Australian sailors, including two CYCSA members, Paul Judge and Laoise King along with fellow Aussie, Joe Mac Mathúna, well known within our sailing community, and GBSC’s Tony Murphy, the intrepid sailor.
Skipper Paul Judge brings a wealth of offshore experience, having sailed for over 30 years in Australia and completed four Sydney to Hobart yacht races. Laoise, who has been sailing most of her life, has seen her racing career flourish since moving to Australia 13 years ago and joining the CYCSA. Her racing highlights include competing in the 2024 Sydney to Hobart Race.
The team embarked on the challenging 695-nautical mile course from Cowes to Fastnet Rock, aiming to finish in Cherbourg. Unfortunately, Leda retired from the race and did not complete the course due to breakage. Despite this, their determination and commitment to participating in such a prestigious offshore event is commendable. The Club congratulates the crew for their efforts and looks forward to their future sailing pursuits.
Many thanks go to Tim Breen for generously lending Leda for this campaign.
Admiral’s Cup and Fastnet Aboard Final Final
It’s not every day you get to race in an event that helped shape the history of offshore sailing so when the opportunity came to jump aboard Final Final, a Pac 52 quite similar to Secret Mens Business, there was no hesitation.
Originally dubbed the "unofficial world championship of offshore racing", the Admiral’s Cup was the proving ground for sailors, designers and teams for decades until 2023. Now back for 2025 – National pride, brutal courses and proper yacht racing, it had it all. The Admiral’s Cup was back.
You could feel the buzz in Cowes. Battle flags were flying, crews were all decked out in their crew kit and fast boats were rafted up in the yacht haven and right in the thick of it, us. The Final Final crew, a mix of all sorts, an American boat sailing for the UK with a mix of Seppos, Kiwis, Irish, English and the token Aussie!
The week kicked off with a short offshore race (equivalent to the great Adelaide to Port Lincoln yacht race) then some tight racing in the Solent with three days of windward/leeward and coastal (round the cans) racing that was amazing. Fortunately the weather played ball with a mixed bag of light to heavy weather, with no rain. There were certainly some stand out performances for a few of the teams that didn’t leave any stone unturned to try to win the Admiral’s Cup.
Then came the Fastnet. A short 700 mile windward leeward. This year was relatively benign compared with years gone past but a mental slog for all involved. Having not done the Fastnet for a few years now, I was not sold on the Cherbourgh (France) finish but with 450 boats, its hard to see an alternative. Based on the price tag to host the finish, it is a no-brainer to finish where we did! Rounding the Rock never gets old. (It’s a bucket list item for any yachtie) the downhill slide home was a welcomed relief from going upwind, albeit dodging clouds and masses of boats coming the other way there were plenty of smiles and a strong sense of “we’re doing something bloody cool here.”
The Monaco Yacht Club (Jolt 3 and Jolt 6) were crowned the overall winners with a stellar performance both inshore and offshore with a special mention to the Aussies, specifically Zen who sailed a blinder for the whole week.
We didn’t quite get the result we’d hoped for Final Final. Disappointed? Sure but results don’t always tell the full story. The racing was intense, the learning was constant and the team environment was epic.
What really matters is that the Admiral’s Cup is back. Not in a token way—it’s back in a way that’s going to grow legs. The buzz is real, the racing is world-class and next time around you’ll see more Aussie teams joining the fray.
Nick Bice
The Cruising Association (CA) continues to promote its love of the sea and the camaraderie among members, even during these wintery months. The CA Committee is exploring fresh ideas and we warmly welcome new members and friends to join us.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Annual Solo Cruise in Company, June
This year the Solo Cruise ran on 21-22 June in parallel with the Port Vincent Destination Race, offering a perfect opportunity to sail across the gulf. With many sails on the horizon it was a spectacular sight! We were fortunate with favourable weather conditions allowing a smooth sail both ways. A total of 18 boats participated highlighting Club member’s enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend so enjoyable.
Historic Port Adelaide Cruise, August
Our winter cruise to Port Adelaide over 15–17 August was a fantastic experience. Thanks to the Port Adelaide Sailing Club for hosting a Friday night BBQ and providing complimentary berths for the weekend. Port Adelaide is rich in history and culture. On Saturday, local professional photographer and artist Denis Smith led a fascinating tour of the Port’s murals, offering insights into the artwork and a deeper understanding of the local culture. This was followed by a Gin, Wine and Produce Tour, which included a Port Adelaide history quiz with sweet prizes and dinner at the renowned Italian restaurant Carmine & Co, hosted in a private room. Perfect for a bunch of rowdy sailors!
The Port continues to transform into a vibrant tourist destination, with plenty to see, do and enjoy. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the weekend a success. I am sure the CA will continue to explore the Port’s vibrancy.
Upcoming Events and Ideas
• South Australian Cruise, October long weekend, details coming soon.
• Club BBQ with friends & live music, Saturday 8 November.
• Wirrina Bluegrass Festival, 21–23 November (a great experience for sailors and non-sailors alike).
• New Year’s Eve Beach Party and Ballast Head Cup – Celebrate the new year in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
• Port Victoria 150th Celebration, 7–9 March 2026. Tall Ships and South Aussie Spirit, Spencer Gulf Cruise. A rare opportunity to cruise the Spencer Gulf and be part of the celebrations.
Please note that all events remain subject to weather conditions.
The Cruising Association looks forward to another active summer.
With fresh ideas and strong momentum, we invite all members to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities our Club offers. If you have suggestions for future events or would like to join the CA Committee, please reach out.
A special thanks to our sponsors, Charlesworth Nuts and Heynen Planning Consultants for their ongoing support.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with the latest news, events and cruising plans through our CYCSA Cruising Facebook Group, Club noticeboards, CYCSA website and email newsletters.
Darren Harvey Cruising Association Chair
Stay connected – Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Cruising group.
Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta 2025
The 33rd Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta was held at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS), in sunny St Kilda, on Bunurong Country, over the June Long Weekend. The 25 strong fleet comprised two keelboat divisions and the S80 One Design fleet. Victoria was joined by NSW, NT, ACT, Tassie and, of course, South Australia. Clockwork was SA’s ambassador and the sole interstate boat. Our crew mixed it up with regular Clockwork sailors with Mary Ann helming, two of our three Helens’ (tactics and jib trim), Simone mainsheet, Kirsty strings, Katrina foredeck, Lorene (thrown into the deep end) on bow) and newbies Lilly, (Adelaide University SC) and Shannon supporting brace and trim. Andy prepped Clockwork, brought her over, shore crewed and led the cheer squad.
We thought we were in for a shocker of a weekend with dire forecasts for every day of the regatta, but the temperature and precipitation never got close to freezing or serious drenching. At the highest in the fleet, our handicap was the shocker, making for a tough campaign.
Day one kicked off with two short windwardleewards, three laps each, and sub-par conditions. Race one’s north-north-westerly winds gusted above 25 knots sharpened by the alps fresh snow dump. Not hoisting the spinnaker helped to ease the crew into unfamiliar positions and poling out the jib gave us lots of power. Conditions eased for race two with mild showers and good sea state. We scored podiums with 2nd (ORC) and 3rd (EHS).
Post-racing, crews milled around the BBQ, with a pause to salute on the seawall as RMYS's new Rescue Boat the Gai Clough was christened. The late Gai Clough was a trailblazer of Australian women’s sailing, the first female Commodore of an Australian sailing club and AWKR’s founder. The new RIB is a fitting celebration of her.
Day two’s crappy forecast didn’t transpire until late into racing, dampening, not soaking and never freezing. The opening windward-leeward race (identical to day one) was sailed in 15 knots, easing to 10 and under for the next race around the cans. The afternoon skyscape was truly spectacular.
Out on the Rail Race 3, before Lorene lost her beanie.
Race three saw Clockwork’s fantastic start stymied by a general fleet recall. Her fractional spinnaker was deployed well. We sailed efficiently. I was looking forward to the long race (four), but easing winds shortened the course. We ran the masthead kite, and crewnow into our groove - ran like a well-oiled machine, delivering Line Honours for both races. Lorene’s BOB (beanie overboard), kindly rescued by Division 2’s Gridlock, and a ‘core-off’ between Division 1’s Jungle Juice and Clockwork, (involving handstands abeam) enjoyed several photo-ops. That evening Mary Ann and Helen K won their heats in the spinnaker packing competition, pipped by a dodgy call on a twisted kite. We aren’t sore losers, just saying.
Day three! The rain set in for the regatta’s final races, a windwardleeward, followed by a short triangle around the cans. Race five’s two-hour delay was offset by hot chocolate and carb-loading. The starting 10-knot breeze was interrupted by a short, rude squall with early fog and 40-degree wind shifts. Conditions cleared up during race six.
The AWKR mob run such a great regatta. It is a magnet for Australian competition, enjoys great support from boat owners and its army of volunteers couldn’t do enough for us. Results are up at Top Yacht, where you can see we finished mid-fleet. Not our finest result, but every day on the water is a great day, and AWKR was no exception. Racing in close company with fabulous women is a joy –check the evidence at AWKR’s photo gallery.
We look forward to RMYCs 150th anniversary and AWKR 34 but for now are gearing up for South Australia’s Women’s Keelboat Regatta over the Labour Day Weekend. Hope to see you there.
Kirsty Hammet
Images courtesy of Andrea Francolini
Race 4 Day 2. Rain, hail, or shine?
BOATS AT THE CLUB
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.
Building Joseph Leo is the culmination of a lifetime dream for long time Club member Gerard Hughes and it’s wonderful to see the finished vessel on both a Club hardstand and in the water.
By the time Gerard had reached his teens his father had built two timber catamarans and with sailing in his blood it became a dream for him to do the same. Having decided that the time was right, although he admits he should have made that decision in his 40s and not his 70s, he wanted to build a traditional Irish Galway Hooker but, with no plans available, he set about designing his own boat. The Galway Hooker is a fishing boat distinctive to Galway Bay and Connemara off the rugged west coast of Ireland and was developed for the strong seas there. It is identified by its sharp, clean entry, bluff bow, marked tumblehome and raked transom. Joseph Leo’s final design is based loosely on the Irish sailing fishing smack, typical in Ireland in the 19th and early 20th century, but it was necessary to make a few updates. One change was mounting an outboard motor in an inboard well forward of the transom with the leg exiting the hull as does a sail drive. The hull is constructed of 14mm Western Red Cedar strips 40mm in width over which the external has a diagonal layer of 4mm marine ply finished off with 450g coaxial fibreglass. Internally there is a layer of coaxial fibreglass applied directly over the cedar. WEST epoxy resins were used throughout the build.
With materials ordered and plans in hand Gerard was fortunate to be introduced to shipwrights Andy and Paul Macfarlane
who rented him some space in their shed for the 12 month build. Their friendly help and advice was a life saver for him on many occasions and he shall be forever grateful to them both especially as in the end the 12 month project took three years to build.
Joseph Leo is an open deck gaff rigged 6.5m LOD (7.8m with bowsprit) shallow draft hull, with a beam of 2.3m and draft of 1.3m with board down, 0.4m with board up. Ballast is 700kg with 80kg of lead inserted in the timber centreboard and the balance made up of 620kg of concrete paving brick located below the floors. Gerard built the mast himself. It’s made from Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) which is an evergreen conifer species in the pine family, Pinaceae. It is the tallest tree in the Pinaceae family. The mast is 6.5 m in height, hollow, and 22kg in weight. Both booms are solid laminated Douglas Fir.
Building a wooden mast from Douglas Fir involved carefully selecting and preparing the wood, shaping it to the desired profile and then finishing it for durability. Douglas Fir is a good choice due to its strength and availability and met all the requirements to build his mast.
The 15hp outboard is mounted on an internal bulkhead 1.3m forward of the raked transom. The outboard is in a fixed position and steering is by a conventional transom hung rudder. Gerard and his wife Susan joined the Club in 2009 and have owned two boats since then. A Duncanson 34 and a Beneteau Oceanis 381, both named
Setanta (a mythical Irish warrior). As Gerard’s father named both his boats after his mother, when naming this boat he thought it would be a nice tribute to him to name it after his father, Joseph Leo Hughes.
Gerard enjoyed every minute of the build which took typically four days a week and there were no major setbacks along the way. That was mostly due to the help from the Macfarlanes. Gerard also had plenty of support and encouragement from Club members, particularly Ron Jesche for his construction advice and John Wardel for his manpower and machining skills. Most significantly, without the near constant help of his brother-in-law Paul Roeger, he admits he might still be cutting flitches of cedar. Gerard says a big ‘thank you’ to Paul. Without the moral support and encouragement of his wife he doubts he would have started and completed a project like this. Susan was never failing in her support and encouragement and Gerard says “thank you sweetheart”. At the time of the official launch and naming ceremony earlier this year the sails were still being made. Once the boat is ready sailing will be around the coastal areas on benign seas.
Seeing this boat on her hardstand shows just how much hard work has gone into creating a true sailing vessel. Go and see her looking so splendid and give Gerard a cheer for the creation.
Thank you Gerard for sharing this journey for us all to enjoy.
Pat Catley
True Blue is a Beneteau Oceanis 46 brought into the Club by former President and current Rear Commodore Andrew Saies in late winter 2024.
The Oceanis was designed by Bruce Farr and built by Beneteau in France in 2008 and has had two previous owners. Her LOA is 47 feet, she has a beam of 4.25 metres and a draft of 1.8 metres. She weighs around 11 tons with an after fit gen-set that added to her weight and kept her well and truly at the back of the occasional Wednesday twilight race. As a successful racer for many years, Andrew admits he keeps forgetting True Blue is meant to be a cruising boat. She has a 75 hp Yanmar engine and a fixed three blade prop. The bow thrusters are a wonderful addition but Andrew is still getting the hang of powering up and on when berthing.
The configuration is a generous master cabin aft with ensuite and a double bed guest cabin up front again with an ensuite. Amidships in the main saloon is a single pilot berth that can be rigged with a lee cloth. So the boat is ideally set up for two couples or a young family unit for any extended cruising. Additionally, she has generous solar panels, a watermaker and brand new fridges, making extended offshore passages and cruising a comfortable experience. She currently has old school Raymarine instruments, radar and a new autopilot that was fitted en route in Esperance when the old unit gave up (as predicted by Andrew before she left Perth).
The TV in the main saloon allowed Andrew to watch the Australian Open tennis while sailing solo from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide at the beginning of the year. With the air conditioning and a really cold beer he admits he was disappointed when the breakwater at North Haven came up on the beam. He’d been sailing under autopilot but emerged from the cabin regularly to check for any shipping as he wasn’t ready yet to fully trust the AIS or radar alarms. The yacht underwent a full makeover in 2023 with new rigging and a range of upgrades to key functional operational equipment including a new dacron main and furling headsail. The stern davits for the dinghy and outboard cut out the hassle of packing up all this gear every time they cruise but also add more weight to the back of the boat but he has to keep reminding himself she is a cruising boat.
True Blue’s original name was L’Hirondelle which means ‘The Swallow ‘. Andrew’s earlier boats have been True North and Two True and he wanted to take some aspect of the earlier names into his new boat. They had a family ‘think tank’ as to what to rename her. There were many variations on the words true and two or too but in the end given the dark blue hull and the Aussie synergy, the name True Blue won the day. Andrew’s immediate plans are the gulf and Kangaroo Island cruising with his wife Susan and Bailey the cavoodle dog while still doing the odd Wednesday night to keep in touch with the Club and the great camaraderie of those summer sailing events. His sailing history has been predominantly racing, campaigning all around the country since 2004 until 2022 and so cruising and going when it is comfortable to go is a new challenge. He will look to go further afield in time as he really gets used to the yacht and its systems.
In her maiden year Andrew’s boat Two True won the 2009 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race overall which culminated in him being named the 2009/10 Ocean Racer of the Year, conducted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia each year. An achievement which makes our Club very proud and it’s a delight to write about the next adventure in Andrew’s life.
Thank you for sharing your new boat with us.
Pat Catley
BOATING CONVERSATIONS
It was a full house for our June Boating Conversations session. With such a strong turnout, extra chairs were needed to accommodate everyone, a testament to the interest and importance of the topic at hand.
Club members Dr Richard Harries and Rear Commodore Dr Andrew Saies delivered an excellent presentation on Medical Emergencies at Sea and how to deal with them, as they shared real-world scenarios and vital information through engaging slides and insightful commentary.
A big thank you to Andrew and Richard for their time, preparation and commitment. Their efforts made for an informative and memorable evening that left everyone better prepared for the unexpected at sea.
Medical Emergencies at Sea
Our July Boating Conversation saw a large crowd come to hear Club members Rear Commodore Dr Andrew Saies and Dr Richard Harries present Medical Emergencies at Sea. Dr Saies started the presentation detailing his extensive sailing and cruising experience and the actual medical emergencies he has been confronted with; from seasickness (minor many times, debilitating rare), lacerations, hypothermia, urinary retention to cardiac arrest (rare).
Dr Saies detailed the principles of how to manage these events at sea including prevention. All crew should declare medical issues before leaving allowing a decision on whether the risk is acceptable depending on passage type and duration. Then followed discussion of imminent life threatening events such as cardiac or respiratory arrest, massive blood loss etc and knowing your first aid response (DRS ABCD and CPR). The outcome is in your hands. Dr Saies then described major medical events that require immediate first aid and evacuation to hospital as soon as can be achieved, with the proviso that if you are concerned or in doubt – BAIL OUT.
Management on the boat requires the most experienced first aid person to monitor the patient, recording details for an effective handover to the rescuing team. The crew need to use the radio, satellite phone or mobile phone to seek expert advice and organise retrieval. Are there resources nearby that can accelerate the help? Seek advice on the time frame that can be tolerated to get medical care. Minor medical events can be managed on the boat with the right first aid experience on the boat.
Fist Aid equipment ranges from basic aids for day cruising or overnight to advanced aids including local anaesthetic, urinary catheter, AED defibrillator etc. A good manual is essential. Dr Saies recommends ‘The Ships Captain Medical Guide 23rd Edition’ Australian Sailing also recommends this text or authorised first aid manuals.
Dr Harries then presented a comprehensive overview of his expertise with assessment and treatment of burns (rope, sunburn etc) as well as a further overview of first aid treatment. The presentation was followed by spirited questioning from the audience with many areas covered including personal experience detailed.
The meeting ended with an invitation to register member’s interest for a Marine First Aid Course to be conducted here by Marine Safety Works. Please register via the QR code where there is all the information about Marine First Aid Courses and Sea Survival courses.
Kerry Smith
FISHING CONVERSATIONS
Stay Afloat Lifejacket Clinic
presented by Marine Safety SA and the CYCSA Fishing Association
August’s Boating Conversations was another hit with members. The Stay Afloat Lifejacket Clinic presented by Marine Safety SA was attended by over 20 members. We were fortunate to have Marine SA officers Bret and Samantha take us through a very thorough lesson on lifejacket Australian standards, maintenance and servicing.
The Marine SA officers provided a great deal of information related to annual self-servicing of lifejackets, including making lots of spare parts available for free to help with the maintenance of our own personal lifejackets.
Did you know that from the 1 January 2025 we must only use lifejackets that meet AS 4758? The following lifejackets of Australian Standard AS1512, AS2260 and AS1490 are no longer approved for use.
In addition we were provided with safety equipment checklists, date reminder self-adhesive labels, which allow for boat owners to record registration details of safety equipment, expiry and replacements date and increased self-awareness of safety practices for you and your crew.
I highly recommend you check out the Marine SA website for access to some of this information at: marinesafety.sa.gov.au You will find a lifejacket maintenance checklist on this site along with many of the requirements needed to ensure your lifejacket is compliant.
This Boating Conversations evening was considered very useful and important by all attendees, so we will arrange to have a repeat of this evening in 2026. I look forward to inviting you closer to the date.
The Fishing Association sincerely thank Marine SA and the two wonderful officers who willingly gave up their personal time to help us keep safe on the water.
PS. It wasn’t all serious learning we also had some fun when a couple of our members pulled the actuator cord and toggle on a lifejacket.
The evening continued with most enjoying another wonderful meal and a glass of wine or three in our lovely Bistro. Our thanks to Haresh and his team for preparing the presentation room and looking after us during the evening.
Vadis Rodato
That from 1 January 2025 we must only use lifejackets that meet AS 4758.
Stay connected – Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Fishing group.
Welcome New Members
Over the last three months the following people have joined the Club. Please make them welcome.
Andrew Angel, Wayne Caldinez, Thomas Crease, Lucy Cree, Marilyn Evans, Amedeo Fioravanti, Stephen Jenkins, Dimitrios Liapis, Nicola Lieff, Christopher Main, Michelle Perugini, David Petrie, Leanne Savill, Kaspar Schibli, Nigel Thompson, Calin Went and Ryan Williams.
The Social Association added another highlight to their fun-filled agenda by hosting a Quiz Night on Friday 13 June. What was intended as a light-hearted evening quickly turned into a packed event, with close to 100 enthusiastic members and guests arriving, thinking caps firmly on and ready to compete. Laughter echoed through the room as teamks whispered answers, debated trivia and celebrated their wins, big and small. Some of the questions were surprisingly challenging sparking friendly rivalries and lots of great banter. Of course one table had the honour of receiving the traditional wooden spoons for coming in last, all taken in good humour of course.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the administration staff, especially Mellissa for the outstanding work on the question slides which added a polished and professional touch to the evening. The scoreboard helpers and markers certainly had their work cut out for them keeping up with the fast paced action. What a fabulous job the MC Adrian Wilson did, whose energy and quick wit kept the night running smoothly and everyone thoroughly entertained.
Thank you to Club member Bill Partington from Wintulichs Smallgoods who generously donated a selection of small goods allowing the Head Chef to present an abundance of beautifully prepared platters. It was a truly memorable evening of fun, teamwork and Club spirit, another success for the Social Association.
Giorgina Gauci Chair, Social Association
Stay connected –Scan the QR code to join our Facebook Social group.
SOCIAL ASSOCIATION CRUISINGYACHT CLUBOF SA
The Social Association’s High Tea held on Sunday 20 July was a resounding success for the second year running. With close to 80 members and friends in attendance the event was both wellsupported and warmly received. Guests were delighted by the inviting and luxurious ambiance and the afternoon was made all the more memorable by the beautiful music of James, a brilliant flautist whose performance captivated the room. Congratulations to the lucky guests who took home raffle prizes. The Social Association Committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the CYCSA staff for their dedication and hard work in helping make the event such a success.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire committee for their dedication as they consistently go above and beyond to ensure every Social Association event is not only enjoyable but a great success
Giorgina Gauci Chair, Social Association
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 – $10,000 All offers considered, C13 – $33,000 C05 – $15,000
10m tw: A09, A10, from $30,000, A14 – $20,000 offers considered A15 – $9,995, A33 – $9,800 ono, A35 – $5,000 ono A28, A38, F09, F28 – All offers considered, A40 – $9,000 ono, A21 – $15,000, F14 – $18,000 – all offers considered, F18 – $20,000, F25 – $15,000, A20, F26 – Reduced to $20,000, F34, F37, F38 – 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 11m tw: A41 – $35,000
12m tw: D20, D35, D36- from $29,000,D28 –$35,000 – All offers considered., D19 – $22,000, D37 – $20,000 – All offers considered urgent sale, E13 – All offers considered E26, E27, E30, E31 – $35,000 All offers considered 12m s: D08, D17, E07, E10, – from $60,000 D04, D21, E03, E04, E05, E22, E23 – All offers considered D18 – Reduced to $40,000 – All offers considered E32 – $30,000 – All offers considered, E33 – $40,000
13m tw: C23 – Reduced to $40,000 – All offers considered A44 – Reduced to $25,000 – All offers considered
13m s: D40 – $60,000
14m s: A46 – $65,000, C24, – $120,000, C27 – $50,000 offers considered, C25 All offers considered, C29 – $100,000 offers considered
15m s: C35- from $145,000, C39 – $40,000 – All offers considered B32 – $85,000 – offers considered, B26 – $115,000 B31 – All offers considered
16m s: B17 –$160,000 ono (All offers considered), B20 –$159,000 B16 – $110,000 – Offers Considered, B22 – $150,000 – All offers considered, B18 –$120,000 – All offers considered
HARDSTANDS FOR SALE
9m: HS20, HS60 under offer, HS54, HS70 from $3,500 HS22 – $3,400, HS81, HS82 – $3,300, HS64 – $3,200 ono, HS09 – $3,000, HS12 – $1,750, HS10 - neg, contact Club
10m: HS109 $5,000, HS108 $10,000 ono
12m: HS04 – $9,000, HS124 – $7,000
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 – $10,000
14m: M07 – $40,000 – All offers considered 15m: N03 – Reduced to $50,000 – offers considered M08 – All 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, K01 – $70,000 K05 – All reasonable offers considered K10 – All offers considered, L02 – $195,000
25m: M14 – $290,000
27m: M16 – All offers considered
30m: K16 – $475,000
BERTHS FOR SALE AT PORT VINCENT MARINA
10m tw: A02, A05, A17, A18, A21, A22, A23 – from $15,000, A20 – $12,000, A08 – $10,000 A10 – all offers considered
12m tw: C53, C63 – from $28,000, B29, B33 – $5,000 offers considered, C60 – Reduced to $20,000 B34, C61 – All offers considered
12m s: B44, C47 – from $29,000 B25 – $25,000 – All offers considered 14m s: D70 – $40,000 – offers considered D78 – from $45,000, D77– Offers invited D73 – $25,000
15m s: D84 – $39,000, D85 – $45,000 – ONO
20m T: A12 – $200,000, B35 – $125,000
24m T: C58 – All 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.
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