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CLUB NEWS

02 WATERLINE

HIGH TIDES

Add one hour for daylight savings

OCTOBER The Bay of Plenty’s own boating, fishing, diving, yachting and watersports news.

PH 07-578 0030 FAX 07-571 1116 PO Box 240, Tauranga.

1 The Strand, Tauranga email: brian@thesun.co.nz Waterline advertising & editorial deadlines

Edition Deadline

November 2011 14 October

December 2011 2 December

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1:25 2:17 3:08 3:59

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NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We

4:50 5:41 0:31 1:26 2:24 3:21 4:17 5:09 5:57 0:22 1:03 1:42 2:20 2:59 3:38 4:19 5:02 5:49 0:33 1:29 2:30 3:33 4:36 5:36 0:08 1:03 1:56 2:48 3:38 4:27

0 0.1 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 0 0 0 0 0 0.1

DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We

5:17 0:05 0:56 1:49 2:43 3:38 4:31 5:22 6:09 0:28 1:10 1:51 2:33 3:14

0.2 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2

7:47 8:40 9:33 10:25

2 2 2 2

13:50 14:44 15:37 16:30

0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

20:04 20:58 21:50 22:43

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8

11:18 12:12 6:35 7:30 8:27 9:25 10:21 11:12 12:00 6:42 7:24 8:04 8:42 9:21 10:00 10:41 11:24 12:11 6:40 7:36 8:35 9:37 10:38 11:38 6:34 7:29 8:23 9:15 10:05 10:56

1.9 1.8 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 1.9 1.9 2 2 1.9 1.9

17:24 0.2 23:37 1.8 18:18 0.2 13:06 1.8 19:13 0.3 14:00 1.7 20:09 0.3 14:54 1.7 21:05 0.4 15:47 1.6 21:59 0.4 16:37 1.6 22:50 0.4 17:25 1.6 23:38 0.3 18:10 1.6 12:43 0.4 18:52 1.6 13:25 0.4 19:34 1.7 14:05 0.4 20:14 1.7 14:45 0.4 20:53 1.7 15:25 0.4 21:33 1.6 16:07 0.4 22:13 1.6 16:50 0.4 22:56 1.6 17:36 0.3 23:42 1.6 18:26 0.3 13:02 1.7 19:19 0.3 13:57 1.7 20:15 0.3 14:55 1.8 21:13 0.2 15:54 1.8 22:13 0.2 16:53 1.8 23:11 0.1 17:51 1.8 12:36 0.2 18:49 1.9 13:32 0.1 19:45 1.9 14:27 0.1 20:39 1.9 15:20 0.1 21:31 1.8 16:12 0.1 22:23 1.8 17:03 0.2 23:14 1.7

11:46 6:07 6:58 7:50 8:45 9:39 10:32 11:22 12:09 6:53 7:36 8:17 8:58 9:39

1.8 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8

17:54 0.2 12:35 1.8 18:44 0.3 13:25 1.7 19:35 0.3 14:15 1.7 20:26 0.4 15:04 1.6 21:18 0.4 15:54 1.6 22:09 0.4 16:43 1.6 22:58 0.4 17:31 1.6 23:44 0.3 18:17 1.6 12:54 0.4 19:02 1.6 13:37 0.4 19:45 1.7 14:19 0.4 20:28 1.7 15:02 0.3 21:10 1.7 15:45 0.3 21:53 1.7

Tauranga tide heights in metres.

Bowentown: subtract 5 minutes from Tauranga (both HW and LW) Katikati (Kauri Point): add 30 minutes to Tauranga (both HW and LW) Whitianga: High Water subtract 2 minutes from Tauranga HW tide; Low Water add 2 minutes to Tauranga Low Water.

Every effort has been made to ensure that these times and tides are correct, no responsibility will be accepted for any inaccuracies, omissions, or misuse or misinterpretation of the values for tides and times published. Times used in the tide predictions are in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST1).

RENA

WATERLINE 03

Things that go crash in the night

CLUB NEWS Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

TYPBC Women on Water Tauranga Marine Industry Association

Mt Maunganui Yacht Club

Omokoroa Boat Club

Well the Rena on the Astrolabe Reef is not new news anymore, but it will continue to effect boating in the bay of Plenty for some time that is for sure.

Imagine the crash and violence as that ship ran up the reef at something like seventeen knots.

I must say I get very annoyed with comments from people who say things should have happened sooner to remove the oil or should have towed the ship off straight away – in both cases, what with?

You have to admire the courage of the salvors working on that boat knowing

things could turn to custard very quickly.

Working on a 20 degree slope is no easy task, let alone one that is moving as well and 1300-odd containers wanting to break free around and above you.

The Clipper around the World Yacht race is scheduled to arrive in Tauranga from November 25 so we are keeping a wary eye on the Rena situation.

The race organisers are still keen to come here as they see that as a positive thing for Tauranga amongst the problems we have.

We will continue to monitor the situation and make the necessary decision whether to sail or cancel our events in all divisions over the next weeks or months whatever the case may be. Commodore Wayne Eaton

You know you want to!

It’s not long now ladies until life changes for the better, with the start of WOW’s 2011-2012 season. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete beginner, WOW is for you!

All you need is some sunscreen, sunnies, a jacket, white-soled shoes, and (the most important part), the desire to be out on the water and having some fun!

Every year WOW teaches women how to sail and how to love sailing, regardless of age or background.

Each race is free to TYPBC members (only $15 per for non-members or you can prepay for all nine races for just $90).

Other YNZ-affiliated club members pay just $5 per race or $45 prepay.

From its humble beginnings in 2001, WOW has grown to the point where we have well over 100 women per night,

racing on up to 20 yachts. Our first race is on November 3 and we’d love to see you there!

Simply visit www.yacht.org.nz and read the WOW handbook, print out the Individual Safety Declaration Form, then register with Megan Harris at www.tauranga@gmail.com, giving your full name, age, contact/mobile phone number, and any experience or boat preference you have.

Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never been sailing at all – WOW is for you.

Our two divisions, Racing Division and Cruising Division, ensure that there is the perfect boat out there for everyone.

Arrival at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club by 5.15 pm with your completed Safety Form will ensure enough time to get down to each boat by 5.30 pm. Then, let the sailing begin!

After each race it’s time to head back

up to the TYPBC for prize giving, spot prizes, raffles, and a chance to purchase WOW merchandise.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get to know each other a bit better, and to make lifelong friends.

Of course, we couldn’t do this without our sponsors, so a huge thank you goes to Mills Reef Winery, Aussie Butcher Tauranga, Synergy Vitality Spa, Healthy Inspirations, Cambrian Meats, Le Chat Noir, Pacific Landscapes and Gardening, and Mount Mellick.

Remember, you must register by the Tuesday before each WOW night to avoid disappointment – contact Megan at the aforementioned email address or 07 578 7105.

Don’t miss this opportunity to do what you’ve always wanted to. Life is short, so let’s pack all the fun and excitement we can into it – starting with WOW!

By Nicole Harris

Calling all yachts - all shapes and sizes On January 14, 2012, the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club Keeler Committee has organised a cruising weekend sailing up to Slipper Island.

This is not a race, but a fun weekend for anyone wishing to come along, and meet up with some fellow sailors.

Anyone is welcome to participate.

It is intended to hold an informal function on the Saturday afternoon.

Those wishing to come along can contact the club so it can keep you updated with further details. Email address is office@yacht.org,nz

Opening plans well underway Welcome to spring at the Boat Club. As most of you are aware, the extensions are all but complete.

Great to see a large turn out for the Rugby World Cup – Go the ABs. The furniture has been ordered and should arrive as soon as the grandstand has been removed, tidying up entrance lawn area is also well underway, thank you to all the willing helpers.

The official opening is planned for November 12 and arrangements are underway, look out for a news flash.

Our current kitchen contractor has given two months’ notice, the committee is presently advertising for a new contractor, it is hoped by the interest the ads have generated a new contractor will be able to start on November 18. Your committee is aware some club members think that now the extensions are complete hireage will override members’ needs.

You can be assured these concerns have been taken onboard.

At our most recent committee meeting it was reinforced that the hire of our club rooms is incidental and must not restrict member’s full enjoyment.

No weddings will take place on public holidays or between December 18 and the end of January.

The other issue discussed was the regular usage of the cub by non members or incorrectly classified members. Remember it is the responsibility of all members to ensure the rules are adhered to. If you are aware of any

irregularities please bring them to the attention of any committee member.

Mike and Joe

Two 90 year old men, Mike and Joe, have been friends all of their lives. When it’s clear that Joe is dying, Mike visits him every day.

One day Mike says: “Joe, we both loved rugby all our lives, and we played rugby on Saturdays together for so many years. Please do me one favour when you get to heaven, somehow you must let me know if there’s rugby there.”

Joe looks up at Mike from his death bed: “Mike, you’ve been my best friend for many years. If it’s at all possible, I’ll do this favour for you.”

Shortly after that, Joe passes on. At midnight a couple of nights later, Mike is awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to him, “Mike – Mike”.

“Who is it?” asks Mike sitting up suddenly.

“Who is it?”

“Mike – it’s me, Joe.” “You’re not Joe. Joe just died.”

“I’m telling you, it’s me, Joe,” insists the voice.

“Joe! Where are you?”

“In heaven,” replies Joe. “I have some really good news and a little bad news.”

“Tell me the good news first,” says Mike.

“The good news,” Joe says, “is that there’s rugby in heaven. Better yet, all of our old friends who died before us are here, too.

Better than that, we’re all young again. Better still, it's always spring time and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play rugby

all we want, and we never get tired.”

“That’s fantastic,” says Mike.

“It’s beyond my wildest dreams! So what’s the bad news?”

“You’re in the Starting XV for Tuesday.”

Unfortunate fire

A married couple were out fishing and when they started the motor to return ashore, some leaking fuel exploded and the woman's face was severely burned. In great pain, the woman was taken to hospital where the doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graft any skin from her body because she was too skinny. So the husband offered to donate some of his own skin.

However, the only skin on his body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from his buttocks. The husband and wife agreed that they would tell no-one about where the skin came from, and requested that the doctor also honour their secret.

After all, this was a very delicate matter.

After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the woman’s new beauty.

She looked more beautiful than she ever had before! All her friends and relatives just went on and on about her youthful beauty! Finally, she was at last sitting in the boat again, alone with her husband. She was overcome with emotion at the thought of his unselfish sacrifice. She said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me, there is no way I could ever repay you.”

“My darling,” he replied, “I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.”

Education at the Omokoroa Boat Club The purpose of these classes is to empower our community with knowledge to keep them informed and safe.

The classes will be relevant to the theme of our club i.e... Boating and local resources. By doing this we are giving back to the community while at the same time offering great membership benefits.

There are 2 types of courses available at this stage. Both are run by Coast Guard educators.

1. Two sessions held on two nights from 7-9pm. You can attend one or both.

Monday 7 Nov.... Buoys and Beacons, Emergency situations. Monday 14 Nov....

Rules of the road at sea (this is a great refresher or precursor for the day skipper course).

These courses are open to members and their friends for a donation to Coast Guard at the door.

2. Coast Guard Day Skipper Course This is a very valuable course for everyone involved in any kind of boating activities.

It offers you skills and knowledge to make your boating experience safe and pleasurable. This course is NCEA accredited and you will receive a nationally recognized certificate at the end. There is an exam at the end but don’t worry, it is the goal of coast guard to make sure everyone passes!

This course runs for approximately 15

hours. 6.30-9.30pm Mon 28 and Tues 29 Nov, Mon 5th and Tues 6th Dec. 9am-2pm Saturday 10 Dec. The Day Skipper is normally $170 but for our members only you can attend for just $100 and to other attendants $150.

Bookings essential. Also if you are a member of our club you can join Coast Guard for a reduced rate. Normal membership is $85 - with proof of OBC membership join for just $75. Watch out for other courses coming soon such as fishing tips and First Aid. For any other courses you may want to see included and for bookings please contact Tracy on 07 5481018 eves or tatall@eol.co.nz

Assessing the marine impact of Rena grounding You will all be aware of the impacts of the grounding of MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef.

This disaster has the ability to change your boating activities dramatically within the Bay of Plenty region.

There are certain things that you need to be vigilant on while you are using your boat. The main thing is debris in the water which would consist of containers,

timber and other items that were aboard the Rena.

Contact with these could possibly do serious damage to your boat.

The other issue will be the fuel oil in the water and this can have effects on your cooling systems and your paint systems.

You need to monitor your temperature gauges as the oil can block your engine intake strainers or your heat exchanges for

your engines and refrigeration.

The Tauranga Marine Industry Association have experienced members that can assist you with any of the above issues so you could refer to our website www.tmia. co.nz for a directory of our members or contact any of our members directly.

Please keep your boating safe in these troubled times leading up to Christmas.

Happy Boating from the TMIA.

Another successful legends The 2011 Legends Regatta is over for another year and dare I say….will be one of the most memorable as it went hand in hand with the AB’s sneaking a win from the French for the Webb Ellis Cup. Leaving the woes of the Bay and the Rena behind, the majority of the 20 strong fleet, headed out of the harbour at first light on Friday morning (21 Oct). An amended start line at “A” beacon and leaving Karewa to starboard lessened the odds of bumping or slipping into Rena’s debris.

The open water met the fleet with an abundance of wind, even a little much at times. As Karewa was left to stern, many skippers were faced with answering a simple question; “Do I reef now….. or hold off?” Those who answered “Now” were comfortably positioned to meet the 35 knot gusts ahead. Those who waited… well…some fast deck work was required.

What a ride

The wind stayed in all the way to Slipper Island with the drops to 20 knots seeming like a small holiday. 15 minutes of relief forced one or two boats to turn on their engines until the shelter of the Pauanui headland was a beam….and then it was back.

Unforgiving steady winds and more reefing required.

The Cove at Great Mercury wasn’t as sheltered as the skippers and crews might have liked but was certainly welcome along with a pair of large dolphins escorting every boat in. It was just as well that Instigator 3 was anchored proud in the middle of the Cove, as the boats came in, there was plenty for Dave to do in his tender.

Duty Free found herself digging a hole in the mud and along buzzed Dave to assist. Sally off Silkie tossed her tender over with great relief as she entered the Cove, bouncing the seat out but this was spotted by the ever vigilant Dave and recovered in moments.

A losing battle

Not happy with his anchorage on the edge of the wind band, Skipper Terry off Sea Beagle tried a reconnaissance trip in his tender to investigate a nearby swing mooring, only to find himself losing the battle with wind. Along came Dave, weaving thru the fast filling Cove to the rescue. For these brave acts, demonstrating selfless courage…..and getting really really wet, Dave Peet earned himself the title “Legends Lifesaver”.

The next morning revealed some pretty weary crews with one or two tales to tell.

Silas Marner tested her safety equipment to the fullest and Michelle was extremely thankful that the one time she had clipped on, turned into the occasion she would need to be. Doug handed control of Wizard to a Power Co guest, resulting in a dramatic change of course and chaos. Hanse Free had her jib tightly furled in but the ragged pieces and fluffy bits where a UV strip once was, was a hint of the destruction that lay beneath. Not only were boats battered on the journey, bodies were as well. Cherie counted bruises the next morning over coffee on Windarra and Kent off Not Negotiable, recons he had “Flu” but it is yet to be confirmed whether it was “Rum” flu or “Man” flu!

Saturday’s race was delayed until later than scheduled, waiting for wind to die…..and die it did leaving a small keen fleet struggling its way to round Never Fail Rock. It was as well this was a short course. The prize giving on shore in the evening, revealed a few more stories of the journey up…..and one or two more recent.

It was noted that Gillian’s skipper (Jim) looked as if he’d had a scrub up but the real story is that he momentarily saw the bottom of his dinghy just before prize giving…while it was in the water!

Sunday dawned revealing the Cove at its best, quiet smooth waters and the same for the Bay beyond.

the Cove in plenty of time to relax and prepare for the AB’s challenge against France.

There was no time for Wil off Windarra to relax though.

Results of the race needed calculating and the all important equipment required for the game, needed setting up on shore.

With no time to spare, he returned to Windarra to pick up the last couple of bits with a very large smile on his dial signaling that the signal on shore was strong and clear. With the screen steadied against a pump shed, the satellite dish making contact and the beautiful Cove as a back drop, around 60 people enjoyed the most magic of “Fan Zones”. The small knoll was littered with rugs, chilly bins and smiley faces as they watched the AB’s win the cup and give the country something to celebrate in this year where poor ol’ NZ has been dealt a couple of low blows.

The ride home was the exact opposite of the ride up. Most boats motor sailed all the way home under warm windless skies. I doubt whether there were any complaints, though.

This regatta continues to be a success every year achieving the main aim, to promote fair play, skill, friendship and fun. If you haven’t experienced it yet, give it some serious thought for next year.

By Carol Andrews……..giving the last word of thanks to the sponsors of this fantastic regatta: PowerCo: Dave Peet Jewellers; Electrical Works; Steve’s Marine Supplies; Bridge Marina Travel Lift; Mills Reef Winery; Radio Network; Wild Kiwi Clothing; Sewhot Monograms; Blokart.

Another delay in racing but this time to wait for wind to come in. A few more boats joined the round the island race which proved to be hard work round the back of the island. Light wind saw the boats struggling to make headway. Patience and a tactic not to take the last corner too wide, paid off and most boats made it back to

MOUNT MAUNGANUI YACHT CLUB NEWS

Fair play, skill, friendship and fun

GPS is not so perfect Discrepancies in data sets between radar displays and chart plotters were part of a real world navigation lesson while Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard’s TECT Rescue took a media party out to view the stranded container ship Rena, recently.

While the cause of Rena’s collision with the well charted reef is not yet known, navigation error is suspected.

Relying solely upon chart plotters is always considered a bit of a risk because chart plotter data sets can be made up from outdated information, and the GPS system is operated by the US Government.

It is subject to changes which could affect

Skipper Pete Donaldson instructs crew member Scott Hodge on the vagaries of chart plotter/radar discrepancies with Geoff Tarr at the helm.

the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment anywhere.

The marriage of GPS with chartplotters provides real time latitude and longitude information, which indicates a boat’s position on a chart in real time.

However, the location on a chart does not always agree with the location reported by radar.

An overlay of the radar and the electronic chart can show a difference in target locations.

As one electronic navigation aid manufacturer recommends: “Always supplement the electronic information provided by this instrument with other plotting sources such as observations, depth soundings, radar and hand compass bearings.”

Time for summer safety checks Coastguard is urging boaties to start of season safety checks a priority to ensure everyone is safe on the water.

While it is understandable that many Kiwis can get caught up in the excitement of summer’s arrival, it is also important to remember that safety on the water needs to be a priority, says Coastguard New Zealand President, Colin Small.

“Given that many vessels will have been out of action over winter, it is important that skippers keep safety top of mind, check all equipment and make sure the vessel is seaworthy by carrying out regular maintenance checks,” says Colin.

Coastguard recommends making the following vessel checks: - Checking batteries to see if they need replacing or charging - Replacing old or stale fuel - Check the fuel filters for water - Ensuring safety and communication equipment is up to date, functional and has not been misplaced. This includes flares, lifejackets, torches, locator beacons and a working marine VHF radio “Having a working Marine VHF radio, flares or locator beacons is

especially important because without them, it is impossible to alert Coastguard if you get into difficulty,” says Colin.

“When it comes to communication, we also recommend that skippers always log a trip report via VHF radio and to carry a charged cell phone kept in a waterproof bag for backup.”

Boaties should also check the marine weather forecast before venturing out and when out on the water, continue to monitor this using Coastguard’s NowCasting service which provides up-to date marine, wind strength and marine weather forecasts via VHF radio across most of New Zealand.

“Conditions at sea can change very quickly so it’s imperative that boaties check the marine forecast before departing. Even if the conditions are clear, it is crucial that you always tell someone trustworthy where you are going in case of an emergency,” says Colin.

Coastguard runs a series of public boating safety courses including practical powerboat training, day skipper courses and marine VHF radio training.

For more information about the range of courses available, visit www.cbes.org.nz