Waterline December 2014

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DECEMBER 2014

Tim Taylor, kayak fishing expert and round New Zealand kayaker has a new goal in his sights. See page 7.

02 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

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WATERLINE 03

DECEMBER 2014

Brent Wylie in traditional diving dress.

Construction diver Brent Wylie has always had a desire to dive in traditional standard dress. An opportunity presented itself recently while on a job on the Edgewater Fan pontoons in Tauranga.

The job was to replace some of the wooden piles, which were damaged in an easterly storm in June with steel piles sleeved in high density polyethylene tubes (HDPE).

Three piles broke in the June storm, but an investigation of the remaining piles found they were all worm-infested to some degree and the risk of them breaking in future was high.

All the piles were replaced because the cost of mobilising the re-piling rig is the same for 12 piles as it is for one. The total cost of the re-piling is just under $190,000.

Part of Brent’s job was to cut through the wooden piles close to the sea floor using an air-driven chainsaw, and the location and type of job was ideally suited to using standard dress.

The standard dress Brent used was provided

by Tauranga-based commercial d owner of diving company and the 1947 suit. riBrent’s other experience in the helmet diving is out on the Rena, where the divers wear the modern version of the old-style diving helmet. ng The old-style diving rd gear is called Standard

Dress by divers. It was developed in the mid19th Century and has remained virtually the same since, with advancess in performance but not ht. much in looks – or weight. eigh h A full diving dress can weigh up to 80kg. oof suit A diver wears a waterproof ed boots and da weighed down by weighted heavy weight belt. The diver has air pumped from the surface into the copper and brass helmet to breathe while the suit is sealed to the helmet. Divers say these suits are the driest they have ever worn.

The diver remains connected to the surface by an umbilical that provides the compressed air for breathing and the intercom, allowing the diver and the surface operator to communicate.

It is walking diving, as opposed to swimming diving which has become almost universal following the commercial development of the aqualung after the Second World War. Standard diving dress can be used up to depths of 180m in sea water, provided a suitable breathing gas mixture is used.

Air or other breathing gas may be supplied from hand pumps, compressors, or banks of high pressure storage ccylinders, generally through a hose from the surface, though some models are autonomous, with built-in rebreathers or compressed gas supplies.

The earliest diving suits, known as dresses, were made of w waterproofed canvas invented by Ch Charles Mackintosh.

Fr m the th early rl 1800s 1800 and nd From throughout most of the 2 20th Century, most Standard D Dresses consisted of a solid shee of rubber between layers of sheet can called twill. tan canvas Their thick vulcanized rubber collar Their i clamped l d to the h corselet making the joint is waterproof.

The inner collar or bib was made of the same material as the dress and pulled up inside the corselet and around the diver’s neck. The wrist cuffs are also made of vulcanized rubber.

The helmet is usually made of copper with soldered brass fittings. The windows are known as lights or ports with the front port usually opening by being screwed out or a hinge. There are two goose neck fittings on the back, one has a non-return valve and is the connection for the air line. The other for the telephone.

Diving helmets, while very heavy, displace a great deal of water and combined with the air in the dress, would make the diver float with his head out of the water, if not for the weights.

Some helmets are weighted, while most divers wear weighted boots and weighted belts which have straps that go over the base of the helmet.

Helmet divers are still subject to the same pressure limitations as other divers, such as decompression sickness and nitrogen narcosis.

Brent’s ambition has now been fulfilled and he received some positive feedback from the posting on his Facebook page.

By Andrew Campbell

04 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

Scorpion packs a real sting After 54 years of boat-building experience, design and development, the new generation Scorpion 470 Cuddy is one of many top performing boats produced by Sportcraft Marine, and is ranked a fearful competitor for volume and performance.

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DECEMBER 2014

Unbeatable volume:

Safety:

Packed with the huge fishing area traditionally offered by a 6m boat, the 470 is a big volume boat that also boasts a generous cabin space for storage, separate anchor locker with opening cabin hatch to anchoring a breeze.

At rest, the wide beam of this new generation 470 offers stability that you would find hard to beat in a boat this size.

The hull design encompasses a fully sealed underfloor buoyancy chamber and built tough with a 4mm hull thinkness. Fitted standard with LED navigation lighting and bilge pump, you have peace of mind when you hit the water.

Everything you could need: The Scorpion 470 Cuddy is packed with features such as a front windscreen with excellent visibility, twin-upholstered single pedestal seating at the helm that swivel 360 degrees, side pocket storage to the cockpit, rear seating with squabs, grab rails, rod holders, bow rail, boarding platform and ladder, bait station, canvas canopy, colour fish and a VHF Radio. Just add fishing rods and bait!

Engine power: Sportcraft Marine is agents for Mercury and Honda outboards and have a wide range of options available to suite your needs. Packages for the 470 start at $26,995.00 powered with a Mercury 50hp Two stroke.

The boat tested was powered by a Honda 50hp Four Stroke and packaged at $31,500.

Call the team at Sportcraft Marine today and get an unbeatable deal for the summer!

06 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

A smorgasbord of summer reading A handful of interesting books have arrived on the Waterline newsdesk in recent times, some of them look like essential reading for a Kiwi summer on the water.

First up are a couple from esteemed fisho Mark Kitteridge. This bloke really knows his stuff. We had the pleasure of meeting Mark at a fishing festival in Vava’u a few years back and he is a walking encylopedia of fishing advice.

‘Catch More Snapper’ explains exactly that. Described

by Mark as New Zealand’s favourite fish, he methodically details how to consistently and regularly catch snapper, by understanding the fish, habits, preferences and life cycle. Most importantly, what motivates it to eat your bait or lure.

So much has changed with techniques and gear since Mark’s first book. This new publication deals with every method, from the traditional cut bait right through to the latest plastics, slow jigs and other new-fangled fishing systems.

This is a comprehensive book with illustrations and colour pictures on every one of the 250 pages.

It has inspired several members of our family to lift their game and it has brought results to the dinner table!

‘Knots, Rigs and Baits, A Kiwi Guide’ is another great title from Mark, which takes saltwater fishos through the various rigs, tackle and techniques to target popular species in different situations.

Again the book has colour photos and drawings on every page (see pg 208).

Both books are published by The Halcyon Press.

‘Why Trout Usually Win’ by Graeme Marshall is dubbed ‘the guides’ book of fishing excuses’.

It’s a treasure of stories, information, anecdotes and tips for the freshwater fisho. Graeme says there are easier ways of catching trout, but the fascination of fly fishing endures into the modern era.

“Despite major advances in equipment and countless variations on patterns of fly, the actual method is remarkably faithful to that pioneered by the earliest exponents.”

Graeme draws on a 30-year-plus career of fly fish guiding, plus some input from his peers, to bring to print 220 pages of yarns, tips and some stunning photography.

I was particularly impressed with his attitude to dealing with a relatively new phenomenon on our rivers and lakes – more boats, people, dogs and even the intrusion of industry and farming.

“It’s all part of the scene.”

This books is published by The Halcyon Press.

‘The Kiwi Surfcasting Guide’ is a new release

by Andy Mcleod, which he says contains all you need to know to master the art of surfcasting in New Zealand. Even if you’re already an accomplished rock or beach fisher, there will be plenty to reel in from reading this.

Andy has fished right around our coastline and has included a guide to the fishing opportunities in all regions. The softcover 144 pages includes plenty of colour and B&W photos from Andy’s travels.

The perfect book for the roving fisho or motor-caravanner.

RRP $30 and published by Bateman.

‘New Zealand Whitewater 5: 180 Great Kayak Runs’ by Graham Charles takes the adventure seeker on a rollercoaster ride on the best kayaking rivers of the nation.

It is essential reading for any whitewater junkie. Even old school paddlers…I couldn’t put this book down until I’d relived scores of wild water expeditions from years gone by.

As the title suggests, it’s the fifth revision of the book first written in 1996 and self-published by Graham, based in Hokitika.

There are plenty of maps and pictures, mostly B&W in the 332 pages.

The diagrams are particularly useful for those seeking access points, if your put in and out knowledge is a bit rusty. Vitally important from a safety point of view, this book is a one-stop resource to conquering and surviving, New Zealand’s best whitewater runs.

‘The Story of the America’s Cup 1851-2013’ Sumptuous and extravagant. Probably the best way to sum up this stunning publication by Ranulf Rayner, with extensive paintings by Tim Thompson. This is saloon conversation and coffee table glory at its finest.

A big format, decadent and delightful romp through the annals of history, with the pomp and absurdity; controversy and innovation that we know as the America’s Cup. A must-have title for the most engaged cup fanatics. Probably too flash for my boat; I’ll find someone with a varnished stateroom to give it away to!

Full colour, hard cover and 104 pages of posh.

Published by Bateman.

By Brian Rogers

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DECEMBER 2014

Speed kayak record bid Tim Taylor, round New Zealand kayaker, writer and kayak fishing guide is prepping for the 24-hour kayak record intending an attempt in March/April 2015.

He’s planning to kayak from Auckland’s Omaha Beach to Tauranga, a distance of about 220km during the time period. The current 24-hour record is 194km.

He’s departing from Omaha because it will give him more of a straight run across the Hauraki Gulf, and the trip is weather dependent.

“I want a bit of a northerly swell to be following me the whole way,” says Tim. It means he’ll hopefully have the same sea state right through, instead of having to punch into a northerly while paddling out of Auckland then have cross winds across the Firth of Thames.

“It’s more of a straight run if you go across the Gulf and down the Bay of Plenty, it’s a bit easier with the forecasts. Then you have also got tides and stuff which affect you if you’re inside of the harbour.

“It’s a nice stretch and Auckland-Tauranga happened to be about the right length; and

it’s quite cool to be able to paddle from Auckland to Tauranga as well.”

Tim was running round the Mount one day when the question popped into his head, ‘what is the world record for sea kayaking?’

Tim’s no stranger to kayak records. He’s the first person to attempt to paddle round NZ as a solo voyage.

He’s only the second person to have kayaked round the country and Stewart Island; he’s the youngest, and the quickest.

He set out from the Wairoa River for East Cape on November 27, 2010, and returned from Tairua on February 28, 2012.

“So I started looking into it, like there’s records for everything. But the 24-hour one is the one I decided to attempt.”

After he decided on the attempt he then consulted on the best kayak, because there’s no restriction on the type of kayak that can be used.

“Everybody just said surf ski, because it’s the fastest thing you can get.”

Unlike the surf lifesaving skis with a flared bow, Tim’s found a long-distance type with a pointed bow.

Well, it was found for him. When he put the word out, one of his paddling advi-

Tim paddling the surf ski in Pilot Bay

sors contacted the Think brand sea kayaks importer, who got in touch with former kayaking Olympian Ian Ferguson, now director of Ferg’s Kayaks.

“The guy who imports these kayaks wanted me in the Think brand, helped me getting on board with Ian,” says Tim. “It was quite surprising, I didn’t have much choice in the matter.

“It’s worth $7000. It’s not even my surf ski, I’ve got to give it back afterwards. A bit frustrating because I wanted to put a rod holder in it for while I’m training.

“I average a speed of about 12km/h in it, so it’s incredibly fast.”

Dave Jaggs at Beyond Personal Training has Tim spending lots of time at the gym doing sprint work to build muscle before he starts doing the long distance training, says Tim. During summer, while most people are kicking back and lying about, Tim will be paddling, taking people kayak fishing and going straight back after for distance training in the surf ski.

Tim’s also the author of ‘A Complete Guide to New Zealand Kayak Fishing’, the only kayak fishing book ever written for NZ conditions. It sold out. By Andrew Campbell

08 WATERLINE

A roadie south

SEPTEMBER 2014

The Waterline crew needed a break, after a long winter of slogging it out in the media frontlines.

A road trip seemed like a good option. Anything that avoided the task of antifouling the yacht seemed a great idea. So when our friends, the new managers at Mistletoe Bay eco lodge in the Marlborough Sounds suggested a visit, we loaded up the truck with a couple of kayaks and headed south on a two-week roadie.

French Pass ss First stop was a couple of nights in Martinborough for wine sampling. It was a great wind-down from work and a relaxing couple of days to ease into holiday mode. The wine connoisseur of the family was in heaven as we tripped from estate to cellar door, sampling and gradually filling the Jeep with bottled ballast.

With enough supplies to lubricate a small French village, it was an easy run from there to Wellie to catch a ferry, where the Jeep and kayaks ended up on the rear open deck for a blustery but fairly flat ride across the strait.

As usual, some paddlers in the crew spend half the trip wildly speculating on paddling the strait, rather than taking the easy option.

Not this day, however, in the 30-40 knot breeze and sizeable chop.

Waikawa Bay Overnighting in Waikawa Bay at Picton, we yarned at the local watering hole, appropriately called The Jolly Roger, about plans for paddling the Sounds.

Days of forecast high winds were not helpful.

But yearning for a break from traffic and people, we decided the first part of the mission had to be the Outer Sounds, away from fizz boats and ferry wakes.

The further the better, so we struck out early the next morning for French Pass and Port Ligar. The basic plan was to take the Jeep to aunch the end of the road and launch om the kayaks for day trips from wherever the road ended. ay It seemed like a better day for driving than paddling,, with gale force winds pre-cluding any sensible planss er involving the sea. However crossing over the top of the range towards French Pass, we found the windage on the sea kayaks impossible.

The bullets coming g off the Tasman and nd straight accele accelerating over the top of the ranges buffet the jeep and boats oats with such force it buffeted broke the Thule roof rack cradle. We made a rap rapid retreat off the ridge, into the lee of the h hills to regroup and rethink. Ironic, we shelt sheltered in Cissy Bay. Cl Clearly the rig wasn’t going to survive a fo forward quarter advance into the gale tow towards French Pass, so we headed downhill and into the relative cover of the road to Port Ligar and Bulwer.

T The kayaks were given extra lashings to the bumpers and towball of the Jeep, us using all our spare straps and anything el else that could be found, including the d dog leads. Fortunately the Jeep was well bballasted after our Wairarapa purchases, sso had some defence against the broad-

side blasts.

It’s a winding, narrow and edgy drive of 60km from the main highway that takes about two-and-a-half hours, depending on conditions and how much traffic is present.

Falling off, or blowing off the edge here could mean our wreckage may not be found for days. (Although the wine slick might be spotted from the air).

On the day we w went out, we saw on only one other vehicle, an Amarok steaming along iin 4WD mode aand clearly more fa familiar with the ro road than us!

Bulwer Bu W We eventually foun the wonderfully found seclu secluded and quiet Ceda Cedarview Cottages, on the water’s edge at Bulwer Bulwer. This familyowned property features five chalets dotted around the hills above the bay.

We were welcomed to hot coffee and fresh cake and biscuits by owners Sandra and Phil McCauley.

They were a bit surprised to see anyone show up, but the hospitality was outstanding. It’s a fascinating lifestyle they live, on the slopes of the bay nestled between the bush and the deep Sound; running their cabins and dabbling in some commercial fishing.

Sandra says she recently had to make Phil go to town, because he hadn’t been for a year.

Once we settled into our seafront cabin, we set about exploring the lovely bay and making plans for a kayak misson in the morning.

WATERLINE 09

DECEMBER 2014

Sampling the sounds We’d hoped to catch or gather a few feeds, since there was no shop, having diverted from our original destination due to weather.

It’s worth remembering to keep the car and cabin doors shut, and the gates closed, to keep the menagerie of wild and domestic animals from messing with your stuff. Pigs, sheep, weka and ducks have no regard for property.

And don’t turn your back on the ram…

The vicious wind abated through the night, and we set out into the Sound for some exploratory sea kayaking the next day.

However there were still some good gusts, in true Sounds style, rocketing down and around the hills. The wind whipped the sea up into spiralling williwaws of spray, y, capable of throwing a kayak off course and snatching natching paddles out of the hands of the unwary. wary.

We ventured a bit cautiously between the gusts, enjoying the complete solitude of the area – exceptt for the odd mussel farm, salmon farm and various seals and other critters.

A bunch of seals were hanging out in the lee of a big salmon farm, eyeing up the inmates and hoping to pick off any escapees.

Apparently seals can be a bitt of a problem if they get intoo a salmon farm. There’s not a h great demand for export fish with seal smiley face bites missing from them.

We paddled until the increasing winds verged on the point of overpowering us, then scooted back to our seaside hideaway too h relax and reduce some of the Martinborough payload. h During the next day or so we enjoyed fresh mussels, cod and some fine wine, always in the d company of the pushy pigs, cheeky weka and the odd terrorist ram.

point of the pass was awe inspiring. We’ll be peback another day to paddle the pass and hopefully circle D’Urville.

Mistletoe Bay Next stop was our friends Chris and Keith th at Mistletoe Bay, a DOC eco-lodge and campsite mpsite on the north side of Queen Charlotte Sound. und.

It’s a twisty piece of road about half an hour mfrom Linkwater, but positively lavish compared to the road to Bulwer. d The camp is beautifully presented and expertly managed, with five large new whare, psites a conference centre and secluded campsites dotted around the bay and the surrounding bush, with a couple of alpaca grazing the

Mistletoe Bay.

French Pass After a couple of relaxing days with the nice people at Bulwer, it was time to hit that windy road again. The wind gusts weren’t as bad and the visibility had cleared, so we could enjoy the best of the spectacularr scenery and views.

Some of the drop-offs around the hillside road were truly frightening, not helped by the odd story we’d heard along the way of locals meeting their demise, and the school bus blowing over.

Back-tracking to the turnoff to French Pass, we headed down to this picturesque little settlement and its raging rapid of seawater, tearing through the gap between mainland and D’Urville Island.

The wind gained ferocity during the day, ruling out any paddling but there were some interesting tracks to walk and the viewing

By Brian Rogers

slopes. Again the weka tried their luck, ducking into doorways and sticking their beaks in bags at every opportune moment.

The camp is right on the Queen Charlotte walkway and has a lot of visitors arrive at its jetty by water taxi direct from Picton, almost straight across the sound.

It’s a perfect base for kayak tripping. We made several outings from here during our four-night stay. Including an afternoon paddle around to Lochmara for lunch, along the way picking up a feed of fat greenlip mussels off the rocks for dinner. Mussels abound

i tthe in h sounds, and often the superior-eati ggreenlips can be found hiding among ing t m the many smaller black mussels.

W With a rainy day forecast for Claire’s b birt birthday we took a day off paddling, h ea headed to Blenheim for a birthday lunch aatt a winery.

T The next day was the best weather of oour u trip and we jumped at the chance to ttrip ri around the Sound again.

W With baches and homes in virtuaally l every bay, it is a far cry from the d desolation of the outer Sounds. But iinteresting n to see the variety of houses, cconstructions, jetties and vessels.

M Many of these properties are water acc cess on access only and the ingenuity of jetties, boat liftss and slipways has to be seen to be appreciate d ated.

On our last night we enjoyed succulent ffresh Sounds scallops, dropped in by some fr friendly locals passing in their launch.

T They’re a bit smaller than our North Island de delicacies but seem to have a firmer texture and a lovely sumptuous flavour.

M Mistletoe is the perfect base for anyone con considering a kayak or boating mission in the sou sounds; and Chris and Keith would be pleased to h hear from anyone needing accommodation.

Esp Especially anyone from their old stamping gro ground, in the Waterline Magazine area.

H Having good maps, charts and extracting som some local knowledge is vitally important.

Kee Keeping an eye on the forecast is imperative for safety and enjoyment.

T The weather can change quickly and the winds can be extremely fickle. We also gleaned much from Alex Ferguson’s book, ‘Sea Kayaker’s Guide to NZ’s South Island’, which helpfully describes every voyage, access points, accommodation and provisioning points.

Check carefully also the rules regarding fish species and bag limits. There’s some complicated rules regarding sizes and areas for catching cod.

Our thanks to our hosts at Bulwer and Mistletoe and to the many friendly faces we met along the way. We hope the ram has a special Christmas, involving mint sauce.

10 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club

Great results so far with The 2014/2015 sailing season is well and truly underway now and there are many more events to come throughout summer.

September saw our Tauranga sailors in the Olympic classes busy competing overseas.

Peter Burling and partner Blair Tuke are on a roll with a golden reputation that sees them unbeaten since 2012 London Olympics.

First up was the ISAF Worlds regatta in Santander from September 8-21 – a very important regatta as it’s the first at which countries can qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. New Zealand was able to qualify in all the classes with some very good results from the Tauranga sailors in the NZ team.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke took out the 49er class Gold medal. In the women’s 49erFX Molly Meech and helm Alexander Maloney didn’t have quite such a good regatta and ended up outside the top 10 for the medal race in 12th position.

However, they still managed to qualify our country for Rio. Tom Saunders and Sam Meech were in the Laser with Sam making the medal race and placing ninth overall, while Tom placed 20th.

Andrew Murdoch was competing in the Finn and made the medal race also, coming sixth overall.

Jason Saunders and partner Gemma Jones in the Nacra 17 had a good regatta counting four top five results to get into the medal race and finish fifth overall.

World Cup The ISAF World Cup event was held in Qingdao and Tom Saunders, after scoring a race win in the third race and four other top five results, finished in eighth place overall.

Many teams went on to compete in Rio in an Olympic test event. Once again, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke were on the podium taking yet another title.

Molly Meech and Alexander Maloney in the 49er FX bounced back with a podium finish coming second.

Andrew Murdoch was sixth in the Finn, Sam Meech was within the top 10 with a ninth and Jason Saunders and Gemma Jones were sixth.

NZ was also on the podium in 470 Men (Paul Snow Hansen and Dan Wilcox) thirrd and Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie were winners in 470 Women making for a very successful outing for the NZL team in the waters, which will soon host the Olympics.

Back in Rio this month have been the 49er class with Peter Burling and Blair Tuke and

Molly Meech and Alex Maloney in action once again at the 49er South American Championship and the 49er Intergalactic Championship.

Peter and Blair missed the first day of the South Americans as they were enroute from attending the Rolex World Sailor of the Year event, where they lost to Jimmy Spithill.

They didn’t let that hold them back and took a very positive approach going out and winning the regatta in a very comprehensive fashion, even though there was only one drop and they’d already missed three races!

Their form is outstanding at the moment, not having been beaten since securing silver at London 2012.

They powered on to be kings of the Intergalatic Championship as well. Molly and Alex were in similar good form, taking the women’s 49er title in the South Americans and finishing second at the Intergalactics which ended with theatre style racing in port with the helm and crew in reversed positions!

Aspiring to new heights What a lot our young NZ and in particular, TYPBC sailors, have to live up to and aspire to!

Those who’re making the transition from Youth sailing to Olympic level competition are Trent Rippey, Sam Barnett and Zak Merton.

Sam and Zak are teaming up in the Men’s 470 and Trent is taking on the 49er with Hamilton sailor and fellow NZ Youth team member Isaac McHardie.

All of the NZ Youth Team will receive Youth Performance Awards at the Yachting New

Zealand Awards.

Meanwhile, the focus of our junior and youth sailors has been on New Zealand based regattas.

The first regatta of the season is the Winter Champs and they were definitely a bit more wintery than last year.

The Winter Champs are run by Murrays Bay in Auckland and it was a bit of a challenge for them this year with the building of a new clubhouse underway, making boat parking a bit more congested.

Still, the coaching proved to be a good opportunity for our sailors to practise racing and to refine their launching and retrieving skills, which were testing parents, coaches and sailors to the limit with a large swell and king tides, seeing our young ones practically washing up on the boat ramp as they landed.

Not for the faint-hearted but all of ours coped well. The Optimist training focused on starting and short races, which proved a great option for our sailors to be racing against the Opti Worlds team who were on the cusp of leaving for Argentina.

The regatta itself saw a change of wind to an offshore, thankfully reducing the chance of onshore carnage but the wind speed on day one saw the Optis struggling to complete a very long race in winds up to 33 knots.

Many were upside down and the race official pulled the pin after one race and sent all classes ashore.

It took nearly an hour to return to the beach and we left feeling a little shattered by the experience. The next day racing was abandoned early due to even more wind.

WATERLINE 11

DECEMBER 2014

much m more to come

Thankfully, Sunday dawned bright and race worthy and it was possible for the RO to squeeze in four races to ensure a series.

The wind was still shifty and certainly challenging for those who stepping up to a bigger boat or were newer sailors.

In the Open Optimist fleet James Barnett finished in 22nd place, Joel Kennedy in 28th and Lachlan Dillon in his first Open fleet regatta came 51st.

Hannah Spencer took first place in the Starling Green Fleet and Samantha Kennedy was second.

Niamh Dillon had a breakage to her P so came eighth overall after missing two races.

Dylan McKinlay was seventh in a fleet of 19 radials. Moving up to the RSX Coral Headey was second girl and fourth overall.

Weather inclement The Finn North Islands were hosted at Tauranga and while the regatta was meant to be spread over two days, October 18-19, the RO with a forecast of inclement weather on the Sunday managed to get all six races in on the Saturday. The racing was enjoyable and all were happy with the early finish.

During the same weekend 10 TYPBC Techno and RS:X sailboarders travelled to Rotorua for the Rotorua Sprints Regatta, joining the Zephyrs, A Class Cats and 12 foot skiffs, a total of 71 entries.

The regatta is unique in that it focuses on delivering as many quick fire races as possible during two days, so after two good days of mixed conditions most fleets completed 12 races.

Coral Headey won the fleet of 13 boards, Andy Knowles was second in the Zephyrs and Sara Dodds first in the Starling.

Max van der Zalm was a little disappointed he’d missed the Rotorua Sprints but I’m sure he was having way more fun in Noumea at the New Caledonian Techno Nationals and coming third in the U15 Boys.

Next up at Tauranga was the P Class Tanner Cup Trials, which is a two-day regatta to determine who’ll represent Bay of Plenty and Waikato at the Tanner Cup in January 2015.

There were 10 competitors altogether and racing took place during two days with good breezes on both. The wind was a little challenging for those newer to the class and a few upside downs sent them ashore.

Niamh Dillon took out the BOP title and first place with an impressive score line of 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2 (4). Doing the honours for Waikato will be Hannah Spencer.

The following weekend the Starling Match Racing Trials were run by Richard and Heather Burling in more good breeze. Tom Maidment won the final 2-1 and has gained the opportunity to represent BOP at the Starling Match Racing Nationals in January 2015.

The first Optimist three-day ranking regatta took place in Taupo from November 7-9. The regatta was to be nine races, one drop only, with six qualifiers during the first two days before the fleet would be split into Gold and Silver for the final three races.

The first day was bitterly cold with fresh snow on the Desert Rd and Ruapehu. Wary of letting the sailors get cold, the RO made sure the races were run with little delay between starts.

There were 104 sailors split into two flights and TYPBC had six sailors taking part. Finishing the day in 24th James Barnett was happy to count an eighth in his results – his best result yet.

Day two was another very cold start.

The top sailors were largely undeterred and continued to post good results but some of the less experienced ones were caught by the shifty and light conditions. Definitely a long and tiring day, but lots of learning.

Green Fleet began their racing on Day Two but the first race saw the breeze disappear and very few sailors were able to finish the race within the time limit.

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

After a delay, better racing conditions allowed for another three races and TYPBC sailor Josh Blackie finished the day in first place. Also sailing were the Starlings and Samantha Kennedy in her first Open Fleet regatta pulled out a styly second in the first race and at the end of the day was third overall.

Day three and there was even less wind if that could be possible. Another long delay saw the fleets remain ashore until after 12 o’clock but with the final race start time of 3pm in the minds of all it was a relief to see the competitors launch – only for more waiting until the breeze came in, albeit very shifty and light.

In the end only one race was possible on day three with the wind and the time constraints not allowing the full final series to be completed for Open Fleet.

Gold fleet Three TYPBC sailors had made it into Gold Fleet and it was Joel Kennedy who saved his best for last with an 11th.

James Barnett and Joel ended the regatta one point adrift of each other in 33rd and 34th, which was an awesome result for their first time in Gold Fleet.

Lachlan Dillon had a great regatta also and in only his second Open Fleet regatta not only made Gold Fleet but finished 47th and a had a number of results in the teens.

The three other TYPBC sailors were in Silver fleet and all had good results on the first day but fell back a bit in the very trying conditions.

The group was very pleased with their performance as this represents a big step up for all of them with Blair and Braedyn being in Open fleet for the first time.

Josh Blackie sailed very well in the final Green Fleet race, turning an individual recall into a fourth through smart, determined sailing and taking the Green Fleet Champion title from 53 others.

By Pauline Barnett

12 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

Women on Water

Sailing through many experiences To most, the connection between champagne, crocodiles, grizzly bears, a paddle, penguins, rhumb line and rock art may seem to be rather nebulous but to me there is a very strong and clear link.

It’s almost seven years ago I saw an ad for women to give sailing a go – it didn’t matter what level of experience you had and beginners were especially welcome and it was in Tauranga.

Before WOW, my previous experience of sailing amounted to just about zero.

My older brother began sailing in his teens on Lake Rotorua and at times would take the kid sister out.

This sparked my interest in sailing and I had a P Class yacht for a season when I was 15 before I headed off to do other things in life and years went flying by as they do –children grow up, leave home and yachting wasn’t given another thought until I saw the ad.

Since I was ready for new activities and to meet new people I joined Women on Water – WOW. This group started about 13 years ago by a couple of women who sailed with their husbands but felt it would be great to get more women into the sport and sailing the boats themselves.

During the years the numbers have grown so that we have about 80 women out on 16 boats each time.

WOW is now a strong division of the Tauranga yacht and Power Boat Club. The skill and confidence of the women has grown – now women skipper the boats and more own their own, including myself.

During the first season I was only able to attend three WOW nights but as I was able to offer a commitment to turn up to the fortnightly races continued during the winter season on the General Jackson.

This was a bit of a baptism by fire! Being a newbie I expected to be sitting on the rail just watching the water looking out for the little blue penguins and gently absorbing another language – “yacht speak” – in the beautiful Tauranga Harbour.

However, I soon found myself on the foredeck, an active member of the crew.

There were some exhilarating and exciting moments as I quickly learnt how the multitude of ropes, sails and winches, all having several different names, work together to make the yacht move through the water as fast as possible.

I was always amazed I was allowed back on the boat as it seemed I’d never ever get it. There was always something else to learn as wind, tide and boat conditions are never the same.

Joining WOW and learning to sail has

provided me with many opportunities to try new experiences, travel to new places, meet interesting people and to always learn more about sailing.

In 2011, I was a part of a group of five who headed off shore in a 46ft Beneteau – I was doing my first blue water crossing. Six months and more than 2500nm later I’d completed the circuit from Tauranga to Opua, Tonga, Fiji and back home to Tauranga.

Up on deck at night doing my watch I used to find it really reassuring to find the Southern Cross as we headed across the Pacific Ocean following our rhumb line.

We were fortunate to be able to spend three nights at Minerva Reef – this consists of two atolls out in the miles and miles of empty ocean about halfway between Tonga and NZ.

We were able to drop anchor in the middle of this reef and share a champagne breakfast with another yacht doing the same voyage while admiring the vast sea around us.

Apparently more people have climbed Mount Everest than have been to Minerva Reef.

It was during a delivery trip of a 62ft yacht, from Darwin to Broome I was able to go ashore, wander up a beach crossing the tracks left by newly-hatched turtles as they made their way to the sea; to enter caves adorned with aboriginal rock drawings more than 30,000 years old.

This is part of the magic of the richly coloured coastline of the Kimberly’s in Western Australia, but there is the downside to this place – crocodiles and many of them.

One evening while enjoying our sundowner on the deck we saw a ripple on the water across our bow – it was a three metre croc.

In spite of the temperatures in the 30s and the tempting looking water we all stayed well up on deck; there was no swimming for any of us.

The Tauranga Yacht Club participates in the PACRIM – a regatta held every two years between Russia, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

I’ve been fortunate to go to the last three.

When it was held in Canada and after having a great experience with my first PACRIM by sail-

TYPBC Women on Water

ing on J80s – a sporty boat and completely new experience for the five of us on board.

I made the most of being in the Northern Hemisphere and travelled into Alaska up to the most Northern Inuit Village – Barrow.

These people live a subsistence existence in the harshest of climates. It was the middle of summer yet the temperature did not get above one degree Celsius as I stood on the pack ice one day, which had 24 hours of sunshine.

The villagers had spent the day sharing out the last of their whale meat and allowed us to share some – to me the tiniest of pieces tasted like coconut-flavoured lard and the taste stayed heavy in my stomach all day.

Fortunately the ice flow melted the next day enabling the boats to venture out to catch the first seal of the season.

I didn’t see any polar bears but in the middle of Alaska at the Denali Wilderness Park I was fortunate to see grizzly bears – a mother and her large cub playfully romping about the prairie oblivious to us watching them.

This year I was privileged to being part of the Smudge all-woman crew competing in coastal races. We learnt to depend and support each other as we prepared for the races.

We developed into a team as we improved our skills, learnt more about navigation, weather maps, tidal flows, boat and crew safety, night sailing etc.

But most importantly enjoying it all – the good and the tougher times.

As we were the first women’s team across the line in the 120nm Devonport to Auckland Coastal Classic this October we won the Paddle – the first time it’s been awarded in seven years.

Hopefully more all-women crews will participate in future. Smudge also has unfinished business in the Auckland to Tauranga race – we started well but the weather gods weren’t kind so next Easter we’ll be crossing the finish line!

All WOW sailorettes are very well supported by the club and the generosity of the boat owners, as they allow us to use their boats, and are willing to share knowledge, which is very much appreciated.

It makes no matter if you’re in the racing division with many years of sailing behind you, or if you’re new to being on the water and in the cruising section – they support us all and want us to have as much fun and enjoyment as possible.

So if you’d like to start your own nebulous thread of sailing, or just to give it a go, check out the WOW section of the TYPBC website at www.yacht.org.nz WOW starts in the New Year on January 22.

So if you are keen, send an email to wow. tauranga@gmail.com by January 20.

By Delwyn Keyworth, WOW chairwoman

WATERLINE 13

DECEMBER 2014

CLUB NEWS

Mount Maunganui Yacht Club

Another legendary regatta The Labour Weekend dash to Great Mercury Island for the Legends Regatta proved a success again for the 11th time.

All 32 boats that entered made it to The Cove, along with a handful of ‘unregistered’ boats.

With the Skippers’ Briefing brought forward to the Wednesday night, one-third of the fleet left early on Thursday in light conditions to make a real weekend of it.

The best of the wind blew the balance of the fleet in on Friday, but thankfully with no reported misadventures as usually happens.

The customary buzz of tenders making their way between yachts occurred on Friday night as skippers and crews settled in for a weekend of socialising.

Two men in a boat named Invincible started visitations with the skipper manning the outboard on departure…only to give control to the crew for a safe return passage home after several hours.

According to the skipper, the next day the key to avoiding any “unwellness” post-partying is to simply not go to sleep and to continue festivities. Something not recommended if skippering your vessel in a race the next day.

On Saturday the racecourse took the fleet around Never Fail Rock.

Formula One did everyone the courtesy of sailing half the race with just her mainsail up. On behalf of us ‘minnows’ chasing you, thanks for that.

Santana didn’t rush to the start line…and why should she! The crew was so confident they made their approach to the start-line and signed in during the final countdown.

The crew on Instigator 111 looked like they were out for a Sunday sail…but quietly and casually made it extremely difficult for Hanse Free to sail over top of her.

Every year, sometime during the weekend, a skipper becomes the proud recipient of the Silver Spade award.

This year, it looked like all yachts remained “upright” and no one would be worthy of the trophy but it has come to the committees attention that Psychic, one of the Auckland Stewarts, was seen with a slight lean. Congratulations.

Sunday’s round-the-island race was thwart with peril for some vessels, especially the start boat. With enough wind to make for a good race, Hanse Free as start boat had some trouble maintaining position at the start line. Persuader gave no leniency to the ‘motor versus sail’ rule expecting the start boat to move for her.

A protest came from Not Negotiable that the start-line was too short so to ensure they didn’t get themselves boxed in, they jumped the line…by a boat length.

Mt Maunganui Yacht Club

Unfortunately, this tactic was unsuccessful with the start official calling them back for a second start.

The prizegiving and customary rum-gathering on the island was a little more colourful this year with a silly hat competition.

Congratulations Megan…your hat was so silly it deserved the first prize.

We also had an opportunity to thank one of the islands owners this year, Michael Fay, as he joined us for the prizegiving.

Great Mercury Island surely is a little piece of paradise and on behalf of everyone that participates in this regatta, we thank the owners for tolerating our small invasion year after year.

The weekend usually reveals a few yarns and tall tales but this one is worthy of a mention.

Protocol made a detour to Opito Bay to drop off a crew member. It was windy and a few rollers were crashing on the beach so not the best condition to be negotiating in a small tender.

Nevertheless, the chivalrous and gallant skipper bravely transported his female crew member to shore…well…not quite to shore.

In order to prevent himself and the tender from being dumped, he commanded her out of the tender…in waist deep water!

Struggling ashore she turned around to see the skipper had come shore a little further up the beach in order to get a better line to row back. Maybe ‘chivalrous and gallant’ was a bit too much of an embellishment!

For those boats that sailed home on Monday, the conditions were perfect. The wind started at 15 to 18 knots aft of the beam and slowly increased all afternoon peaking at about 28 knots.

All day we watched two yachts on the horizon doing battle with kites up.

Dad’s Navy on Not Negotiable (with a combined age in excess of 265), were determined not to let too much distance get between them and younger more agile crew sailing Berenice.

After a couple of wipe outs, they abandoned their kite and we viewed them changing direction.

Meanwhile, the kite stayed up on Berenice with the red hull becoming less visible as the bow wave increased with the wind speed.

It was a spectacular finish with Hanse Free, Berenice and Not Negotiable coming in around A beacon just a couple of boat lengths apart.

By Carol Andrews

14 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 15

DECEMBER 2014

Fighting fanworm in our waters An Auckland boat infested with the marine pests Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) and clubbed tunicate sea squirt (Styela clava) was discovered on a Pilot Bay mooring in Tauranga Harbour last month.

Both pests are classified as unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and are a threat to seafood stocks, aquaculture and local marine life because of their growth and feeding habits. They can also cause costly damage to boat equipment and marine structures.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Hamish Lass says it’s really disappointing the boat owner didn’t clean his boat hull before travelling to Tauranga, or even when he arrived here.

“He moored up last December, just after we’d completed our last round of dive surveys in Pilot Bay, and found it clear of Mediterranean fanworm.”

The discovery was made by divers contracted to council to complete the first round of a new proactive marine pest surveillance programme in the Tauranga Harbour.

It’s the third time a pest-infested boat has been found in Tauranga Harbour since September 2013.

“Mooring holders have an important role to play in preventing incursions like this,” says Hamish.

“They can stop marine pests from spreading by making sure that any boats they allow onto their mooring have clean hulls before they’re brought here.”

The boat is being hauled out for cleaning but Hamish says it’s possible the fanworms will have already spawned in Pilot Bay during the winter and autumn spawning season.

“That will add scale and complexity to our containment efforts. We’re working with Ministry for Primary Industries on

BATTERY WAREHOUSE

Fanworm discovered on the boat hull in Pilot Bay.

a response plan,” says Hamish.

“So far we’ve checked the mooring blocks, chains and hulls of all the boats in Pilot Bay. “We’ve also checked all the boat hulls on swing moorings at Omokoroa, Tanners Point, Tauranga Bridge and CBD, but we have many more hours of underwater searching ahead of us.”

Hamish is asking everyone who uses the harbour to keep their boat clean, anti-foul fresh and keep an eye out for marine pests and boats with heavily fouled hulls.

Sightings should be reported to Bay of Plenty Regional Council by calling 0800 884 880.

Further information about marine pests, including Mediterranean fanworm, see www.boprc.govt.nz/marinepests

DECEMBER 2014

16 WATERLINE

By Jenna Kerr

Writer sailor launches P Class story In 1924 the vice commodore of the Tauranga Yacht and Power boat club, Skip Carter, would often see a stubby little yacht sailing on the harbour.

It was a seven-footer sailed by Frank Lysaght, who sailed it to school from Mount Maunganui each day in all but the severest weather.

Skip Carter saw it was safe, seaworthy and something in which boys could learn seamanship. He presented a set of plans to the TYPBC General Committee and they voted to adopt it; and later it became known as the Tauranga Class.

Earlier this year, to celebrate its 90th birthday, TYPBC ran the P Class, as the Tauranga

became known, National Championships.

In November, TYPBC launched Our Secret Weapon, a book written by one of its members, Gun Caundle. It is a history of the P Class yacht told mainly through stories from ex-P Class sailors.

It’s taken Gun about five years to collect the information and write it all down. He got started because he was selling a P Class and was looking for some background.

“There was no book dedicated to it, which surprised me because it’s been around so long.

It’s played a big part in a lot of people’s lives,” says Gun. Our Secret Weapon is divided into eras; each era addressing a significant aspect of P Class history: how it was born, its development through the decades and how technology was

adopted to prevent it from dying, and the origins of the coveted Tanner and Tauranga cups.

Woven into the chapters are entertaining and interesting stories from ex-P Class sailors from recreational river sailors to around the world yacht racers, national champions, America’s Cup winners and Olympians.

It includes stories from Tauranga sailors including Jonty Farmer, Roger Clark, Bev Thomas, Sue Wagstaff, Bill Mitchinson, Gary Denniston, Gary Smith, Nick Wilson, Dave Peet, Peter Burling, Geoff Collins.

Each story reflects the special place the P Class has in the hearts of the sailors.

Our Secret Weapon is available from the yacht club and the publisher’s website for $29.50. See www.oceanbooks.co.nz/nonfiction/our-secret-weapon.html

Having an extensively stocked shop is one thing, having staff with extensive experience and expertise is another ... because we love boating as much as you do.

WATERLINE 17

DECEMBER 2014

Ferro boat issues Ferro cement hulls are getting attention in Tauranga lately with two ferro yachts Checkmate and Nikita making the news when they both sank.

Nikita went down at her mooring in Pilot Bay during a blow on October 7 and was later raised by a crane on a barge – but that was after earlier attempts to raise the boat using airbags failed.

The first one popped the airbag and subsequent tries by another salvager failed, dropping the boat on the bottom.

The bottom bouncing cracked the transom. It was lifted out after being under water for more than one month. Owner Paul Debenham has Nikita in his yard, where she’s being stripped out for repair.

“The transom did suffer some damage,” says Paul.

“It dropped onto the transom at one point when they lifted it. The back sunk and the selfsteering gear, which protrudes out, would have been the first to hit and it put a crack through the transom as well.”

He hasn’t repaired a concrete boat before, but

he’s reading up on it and has a good understanding of what he’s getting into.

“Whatever material you put in a boat they all have their pros and cons. Concrete might be a little bit heavier but it’s actually quite strong and it’s very easy to repair,” says Paul.

“I’ve seen boats on the hard stand in Auckland with holes in the side you could drive a mini through; and they have had them repaired and back in the water in a few months. It’s all do-able.”

Checkmate, the ferro boat that went aground on Motuhoura Island on August 22 had bigger holes.

Yachtie Paul Donovan says Checkmate was repairable but his struggle with Bay of Plenty Regional Council to save the boat failed, and she was broken up in the Sulphur Point carpark on November 21.

Checkmate was towed from Motuhoura with a pump running and a tarpaulin covering the large holes in her port side, and taken out of the water at Sulphur Point Marina.

The removal and destruction costs were reckoned to be close to $15,000 and Paul says he could save the council $12,000 of that if the boat was transported to a yard where he could repair it.

The issue of saltwater in the hull’s steel reinforcing is solvable using a product called Salt Away, says Paul.

Block the outside of the holes, dam the insides and fill with Salt Away and leave to soak. When that’s completed the holes or the hull interior can also be drowned in diesel.

“It’s only a hole in a ferro cement yacht after all,” says Paul.

“What you do is cut a line, weaken the ferro and fold it down; four lines like a picture frame around the hole. Fold it down up and out so it opens up like a big window.

“Then you slide the water tanks out, repair them, slide back in. Then while the ferro is folded down you get someone on the back of it with a dolly and someone on the front of it with a big hammer and you bash it and bash it until all the concrete is out of all the netting.”

The broken steel reinforcing rods are welded back together, the wire netting layers twitched together until it’s roughly the shape of the hull, before the new cement is blasted back into it.

“There’s eight layers of netting on either side of the reinforcing – and that’s it,” says Paul.

“Between each coat is about five days and there’s about four coats to go on.”

By Andrew Cambell

National accolades for talented Tauranga sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have taken New Zealand’s top honour in sailing for two years running after being named 2014’s House of Travel Sailor of the Year.

“It’s a big honour to win this Award,” says Peter. “We had a great year last year, so to do it all again, to build on that is just brilliant.”

Peter, aged 23, and Blair Tuke, 25, have had another incredible 12 months going unbeaten at all major Olympic 49er regattas worldwide and notching up notable accomplishments in the Extreme 40, A-Class catamaran and offshore keelboat racing.

Securing the 2014 49er World crown in Santander, Spain at the ISAF Sailing World Championships meant back-to-back 2013 and 2014 world titles in the Olympic skiff – an enviable feat given long-time rival and four-time world champion and Olympic Gold Medallist Nathan Outteridge of Australia is still competing.

The world champions also won the 2014 49er European Championship, 2014 South American Championship, two ISAF Sailing World Cup Regattas (Palma and Hyeres), as well as taking victory at the 2014 Rio Olympic Test Event.

Sailing independently at the single-handed A-Class catamaran World Championship held off Auckland’s Takapuna beach in January, both were on the podium.

Tuke won silver, Burling won bronze. In their new roles with Emirates Team New Zealand Burling and Tuke went to Extreme Sailing Series Regattas in St Petersburg, Russia and Qingdao, China placing third in both events.

Other Tauranga sailors to win Yachting New Zealand Performance Awards: Peter Burling and Blair Tuke – 2014 49er World and European Champions (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club, Kerikeri Cruising Club).

Gemma Jones and Jason Saunders – 2014 Nacra World Championships 5th place (Murrays Bay Sailing Club, Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club).

Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech – Consistent podium finishes in the 49erFX class (Murrays Bay Sailing Club, Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club).

Sam Meech – 2014 Laser World Championship 9th place (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club) Yachting New Zealand Youth Performance Awards Sam Barnett and Zak Merton – International results in the 420 class (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club).

Trent Rippey – 2014 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships 8th place (Boy’s Laser Radial) (Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club).

18 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

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WATERLINE 19

DECEMBER 2014

Summer family fun!

A Pelin Challenger ďŹ rst launched in 1987, Speculator has been lovingly cared for by her current owner during 24 years.

A rare hardtop version, she’s been continually updated along the way.

In 2009, new Volvo D4 diesels were installed

DV LUH \OLQGHU 6(59,&(6

and only have 250 hours of use.

Her roomy interior means plenty of room for the whole family, and the downstairs helm station keeps the skipper close to all the action!

Speculator is currently offered for sale by

Tauranga Boat Sales, and can be viewed on their exclusive sales berth at the Tauranga Bridge Marina.

Listing broker Ian Thomas would be keen to show you all of her fantastic features. Ian can be reached at 0274 976 010.

20 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 21

DECEMBER 2014

Exotic blue steel

When Vanessa Gibson bought her yacht Dromon nearly two years ago, the previous owner stood on the dock crying as she sailed off from Devonport towards Waiheke.

“It was his dream. He was bringing her up to Cat one and had done all the big stuff; rebuilt the motor, new propeller shaft, water tanks, wind vane steering, comms, new sloop rig,” says Vanessa.

The 9.96m steel hull was originally launched as a schooner, in Lemmer, Holland in 1980.

The ‘little pirate ship’ with the buccaneer stern was built for the round-the-world trip.

Papers that came with the boat show her registered in Penzance, and arriving in New Zealand in 1995.

“He was going back to England, but baby came along and his wife wanted a house. His loss was my gain.”

She had to kick him off the boat in the end.

They had done the sea trial and he was to be dropped off at Devonport.

Dromon’s distinctive hull shape.

“He wouldn’t get off. We wanted to get her out to Waiheke before nightfall,” says Vanessa.

When she started boat shopping Vanessa wasn’t looking for a steel boat. But there was a checklist: round port holes, buccaneer stern, centre cockpit, and helm not a tiller.

“I didn’t want a doer-upper. I know that everything costs ten times what you think it’s going to cost when it comes to boats.”

She wanted it to look pretty.

“And I needed to be able to sail her on my own. Big enough to be comfortable if I’m going up to stay at the Barrier for a month or whatever. But it had to be a small enough for me to handle on my own.

“I had never considered a steel boat but there was just something about this boat when I came on it.”

Dromon was built or designed by Van der Wurff in Lemmer in 1980. Hull plating is 3mm, 6mm below the water line with 25mm long keel containing three tonnes of lead. She’s 9.96 LOA, 3.2m beam and draws 2.68m.

A distinguishing feature on a steel hull of Dromon’s size is the round bilge hull.

Dromon’s owner Vanessa Gibson and Roger Bullot.

In New Zealand most steel boats are hard chine and multi chine. Dromon was more likely built in a yard that had the rollers to curve the hull plates to match the turn of the bilge. She might be a small boat out of a big yard.

Vanessa has cleaned up the interior, relining the main salon and refinishing the woodwork.

The previous owner’s designs and sketches came with the boat and she’s considering the hard dodger drawings.

Vanessa would like to put the bowsprit back on her at some stage, but there are priorities.

An electric winch would be nice, says Vanessa.

By Andrew Campbell

22 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

For Sale 9mt STEADCRAFT 275HP diesel engine, only done 400 hours, cruise 20knots +. Boat only done 1200 hours. Hard top sun bridge, toilet, cooker, fridge, all electronics & cover, all new. Fully serviced, ready to go. Excellent condition. $115,000 or make an offer. Ph 021 574 453 12ft FYRAN aluminium dinghy & trailer. Trailer needs repairs. $1200. Ph 07 576 6443 15’ CANADIAN 3 seater family Canoe $700. 1 adults 1 child lifejacket $75. 1 marine radio $50. Great safety package $825. Phone 07 544 6662 CRUISER 32ft WITH MOORING – has a 160 Ford turbo diesel engine, game rigged, 2x helm stations, 2x fridges and freezer, radar, chart plotter, depth sounder. Has a shower toilet, live bait tank, sleeps eight. $38,000. Ph: 07 570 0333 FRAMES TIMBER & PLANS to build your own super 8m trailer sailor. Going for a song.

Ph 07 542 0077 MOORING AT TANNERS POINT good location for small boat, up to 9metres. Ph AnnMarie 07 863 5899 NOLEX 30 with trailer, great for cruising & club racing. Open for offers around $52,000.

Ideal for a 3 way syndicate. Ph Rod 06 868 8328 SNOWBIRD 10.4 CATAMARAN New main sail 2011, new rudders 2012, one queen berth, four quarter berth, 9.9 Yamaha outboard 2006, two gas Hobbes and oven, TV, DVD $65k Ono. Ph 021 125 4640 SOLE MARINE DIESELSole - 20hp, excellent condition, $3000. Ph Ian 570 0333.

VOLVO MTR 200 HP x2 $14,500 each. 140 HP $8500 or to be run in. FORD 250 HP $6500. May trade. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

LAUNCH - Steel launch 30ft to 10ft. Little use View B46 Tauranga Marina. $34,500.

Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712

For Rent MOORING FOR RENT -Town basin, TA10, will take up to 30’ boat. Phone Ian, 5700333.

MOORING FOR RENT - Waikaraeo Estuary. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

MOORING TO RENT – Whangamata. Good spot, close to Marina channel. $25 p/w Ph 022 132 3671 SWING MOORING for rent adjacent to Tauranga Bridge Marina. Up to 8m, $130 p/month.

Phone Allan 027 475 9772 10.5MT MARINA BERTH at Tauranga Bridge Marina. $88 p/w Ph 021 298 5157

Wanted SUNBURST DINGHY 6LGH VHDW PRGHO SUHIHUDEO\ ÂżEUHJODVV ZLWK ZDUUDQWHG DQG UHJLVtered road trailer. Ph Nicole 021 155 1245 VOLVO 200HP or 230HP Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712.

Trades and Services BATTERIES Battery Direct Nz www.batterydirect.co.nz sales@batterydirect.co.nz 0800 267 468 BOAT MAINTENANCE Matamata Motor Trimmers & Upholstery Boat clear, canvas work, upholstery Ph: 07 571 4421 CNR Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Tauranga

FINANCE AFB Accept Finance Brokers Ph: 07 574 0002 or 027 4435524 Available 7 Days KAYAKS Viking Kayaks 6SHFLDOLVLQJ LQ ÂżVKLQJ DQG UHFUHDtional Kayaks 0800 529 253 www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

WATERLINE 23

DECEMBER 2014

G U R N A R D W I T H TAT S O I I N A S I A N B R OT H

Method

In a large stainless pot, sautĂŠ off the red onion, lemongrass, chilli, garlic and lime leaf.

Add the fish frames and half of the Thai basil.

Add the water and bring up to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Strain through a sieve into another pot, adding the soya sauce, fish sauce and lime juice. Add the hokkien noodles and bring up to the boil.

Meanwhile, season the gurnard fillets and seal off on a hot pan with some oil and the sliced capsicum. Quickly add in the tatsoi and stirfry with the gurnard for 1-2 minutes. Spoon in a little of the fish stock, and turn off the heat.

Cover to finish cooking through for another two minutes.

Serve the gurnard on top of a pile of noodles, add a garnish of Thai basil, tatsoi microgreens, and a ladle or two of the fish stock.

Ingredients 3 gurnard fillets, cut into strips.

200g hokkien noodles 200-30g meaty fish frames 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped 1 kaffir lime leaf, shredded 2 cloves garlic 250g small tatsoi 1 small handful Thai basil 1 mild green chilli, sliced 1 red onion 1 red pepper, 4 Tbsp lime juice Salt and pepper 3L water 2 Tbsp dark soya sauce 2 Tbsp fish sauce

24 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 25

New one stop online marine shop A new website providing an online portal where boaties can buy, sell and trade boats, marine accessories and find services has now been launched.

Called Marine Hub, it’s the realisation of an idea from Gulf Group Tauranga manager Neil Cameron.

Neil thinks NZ marine industry marketing has been too fragmented and something was needed to bring buyers and sellers back together online.

“It was all over the place with different websites and businesses all doing their own thing,” says Neil.

“From talking to other boat dealers and marine business owners, I got the sense that they many were becoming frustrated with outside players telling them how and where they should advertise and what should they be paying.

“One day I thought ‘Why don’t I get them together and form our own marine hub website with a magazine to follow’.”

There followed meetings with Picton and Nelson based dealers, NZ Boat Sales and Vining Shipbrokers. They first met in Whanganui about nine months ago to thrash it all out.

“Lots of other dealers wanted to be in on the project too but they all wanted to see it up and running first,” says Neil.

“So we thought bugger it, we would do it ourselves between the three of us.”

At that stage, Zeanz, a Tauranga website development company was brought in as shareholders and to design and build the site.

“Louise Brewer are her team at Zeanz are fantastic people to work with and the features that have been built into the site from day one are superb,” says Neil.

It’s been up and running for about a month and it’s now getting traction.

The plan is to make it a one-stop marine shop. Any boatie with a

PC, smartphone or tablet can now access a user-friendly site listing products and contacts for people selling anything marine – from batteries, getting hold of a boat builder, to contact details for marine services and suppliers.

“There’s about 2000 boats listed on there now and there’s more boat dealers joining up as we speak. As time goes on we are sure the site will become a one stop marine shop,” says Neil.

“We’ve also provided a platform for secondhand boat bits and accessories to be bought and sold.

“There’s some on there now but we want to encourage boaties to open a Marine Hub account and list all their unused boat bits lying around in the garage.

“This is a site for the public as much as it is for dealers,” says Neil.

NZ Coastguard will also benefit every time a public listing is made on Marine Hub, with 10 per cent of the fees being donated directly.

“We’re really committed to bringing the marine industry together.

Marine Hub will still link back to their own company websites, we just want to provide an extra platform – at a price that the industry can sustain,” says Neil.

“We are trying to get the overheads down for dealers, to be one website with a magazine alongside it.

“Unlike other people trying to start websites and add the stock later, Marine Hub was launched with its own stock. It can only grow bigger from here,” says Neil.

Check it out www.marinehub.co.nz.

By Andrew Cambell

26 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

Switching from politics to boating When Kevin Winters left politics after ter a nine-year ed to find himself stint as Rotorua Mayor he never expected back in a classroom.

Aged in his late 50s, Kevin was ready for a change and decided to try and make a living from his lifelong passion for boating and fishing.

He soon realised he’d need a maritime qualification n to cut through the legal red tape to get his proposed charter business up p and running.

He spotted the Skipper Restricted Limits Certificate ate of Competency course being offered by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and promptly mptly signed up.

“I said to my wife: ‘I’m going to have to go back into nto the classroom to get my ticket’ and we both laughed. I wanted to have everything verything in place in terms of the qualifications, so if anything ever went wrong we’d be covered.”

The course was more challenging than Kevin expected cted but he “toughed it out” travelling from Rotorua to Tauranga each dayy to lap up the knowledge offered by his tutor during the five-weekk programme.

Kevin enjoyed the on-site tasks, getting into a life raft in the ipment, campus pool and learning how to operate radar equipment, and quickly developed an unexpected camaraderie with the other students doing the course. ll trying “We all had a passion for the water and we were all to help each other across the line to get qualified.”

At the end of the course Kevin earned a skipper’s ticket, which not he lakes, but helped only allowed him to start taking customers out on the him land an enforcement officer role with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council this summer. ream job is coming “Wow, being paid to be on a boat every day, my dream true. It sure beats the political life I had!”

By Julie Torrey

Kevin Winters

WATERLINE 27

DECEMBER 2014

Fairy tern seabird of the year Forest and Bird’s seabird of the year competition came down to a last-minute struggle between two species of critically endangered birds this year, the fairy tern and the Fiji petrel.

The fairy tern won with a late surge to 1882 votes compared with the Fiji petrel’s 1803 with the lead changing several times.

Third placed little blue penguin received 563 votes.

Conservationist, author and co-campaign manager for the fairy tern, Wade Doak, says the fairy tern’s win is great news for the species, and for the people who work so hard to protect it.

“Sadly, the dwindling numbers of fairy tern are disproportionate to their popularity, with only between eight-10 breeding pairs of the birds left,” says Wade.

“The upside is there are plenty of people prepared to go to great lengths to save the fairy tern.

“Regardless of the conditions at Mangawhai Heads, you’ll almost always find a solitary figure – sitting on an upturned bucket – guarding a fairy tern colony.

“The courage and devotion of the public to saving these birds is incredible. Which is fortunate, because it’s entirely up to us as to whether the birds will survive,” says Wade.

Campaign manager for the Fiji petrel on behalf of NatureFiji-MareqetiViti Steve Cranwell says the support of Fijians, and Fijians at heart, for the Fiji petrel campaign exceeded all expectations.

“To all New Zealanders who included the Fiji petrel as part of the Pacifica family, vinaka vakalevu [thank you],” says Steve.

Forest and Bird seabirds advocate Karen Baird says the light-hearted poll serves the purpose of making people aware New Zea-

land has more native seabirds than any other country in the world.

“New Zealand is a seabird superpower.

More than one-third of the world’s seabird species spend at least part of their lives here.

Thirty-six of those only breed here.

“But nearly half the 86 seabirds in total that breed in New Zealand are threatened with extinction,” says Karen.

“It was interesting because the bird of the year competition dealt with seabirds for the first time.”

Karen says most seabirds don’t recognise boundaries.

“Many of our species migrate and go into other countries jurisdictions, and the reverse is true,” says Karen. “The Fijian petrel is an extremely rare bird. One of the reasons for highlighting it.

“The Fiji petrel is so rare we don’t know where it goes, but because it’s highly endangered and we’re working very hard to try and protect it, it was a good one to highlight and it was great to see Fijians getting behind their bird. It was really neat to see that.”

There are thought to be less than 50 Fijian petrels and about 40 fairy terns.

Birds seen in the Bay of Plenty also featured in the competition.

The Black Petrel, which nest of Great Barrier and Little Barrier. had a campaign slogan ‘vote black’.

Shearwaters that breed on the Poor Knight Islands come to the Bay of Plenty to feed, says Karen. The Bay of Plenty also has diving petrels and shearwaters.

The bird most commonly-killed by the

cargo ship the Rena’s oil spill was the little diving petrel, says Karen.

“They are an amazing bird,” says Karen.

They spend almost as much time under water as penguins, but they can also fly.

“We are really excited to have had Sea Bird of the Year this year. It’s just been a change to highlight how many seabirds we have.

Most people wouldn’t know we have more seabirds than we have land birds.

“Everyone knows about tui and bellbirds and kakapo and all those sorts of things, but it’s very hard to get to know sea birds because they are mostly away from the shore; and even when you are out in a boat, they are quite hard to tell apart.

“They are quite hard to get to know. Everyone knows penguins, which is probably why the blue penguin came third.”

By Andrew Cambell

Pictured a fairy tern and chick.

Photo: David Hallett

Monster crayfish takes days to eat Bruce Adams brought home a 3.1kg monster crayfish caught ‘in the vicinity of Motiti’ on a recent Sunday afternoon.

“Trying to get him into the bag was a problem, he kept trying to get out,” says Bruce.

He thinks it grew so large on an island regularly fished because it was smart. It was caught where you least expect to find a crayfish, says Bruce.

“In the 40 years I’ve been diving that’s the biggest I have ever got out of there. There was one at Te Kaha same size, but that was 30 years ago; but nothing this big, not here.”

It took days to eat. Four of them failed to demolish it for Monday night’s dinner. Bruce had another go at it for tea the Tuesday night, and expected to finish off the remainder for lunch the following day.

“It was humongous, unbelievable.”

All that’s left now are the photos.

“We ended up with about half a dozen crayfish, it was quite good. They were good-sized too the other ones – [I’m] very surprised.

“There were like 50 boats down the side of Motiti that Sunday. Everybody was getting scallops.”

By Andrew Cambell

Crayfish, 3.1kg, caught at Motiti. Picture Bruce Adams.

...whatever!

28 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014

Xtreme wasn’t for sale when the syndicate of David Peet, John Buck, Alastair Bennett, Brian Enwright, Andrew Wright, Arnie Mills and Ian Watson were approached by a potential buyer from Auckland.

Half of the syndicate, which formed 18 years ago when they bought Xtreme, are now pensioners, and Xtreme, which has only 1000lbs of lead on the keel, requires a good number of crew to sail it well.

Xtreme had been maintained in top condition and the syndicate are proud they’ve never made an insurance claim in 18 years.

They accepted the Auckland offer and wondered what to replace Xtreme with. They wanted something picnic friendly and fizzy. Division two perhaps; maybe a Young 88.

Soon after, Whatever, a Farr design, Mumm 36, an international class built in the USA, became available and the syndicate became interested.

The positive things the syndicate see in Whatever are a competitive boat for Tauranga, lots of lead on the keel, a diesel engine, and a big cockpit.

It comes with a spare mast and a set of carbon racing sails. The downside is the inline spreaders (which mean running backstays) and it draws 2.2m, a lot for Tauranga Harbour.

It also needed a lot of work; a project for the pensioners on G Pier. The syndicate are a tight bunch and it didn’t take them long to decide to buy Whatever.

The electronic funds transfer for Whatever probably hadn’t completed before they began ripping into the list of jobs.

With the rig removed, Whatever sat on the hardstand while the rudder bearing was replaced, the keel faired and the bottom antifouled.

The rig was checked and a split in the lower spreader had to be repaired plus most of the sheaves in the exit blocks needed replacing. The ropes were all good.

The tiller was powder-coated, the rope bags replaced, the teak cappings varnished and the teak and holly floorboards refurbished. With the engine and electrics serviced, the only big job left is filling the divots in the deck.

“During all this, Colin and Megan Harris [the previous owners] were very helpful,” says Dave Peet. “And the resources we have available to us locally are invaluable. Mike McCormick Rigging Diesel Dave at Diesel Marine, Winston at Rutherfords Electronics and Steves Marine gave us good service.”

“It’s great being part of this syndicate,” says Dave. “They have a sick sense of humour and take the piss out of each other all the time.

“It’s a laugh a minute and the on-board debrief after every race is something we enjoy most.”

In the summer Series so far Whatever has crossed the line in Division One first, second, third twice, and sixth; with 12 boats in the fleet.

An opportunity to buy the remaining syndicate share is available to anyone with a sick sense of humour.

By Jenna Kerr

WATERLINE 29

DECEMBER 2014

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30 WATERLINE

Khadine (Helen)

Built by Allen Williams Ltd, boat builder of Milford, in Auckland in 1970 for a plastic company director RW (Bob) Harnish under the name of Helen.

The vessel’s distinctive lines were taken from a kitset plastic model with game fishing and family cruising in mind. Khadine is still a stylish and much admired vessel with solid teak coamings and a kauri hull.

The vessel has modern lines, a flybridge, dual stations, roomy cockpit with open plan to wheelhouse, game rigged with two game chairs.

Khadine is powered by twin 145hp Perkins diesels underfloor.

There is accommodation for four singles two doubles in two separate cabins. There’s a separate toilet, separate shower, a fridge, freezer and four-burner stove and oven, and an open plan saloon/ galley/dinette area.

Khadine has been kept in very original condition during the years and would be a great project for the traditionalist boatie looking to restore a true classic vessel.

Priced at $295,000 details can be obtained from Brian Worthington at Gulf Group Marine Brokers Ltd.

DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014

WATERLINE 31

32 WATERLINE

DECEMBER 2014