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The Bay of Plenty & Coromandel’s own watersports news. Phone 07 578 0030

ase take one

SEPTEMBER 2012

Our medal man!

Pictured from left are Silver medallist Blair Tuke (left) Tauranga Kayaker Luuka Jones, and silver medallist Peter Burling taking part in the Olympians street parade.

INSIDE: Waka ventures

The big chief

Boat Expo 2012

Trailer sailor

02 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

Phone 07-578 0030 Fax 07-571 1116 No.1 The Strand, Tauranga. PO Box 240, Tauranga. email: brian@thesun.co.nz For advertising, call Salina on 07 578 0030 email classi2@thesun.co.nz Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/Waterlinemagazine

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Edition

Deadline

Dec 2012 March 2013 June 2013 Sept 2013

30 Nov 2012 24 Feb 2013 1 June 2013 31 August 2013

TIDES Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

SEPTEMBER 1 Sa 1:04 0.2 2 Su 1:53 0.2 3 Mo 2:39 0.2 4 Tu 3:22 0.2 5 We 4:04 0.2 6 Th 4:44 0.2 7 Fr 5:24 0.3 8 Sa 6:05 0.3 9 Su 0:41 1.6 10 Mo 1:28 1.5 11 Tu 2:20 1.5 12 We 3:15 1.5 13 Th 4:12 1.5 14 Fr 5:08 1.6 15 Sa 6:00 1.7 16 Su 0:34 0.2 17 Mo 1:23 0.1 18 Tu 2:11 0.1 19 We 2:59 0 20 Th 3:47 0 21 Fr 4:37 0 22 Sa 5:28 0.1 23 Su 0:12 1.8 24 Mo 1:10 1.7 25 Tu 2:11 1.7 26 We 3:14 1.7 27 Th 4:17 1.7 28 Fr 5:16 1.7 29 Sa 6:10 1.7 30 Su 0:42 0.2

7:20 8:08 8:53 9:36 10:18 10:59 11:41 12:25 6:49 7:37 8:28 9:23 10:18 11:12 12:03 6:51 7:40 8:28 9:17 10:07 10:59 11:53 6:22 7:19 8:19 9:22 10:23 11:21 12:14 7:00

1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 1.7

13:24 14:11 14:56 15:40 16:22 17:04 17:46 18:31 13:12 14:04 14:58 15:52 16:45 17:35 18:24 12:53 13:41 14:30 15:20 16:11 17:03 17:58 12:51 13:51 14:52 15:53 16:50 17:43 18:33 13:03

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.5 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 0.2

19:45 20:31 21:14 21:56 22:36 23:17 23:58

1.9 1.9 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.6

19:18 20:10 21:04 21:59 22:53 23:44

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.3

19:12 19:59 20:47 21:36 22:26 23:18

1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

18:56 19:56 20:58 21:59 22:57 23:52

0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2

19:19 1.8

Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

OCTOBER 1 Mo 1:28 2 Tu 2:11 3 We 2:52 4 Th 3:31 5 Fr 4:10 6 Sa 4:48 7 Su 5:28 8 Mo 0:03 9 Tu 0:50 10 We 1:41 11 Th 2:36 12 Fr 3:35 13 Sa 4:33 14 Su 5:29 15 Mo 0:03 16 Tu 0:55 17 We 1:45 18 Th 2:36 19 Fr 3:26 20 Sa 4:17 21 Su 5:09 22 Mo 6:03 23 Tu 0:55 24 We 1:55 25 Th 2:57 26 Fr 3:57 27 Sa 4:55 28 Su 5:48 29 Mo 0:16 30 Tu 1:01 31 We 1:43

0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.6 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.7 0.2 0.1 0 0 -0.1 0 0 0.1 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 0.2 0.2 0.2

7:45 8:28 9:09 9:48 10:27 11:07 11:48 6:10 6:56 7:47 8:43 9:40 10:37 11:32 6:23 7:15 8:07 8:58 9:50 10:43 11:37 12:34 7:00 7:59 9:00 10:01 10:58 11:50 6:36 7:21 8:02

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

13:48 14:31 15:13 15:53 16:33 17:13 17:56 12:33 13:21 14:14 15:08 16:03 16:57 17:49 12:25 13:17 14:09 15:01 15:54 16:48 17:43 18:40 13:32 14:31 15:29 16:24 17:16 18:05 12:39 13:24 14:06

0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.3

20:03 20:44 21:24 22:03 22:42 23:21

1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6

18:42 19:31 20:25 21:20 22:16 23:10

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3

18:41 19:32 20:23 21:15 22:08 23:01 23:57

1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8

19:39 20:38 21:37 22:34 23:27

0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

18:51 1.7 19:34 1.7 20:15 1.7

Date

Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height Time / Height

NOVEMBER 1 Th 2:23 0.2 2 Fr 3:01 0.2 3 Sa 3:38 0.2 4 Su 4:16 0.3 5 Mo 4:55 0.3 6 Tu 5:37 0.3 7 We 0:17 1.5 8 Th 1:06 1.5 9 Fr 2:01 1.5 10 Sa 3:00 1.6 11 Su 4:00 1.6 12 Mo 5:00 1.7 13 Tu 5:57 1.8 14 We 0:29 0 15 Th 1:22 0 16 Fr 2:15 -0.1 17 Sa 3:06 -0.1 18 Su 3:58 0 19 Mo 4:51 0 20 Tu 5:44 0.1 21 We 0:36 1.7 22 Th 1:34 1.7 23 Fr 2:32 1.6 24 Sa 3:31 1.6 25 Su 4:27 1.6 26 Mo 5:20 1.6 27 Tu 6:09 1.7 28 We 0:32 0.3 29 Th 1:14 0.3 30 Fr 1:54 0.2

8:42 9:21 9:59 10:37 11:17 11:59 6:22 7:12 8:07 9:04 10:03 11:02 11:59 6:52 7:46 8:40 9:33 10:26 11:20 12:14 6:39 7:36 8:34 9:33 10:29 11:22 12:12 6:54 7:36 8:17

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 1.9 2 2 2 2 1.9 1.9 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.7 1.7 1.7

14:46 15:26 16:05 16:45 17:26 18:11 12:45 13:35 14:28 15:23 16:20 17:16 18:12 12:55 13:50 14:44 15:38 16:32 17:27 18:21 13:09 14:04 14:59 15:52 16:44 17:33 18:20 12:57 13:40 14:21

0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 0.4 0.4 0.4

20:54 21:33 22:11 22:51 23:32

1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6

18:58 19:50 20:44 21:41 22:38 23:34

0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1

19:07 20:02 20:57 21:51 22:45 23:40

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8

19:17 20:13 21:10 22:05 22:57 23:46

0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3

19:04 1.6 19:46 1.7 20:27 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). Daylight savings add one hour.

WATERLINE 03

SEPTEMBER 2012

Lots of trailers by the ramp but few trip reports

The boatyards are full and the boats are all out there, but both Coastguard and Seacoms say fewer people are making trip reports.

“Nobody can make them, there is no law to say they have to, but it is for their safety that they do,” says Brenda Butler at Seacoms.

“Unfortunately people are very blase about it all.”

The information supplied by a skipper in a trip report is for search and rescue purposes says Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker.

“To speed up and knowing where people care can be the difference between life and death. knowing where people are where they are likely to be, where they are going. It’s all geared around improving their chances of being found.”

Trip reports can written, but most people file on VHF, channel 3 for Seacoms or channel 83 for the coastguard.

If you are not a Seacoms or Coastguard member then it pays to ensure somebody on land has the boat details, its size, colour,

whether there are two engines or one.

“The police experience that more than us because they are more likely to go round and ask,” says Simon.

While most people radio in their reports, the downside is the number of boats that do not have a working radio on board.

“It is amazing how people go out without a working radio, also people who have radios on board that don’t work. It’s pointless not having a radio, or having one that doesn’t work.”

Cell phones are unreliable. They stop working if they get wet, and they have limited power. Cell phones are low power, short range transmitters designed to operate within a network of nearby cell towers. There are no cell towers at sea.

Cell phones’ transmitting power is at 0.6 or three watts. Even a hand-held VHF can do five watts, and the standard for a fixed mount marine VHF is 25 watts.

“Also if you need assistance and broadcast on the radio, quite a lot of people are going to hear, not just the one person you are calling,” says Simon.

“On a cell phone you are just going to get a one to one conversation. Often what you

will find with people using a cell phone, that instead of calling the coastguard because they won’t have the number and they might not want to call 111. They will ring or text somebody on land who will have to relay the information.

“Generally the amount of information you get in a text message or a phone call, is your friend or next door neighbour or partner isn’t usually telling the full story.

“People who monitor radios are trained to assist. They know what is required and that sort of thing, and they have a reasonably good idea of the area that you are in. They can summon assistance more quickly.”

Trip reports are expected to be updated from the water, if the boat shifts location, and upon return.

“Don’t forget to close the report. People who get back on time can get held up and are late home even though have been on land for a couple of hours or more. People start to panic.”

There is a government requirement for people using a marine VHF to be licensed radio operators. The Coastguard has courses available.

By Andrew Campbell

Motiti digger mystery solved The scouring of the western BOP waters for Rena container remnants has solved one of the enduring Motiti Island mysteries – the location of the missing digger.

The near new 12 tonne digger was being taken to Motiti by barge some 6-7 years ago when it fell off the barge transporting it across.

The digger and barge set out from Ford’s Cut. The digger was relocated during the multi-beam sonar search of Western Bay of Plenty waters for sunken Rena container remnants.

The digger’s been found in 20 metres of water, sitting upright. It’s located about half way across pretty

much in a straight line from the Kaituna River mouth to a landing cut in Wairere Bay. The resolution on the multi beam sonar images is fine enough to show the teeth on the digger, and the platelets on the tracks. A Tauranga commercial diver says he’s been offered “maybe about $1500” for the bucket and a similar amount for each track – a total that won’t cover the hire of a tug, barge and crane.

So the digger’s going to remain where it is for the time being, continuing its new life as a fish aggregating device.

By Andrew Campbell

Artist impression only

SEPTEMBER 2012

04 WATERLINE

Family legend remembered

By Andrew Campbell

One of great uncle Archie Walker’s yarns was how he once saw a man see a sea monster.

Back in the day he was an engineer on board the Union Steam Ship Co ship Rotomahana.

The story goes that he was walking the deck one day and saw his mate the boson heading towards him. The boson stopped suddenly, his eyes popped, he turned a funny shade of pale and pointed over the side, behind uncle Archie’s shoulder.

When Archie turned there was nothing. The boson said he saw a large horse-like head on top of a long neck, heading directly towards the ship before it dived and disappeared.

The family legend resurfaced with the launching of the Centre for Fortean Zoology NZ, in August. A blog by Tony Lucas discussing the possibility of Mosasaurs living in the deep waters off New Zealand east coast mentions a report dated August 1st 1899 from the Rotomahama’s chief officer, Lindsay Kerr.

He reported a huge Conger eel, except it had two fins, one on each side of the body seen near the Portland Light between Gisborne and Napier. The creature rose to a height of 30 feet out of the water. When shown pictures of various types of eels, Lindsay said it had a more crocodilian type head rather than anything he

was shown.

In April 1971 the crew of the Kompira Maru saw a “Bug-Eyed Monster” while off the NI East coast which resembled a large crocodile with fins instead of legs, which were clearly visible as it leapt and dived under the water.

In 1972 three women whitebaiting at the mouth of the Orari River near Temuka watched a huge creature wallowing in the breakers about 30 m away from them.

They described a light grey lizard like beast that was around 15 m long, which at one point opened its mouth to reveal numerous small sharp teeth.

In total there are eleven reported sightings of Mosasaur-like animals reported in New Zealand waters, a higher number than anywhere else.

Mosasaurs are large, toothy fish eaters thought to be long extinct. The discussion on their possible survival in the Hikurangi and Kermadec trenches relies on reported sightings and the discovery of the coelacanth, a fish known only from fossils and thought to have died out 65 million years ago, until 1938 when one was discovered in a fisherman’s catch.

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WATERLINE 05

SEPTEMBER 2012

Navy lark okay for Freya Tauranga Girls’ College student Freya O’Sullivan has returned from a week 12 days at sea with a liking for the nautical life, but she’s not intending to join the navy.

“I would like to but I know I won’t, I’m going into science and stuff like that,” says Freya.

“Every evening when we were anchored a lot of the crew went down to the cargo deck and played volley ball, touch rugby and stuff, and everyone was like friendly and joking and laughing. I really like that kind of atmosphere, but I don’t think I would join the navy. It would be fun though.”

Freya was the only Tauranga representative picked for The Sir Peter Blake Trust Kermadecs expedition, where 30 students from across the country voyaged to The Kermadecs on board HMNZS Canterbury, landed on Raoul Island and saw things that many people don’t.

“More people go to the top of Mount Everest than go to Raoul Island,” says Freya. “My main area of interest was Raoul Island. I just loved looking around in the forest all the biodiversity, really experiencing Raoul Island.”

Inspiration The intention of the expedition is to inspire New Zealanders to understand the global significance of the Kermadec Islands and to encourage stewardship of the Kermadec Marine Reserve and the planet’s oceans generally.

The expedition was planned with The Sir Peter Blake Trust, together with the Ministry for the Environment, the Royal New Zealand Navy, Department of Conservation, Pew Environment Group, Experiencing Marine Reserves, Air New Zealand and LEARNZ. The Kermadecs Expedition was the inaugural voyage of the Young Blake Expeditions, a programme which aims to follow in the footsteps of Sir Peter Blake and to mobilise and inspire the next generation of kiwi leaders, adventurers and environmentalists.

The 30 student voyagers were accompanied by 25 scientists, business leaders and adventurers from government agencies and organisations across New Zealand.

Tagging and sampling The student voyagers helped with shark tagging, dolphin DNA sampling, and plankton monitoring. They will get to observe the Kermadecs’ unique flora and fauna, and learn about one of New Zealand’s little-visited northern outposts.

Freya shared a cabin with five maybe seven other girls and it wasn’t just a cruise.

“We had cleaning duties as well, we were

kind of like guests but we did help out,” says Freya.

“We wiped down tables in the dining hall, one person would do the dishes every meal.

We had cleaning stations where we swept and mopped our hallways, made sure our cabins were tidy and washed the heads and showers.

The heads are like the aeroplane toilets.

“It was pretty easy to adjust to, the hardest thing was finding your way around when you first got on, and also adjusting to not being able to see outside for quite long periods of time. “We weren’t quite sure what time it was, which way we were facing, whether we were stopped...”

They were lucky with the weather. The

navy’s Multi Role Vessel is based on a commercial design that presupposes most voyaging will be with cargo. The HMNZS Canterbury travels mostly empty, and is a bit tender in rough weather.

“It was rough only for a little while. I’ve seen how rough it can be, I think we had it pretty easy. I did feel a little queasy but just lying down helped. If anyone felt a little ill they just went and lay down.”

Freya’s come out of the voyage with a new network of friends and contacts all over the country.

“You’ve kind of got a feeling now that wherever you are you will have somewhere to stay.”

By Andrew Campbell

SEPTEMBER 2012

06 WATERLINE

How accurate is your GPS? The short answer is “about 5-10m, depending on the number of satellites visible to the unit”, but the truth of how accurate a GPS is depends on what we are comparing it against.

If we were to place a GPS outside, its position would not move more than a couple of metres, sometimes for over an hour. In this case it is very accurate - in relation to itself. Most of the time however we want to compare GPS against something more useful like a Nautical Chart.

This is where problems arise. Development of GPS and accurate depth sounders has left paper chart accuracy way behind.

To get an idea of how far behind they have been left, we open a paper chart and check the survey dates. One of the first charts I opened was NZ64 – East coast, South Island which states that vast areas were surveyed between 1849 and 1851 by HMS Acheron – a 160 years ago. Even more alarming than charts dating from the Maori land wars, is that more information on that particular chart has come from “Random soundings from various sources”.

Very reassuring.

Before GPS, the charting only needed to be as accurate as triangulation or a sextant could be – Navigators couldn’t get any more accurate anyway so there was no need for more accurate

charts. And here lies the problem. Although your GPS is accurate to 5 or 10m, your super duper 3D with google overlay charts are using data from the 1800s, and may have a much lower degree of accuracy.

Even charts within the last century can be out by quite a margin. Before GPS was used to get accurate positions for charting, cartographers had to get their positions the same way that navigators did – by the stars or by triangulation. There is some variation in their work.

Until recently most boaties passing through Man O War passage at Great Barrier Island could see this first hand as their boats appeared to carve their way through the northern rocks on the chartplotter. The charts of the area were re surveyed in 2009, and I haven’t passed through there since, but I assume the digital boat now remains wet. Closer to home, Brewis Shoal is well known to be a wee way off – the charts are from 1960, so again before accurate positions could be reliably be calculated.

It’s no real surprise that computer chart programs which update the charts as you move have become so popular with commercial and keen recreational fisherman. Piscatus and Maxsea take position information from the boat’s GPS, depth information from the sounder and combine it to make updates to the charts which are being displayed. The results can be quite amazing, as not only are the charts

more accurate, but also a lot more detailed.

So how do you check the accuracy of the charts and chartplotter? The first step is to make sure your chartplotter is set up correctly.

Although there are areas of our coast which are not accurate compared to GPS, some areas are very well surveyed, including most of Tauranga Harbour.

If you are travelling out of the harbour, zoom in on the chartplotter, pass closely by one of the harbour markers and check the location of the boat in compared to the harbour marker. Your position in relation to this marker should be smack bang on the chart.

If its out by more than 15m or so, then you may have incorrect settings in the chartplotter – in particular in regards to which Chart Datum it is set to, or perhaps some very old charts.

Good digital charts will hold information about the data they were derived from. Next time you are out, have a look and see if the areas you use are from recent surveys or from older surveys. Anything after about 1990 should be pretty accurate.

If there are areas which are a bit off – such as Brewis Shoals, mark them with a GPS waypoint on your plotter. This will be much more accurate, and easier to return to the next time you go fishing!

By Rob McAllister Bay Marine Electronics

WATERLINE 07

SEPTEMBER 2012

Seals becoming commonplace around the Bay coast DOC ranger Pete Huggins is calling for a change of attitude towards fur seals as they become more common about Tauranga Harbour.

From being a rarity with every shore sighting called in to DOC, he wants people to adjust to their increasingly common presence.

“Their numbers are slowly increasing, there are lots more breeding down south and as the breeding increases they are coming further up in greater numbers,” says Pete.

“For Tauranga residents who have probably grown up around here and never seen seals, this is going to be every year, and potentially more and more, and we know they are breeding now on offshore islands from Tauranga.

“So it could be a resident population. It’s really neat because this is what makes New Zealand such an attractive place to come to,

because we have all this wild life.”

He wants people to call DOC if a seal is being harassed by dogs or humans, if it’s endangered, such as wrapped in netting or line, or has a life-threatening injury.

“We want people to get that seeing seals is normal. It’s a seal, if it looks fine, keep going.”

Seals turning up in Tauranga this winter are mostly yearlings, many of whom have made the long swim from the South Island.

“The ones that go on the beach just end up sitting on the beach for a day, they are just knackered basically,” says Pete.

Finding them in the rivers and streams that feed into the harbour is also common seal behaviour. The fresh water kills off parasites they can pick up in their pelts, and seals will eat fresh water fish such as eels.

“It looks pretty nasty, but it’s certainly not life threatening. Obviously we feel for the seal but it’s trying to do its natural thing, to

3a Landscape Road Tauranga

get up out of the water and rest. Hopefully it will find somewhere a bit better soon.

“This one is probably looking for somewhere to chill out, but unfortunately it keeps coming up against people. It will sooner or later find somewhere it can just relax.

“If it came up anywhere East of Omanu people are quite used to seeing seals there and people would avoid it, and it would have a day or so rest.”

More of them are coming north as the South Island populations begin to come back. The current population is estimated about 200,000 – about ten per cent of the two million there were once thought to be on the New Zealand coast.

At sea the NZ fur seal or Kekeno feeds on squid, octopus, lantern fish and school fish. They feed mainly at night and can stay underwater for ten minutes and dive deeper than 100m.

By Andrew Campbell

Tel: 07 576 3009 Mobile: 027 627 5448

08 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

Boat ramp surveys net positive results Surveys at boat ramps around Tauranga harbour paint a positive picture of attitudes towards recreational boating safety.

Boat ramp surveys carried out earlier this year at boat ramps around Tauranga harbour

by Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s maritime team and volunteer harbour wardens, assisted

by Police and Coastguard units, showed that the majority of boaties surveyed are taking safety seriously.

The aim of the survey was to provide a snapshot of water safety compliance and attitudes.

Of the recreational boats surveyed, over 93% were carrying suitable lifejackets or personal flotation devices, as required by law.

It is a legal requirement in New Zealand to carry a correctly sized, serviceable lifejacket or PFD of the right size for each person on board. This rule applies to all boats, including kayaks, surf skis, stand-up paddle boards and dinghies.

Lifejackets – useless unless worn

On 73% of all boats, people were wearing lifejackets. This is a great result, given the efforts that the harbour master’s team have put into promoting the wearing of lifejackets.

Go slow near boats and swimmers

or pay a $200 fine!

If in doubt, don’t go out

Also encouraging was that 85% of skippers made a point of checking the weather before they went out. Not doing so is still one of the biggest causes of fatalities on the water.

Carry communications

Although almost everyone surveyed carried some form of communication – most commonly a mobile phone – a waterproof hand-held marine VHF radio is preferable to a mobile phone. While carrying any form of communication on the water is better than nothing, mobile phones do have limitations and can’t always be relied on to provide the necessary coverage at sea.

Their batteries may also go flat, just when you least expect it.

A marine VHF radio is one of the most reliable forms of emergency communication available, and can usually be picked up for about $200 – cheaper than many cell phones. A VHF radio doesn’t cost anything to use – there are no expensive monthly plans or bills to pay. The other advantage of a VHF radio is that your call for help will be transmitted to every radio within range, unlike a mobile phone where you can only talk to one person at a time.

Other forms of emergency communication include distress beacons (EPIRBs or

PLBs) and distress flares. You should carry at least two forms of emergency communication that will work even when wet.

Different types of communications work in different areas. Further low-tech ways to help attract attention include using sound signals, a torch, red flag or raising and lowering your outstretched arms.

Most boaties surveyed carried a mobile phone when out on the water, but only about half of those surveyed put it inside a plastic bag to ensure it could still be used in an emergency.

If you are going to carry your cell phone when you’re out on the water, the message is simple: put it in a resealable plastic bag so that it doesn’t immediately become useless if it gets wet.

Harbour masters’ teams all around the country will be working over the next summer to continue to raise awareness of key safety messages. Keep an eye out for them while you’re out fishing. If you would like more information on boating safety, contact your local harbour master.

Good fishing, good boating and stay safe out there!

By Captain Jennifer Roberts, Harbour Master – Western Bay of Plenty

Wear a

LIFEJACKET

You must have an observer when towing

or pay a $200 fine!

GO SLOW NEAR DIVERS

WATERLINE 09

SEPTEMBER 2012

Aged 12 years on the knoll

G

IN

M

O

C

O

S

N

O

NEW Boat Park

at Sulphur Point

Need a place to park your boat?

You are invited to register your interest for an annual licence to occupy a dedicated parking space at the new Sulphur Point boat park. The new boat park is expected to be completed by mid-December.

Aaron Jones with the 45kg kingfish. Photo Tauranga Fish & Game Club.

Tauranga Fish and Game Club member Aaron Jones caught a previously tagged kingfish in April.

Aaron’s catch was on April 21, and the previous tag was more than 12 years ago.

It makes Aaron’s fish one of the heaviest recaptured kingfish on record and marks the longest time 4,450 days at liberty for a kingfish with a single tag.

The fish was originally tagged by Richard Hart in the same area, Rangitira Knoll, on 14 February 2000 while fishing from the vessel Pursuit. It then measured 126cm in length and was estimated to weigh 35kg on release.

The recaptured length of 141cm and weight of 45kg means the fish has grown 15cm and gained estimated 10kg in the 12 years since.

According to current research, a fast growing kingi could reach 126cm at 11 or 12 years old. Add the 12 years since the first tagging and Aaron’s fish is around the maximum observed age to date of 24 years.

The previous long term kingfish recapture was of a fish that carried a tag for 11 years, it was retagged and released, then recaptured again after a further 3 ½ years. It grew from 13.5kg to 31kg over the 14 ½ years at White Island/Volkners area.

The facilities provided at the proposed boat park will include:  76 spaces  Security lighting, fencing, CCTV surveillance, 24 hour access, individual swipe tags  Chip sealed, spaces marked and numbered  Dedicated washbay of 8m x 8m, chemical toilet dump station, recycling bins  Regular maintenance of all facilities

e For mor n tio visit / informa ovt.nz uranga.g call a .t w w w ts, or -projec council on Council 00.

0 7 7 07 57

This is a great opportunity to store your boat securely in a facility close to boat ramps.

10 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

CLUB NEWS

Founder steps down The Sailing Academy has with considerable regret farewelled its founding father, and with new enthusiasm entered a new phase in its development over the winter.

Eight years ago Roy Walmsley (pictured right) had a vision of a charitable trust separate from any yacht club, and having no members, free to serve the community and the sport of sailing. The trust was duly established and registered, and over the years built up a fleet of firstly International 420 two handed yachts for secondary schools teams racing, then learner sailboats – Optimist and Topaz – and on to sailboards – Techno race boards and Viper learner boards. Other boats were also acquired along the way.

Throughout this time, Roy was the driving force, as both chairman and administrator for much of the time, and put in hundreds of hours every year to make things happen, from grant applications to fundraisers to looking after the gear and organising sailing programmes and the BoP teams racing regatta.

Unfortunately Roy’s health has meant he has not been able to devote as much time to BoPSAT recently, and he made the decision this year to step down both as administrator and as a trustee. His departure was marked with the naming of the BoPSAT patrol boat in his honour, although Roy took some persuading that he should be acknowledged publicly in this way.

So now if you see a RIB out on the water with the name Roy Walmsley emblazoned on the side, remember that not only that vessel, but also our fleet of more than 40 sailboats and boards, and all the new sailing experiences these create for kids in the Bay, owe their existence largely to him. We wish Roy the best for the future and we are sure we’ll see him around the local sailing scene for many years to come.

By Stuart Pedersen

2012 Winter Shore Cruises

The TYPBC Trailer Yacht Cruising Group Winter Shore Series has been a great success with good turn outs and much fun.

It has been a series of three events with a bit of a difference each time.

Instead of being “on with the wet weather gear”,‘ and then deciding whether or not it’s “time for a tuck”, as is not unusual with sailing cruises during June, July or August, for each of these events it has been a cruise in car-comfort to an RV and to park up in safe and secure café style surroundings.

Inside the KYB chatter of the happenings and doings of the previous month get an enjoyed hearing along with the camaraderie, clatter of coffee cups and a tuck in at the cakes.

With the “tuck in” done, it is off home, dry and comfortable, before the warmth of the afternoon’s sun is lost to the shorter daylight time of winter.

Now it is September, the traditional start of Spring, it is time to get ready for the awaited warmer sailing weather when the Trailer Yacht Division has a racing programme and a Cruising Group calendar on offer. You can join the Club and enjoy the fun of sailing, in either competition racing, or sailing in company just cruising, phone 578 5512.

WATERLINE 11

SEPTEMBER 2012

Heads up for WOW season The women’s sailing division (aka WOW) of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club brings you the 2012-2013 WOW Summer Series comprising nine evening sails fortnightly on a Thursday.

Generously sponsored by Mills Reef Winery, WOW has been operating since 2001, attracting over 100 women to go sailing on up to 20 yachts each WOW night. WOW aims to give women of any age and from all walks of life the opportunity to actually participate in the sport of sailing which New Zealand has become famous for. Our oldest crew was 83 years old so it’s never too late to try!

Thanks to the generosity of boat owners from both TYPBC and the Mount Yacht Club we are able to offer the opportunity for complete beginners to actively participate and learn the art of sailing from experienced skippers willing to teach and inspire newcomers.

Some of you may have sailed as a child with parents or in dinghies; some may be mothers of children learning to sail or race in the Centreboard Division of TYPBC, or even the Sea Scouts, Tauranga Mariners, or TS Chatham Navy Cadets – all part of the BOP Sailing Centre. Others may already own a yacht but lack the confidence, boatmanship or knowledge of how to sail. Maybe you’re not encouraged to participate or you think it’s a man’s domain. Deep down you’ve always wanted to have a go but the opportunity has never presented itself. Well ladies, this is your time! Be brave, take the first step onto a yacht and join lots of keen ‘sailorettes’ in a wonderful evening of fun and fresh air!

Here’s how it all happens!

WOW Calendar for 2012-2013 Season Race 1 November 1 Race 2 November 15 Race 3 November 29 Race 4 December 13 Race 5 January 31 Race 6 February 14 Race 7 February 28 Race 8 March 14 Race 9 April 7 – Sunday afternoon sail followed by final prizegiving and dinner.

1. Costs - FREE to TYPBC members Day member - $15 per sail or prepay $90 to cover all 9 sails – saving up to $45 Other YNZ affiliated club members $5 per sail or prepay $45 to cover all 9 sails.

2. Go online to the club website – www. yacht.org.nz – and read the WOW handbook to learn all you

need to know about WOW. 3. Print and complete the Individual Safety Declaration form. Bring along on your first time.

4. Register by Tuesday prior to each WOW sail – either text or phone Delwyn on 021 244-2040 or email wow.tauranga@gmail.com giving your full name, age, contact mobile/ home phone and any experience or boat preference that you have.

5. Get yourself to the TYPBC at Sulphur Point, Tauranga by 5.15pm on the night and complete the Individual Safety Declaration form (if not done already), pay the fee then you’ll be told which boat you’ve been allocated to for the night.

6. Get to your boat by 5.30pm to be ready to start at your designated start time.

Team forming

As the WOW season approaches the women who like to race will be forming their teams and organizing a boat to race in the Racing Division and they are often looking for new crew, preferably with some sailing experience. However, they are usually willing to take beginners who are keen to learn and can commit to every race so if you think that sounds like you, please email us as soon as possible and we’ll try to find a position for you. If you prefer a more relaxing sail then the Cruising Division is the best way to learn the knowledge and skills of sailing without the added pressure of racing. All new participants are allocated to the cruising division boats unless racing is requested.

After the sail we encourage everyone to come to the club for prize giving, spot prizes, raffles and to purchase WOW merchandise.

TYPBC Women on Water

We have some great looking shirts for sale this year at a reasonable price too. It’s a great time to get to know your skipper and crew.

An affordable buffet meal is available and the bar is open so come join us for a night of sailing and fun with lots of other like-minded women.

In addition to the prizes of bottles of wine from our main series sponsor, Mills Reef Winery, we are generously supported by other sponsors who help make our WOW nights much more enjoyable by providing our spot prize vouchers, so please support them when you can. They are: Ivory, Mount Mellick, Healthy Inspirations , Cambrian Meats , Le Chat Noir , sPacific Landscapes & Gardening, and Fitco Gym. Remember everyone MUST register by Tuesday before each WOW night to avoid disappointment. For more information please contact Megan on 578-7105 or email wow. tauranga@gmail.com

12 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

CLUB NEWS

Tremendous accomplishments celebrated Recently TYPBC members both young and old gathered to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of TYPBC Olympians Peter Burling and Jason Saunders and newest club member Andrew Murdoch and their sailing partners.

It was a happy occasion and a proud moment for all to spend time with these dedicated athletes who have achieved at the highest level on the world stage.

Reflecting on his achievement and what had led to it Peter Burling reminded us all how it was not that long ago really that he had turned up to sail in a little wooden Opti. Bit by bit he had advanced through different classes of boats to be standing before us, an Olympic medallist. Along the way he and all the other Olympians had been helped by their parents, their coaches, their clubs, even their fellow competitors, in their pursuit of excellence.

Listening to the Olympians speak were past sailing champions who had themselves gone down that road, but also there were those who have just learnt to sail and may be inspired to follow in their heroes’ footsteps. I was reminded of how much we can do when we have the support of others.

Like the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’; ‘it also takes a club to raise a sailor.

Having a good learn-to-sail programme and helping young sailors to continue to be challenged and develop their skills is a key part of club activity.

This winter we have not taken a break at TYPBC. Every second Saturday Christine Headey together with youth coach Sam Barnett have been coaching a group of young sailors, taking them from being recent graduates of Learn to Sail to being confident enough to be able to race. Their parents have been learning along the way too, helping to look after the group by mastering the use of club support boats and listening in on the briefings. Some are so enthused they are taking the challenge to follow in their children’s footsteps and learn to sail themselves.

Winter series

On alternate Sundays the entire Centreboard division has come together for its Winter Series races, run by Warren Belk.

Sailors from Hamilton and Rotorua have joined in our Winter Series and have stored their boats at the club over winter. Each weekend it seems the fleets have grown with a good group of young and some more experienced Opti sailors, a strong cohort of Starlings, Ps, a hearty group of Zephyrs, windsurfers and Lasers. As well there have been the Burlings in Moths, some Tornadoes and Ben Caundle has recently added a 3.7 to the mix. TYPBC has also started kite surfing races, and competitors have come from Auckland and Raglan to try their hand at racing.

Last Sunday saw the conclusion of the Centreboard Winter Series and this coincided with the last day of a Regional Training Weekend, coordinated by our

Champions in the making: The Tauranga Boys’ College team, all TYPBC members, in 2006, with coach Richard Burling; and the two (now Olympians) Peter and Jason, in the caps.

Regional Support Officer from Yachting New Zealand, Hamish Hey. Around sixty participants had spent the weekend enjoying the expertise of top coaches. Sailors had come from as far away as Napier and Auckland for the experience which was topped off by joining in the final Winter Series races. On hand to present the place getters in each division was Peter Burling. What a great way to finish the series!

Competing

During the winter many of our more experienced TYBPC club members have been overseas competing in various World or Regional Championships. Cole Rippey was selected to go to Sri Lanka for the Asian Optimist Championship. Cole’s Dad, Nigel Rippey said the conditions were perfect, very warm and with a good steady wind

Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

every day. Cole and many of the other NZers did well, Cole finishing 12th.

Cole’s older brother Trent and 29er partner Alex Munro of Wakatere Club were selected to represent NZ at the Youth World championship in Ireland and as part of the build up to that event they travelled to Wales, Ireland and to the Queensland Youth week. They finished 8th at the Youth Worlds and went on to compete at the 29er World Championship.

Also in 29 er class, Molly Meech and partner Alex Maloney attended the 29er World Championship where they were 19th overall and 2nd women pair. At the European championships they placed 17th and 3rd women pair.

Laser sailor Berrick Fitzsimmons was part of a strong NZ team that attended the Laser Radial Youth World Championships in Brisbane and following that Queensland Youth Week where he placed 6th in Laser Radial.

Oscar Rorvik and partner Taylor Burn of QCYC teamed up to sail 420 early in 2012 and after training hard with the Youth teams headed off to the World Championships in Austria. This was the pair’s first International 420 regatta and they were close to making Gold fleet.

They came out strongly in the final races to become Silver Fleet Champions. Next stop was Italy and Lake Garda. Up against many of the top crews, the pair made Gold Fleet and were seventh after the first day of final races. However while a top ten placing slipped from their grasp the pair still achieved a very creditable 23rd.

Alex Hart has only just returned from the Techno World Championships where there were 130 competitors in his age group and hundreds overall at this very competitive championship. Alex was 96th.

So the learning never stops and it seems as we go into the new sailing season that there are many budding Olympians who may be starting to plan how to emulate their club mates!

If you are itching to try sailing yourself or know of someone who does, then get in touch with TYPBC club. We run Learn to Sail and Learn to Windsurf courses on a regular basis and would love to get you on the water this summer. Call Christine Headey on 07 5785512 to find out more or go to our website www.yacht.org.nz. Or follow us on Facebook. Whether you are a rock star, wannabe or just enjoy the sport on a social level then we can help!

WATERLINE 13

SEPTEMBER 2012

CLUB NEWS

Omokoroa update This year is flying past us. We are saying goodbye to another Winter and are anticipating the warmer weather when we can again get out on the water, take a walk around our village or just go down to the club and enjoy the deck area and its stunning views.

At the club we have been making the most of our great new Tect room/ club extension that was opened late last year. It makes a lovely space for members and guests to relax or for events and courses.

The committee has been working hard to keep us all entertained. This year so far we have held an Open

day, Fishing competitions, Easter Jazz on the deck, Jam sessions, A Beatles tribute band, Big Daddy Wilson [Blues and roots singer], Quiz nights, a Mid-winter Christmas dinner, Gish the comedian and loads of sport on our big screen. There is plenty more to come from entertainment to Coastguard Courses and the sailors out here are raring to go for the sailing season. Watch our notice board for details.

We are very proud of our club and feel lucky to live in this special part of The Bay with such a fantastic facility. We also have our own restaurant that offers great food from 9am until late, Thursday to Sunday.

We welcome visitors and recommend that everyone visit Omokoroa sometime. You may not want to leave.

Junior sailing for 2012 - 2013 The Omokoroa Boat Club organises junior sail training in the summer months on the front beach at Omokoroa, usually October to April each year, and has been operating since 1999.

The Club is fortunate to have six Optimist dinghies for beginners, four Sunburst dinghies for more experienced, older cadets as well as two Vikings (mini Laser type dinghies).

The age group usually starts at 5 – 6 and progresses to early teens.

We are assisted by the Omokoroa Pahoia Sea Scout Troop which provides us with excellent junior leaders.

Our main coach is a Sea Scout Leader supported by two long term adult sailors.

The aim is to instruct young people in the skill of sailing on our harbour, understanding wind and currents as well as personal safety on the water. Life jackets are mandatory for all sailors and helpers.

Instruction progresses to basic racing skills with the emphasis on having fun in a safe environment.

Club members’ children and grandchildren are catered for at no cost and all other children can attend by becoming junior members of the Club at an annual cost of $30 having satisfied themselves they want to go ahead after a couple of free sessions.

The Club has two rescue craft and parents are encouraged to: (i) bring the family runabout and assist in patrols; (ii) learn to sail a sunburst; (iii) generally help the Club crew.

We always aim to have fun.

The senior sailors also, when conditions permit, host the juniors on their larger yachts with an annual “Kids on Keelers” picnic sail.

The current sailing programmes for both Seniors and Learn to Sail will be on the Club website www.omokoroaboatclub.co.nz and on the Club notice boards.

Contacts are:

John Budden Alan Roberts

Sailing Convenor 548 1180 Instructor 579 1967

Fiji beckons ‘The Legends Regatta’ POWERco is again the main sponsor for The Legends Regatta on Labour Weekend 19th – 22nd October.

The Mount Maunganui Yacht Club is well supported by the sponsors which include Windsheer, David Peet Jeweller’s – Ladies Prize, Plumbing World - Tauranga, Media Works – ‘The Sound’, Mills Reef Winery, Electrical works, Blokart International, Bridge Marina Travellift – Lift & Holds, Tauranga Boat Sales, Wild Kiwi Clothing, Lion Breweries, Sew Hot Monograms, House of Travel.

Already there are yachts booked in to have a chance at winning, a trip for 2 for 7 days to stay at the Crusoes Retreat including breakfast, Airport transfers, $500 dollars spending money or equivalent prize and $100 duty free from the organizers ‘House of Travel’. This is the ‘Participating prize’ for just participating in 3 of 4 events in this the 9th year of ‘The Legends Regatta’ and we thought that a ‘Island theme’ would be great, so bring your palm trees, lae’s, grass skirts and colourful shirts and join in the atmosphere.

The Early Bird entry of $75.00 is due by the 23rd Sept and the standard entry of $99 by the 12th October, there is a late fee of $150. All this information is on www.mmyc. org.nz along with conditions, entry forms and notice of race etc.

The Legends Regatta has all of its great features with flexible start time, the motoring clause, and even the anchoring option to split your trip. This year we are reintroducing the photo competition; this allows the collection of photos at the final prize giving, hopefully with a photo of your yacht under sail, we will then put all the photo’s supplied on DVD (thanks to Tom & Rita) and send a copy to each yacht, recording all your great memories on disc.

There will be great memories with time for scalloping, fishing, socialising and walks over the Island, meeting new people and enjoying the company of friends. There is a rumour that as many as 5 Stewart 34’s will be coming from Auckland after a great time had by Neil’s brother last year, taking some of the prizes and a good feed of scallops.

The ladies on ‘Kaimi Flyer, certainly seemed to enjoy the weekend away and with Wayne already entered in this years regatta in his new ‘Kaimi Express’ the luxury will be an added bonus, bringing also the competitive edge to all challengers.

POWERco will again be sending 3 representatives of their company and their partners to enjoy the weekend, from feedback we have had over the years POWERco have been involved, this weekend is highly prized and competed for vigorously within the company. The participants have had many great experiences some coming sailing for the first time and have come from Tauranga, New Plymouth and Wellington.

Getting ready for The Legends Regatta is a great way to prepare your yacht for summer making sure that the safety gear is up to standard and your flares are current, that no life jackets have been taken off or need to be replaced.

If you have teenagers who are coming to the regatta the organiser are interested to know.

SEPTEMBER 2012

14 WATERLINE

CLUB NEWS

Refocus at BOPSAT With former trustee Roy Walmsley’s blessing the trust is refocusing its efforts, stepping back from local learn to sail programmes to a broader approach.

The first move involves redefine the relationship with the centreboard division of TYPBC. The club is appointing an in-house coach for the coming season and running its own ‘taster’ and ‘learn to’ programmes, using the BoPSAT equipment. The Learn to Sail course which ran over winter 2012 is the last one operated under BoPSAT’s name for the foreseeable future. The club’s first courses are scheduled to start in October.

BoPSAT is now putting more effort into promoting junior sailing Bay-wide, working with Sport BOP to deliver coaching support, forming new relationships with other Bay sailing clubs, and evaluating and progressing new initiatives. The evidence of the payoff from this is visible already.

One of the first signs is the new windsurfing initiative in September-October at the Roto-

BOAT SUPPLIES

rua Yacht Club. Club member Ian Wallbridge is driving a junior programme starting with an open day on 8 September, and followed by a ‘learn to windsurf ’ course through late September and into October. This will use a combination of BoPSAT equipment and some gear he has fundraised for locally. Much excitement surrounds the expected appearance and help from Olympic Gold medallist Bruce Kendall, who just happens to be Ian’s cousin!

Another initiative is to work closely with Yachting New Zealand and Sport BOP to reinvigorate the secondary school teams racing scene in Tauranga, and hopefully extend this to Rotorua and Whakatane in the current season. Teams racing is like match racing, where each sailor tries to force the others into a disadvantaged position in order to beat them to the finish, rather than just sailing as fast as possible. In teams racing there are two teams of three boats attacking each other, instead of just one boat each, and the boats are two-man 420 centreboard yachts, not keelers or massive wing sail catamarans like in the Americas Cup. School teams racing is huge fun and is inex-

WATER SPORTS

pensive sailing for everyone, as you don’t even need to own a boat. A team consists of eight kids, four of whom need a reasonable level of sailing skill. We’ve been able to dramatically reduce the cost for families to participate in this fun side of the sport this season and we are hoping to see more schools get involved.

Training generally starts around October with racing happening in April, so get in touch with us if you would like to put a school team together.

Speaking of inexpensive, sailing can be a lot cheaper than many other sports – you might be surprised! Junior club membership is generally much less than $100 for a season, and learner courses are run at cost, using both qualified instructors and volunteers. Second hand boats and boards need not cost the earth, and for those not ready to commit to the outlay immediately, BOPSAT is happy to charter our gear for a period of months, so you can be sure you child is going to stick with it. We are looking at ways we can extend this programme as it has proved to be a very popular stepping stone for new sailing families in the last few seasons.

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Phone: 5789593 Email: info@stevesmarine.co.nz

Shop online at www.stevesmarine.co.nz

WATERLINE 15

SEPTEMBER 2012

College girls taking to the seas

By Andrew Campbell

Sam Fredheim at the Spirit of NZ helm.

Sail training ship Spirit of New Zealand hosted a bunch of Tauranga Girls’ College students over the winter, with a group of 10 year tens on a five day trip, and a solitary year 12 sailor Sam Fredheim who took part in a ten day trip.

Sam discovered during a rough crossing of the Colville Channel that she doesn’t easily succumb to sea sickness. And even though it rained nearly every day, she’s still keen on sailing.

Sam was among the volunteer crew on a recent day sail out of Tauranga, and says she’s looking for more on water experience.

“I wanted to put myself out there, try something. I had heard various things about it,” says Sam. “I just wanted to come back on the ship as a volunteer.”

Sam’s advice to budding adventurers is to take plenty of towels. The Youth Development Voyage crew are supposed to pack for ten days and do their laundry after the voyage.

“I was drying off with a T shirt every morning, because it rained every day. I only brought two towels and you swim every morning,” says Sam. The year-round 6.30am plunge is a feature of

voyage life, as is the food, which with morning tea, afternoon tea and supper, amounting to six meals a day.

The recent afternoon sail out of Tauranga was sponsored by the Tauranga Hyundai agents the Farmer Motor Group.

Hyundai are The Spirit of Adventure Trust’s major sponsors in a three year relationship where every test drive and or sale involving a mention of the Spirit of Adventure Trust, results in donations to the trust.

The late August Tauranga port call is the last from the Spirit of New Zealand for a while.

The barquentine will be out of action from the end of September until the New Year undergoing a major refit in Whangarei.

The masts will be removed, inspected, blasted and painted before re-fitting, the hull will be completely re-painted – black of course.

Below deck there will be changes to forward accommodation, involving the removal of stores lockers and the construction of new cabins.

The cabins are for leading hands and cadets who assist the crew with the 40 students on the Youth Development Voyages.

The laundry is moving aft nearer the galley, and there will be a new dish and pot washer, which will supplement the work of the human dish washers.

“The main thing about those dish washers

is they can take a bit of time and sometimes the time is what you are after, to go on to the next unit,” says the trust’s marine director Paul Leppington. “Just occasionally you need to get it all done.”

The aft lecture hall is going to have a small dinette arrangement added and the AV gear is going to be upgraded. New generators will be installed in the engine room, and there will be improvements to the wheelhouse, the anchoring and general electrical systems.

The ship received a new engine during the 2010 major refit and the deck will be addressed in 2014. It’s all part of the sail training ship’s ‘mid-life crisis’. Spirit of New Zealand is reckoned the hardest working tall ship on the planet.

“People don’t really understand,” says Paul.

“In Europe and places like that they come alongside and take three days to change over crew and they consider that to be really good.

“Sometime they are laid up for the whole of winter - four or five months. Our ship comes in at 7am and is gone by 12 o’clock with a complete new crew, new trainees, new everybody and fuel water and everything. And she’s out there and we only pull her out three weeks every year just for survey.”

Life Enhancement’ programme is to ensure Spirit of New Zealand’s safe operation as a Youth Development ship until around 2030.

16 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

Black swan damage nailed A PhD study into the impacts of black swans on seagrass in Tauranga harbour has given the regional council the ammunition to demand action from Fish and Game.

Black swans are Fish and Game’s responsibility because they are on the game bird schedule. There’s a bit of a cull each shooting season, but the study shows they are ineffectual.

Swan numbers in Tauranga Harbour during summer have increased from an estimated 1,900 birds in 1979 to 5,100 in 2010.

Virginie Dos Santos’ study shows the swans knock back about 20 per cent of the seagrass on the most heavily grazed site, with recovery taking three or more years.

The links between seagrass and fish stocks are well established. A 2008 study by Niwa of North Island west coast snapper stocks found that 98 per cent of snapper caught along 700km of coastline came from the seagrass beds on the Kaipara Harbour.

Now the damage done by black swans is scientifically established, the regional council will be taking the data to the Eastern Region Fish and Game Council and discussing control options, which include negotiating a maximum population threshold for black swans in the harbour.

The study conducted between 2007 and 2010 found black swan grazing creates circular de-vegetated patches in seagrass meadows of around 0.28 m2. The swans remove nearly everything, 92% of the shoots and 99% of the rhizomes.

In the high grazing areas it could take over three years for a de-vegetated patch to fully recover.

The PhD research project to investigate the effects of black swans and contaminants on the health of seagrass beds in Tauranga Harbour was initiated by the regional council in 2006 and received wide support from a number of stakeholders.

SEPTEMBER 2012

WATERLINE 17

Windsong ... in the water David Blackley’s Cat 1 capable trailer sailer Windsong is in the water and seeking a new owner.

The 8m boat was built as an educational venture for the Blackley’s Summerhill Trust, and its sale will fund the trust’s next project.

Price is on application and by negotiation, says David.

“We can’t expect people to pay the full construction costs, but it is built by a charity, so it must be sold,” says David.

Windsong is on A pier at the Tauranga Marina.

The 8m boat can be either a family day cruiser, or an expedition boat for a smaller crew. The rig is a free standing rotating carbon fibre mast with a small crane.

Windsong also has built in water ballast, a lead keel and a hardwood centreboard inside

a fibreglass case. It could also double as a caravan or backyard accommodation, says David.

The trust paid for the construction and the wages of the apprentices who completed most of the strip planked hull and cabin under the tutelage of boatbuilder Darren Schofield.

Darren also built foiling moths, and left for Dubai to pursue that before the trailer sailer was completed. Riaan Alers completed the boat and built the mast.

The main construction material is paulownia, a timber all the rage of farm forestry in the 1990s because it was fast growing and worth a lot in Asia. Unfortunately the pay back for the fast growth of NZ Paulownia is growth rings that are too far apart for it to be attractive in the traditional Asian markets.

It’s about halfway between balsa and poplar in density, and it glues and laminates better than cedar.

High Modulus had a look at engineering specs for construction with glass and paulownia but it didn’t go very far. Rob Shaw, head of marine at Auckland’s Unitech, suspects they didn’t want to promote the use of a material that might compete with the high density foam that High Modulus sells.

Rob designed and built a strip planked 7m racing shell called Custard Truck out of paulownia which is the fastest in its class..

By Andrew Campbell

18 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

WATERLINE 19

SEPTEMBER 2012

Boat show back on The Strand The second annual Tauranga Boat Expo and Water Festival will be held on The Strand Waterfront, Downtown Tauranga from Friday the 2nd through to Sunday 4th November this year.

The Tauranga Marine Industry Association is the driving force behind the event and TMIA chairman Brian Kent says it is an ideal chance to bring a cross section of the industry together in one place. Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 4000 visitors and Brian is confident of another great turnout.

“We received great feedback from our exhibitors from the last Expo and we are looking forward to returning to the perfect venue on the waterfront to highlight the many water based activities and businesses in our region,” says Brian Visitors to the expo can expect to see a wide variety of watercraft including power boats, jet skis, paddleboards and kayaks along with marine electronic and fishing gear. A great opportunity exists to talk one on one with the guys who run these business and to get advice from the experts. Many ‘show specials’ will be on offer.

The Harbourmaster was popular with visitors last year will again be in attendance.

The popular SeaLegs craft is back, along with Coastguard.

And to ensure that the family stays safe while on the water there will also be the opportunity to have lifejackets checked free of charge.

The Water Festival will again run over the Saturday and Sunday. The Bath Tub boys will make some waves with their racing and antics, free jet ski rides will be available and exhibitors will take the opportunity to showcase some of their craft on the water. Kayaks, Paddleboards and the Tauranga Yacht club will provide a more sedate display on water. The selection of on-water activities will truly showcase the beautiful Tauranga Harbour and show people the many different ways there are to enjoy it.

The Expo will be open from 10am – 6pm on Friday 2 November and 10am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday the 3rd and 4th. $5 entry fee for adults and kids are free, families are encouraged to make a day of it, bring a picnic or enjoy the variety of hospitality that is available in Downtown Tauranga.

A full list of exhibitors and the water festival schedule is available in on www.boatexpo.co.nz

By Allison Stewart

20 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

WATERLINE 21

SEPTEMBER 2012

A rare gem The Mikelson 50 Sportfisher Cap’n Jake is a rare gem in New Zealand waters.

The Mikelson line of vessels come from a very highly regarded design and build group located in San Diego, California.

Mikelson boats have a reputation as serious go anywhere sportfishers, accompanied by large volume, luxurious interiors. The large deck and fly bridge areas means there is plenty of room for serious fishing, while at the same time all the benefits of a user friendly family cruiser are at hand.

Cap’n Jake was first launched in 1998 and is powered by twin Cummins 420hp diesels on v drives. She cruises comfortably and economically at 12 to 14 knots and has a top speed of 23 knots for those times when you want to get home in a hurry. Her unique hull design and 21 ton displacement provide a very stable, all weather boat that revels in any conditions. Prior to coming to New Zealand, Cap’n Jake had done several trips up the Mexico coast to the US. This 1,000 trip is often

called the “Baja Bash” because of wind and sea conditions encountered. Aboard Cap’n Jake, these trips were made with ease.

Cap’n Jake is in turnkey condition, equipped with everything needed for coastal New Zealand fishing and cruising, or a season up north in the Pacific islands.

Her inventory includes a 12kw Northern Lights genset, Sidepower bowthruster, electric dinghy davit, watermaker, air conditioning, clothes washer and dryer, Furuno Navnet electronics including AIS collision avoidance system, Robertson autopilot and much more.

This vessel must be seen to be appreciated. She is currently offered for sale by Tauranga Boat Sales at an asking price of $475,000. She can be viewed on the exclusive sales berth of Tauranga Boat Sales, at the Tauranga Bridge Marina.

22 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

For Sale

To Rent

SOLE MARINE DIESEL Sole - 20hp, excellent condition, $3000. Ph Ian 570 0333.

MOORING - recently serviced. Ohiwa harbour. Plus one 26 ft yacht, very neglected. Yamaha 12 engine not working. Timber mast and boom and some sails in unknown condition. Offers Ph Keith 021 660 850 or 07 349 4080.

30 FT HARTLEY TIDESONG GOP – 3mtr Beam, out riggers, 8 knots, furruno sounder, garmin GPS, auto pilot, VHF, 2 burner gas stove, electric toilet, auto bilge pump, 2 live bait tanks, 2 ice boxes, duel steering, electric winch. Just been antifouled and repainted. Permanent berth at Sulphur Point Marina. $35 per week. $26,000 ono. Phone 07 548 2114 or 027 548 2114.

MARKLINE 900 – 12 metre Sulphur Point berth available extra. Volvo 200HP Diesel. One double, 4 single berths. Flybridge, Furuno Sounder, GPS, 2VHF’S. Fridge & Freezer, shore power. $90,000.

Ph 07 576 6443.

WARN BOAT WINCH - $150.00 as new. Ph Dennis 570 2071 STARLING - “CARPE DIEM” 1130, Professionally built & launched oct 1994, Built on same jig as “Helter Skelter” (1131). This yacht and fittings are in excellent condition Has been compliant with Bow Jig. Extras include Aluminium Beach Trolley, Road Cover and Spare Mast. Asking Price $3,900.00 Telephone 021 120 7060.

CATAMARAN - 3yr old 11.4 mtr, Roger Simpson, Wildside, Twin 10 hp Yanmar, Diesels. 3 Queen, Size Double berth. Galley. Nav Station, Heads.

Saloon. Usual instruments. Ph 07 866 5157 or email cox.wall@xtra.co.nz.

WATER PUMP - 25PSI, Sureflow. As New $120.

Ph 0274 333 220.

FOLDING PROP - briski, 16 x 12. 25mm shaft.

Right handed NZ. $500 ono. Very good condition.

Ph 021 243 5555 QUARTER SHARE IN VINDEX 10 METRE LAUNCH - Shaft drive, 180 hp Ford Diesel Turbo, Sleeps 6, two showers, 3 steering stations cruises 10-12 kts. This syndicate has been operating successfully for 6yrs. A great opportunity to enjoy the pleasures a launch offers whilst sharing the costs.

Based at Tauranga Bridge Marina. Price $20,000 Ph 548 2314.

HARTLEY TS18 - ‘Antares’ is in really good condition. Trailer has WOF. She has been beautifully built inside and out with painted wood interior and can sleep up to 4 people. Comes with Honda 5HP outboard motor with stand for easy storage. Drop keel makes her a great family boat for going to places in and around the harbour. She has had new aluminium mast and rigging by Mike McCormack and new winch and guide bars added to trailer, for easy launch and retrieval. All ready to go for 2011. Asking price $4,500 ono. Phone Ian Gray 07 578 5022 or 027 572 9439.

4.95 ALUMINIUM MAST AND SAIL - plus centre board, rudder and anchor. All in V.G. condition. Open to reasonable offers. Please ring 576 0294 (has answer phone).

Call

MOORING - C6 The Strand, Town Reach, Tauranga, new survey. Up to 10.5m. $1000 spent on survey. $4000 ono. Contact 07 307 9097 or 027 307 9009.

MOORING - Waikaraeo Estuary #5. Good position, good swing, good depth. Fully rebuilt. Suit up to 29’ boat. Phone 07 576 1309 MOORING – Sheltered Waikerio Estuary, TGA. Rego Number W020. $3000. Phone Don on 027 430 5185.

KEELER PARTNERSHIP 1/3 share in well maintained Farr 1104 in Westhaven. Share with 2 other experienced owners. Fully equipped inc electric head, tiller pilot, RIB dinghy and outboard, near new 29hp motor c/w 3 bladed prop, capstan, cockpit shower, dodger etc. Cruise the Gulf and keep your boat at home. Low monthly contribution. $38,000 ono. Phone Jonathan Gravit 0274 754 169 or email jgravit@xtra.co.nz YACHT - 26’ vanderstadt centreboarder, on launching trailer in hardstand. Very nice condition. 8HP yamaha outboard, alloy s/s rig. $12,990 neg.

Ph 0274 272 054.

SPINNAKER - off Davidson 32. 11.5m - 6.8m, orange/white. In good condition $600.

Phone 06 868 8328 28FT KEELER - a well maintained gulf cruiser, sleeps 5, Yanmar diesel engine, Furling headsail. $28,000 ono. Phone 07 864 7432.

MOORING - Omokoroa. Phone 021 114 7339.

SWING MOORING - for rent or sale at Tanners Point. Recently serviced. Ph 578 0230 or 027 491 5616.

MOORING FOR RENT -Town basin, TA10, will take up to 30’ boat. Phone Ian, 5700333 MOORING FOR RENT - Pilot Bay PT47 $25 per week. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712 MOORING FOR RENT - Waikaraeo Estuary. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712 MOORING FOR RENT OR PURCHASE – Waikaraeo Estuary. Phone Peter 027 491 5616 or 578 0230.

MOORING - handy to Omokoroa Boat Club, suit up to 30’ boat. $17 per week. Ph 027 201 5113.

MOORING - Tanners Point. Good location, just been reconditioned. $6000. Phone Grant Lawton 07 552 0737 or 021 057 5755.

MOORING - Omokoroa, close to beach. $20 per week. Registered mooring. Ph 07 548 0328.

MOORING available for rent or sale. Pilot Bay, excellent position. Ph Ian 07 570 0333.

MOORING to rent. Pilot Bay. Closest to wharf. Deep water. $110 per week. Ph 027 622 0451.

HARTLEY 16 QUIKSILVER mast and sails. Offers.

Ph 07 576 0207.

TRAILER YACHT VENTURE 20 - Good condition on trailer price $5000 phone 027 332 3369 WING PADDLES - Brand new, used twice in demos.

Rochfort,carbon shafts and blades. Pair would suit double kayak, racing or fast cruiser or will sell separately. $300 each. 0274 996 747 LAUNCH - Steel launch 30’. View C2 Tauranga Marina. $40,000. Ph 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712 GENOA - well used but ok. Hoist 44’, foot 23’.

Offers. Ph 07 552 4419 HOOD MAINSAIL - as new, for Davidson 31. Hoist 31’ 9”, foot 8’ 10” with slides on hoist and foot, also boom for davidson 31 9’ 8” overall. Ph 07 552 4419 CODAN SSB MKII - and antenna. Offers Ph 07 552 4419.

33FT WOODEN LAUNCH, 70h/p ford. GPS, VHF, stereo, auto pilot, electric capstan. Sleeps 3, 2 burner cooker and oven, electric toilet, game rigged. Good condition, on rented swing mooring. Best of offer $20k. Ph 021 0277 4294 TRIMARAN - 30’ piver, 15hp outboard, good condition, easily sailed. $18,000. Phone Grant Lawton 07 552 0737 or 021 057 5755 MOTOR SAILOR - 37’ LOA Kauri, shoal draft, twin keels. 20 Horse Yanmar. Painted ready for season. $66,000ono. Ph 07 211 9200.

MOORING - Tanners Point. Good location, just been reconditioned. $6000. Phone Grant Lawton on 07 552 0737 or 021 057 5755 WOODEN MAST and boom with standing riggings, free for removal. Ph 0274 393 028

36FT HERRESHOFF, $45,000 without Mast & Sail.

Idea, restore then go to cruising the world. Available, 12m Marina berth Sulphurpoint. Ph 07 544 3675.

Wanted WANTED Volvo 200HP or 230HP. Phone 07 843 4392 or 027 620 9712 WANTED Cruising couple would like to rent 12 metre berth, Sulphur Point Marina. Month of January or part there of. Ph 027 392 7096.

WANTED TO RENT Swing mooring for 25ft yacht, also short term marina berth. Phone/text Marc 027 200 2316.

HARTLEY 16 Fibreglass trailer sailer.

Ph 07 576 0207.

SPINNAKER to fit a Noelex 30. Ph 06 868 8328.

SWING MOORING - Pilot Bay. Suitable for H28 yacht, preferably close to shore for purchase or rent. Ph 572 2205 or 021 155 1245.

DELIVERIES - Rex Sturmey Ph 07 868 3870 or 027 358 5656 or Tony Wells Ph 07 862 7257 or 027 286 8883 Email ar.wells@hotmail.com

Finance for all marine finance 07-574 0002 or 0274 435 524 available 7 days

WATERLINE 23

SEPTEMBER 2012

Directory BATTERIES

BOAT SALES continued

Battery Warehouse

Tauranga Boat Sales

Ph/Fax: 07 578 8056

Tauranga Bridge Marina: 07 575 0512

25 Marsh Street, Tauranga

Sulphur Point Marina: 07 571 8443

0274 894 056

Email: thecrew@taurangaboatsales.co.nz

Battery Direct NZ

Website: www.taurangaboatsales.co.nz

Free delivery in NZ

CHANDLERY

59 Mirrielees Rd, Tauranga

Steves Marine Supplies

TRAILERS

www.BatteryDirect.co.nz sales@batterydirect.co.nz 0800 267 468

BOAT MAINTENANCE Bridge Marina Travelift Tauranga Ph: 07 574 7166 021 685 438 101 Te Awanui Drive, Tauranga Email: travelift@xtra.co.nz

Ph: 07 578 9593 18 Cross Road, Sulphur Point, Tauranga

ELECTRONICS Bay Marine Electronics Robert McAllister Ph: 07 577 0250 www.baymarineelectronics.co.nz

Tauranga City Council Ph: 07 577 7000 www.tauranga.govt.nz/council-projects

RIGGING Mike McCormick Ph: 578 3071

Prescott Trailers Ph 07-573 9130 29 Station Rd, Te Puke www..prescotttrailers.co.nz

CLUB CONTACTS Mount Maunganui Yacht Club Ph: 542 0305

www.bridge-marina-travelift.co.nz

FINANCE

Canvas Locker

AFB Accept Finance Brokers

John Budden Ph: 548 1180

Marine covers and canvas goods

Ph: 07 574 0002

Alan Roberts Ph: 579 1967

027 627 5448

FISHING & DIVING

Tauranga Game Fishing Club

GemCo Ltd

Blue Ocean Charters Ltd

R63 Hewletts Rd,

Ph 0800 224 278

Mount Maunganui

www.blueocean.co.nz

Ph 572 2411

email: info@blueocean.co.nz

Hutcheson Boatbuilders

Tauranga Marine Charters

Ph:07-578 8312

MV Manutere Brett Keller

Ph: 07 576 3009

Matamata Motor Trimmers & Upholstery Boat clears, canvas work, upholstery Ph: 07 571 4421 Cnr Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Tauranga

BOAT SALES Coastline Marine Ph: 07 574 9613

Ph: 07 552 6283

Omokoroa Boat Club

Keith Allen Dr, Sulphur Point Tauranga Ph: 578 6203

Tauranga Marine Industry Assn.

PO Box 13303 Tauranga Steve Glover www.tmia.co.nz or secretary@tmia.co.nz

0274 351 353

Tga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Email: fishingcharters@xtra.co.nz

PO Box 14352 Tauranga

INSURANCE Tauranga Insurance Ph: 571 0405 195 Devonport Rd, Tauranga

Ph 578 5512

OTHER GAS FIRE CYLINDER Ph: 07 579 5939 58 Courtney Rd, Tauranga Email; info@gasfirecylinder.co.nz

KAYAKING

www.gasfirecylinder.co.nz

Viking Kayaks

Tauranga Boat Expo

Gulf Group Marine Brokers

Specialising in fishing and recreational kayaks.

www.boatexpo.co.nz

Ph 07 579 9716

0800 529 253

email: tauranga@gulfgroup.co.nz

www.vikingkayaks.co.nz

Environment Bay of Plenty

Email: coastlinemarine@xtra.co.nz www.coastlinemarine.co.nz

www.gulfgroup.co.nz

Hutcheson Boatbuilders 1 & 2 Den Place, Sulpher Point, Tauranga 07-578 8312 or 027 489 704 Email: hutchboats@xtra.co.nz

MARINA Tauranga Bridge Marina Ph: 07 575 8264 Fax: 07 575 8369 VHF: Ch 73 “Bridge Marina”

Ph 0800 884 880 www.boprc.govt.nz

24 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

Olympic kite boarding The Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is the first New Zealand yacht club to get kite board sailing integrated into the club programme, running winter series events over recent months.

as ire ylinder SERVICES

Kite board racing is also being taken up in Nelson, Christchurch, and Auckland but like the Tauranga racing it is still low key, friendly.

For Tauranga windsurfer, kite boarder and owner of Assault Boardriding Centre, Glenn Bright the transition from free styling to Olympic sport is history repeating itself.

“There’s a lot of similarities,” says Glenn. “If you look at how windsurfing started when everyone got into that, everyone was just blasting back and forwards trying to do jumps. Freestyle developed from that. It’s not as entertaining or as fun to do and kite boarding, but it stems from the same grass roots.”

“Kite boarding you could almost say the same thing, the greater majority are doing the free style thing, the racing aspect of it is definitely a minority.

“It’s almost like history repeating itself but with different equipment and dynamics and the potential to go a lot further.”

The development of the racing side of kite boarding has pushed board designs, with gear going through a development phase that Glenn says has only settled in the last year or so. Racing boards are wider, they have a bow, a stern and skegs so they can sail upwind.

The International Kiteboarding Association and the International Sailing Federation have set a box rule for kite boards, a move that sets the sport on a different path to the one design course that contributed to the dropping of windsurfing.

“In the past 12-18 months things have settled down quite a lot,” says Glenn. “Boards coming out now look exactly like they did two years ago, with just little refinements here and there.”

The Rule: Boards and Kites and must be production manufactured and registered, and available worldwide. Boards maximum width is 700mm, minimum width; 150mm. The maximum length is 1900mm, minimum weight: 5500gr. Kite/Rigging; maximum distance from chicken loop to top of kite: 45000mm, Fins; maximum length: 500mm.

The rule means sailors can pick a commercially-produced board that suits their body type, buy off-the-shelf rigging and kites, and go racing.

The TYPBC winter series was racing fleets of six to 12, but Glenn’s expecting a bit of growth with the warmer weather.

“We are hoping start of summer series with the yacht club we should be able to get consistent fields of ten or a dozen. There are guys in Auckland, Hamilton, Raglan, Rotorua, very keen to travel over here and race with us.

“I’m pretty excited about where it will head and it’s awesome to be able to team up with Tauranga yacht club. It’s great they have put their hand up and said they want to get involved.”

The reality is kite board racing is going to attract a small proportion of the sport’s adherents, most of whom are focussed on free style stunts.

“You’re not going to get thousands of people rushing out an buying kite racing gear, but it’s those people that have got a competitive spirit, and out of those five per cent of kiters that take it up there’s maybe one per cent that have got what it takes to push it really far.”

Freestyle kite boarding is hard on the body because you tend to bash yourself up learning the tricks, it’s better to be young, says Glenn.

“Whereas on the racing side of it, we have a couple guys in this area seriously racing. One’s coming up 60 the others in his 50s, and they are out every time there’s wind. They are out hooning about racing each other across the harbour.

“It’s fun, it’s competitive, and it’s not so hard on the body. It opens up the sport to a lot of people who have got competitive backgrounds in any sport really.”

It means older sailors with yachting or windsurfing racing experience can help in the sport’s development, by showing the younger sailors how to race courses.

It’s a position he sees himself in with a competitive windsurfing background. His son Torrin aged 22, is a competitive freestyle kite boarder. .

By Andrew Campbell

WATERLINE 25

SEPTEMBER 2012

Sailing against the wind Tauranga board-sailor Alex Hart was always realistic about his prospects at the world championships – and he has returned fired up with more to learn and master.

Alex, 16, the current under-17 national male champion, battled light winds and a large fleet at the Bic Techno 293 world championships in Medemblik, Netherlands, in August.

He finished 97th overall in his fleet of 130 racers, battling against the highly-resourced and race-seasoned Europeans who benefit from regular top-class regattas.

The Mount Maunganui College Year 11 student, who took part with Kiwi sailors Xanthe Bowater of Christchurch and Charlotte Delisle of Murray’s Bay, says it was an amazing learning experience despite being outclassed by the fiercely competitive Europeans.

“There are some upwind techniques I saw there that I haven’t seen before that I have already started copying. I’m going to perfect these and hopefully use them to dominate everybody in New Zealand over this summer!”

Alex plans to share the techniques with his fellow Tauranga board sailors to given them an advantage over others.

It is the start of his plans to coach other board sailors in the area, with plans to train as a coach in September.

He is also determined to get more practice competing in larger fleets, after struggling to cope with the hectic crowded starts in Europe.

“It was really hard racing against lots of other people because I am used to only racing with about 10, and they were all very good too, not just beginners. So I found the starts really hard.”

Alex’s strategy was to find a space on the line as close to the pin as possible where it is easier

National champion Tauranga boardsailor Alex Hart wants to share some new techniques he learned at the recent youth world championships in Netherlands with other Bay of Plenty sailors.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

to get to the outside of the course for clean wind.

The large fleet also added another challenge for Alex when his finish was missed among the activity in his second official race. Large competitor numbers prompted the organisers to split the fleet, to have two separate starts to reduce congestion. His 33rd placing would have been enough to get him in to the ‘Gold Fleet’ of faster racers.

“So I was happy until I checked the results and the race committee didn’t think I finished the race. I definitely did so I protested the committee.”

Delays in hearing the protest meant Alex continued to sail in the second-tier silver fleet over the remaining three days, but he has learnt how to ensure he is seen clearing the finish in future.

“In New Zealand this isn’t a problem because there is a small fleet. But now if I ever compete

Double shot at Olympians The local yacht club was awash with Olympic sailors recently as the city celebrated their return from a successful competition.

The Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club hosted five out of the 11 sailors for lunch plus kayaker Luuka Jones and BMXer Kurt Rickard, for the charity lunch following the street parade.

Kurt Rickard’s grandmother returned to the yacht club for the first time in 30 years.

His grandfather was a sailor.

In the evening the five sailors returned to the yacht club for a more nautical Q&A and dinner.

Yacht club commodore Gary Smith says there were 108 for lunch and 120 members at dinner.

The 470 pair, Paul Snow-Hansen and

Jason Saunders were handed 500gm of ice cream each by their coach at the finish of the medal race, and since the Olympics, Jason has put on seven kg – which shows how skinny he had to get to for racing.

The sailors have since appeared in Christchurch and are continuing the postOlympic flag waving round.

Jason and Peter are both former Tauranga Boys’ College students from the same year, with Peter starting at the yacht club’s learn to sail classes then run by his dad Richard.

Jason also got his earliest sailing experiences with his dad, when he was about five years old. Peter says they will be doing the publicity rounds for the next month or so before taking up the next sailing gig – which could be a ride on the America’s Cup AC45.

By Andrew Campbell

overseas or in large fleets I’m going to make sure I angle my sail so it is easier for the people on the finishing boat to see and record.”

Alex is not concerned about the decision to drop board-sailing from the Olympic Games, saying he will keep focussed on the sport himself. Alex spent a day at Weymouth on the way to the regatta watching two RS-X boardsailing races, along with glimpses of Peter Burling competing in the 49ers class and some of the fin medal race.

Looking ahead Alex is uncertain when his next international event will be – saying he is limited with his exams and the high cost.

Instead his main focus is on dominating the New Zealand racing scene and working with local sailors to build up his competition.

Along with training around Tauranga’s waters he also goes to Auckland regularly for coaching by former champion Bruce Kendall.

By Hamish Carter

26 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

How Graeme nearly became a victim of 9/11

Chapter two: In which our hero, having survived a journey from Tauranga to Wilmington aboard “an elderly ship of dubious fitness” encounters bureaucrats who tell Graeme he’s unable to leave the ship and that he will have to journey on to West Africa with a cargo of 4000 tonnes of frozen turkey giblets...

The ship’s agent arrived with a couple of US Immigration officials, armed ones, bloody great pistols strapped to their belts, radios, pepper spray and a mass of paper. An old guy who looked like a compressed and slightly widened Arnie, and a younger one who looked like Rambo with a puku.

‘You can’t disembark’, said the Agent. ‘No visa’.

‘I have a waiver, sorted it out with the US Embassy in New Zealand, here it is.’ I ruffled among my papers and showed the paper to the two US immigration police. They did look at it, I’ll give them that. In fact one called someone on his phone and discussed it. At last I thought I was making progress, all a mistake on the part of the US bureaucracy. Silly me, the arrogant US bureaucracy doesn’t make mistakes.

‘This document is no good, you were supposed to have a visa, you were told that last time you came here to the US Mr Sanderson, so you knew about the problem and you have been warned.’ He said.

‘What are you talking about? I’m not Mr bloody Sanderson mate, and I’ve never been into the US before so what are you on about?’

‘You were here last year.’

‘Look at my passport mate, does it say I am Mr Bloody Sanderson, does the photo look like me or what?’

The two Immigration Cops looked at the Passport, looked at the photo and looked at me. ‘You are not Mr John Sanderson?’ The older one asked. I thought he should get 7 out of 10 for observation at least.

‘No I’m not, my passport is valid and I’m who it says I am on there, and I’m who it says

I am on every other bloody document in my possession, every other form, document, bit of paper, email and fax that the ship has and this bloody visa waiver thing from your own embassy in New Zealand says I am not Mr bloody Sanderson.’

Turkey giblets

I told him that I was not going to remain on the ship and would take my chances with jumping off the side. Events were rapidly slipping outside the realm of a gag.

‘That’s a criminal offence to leap overboard in an attempt to thwart immigration conditions,’ said the immigration man ‘and you would be taken to jail.’

‘That,’ I said, ‘Would be a damn sight better than sailing to West Africa with nothing but turkey giblets to eat. Your coastguard will confirm that this ship, in its present condition is unsafe so I may have a better chance at surviving your jail.’

‘I wouldn’t be so sure about that either Guy,’ muttered Arnie. ‘Our jails are not much fun.’

‘What about if he goes to Philadelphia airport, goes through security and stays there until he can fly out?’ Someone asked the only sensible question I had heard up until that point.

Arnie got back onto his phone. He spent a few minutes muttering to someone on the other end then hung up and turned to me.

‘It seems that Immigration will let you leave the ship but you must go to the Philadelphia airport and go through security and you can wait there for the first available flight out of the US.’ Very bloody charitable of them, I thought.

‘I have a flight booked for Los Angeles where I have planned a few days. There is no direct flight to New Zealand from Philadelphia, I would most likely be routed in such manner anyhow, so why can’t I just adhere to my original travel plan and save us all a whole lot of hassle?’

Arnie got back on his phone prattled for a while then hung up.

‘Immigration will allow you to fly from Philadelphia to Los Angeles but you must leave within 24 hours of your arrival in Los Angeles and you will not be allowed out of the

Airport’s secure area.’

‘Fine, I am grateful for your help but the problem I have with 40 hours in airport lounges is that I am a 63 year old burned out old diabetic and I’m not sure my health would stand it.’

And with that the ever silent Rambo burst into song...

‘That makes this a humanitarian issue don’t it?’ He drawled.

Arnie once again reached for his phone.

‘Can I have your holiday itinerary?’ He held out his hand while clutching the phone to his ear with the other. I passed him the papers.

He talked a little longer.

‘Immigration will grant you a visa for the duration of your holiday but you must leave the US within 7 days of your booked flight back to New Zealand, will you agree to that?’

I did, and he welcomed me to the US, charged the ship $500 plus for the visa, and stamped the appropriate documents and I was free, off to the Holiday Inn and off this very scary old ship.

All aboard

Every seaman working on a cargo ship is compromised by these tough, and I suspect, a mite selfish, US regulations. There are some horror stories relating to sailors who have had the temerity after weeks at sea, to simply get off the gangplank and have a stretch. One sailor reportedly walked off his ship to a wharf phone centre to buy a phone card. He was arrested, detained and eventually his ship owners were fined $US3000. The crew was returned to his ship and the ship owners garnished his wages until he had paid off the fine.

His salary was a mere $US500 per month so he worked 6 months without pay.

There are endless stories of similar injustices but I couldn’t help noticing that the weapon of choice of terrorists was aircraft, not ships.

I look forward to the day when people will be able to wander about the ports of New Zealand, a bit of sightseeing, a bit of fishing, being able to visit ships and so on, like it used to be before there was some kind of idiotic knee jerk reaction to a one off attack 9000 miles away that had nothing to do with shipping.

WATERLINE 27

SEPTEMBER 2012

Fathers’ day sail

Mitchell and Jes

sie Grant.

Sniper was among keeler division yachts hosting Fathers’ Day sailors recently in what was a successful day out for the club and guests.

The annual event is considered a success, as was the club open day with displays and information on the junior learn to sail courses, the multihulls, the hugely successful Women on Water, and the other club divisions.

Photos by Will Johnston

d Gary Danni Grant an er.

Smith at the till

nni Grant, Jessie Grant, Da Mitchell Grant.

Tom Maidment,

Gary Smith an d Will Johnston .

Boats & boat bits sale The annual Boatie’s swap meet is on again, so if looking to buy, sell, trade, promote anything nautical related, mark October 6 on the calendar.

Anyone wanting to sell or promote their nautical related items, services even boats, it is $10 for a parking space to display your wares.

Those wanting places are asked to be on site and set up by 8:30 ready for the 9am start The Trailer yacht division of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club is organising the event with all proceeds going to the club’s patrol boat operating fund to keep our young sailors safe, so let’s get in behind our up and coming medallists.

Saturday, 6 October, 9am start at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club car park, Sulphur Point, Tauranga.

5000 hours of free light with every cap

No batteries needed !

Built in SOS flash

Find a reseller at www.2CLight.co.nz

28 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

Locations of submerged Rena containers Submerged containers and/or debris ex-Rena are, as of 27 August 2012, located (with depths in metres) as follows: 37°32.3509S 176°24.7036E 76m Container end 37°32.4864S 176°25.0451E 76m Container wreck & contents 37°32.9924S 176°25.2108E 72m 3x20’Containers 37°32.9496S 176°25.6065E 75m 4x40’Containers 37°33.0158S 176°25.8406E 76m 2x20’Containers 37°34.7937S 176°25.7078E 59m 2xContainers locked 37°34.7944S 176°25.7217E 60m 1xContainer 37°34.5453S 176°25.6616E 62m Container, severe damage 37°31.7749S 176°16.1724E 49m Container wreckage, base & side 37°31.3877S 176°20.8551E 65m 1xContainer wreckage 37°31.7346S 176°23.6020E 76m 1x20’Container 37°30.3248S 176°18.9635E 66m 1x40’ Container 37°34.8507S 176°25.2594E 54m Container wreck 37°31.9238S 176°24.7244E 75m Debris, waste bin 37°33.4614S 176°23.8328E 63m Debris, steel 5m long

37°32.7564S 176°25.7180E 75m 4x40’ Containers, intact 37°32.4608S 176°25.8194E 66m 4x40’ Containers, intact 37°32.4194S 176°25.7901E 69m 5x40’ Containers, one loose 37°32.3970S 176°25.7309E 37m Container frame members 37°32.4688S 176°25.4890E 50m 1x40’ Container, almost in half These items may comprise a hazard to nets and other fishing equipment. All fishers are advised to keep clear of these areas.

Mariners are advised that the temporary exclusion zone has been set up around the wreck of the Rena and Astrolabe Reef remains at two nautical miles.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Harbourmaster has closed an area of sea within 2 NM of Astrolabe Reef centred on position 37° 32’.42S 176° 25’.73E. No vessel, craft or person may access the area of sea within the above area unless authorised by the Bay of Plenty Harbour Master or the salvage master for the Rena.

Those breaching the zone are liable to a fine of up to $20,000.

WATERLINE 29

SEPTEMBER 2012

Reviving an ancient art

Voyaging waka Ngahiraka Mai Tahiti at Tauranga and (inset) her skipper/navigator Jack Thatcher.

One of the satisfactions for navigator Jack Thatcher on the current Waka Tapu voyage to Rapanui Easter Island is the ‘graduation’ of his apprentice Piripi Smith.

Piripi is finishing his training this voyage, says Jack, adding another member to a school that is keeping alive a rare skillset - that of finding one’s way across the Pacific without navigation instruments, and with sufficient accuracy to make landfall on a speck in the ocean.

“You do sort of give a hint if he needs it, but it’s just a matter of monitoring how they are keeping up with the knowledge base that they have been given,” says Jack.

“Piripi, he’s pretty good. I had him last year doing some training with some new canoes built quite recently that we sailed up to the islands last year. He was navigating one of those canoes.”

The Rapanui voyage is being made with two dug out canoes built by Northland navigator and canoe builder Hekenukumai “Hector” Busby (MBE) who turns 80 this year. Hector built both Te Aurere and Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti.

He built Te Aurere in the early 1990s after being inspired by the arrival of the Hōkūle’a, a Hawaiian canoe which voyaged to Aotearoa in 1985.

Te Aurere has now sailed over 30,000 nauti-

cal miles, visiting Hawaii, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island.

Ngahiraka sailed her maiden voyage in 2011. She was built to support Te Aurere with a view to ‘closing the Polynesian Triangle’ by completing the journey eastward to Rapanui.

The voyage to Rapanui will be completed in three legs says Jack. The first stop is Tubuwai in the Austral group.

The plan is to head about 1500 nautical miles almost due East from Auckland, then head north.

“That’s about 2300mn all up. If the weather’s in our favour we will cut that shorter.

“Then we go to Mangareva in the Tuamotus, and that’s only about 800 nm, but we will have to be doing a bit of a zig-zag up into there and from Mangareva. We will be going down to Easter Island from there.

“That’s a lot further away, about 1400 miles in a straight line. It’s about ESE from Mangareva, basically straight into the trade winds, and we will have to do another bit of zig-zag.”

The voyage will reinforce the knowledge Hec Busby has built up over the past 25 years so it can be passed on to aspiring voyagers throughout the Pacific.

“It’s been a life-long ambition of the canoe builder to do the Polynesian Triangle. Rapanui is the last place to go to fulfil his dream and that’s what this is about,” says Jack.

“What you do is you can orientate your craft based on where the sun is right on

sunrise. In the morning and then at sunset set yourself up for the day and set yourself up for the night at sun set. The rest of the time is using the wind, swells and stars if you have them at night.”

Estimated arrival at Rapanui is sometime mid October.

“It’s weather dependent obviously but it should be pretty good. The equinox is coming up. If we hug down to 30-38S, we are looking at holding a direct line out about 35-36S. “We are going to have some nice fair winds I think. Our canoes do really well in following conditions, and we are expecting a lot more of that on the first leg. The last leg will be the hardest, we will be tacking into the winds. We will be doing huge tacks, for days and days.

“We are just going to see what the weather brings us we are hoping to try and get back home before Christmas. But if things don’t go our way, we will probably end up leaving the canoes in Rarotonga for the cyclone season.”

Other Tauranga crew on the voyage are watch captains Kiharoa Nuku, and Mahara Nicholas. Ani Black and Cushla Allen are two new crew. and two other Tauranga crew for the return voyage are Tamahau Tangitu, and Kuka Tukaokao.

The voyage call be followed on the Waka Tapu website: http://teaurere.smartbitz.co.nz/Voyages/Vie wTrack/1AAukqlLpHhOYXA2F31T?showm enu=false

By Andrew Campbell

30 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012

The big chief Te Ariki Nui is a purpose designed game fisher built for legendary game fisher Bill Hall.

Built by Robertson Boats at Warkworth in 1986 when Dave Blair was foreman, and designed

by Bob Salthouse as a one off sport fisher.

Te Ariki Nui is powered by twin 320hp Caterpillar diesels it has a fuel capacity of 4500 litres and a range of 1800 nautical miles.

Te Ariki Nui became known for the development of the now famous Three Kings Islands middle banks fishery.

She was also well known for her exploits in the South Pacific, namely two voyages to Tonga, and two trips to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia under

command of her original owner Bill Hall.

Te Ariki Nui is 54’ LOA, 16’ beam. She’s built of cold moulded kauri, with a composite ply foam ply, deck and superstructure.

Her accommodation in three separate cabins consists of seven single berths, one double.

There are two heads, two showers, three fridges, one freezer, and a four burner oven.

There are four helm stations; inside, main deck, flybridge, and tower.

Game rigged, game chair, tuna

tower, auto anchoring, and inflatable and outboard, an assortment of rods and reels and fishing gear.

There is also a good electronic package with Nobletec computer nav, She’s in full survey for 20 passengers inshore and six passengers for Three Kings, with extensions for 50 miles offshore, which gives access to the South Island West Coast tuna fishery.

A magnificent sport fisher just come on the market, price $430,000 plus GST. Contact Brian Worthington at Gulf Group Marine Brokers Ph 0274 472 393.

BATTERY WAREHOUSE

SEPTEMBER 2012

WATERLINE 31

32 WATERLINE

SEPTEMBER 2012