Vol 2 Oct 2022

MONTHLY NEWS OF THE WAIKAWA BOATING CLUB

latitude 41 Best Yet - 2022 EVOLUTION SAILS WOMENS REGATTA

Buying?

Must Do’s

Arapaoa Kiwi

locals helping bring kiwi back Online Magazine

Dinghies …

little more than a

child’s toy

Vol. 02 | October 2022

Cover photo - thanks to Damaris Warnock - if you have a great photo for our cover please send it in!

Welcome to our second edition of Latitude 41 We hope to bring you more insight into your club, its people and events. We welcome your contributions of photos, editorial content and suggestions and hope you enjoy this issue.

Contacts: By phone - (03) 573 6798 Physical address - 12 Te Ara Kaimoana, Waikawa Marina Web Address - www.waikawaboatingclub.co.nz Club Manager - Anna McLindon office@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz Assistant Manager - Julia Thomson events@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz Office Hours - Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm Club Executive Commodore Sue van Velzen svheatwave@gmail.com Vice Commodore - Anne Marett annemarett5@gmail.com Rear Commodore House - Susie Caley okiawbaylodge@gmail.com Rear Commodore Sailing - David Grigg tempello@xtra.co.nz Rear Commodore Moorings - Steve Dawson stevesuedawsaon@gmail.com Rear Commodore Crusing - Martin Cuthbert okiwabaylodge@gmail.com Executive Committee Graeme Riach - graeme.riach@harmans.co.nz David Nelson - davidnelson1507@gmail.com Liz Nelson - liznelson16@gmail.com Mike Gould - mikegould@xtra.co.nz

Online Magazine

Vol. 02 | October 2022

Inside this month October 2022

Welcome to our newest members Opening Day Celebration Evolution Sails Women’s Regatta Volunteer of the Month Juliet Abbott Buying a boat?

Must Do’s

Our financial Full members should have received their 2023 year flag.

Dinghy Handling Thanks to our volunteers who Introduction to answered the call to stick, fold and Arapaoa Kiwi stuff over 500 envelopes and even Local focal point on for some lucky locals had theirs Stephens Island personally delivered last week!

The 2023 year flags are to be flown in place of the white 2022 flag from Cover Photo: Coup d’Etat owned

by Clive Ballett, competing at the October 1.

Evolution Sails Women’s Regatta

Join us and become a member We have two types of membership, Full and Crew.

Crew Members: Join a racing yacht and take part in all our racing events as well as other club regattas.

Enjoy members discount at our club bar.

Have fun at our club social events and Friday club nights, including entry into our weekly members jackpot draw.

Affiliation to both Yachting New Zealand and Clubs New Zealand.

Full Members - All of the above plus:

Relax while cruising and enjoy the use of 100 secure and regularly serviced moorings throughout Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds as well as D’Urville Island and Port Underwood Enter your yacht in any of our 80+ races held throughout the year as well as our annual regattas.

Take part in our regular ‘on water’ cruising events.

Make use of our discounted venue hire rates.

Full voting rights.

Eligable to stand for election on the club Executive.

Click here for link to our membership application forms.

Welcome to our New Members Full members Dean Morrell Entrophy Beale 11.5m Willie Newman Humdinger Elite 15.5m Peta Robinson June Launch 13m Greg & Lyn Marshall CSB Huntsman Centurian Jerry Reuhl Avante J160 16m

Crew members David Wilson Click here for full list of our current boat register

Are you new to boating?

Check out this FREE online course from Coastguard Boating Education

MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE Vice Commodore Anne Marett

Anne joined our executive committee in July 2021 and during the year took over the treasurers role and at the July AGM was voted in as Vice Commodore.

Anne and Barry previously owned a Beneteau 461 but three years ago decided to trade up to a motor yacht, MALO ready for comfort in retirement.

Anne, previously a registered nurse, attended university as a mature student and transitioned into the accounting profession. She subsequently took over ownership of Croys Ltd, an accounting and business advisory business in Ashburton, with a team of twenty and a large client base.

Retiring in 2021 has been an interesting transition and involvement in the club has helped Anne with both social contact and fulfilling the need to contribute in a meaningful way.

Currently cruising in the Bay of Islands, Anne and Barry will return early November and look forward to reconnecting with fellow boaties and local residents..

Always looking for a challenge Anne has a few goals for the next year. Initial goals involve getting the financial reporting of the club sorted and also ensuring the executive committee address the strategic issues identified. Anne says “having fun at the club is a priority particularly after a rough period. If we are having fun we will stay involved.”

Away from the club Anne is a keen kayaker, wants to learn to dive, get out into the Sounds tramping and sleeping under canvas. Maybe a Lochmara half marathon along with ocean swimming events to fight old age!

Having spent time up north Anne and Barry have a huge appreciation of the Marlborough Sounds and the need to ensure future generations also have the opportunity to enjoy this environment.

Open to all Members and members guests Friday Club night from 5.30pm Spring Menu - on the next pages Members Jackpot Draw Raffles Reasonably priced delicious meals Members bar discount Bookings recommended - click here

Tuesdays from 7.30pm Bistro style meals Members bar discount Racing prizegiving

We’re Open for the season!

Tradition and Boating Clubs seem to go hand in hand as do Opening Days. Oddly we don’t have a closing day as our ‘season’ is year round. However, we do enjoy celebrating our Opening Day and this year was no exception even given the somewhat inclement weather!

The House team once again provided an excellent BBQ and many took the opportunity for a cruise round the bay on Ray White - who also celebrated birthday No 1. To date we have 147 hours on the clock and 730 nm - more than most of our boats!

Volunteer of the Month Juliet Abbott

Yealands have joined with us to help recognise and show our appreciation to our amazing volunteers, without you we could not run the number or variety of events we do.

A bottle of Yealands beautiful wine is heading your way Juliet! Thank you for everything you do for the club, it is very much appreciated!

It’s never easy singling out people for recognition and we didn’t have to look to far this month. Juliet has done a tremendous amount of work for club racing events and last month was instrumental in helping her team and the club achieve such a successful the Women’s Regatta.

I am honoured to have been selected for volunteer of the month! Every club event, takes a ‘village’ and the Evolution Sails Woman’s Regatta we held in September is no exception. Definitely a team effort and I always feel so proud of all the offers of help from yacht and launch owners and our on the water and our land based volunteers, together with our amazing club staff. Our ‘village’ has made this event a highlight on the national sailing calendar.

Being on the water has been a great love of mine since I was in nappies! We grew up spending holidays in Akaroa and pottering around on our launch called ‘Bonhomie’. This launch was built in Waikawa at Jorgensons yard in the 1970’s. As a wee girl, I remember my patience was tested as I spent hours at the Akaroa Cruising Club waiting for my father to finish his jobs! (Including ensuring the beer tasted ok!) My love for the water took me to be a keen Waterpolo player and I represented Canterbury for 6 years.

Scuba diving saw me travelling all over the world for a number of years, as did sailing. Working on a gulet and living in Turkey and then diving in Eygpt and Thailand. Returning to New Zealand I completed my Dive Masters and fell in love with the Marlborough Sounds.

Fiji and its people have also become close to our hearts. We were married in Fiji and spent some time volunteering in Vanua Balavu after they were hit by the cyclone.

We visit Fiji as often as we can and this year we went diving with Bull Sharks (17 of them just metres away!) off Kuata Island and swam with the Manta rays in the Yasawas. Our daughter Isla who is age 5 now was pleased to see us when we surfaced...needless to say, we didn’t talk shark talk...we just explained we saw some pretty big fish as my heart was racing! It is fair to say that I didn’t go through too much air in my tank on the bull shark dive...I actually think I stopped breathing all together!

I became the sailing secretary at the Waikawa Boating Club in 2007, we relaunched the Wine Race to Wellington and have volunteered at our club ever since!

We are so very lucky to live in what I think is the most unique and beautiful part of the world...twenty percent of New Zealand’s coastline on our doorstep! How could we not LOVE it?!

Myself and my husband Aaron Blackmore, purchased Oddies Marine back in 2009 and we race on our Young Rocket 31 called ‘Oldsmobile’. We try and be competive however like to have fun too! Community is important to both of us and after my banking and finance background, I now manage the Picton Community Early Learning Centre.

I have made lifelong friends through our club and continue to form great friendships through volunteering. I love encouraging beginners onto the water, to come and try sailing and to enjoy what our ‘wee gem of a back door step’ has to offer. Fellowship and good comraderie is key and why we love volunteering and support our club.

I thoroughly reccommend it and if you are keen to volunteer, don’t hesitate!

Wishing you all safe boating...bring on summer I say! See you on the water!

REAR COMMODORE ROUND UP

house As many of you will have seen, the “House Heros” have been very busy once again.

We are in the process of re-covering the wardroom chairs and will have another working bee very soon. Thank you to Cindy Vining and all the helpers.

We were heavily involved in the Women’s Regatta preparing and packing race instructions etc. Transporting people to Blackwood Bay on Friday afternoon and serving wonderful nibbles. Helping to serve and clear breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday. Preparing the wardroom for Saturday dinner and serving complimentary savouries and chips at Prize Giving. Together with clearing plates and glasses throughout the whole weekend. Thank you to all the team.

Open Day Sunday 2nd October - the House Committee cooked up a storm in the BBQ. ably cooked by chefs Marty, Dave and Maurice - together with salad and hot new potatoes.

Tonight, Paul Nees will be bringing along his guitar and his mate called Ash. They will be entertaining us with lots of music from various decades. Please come along and support and bring your dancing feet! Don’t forget to book for your meals.

Saturday 5th November - Car Boot Sale & Market Day for all your boatie bits together with fabulous, creative crafts. Contact Ash or Marty if you have contributions for the Club Table. Devonshire Teas will be served on the deck or in the wardroom with scones, jam and cream. The House Committee is running a Cake Stall and would be very grateful to receive home-made contributions on the day.

REAR COMMODORE ROUND UP

cruisING The Cruising Sub-committee have been discussing lots of ideas for activities on and off the water.

Marty had an interview with Yachting New Zealand who had heard Waikawa Boating Club were “full of action” and had had a great Treasure Hunt. As with Waikawa BC, lots of clubs have been struggling with finances due to Covid restrictions etc. It was hoped that Captn Marty’s report might help other clubs to be inspired.

Saturday 8th October - beach clean up. The location will probably be around Endeavour Inlet. We hope to be able to join up at Furneaux Lodge with the sailors after their race to The Brothers.

Please ring Marty on 027 275 0213 for further details.

Saturday 10th December - Christmas Raft-up - fun with friends and families - details to follow - get your Christmas decorations and lights organised.

Orphans’ Christmas Day for those not joining their families but who would like to have friendship and fun on Christmas Day.

And then we have…. Treasure Hunt 2023 The story so far ..............

Back in the 1700s when Captain Cook was appointed by the Queen of England to go and find “The Lost Continent”. As we know, he found New Zealand.

However, this was not the continent he was looking for.When he arrived at now named, Ship’s Cove, he hauled Endeavour out of the water for repairs At the same time he had a thought - “if my men find this chest of gold, I will be dead”.

This chest of gold was sent by the Queen to buy the lost continent. However, he found the local Maori were not interested in gold. Their treasure/currency was Pounamu..

Off Captain Cook went with a trusted crew member to hide the chest of gold.

Knowing it was safe, he voyaged around the South Island. One of his crew died on that trip. And it was the trusted crew member!!!!! As we all know, Captain Cook returned to New Zealand five more times before his life was cut short. But what was not said was the Chest was never seen again……………

REAR COMMODORE ROUND UP

MOORINGS The combined clubs have gained resource consent to place a mooring in Te Kopi, in the NW corner of Port Ligar in Pelorus.

This is a great corner of Port Ligar - a corner we don’t normally visit as most boats go straight to Homestead. There are restrictions on the mooring - more info once we get a buoy in place and it is useable.

We are also applying for a new mooring to be placed at Two Island Point in Current Basin, on the south side of French Pass. This will make a very convenient mooring while waiting for the tide at French Pass, or when conditions are a bit rough to continue around the south of D’Urville or towards Nelson.

We are also currently trying to acquire another mooring in Queen Charlotte. Hopefully more news on this next month.

As detailed in the weekly club bites, Johnsons have gone around and serviced all moorings ready for Christmas.

Unfortunately since then at least two moorings are now missing, with probably a third also missing (Bakers). This is incredibly disappointing. We don’t know why they are going missing. They are 4 ton blocks with thick chain and rope. They are very expensive to re-instate as well also having to get divers involved. If you see anything unusual happening at the moorings please notify us, maybe take a photo or video of the boat concerned. We are treating these incidents seriously as it has a huge impact on out ability to provide to our wider membership.

Steve Dawson Moorings Rear Commodore

Giesen New Year Regatta Notice of Race is now available Click here

7 - 8 January

2023

Including the Ray White Invitation Race on Friday 6 Jan

A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors for this event. we can’t thank you enough and encourage all our members and especially participants in the Women’s Regatta to support them wherever you can.

Evolution Sails The Gin Room Goodbye Lip Balms Cranky Goat & Moody Cow Seaside Gems Kiwi Yachting Office Products, Richmond Hark & Zander Picton Fresh Choice Giesen Wines Boom Town Brewing Co Marlborough Sounds Marinas The Vines Village Hiram Taylor - Ray White Real Estate Oddies Marine Tempello Wines

It takes a village to raise a baby and it certainly took a village of volunteers to get this baby of the ground and shaped into the amazing event we saw a couple of weekends ago.

Julia (Floss) in the office took this baby and had it running, albeit including the odd tantrum, (not all hers) chasing it out the drive and across the road and definitely with the odd nappy change!

Our Women’s Regatta is the most complicated event we run, compounded by the cancellation of the 2021 regatta. This required single minded attention to detail to reconcile last years held over entries with this years new entries.

Juliet Abbot needs special mention for placing all the entrants on boats. No easy task given our crews ranged from Olympic medallists, an America’s Cup skipper and Round the World sailors to International keel boat champions to those only just learning the pointy end from the blunt end.

The organising committee of Judy Jones, Liz Ives and Billy Crossen all worked their butts off as did the House Committee over the weekend.

Deanne and her team produced 450 lunches, 150 breakfasts and 250 dinners - no wonder they felt hung over on Monday!

Our bar staff poured their way through a mass of bottles and kegs with the new Kaiser alcoholic Lemonade and champs ale proving a big hit!

see you next year

2023

2022 We’ve had some awesome articles written about this weekend. Click on these links for the stories: Egnot tackles her first Waikawa womens event How a regatta in a corner of New Zealand is empowering women sailors Women in Sailing NZ Check out all the photos and posts from the weekend here

Evolutions Sails Women’s Regatta 2022

Evolutions Sails Women’s Regatta 2022

Evolutions Sails Women’s Regatta 2022

Thanks to Alastair Walker, there is a new Cruise Guide available for Stewart Island, Catlin’s Coast and Otago Harbour, available as a PDF, free of charge from this link to the Otago Yacht Club website.

Tauranga Bridge Marina

Sulphur Point Marina

In keeping with our aerial views - here’s a great shot of Tauranga Harbour, Mt Maunganui, Pilot Bay, and the marinas. Check out that large shallow spot in the middle. Fortunately the channel is well marked when coming in from sea.

Looking for a venue?

Our club Wardroom is available for hire for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, meetings and training seminars.

Seating for up to 100 Catering and bar options Member only discount on hire fee Dance floor Waterfront venue and large deck

Contact the club office: 03 573 6798 email to

events@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz or click here for link to website

Tips & Tricks Dinghies and tenders might be small, but good seamanship is just as vital in these diminutive craft as it is in much larger boat.

(Excerpt from Yachting Monthly) Some of the best adventures aren’t had in big boats, but in little ones. By motoring or rowing a dinghy, you gain access to the upper reaches of rivers, isolated coasts and nooks and crannies.

If you’re stuck in a rut in a marina but don’t have the time to go further afield, a decent dinghy can open up new areas within the same cruising ground. Don’t go further, go smaller.

All sailors who have used dinghies, however, will have come across some of the challenges of using a small inflatable to get to and from your boat.

Whether it’s inflating, launching, boarding, landing or rowing a dinghy, there are plenty of opportunities to get a wet backside.

The contortions required to clamber from boat to tender are enough to put us off trusting our lives to what is little more than a child’s beach toy.

With this in mind, lets set about identifying the main pitfalls and the tricks you can employ to avoid them.

Inflating and launching One of the biggest deterrents to using a dinghy (especially on a yacht) is wrestling a dead whale through the forehatch and giving yourself cramp pumping the thing up with a toy balloon pump.

Use a halyard or lifting strop to lift small dinghies vertically over the guard wires.

If you want to use your tender, you need to make it easy for yourself, both in where you stow it and how you inflate it.

While you may feel more comfortable stowing a dinghy in a locker or below deck for passages or rough weather, find a way to store it, deflated, on deck, unless you have extremely accessible cockpit lockers.

A stowage bag with flaps will protect it from UV and give some securing points to lash it on deck to the coachroof, mast foot or toe rails

Stow inflated Stowing an inflated dinghy upside down on the foredeck works well for short passages and takes the pumping stage out of your daily dinghying.

Even small foredecks can accommodate the 2m or so required for an inflatable. Make sure that it’s well lashed down to deck cleats and strong points and watch out for jib sheets which can get stuck underneath.

Launching This is easier accomplished from a launch than a yacht. This is a technique for a yacht: Small dinghies can be launched using a bridle on the bow, as long as it isn’t too windy.

Make sure that the painter is attached to all the strong points either side of the bow, and not the grab handle.

Attach the halyard and winch it up vertically. One person needs to manage the winch whilst a second person guides it over the guard wires.

Larger tenders need launching horizontally with a four-point lift using bow and stern strops inside the dinghy.

Davits Davits make deployment and retrieval quick and easy, but the system needs to be well-designed and fits your boat.

Adding weight far from the centre of gravity can affect trim, especially boats with narrow sterns and less buoyancy aft, and weight above the waterline can reduce stability.

If the dinghy is too wide for the stern of the yacht, and the davits are low, it may drag in the water when heeled.

The wide transoms of modern yachts will cope well though. Substantial backing pads will be needed to spread the load under the deck.

They also add windage and an extra metre or so to the length, don’t forget about them when manoeuvring!

A great solution for launches is a system like the Weaver Dinghy Davit system (available and installed by the team at Oddies Marine). Shown right, this system allows the dinghy to be clipped onto the boarding platform when not in use and simply lifting the far side of the dinghy up and over to the transom to be tied in place when under way.

Recovery When retrieving small dinghies from the water, a vertical lift with a halyard is easiest – pulling it up by hand risks injuring your back, damaging the bottom of the dinghy, and would put undue load on stanchions.

Make sure you’ve removed the dinghy outboard, seat and any other loose items before winching.

Lifting in this way will naturally swing the tender towards the mast. Simply orient the bow forwards and ease the halyard down.

Tips Check your inflatable dinghy tube pressure before leaving your boat, especially in cooler temperatures.

If using an outboard - check you have enough fuel and start it before leaving your boat.

Make sure the oars are onboard Make sure everyone onboard is wearing life jackets.

Tie the bailer to a loop or an anchor point in the dinghy.

Look at tying the seat in place in case the dinghy overturns.

Make sure the bung is fitted in place before launching the dinghy.

If taking an anchor and warp ensure the warp end is tied to the dinghy.

Remove the bung to drain the dinghy - it is surprising hoe much water comes onboard with our gear or wet dogs!

Think about having a collapsible ladder attached and able to be accessed from the water to get back onboard if you are snorkelling or diving or the worst happens and you fall out - it can be challenging to get back onboard, especially if unprepared.

UV covers will protect your dinghy from UV when not in use and chaps are a great idea to protect from wear and tear and UV damage. They are designed to be left on semi- permanently

Tie the bailer to a loop or an anchor point in the dinghy.

Look at tying the seat in place in case the dinghy overturns.

Make sure the bung is fitted in place before launching the dinghy.

If taking an anchor and warp ensure the warp end is tied to the dinghy.

Remove the bung to drain the dinghy - it is surprising hoe much water comes onboard with our gear or wet dogs!

Think about having a collapsible ladder attached and able to be accessed from the water to get back onboard if you are snorkelling or diving or the worst happens

Kiwi on Arapaoa Island Imagine lying in bed in your boat at night and hearing kiwi calling.

Arapaoa Kiwi Trust was formed to bring kiwi back to Arapaoa Island.

The Little Spotted Kiwi was present in the Sounds, with the last known wild kiwi being found (and removed for protection and breeding) from D’Urville Island back in the 1980’s. Steve has been told of kiwi being heard in Tory Channel in the late 80’s early 90’s. But they are now all gone – killed by stoats.

The Arapaoa Kiwi project was founded by Past Commodore Steve Dawson, and along with two island residents (Mark Denize and Ben Wybourne) they formed the Arapaoa Kiwi Trust. Dale Savage (another boat club member) is our trust administrator.

Arapaoa Island is the thirteenth largest island (7500ha) in New Zealand. During the 19 and 20th century, most of the land was cleared by fire for farming. Now much of it is regenerating into manuka/kanuka or being used for forestry. Some farms do remain.

Arapaoa is separated from the mainland by Tory Channel. This is a swimmable distance for stoats, and has resulted in a resident population on the island. For kiwi to be returned these stoats have to be eradicated

The project has gained initial funding thanks to Rata Foundation, Lotteries, Lion Foundation and Redwood Trust. We have started the Pilot Programme trapping in the south part of East Bay (around 100 traps enclosing 360ha) and alsobegun our Community Trapping distributing traps to local residents both on the island and on the nearby mainland.

Steve Dawson on a trap line overlooking Cook Strait with the North Island in the distance

Email Dale Savage to subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter dale@arapaoakiwi.org.nz Follow us on facebook Visit our website

Planning is now starting for the next stage of the project. Eventually nearly 1500 traps will be required. These will mainly be serviced by contractors. However we hope there will be some trap lines near our moorings for volunteers from the boating club to walk in and check. A chance to get out and walk in great bush.

Nightmare comes to life - Always, always turn your LPG bottle off

5 February 2009 - boat catches fire on 5W, causing over $1 million in damages to 3 boats

ENVIROHUB MARLBOROUGH PRESENTS

PROTECTING OUR MARLBOROUGH DOLPHINS

By Ailie Suzuki

cooler months. Although a similar size and length to the common dolphin (around 2metres long), their blunt noses, lightning lightning bolt pattern along their sides and acrobatic ability sets them apart.

The five different species of dolphins found in Marlborough (clockwise from top left): our endemic Hector’s dolphin, common dolphin, dusky dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and orca. (photo credit: Ailie Suzuki - all taken in the Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui) Did you know that Marlborough is lucky enough to have five different species of dolphin that call the waters of the Marlborough Sounds home at different times? A trip out on the water often offers a glimpse of these majestic, sleek and beautiful creatures - their dorsal fins are a dead giveaway, as they come to the surface to breathe.

Most Kiwis are familiar with our iconic Hector’s dolphin - one of the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. Their rounded dorsal fin looks like Mickey Mouse’s ear, which is unique to this species.Growing a mere 150cm in length,

these tiny dolphins are found only around New Zealand.

The Common dolphins are, unlike their name suggests, rather uncommon visitors to the Sounds, preferring the open ocean. Their sleek bodies are built for speed and with a tell-tale tan coloured stripe down each side of the body.

Dusky dolphins are seasonal visitors, usually turning up in the

The bottlenose dolphin is what people most often think of when visualising a dolphin. There is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins that cruise through the Sounds and are easily identifiable simply by their size. Growing up to four metres in length, our bottlenose are some of the largest in the world.

Finally, there is the orca. Often referred to as a ‘killer whale’, orca are in fact dolphins. They received their ‘killer’ name from their ability to hunt and kill whales.

These ‘sea pandas’ are unmistakable in size, shape and colour, and sporadically visit the Sounds, usually on the hunt for stingrays.

Dolphins have captivated humans for as long as we’ve interacted with them. Highly intelligent and super social creatures, dolphins are as curious of us as we are of them. Unfortunately, that’s when they can also run into trouble. Dolphins appear to love playing in the waves and bow riding in front of boats. There’s nothing more uplifting than having an encounter with one or more of these wild animals, considering how rare it is for any wild animal to seek out the attention of a human.

Sadly, if we do not behave responsibly around dolphins, they can easily be injured or even killed. In New Zealand, we have the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations that help to protect all marine mammals. The rules are fairly straightforward, and by all boaties out there keeping these in mind, we can help protect these stunning creatures while also increasing your chances of having an amazing interaction.

The key is showing respect: Here are a few tips for how to do this:

Slow down to NO WAKE speed!

Try to approach from behind or to the side, and only 3 vessels should be within 300 metres of a pod at any one time.

If dolphins are actively swimming away from you or frequently diving, leave them be.

They are not interested and want to be left alone.

Finally, act deliberately and with no surprises. As smart as dolphins are, they can’t read your mind! Unpredictable behaviour (such as suddenly stopping, speeding up or changing direction) can lead to boat or propeller strike causing injury or even death.

The more we are respectful, especially here in the Sounds where it is calm and really accessible to us humans, the more likely the dolphins will interact in a positive way around you!

Don’t forget to tune into this column to learn more about dolphins and other species that share our beautiful home on behalf of Envirohub Marlborough and the Picton Environment Centre!

Want to learn more? Drop us a line (info@envirohub.co.nz) or come and visit the Picton Environment Centre at 14 Auckland Street in Picton and support our amazing three local environmental charities: Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary, Picton Dawn Chorus and Envirohub Marlborough.

Time to Purchase Your Boat?

Consider these Tips on buying Spend some time doing due diligence around the various web sites, marinas and boating magazines, this can save a lot of leg work later!

Decide on one or two favourite designs then do some pricing comparisons, make sure you note the age of the vessel when making price comparisons Travel around and look at as many examples of your favourite designs as you can find, you will be surprised at the good ideas you might later be able to install on the one you finally buy!

If you are dealing with a Marine Brokerage tell your Broker about the designs you like so they can take you to anything they think might suit you.

Once you find something you like have a good look right through the vessel, check in all the lockers, check under the floors, check the area around the holding tank, under the galley sink and all round the engine for signs of water ingress that may be a concern.

The Golden Rule ……. that can save you a pot of gold ………is whether you buy privately or through a Marine Brokerage ALWAYS get the vessel a Hull Survey and a Mechanical Inspection …ALWAYS!!

Survey costs vary from but expect to pay $800 to $1500 for anything up to 40ft. If the Surveyor is travelling from another centre you will also have to meet the cost of his travel etc. If it’s a yacht then add a rig inspection to your list of checks. In addition to the actual Survey costs you will also have to meet the cost of the lift out and water blast prior to the survey inspections. Yes it does add to the cost but if they find something wrong with the vessel it can save you many many thousands of dollars.

If your purchase is more than twenty years old most of the insurance companies will want these surveys carried out before they will accept the vessel for insurance purposes. Marina berth owners will require you to be insured before they will allocate you a berth. You will have to show them a Certificate of Currency (sometimes referred to as a Blue Card) as proof of insurance.

If the vessel has shore Power then check that it has a current electrical Warrant of Fitness, there are 3 or 4 people in Marlborough that can renew the warrant.

Much is made by insurance about vessels having an LPG Certificate of fitness BUT if no new LPG Fittings or appliances have been installed since 2008 then no certificate is required.

Where there are faults then have your Broker discus these issue with the owner with a view to having him met some or all of the cost of the repairs OR getting you a reasonable reduction on the purchase price and you get the job done by tradespeople that you know and trust.

When you go out on a sea trial make sure everything works - Electronics, Capstan, Toilets, BBQs, Hot Water Systems etc - take notes to remind yourself because next time you get on board you might own the boat!!!!

Armed with all of the above your fact finding mission will make your decision on to buy or not that much simpler.

Cheers – Ian Michel @ Vining Marine

MARINE BROKER POSITION Waikawa Office A successful Marine Broker needs the following: Good interpersonal Skills Personally motivated to succeed Team player, but able to work alone Computer Skills, Negotiation Skills Interest and knowledge of all things Marine May suit couple wanting to move to Picton Immediate Start – Call Ian Michel on 03 5737 457 Mail CV to PO Box 48, PIcton 7250 email: admin@viningmarine.co.nz

Include Sail GP NZ at Lyttleton on 18/19 March on your trip south with Island Cruising. As part of the South Island Rally, Viki will be able to share the best anchoring options for viewing as well as many other benefits. Check out this link for ticketing option. ’Bring your own Boat” options are available with ticket holders having priority viewing anchorages. Please be aware trailer boats will be not be permitted at the course.

The Benefits of Proactive Maintenance Like cars, boats today are complex machines that require regular maintenance to perform optimally. Our aim at BoatSmartHQ is to make that process easy as for boaties like yourself. If your primary interest as a boat owner is to enjoy your boat, here are three reasons you should have a chat with us:

We Stick to a Schedule Periodic maintenance is part of the life cycle that all ship components go through. If not, parts can speed through that cycle and break unsuspectedly. That’s why we conduct regular boat inspections to detect and avoid scenarios

where repairs will be required. This maximises the life of your vessel, and the time you get to use it, at minimal cost.

Industry-backed Experience BoatSmartHQ First Mates work closely alongside marine service providers to ensure your boat is well looked after in every marina in New Zealand. Our streamlined service and nationwide network is why companies such as Sports Marine NZ and Ray White Marine NZ trust us to be their warranty care providers.

Get More Boat for Your Buck Not only will proactive maintenance keep your boat in better condition at lower costs, our detailed maintenance logs will ensure you get you the best value at resale. What’s more, Nautilus Marine Insurance now offers BoatSmartHQ members some of the lowest insurance premiums in the boating industry.

Give us a call today to find out BoatSmartHQ can make boating easier for you.

Dion Brown Franchise Owner Marlborough Sounds Region Havelock, Picton & Waikawa Marinas Call: +64 (0)27 534 7686 Email: dion@boatsmarthq.com Web: www.boatsmarthq.com

Deanne and her team are available for all your catering needs, from morning teas and lunches to weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals and business events.

Deanne will work with your specific requirements and any dietary needs.

Give Deanne a call on 021 186 8823

Do you have an idea, an article or photos of interest for our members? Let us know what you would like to see in our new monthly newsletter.

Give Sue a call on 021 287 8225 or email to events@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz

The history of Stephens Island Lighthouse The Stephens Island Lighthouse was built at the highest elevation above sea level of all New Zealand’s lighthouses. The original light was also the most powerful. At a total cost of £9,349, the lighthouse cost twice that of many other lights in New Zealand.

Operation of the Stephens Island light The light was first lit in 1894. Oil was initially used to power the illumination. In 1938 the light was converted to electric power, supplied by diesel generators.

The Stephens Island station was one of the last to be automated. The last keepers were withdrawn in 1989.

In 2000 the original light was removed and replaced with a new rotating beacon, located within the original tower.

The new light is fitted with a 50 watt tungsten halogen bulb powered by battery banks charged by solar panels.

The light is monitored remotely from Maritime New Zealand’s Wellington office.

Life at Stephens Island light station Access to Stephens Island was extremely difficult. Keepers first had to journey from Wellington over the turbulent seas of Cook Strait. Then upon reaching Stephens Island, the way ashore was via a basket swung on the end of the station’s crane. Passengers and goods were winched from the deck of the servicing ship onto the shore. Keepers and their families then had a long walk up the 180 metre-high hill to their homes.

The introduction of helicopters, used to service the lighthouse, greatly improved access to the Stephens Island light station.

On Stephens Island the keepers were also honorary wildlife rangers. They kept a watchful eye on the tuataras and the dove petrels which also inhabited the island. Keepers were often paid an honorarium by the Wildlife Service to keep a check on visitors, maintain fences and provide reports on wildlife matters.

Stephens Island station was a lonely and difficult post. Right up until its automation in 1989, the only communication with the mainland was by means of a radio telephone. This was only supposed to be used for lighthouse duties. It was this seclusion however that was often the attraction to those living on light stations like Stephens Island.

In 1980 one of the last keepers at Stephens Island told the Weekend Star newspaper that life on the station: “...makes you realise much about yourself and your own capabilities. Out here you end up being true to yourself. You have no outside pressures coming in. We live life to the full here, the way we want to live.”

Two of the original keeper’s houses have been retained and are used by the Department of Conservation

Lighthouse overview Stephens Island Lighthouse marks the north western approach to Cook Strait, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island.

Lighthouse feature:Details Location: latitude 40°40’ south, longitude 174°00’ east Elevation: 183 metres above sea level Construction: cast iron tower Tower height: 15 metres Light configuration: modern rotating beacon Light flash character: white light flashing once every 5 seconds Power source: batteries charged by solar panels Range: 18 nautical miles (33 kilometres) Date light first lit: 1894 Automated: 1989 Demanned: 1990 Getting to Stephens Island Lighthouse Stephens Island Lighthouse is not accessible to the public.

Public access to Stephens Island is restricted to permit holders only due to its status as a nature reserve.

The island is a nature reserve administered by the Department of Conservation. At least 30,000 tuatara and other rare species of wildlife live on Stephens Island.

The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought Captain John DS. Phillips, the result. The Warrimoo’s position was LAT 0º 31’ N and LONG 179 30’ W. The date was 31 December 1899.

“Know what this means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line”. Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportunity for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime.

He called his navigators to the bridge to check & double check the ship’s position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark. Then he adjusted the engine speed.

The calm weather & clear night worked in his favor. At mid-night the SS Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line.

The consequences of this bizarre position were many: The bow of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere & in the middle of summer.

The stern was in the Northern Hemisphere & in the middle of winter.

The date in the aft part of the ship was December 31, 1899.

The date in the forward part of the ship was January 1, 1900.

The ship was therefore concurrently in: two different days, two different months, two different years, two different seasons and in two different centuries.

Euller, John (Sept.1953). "A freak of navigation". Ships and the Sea. 3. p. 18

Answers: 1. Yes 2. Make an "All Ships" radio call on VHF CH18 at the reporting points indicated on Chart NZ 6153 or 10 minutes prior to passing East Head.

3. Vessel is not under command - “Two Red the Captains in Bed” 4. Season opens on the 20 December and closes again on September 1st.

5. Limit is 2 Blue Cod per person with a minimum size of 33cm.You can possess up to 4 blue cod in the Challenger Tasman area (includes the Marlborough Sounds area) if you can prove that no more than 2 of those blue cod were taken on any one day from the Challenger Tasman area. This restriction applies if you caught the fish from outside of the Challenger Tasman area and want to move into the Challenger Tasman area.

6. 5th 7. Five 8. 57

4. When does the Blue Cod fishing season open? (FYI - currently closed) 5. What is Blue Cod fishing limit - number and size?

6. Waikawa Boating Club is the ??? Largest club affiliated to YNZ in NZ. 7. How many species of dolphin are you likely to find in the Marlborough Sounds?

8. How many shipwrecks are listed for the Marlborough Sounds?

1. By law do paddle boarders need to wear a life jacket?

2. When entering or exiting Tory Channel Heads, when and on what VHF channel must you advise your transit time.

3. What do these lights/day shapes indicate?

The almost - but not quite - back page quiz

Members Classifieds Sail Numbers If you are looking to replace or add sail numbers, we can machine cut them for you. Price ranges from $6 to $8 depending on size per number/letter. Available in black, grey, blue, yellow and pink. Phone Sue - 021 287 8225

Inflatable Dinghy for Sale Nautilus Yachtmaster 2.7m Inflatable keel and floor, plus dinghy wheels. 2 years old.

Very little used. Stored undercover. $1400 ono Ph: Bruce 0272 011 336 Wanted to Buy mooring in Waikawa Bay for 14m yacht.

Contact: Liz 027 217 1564 or Dave 021 073 3612

Mooring available to rent at Anakiwa. 4 tonne block, suitable up to 14m vessel. Available now to mid March 2023. $120 month.

Phone Marty 027 275 0213 Swap your Waikawa Mooring for a mooring in Whangaroa, Northland - this mooring has a 3 tonne for a 14.6m boat.

Contact John for more info - 027 231 3001.

Marina Fenders For Sale Boat Cover Company brand Made for 12M berth 3 x 1.5m fenders 1 x corner fender. $500 Contact Amy 021 089 02042 Heading away from Waikawa Marina for a time in 2022?

13m yacht seeks a berth for a few months.

Contact: David, 022 505 2302 pinotd@icloud.com

If you have something boat related to sell/buy or swap, these ads (now with photo) are free for our members.

If you would like a full or half page ad please talk to us.

Please email to events@waikawaboatingclub.co.nz