Latest News

.

Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 2010

A community-based family event organised by the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum and Queenscliff-Lonsdale Yacht Club : 19 - 21 March 2010

For further information contact the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum (03) 5258 3440 or www.maritimequeenscliffe.org.au

Sayonara

The Whyte Just & Moore Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong.

Sirs & Siresses! Just for you, here's the results of the Whyte, Just & Moore Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong. A fuller report is being prepared. To those who came, thanks for coming, we sincerely hope you enjoyed it all. To those who didn't - well - - you missed another corker of a weekend and we suggest you pencil in 2012 NOW!!

Under difficult weather conditions on Saturday, nine classic yachts left Williamstown bound for Geelong in the centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race.  At the finish it was the topsail cutter 'Sayonara' (Doug Shields) who crossed the finishing line first in an overall time of 6 hrs. 14 mins. 43 secs.  On handicap, it was the delightful cutter 'Anitra' (Carl De Fina) who was the winner of the centralgeelong.com.au silver salver. Kent Bacon's sloop rigged cutter 'Renene' was 2nd and 'Sayonara' was 3rd.

At Portarlington, 14 Couta boats lined up for race 1 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles and the centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race.  Line honours went to Sail No. C97 (Jeffery Richardson) after 2hrs. 29 mins and 22 secs.  On handicap in div. 1. it was 'Scoundrel' (Hayden Warszewski) 1st, 'Maud' (Andrew Scorgie) 2nd. and 'Fancy' (Paul Van Prooyen) was 3rd.  In div. 2, 'Defiance' (David Cross) was 1st. 'Drizabone' (wet as a shag! Ed.) (Tom Frickie) was 2nd and 'Fancy' was 3rd, the ultimate winner of the centralgeelong.com.au silver salver being 'Defiance' (David Cross).

On Corio Bay, Heat 1 of the Norglass Heron series set off with 7 starters. At the finish it was 'Miss Spent Youth' (Dean Denny) 1st. 'Astro Boy' (Glen Wilson) 2nd and 'Sarie' (Ralph Brown) 3rd. At this point, rain stopped play.     

Sunday dawned with warm but steamy sunshine opening a most pleasant day after the deluge further north. In Heat 2 of the Norglass Heron series, 'Miss Spent Youth' threw out a big challenge by again winning from an improving 'Sarie' 2nd and 'Sparkle' (Leigh McNotley). Showing absolute class, 'Miss Spent Youth' sealed the series with another 1st place in heat 3. 'Miss Behaviour' (Paul Wedding) was 2nd and 'Outcast' (Tony Cope) was 3rd.

This resulted in the overall winner of the Norglass trophy to be Dean Denny and 'Miss Spent Youth'. 'Sarie' was 2nd and 'Sparkle' was 3rd.

The 'Pier Point' Cup Race for classic yachts was won by Martin Ryan's 'Mercedes III', another example of a well loved and cared for classic of the past. 'Anitra' was 2nd and 'Renene' was 3rd.

Race 2 of the Victorian Couta Boat State titles, div. 1 was won by 'Sorrento' (Peter Gale), Sail No. C97 (Jeffrey Rochardson) was 2nd, and 'Lola' (Raymond Bateman) was 3rd. Div. 2 was won by 'Regina' (Janet Ellis), 'Defiance' was 2nd and 'Drizabone' 3rd. 

The Longboard Wines Cup race and race 3 of the Victorian Couta Boat State Titles resulted in 'Southerly' (Andrew Skinner) winning from 'Surprise' (Nick Williams) and 'Lola' was 3rd. In div. 2 it was 'Defiance' again taking out top spot with 'Drizabone' (Now drier! Ed,) 2nd and 'Regina' was 3rd.  'Southerly' was presented with the Longboard Wines Corio Bay Couta Cup.

Selecting one winner of the 'Concours d'elegance' trophy, (meaning a competition of elegance or style), amongst such a display of so many beautiful and well cared for vessels is an extremely difficult task.  Seven beautifully maintained boats were finally selected for consideration and it was after much deliberation that the beautifully preserved Friendship Sloop, 'The Hand Of Friendship' of Mike & Phillip Morris was selected as the winner. 14 years old and built by Tom Whitfield of Mordialloc with a Beach deck and a New Zealand Kauri hull she absolutely glistens in the sunlight! The second award of a Club Marine voucher went to 'Amiri', a beautifully maintained sloop. 'Rose', a Couta boat that shimmered with attention owned by A. Osborne and the shiny ski boat 'Redskin' of Scott Botterill's were also rewarded.

The judge and jury felt that the quality of entries was so high that the least they could do would be for honourable mentions to be made of the following. The 1933 gaff yawl 'Mariko' of Eric Messer, 'Sayonara' arguably the most famous classic keel boat of the Sayonara Syndicate and 'Windward II', built in Hobart in 1929 and owned by James Woods.

Summary, a great festival enjoyed by all who attended and regretted by those who didn't!
       
Bob Appleton OAM
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

.

Couta Boat State Titles at Geelong Wooden Boat Festival 2010

The biannual mobile event was this year hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club - 6-8 March 2010

Couta Boats from Williamstown, Safety Beach, Queenscliff and Sorrento rendezvoused at Port Arlington (after a pleasant Saturday morning cruise) for a chat & catered Fish & Chips. (Thanks for organising this Carmen – it was appreciated by all). Boats were topped up with skippers and crew that arrived by road to Port Arlington.

As we all left the dock for the SSCBC run passage race into Geelong the breeze died and a postponement was issued by Peter Taylor on board the Kaurie Chief. After a short delay the breeze came in a very light shifty westerly or was that easterly...northerly? Anyway the race was started. The sky was ominous and getting blacker by the moment, thunder was heard, lightning was seen and the rain came and the wind did a couple of 360’s. No one at that stage knew of the carnage from the “Supercell” less than 50km’s to the North...a sign of things to come???

The fleet split into 2 groups, one group sailed the rhumb line to Hopeton Channel # 10 marker, and the other group chased pressure that was settling in from the south. In the end the group that sailed the rhumb line prevailed. Another feature was the Classic Yacht fleet on their passage race coming through our fleet looking very majestic. And with waterline length coming into play on a beam reach making them fast.

On arrival Royal Geelong Yacht Club officials  welcomed us and directed us to our berths, where boats where tidied up and left for some welcome beers and barbecue with fellow sailors on the terrace overlooking our and many other boats, dingys and yachts.

The Wooden Boat Festival at Geelong was well set up with displays featuring many different craft; we admired the workmanship that was evident. A fleet of wooden Heron dingys looked very regal and seaworthy and their close racing was noted the following day.

Royal Geelong took over race management for the two short races on the Sunday which where keenly fought out. The feature being a developing persistent shift in the second race that resulted in the wind dying and backing 180 degrees enabling the second half of the fleet to finish. Those that started in clear air and anticipated the shift prevailed.

The passage back for us proved not to be boring... for off Port Arlington we were caught in a thunderstorm where visibility was significantly reduced ....we checked our heading, our waterproof chart for a course to steer. We slowed...it got dark ...the rain was constant...after a while we gained a visual sighting on the West Channel northern marker altered course to 180 degrees... and proceeded down the channel until we rounded the point of Swan Island and the Queenscliff lights came into view. In another hour or so we were on our mooring... with a sense of relief and accomplishment of a testing night passage without electronic navigational aides.

Congratulations are well deserved to the winners and placegetters being:-

COUTA BOAT ASSOCIATION SERIES RESULTS FOR STATE TITLES 2010 (held in conjunction with the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival):

Division 1			Total	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3
C43	Lola	Raymond Bateman	9	3	3	3
C118	Sorrento	Peter Gale	13	4	1	8
C119	Scoundrel	Hayden Warszewski	13	1	6	6
C97	C97	Jeffrey Richardson	13	7	2	4
Division 2
C136	Defiance	David Cross	4	1	2	1
C3227	Drizabone	Tom Frickie	7	2	3	2
C34	Regina	Janette Ellis	8	3	1	4

Race 1 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 06 Mar 2010

Division 1
C119	Scoundrel	Hayden Warszewski
C178	Maud	Andrew Scorgie
C43	Lola	Raymond Bateman
Division 2
C136	Defiance	David Cross
C3227	Drizabone	Tom Frickie
C144	Fancy	Paul van Prooyen
Geelong Wooden Boat Festival centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race Trophy
C136	Defiance	David Cross

Race 2 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 07 Mar 2010

Division 1
C118	Sorrento	Peter Gale
C97	C97	Jeffrey Richardson
C43	Lola	Raymond Bateman
Division 2
C34	Regina	Janette Ellis
C136	Defiance	David Cross
C3227	Drizabone	Tom Frickie
Geelong Wooden Boat Festival Pier Point Cup
C34	Regina	Janette Ellis

Race 3 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 07 Mar 2010

Division 1
C2008	Southerly	Andrew Skinner
C14	Surprise	Nick Williams
C43	Lola	Raymond Bateman
Division 2
C136	Defiance	David Cross
C3227	Drizabone	Tom Frickie
C34	Regina	Janette Ellis
Geelong Wooden Boat Festival Longboard Wines Corio Couta Boat Cup
C2008	Southerly	Andrew Skinner

Thank you to the organisers of the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and to Royal Geelong Yacht Club for hosting us.

Also, well done to all couta boat sailors, who made the effort to showcase our boats to another area.

.

Spirit of Mystery On Last Leg

The replica Cornish fishing lugger Spirit of Mystery set sail on Sunday morning (approx 0700hrs, 21 February 2010) on the last leg of her stay in Australia to sail southward on a short offshore run to Port Kembla, NSW where she will be readied for ship transport back to England.

Cornish brothers Pete and Andy Goss built and sailed Spirit of Mystery out on the 11,800 nautical mile voyage in five months.

While in Australia, Pete Goss volunteered to become a Safety Ambassador for NSW Maritime. Pete Goss is a former British Royal Marine who was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II and the Legion d’Honneur by the French President.

Pete earned the respect of the international maritime community during the 1996-97 Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race when he staged a dramatic mid-ocean rescue of a fellow competitor whose yacht was sinking.

His reputation and experience built over many years are helping the Boat for Life campaign reach out to the boating community with essential safety messages for offshore boating.

Pete Goss joined former NSW rugby league player and now boating media identity Andrew Ettingshausen, and the kayakers Justin Jones and James Castrission as Boat for Life Safety Ambassadors.

The campaign, launched in 2009, is based online at boatforlife.com.au and has NSW Maritime and the Boating Industry Association of NSW as safety partners.

Pete Goss’ safety advice covers:
• Safety Checks – equipment including 406MHz EPIRBs;
• Going Offshore – route planning; check the weather;
• Boating Emergency – distress signals, lifejackets. ~hcusto:2909 Pete Goss

The ETA at Port Kembla on Sunday is between 4pm-6pm on 21 February.

Visit the site at: www.boatforlife.com.au

Historic skiffs in Auckland

Trans Tasman Classic Challenge Series

Open to Classic and Modern Yachts - and Special Invitation to Couta Boats

The Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand has confirmed that they have obtained sponsorship from Oceanbridge Shipping for the shipping cost for two couta boats from Australia to New Zealand.

If you are interested please make contact with Joyce Talbot as soon as possible ... (one boat owner has already done so)

Below is the programme information for the Trans Tasman Classic Challenge Series:

Join us for two fabulous weeks of classic sailing and racing on the spectacular waters of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour, and the enjoyment of the warm hospitality and camaraderie of kiwi Classic Yachties.

Bring your own boat or crew on one of our beautiful ladies..............

Schedule of Events:

Friday Jan 29: Devonport Yacht Club Night Race to Mahurangi. (24 miles)

Saturday Jan 30: Mahurangi Cruising Club Classic Yacht Regatta & Classic

Launch Rally – non-series optional event

Sunday Jan 31: CYANZ Mahurangi to Auckland Race. (24 miles)

Raft up in Viaduct

Monday Feb 1: Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Regatta

The Southern Trust Classic Yacht Regatta: 11-14 Feb, with Race HQ based in the Viaduct. Food and bar open each night after racing

Thursday Feb 11: Skippers briefing, followed by dinner at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron

Friday Feb 12: Race 1

Saturday Feb 13: Race 2 followed by Race 3

Sunday Feb 14: Race 4 & Official Prize-giving

Highlights:

Mahurangi Regatta

Saturday 30 January: An absolute highlight of the season hosted by the

Mahurangi Cruising Club. The origins of this event go back to 1858 when a

regatta was held between the Navy and local work boats finishing with a picnic ashore, and was revived in 1977. With over 100 classics competing and a 1000 spectator boats the atmosphere in the Mahurangi Harbour is incredible! The Regatta is followed by a very popular prize-giving at Scotts Landing with a ‘big band’ playing classics from the swing era and more.

While not part of the Classics Series this event is highly recommended for a

relaxed fun day of racing, great camaraderie & tall tales in a beautifully historic setting. It’s a “Must do”.

Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

Monday 1 February: New Zealand’s oldest sporting event, first raced in1840 and celebrating Auckland 170th Birthday in 2010. A fabulous day on the water featuring races for all classes of vessel from optimists to A Class Keelers & Tall Ships, with the classics being the highlight of the day’s racing. Also features a tugboat race!!

The Southern Trust Classic Yacht Regatta

12-14 February: A fabulous three days of racing and rafting up, celebrating our yachting heritage with great camaraderie and prize-givings after the day’s racing in Race HQ right at the Viaduct.

Crew Opportunities

There are opportunities for those of you who would like to crew on one of our vessels and compete for the Trans Tasman Trophy (during the Classic Yacht Regatta only).

Accommodation:

For a selection of accommodation, all within walking distance of the harbour:

www.viaduct.co.nz

www.gatehouse.co.nz

www.accommodation-auckland.com/beaumont-quarter.htm

Berthage:

We will be endeavouring to organise berthage for Australian vessels at the

Viaduct or close by at Westhaven Marina. Once we have your registration of

interest we can pursue options on your behalf.

Things to do in Auckland

There are a multitude of things to do while visiting Auckland - beaches, parks, art galleries, museums, markets, winery tours ...... www.aucklandnz.com for a

detailed guide of what’s happening, where and when

For more information and to register your interest, contact Joyce Talbot:

e: joycetalbot@xtra.co.nz

p: +64 9 836 4747 m: +64 21 818 448

f: +64 9 836 4015

www.classicyacht.org.nz

.

The Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong 2010

held on Labour Day weekend 6-8 March 2010

Expressions of interest are pouring in which indicates that next year's Wooden Boat Festival will be bigger, better and more beautiful than before! The massive program includes the crowd pleasing Grand Parade of boats, the Classic Yacht passage race from Melbourne, the Couta Boat passage race from Portarlington, harbour races on Corio Bay, demonstration races by a fleet of 'Herons', the added bonus of the Couta Boat Victorian Titles AND an outstanding shoresides display!

Here, at the 150 year old Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Australia's maritime heritage will be on show during the Labour day weekend holiday of 6th & 7th of March with an expanded shoreside display as well as producing some never-to-be-forgotten sights on the waters of the jewel-of-the-south, Corio Bay.

On shore, the public, with easy access, will be able to meander along jetties and soak in the beauty of this display of well loved wooden boats!  There'll be old ocean racers, fishing boats, harbour greyhounds, and ex-pilot launches plus large topsail cutters, putt putts, dories, classic speedboats, yachts and clinker built dinghies. Each one absolutely gleaming with the sheer care, love and attention showered upon them by proud owners.

At the Presentation Dinner, Tim Phillips will speak of his pride and joy, 'Storm Bay' then at lunchtime on Sunday, David Ramage will tell of the building of 'Metani' and his experiences when sailing her to the Caribbean.

Shore-based displays will include prominent boat builders whose exhibits will complement this historic assembly of Victoria's outstanding maritime heritage.

The 2010 program will again include the magnificent Cavalcade of Sail at the Grand Parade, the Concourse d' Elegance, racing on the bay for the Corio Bay Couta Boat Cup, The Couta Boat Victorian Titles and the fleet of 'Herons' zipping around close inshore in their demonstration races! There's only one word for it - - 'Spectacular'! Make sure that YOU do not miss it!
        

And, as the man said - 'There's MORE!' - Rope making, boat building displays featuring some of Australia's prominent shipwrights, a display of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club's 150 years of history, A BBQ and sausage sizzle will add to these attractions. Truly, a genuine salty flavour to a weekend of seagoing delights!

Saturday and Sunday will surely be massive days out for the public, when all displays, exhibitions and displays will be open to all.

This is only a teaser of the impressive display of beautiful craftsmanship, glorious history and tradition that will be on display at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of the 6th. & 7th. of March 2010.

Everyone is welcome and for the general public, entry is free! So skippers, take command and give the orders; 'Let go forward, let go springs and let go aft!' Now set your helm for the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong in March 2010!

Registration forms will be available within the next 2 weeks.  Further information (03) 5229 3705 or visit www.rgyc.com.au

.

Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival 2010

19-21 February 2010 - Victoria Harbour, Docklands

Wooden Boat Festival set for summer fun at the Docklands

Fans of wooden boats will be able to get their fill at the Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival which will come to the Docklands precinct on Victoria Harbour in Melbourne, Victoria, in February 2010.

The event, which is designed to promote wooden boat heritage and connect the broader public with the spirit of timber boating, will combine all of the major wooden boat and classic yacht groups in and around Melbourne.

Wooden boat enthusiasts will not only be able to enjoy the luxury of 100s of beautiful timber vessels, from the very old to the newer, but can enter competitions and take in the entertainment planned for the Festival.

The Festival will feature both on water and on piazza displays, a ‘Quick and Dirty’ competition, model sailing and racing boats, marine trade displays, strolling shanty musicians, in harbour sailing and working boats displays.

“Melbourne has such a rich heritage with wooden boats; it’s the founding city for Classic Yacht Association, Wooden Boat Association and the revival of the Couta Boat fleet – so it was natural that it should also have a Wooden Boat Festival,” says Mark Bergin, the  Wooden Boat Festival director.

“We expect between 70 and 120 boats for the inaugural event. To-date, we’ve got about 50% of those spots spoken for, so that’s a great start,” Bergin enthuses.

Other activities to keep all satisfied include boat maintenance master classes and ‘How to Maintain your Hull’, engine, rig, sail and paint demonstrations, along with what is required for an annual safety inspection and information on the suitability of marine timbers.

Shipwright Conference Gathering will bring together Victorian shipwrights in one space who will share their extraordinary skills, knowledge and history.
                                                        
To run an event of this magnitude, volunteers are need both on and off the water. No experience is needed, but a fun few days are guaranteed.

“Volunteers are a key factor,” Bergin says.  “Not everyone is a sea going person; for many it’s the land activities that get them in – and we require help in both these areas. 

“We’re very focussed on helping to build an active community in the Docklands area. Over the next five to 10 years, over 20,000 people will move into this area and wooden boats are a natural pastime activity for the local community.”

This Wooden Boat Festival adds to a growing calendar of events on Port Phillip and compliments the existing events at Sorrento, Queenscliff and Geelong.  Now is the time to build up an activity centre closer to the largest population in the state, while supporting regional events and activities.

Event supporters include:
Blunts Boatyard, City of Melbourne, Classic Australian Wooden Power Boat Assoc, Classic Yacht Association ,Couta Boat Association, Docklands Yacht Club, H28 Association, Maritime Heritage Association of Victoria , Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club, Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club, Sail and Adventure Ltd - Alma Doepel, Sandringham Yacht Club, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Tall Ships Victoria, Tumlaren Association, Wooden Boat Association, Wooden Boat Centre

Online registration for boats and volunteers is open
please jump onto the festival website and register today
http://www.woodenboat.com.au/MWBF2010

For sponsorship opportunities and event information contact Mark Bergin, Festival Director at: email: mark@woodenboat.com.au or phone: 0418 565 848

For all information including wooden boat and volunteer registration go to: www.woodenboat.com.au/mwbf2010/ 

Di Pearson, media manager
Phone: 0410 792 131

.

CIA Couta Boat Insurance Policy

Consolidated Insurance Agencies offer couta boat insurance - call Nathan ...

30% Saving for Couta Boat Owners*

After a long association with the Couta Boat Association, CIA is pleased to advise that we have arranged a much improved insurance deal for Couta Boat Owners.

CIA is a member if the Steadfast Group, the motto of the group is “none of us is as strong as all of us”, as a member CIA has access insurance policies at heavily reduced prices – and we are given access to increased covers we would not otherwise (as an independent) be able to attain.

The Couta Boat Association is in the unique position of being able to access similar benefits for its members.

CIA is offering the Club Marine Steadfast Pleasure Craft cover, which offers increased features and benefits over and above the standard Club Marine policy wording, at a bulk discount rate.

The policy benefits are far superior to those which were previously enjoyed by owners. Benefits include:

·         Automatic cover for equipment up to $10,000 with a $200 excess. ($1,000 per item)

·         Automatic Club Marine Assist for Club Marine Members.

·         Club Care benefits up to $5,000

·         Mechanical Breakdown

·         $10,000,000 Legal Liability Cover

By consolidating cover both owners and the Couta Association will be able to monitor claims and ensure ongoing competitive premium pricing.

By doing this we can reduce the claims members from time to time suffer, reduce the amount of time out of the water, and make the Couta experience more pleasurable.

CIA is proud of its long standing association with the Couta Boat Association and we trust this new and improved insurance offering will be of considerable benefit to members.

Do not miss the boat.

If you are not currently insuring your Couta Boat with CIA contact Nathan now on (03) 9557 2976 or email him at nathan@ciainsurance.com.au

CIA - “A Question of Value” – Adding value to Couta Boat Owners.

 *Up to 30% savings on standard Club Marine Premiums

.

The Guineas Challenge

Classic Yachts versus Couta Boats

On the afternoon of Friday the 30th October 2009 a very special sailing event will take place on the waters of Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia. Two of the greatest Ocean racing yachts from the 1960's will sail against two fishing boats designed about 100 years ago. They will race off scratch, ie the first boat over the finish line will take home the Guineas Trophy and AUD$1000 for their team. This event is the brain child of Martin Ryan who devised it over a quality bottle of red in a Queenscliff pub earlier this year, after stepping ashore from racing against some of Port Phillip's famous Couta Boats and being astounded by their speed.

CYAA

The Cup Regatta 2009

Members of the Classic Yacht Association of Australia and the Couta Boat Association share a love of wooden boats, and this event provides an opportunity to show-case their vessels.

The third and revised iteration of The Melbourne Cup Regatta is planned to get underway on Friday the 30th October, 2009 with two special contests: 

The first is a 2-on-2 boat contest between the CYAA gun racing boats from the 60's, Mercedes III and Boambillee, and two of the hottest boats from the Couta Boat Fleet.  The "Guineas Trophy", as it will be called, is the brain child of Martin Ryan, who was fascinated by the speed of the fishing boats, when sailing in their company at the 2009 Queenscliff Regatta, compared to state of the art 1960's Ocean racers.  A thousand Guineas will be on the table for the winning Association. For more information see the guineaschallenge offical document.

At the same time Melbourne's re-energised Tumlaren fleet will compete to find the top boat on Port Phillip, reliving the glory days of the 40's and 50's.

After these two new events there will be a Opening Cocktail Party held at The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, looking across Hobson's Bay Back to the City of Melbourne. We are hoping to arrange for as many vessels as possible to be berthed out the front of RYCV, rafting up and creating a fun social atmosphere in which we can share stories and information on our magnificent old boats.

The Regatta proper will start on Saturday 31st October, 2009 with a 20 nautical mile Passage Race around the top end of the Bay. Sunday 1st November, 2009 is a day for the purists with two short Laid Courses, testing the pure sailing skills of the racing fleet. Monday 2nd November, 2009 will see a morning Pursuit Race based on the corrected handicaps from previous races with the aim of a grouped finish at RYCV at around lunch time. On Monday afternoon we will hold a massive gourmet BBQ followed by the Presentation of trophies and prizes. And, if you still have any energy left, you can always go to the other "Cup" on Tuesday. 

As always we are encouraging our interstate and Trans-Tasman members and enthusiasts to attend. They can be guaranteed a great weekend of sailing and socializing whilst celebrating The Melbourne Classic  Fleet. Be a part of it!

Some Comments from 2008

"The racing was fabulous and close and the company superb. A great event and one which the CYANZ will be promoting as a 'must do' for next November." Tony Blake CYANZ President.

"Thank you to you and your team for putting on another special Cup Weekend Regatta…… the conditions were excellent for sailing, which we really enjoyed; plus the good company of the Kiwis we had as crew. The voyage across the bay to Sorrento, which I also enjoy, worked out well with quick and easy passages both directions." Rod Martin Couta Boat Skipper.

Other Links
	Melbourne Cup 09 Entry Form
	Notice of Race 09

Sayonara

Update from the Australian National Maritime Museum

Melbourne-based Sayonara, one of Australia’s most graceful historic yachts, is moored on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, from 7 to 18 September, 2009.

The gaff-rigged racer, 19 metres long (on the deck) with a towering mast 15 metres tall, was built in Adelaide in 1897 to a plan by William Fife III, a Scottish designer widely considered the most important naval architect of his time. Melbourne businessman George Garrard commissioned the plan and had the yacht built by the Adelaide firm A McFarlane & Sons.

The hull is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri on Australian hardwood frames. Fife was clearly pleased with the outcome as he built a sister yacht Cerigo from the same plans for his own use in Scotland.

Sayonara dominated inter-Colonial and then inter-State match-racing regattas for several years and played a major part in yacht racing in Victoria and NSW through until the 1910s. It gave its name to the Sayonara Cup, the premier series of yacht races in Australia from 1904 to the 1960s.

The big yacht spent most of its time from the 1910s to the 1990s in the Sydney region. Its new owners in the 90s, a holding syndicate, took it back to Melbourne for a million-dollar restoration and re-launch in 2000. Sayonara is presently visiting Sydney and will return to Melbourne later in the year.

Sayonara lunch, talk and inspection
Doug Shields, Sayonara syndicate manager, and David Payne, manager of the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, will present engaging talks over a light lunch at the National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, on Friday, 18 September. This will be followed by an inspection of the yacht.

The details:
Time – 12 noon to 1.30 pm.
Date – Friday, 18 September.
Price - $20 (museum members $15).
Bookings essential, phone (02) 9298 3644

http://www.anmm.gov.au/

.

Notice of Measurement

Our two Class Measurers, Ray Eades and Wayne Johnstone, have declared the upcoming month of October as 'measuring month'. This is so that additional data on individual boats can be obtained, collated and then displayed on the CBA website.  This information will also aide in deliberations for CBA Class Rules 2010 and beyond.

Ray and Wayne will be available each Sunday in October. Could all boat owners whose boats have not already been measured this year and whose boats are out of the water contact Ray or Wayne for an appointment?

One item the Class Measurers will be checking is the location of the design waterline (DWL). Once this is established they ask permission from boat owners to scribe a small line of the DWL at the stem and sternpost. This is so that owners can ballast their boats to this DWL and Measurers can have a visual reference when our boats are on the water.

Ray Eades can be contacted on:-                0408 394 054 and (03) 9772 3283 (AH)

Wayne Johnstone can be contacted on:-    0419 009 974 and (03) 9553 1765 (AH)

Bernard O'Hanlon                                                               

CBA Secretary

.

President's Report 2009

delivered at the AGM held in Port Melbourne

This is the 7th Annual General Meeting of the Couta Boat Association, and marks my 3rd year as President.  It has been a busy year, with couta boats involved in a number of sailing events in Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and even Europe.

The Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club as usual had a comprehensive sailing programme for the past sailing season, and has again ably conducted the Couta Boat National Titles in December 2008, the Portsea Cup in January 2009, the Queenscliff Regatta in February 2009, and the Couta Boat State Titles in March 2009.  We value this collaboration for the Association sailing events.  The Couta Boat Association has also supported the Cup Regatta on Melbourne Cup Weekend in November 2008; this event is organised by the Classic Yacht Association of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and is attended by New Zealand crews who seem to be particularly attracted to our lovely couta boats.  The biannual Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in early-February 2009 was attended by a large number of Couta Boat Association members, some of whom show-cased their boats at this wonderful venue, and the Association was able to provide small grants to assist in getting some of the boats to this important Australian boating event.  The Association social get-together at Hobart during the Festival was again well attended.  We also collaborated with one boat owner who took his couta boat to the international melting pot of maritime history and who carried the Couta Boat Association Flag on his boat at Brest in France in July 2008.  Details of this will be in the next issue of 'Scoop'.

With the help of past and current Committee members and their professional publishing  prowess (Coolwise Creative and Furphy Media Group), we have produced the Couta Boat Association newsletter 'Scoop', and my thanks go to the numerous contributors to this publication.  Keep the interesting stories coming ...

We have continued to provide a website and our Association email address is cba@coutaboatclub.com.au.  We are in the process of updating information on the electronic Boat Register.  It is our intention to only publish boat and sail measurements that have been certified by the Couta Boat Association Class Measurers, and I am pleased to announce that we have been able to secure the help of two very capable individuals to try and accomplish this task, they are Ray Eades and Wayne Johnstone.  Their contact details are on www.coutaboatclub.com.au – then click on CBA COMMITTEE.  I hope that you will be able to avail yourselves of their services which we are currently provided to our membership free of charge, and I appreciate your cooperation to establish this important data base.  It is also time to review the Race Register to make sure that boats included on it are compliant with our Rules.

The Couta Boat Association was fortunate to be involved in conjunction with Tall Ships Victoria with the visit to RYCV in Williamstown of the replica Cornish lugger, Spirit of Mystery, which recreated the epic voyage of a Cornish family 143 years ago.  Cornish sailor and adventurer Pete Goss was intrigued by the story of this amazing journey and undertook to repeat the voyage with three of his family members.  This simple working boat attracted a great deal of interest, and many people were able to come on board and talk to some of the crew while she was moored at Sorrento and Queenscliff.  Ongoing updates on this project can be followed on www.petegoss.com.

The Couta Boat Association is keen to foster the contact with the Williamstown-based Classic Yacht Association of Australia, and we are looking for two boats which will take up the challenge to compete in a match race with two of the classic yachts as part of the Melbourne Cup Regatta 09 programme.  We also had received an invitation from the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand to participate in their Classic Yacht Regatta in late-January, 2010 thus providing the opportunity for a Trans-Tasman relationship with like-minded wooden boat enthusiasts - though finding the time during our own peak sailing season is a challenge.

The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney is developing a Register of Historic Vessels in conjunction with the Sydney Heritage Fleet and is seeking listings from couta boat owners.  Boats older than 50 years are acceptable and there are currently four couta boats listed.  I have had word that there is particular interest in boats built by Lacco and Hansen, and I encourage boat owners of those types of couta boats to list their boats by contacting the ARHV Project Officer, David Payne on arhv@anmm.gov.au.

We often don't seem to value the special things we are privileged to enjoy, and sadly their importance is time and again recognised after they are gone.  Commercial pressures had made the sailing couta boat obsolete more than 50 years ago.  However, there is no doubt that the couta boat now has a cherished place in the wooden boat scene, both here in Australia and also overseas.  Through the considerable efforts of many individuals, this boat has achieved iconic status for Australia and therefore deserves and needs continued protection.  This simple working boat which is seaworthy enough to ply the waters of Bass Strait has been recognised for its race qualities and physical attractiveness.  While a good number of old boats were found in the early-1980's and restored over the years, the appeal of the boat soon began to outstrip availability of original working boats.  This led to the building of new boats and the creation of class rules which attempt to limit modernisation and development for the sake of achieving better race performance, thus attempting to establish a level playing field between old and new boats.   There are sadly several examples around the world where less care was taken to preserve the integrity and heritage of similar boats by allowing relentless improvements in materials and design to achieve higher boat speeds for the purpose of personal gratification.  I guess it might seem like a big ask to put one's ego aside and to try and understand the special status of these boats, and clearly, if this is not what you seek and value, then having a couta boat may not be your thing.  I personally have never really felt that I 'own' my couta boat, but rather that I am 'looking after it' for the next generations.

I feel fortunate to have had the input and assistance of my fellow Committee members during the past year.  In particular, I would like to thank Tim Phillips for his dedication and enthusiasm in promoting the boats and for providing the corporate memory that assures that an appropriate perspective is maintained.

Carmen Bell

.

A Whalecome Surprise

Here I was, on the 3 pm ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, gazing out over the water towards the Rip (after a monster meeting trying to sort out the 2009 Couta Boat Class Rules).  The dreaded dredge, the Queen of Netherlands, was sitting in the South Channel at Pope's Eye Pile, obviously at work as we passed a trail of sandy plume carried up the Bay by the incoming tide.  No sooner had I finished thinking how good it was that there was not much diving activity around the Southern end of Port Phillip at the moment due to the wintery weather as this dredging work would surely interfere with the enjoyment of this human activity, that - to my amazement - I spotted a whale broaching quite near the dredge.  I watched this majestic creature for as long as a could as it slowly made its way towards the Quarantine Station at Portsea. 

As we proceeded towards Queenscliff, we passed a group of 8 penguins frolicking in the area between the South and West Channel, and finally, as the ferry docked at Queenscliff I noticed a seal happily swimming and feeding quite near the stone groyne at the ferry terminal.

What does it all mean?  I guess it could mean that animals are much more adaptable than we give them credit for.

It certainly made my day ...

Port Phillip Recreational Fishing Reefs

Officially launched by the Minister for Fisheries, the Hon Joe Helper on 16 May 2009

'Lowering reef balls overboard - Port Phillip'    DPI Victoria

A public competition saw two reefs named 'Rec Reef' after the recreational value of fishing to many Victorians and 'Yakka Reef' to reflect the growing number of kayaks in Port Phillip Bay. A third reef was named 'Tedesco Reef' in honour of the late well-known fishing identity, Neil Tedesco. Sadly Mr Tedesco passed away at just 31 in a recent diving accident; however his passion for recreational fishing will be remembered in the naming of this reef. The reefs are currently being placed in Port Phillip Bay off Aspendale (Rec Reef), Frankston (Yakka Reef) and Seaford (Tedesco Reef). Each reef comprises 96 specially made concrete balls of different sizes, with a total combined weight of almost 30 tonnes distributed in a special design over a square plot of 50m x 50m. The reefs are expected to be rapidly colonised by marine life, but are likely to take several years to reach their full fish attracting potential. Leatherjackets and snapper are two species that would be attracted to an artifical reef -  DPI Victoria .   The three reef areas are protected by a commercial fishing exclusion zone (approximately 1 km²) to enable accurate monitoring of recreational fishing use of the reefs and maximise opportunities for recreational fishers to catch fish at these sites. Monitoring of the effects of the new reefs on local fish populations and a range of other marine species will be a key focus of these trials. The Port Phillip Bay Recreational Fishing Reefs are one of a range of initiatives that the Victorian Government is undertaking to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and facilities under the Enhanced Recreational Fishing Program. Location of Port Phillip Bay artificial reefs -  DPI Victoria . The reef at Aspendale is named Rec Reef to highlight the use of these reefs to improve recreational fishing. Site Description Longitude Latitude Aspendale Far North Pallet Ball 145° 4.616' E 38° 2.152' S Aspendale Far East Pallet Ball 145° 4.636' E 38° 2.168' S Aspendale Far South Pallet Ball 145° 4.615' E 38° 2.184' S Aspendale Far West Pallet Ball 145° 4.596' E 38° 2.167' S The reef at Seaford is named Tedesco Reef to pay tribute to Neil Tedesco who passed away on 16 April 2009 at age 31. Neil was a devoted fisher and diver and a true ambassador for these sports. Site Description Longitude Latitude Seaford Far North Pallet Ball 145° 5.954' E 38° 5.229' S Seaford Far East Pallet Ball 145° 5.974' E 38° 5.246' S Seaford Far South Pallet Ball 145° 5.953' E 38° 5.261' S Seaford Far West Pallet Ball 145° 5.934' E 38° 5.245' S The reef at Frankston is named Yakka Reef after the growing number of people using kayaks in the bay as an environmentally-friendly way to go fishing. Site Description Longitude Latitude Frankston Far North Pallet Ball 145° 5.480' E 38° 8.467' S Frankston Far East Pallet Ball 145° 5.500' E 38° 8.483' S Frankston Far South Pallet Ball 145° 5.479' E 38° 8.499' S Frankston Far West Pallet Ball 145° 5.459' E 38° 8.482' S by DPI Vic   5:17 AM Sat 13 Jun 2009

Romy off the wind

Couta Boat Association State Championship 2009

A perspective from the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club Captain

.

Plan to Ban Recreational Boating on Port Phillip

Dates can be very telling ...

Details of a plan that will effectively ban daytime recreational boating on Port Phillip Bay, for six months out of each year, were released today.

The plan, if enacted, would see recreational boats over 4.8 metres, (both power and sail) banned from operating on Port Phillip Bay, between the hours of 1030 (10.30am) and 1530 (3.30pm) every day, in each alternate month.

According to Government Spokesperson Ms Nora Treally, “The current Dredging program in the bay is stirring up sand and sediments, that in the normal course of events would settle to the bottom quickly, generally within a few days. However, with the increased boating activity now taking place on Port Phillip, the sand and sediments are being continually stirred up by boats and remain suspended in the water. This has the effect of making the water in the bay more dense and of a heavier viscosity, a phenomenon known as ‘Thick Water’.”

According to Professor of Aquatics and Marine Life at Monash University, Prof. B. A. Loney , “thick water causes a number of serious problems. It’s a hazard for commercial shipping as large ships find it more difficult to steer and maneuver through thick water and it’s also a problem for fish and other marine life, who generally find it more difficult to swim through the water.”

Thick water is a phenomenon rarely seen in the Southern Hemisphere, but is often reported as occurring in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Scandinavian waterways where the water temperature often causes the water to become more dense.

Fishermen in the Northern Hemisphere have reported that fish caught in ‘thick water’ appear to be ‘muscled up’ as a result of having to work harder to make their way through the water and are generally not as tender and tasty, as fish caught in normal water.

The ban on recreational boating on the bay is planned to commence on 29 February 2010.

P.S.:  Thank you to John Zammit from SHIPMATE for his contribution to April Fool's Day.

The strange custom prevalent throughout this kingdom, of people making fools of one another upon the first of April, arose from the year formerly beginning, as to some purpose, and in some respects, on the twenty-fifth of March, which was supposed to be the incarnation of our Lord; it being customary with the Romans, as well as with us, to hold a festival, attended by an octave, at the commencement of the new year—which festival lasted for eight days, whereof the first and last were the principal; therefore the first of April is the octave of the twenty-fifth of March, and, consequently, the close or ending of the feast, which was both the festival of the Annunciation and the beginning of the new year.

.

Half Pint-o-Rum Regatta

A recipe for fun

Some Couta Boat Division 2 sailors at Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club have been engaged in a most fruitful and enjoyable exchange of emails regarding changes (or not) to the sailing programme and introduction of more fun into our events.  Suggestions to award a prize to the second-last boat rather than the winner have prompted me to have another look at what others around the world are doing in this regard.

Last May, I reported the goings-on of the European Flensburg Rum Regatta (organised by the Flensburg Museum) where the winner takes nil and the second boat received 3 litres of high-quality Johannesen’s rum.  And now I have come across an event in the United States (reported in Classic Boat magazine) which fits quite nicely into the sail-to-have-fun category – and ‘rum’ is the word:

The Ancient Mariners Sailing Society has for the last 25 years organised the Half Pint-o-Rum Regatta in San Diego Bay, California.  The entry fee is one fifth gallon (755 ml) of “good rum” which is mixed in a wooden keg.  If yours is judged bad, it is tossed and you are given a time penalty.  This makes this the only race in the world where the quality of rum can have an effect on the finish!  The last race had 23 entries – so, if you do the math you can work out how much fun you can have with that.

At the end of the race, skippers have to swim back to the beach and swig a tot of rum.  After an 8-mile race across the Bay, the skippers thus dived from their boats and raced in to drink from the keg before they are scored.  With no restrictions on finishing the sailing leg, one of the slower boats’ skipper swam more than a mile to the beach AS IT WAS FASTER ...

.

Couta Boat Fleet Welcomes 'Great White Fleet'

photo courtesy Queenscliff Herald

On Saturday, 29 August 1908 a total of 15,000 visitors were expected in Queenscliff to watch the arrival of the 'Great White Fleet' of 16 American battleships (all painted bright white) on tour around the world.  The Victorian Railways scheduled extra trains to and from Geelong with departures every 15 minutes (those were the good old days!)

The Queenscliff fishermen provided a flotilla of 40 couta boats (manned by a man and a boy each).  This was quite a generous gesture by the fishermen as they would lose a half-day's income.  The boats carried flags bearing the word 'Welcome' which were made locally.

Local photogaphers produced commemorative postcards.  Copies of those and the train timetables are available at the Queenscliffe Historical Museum, Hesse Street, Queenscliff.

It is interesting to note the tiny jibs and high booms - a rig suitable for work ...

2007 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival 10-12 March - We were there

Not just a static display but poetry in motion

The 2007 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival shows the public the art of wooden boat building and displays a variety of wooden craft, including the couta boats. 

The Festival is not just a static display of wooden boats, but the Classic Yachts of Williamstown and the Couta Boats converge in Geelong at the completion of their individual Passage Races in the course of the afternoon on Saturday, 10 March 2007.  And there is a Grand Parade of Boats and Cavalcade of Sail past Cunningham Pier on Sunday, 11 March 2007 at 11:30 am, followed by the Corio Bay Couta Boat Cup and the Corio Bay Wooden Yacht Cup at 12:30 pm - a true feast for the eye.

Mercedes-Benz CBA Nationals this weekend

Two days of racing are scheduled to start at 1330hrs.

Mercedes-Benz is as excited as we to be in the last days before our final Couta Boat Association championship event of the year. Sailors will be pleased to know that Mercedes-Benz has left no stone unturned to make this a memorable championship. Hats and Polos for all crews. Two days of racing are scheduled to start at 1330hrs.

Couta Boat Association Function in Hobart 2007

Steeped in history and full of maritime artefacts, the Hope & Anchor Tavern was a most suitable venue

Within walking distance of Constitution Dock, Victoria Dock and the Kings Pier Marina, we found a lovely old pub to hold an Association function for members who attended the 2007 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

The Hope & Anchor Tavern was established in 1807 and has traded as a pub ever since.  It certainly seemed like traveling in time when you stepped into the foyer and made your way up the stairs to the function room - a room full of antiques and lots of atmosphere.  A group of just under 100 people gathered to exchange stories, find old friends not seen for a while or make new ones.  Lovely fresh Tasmanian seafood and an open bar were enjoyed by all. 



It was also a good opportunity to acknowledge publicly exceptional contributions to the Couta Boat Association by two prior Committee Members, namely its first President, John Ross, and its long-time Treasurer (and Slave), George Kimpton 


 
 

Queenscliff Maritime Weekend Poster for Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 2007 Photograph:Andrew Watson

Queenscliff Regatta 23 - 25 February 2007

Another great Queenscliff Regatta

The Maritime Weekend was officially opened by Lisa Neville MLA, Minister for Mental Health, Children and Aged Care and representatives of the major sponsors were in attendance:  Pat Semmens, Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe; Mal Poulter, Project Manager of the Queenscliff Harbour Development from Parks Victoria; and Tim Price, Director of Sinclair-Brook and Project Director, Queenscliff Harbour P/L.

The Queenscliff Couta Boat Association is reviving a 100 year old tradition

The Queenscliff Couta Boat Association is reviving a 100 year old tradition of the skipper first home receiving a white jumper to signify their skill as sailors and fishermen. Borough of Queenscliffe’s mayor will present the prestigious white jumper to Division 1 & 2 line honour winners of the annual Couta Boat Regatta. The regatta and other community activities are part of the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend held 24, 25 & 26 February 2006.

First Home!

A 100 year old Queenscliff fishing tradition will be relived during the 2006 Queenscliff Maritime Weekend held Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February.

Since the inception of the Queenscliff couta boat in the 1880s fishermen have always raced - whether from the fishing grounds to home or in local regattas. Changing their navy blue working jumper for the white jumper was highly regarded by the fishermen of the day as it clearly stated they were first home with their catch.

2006 is the year for reviving the 100 year old tradition of rewarding line honour winners with the legendary white jumper originally worn by the skipper first home with his catch of barracouta. The white jumper will be presented by the Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Chris Player, and will feature the borough’s distinctive logo bearing the Latin words for ‘safe harbour’.

Queenscliff’s rich maritime history comes to life during the Maritime Weekend held this year on 24, 25 & 26 February. The Couta Boat Regatta evokes a way of life long gone yet living on in the hearts and souls of many local people, their children and grandchildren.

It is anticipated that the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend will be opened by the Minister for Education and Training, Lynne Kosky. Official guests include MP for Bellarine Lisa Neville and MLC Elaine Carbines. The traditional Blessing of the Fleet will be given by Lewis Ferrier the barefoot fisherman, barefoot ambassador and barefoot lay minister.



For more information contact:
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Secretary June Negri 5258 3440.