MERRY

CHRISTMAS

N E X T G E N E R A L M E E T I N G M O N D A Y 1 3 T H M A Y 2 0 1 9

L A K E M A C Q U A R I E Y A C H T C L U B

C R U I S I N G D I V I S I O N

May 2019 No. 354

Page 2 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

Please address all letters for the Cruising Division to:

LMYC CRUISING DIVISION

Ada Street

Belmont NSW 2280

Alternatively, letters for the Cruising Division may be left

in the ‘pigeon hole’ at the LMYC office.

Cruising Division Editor:

Any articles for the Cruiseletter can be sent to

Cruiseletter Editor John Cotterill

johncotterill13@gmail.com

by 25th May 2019

Skippers Report 3

April Outing 4

Meeting Minutes 6

Alternative Skipper Manual 9

First Ever Spring Pittwater Cruise 10

Cruising Division Executive

Skipper: Committee

Tony Austin 0416266947 Trevor Smith 0413719329 Michael Norwood 0401622954

Secretary: Greg Harding 0409193718 Maureen Seysener 4975 2561

Greg Harding Ken Archer 4946 7751 Rob & Karen Black 0417215300

Treasurer: Cath Austin 4946 9928

Ross Shirtley 4945 0641

LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION PAGE 3

As the formal sailing season comes to a close, it is time to think about all those maintenance tasks that you have been putting off. I know that I have a ‘To Do’ list that makes my eyes water and will seriously damage the credit card. Many of us prefer to do the work ourselves as it saves us considerable amounts of money. It also increases our understanding of our boat systems and thus puts us in a much stronger position if things fail in out of the way places (after all, isn’t ‘Cruising’ just doing maintenance in exotic places?). Within the CD membership we have an enormous amount of experience so never hesitate to reach out to others – they are always delighted to pass on their hard won tips. We also welcome ‘How to…’ articles (along with trip reports and any other gems) for the Cruiseletter. Despite the challenges of a rather drawn out series of public holidays over the Easter/ANZAC period many members have had a great time on the water. A big ‘Thank You’ goes out to Ken and Libby for running the last CD on-water activity – it was well attended and everyone had a great time. The next General Meeting promises to be a cracker – we have several major issues (in particular the meeting start time) to discuss and our Guest speaker is Mark Norden (General Manager – LMYC). I am sure that you will welcome the opportunity to hear what is happening at LMYC and ask questions. Finally, if you are not accessing the CD Facebook (FB) page you might like give it a go. It is becoming quite a busy place as members share photos and stories of their CD activities. It is also becoming a very useful way to let other CD members know if you are going to be out on the water and would like to get together. For those of you who are regular FB users, how often do you check the ‘Files’ section? There is some great stuff there (including a comprehensive calendar of activities for 2019) so make a habit to see what is new. As always, the CD committee is looking for new and exciting things to offer to our members so please get in touch with any one of us if you have a suggestion for a new activity either on or off the water. I wish you safe and happy cruising,

by Tony Austin

Ken and Libby Archer - Migaloo

PAGE 4 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

The April outing (12-14th) started off with 9 boat crews enjoying sundowners at Styles point on

Friday afternoon on a very mild autumn evening, with a beautiful sunset.

The boats included Stoked, Zephyr, Red Cloud, Krackt, Migaloo, Catatonic, Reverie, Korawinga

and Yorkshire Relish, In the morning 3 boats left us and two more joined in – The Bach and

Jodie.

After morning tea ashore, the 8 remaining boats set off for Shingle Splitters. Unfortunately, the

winds were calm, so we all motored down, and most boats anchored on the western side of the

point.

On the way down we also undertook a small but very important safety exercise which our Skipper

suggested. This was to simulate a man overboard (MOB) recovery drill. The exercise includes

firstly throwing a visual flotation device to the MOB, such as a life ring or DAN buoy, then

activating the MOB button on your navigation device, such as a chartplotter, then returning to

recover the MOB (or flotation device). Perhaps the most important part of this exercise was to

determine how to activate the MOB button. On the Raymarine chartplotter which we have, the

MOB button is not very obvious on the screen. It is in fact the Waypoint (WPT) button (there is a

very small MOB icon next to the WPT sign). You have to press and hold the WPT button for three

seconds to display the actual MOB screen, on which you then press the button to mark the

location of the MOB. The screen will then show the positions of the MOB and your vessel. As it

might take 30 seconds or so to deploy a flotation device and then to activate the MOB button, the

MOB 's actual position could be some 50 m from the marked position. I encourage everyone to

undertake this exercice when you are next out on the water!

PAGE 5 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

We all went ashore in the early afternoon and enjoyed a barbecue before returning to our boats

around sunset. Most went ashore again on Sunday morning for coffee before heading home in a

brisk southerly – so we did get a sail in!

The three-day outing format proved to be a winner because it allowed the participation of some

boats for at least part of the weekend.

PAGE 6 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

MEETING OPENED: 7.30 pm ATTENDANCE: 35 (see attendance book) APOLOGIES: Greg and Sue Harding, Michael Norward, Anne Szczurowski, Gail McBurnie, Nikki and Chris Cahill, Coleen Donaldson, Jillian and Austin Lawrence, Trudi and Gordon Butler, Mike Barry, Peter Robinson, WELCOME TO VISITORS: Glenn and Rosalie Shepherd CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: Accepted: Moved: Fred Seysener; Seconded: Ken Archer BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES: see general business

CORRESPONDENCE: In: Letter: Bill Ratcliff – thank you for lunch and presentation at RMYC. Out: Email: RMYC – thank you for support to PWC 2019 luncheon.

General Manager NP&WS re our appreciation of the care and attention from their staff at The Basin during our cruise.

NEW MEMBERS: (RS) – none TREASURERS REPORT: (RS)

Treasurers report be accepted: Moved: Fred Seysener seconded: Tony Austin

LMYC CRUISING DIVISION MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING

8 April 2019

LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR MARCH 2019

Book Balance Brought Forward $ 4,314.75

Plus Income

Raffle 83.00

Flags 20.00

Membership fees 118.00

Bank Interest (CA) 0.10

$ 221.09

Less Expenditure Pittwater Cruise 472.33

$ 472.33

Closing Book Balance $ 4,063.51

Plus Unpresented Cheques

$ -

Cheque A/c Balance $1,063.51

Term Deposit Balance $ 3,000.00

Balance as per Bank Statements $ 4,063.51

R Shirtley Treasurer Date 31/03/2019

PAGE 7 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

PREVIOUS OUTING REPORT: Mar 9th – 22nd - Ian Donaldson

Successful cruise to Pittwater despite the inclement weather

Participants maintain a good level of involvement

Some of the highlights were:

• Use of a Lagoon 63 motor boat for the Cocktail Party – our thanks to the owners for

providing such a welcoming boat for our festivities

• Camp Fire and Poetry Night

• Ball – including dancing

• Ferry trip - A History & Heritage Hawkesbury River Ferry Trip. A good trip provided by

Central Coast Ferries despite a last minute hiccup.

• (Ian has also suggested that next year’s Pittwater Cruise also consider doing A History and

Heritage Central Coast Brisbane Waters Ferry Tour.)

• Two boats (Chandon and The Bach) followed onto Sydney and explored the old coal

loader site, Bantry Bay, Quarantine Bay, Black Wattle Bay and Drummoyne Sailing Club.

• Thank you to the organisers Ian and Coleen Donaldson, Wolfie and Petra Meierhofer for the

wonderful job done in organising the trip.

NEXT THREE MONTHS OUTINGS:

• 12th-14th April – Monthly Lake outing –

• Friday 4pm Sundowners at Styles Pt

• Sat – Head to Shingle Splitters (NE side) going ashore about 2pm for BBQ

• Sun – Coffee ashore

• Easter – details will given on Facebook page

• 17th-18th May – Soup Day (TBC)

• 15th/16th June – Proposed visit to Marine Rescue at Swansea Heads and Pelican

GUEST SPEAKERS:

• Tonight – Dean Gainey – Gas safety on boats

• 13th May –Mark Norden (GM of LMYC)

• 10th June – Tony Mowbray

OTHER REPORTS:

• Aquatic Services: Ross Shirtley – (RS did not attend recent meeting) – main points:

Wangi Jetty to be finished this year

Pelican foreshore work continues

Speers Point jetty being replaced with split level structure to be completed this year.

Swansea- the derelict jetty on the SW side of the bridge (Belmont St) will be replaced.

• Women Who Sail Australia – Leanne Tracey

100 women attended

Lots of information & ‘Hands on’ activities.

PAGE 8 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

GENERAL BUSINESS:

• Greg Harding – has offered to become Secretary – agreement from members at General

Meeting

• Verbal report on meeting with Mark Norden - Tony Austin

Productive meeting. Mark will come as a guest speaker at May Meeting.

Marina Work: The negotiations to get the agreement on the needed work continue,

with contracts to commence the work to be put in place as soon as possible.

Honour Boards: Mark advised that the Board are reconsidering their decision to not

have any boards on display.

A new Trophy Cabinet will be built to display active trophies.

Fees to Sailing Australia: Mark has negotiated with Sailing Australia which has

resulted in a reduction in the fees that will need to be paid.

• LMYC AGM is to be held on 28th May (Tuesday). Members of the Cruising Division are

encouraged to attend. CD members asked to consider how best to have CD issues raised with

the Board. The nomination of a CD member for a Board was discussed.

General Meeting Start Times:

• The recent survey indicated a large number of Cruising Division members would prefer a

start time of 7 pm. Discussion for and against a change took place – main issue against

change is members who are still working, especially those who live on the western side of

the lake. A decision on this change will be formally made at the next meeting.

Inclusion of Minutes in the Cruise Letter.

• TA highlighted the issue that the Cruiseletter includes the General Meeting minutes – which

makes them available to non-members of the Club. It is suggested that the minutes be

included on the CD Facebook page or emailed directly to members rather than in the

Cruiseletter. Final decision to be made at the next meeting.

• Increasing interaction between LMYC Sailing members and Cruising Division Members.

Ross Shirtley was approached by a LMYC Sailing Committee member to see if the CD

would be interested in a combined racing and Cruising Division “Cruise/Rally” be held on

the lake. An issue may be that boats will need to have boat insurance that covers social

racing and/or comply with Safety Category 7. Members views sought.

• Ian Donaldson has asked for the Calendar for the Cruising Division on the LMYC website be

updated.

SAFETY TALK: Nil –

RAFFLE: won by Robert Black Raised: $57.20 Checked by Ross and Tony

MEETING CLOSED: 8.15pm

NEXT MEETING: Monday 13th May SUPPER:

GUEST SPEAKER: Dean Gainey (Durable Gas Services) gave an excellent presentation on gas

issues on recreational vessels. The presentation was well received and generated many useful

questions.

PAGE 9 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

At the January meeting Trudi Butler "launched" the Cruising

Divisions Alternate Skipper Manual.

The intent of this manual is to encourage the development of basic skills. It has always been a

concern that should the regular skipper become unwell or unconscious that the partner be able to

take over the vessel and bring it safely to assistance.

This manual may help achieve a confidence level for all crew members should they be required

to take over the vessel.

The manual is designed for your particular vessel and allows you to record the various steps

required to keep your vessel moving in case of accident or medical episode.

A possible scenario that may require the Alternate Skipper / Partner to bring the vessel safely to

assistance.

The vessel has not been used since the last outing - it is in "Shut Down" mode - nearly everything

turned off.

The vessel is loaded on the mooring, as the Skipper goes to prepare the vessel for leaving they

trip and fall / suffer a medical episode - unconscious.

If the partner/crew are unable to start the vessel from "cold" there may be a long delay before

help arrives.

Using a manual designed for your vessel the "crew" can follow the steps to start and bring the

vessel to assistance.

Each step designed for your vessel is written down by you. This information is retained in a

handy place that can be accessed, revised and importantly it doesn't matter how many sleeps

you and your partner have the information can be read at any time and is not forgotten.

This manual can be added to with any additional notes or handy tips you have gathered over time

and all kept in the one place.

If you would like a printed copy of the manual contact Karen or Robert Black, at the January

meeting we were suprised that all of the 25 foldered copies were taken (they were free and we all

know what yachties are like when free is mentioned), you will be given the manual in loose form

and you will have to arrange a folder/holder. The manual can be sent in PDF or Word form by

Trudi Butler if you want to print your own. Some sections require colour printing for clarity.

If it would be of interest to have any of the skills as a theme of a Cruising Division Outing /

Meeting let the Committee know.

There is the important note that this is the first issue of the manual and we look forward to any

improvements/suggestions.

As you have to make the notes within the manual any small clitches can be overwritten/corrected

by you as you prepare your version.

PAGE 10 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

Wanda Hitchcock (from the log of Norseman)

Sept 23rd 1994. We have eight yachts all ready for the first big adventure....Seakeeper, Nerius, Yanda, Raraku, Foxy, Pelican, Oasis and Norseman. Following up the weather forecast it was decided that it was not going to impress us so we would head out a day later. This suited most of us as it gave us that extra day for the last minute jobs that would otherwise have been rushed. After having Norseman (a Phantom 32) slipped recently and a complete engine service everything appeared to be shipshape until Jack decided we needed a new fan belt. Mr Bukh (builder) did not make this type or size any more but I managed to get similar one at Adamstown in a few hours. While Jack was putting in the sumlog the centre plug with the probe gave way. What next we thought. The mandatory wooden tapered plug went in and a friend manufactured us a threaded plug in nylon which would do until we could purchase the replacement. Saturday Morning dawned and at 7.40am we all sailed up the channel ready to get the bridge at 8am. Once on the seaward side, I as radio operator for the trip advised Coast Guard we were on our way south. I had previously sent a full sheet with details of the cruise to Coast Guard so they had all yachts logged in, and off we went. The forecast was for W. SW 15 knots. seas 2 metres. Off Bird Island the wind went into the south then SE at about 22 – 25 knots and seas certainly bigger than the met office had advised.

At approximately 10.10 Foxy radioed that they would return to the lake because of seasickness. A little later calls from both Pelican and Nerius both suffering the same fate. At this time I was not exactly feeling great but push on (ha ha) we did. Oasis and Seakeeper were astern of us and we continued going into it but the shore line seemed to stand still. At this time radio scheds were out of the question – I felt lousy. The seas became so confused. I thought Norah Head would never be passed. We were making headway bit by bit. Jack asked if I wanted to go back, it would be the last chance. No, I felt I had to get to Pittwater – after all it was the first Cruise. At Terrigal we had a problem with the Genoa and it had to come down. On went the engine. I had the wheel while Jack clipped on then crawled along the gunwales. He thanked me later for always leaving plenty of “short ends” along the life lines. With the weather continually bashing us Jack had pulled up the carpet to check the bilge to make sure our newly manufactured nylon plug was working. It was. The language became a little blue as we battled the seas, wind and rain. We wondered how the others were going but I was in no position to call anyone. 16.05 and Barrenjoey at long last …. Raraku and Oasis were spotted closer in...at least there would be three of us to finish we thought. Seakeeper still out there and no communication. Eventually in to RPA and our berth for the night. Raraku, Oasis and Norseman. After a magnificent shower and some settling I managed to contact Seakeeper. She had missed Barrenjoey because of a white out and was now turning back and on her way to RPA. They would see us later. I called Coast Guard and gave them the update of the arrivals and checked they had the returning vessels logged off. All O.K. They kept listening out for Seakeeper. 18.45 Seakeeper was in her berth. Oh boy Seakeeper was to be sold the next morning. Everyone had been sick – three kids and mum and

Drinks on board Norseman

PAGE 11 LAKE MACQUARIE YACHT CLUB CRUISING DIVISION

the hatches had not been secured (blame the kids) so all berths were drenched. Norseman took two of the kids on boards for the night. 24th Sept. The next day Seakeeper (not on the market yet) Oasis, Raraku, and Norseman had all been tidied, dried out and we sat with tender tummies to convey all the harrowing stories of the first ever Pittwater Cruise one way. 25th Sept There were plenty of moorings at Refuge Bay so with yachts on moorings it was off to the beach and a walk to the top of the waterfall. Found the blue blob of paint (we had been told about) and took our bearings... What a site.. the view below perfect. A picnic on the beach at Waterfall Rock was fantastic and with happy hour almost on us, it was off to Raraku. It was agreed that Seakeeper would get the first award of the trip as the “ One Who Made It With Great Difficulty” award. The next day 26th was free so Seakeeper took off to parts unknown with the kids while Oasis, Raraku and Norseman got together for morning tea and the usual chatter about boats, family and the lovely place we found ourselves in. Had communication from Foxy and JJ who hope to make it later in the week. (They never did.) Thursday 29th We dropped our mooring 9 am and advised others we would be going to Akuna Bay to do the Three Peaks Event (this event will have to remain a mystery – I can't find details of it in my log). Probably because being a special event on our first cruise it had to be in separate plastic cover with Three Peaks Race on It..... and who knows where it is all these years later. Back to Castle Lagoon with the other 3 for the day then weather dictated trip to Yeoman's then back to Refuge where we had a great fun time with a quiz made up by the Latham kids Seakeeper). I think we

all had wins but Raraku took top prize The next day 30th was spent rowing or motoring up Smith Creek with a picnic. It was quiet and very enjoyable until some Jet Skis visited. Oh well. Oasis won the prize for the best picnic. A run up to Cottage Point to get some ice and relax at anchor 1st Oct. 2nd Oct was a sad day. All day we had distress alarms going off and SAR alert.... A light plane had gone down while flying from Williamtown to Lord Howe. Everyone lost. Raraku out with family. 3rd Oct Still receiving lots of messages on radio re plane search. We headed to Akuna Bay to pick up our daughter for a few days. How lucky were we to have a fresh supply of goodies, prawns bread and fruit. We all rafted up for the night at Smiths Creek and shared all our goodies with the other yachties. In all we had a great feast. 4th Oct Sailed to Houseboat Bay and did some knot tying and rope work. Monkeys fist and all. 5th Oct We all took off for Brooklyn for a fish meal. Not a great place to tie alongside but the fish was great. Then Chris back to Akuna for her trip home. 6th Oct. We were all up early for our return to the Lake. It was going to be a floppy day. Not much wind but NE came in a bit early. Well it was the first cruise, we made it, we enjoyed it, even though there were not a lot of activities it was the “Only Best First Cruise Ever. “ We all learnt a lot about cruising (most of us first timers off shore). We all acknowledged that even in close proximity with other yachts and families a great time can be had. The men of course assisting each other in boat stuff and the women supplying them with fantastic food. A great meal was had at the LMYC that night but little did we know what tomorrow would bring. 7th Oct While we were having breakfast we realised a massive storm was on its way. No warning.... everyone ran for their boats to get them off the marina as quick as possible. We had to go across to Coal Point straight into it. 70km winds waves too high to think about. Hanging on for grim death. OMG. Oasis we recall had a rather quick trip the other way to Bolton Point. The end of the holiday. From the Norseman Log

All crews on beach Refuge Bay

Date Event

17th to18th May Soup Day

19th May Catalina Fesitval

14th to 16th June Pratical Skills Day Ashore

Last Minute Reminders!!

Next General Meeting - 13th May 2019

LMYC Bridgedeck Room at 7.30pm

Guest Speaker Mark Norden (GM LMYC)

Membership fees for the Cruising Division for 2019 are due on 1st May.

Fees are $18 for one year or $50 for three years. They can be paid by cash at a meeting, by cheque made

out to “LMYC Cruising Division” and posted to Ross Shirtley at 136 Ross St Belmont 2280, or preferably

by direct bank transfer to the CD account at St George Bank – BSB 112 879 A/c 482585899.If you pay by

direct transfer please ensure your name is on the transaction.(Members are asked to check that their

membership of LMYC is current)

CD Fees are due from the members listed below.

Baker David & Tiia Percic Alek & Pam

Bakewell Howard & Margaret Roggeveen Joe & Helen

Bakewell Peter & Jenny Rowley Bruce & Julie

Barnicoat Greg & Sylvia Seysener Fred & Maureen

Brill Heinz & Eva Shirtley Ross & Anne

Casey Richard Sky Phil & Di

Cummings Russell & Jan Smith Trevor

Dickson Ross & Lyndsay Turpie Stephen & Elizabeth

Donaldson Ian & Coleen Turton Greg & Heidi

English Brian & Jennifer Tylor Stuart & Gina

Golding Allan & Carole Wagemaker Cenny

Gregory Kevin & Patricia

Harding Greg & Sue

Hoare Richard & Doris

Jones Paul & Annie

Lawrence Austin & Jillian

Le Breton Peter & Barbara

Mackay Rod & Sharon

Maddock Mandy & Peter

McBurnie Neil & Gail

McCulloch Graeme

Owler Jeff & May

Pagett Ivan & Barbara