Summer 2011 PDF Version of Thirty-two° fifty-five - Newcastle ...

NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUBSUMMER 2011Unwind, Share, Laugh, Enjoy07In this issueSummer 2011 journalA quarterly publicationEvery MonthCommodore’s Message.................................................. 5CEO's Report.................................................................. 5Image byGloria ThirkellNCYC – Our Club.......................................................... 6Image byGloria Thirkell12NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUBIncorporating:MARINA; LICENSED PREMISES;LEASED BOATYARD; COMMERCIAL CENTRENewcastle Cruising Yacht Club95 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293Ph: 02 4940 8188 Fax: 02 4940 8138Email: info@ncyc.net.auwww.ncyc.net.auFull directory: p 4 of this edition.Opinions of contributors do not necessarilyreflect those of the Board or the Club.While articles and correspondenceare welcomed, the Editor reservesthe right to decline to publish.08Image by Greg Jackson.Image byHelen GriffinSailing – Rear Commodore/Sailing Office..................... 7Social Highlights – Vice Commodore............................ 8Club Captain Report....................................................... 9Docklines – Tightrope.................................................. 10NCYC Photo Competition............................................ 11On the Bridge by Paul McGrath – Problem................. 15Newcastle Port Corporation News............................... 16On the Bridge by Paul McGrath – Solution................. 16Essential InformationConcessions to Club Members....................................... 4Security Phone Numbers................................................ 4Coming Events............................................................. 19Feature ArticlesEMYR Beyond Turkey................................................. 12HMRI Cup.................................................................... 14Supporting Community................................................ 1530 Knots in a 16 Knot Breeze....................................... 18Editor: Gloria ThirkellSub-Editor: Rebecca StuartCover Photo: HMRI Cup Winner; WarrainBy Greg JacksonNewcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 3

Essential InformationEmergency•Police – (02) 4929 0999•Water Police – (02) 4984 9012•Fire Department – 000•Marina Power Failure – Dockmaster 0408 299 512Club Directory•General Inquiries (9am - 4.45pm)(02) 4940 8188 – info@ncyc.net.au•Licensed Club (10am - 10pm)(02) 4940 8188 – info@ncyc.net.au•Marina Manager (8am - 4pm 7 days)0408 299 512 – dockmaster@ncyc.net.au•The Galley (Noon - 2.30pm, 6pm - 8.30pm)(02) 4940 8188 – info@ncyc.net.au•Administration (9am - 4.45pm 5 days)(02) 4940 8188 – admin@ncyc.net.au•Functions (9am - 4.45pm)(02) 4940 8188 – functions@ncyc.net.auNCYC Members ConcessionsNCYC Bar (Cold beverages with membersip card):•10% for Full Members•5% for Social and Crew membersNCYC Marquee•10% for Full Members•5% for Social and Crew membersCherry Lane Cottage, Gulgong•10% accommodation discount to NCYC memberswww.cherrylanecottage.com.au/Cote D Azur (Excluding any pre-advertised item):•10% discount to any NCYC member staying with them,www.cotedazurnelsonbay.com.auEast Coast Marine and Sail•10% discount on selected items.www.ecmarinesail.com.au/Heliservices•10% discount for NCYC Membersinfo@heliservices.com.auNCYC Fuel Wharf• 10c per L discount 0–2,000 L for Full Members• 15c per L discount 2,000+ L for full Members• 10c per L discount 1,000+ L for Social/Crew/Non MembersQUOTE ‘EXPO’ FORSPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES• Charlestown• Beresfield• Dubbo• Newcastle Airport• Mudgee• Singleton• Tumbi Umbi• Muswellbrook• Nelson Bay• ParkesSupplying mine-spec vehicles to suit your needs.www.thrifty.com.auCar and Truck Rental136 139Thrifty_Newcastle_Mining_Expo_Nov2010_v4.indd 17/10/10 6:01 PMPAGE 4 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

NCYC – Our ClubLion, Bird & Cabbage SeriesNCYC Staff got intoMelbourne cup mode. . .Rebecca Stuart - NCYC Events Co-ordinatorSimon Groeneveld - NCYC ReceptionistLeanne Wagner - NCYC Office AdministratorErin Haynes, Gabbi Sanderson andNyrie Eggleston - NCYC Bar Staff. . . and the Galleyrestaurant was resplendentPictured: Race 1 Line Honours and IRC Division winner, Schouten Passage(Skipper Rob Howard) - Image by Mike Eggleston.Not pictured: PHS Division winner, Raging Bull (Skipper John Streeter).FUND RAISERTRIVIA NIGHTFor the Mission to Seafarersand Stella Maris.Come along and enjoy yourself at theNewcastle Yacht Club7th December at 7.00pmPlease let us know if you can come along:4961 5007 or gcdodd@optusnet.com.au by 5th December.PAGE 6 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

SailingFrom the Rear CommodoreExciting things afoot (afloat)during the coming three months.The adjacent Sailing Office Report covers detailsregarding sailing events through to the end ofJanuary, namely The Lion, Bird and Cabbage Series; thethree special events in December and the three maritimeevents centred around Australia Day.We have started racing Lasers on Friday evenings andup to 8 boats have been competing. The courses havebeen set in the Basin utilising our newly refurbishedRIB, George Keegan.Lasers suddenly came into their own with NCYCsailors, after the great success of the Etchells races heldin the Basin a few months ago during the NewcastleOffshore Etchells Regatta, when the weather kept thefleet from going to sea.Competition hasn’t started in earnest yet. About 8 lasershave been participating on a Friday evening, somesailors refreshing their skills on these craft, while othersseem to be refreshing their swimming skills. No namesof course, but we believe that the most active swimmerwould have had some wonderful close up shots taken byhis mother from her home during the events.Because we are lacking a beach to launch the boats, weare currently investigating the possibility of installing apontoon to store/launch the boats.Anyone who has a Laser in their back shed is invited tojoin in.The Summer Series will kick off in January 2012 withthe first Summer twilight race (4 Jan 2012) and SSOPrace 1 (8 Jan 2012), continuing through to the end ofMarch. These are closely followed by those eventsmentioned previously.Our two races in support of Junior Sailing are run inconjunction with the Summer Twilight Series duringFebruary 2012. On the 8 Feb - PHSSC Juniors fromtheir Flying Ant Division. 15 Feb 2012 it will be theHunter Academy of Sport Jnr Sailor race. The vesselsrace for the honour of having their name engraved onthe Ric Bowker Memorial trophy (all 3 divisions).For those who have joined the club in recent years, Ric(the original owner of Woodstock) was a member of theSailing Committee for a number of years, and was anactive and successful participant in our Division 2 PHScompetition – not to mention a good mate to a lot ofus who knew him. He actually had Woodstock built tocarry out a solo voyage to Easter Island which he dulycarried out. Unfortunately, weather prevented him fromentering harbour for a week after arrival, so, undaunted,he sailed on to South America, up the coast andeventually back to Australia. On his way east across thePacific, he struck some bad weather off the northern tipof New Zealand and hove to. At some stage during thenight, feeling a bit guilty about not beating on into thestorm he noticed a P&O liner also hove to – he didn’tfeel so bad then!Paul Gleeson Rear CommodoreLeft to right: Warren Amos, Ernie Thirkell, Bruce Bragg, Ric Bowker,Tom Panton and Greg Amos - Image by Gloria ThirkellFrom the Sailing OfficeThe NCYC Sailing Committee has included the LionBird and Cabbage Series (LBCS) into its 2011-2012calendar. These races are YA Safety Category 3 withadditional requirements due to overnight sailing.Our existing short ocean racing events and ocean racingevents are Safety Category 4 races as they are sailedoffshore, “close to shore in relatively warm or protectedwaters, normally held in daylight” RRS 2009- 2012 2.01.5.Introducing the Lion Bird and Cabbage Series hasrequired the Sailing Committee to investigate andimplement a higher Safety Category for its entrants inthese races. Check out the NCYC website for full detailsof the Lion, Bird and Cabbage Series. www.ncyc.net.au.December has three special events in the SailingCalendar. Lady Skipper Race is on 4 December. It is afun day and one of high intensity. The competition isfierce for the coveted Lady Skipper Trophies. On 10December, the Ocean Pointscore Fleet will sail to PortStephens where they will be attending a BBQ hostedby Salamander Bay Sailing Club before returning on 11December, and on 18 December there is the hilariousChristmas Pursuit Race where our handicapper MarkRichards has fun with the Pursuit start times and hisspecial instructions to skippers.Then there’s January with the Forgacs Harbour LightsParade and Fireworks on 25/1/12 and the combinedFleets of NCYC and Lake Macquarie Yacht Club racingin the vicinity of Newcastle on the 28 and 29 January.It’s all happening at NCYC!Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from theSailing Office.Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 7

Social HighlightsFrom the Vice Commodoreand the Social CommitteeWhen commenting on Melbourne Cup Day 2011 atNCYC, only superlatives suffice. The input of ournew Functions Coordinator Rebecca Stuart was reflectedin the wonderful presentation of the club. This, togetherwith superb food, wonderful efficient and smilingservice, and of course the usual spectacular scenery allcontributed to the happy and excited atmosphere onthe big day. The celebratory atmosphere was greatlyenhanced by our staff getting right into Melbourne Cupmode, and suitable fashion.Jim Holley Vice CommodoreThe team who prepared theexceptional three courseluncheon for 85 guestsand followed up withdelectable canapés for afurther 100 or so attendingthe afternoon MarqueeMelbourne Cup function.Left to right: Tony Laufer, Shleldon Black, Chris Zaia and NCYC Head Chef Bill TownsendPAGE 8 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

From the Club CaptainLook after your PFD,so your PFD can look after youNSW Maritime requires you to keep your PFD’s ingood condition and properly maintained.Getting into the habit of checking your PFD at thechange of every season could potentially save yourlife. Stitching, webbing and lanyards for whistles canfray. The salt air can cause zips to seize. Buckles andD rings need checking too. It is worth making surethat the reflective tape is not coming loose, and if fittedwith a light, make sure the battery isn’t out of date.Some lights also need to be replaced if they have beenactivated by water.It could be well worth your while to check the carbondioxide cylinder monthly. Check for tightness of thecylinder by removing it and checking the operatinghead. Pull the lanyard and check that the firing pinmoves freely and is not damaged. The plastic safetyclip may be broken and need replacing. Use a stiffnylon brush to remove any white powder in the cylinderthread, and spray with a water-repellant.If the Carbon Dioxide cylinder has any sign of rust,then it should be replaced, as gas can leak out andthe cylinder become inoperable. In case the PFD isaccidentally activated, it is advisable to carry a sparecylinder.At the start of winter and summer seasons, it is goodpractice to leave the PFD inflated for a day or two tomake sure there are no slow leaks. It’s best to use apump rather than allowing moisture to condense fromyour breath.Your PFD is a valuableinvestment both in termsof potentially savingyour life and also dollarwise. It is worth takingthe time to stow it ina dry, well-aired area,and as per the manufacturer’s instructions, rather thancarelessly throwing it into a corner, or a damp locker.If you are taking a season off boating, it’s recommendedto store the PFD on a plastic coat hanger. You canremove the folds by slight inflation.There are a large number of internet sites giving adviceon how to choose, wear and care for PFDs. I haveprovided a basic summary of the points repeated inmost of them. However I encourage you to do your ownresearch to expand on what I have provided.Ernie Thirkell Club CaptainFormation of a survival ring- Image by Chris Griffith.Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 9

Docklinesknew this new role in the club would have itsI challenges but the support of members and positivefeedback from boat owners has helped me to settle inquite quickly and get on with the jobs on hand.After some bench marking visits to other marinas andmaking observations on our own marina, a few changeswill be implemented to improve the safety, and theservices provided by NCYC and to assist boat owners inprocuring berthing equipment.Firstly we have negotiated with East Coast Marine &Sail to supply a marina mooring equipment package toall boat owners who use our facility. The package sellsfor $390 and comprises 6 mooring lines with one endspliced and four fenders with lanyards. The packageis specifically designed for vessels under 12 metres inlength and the price is significantly cheaper than buyingindividual items. A package for larger vessels can alsobe put together at a similar saving. Please contact EastCoast Marine & Sail for further information.NCYC’s updated marina rules prohibit loose items frombeing stored on the marina arms or fingers (e.g. bikes,kayaks, hoses, spare equipment etc). The placement ofsuch items on the marina causes a trip hazards and isunsightly. We ask that all such items be kept on boardyour vessel so as the marina walkway and fingers areclear at all times. In the future, any items found on themarina walkways and/or fingers that are not in use (e.g.hoses) will be placed on the closest boat by dock staff orremoved from the marina.A further tier has been introduced in the fuel pricingto full members who currently receive a 10c per litrediscount on all fuel purchases. For purchases of 2,000litres or more, members will be entitled to a further 5cents per litre discount on the total sale. Non-membersneed to purchase 1000 litres minimum to get the 10c perlitre discount and will also receive the additional 5 centsper litre discount on purchases over 2,000 litres.I noticed recently that a number of yacht owners in theracing fleet have come back to the marina and usedanother berth instead of their own due to either enginefailure or the prevailing conditions not being suitable toaccess their own berth safely. We fully appreciate the adhoc need for this, however as we are heading towards asystem of allocating specific vacant berths to transientvisitors, I request that you advise me or the on dutydock master of the situation. This will assist us to makeallowances in our booking schedule for visitors whomay be booked into the specific now non-vacant berth.A list of private berths currently for sale has been postedon the notice board in the walkway next to RocksaltRestaurant as well as in the club. If you are interestedin buying a berth please contact the owner directly toinitiate negotiations. The club will only need to becomeinvolved once an agreement has been struck and legaldocumentation needs to be drafted for the assignmentof the berth. Please drop in and see me if you requireassistance in this regard.In an effort to make the entries to our car park saferwe have installed speed humps just ahead of each ofthe "GIVE WAY" sign. We have noticed that manydrivers are ignoring the car park signage and road rulesand hope the speed humps help in this regard. We willcontinue to monitor this situation and I would appreciateany feedback on the effectiveness of the speed humpsshould you wish to provide some.As we enter thefestive season Iwish all NCYCmembers andguests a MerryChristmas andsafe boating!Howard KeeganNCYC Marina andAssets ManagerPAGE 10 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

NCYC Photo CompetitionCategory: “Maritime”Judged by Peter Field.Highly Commended:Top to bottom:• Sunset Sails—Lou Duff• Holiday Wave—Jye Byrnes• Sunset—Brooke Hall• Canoe Pool—Kaz CrumpConditions of Entry for the Autumn Competition:• Photographer must be a current member of NCYC.• One high resolution entry per person per issue.• Send electronic format to: info@ncyc,net.au, or to the editor.• Email subject line: photographic competition.• Entries for the Autumn competition must be received by 3 February 2012.Thank you to all NCYC Members who submitted photos. Once again the standardof entries was extremely high. Please keep those entries coming!Summer 2011 Winning EntryCongratulations to Michael Eggleston who, courtesy of Newcastle School Portraits, will receive alovely 12 x 18 inch colour print of the winning photograph “Anger Management".Xmas HamRafflesEVERYFRIDAYNIGHTUNTILXMASNewcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 11

2011 EMYR Beyond TurkeyLen Griffin & Ian HarperThis is the second article on Fourth Dimension’s(4D’s) trip to the Levant as part of the 22nd EasternMediterranean Yacht Rally (EMYR) in July of this year.Our first overnight passage was from Alanya in Turkeyto Girne (Kyrenia) in North Cyprus.North Cyprus is a self-declared state which officiallytitles itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus(TRNC). Its territory comprises the northeastern partof the island of Cyprus. Only Turkey has recognisedits independence, while the International communityconsiders it occupied territory of the Republic ofCyprus.Tensions between the Greek Cypriot and TurkishCypriot populations culminated in 1974 with a coupd’état, an attempt to annex the island to Greece anda military invasion by Turkey in response. All thesefactors resulted in a partitioning of the island, theresettlement of many of its inhabitants, and a unilateraldeclaration of independence by the north in 1983.Notwithstanding the tensions that still exist between totwo Cypriot communities, we were made to feel verywelcome both in TRNC and Greek Cyprus.After arriving at Girne and clearing customs, we werehosted by the president of N Cyprus at the beautifulmedieval Girne castle. This was followed in shortorder by the ‘pirate party’ where the rally participantsparaded in full pirate garb through the streets of Girneand enjoyed (or disgraced) themselves at the famousDome Hotel. Our ladies joined the local belly dancer ina lavish expose of oriental tantalization while the mentook their minds back to the days of Sinbad.As if this was not enough hospitality, the next night sawus entertained at the American University of N Cyprus.At the pirate party , Dome Hotel, GirnePAGE 12 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011The yachts 'docked' in Jounieh Lebanon

2011 EMYR Beyond Turkey (cont'd)Keen to see what all the fuss about the division ofCyprus was about, we hired a car and drove to thecapital Lefkosa. This is a divided city where we wentthrough passport control, entered Greece, sampled theshopping, enjoyed a Mousaka and an Efes beer andreturned to Turkey.Our next port of call was the brand new 5 star KarpasGate Marina. We were the first yachts to enter as thefinishing touches were being applied and the tables werebeing set for what was a monumental bash.Unfortunately, the Marina, and us, were blind sided bythe customs officials who refused to grant the marinastatus as a port of entry/exit which forced us to sailearly the next morning 50nm further along the coast toFarmagusta to complete our exit requirements.We were not sure whether it was because the Marinadeclined the opportunity to provide the Customs officerswith berthing, a club room and full access to the Marinafacilities (Oh Really!) or whether it was because themarina was Israeli funded?Our passage from Farmagusta to Lebanon was anovernight sail (in glorious beam reaching conditions)with attention being paid to not straying into GreekCypriot waters and complying with the strict protocolswhen entering Lebanese waters.We arrived mid morning at Jounieh just 20nm north ofBeirut and the palatial Automobile and Touring Club ofLebanon.Yachting is not very popular in Lebanon, perhapsbecause their neighbors are Israel and Syria and themajority of craft in the Marina were high speed motoryachts (for a quick exit?) so we were crammed 10 deepin the marina.This ‘crowding’ was soon forgotten as we enjoyed thelavish trappings of Levantine wealth at the club.Lebanon is nominally at peace but edgy nonetheless,after years of internecine warfare and whilst we feltquite safe, there were reminders of the recent past. Therewas a light tank parked outside the marina gate, whilenearby, a group of young men in jeans with automaticweapons stopped cars they did not like the look of.We went up the Bekaa valley to the fantastic Romanruins at Baalbek – which is Hezbollah territory now.Ian Harper almost bought a Hezbollah T shirt but as wewere off to Israel the next day, he (uncharacteristically)decided not to.Forgacs seeks experienced metals tradespeople to work on the Air Warfare DestroyerProject – the largest Defence manufacturingproject Australia has ever seen.Excellent conditions.Email your resume to: jobs@forgacs.com.auor phone 4978 9100www.forgacs.com.auNewcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 13

HMRI Cup Race ReportThe HMRI Cup is fast becoming a ‘must do’corporate event on the Newcastle social calendar.With perfect sailing conditions, a whale at the top mark,and a rare start-to-finish victory for the slowest boat inthe fleet, the race held on Saturday the 22nd of October,had something for everyone. Originally scheduled forApril the event was moved to October after gale-forcewinds forced its cancellation.The race combined skippers and some crew from theNewcastle Cruising Yacht club, with crew memberssupplied by the various sponsors of the event. Thismixture of experience and enthusiasm meant for a dayof fine racing and frivolity.Crews of both persuasion arrived at the club as thewaking sun began to lick the morning haze off the waterand a flicker of wind came in from the South. A tastytreat of egg and bacon rolls fuelled the bodies of ourfinely tuned athletes as they prepared for the test ahead.Boats and crews were assigned by way of lottery.The crews quickly bonded and tactics were set andinstructions given. Skippers gave rousing briefings andextolled the virtues of victory at any cost and of notfalling overboard.With the gentle heat of the spring sunshine warmingtheir backs, the boats and their crews jostled for positionas they awaited their allotted handicap start time. TheH28 ketch Warrain owned by Robin Hillary started 45minutes ahead of the 'scratch' boat in the fleet - AngerManagement - and was never headed.The racing was competitive and great fun for the noviceand experienced sailors alike. Sharp eyes reportedseveral whale sightings, and kept the crews alert duringthe long reach to the first turning mark. Ten yachts fromthe Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club took part, whilethe luxury 75ft cruiser King B gave spectators an idealvantage point and an opportunity to cruise about theharbour, watch the race and listen to the bands playingon Nobby’s Headland.The race was not without a tinge of controversy withreports that one vessel produced a flagrant breach of theracing rules by flying an illegal spinnaker. There wasalso the suggestion that smoke was seen to coming outof the aft of the Warrain as it held off all comers…In the end however, medical research was the winnerand the hungry crews returned to the club house toenjoy trays of delicious snacks, the odd beverage and toshare their tales of the days daring dos.The event raises money for the Hunter MedicalResearch Institute based in Newcastle, NSW. With 900researchers employed, the Institute is at the cutting edgeof research into diseases and disorders including cancer,heart disease, asthma, mental illness, premature birthand stroke.Boat sponsors thoroughly enjoyed the day and HMRIand the sponsors would like to send out a big thankyou to the NCYC and the skippers who so generouslyoffered up their boats and time for this great event. TheOctober date seems to be the favoured option for nextyear so the Cup will be back in 2012, bigger and better,so watch out!By Richard Howard (Hunter Medical Research Institute)"Marta Jean" owner/skipper S Rae. - Image by Mike EgglestonPAGE 14 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

Supporting CommunityTrivia nights underthe administration ofClub Manager MichaelSmyth, are proving awonderful way for ourclub to provide solidinput to the communitythrough our support forlocal “not for profit”Michael Smyth Club Managerorganisations. Alreadythe trivia evenings have raised substantial funds forgroups with a wide diversity of focus including variedsporting activities, youth development, the arts, andpeople with special needs. To date PHSSC Juniors,Newcastle Dragon Boats, Newcastle Rowing Club,Newcastle Special Needs Sailing, TS Tobruk NavalCadets and Newcastle Art Space have been enthusiasticrecipients of funds raised through NCYC. The clubappreciates the support given by Heliservices Newcastleand Hunter for their donated raffle prizes.The special Christmas Trivia will be held on Wednesday7 December 2011, followed by the Special AustralianTrivia on 19 January 2011. Following this, NCYC willrevert to the traditional Trivia on the last Thursday ofeach month.ON THE BRIDGEwith Paul McGrathProblem: An experienced skipper will always beon the lookout for danger even when all appears tobe plain sailing. With that warning in mind look onlyat the North/South cards in the deal shown and decidehow you would navigate a course to nine tricks whenEast leads the club five against the contract of 3NT byNorth. The contract looks eminently makeable. On theopening lead you should score two clubs (as long as youplay low from dummy), three diamonds, good prospectsof three spades tricks and one or two hearts – you mighteven make overtricks. So, have you cast a watchful eyefor lurking dangers? West plays the club queen to trickone – over to you skipper.WEST♠ K76574♥ K8♦ T9832♣ Q9NORTH♠ A9832♥ AT2♦ KQ♣ J32SOUTH♠ JT♥ Q964♦ A765♣ AT6EAST♠ Q4♥ J753♦ J4♣ K8754Solution: page 16Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 15

News from NewcastlePort CorporationCRUISE SEASON UNDERWAYThe Port of Newcastle is welcoming 11 cruise shipsto the Hunter Region for the 2011-12 cruise season.The season started on 14 November with a visit by the279 metre "Rhapsody of the Seas: which also returnson 7 December. "Rhapsody of the Seas" carries nearly2,500 passengers and 765 crew members.Passengers enjoy a full day’s visit to Newcastle byvisiting one of the area’s most picturesque landmarks,Nobbys Headland, or by taking tours around Newcastle,Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Maitland."Rhapsody" will be followed by "Spirit of Adventure"(16 December), "Crystal Serenity" (6 February) and"Discovery" (9 February), all of which are all makingtheir inaugural visits to Newcastle.Thursday, 9 February will be a special day for the portas two cruise ships will berth on the same day for thefirst time. "Discovery" will be joined by "Pacific Sun"which will visit on six occasions in February and March.Cruise Hunter Co-ordinator, David Brown, saidthe opening of Nobbys Headland provided a greatopportunity to showcase one of Newcastle’s finestlandmarks to visitors.“The local cruise shipping industry continues to have abright future with another 12 international cruise shipvisits already confirmed for the 2012-13 season,” hesaid.“With the growth in the size of the cruise ships beingdeployed to Australia, all cruise ships due to visitNewcastle next season are consistently around the 2,000passenger capacity and close to 300 metres in length.“The recent $2.55 million investment by Newcastle PortCorporation in developing the Channel Berth at DykePoint, has provided a location in the port where thesecruise ships can berth safely and securely.”Cruise Hunter and local stakeholders continue to bebusy working on regional opportunities for the localcruise ship market, following Australia’s premier annualcruise event, the 2011 Cruise Down Under Conference,hosted by Newcastle last August.ON THE BRIDGEwith Paul McGrathSolution: There is a paucity of entries to the Southhand. So you should hope that East has led fourthhighest from a club suit headed by the king (highlylikely) and jettison the club jack under West’squeen! Taking this tack will allow you to enter theSouth hand twice through clubs – once by finessingthe club ten and the other via the ace. Then youwill be able to manoeuvre to finesse twice inspades to develop at least three and possibly fourtricks from that suit giving you the best chance ofsecuring your contract.PAGE 16 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011"Rhapsody of the Seas" entering port in March 2011

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 17

30 Knots in a 16 Knot BreezeNew Guinea QuestJoe De Kock speaks of a dream come true – recentlycrewing on a 60 foot multihull.The CYCA can’t accommodate multihulls in theirraces, so for the Sydney to Southport race, the twomultihulls, “Team Vodafone Sailing” from New Zealandand “Team Australia”, ran a parallel 384 nautical mileunofficial race with no yacht club affiliation.Sean Langman who owns the ORMA 60 “TeamAustralia”, set up the Multihull start line using his ownpower boat, laying it closer to the opera house than theCYCA’s start line. Fifteen minutes after the official racefleet started, the multihulls began their own race withthe finish line to be the breakwater at the Gold Coast.Sean’s trimaran which had arrived in Sydney on theFriday, was provisioned on Saturday ready to race thesame day in a race which was surprisingly competitive.We had a crew of six and there were seven aboard theNew Zealand competitor. Aboard “Team Australia”only the French delivery crew of two, were experiencedmultihull sailors. Under their tutorship, we trained upquickly.For me the most exciting thing about the race was thespeed. That and the unknown – As a monohull sailor Ihad no experience of the limits and outcomes for theseboats – I was hyped on lots of nervous energy whichmade this race very, very, exciting! The more excitingthe race, the better.Sean was skipper and Josh, the navigator. We had twojibs aboard and were ahead when only two hours intothe race, the big jib blew out. This resulted in ourfinishing nine hours behind our New Zealand contenderin one quick move! Even so, we were exhilarated tobe in Southport well ahead of the leaders in the CYCASydney to Southport Race.There used to be a class of multihull racing in FranceORMA 60. They had a very successful circuit with thebest multihull racers in the world, but becoming tooexpensive, it closed. Lots of these multihulls are nowavailable at reasonable cost. Sean Langman bought“Banque Populare 3” now “Kicking and screaming”, toscrap and use the rig, sails and equipment to build a 100ft. maxi. It was shipped from France to Noumea, whereit was rigged, then sailed from there to Sydney with adelivery crew consisting of Sean’s delivery Skipper,John Alexander, and two Frenchmen, both experiencedmultihull sailors.There are a number of multihull clubs in Australia witha healthy racing scene. There seems to be an even splitbetween cats and trimarans in these races. On theeast coast of Australia, there are two big regattas; theBrisbane to Gladstone and the Pittwater October Race.The New Zealand Bay of Islands Race is another bigone.The New Zealander, Simon Hull was bringing histrimaran “Team Vodafone Sailing” (ex Geant) toAustralia to compete in the East Coast circuit, so thetwo owners set up this match race.I have been sailing for most of my life, and competed inthe Hoby 16 World Championship in Capetown when Iwas approximately 22 yrs old. This resulted in me beingcaptivated by the thought of multihull sailing ever since.While sailing monohulls professionally for many years,I did try to break into the now defunct French circuit,but found that not speaking the language was too muchof a drawback.Joe De Kock owner of Noakes NewcastleIt’s ironic that 20 years on, dreams can come true. I’m afamily man with my own business, and a young family.I bought Noakes Newcastle in February 2011, and amfortunate to be able to fit time for triathlon and sailing,into my busy family commitments. The opportunity tocrew on a large racing multihull has topped it all off.I have had the sail of a lifetime, the experience I’velonged for since I was in my twenties – crewing in arace on a 60 foot multihull.Simon Hull's "Team Vodafone Sailing" and Sean Langman's "Team Australia"at anchor prior to the raceBy Joe De KockPAGE 18 ~ Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011

Coming Events...DECEMBER 2011• Lady Skipper RaceSunday 4 December 2011• Special Christmas TriviaWednesday 7 December 2011, 7pmFree entry and Jackpot $$$Proceeds to Newcastle Mission to Seafarers• Newcastle/Port Stephens OP RacesSaturday 10 & Sunday 11 December 2011• NCYC Christmas Party (see page 6)Sunday 18 December 2011In conjunction with Christmas Pursuit Race• New Years EveSaturday 31 December 2011JANUARY 2012• Special Australian TriviaThursday 19 January 2012, 7pmFree entry and Jackpot $$$Proceeds to...• Harbour Lights Parade & FireworksWednesday 25 January 2012• Maritime Museum Trophy RaceWednesday 25 January 2012• First Day of National Maritime FestivalWednesday 25 January 2012• Australia DayThursday 26 January 2012• Second Day of National Maritime FestivalThursday 26 January 2012• Friendship Cup/Australia Day TrophiesSaturday 28 January 2012FEBRUARY 2012• NCYC's PHSSC Junior Sailor RaceWednesday 8 February 2012• Valentines DayTuesday 14 February 2012• NCYC's Hunter Academy Junior Sailor RaceWednesday 15 February 2012• TriviaThursday 23 February 2012, 7pmFree entry and Jackpot $$$EVERY WEEK• Friday Night RafflesTickets on sale 6pm, Draw starts 7pm• Saturday and Sunday BreakfastGreat new menu! 8am – 10.30amLeaders inEnvironmentalRemediationWe provide innovative and cost effectiveengineering solutions to contaminated soil andwater problems for a broad range of publiccompanies and private sectors.Our success is a result of the way we conductour business.Our high level of repeat business andaccreditation to international & national QHSEstandards is testament to this commitment.Newcastle Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaidewww.enviropacific.com.auNewcastle Cruising Yacht Club Journal ~ Summer 2011 ~ PAGE 19