On_Board_559_Decembe.. - Mana Cruising Club

Commodore’s CommentsWelcome to the Christmas edition ofOn Board. By now I’m sure thoughtshave turned to the holiday season,be it in the Sounds, further afield orstaying at home. The Club will beopen as usual across the holidays,except for Christmas Day. The annualChristmas Party was held on Saturday 3December. A smaller than usual crowdenjoyed a pleasantly fine evening withquality entertainment.The Committee has spent some time analysing the results of our recentmembership survey, an overview of the results is included elsewhere inOn Board. As always, we gained valuable insight into what you ourmembers are thinking about the Club and received plenty of feedbackon both positive and negative aspects. We will work closely with Jackand Sisi in the restaurant to address the aspects of this facility that youhave indicated require improvement.The replacement of the travel lift ranked first on the list of potentialinvestment items. A sub-committee has been formed to progress thisitem, including producing an engineers review of the existing machineand a business case for a replacement. With a new 35 tonne travel liftcosting around $300,000 this is not something to be rushed into. Theprovision of a second small boat pontoon was also popular, along withcontinuing our development of the yard and purchasing additionalmoorings in the SoundsThere remain a number of subscriptions unpaid, a sign of the difficulteconomic times perhaps. If you have overlooked paying then pleasecontact the office, as action to remove members who are not currentwill happen after Christmas. This will then preclude those ex membersfrom using moorings and increase the charges for use of the Clubfacilities.The Club Fishing competition is scheduled for February 18 Februarynext year. This event is the highlight of the calendar for many members,be sure to keep that weekend free. We have introduced a year roundfishing competition this year as well, details are elsewhere in this issue.Over 100 kiwis have drowned this year, 11 in October alone andthis week we have had the terrible news of a Free Diver drowning atHunters in circumstances yet to be determined. Things can go wrongquickly in boats of all sizes, but in small boats and inflatables theconsequences can often be much more serious. Decide before you setout what safety measures you are going to take, brief any new membersof the crew and always wear a lifejacket in situations where a life mightbe saved by doing so.Finally, don’t forget our annual Christmas photo competition. Wealways get a range of amazing photo’s, many depicting the wonderfulscenery we have in our part of the world. Keep your camera close, younever know when a winning shot might present itself.On behalf of the Committee, I wish you a Merry Christmas and ahealthy, prosperous and above all safe New Year.From the EditorIn this issue of On Board Bill McIndoe, ManaCruising Club Port Captain at Dunedin, writes of histrip from northern South Island back to Dunedin. Billis a good example of how a positive outlook, trustyboat and good preparation are paramount to enjoyingsailing / boating no matter what age. An insight intothe local Coastguard also makes interesting reading. For fishers,the article on MFish’s approach to technology means none of uscan plead not knowing the local regulations for whatever area weare fishing this summer.Christmas and New Year greetings to all, and thank you for yourinput over the last year.Safe boating,PennyHas Kevin Shoebridge’s bouy boat become a hybrid?Safe BoatingDave4