June 2010 PDF Version - Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club

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June 2010
We’ve We’ve come come a a long long way!
way!
Photo - Paul Hannan
Story p7
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Change Change at at at the the Helm
Helm
In the April Newsletter, the then Commodore Bruce Hansen announced his decision to step down at the next meeting of the
Board. This has now occurred and the Board has appointed Phil Arnall to fill the role of Commodore until standing for the
position in the next Club elections, the results to be announced at the AGM. To fill the vacated Director role, the Board has
appointed Kym Butler who has indicated his intention to stand for this position at the coming election.
Dear Members,
The Club recorded a very pleasing trading result for
the March quarter signaling the end of the “summer
trading period”. The challenge will now be to keep
this up during the quieter autumn and winter
months. Members are encouraged to support our
club facilities during this time and take advantage
of the new menus provided by our chef to
compliment the “cook your own” facility.
Over the Easter weekend the Club conducted the inaugural Etchell regatta
and despite a small fleet the consensus was that this was a resounding
success. Congratulations go to Rear Commodore Paul Gleeson and his
team.
The Club also hosted a “feeder race” from RPAYC as part of the Port
Stephens regatta, as well as staging another from Newcastle. This annual
event promises to grow in popularity amongst the sailing fraternity along
the Eastern Seaboard.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the outstanding service of
past Commodore Bruce Hansen on the occasion of his retirement from the
board. Bruce served as a Flag Officer of the club since its inception, more
recently as Commodore where he provided wise counsel and strong
leadership to the board. Bruce’s talents will be missed and the Board
especially, sincerely thanks him for his service. Kym Butler has accepted
the invitation to join the board to fill the vacancy arising from Bruce’s
retirement. Kym has indicated his intention to stand for this position at the
coming election.
Phil Arnall Commodore.
1. Cover photo by Paul Hannan
2. At the Helm – Commodore
2. Directory
3. NCYC, Your Club
4. Social news -Vice Commodore &
Social Committee
4. Getting to know you
5. Sailing
- Rear Commodore
-Sailing Office
6. Safety /Community Support
- Club Captain
6. Journey of Gitana -Bob Moffat
7. NSW Maritime Boating Tips
—Wayne Fitness
7. We’ve come a long way
Club Manager. Michael Smyth
In this issue
Commodore’s
Message
A bi-monthly publication
8. Thrifty Etchell Regatta
Peter McNeill
9. On the Bridge problem
- Paul McGrath
9. Up the River—part 2
Tony Windsor
10. South-East Asia –on a boat
Maree Eggleston
10. On the Bridge Answers
11. Coming Event -Newcastle
Yachting –Information night
Guest speaker Tony Mowbray
11. Pooch Parade
12.Sponsor acknowledgement
13. Presentation night invitation
Editor: Gloria Thirkell Graphics: Michael Eggleston
Opinions of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Board or the Club.
While articles and correspondence are welcomed, the Editor reserves the right to
decline to publish
CLUB DIRECTORY
PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES
Contact Phone / Email
Marina Inquiries/
Dockmaster
8 am – 4 pm
7 days
Administration
9 am – 4.45 pm
General Inquiries
9 am – 4.45 pm
Licensed Club
10 am – 10 pm
The Galley
Noon – 2.30 pm
6 pm – 8.30 pm
Functions
9 am – 4.45 pm
0408 299 512
dockmaster@ncyc.net.au
02 4940 8188
admin@ncyc.net.au
02 4940 8188
info@ncyc.net.au
02 4940 8188
info@ncyc.net.au
02 4940 8188
info@ncyc.net.au
02 4940 8188
functions@ncyc.net.au
SECURITY
Contact Phone
Police 49190760
Water Police 4984 9012
Fire
Department
000
Power failure
on marina
Dockmaster
0408 299 512
Concessions to NCYC Members
NCYC Bar —with membership card
∗ 10% for Full Members
∗ – 5% for Social and Crew members
∗ when purchasing cold beverages.
∗ Cote D Azur
∗ 10% discount to any NCYC member
staying with them,
∗ excluding any pre-advertised item.
www.cotedazurnelsonbay.com.au
∗ East Coast Marine and Sail
∗ 10% discount on selected items.
∗ 02 4961 1663.
∗ Borelli-Quirk Newcastle Real Estate 10% on
accommodation. www.bqnre.com.au
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NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB
MARINA - COMMERCIAL CENTRE - LEASED BOATYARD - LICENSED PREMISES
Club Regalia
Polo Shirts
–Long and short sleeve $40
Dress Shirts $40
Shorts $45
Other Items for sale
Caps; hats; ties; lapel pins.
Coming soon
Smart new design vests for winter.
SPECIALS
All Blueberry Polo Shirts $30
Men’s Khaki Dress Shorts
Size 102 $30
Too late to change his mind!
Friday 14 May 2010 Chef Bill
Townsend allowed his highest
paying sponsor to remove those
magnificent
locks all for
a good
cause.
The shearing
was done
with artistic
flare, the
enthusiastic after raffles crowd
supplying much comment and
many suggestions as to the best
2010 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monday 12 July 5.30 pm in the Marquee
Members will be given individual notification by mail
.
For your Vessel
Club Burgees $45
For your Car
Make sure you affix your
Member’s windscreen sticker
available from the club.
NCYC— the perfect place to group
before heading off for another
function. Ray Blackburn and Rod
Johnson (coat removed to display the
magnificent braces for the camera)
were on their way to an Anzac Day
Commemorative function prior to
THE day.
Anzac Day — NCYC ex -service
members gather at the Club
method of tackling the huge job.
Bill would like to thank all those
who supported his efforts in
raising the
money for
Cancer.
He is really
pleased with
the amount
he was able
to pass on
thanks to the generosity of NCYC
patrons and staff.
It took eight years to grow - only minutes to come off
NCYC Marquee
the perfect place
for Di Morrow’s
formal birthday
party.
functions@ncyc.net.au
NCYC metal lapel pins designed
on the Club logo are now
available for purchase at the bar.
$10.00
Our People
NCYC Head Chef Matt
Marshall arrived in
Newcastle from England
just over three years ago.
Coming from a
background in Information
Technology Matt “just fell
into” his current profession
about six years ago —to our good fortune.
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How we have Changed!
Many of our current 2010 members
who can boast of having been
founding members of NCYC back
in 1994, together with their guests,
participated in a Morning tea gettogether
in the marquee on 26 May
2010. Founding Commodore Paul
Hannan greeted each as they
arrived, handing them their
“Founding Member” badges as he
did so. Unfortunately with busy
schedules, there were a number of
members with prior commitments
who expressed regret at not being
able to attend.
—
Getting Getting to to Know Know Know You
You
Robyn Fletcher and Paul McGrath, who writes the bridge article
for this Newsletter, are bridge partners. Paul used to also write
the bridge column for the Newcastle Herald but after nineteen
years at the helm recently decided to hand over to another.
SOCIAL NEWS
Much interest was generated as people pored over this photo taken at
the 1993 meeting which decided to proceed with the founding of a
yacht club in Newcastle.
Founding Directors: Commodore Paul Hannan; Director
Joseph Abraham; Treasurer John Fisher; Vice Commodore
Tom Michilis; Director Jim Holley; Rear Commodore Bruce
Hansen. Club Captain Bill Rock was unable to attend.
The informal proceedings were hosted by Commodore
Phil Arnall. They included handing out of badges to Life
Members, current Directors and our Chaplains. Jenny
Keegan, Lorraine Welsh, and Clem Varley’s daughter
stood in place of their husband/father in the photo.
www.ncyc.net.au/image galleries/ for these and more
images by Carole Hannan, as well as Mike Eggleston’s.
.Jim Holley, Vice Commodore
Robyn and Paul have both been playing competitive bridge for
many years. Robyn left Australia for overseas at an early age.
After travelling around Europe she ended up in Durban, South
Africa for over thirty seven years. She returned to Australia about five years ago and bumped into Paul at the Newcastle Bridge
Club. Shortly afterwards they became regular bridge partners. They have won many local competitions and have also been doing
well in National competitions. Not long after meeting these two ventured further afield in their bridge-playing ways. They played
in the South African Nationals twice – making the final of the Teams on both occasions. Last year they played in a one-off walkin
competition in New York at the Manhattan Club and took out first place.
Three years ago Robyn and Paul won the Australian Seniors Pairs in Canberra. After this they decided to concentrate on Seniors’
events. Unfortunately Robyn was out of action, for health reasons, for a couple of years since their Canberra success. Recently
they have returned to the fray and finished fourth in the Seniors Pairs (102 pairs) in a very popular congress in the Gold Coast–
almost 3,000 players attended.
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From From Rear Rear Commodore Commodore Paul Paul Gleeson
Gleeson
The Sailing Committee is busy preparing the calendar
for next year’s programme. Notable changes include splitting
the 20 race Summer Season into Spring/ Summer Seasons
split by the Christmas break . We are also conferring with
LMYC to organise the Combined Ocean Point Score (COPS)
series which was a great success last season. LMYC have also
invited us down for a couple of their lake events which have
now become a lot more attractive with the continuing
dredging of Swansea Channel.
We are trialling the Topyacht Entry System which greatly
simplifies the crew register system which we are obliged to
enforce. Dianne speaks of this in more detail.
You will soon be receiving your YA Silver Card renewal
notices and be warned that the cost has increased from last
year but it still represents great value for money when
compared with other sports. Membership includes insurance
cover and, in any case, is compulsory for all skippers and
crew.
At the last Board meeting it was decided that crew
membership could be upgraded to full membership without
any joining fee once the crew membership had been held for
two years.
A Message from our Honorary Chaplains, Chaplains to
the Port of Newcastle, written by Reverend Garry Dodd.
“Stefan and I are just honoured to be Chaplains for the club. We
are always happy to help whenever we are required. We have
our little chapel at the Mission and on the altar is this laminated
page with the names of each vessel I blessed at last year’s
Founder’s Day ceremony. We have also included other
organisations such as the Water Police, PWCS and you guys. So
if anyone at NCYC is feeling particularly happy on a Friday, it
might be because it’s the end of the week and/or the fact Stefan
and I have kept you in our prayers.”
Sailors in the off season
Tim Gleeson & John Streeter –up to no good off-shore.
does my
bum look
big in this?
SAILING
mais non
monsieur!!
What about
my face??
From From the the Sailing Sailing Office
Office
A Correction— In the last Sailing Office Report I spoke of the
Nail Biting Finish to the Hempel Yacht Paint Summer Short
Ocean Pointscore series. I spoke of the fierce competition
between The Raging Bull skipper John Streeter and Komodo
skipper Doug Coulter. The results were inaccurately reported.
Here is the corrected result of the Hempel Yacht Paint Summer
Short Ocean Pointscore. Apologies to The Raging Bull, skipper
John Streeter.
Congratulations to:
IRC Division 1 st Place Komodo, 2 nd The Raging Bull, 3 rd Anger
Management.
PHS Division 1 1 st Place The Raging Bull, 2 nd Summer Salt, 3 rd
Komodo.
PHS Division 2 1 st Place Woodstock, 2 nd Place Warrain, 3 rd
Tamarillo.
The Rear Commodore Paul Gleeson reported on the Skipper/
Sailing Committee Meeting on the NCYC website.
www.ncyc.net.au The meeting was well attended and provided
several suggestions for improvement in Race Management that
will translate to better sailing.
The Sailing Committee has formed a subcommittee to re-look at
courses for the next Summer Season and the skippers accepted
the Sailing Committee proposal to trial Top Yacht online
registration for boat and crew. Mary Holley, Gloria Thirkell and
Richard Arnall offered to assist skippers with the Top Yacht
program and so under those circumstances, Race 1 WSOP saw
the online entry system launched. Mark Richards, NCYC
handicapper and Top Yacht advocate continues to remind the
Sailing Committee and Skippers that skippers are responsible to
record their crew details. There was general consensus that crew
would need to arrive for the days sailing in time to record them
on the crew list.
The Winter Short Ocean Pointscore is light on with entrants this
year. Some are saying that they are scoring family points, some
are taking time out after the busy Summer Pointscore.
Regardless NCYC has seven entrants in the series: Anger
Management a Farr 40, skipper Commodore Phil Arnall; Blu
Notte a Grand Soleil 40, skipper Greg Amos; and Schouten
Passage a Beneteau, 40 skipper Rob Howard, contesting PHS
Division 1 and IRC Division. Mister Christian a Swanson 36,
skipper Tony Purkiss; Warrain a Hereschoff 28, skipper Robin
Hillery; Winifred a Roberts 53, skipper Col Peebles and;
Woodstock a Brooker 365, skipper Len Croft competing in the
PHS Division 2 series. The WSOP weekly prizes are sponsored
by Inner Circle Rum and Fosters Beer.
The first 2 races of the series have been at either end of the
spectrum with Race 1 taking over three and a half hours to
complete with no wind to light wind conditions and Race 2 being
ideal conditions albeit a little short in course length. That’s
sailing.
Happy Sailing
Dianne Fitzgerald, Sailing Secretary
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FROM THE CLUB CAPTAIN Journey Journey of of the the "Gitana "Gitana 3"
3"
Update Update Update on on on signaling signaling signaling flare flare disposal disposal. disposal
Because flares are classed as explosives they must be
disposed of correctly. To address this problem, The
Minister for Ports and Waterways has launched a new
disposal system.
As a result of a partnership between NSW Maritime,
Work Cover NSW and the Department of Environment,
Climate Change and Water, out of date flares can now be
returned to any NSW Maritime Centre. From there they
will be transported to the Sterihealth facility at
Silverwater, Sydney. The flares will then be destroyed at
ultra high temperature under strict environmental
conditions. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au for more details.
Charity Charity Fundraising Fundraising Event
Event
It was very pleasing to see so many attending the Biggest
Morning Tea which NCYC member Jan Howard had so
capably organized. With cancer touching the lives of
most of us in one way or another, this was an opportune
occasion for the Club extend its facilities in support of the
general community. To see more of Jan’s photos check
www.ncyc.net.au/image galleries/ Thank you for your
efforts and well done Jan!
Ernie Thirkell, Club Captain
On Thursday 27th May, with the assistance and
support of NCYC, a very successful 2010 Australia's
Biggest Morning Tea was hosted in aid of the Cancer
Council. This was the first time that NCYC has been
involved in the event and I sincerely thank the club
and the staff for their support and generosity. I hope
that it may become an annual event at NCYC.
It was a bright, sunny day and the marquee, decorated
with colourful daffodils, was an ideal venue for the
event.
Seventy people attended the morning tea, and $760
was raised. This money will be used to fund projects
such as cancer research, Cancer Connect, the Cancer
Helpline, and school and community education
programs.
A big Thank You to everyone who came along (and
enjoyed some of Australia’s Biggest Jam and Cream
Scones!!) Jan Howard
Part 6
—the trip ends
by Bob Moffat
Whales were spotted nearly every day the most spectacular display
being in Halifax Bay near the Palm Islands where 4 Whales
broached continuously near us enthralling Na.
We were going to resupply in Arlie Beach but on arrival the
Hamilton Island Race week was just about to start so all the Marinas
were booked out. Decided to keep going on to Brampton Island and
then Mackay. Restocked in Mackay and had a few days break then
headed for the Percy Islands anchoring in Whites Bay overnight.
From the Percy Islands we headed for Port Clinton anchoring in a
quiet Northerly anchorage just inside the entrance.
Left early next day headed for Great Keppel Island on arrival we
had strong NE winds and anchored on the Southern side at Long
Beach Bay we counted 30 other boats in the anchorage that night.
Next day headed for Gladstone staying for a couple of days then
onto Pancake Creek, Bundaberg and down the Great Sandy Strait
anchoring at Yankee Jack Creek before going down shallow stretch
with the rising tide. Six other yachts had the same idea and we were
like a convoy, I was quite comfortable with this as we were fourth in
line with a yacht in front of us with similar draft so we just followed
in line. We anchored in Pelican Bay intending to cross the Wide Bay
Bar next morning. The wind had turned SE now, the next Morning
we headed out down what is called the mad mile before crossing the
Bar.
There were 4 yachts we were second in line, the mad mile was
rough causing the yacht following us to turn back I think he had
some gear failure. We crossed the Bar and appreciated being across
without any problems. We had a good passage to Mooloolaba
staying overnight and then on to Southport arriving at the Gold
Coast Seaway in the late evening. Stayed in Southport Yacht Club
Marina for a few days waiting for a Southerly change to go through.
Conditions improved and we decided to head straight through to
Newcastle as the Southerly swell was still there causing problems on
the bars at Ballina, Yamba and Port Macquarie.
We had no problems taking 3 days and 2 nights, it was
demanding with Na and I doing 3 hour watches. We appreciated the
Radar, Autopilot and the comfort of the Pilot House being able to
sleep in the Pilot House whilst the other kept watch. We arrived
back in Newcastle in the late afternoon after 4 Months away we
appreciated being home and had our first night ashore enjoying a
good long night’s sleep.
Photo—Na & Bob in Sydney
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NSW Maritime Boating Tips
Harbour Traffic Changes
The opening of the new coal loader on 3 May 2010
will cause a marked increase in commercial activity on the
harbour so that those of us using it recreationally should be
vigilant in keeping clear of the channels while ship
movements are taking place.
For the purposes of the "Rule of the Road" a seaplane
becomes a vessel when it is on the water. Good airmanship
and seamanship requires the pilot to conform to the steering
and sailing rules whilst he is under way and select a course
clear of other vessels during take off and landing.
Remember to keep to starboard in fairways and channels
and if you are stern boarding into or out of your berth give
three short blasts to indicate to other vessels that are in
sight of you, or that you can't see, what your intentions are.
I find that when I give three short blasts backing out of my
berth near Carrington bridge to warn vessels that may be
outbound under the bridge I get some very startled looks.
So far the onset of colder weather has not been replicated
with a drop in sea water temperature. This means that at
times the sea water temperature will be warmer than the air
temperature. This can result in evaporation fog or sea
smoke. This fog may lay only a meter or so above the sea
surface and hide small boats from view. The opposite effect
called advection fog occurs when warm moist air flows
over cooler ocean surfaces.
Your Responsibilities
As a recreational boater, you are required by law to;
• Maintain a proper lookout;
• Not impede any commercial vessel in its navigation;
• Make clear your intentions to an approaching vessel well in
advance. For the master of a large ship who is unclear of
your intentions, you should indicate that you are getting out
of the way of a large vessel at least one kilometre in
advance of that vessel;
• Not anchor in a navigation channel;
• Ensure that at all times you can be seen clearly. Dull
aluminium tinnies can be difficult to see, especially on
overcast and poor conditions. Wear bright clothing and be
seen;
• After sunset and in restricted visibility ensure you have the
correct navigation lights fitted and that they are in proper
working order. Your lights must be bright and must be
visible for a distance of kilometres. Lights not only tell the
other vessels what sort of vessel you are, but also what you
are doing and where you are going. Make sure that if
someone ‘interprets’ your lights, that they are getting the
right message.
Should you not abide by the law, fines of up to $1500 can
be issued by NSW Maritime and Police Officers.
Wayne G. Fitness
BSO Newcastle / Commercial Vessels
Hunter / Inland NSW Maritime
T: 02 49628500 F: 02 49716255
We’ve We’ve come come a a long long long way!
way!
“Our front page photo taken by
Paul Hannan on Friday the 7 th
May makes a clear statement as to
the huge feat achieved by our successive Boards in the
realisation of the original far reaching goals for NCYC.
Old newsletters reveal some interesting milestones:
At the first meeting in November 1993 called to gauge
interest in forming a yacht club in Newcastle, it was decided
to proceed with forming the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club.
Another meeting took place in February 1994 to constitute
the Club. NCYC was founded. A Letter from Commodore to
Members dated 28 July 2000 informed that the Lease with
Honeysuckle was signed. Finally in August 2000 came the
Groundbreaking Ceremony on site. 2001 was the year the
first steel piles were driven to secure the floating marina.
Photo –Paul Hannan
by Michael Smyth
NCYC Club Manager
After opening in early December 2008 NCYC Clubhouse is a
well established popular venue for anything from a casual
coffee or drink, to a business meeting, dining or functions.
During this time I have heard a number of excited patrons
just back from various flight tours with Heliservices directly
across the water from the clubhouse. These people have
enthused over flights up and down our picturesque coastline,
or up the Valley and its surrounds, but what made me really
envious was the shark and whale spotting tours they talked
about.
NCYC founding Commodore Paul Hannan and his wife
Carole were invited by Steve Bazic and his Heliservices
Crew on a joy flight over the basin and to take some updated
aerial photos of our yacht club and marina. I jumped at the
chance of joining them. Steve, an involved Club member,
has regularly supported NCYC over the years by providing
his services a number of times when updated aerial
photographs of construction have been wanted. I included
this link in case any others want to experience this unique
view of their city at least once in their lifetime.
www.heliservices.com.au/ ”
A collection of the images taken by Paul Hannan on the
heliservices flight on 7 May is available in the “Image
Galleries” section of the NCYC web site.
www.ncyc.net.au/image-galleries/
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Thrifty Easter Etchell Regatta
The inaugural NCYC Thrifty Easter Etchells regatta was a
very well organized and well-run event. I think all the
participants would agree that sailing Etchells out of Newcastle
Harbour is hard to beat as a regatta venue.
The marina and facilities at the NCYC are first class. The sail
from the club out to the harbour entrance and on to the
racetrack is the quickest trip for an open ocean venue that I
have experienced.
The racing was very well run
by a team headed up by
renowned race officers Kevin
Wilson and Phil Colyer.
We had good southerly breezes
most of the time and there was
a good swell running which
meant there was some good
surfing to be done.
A late morning start for the
first of two races held each day
and down wind finishes meant
that we were back at the club
by around 3pm each day to
by Peter McNeill “AUS 832”
Photo—Peta Jayne Blackburn
Photo -
John Reid
Race Officer Kevin Wilson
enjoy the NCYC hospitality which included plenty of
complimentary drinks and finger food. ‘How good is this’ was
what everyone was saying.
Photo— Pru Harper
A big thank you must go to our major sponsor Thrifty Car
Rentals. Part of the sponsorship included an Etchells spinnaker
with the Thrifty logo sign written on it, to be raffled off.
Photo—John Reid
All the skippers’ names
went into a hat, with
Doug Williams off AUS
1049 “Vertigo” walking
away with the prize.
Thanks to the regatta organizing
committee
headed up by NCYC Rear
Commodore Paul Gleeson
and Club Captain Ernie
Thirkell and thanks also
to all the NCYC volunteers.
I can’t wait to do it again
next year.
“Absolute Pearler”.
Photo— Greg (Jacko) Jackson
Photo— Rear Commodore Paul Gleeson
Photo— Pru Harper
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Up the River – Part 2
by Tony Windsor
Photo Brooke Hall
Opening of the 2009-2010 Sailiing Season - Tasmaner being blessed by NCYC Honorary Chaplain, Anglican
Raymond Terrace Has a public wharf opposite the hotel and is
great as a lunch destination. No bookings are needed for the
wharf. Upstream another 200 metres or so from Raymond
Terrace, the Williams River enters the Hunter.
The Williams River
Enter the Williams River passing under the Fitzgerald Bridge
(clearance 7.5m). This is a wide stretch of water, with good
holding for anchoring. Ski boats use this area most afternoons
and all day during weekends.
Morpeth
Once back to the junction of the two rivers you take a Starboard
turn then half a mile further pass below the Irrawang Bridge with
a clearance of 7.5m. Watch for a fence coming right down to the
edge and into the water. It is then about a one and a half hour
run to Morpeth. During this section of the river avoid anchoring
as the bottom is like cement. It is flat and slippery your anchor
won’t bite. Keep speed down to avoid wash as well as being
very aware of sticks and logs as this is an intertidal zone where
the debris collects and shifts up and down with the tide.
At Morpeth – downstream of the bridge is a small public
wharf. Commercial vessels sometimes once a month or so come
from Newcastle and also use this wharf. On the upstream side of
the Morpeth Bridge is a larger wharf which is of course much
more popular with smaller boats. Both wharves are right in the
town of Morpteth. To get here with the tide and without taking a
stopover at Raymond Terrace or deviating into the Williams, it
takes about two and a half to three hours. This leaves about one
to one and a half hours in town before the tide begins to run out
NCYC to Hexham @ 12.0 nm
Hexham to Raymond Terrace @ 7.0 nm
Raymond Terrace to Morpeth @ 10 nm
Morpeth to Paterson @11nm
Raymond Terrace to Seaham Weir @ 8.0 nm
ON THE BRIDGE
With Paul McGrath
Problem: Do you like being skipper? If you do come on
board and take up the West seat on the following bridge
problem. You open the bidding with 1C on the deal shown,
partner responds 1S and when you rebid 2NT (showing 18-
19 points) your partner exuberantly bids 6S. That contract is
doomed on a heart lead but showing great leadership you
convert this contract to 6NT. North, being the pirate that he
is, does not want to give anything away and so leads the
spade ten. How do you steer this contract through such dangerous
waters? Answers p10
NORTH
♠T9
♥AQT5
♦JT73
♣Q76
WEST EAST
♠Q ♠AKJ8432
♥KJ94 ♥32
♦AQ92 ♦6
♣AK98 ♣JT4
SOUTH
♠765
♥876
♦K854
♣532
9

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River Traffic at Sibu—Borneo
Rickety bridge to jungle longhouse— Rajang River
Playful Orangutangs at Rajang Reserve
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
- ON A BOAT
By Maree Eggleston
A short 40-minute flight to Sibu to join the boat, and meet all
sorts of people that you would never meet on a cruise ship. On the
Mekong we palled up with a former director of Kuwait Oil, his
Swedish wife, a Swiss couple whose only shared language was
French (which I fortunately speak a bit) and a very mad English
antiques dealer who was one of the nicest ladies you could meet
on one of these small boat voyages. She was clueless and lost in
translation, but very good company. It took five minutes of
translation for a joke to get around the dinner table through
various languages, and finally Humbert the German-speak Swiss
would chuckle as he got it.
On the Rajang we found ourselves tied up with three Spaniards, a
husband/wife/sister combination, and we had to communicate
with a patois/pidgin mix of French/Spanish/English/Italian. The
same time delay of joke translation happened, but Pepe, who
spoke no Englese, also finally got the joke through various
translations. We also had company with a fun group of
Queensland Aussies and some very nice Americans with whom
we have since kept in contact.
These boats are a wonderful, comfortable, ambling way to see places you
can't get to easily by other means, in congenial company, even if you are
also seeing the downside of a country. For instance, the timber being
stripped out of Sarawak/Borneo is appalling. There are thousands of
tonnes of it moving down the river every day. You think coal moving
through Newcastle is something to consider for the environment, the logs
on the Rajang River put Newcastle in the shade. But it's their country and
for many of the people on that river it's their only livelihood, so you find it
best to keep your opinions quiet To be continued
ON THE BRIDGE
With Paul McGrath
Solution:
You must show exceptional skill and daring if you are to successfully
avoid the pirate’s cutlass. First, you must win trick
one in dummy and then play six more rounds of spades. You
can afford to discard one club, two diamonds and three hearts
(baring the king) from your own hand while North can ditch
four diamonds and a heart. Now you finesse the diamond
queen and cash the ace. North can pitch one more heart on the
first diamond trick but on the next he is dead in the water. If
he throws a club into the deep blue yonder you make three
clubs for twelve tricks and if he throws a heart he will be
down to the bare ace. In the latter case you simply throw him a
temporary lifeline with the heart king. He wins the ace but
now does not have even one peg leg to stand on – he is forced
to return a club and allow you a safe passage home.
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Pooch Parade
Zsa Zsa
has not yet been
seen taking a
c o n s t i t u t i o n a l
walk past the
yacht club with
Paul Gleeson.
Dressed in her
best and with her
fur tips freshly
tinted, She can
however on the
odd occasion take
a turn about the deck on Summer Salt, generally colour
coded with her “mother” Petro.
Zsa Zsa may not be a familiar face around the yacht
club, but both Petro and her Husband Rear Commodore
Paul Gleeson are a different Story.
In fact NCYC is a family affair for the Gleesons. On
any Sunday morning they can usually be found enjoying
one of the Social Committee’s fabulous bacon and egg roll
breakfast — instead of cooking for them at home, Petro
throws on the yellow apron and does a stint in our Galley.
Paul and son Tim compete very successfully on their
yacht “Summer Salt” in just about any event going.
Gleeson Engineering has sponsored our IRC Division since
its inception, providing perpetual trophies and annual take
home prizes for the skippers.
Petro has for some time been a driving force on the
NCYC Social Committee while also holding the position of
treasurer for that hard working body of volunteers. Tim has
over the past years volunteered as Secretary of that same
Committee, and also on Risk Evaluation for Sailing.
Newcastle Yachting - Boating Information night at the Club
7pmThursday, June 24,
To help members warm to the idea of winter maintenance and refits for their craft.
Guest speaker
Tony Mowbray
- His insights into boat preparation, seamanship and ocean cruising
Other guest speakers:
Sailmaker Scott Beeby from East Coast Marine;
Technician Darin Riley from Thermatek Marine and Industrial;
Paul “Pag” McEnearney from Coursemaster and;
Newcastle Yachting’s senior broker Glenn Coulton.
• Nautical Trivia Quiz with prizes.
• All those who attend will be eligible for a free boat valuation from Newcastle
Yachting.
RSVP: before 18 June 2010
email sales@newcastleyachting.com.au or phone 4962 5288
.
Upholstery Cleaning
◊
By Vince Neil Tip
When dew point occurs in a boat, condensation becomes an
issue with fungal/ mould growth, To deal with this cleaning
with acetic acid will produce good results.
Should you have mould growth on fabrics then utilizing
borax will achieve very good fungal breakdown.
Remember borax is a poison and you should be careful in
the way you handle it. Leave it on overnight an hepa
vacuum the next day.
Use for old ◊ sails
Jan Howard suggests we look what Tip
Commodore Phil Arnall (aided by Rob
Howard) did with his.www.sail-world.com/Australia/76-
Shelters-made-for-Haiti!/69646
Sunglasses for Sailing Tip
Well known NCYC Skipper Tony Purkiss recently read an
article on ‘Sail World’ which he wishes to recommend to
NCYC ‘”Boaties” and any others of us who spend time
on the water. Tony made the comment I for one know
the importance of sight & I think all yachties should be
made aware of what can happen if they don't wear
appropriate eye wear whilst on the water.”. To that end
he supplied the following link:
www.sail-world.com/indexs.cfm?Nid=69175
Solo sailing legend Tony Mowbray
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NCYC NCYC NCYC thanks thanks thanks all all all its its its sponsors and and and supporters for for for the the
the
2009 2009—2010 2009 2009 2010 2010 Sailing Sailing Season Season which which will will draw draw to to a close close on on
Sunday Sunday 25 25 25 July.
July.
Presentation night is Saturday 14 August 2010.
The October 2009 newsletter featured an overview of NCYC Sponsorship, followed in
successive issues by: Sponsors of “Wombat” our mark laying Committee Vessel; Event
Naming Right Sponsors and in April 2010; Regatta Trophy and Prize Sponsors.
Sponsors of our Summer Pointscore Series:
Hempel Yacht Paint SSOP:
• Hempel Yacht Paint (Naming Rights);
• Newcastle Yachting (Div 1 PHS Trophy & take home prizes);
• Newcastle Hotel Brokers (Div2 PHS Trophy & take home prizes);
• Fosters Carlton Dry (PHS weekly take home prizes );
• Gleeson Civil Engineering (IRC Trophy and take home prizes);
• Fosters Crown Lager (IRC weekly take home prizes)
Williams River Steel SOP
• Williams River Steel (Naming Rights);
• Noakes Boat and Shipyard (PHS Div 1 & Div 2 trophy & take home
prizes);
• Noakes Boat and Shipyard (PHS Div 1 & Div 2 trophy & take home
prizes);
• Fosters wine (PHS Div 1 & Div 2 weekly take home prizes);
• Gleeson Civil Engineering (IRC Trophy and take home prizes);
• Fosters Cascade Green (weekly take home prizes).
The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Sailing Handbook
2010 - 2011 Sailing Season
Commencing Founder’s Day 2010 for 12 months
Is currently under construction.
Contact Roy Baker roy@ncyc.net.au to discuss the great new sponsorship
packages
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NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB
Invites you and your guests to our
Presentation of Trophies and Prizes
2009 - 2010
A celebratory six course tapas dinner and
dancing to the music of Half Nelson
Date: Saturday 14 August 2010 Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Place: NCYC Clubhouse Dress: Elegant
Sponsors, Skippers, Crew and Special Guests receive priority bookings until
Monday 14 June 2010
(after which all bookings will be given equal priority)
RSVP Monday 12 July 2010
Please return with payment to: Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club
Suite 9, 91 Hannell Street, Wickham NSW 2293
Credit Card payment can be made by T 02 4940 8188 or F 02 4940 8138
Member name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership number: . . . .
Guest names (tables up to ten) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of tickets @ $65 each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookings confirmed by payment
in full.
Please find cheque enclosed for the amount of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
or Credit Card detail: Type: . . . . . . .
Credit Card Number _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ Expiry Date: . . . .
Phil Arnall
Commodore
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