COMMODORE'S COMMENTARY A Report from Commodore David Stone

For those of us in this part of the country, the past two months have been quite a summer. Those unlucky enough to live further south have not fared so well. As usual I have not got in as much sailing as I would have liked but what I have had has been pretty good. Hopefully I will get in another couple of trips before Easter. One of the reasons I have not been sailing was we went to Honolulu for a week in mid-January. Susie had to work so Harry and I hung out on the beach, went shopping (there is a Lego shop in the Ala Moana shopping centre so a boy was in heaven) or went and saw the sights.

Our hotel was next to one of the marinas so it was interesting wandering around looking at the boats. While there were some pretty impressive launches, I didn’t see any yachts that really took my fancy. As always when looking at the sailing opportunities in other places I realise just how good we have it here in Auckland with the sheltered anchorages of the Gulf within easy sailing. In Hawaii you can sail between the islands but the waters of the Pacific were frequently pretty wild while we were there. Not that Auckland has it all its own way. I flew into Wellington yesterday over D’Urville Island and the outer Sounds and it reminded me how good the cruising is down there. We truly are spoilt for choice. However enough of this musing.

Mahurangi weekend was great. We were late to the start (waiting for my crew to make me a coffee before we headed down to the boat wasn’t such a good call) so started after the others. That proved to be not such a bad thing as from our position at the rear, the activity on the line looked a little chaotic. The conditions favoured us with 15 to 20 knots on the nose and we were third boat around Navy Buoy (reached on a single tack). We maintained this position to the finish and got third on handicap as well. It was a quiet night in Lagoon Bay where most of the Club boats ended up. Saturday was a leisurely day watching the Classics race. The barbeque on the beach was well attended. Once back aboard Encounter, the sight of the beach at Scott’s Landing covered with dinghies for its entire length was an incredible sight.

The random movement of moored boats on the tide change was carnage so we pulled out in the gathering gloom and headed back to Lagoon Bay. The Round the Islands race next morning had its moments of excitement as the wind waxed and waned. We managed to hold on for third across the line. We anchored up as the weather continued to improve. The forecast was winds going northeast that afternoon before turning east then south east and freshening on Anniversary Day. Not fancying a slog across to Tiri next morning we pulled out and headed for Tiri about 15.30. We ended up motoring all the way and anchored well out in reasonably calm conditions about 16.30. I was mindful of my last Tiri experience on Anniversary weekend two years ago. We went ashore and walked up to the lighthouse. On the way I saw my first ever Kokako, what a buzz. We also saw 10 Takahe, including two juveniles, something I always find pretty special. After dinner I sat in the cockpit watching the moon rise above the island and listening to kiwi call. And to think this is in sight of downtown Auckland. What a gem we have.

By 0300 things were rather different with torrential rain and howling winds out of the east. We baled out at about 0815 with a reefed main. There were 2 meter breaking seas on the beam and on occasions visibility closed in so much that I couldn’t see Rangitoto (or any other point of reference). Conditions eased once we got into the channel but freshened again once around North Head. It was hardly surprising there were so few boats out for the Regatta, the conditions were not exactly conducive to a fun day out. Our decision to bale out to Tiri was a sound one. Talking later with Robbie Wallace the conditions he experienced on the beat to Tiri on Monday morning were rather more testing than those we encountered with a couple of rogue waves estimated at 10 metres.

On a more relaxed note we had the combined picnic with Wakatere last Sunday. There was a really great turn out of Club boats and everyone had a great time on what can only be described as a truly perfect day. Fostering and strengthening the ties between our two Clubs is something that is in all our interests. The results that Wakatere’s young sailors are achieving at national and international level is quite outstanding. I hope to arrange for a group to come to DYC on a Friday night in the near future to maintain the momentum that has been started.

It looks like I have made up for last month’s brevity by rabbiting on at length so enough for now. I look forward to seeing more of you out there on the water in the coming few months.

David Stone
Commodore

 

VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT Sue Johnson

As I am writing this report the tsunami warning is in place and what a view from the office window at home, the large cruise ship “Dawn Princess” is just sitting in the middle of the harbour surrounded by the Fullers Ferries and tugs etc. We have noticed a larger than usual number of pleasure boats motoring out of the harbour.

The oddest thing is the number of families with very young children that are sitting on the green verge waiting to see the waves some are even allowing their children in the water with body boards etc The Club should have been quicker thinking; serving tea and coffee with scones and sandwiches, after all what a view from the Club. We could have had a sausage sizzle going for all the people walking past (please note that some of these comments are tongue in cheek).

We had a very pleasant New Year cruise taking our time to reach the Bay of Islands sailing in the company of “Northerner”. Upon reaching the Bay we spent three wonderful days with our friends from KeriKeri and it was during this time we caught up with John and Glennys Mitchell. Unfortunately John was not feeling the best having shingles but he was still in good form and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. They send their regards and best wishes to all the members and said all are welcome to call in for a chat and a cuppa.

Not many DYC boats up in the Bay however we did have a few happy hours with Bob and Anne Wattam on “Spitfire” and Royce and Adrienne Cox on “Magic” plus two wonderful grandchildren of Adrienne’s. We love having the young ones on board playing board games etc and I guess we are looking forward to the day that we may become grandparents which, according to Andrew, will not be for at least 10 to 15 years so we will need to practice with other people’s children just to keep our hand in so that we do not become two boring old farts before our time.

One evening too we noted the Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron was anchored in the bay and sure enough right on time the burgee and flag onboard his vessel were lowered on sunset and we were pleasantly surprised to notice all the Devonport Yacht Club boats in the bay also lowering their Club burgees on sunset. I am sure some of these were lowered out of respect because the Commodore of the Squadron was in the bay but it was sad to see many of the Squadron boats did not show the same respect as burgees and flags were left up all night.

We were honoured to be invited to the wedding of Daniel and Kelly which was held at the Club, they could not have wished for better weather and the day was just perfect. Kelly was an exquisite bride, her dress was beautiful and Daniel scrubbed up very well looking very smart for the occasion.

We wish them all the very best for their future together and may the sea be calm with only the occasionally storm for their life together.

Over the last few months there have been further break-ins of the dinghy lockers together with items being removed from boats moored within Torpedo Bay. Several outboard motors have disappeared with other items going too. Please check your boat and locker and just take a little more care where possible in locking and chaining gear up.

I would like to thank all of those who are supporting me morally with the weight loss programme, unfortunately the month of February was a disaster for me and I am sure that I will have gained weight for this month but tomorrow is a new day and month so I will start again. Please help me to stay on the wagon as the saying goes - I need all the support that I can receive. Many of you have asked about starting a walking group so we are starting this Wednesday (3rd March 2010) night leaving the Club at 7.00pm so please come and join me for a walk and bring any other family members or friends, all are welcome.

Well, I have been rabbiting on enough for this month take care and enjoy the summer that we have left.

Sue

 

REAR COMMODORE'S REPORT John Ford

It has been an eventful month since the last newsletter.

On Friday 29th Jan I was asked to be the finish boat for the Mahurangi night race. Catherine couldn’t accompany me as the birth of her first grandchild was imminent, so I received a leave pass.

Graham Petterson supplied a flashing light and Bill Jaques manufactured another flashing LED system. We would be lit up like a Christmas tree.   On the Thursday I picked up the flags, and drinks for the barbecue, and made ready to sail on the Friday.

I was fortunate to have Chris Leech and Michael Brick as crew. Chris was brilliant; he is a seasoned campaigner in the start finish routine. And Mike brought along a digital time piece that would not have been out of place in the America’s Cup.
We anchored off Mahurangi Heads and waited expectantly for the on-rush of yachts. Three other finish boats arrived and took station in a parallel line behind us.

Fortunately the weather was very favorable and most of the yachts finished in daylight. When darkness descended it was more difficult to identify the sail numbers. Remembering that three other yacht clubs were also finishing, it was character building. We had to time every boat that finished and then identify the sail number and delete non DYC yachts.

It would be great if all finishers were to shine a light on the sail numbers about a 100 metres or so from the finish so we could immediately identify them.

Someone at the barbecue the next day said they couldn’t see us. Put the situation in reverse as we were lit up.

We anchored at about 2230 and had a debrief, with Chris pouring the odd rum.

The barbecue on the Saturday was most enjoyable and very well attended. Thanks to the excellent tong masters and salad makers. The beach was packed but we did gain the prime position. The weather threatened but stayed fine.

The start and finish for the Round the Islands Race on Sunday was completed and our duties for the weekend finished.

The weather was due to break on the Monday so we decided to scoot off on Sunday afternoon. We nailed a nice feed of snapper on the way back and arrived at Bayswater before the weather broke. Chris now knows how to fish with soft plastic lures.

A great weekend was had by all.

Catherine (Grandma) and I dropped in for the Barbecue after the Islington Bay race last Saturday and both enjoyed it. It was very nice of Chris and Anne to share some bubbles with everyone to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Daniel and Kelly.

Gay’s idea of a barbecue on Friday nights is excellent and very well received. Catherine and I attended the first one and it was very successful. The Carvery will still take place on the last Friday of the month.

Attendance on Friday nights is pleasing but if you haven’t yet been down for a meal we would love to see you.

Cheers
John

 

FROM THE SAILING MASTER Desiree Coleman

Summer just keeps getting better; it reminds me of my childhood summers. This is all good for racing and I hope you are all enjoying some R’n’R cruising in between. I hear the snapper are biting out there too.

Mahurangi night race was great, not the wind and direction forecasted, but still great for girls. B division saw 9 starters and A division had 8 starters. A great fleet of classics started as well which all made for great viewing for Friday night diners. Congratulations to Mike and June in B division and Greg and Cushla in Prowler, well done.

Our new finish boat John Ford’s Keos was anchored in just the right position along with a couple of other clubs. The new lighting system thanks to Bill and Graham was a great success and thanks to Chris for giving John support on Keos.

Saturday evening’s prize giving and BBQ was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Sunday’s race around the islands saw our start delayed by 15 minutes due to the Classic start. Good decision by the start boat. A very fast race, one of the fastest I have done saw 5 starters in B and 6 in A. My crew even had time to jump yacht to make the start of another race. Congratulations to Garry and Sue in Aqualust and Mike on Northerner. Well done. Another great prize giving and BBQ with Mike doing the honours for a good old sing a long. Thanks Mike.

Our Club has for a few years now started the races back for the Anniversary day and Graham made the right decision to cancel. Forty knots and wind against tide would have been no fun for anyone. Thanks Graham.

An incident did happen towards the end of the day when a certain sailing master’s anchor was under the yacht in front. Twelve men from the H28 club over for drinks gave me the confidence to shift to a calmer anchorage for the night, but not before getting his anchor rope under my rudder and my crew having to resort to underwear to clear it. Oh well it was great entertainment for the DYC boats still there and I am sure a few photos were taken.

A week’s break and then we had the Issy Bay race. A fresh breeze for the beat to the finish saw some interesting finishes. We had 8 starters in B and 8 in A. Congratulations to Danny for the double and William in A. Well done. Thank you to Sue and Kevin for being such a great finish boat and helping Graham in need.

The BBQ was another great one and Chris and Anne shouted bubbles to celebrate Kelly and Daniel’s wedding on the following Saturday, thank you guys.

The Ladies Helm home was disappointing with only two entries. It was a very fresh breeze to start with which then died away. Thank you Sharron you sailed a great race.

Thank you to the sponsors of these races.

Mahurangi Night Race - Sailutions
Round the Islands Race - Baileys Insurance Brokers Ltd
Islington Bay - Scott Richardson Devonport Locksmith

A big thank you to Frank Warnock for once again sewing his wonderful first prizes for us xxxx.

Last Sunday the 21st Feb saw a first for the DYC and Wakatere Boating Club. A joint picnic was organized by Wakatere for a great day of fun and BBQ. Thank you to the DYC yachts that participated in this. It was very much appreciated by Wakatere children and adults. I myself had a great time and hope it will be an annual event for both clubs.

Upcoming events:

5th March 3 legged 3 handed;
13th March Woody Bay and Predicted Log Race;
20th March Old Fox;
27th March 2 handed around Waiheke.
Then Easter weekend and the last race will be the 10th April single handed race.

Well that’s all from me I hope I have this much to say in the middle of winter.

Happy summer sailing
Cheers Des

 

CLUBHOUSE CAPTAIN Bill Jaques

Having handed over the role of Sailing Master after 3 years I panicked that I might be left out – so I volunteered to take over as Clubhouse Captain. Ho Hum. What a grandiose title for doing little more than move the chairs around from time to time! I suggested a more appropriate title might be Clubhouse Coordinator – but it appears that would require a Select Committee hearing (or something) – but “Coordinator” does perhaps describe what I have been doing. Mainly sorting bookings and arrangements for the use of the Clubhouse and liaising with Kirsty and Gay for bar and catering arrangements where appropriate.

Early on it became apparent that the Club was not making much of a profit on letting the Clubhouse. Treasurer Matt started examining the books – typical accountant – and found we only made money if the customers drank heaps at the bar. It was all the ancillary costs of staffing, cleaning and table cloths(!) that killed it. My mission was to sort out a formula whereby we were in the black on each hiring. So your Committee has come up with a new schedule. The actual hire costs go down but the ancillary costs will be based on actual usage and charged separately.

Charges: All charges are inclusive of GST

Clubhouse Hire:

For a nominal period of up to 8 hours on any occasion:

Saturday & Sunday   $400.00 *
Weekdays                $200.00 *

The clubhouse is not available on Friday evenings.

* A reduced hire rate is available to Club members of at least one year’s standing for private or
family functions.

Bar:

1. Special Licence Fee $120.00
2. Staffing per staff member per hour $27.50 (4 hour minimum each member)

Bar Staff:

up to 40 guests        1 staff
40 – 80 guests         2 staff
more than 80 guests 3 staff

Other Standard Charges:

1. Cleaning         $80.00 (if required)
2. Table Cloths   $8.00 per table cloth. (if required)

Booking and Payment:

1. A deposit of $300 is required with application to secure a booking. This deposit serves as a bond to cover any additional costs incurred by the Club.
2. Hire fees and licence fee will be invoiced and are payable not later than 14 days prior to the event.
3. All costs of staffing, table cloth hire and cleaning will be charged in a final invoice when actual costsmare known; This invoice must be settled within 14 days. The residual amount of the bond may be offset against the amount owing if requested.

The website and the application forms will be updated as soon as the small print has been finalised.

Ankle biters: There have been instances where more adventurous younger members in the “members’ lounge” on Friday evenings have opened the outside door. Convenient access to steep concrete steps, the jetty and ultimately the rock wall and the sea. OK maybe for the bigger ones but disaster for a two-year-old. Parents are of course responsible for the safety and supervision of their children at the Club - but we can assist. We have installed a “kiddie lock” high up on the door - just a wee knob accessible from both sides but fairly inaccessible and stiff to turn. Hopefully proof against most youngsters. Parents and other users of the lounge should check it is locked when children are present.

BJ

 

MEET THE GENERAL COMMITTEE Secretary Anne Leech

I am Anne Leech and I have been a member of the DYC for 18 Years. I am the present Secretary of the Devonport Yacht Club. I became involved back in 1993 when I was approached by Frank Warnock to be the Secretary of the Centennial Committee for the North Shore Sailing Club. I then went on to be the Secretary of the General Committee and have served with Commodores Mike Hinchco, Gus Lynch, Bob McNaughton, Mike Strong, and now David Stone. I look forward in July to seeing Sue Johnson start her reign as the DYC Commodore and being the first woman in the history of the Club to hold this Flag Officer position within the Devonport Yacht Club.

My role as Secretary involves attending the monthly meetings, collating all Inwards and Outwards Correspondence, Membership Applications, and Membership Resignations and answering General Enquiries. I will be checking out of this role after the 2012 AGM. Outside of the Club I work for the Ministry of Defence as a Personal Assistant.

FROM THE BAR Scott Richardson

Early last month Lion Nathan did their annual check on the condition of our bar facilities. They passed with flying colours.

Every part, from coolroom to the taps and glasses gained a VERY HIGH STANDARD. Well Done to Kirsty and the girls and to Charlie who Tirelessly maintains the chiller room and pipes etc. One small down side was one Jug and glass did not pass muster, it had DB on them.

I wonder whose those were.

Scott Richardson
Bar Manager

 

STORIES FROM THE PAST Chris Leech

Over the coming months I will include some old naval sayings, which will intrigue all and offer an explanation as to their origin. (Reproduced with kind permission of the RNZN Museum)

Off and on:
Intermittently stopping and starting
Describes a ship sailing along the coast frequently visiting and leaving ports.

On an even keel:
Balanced
Provisions and cargo stowed in such a way so that the ship is balanced both port and starboard and fore and aft.

On the fiddle:
Gaining illegally
Fiddle was the name given to the raised rim on a sailor’s square wooden plate. Not only did the fiddle keep food on the plate, it marked the limit as to how much of a helping a sailor was entitled to. If his helping touched or overlapped the fiddle, therefore ‘on the fiddle’, a sailor was said to be ‘fiddling’, depriving another sailor of his share of food, which was an offence punishable by flogging (see also square meal).

Over a barrel:
An awkward position
To receive his flogging, a sailor was tied either to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a cannon.

Overhaul:
Examine; repair; catch and overtake
The ‘bunt’ was the baggy centre of a sail, and ‘buntlines’ were the ropes used to constrain the bunts when sailing. In high winds sailors were sent aloft to release or slacken the buntlines, requiring them to pull more rope over the top of the sails, hence ‘overhaul’.

CR Leech ED*
Past Commodore

 

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Regular updates of the Club’s Members’ Boat Directory and Members’ Directory will be posted in subsequent Devonport Yacht Club News issues, as required.

You are invited to paste these amendments into your yearbook.

 

DYC BOAT REGISTER AMENDMENTS
	MEMBER NAME	BOAT	TYPE	SAIL	CALL SIGN
Update	Chris & Jenny Smith, Dr Grant Smith	Moana	Keeler	A9

 

DANIEL & KELLY

I would like to thank the Flag Officers, Committee and Kirsty for the support given to us all in support of the recent wedding of Daniel and Kelly. It is this level of support that makes the Devonport Yacht Club so special to us all. The ceremony was wonderful, the Bride was the princess supported by three wonderful ladies, whilst the Groom and his attendants were the epitome of casualness. And of course the weather was just as you would have wanted with azure sky’s, a few wisps of cloud and a cooling breeze.

During the ceremony a poem was read by both Daniel and Kelly, the words were wonderful and are reproduced below.

CAMERA CLIPS Mahurangi, Issy Bay Race and Picnic with Wakatere

Bill our Tongmaster being distracted from his duties - Issy Bay	Issy Bay BBQ
Picnic - Kids Vs DYC	Picnic - Kids Vs DYC with a DYC Win
Picnic - Egg Throwing	Picnic - race casualty
Picnic Race	Commodore in training
Club boats being battered about in Lagoon Bay- Mahurangi	Idle Hour start of Pinic race
New Lady Skipper on Ladybird	And out came the song books and Ukulele - Mahurangi

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I am a member of Maldon Little Ship Club www.mlsc.org.uk which is on the River Black Water in Essex; the area is famous for the Viking invasions in about 500AD.

I will be retiring in two years time and I would like to see more of the world from land and sea.

I have a house in Billericay Essex and a couple of flats in Canary Wharf London, a Prout Quest Catamaran which I intend to up grade to a Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi and a Volvo car.

What I am considering is doing a six month life swap with people in a similar position ie house, boat and car. Would any if your members be interested?

Regards,
Terry & Val

Terry Reeve.
Project Construction Manager
T:0208-338-0255 * F:01277-810769 * M:07841-010092
Wolseley UK * Pipe Center, West Horndon, Essex.
www.wolseley.co.uk

 

NOTICE BOARD

Treasurer Required Accounting Knowledge Essential MYOB System Assistant Treasurer available for day to day input etc. Approximately 3 hours weekly There will be a good transition period Attendance required for monthly meeting (3rd Tuesday of each month) Honorarium payable Ring Matt (445-7188) or Sue (445-2815) Friday Night Members Draw Here's how it works; Every Friday evening a Member’s number will be drawn If your number comes up you must in the clubhouse and be in possession of your membership card to claim the Prize No winner, and the prize Jackpots to next week The weekly prize is a $20 voucher from one of our local businesses Devonport Hammer Hardware Glengarry Wines, Devonport Evergreen Books, Devonport Be there to Win  Chequers Catering WE DO GREAT WEDDINGS / PRIVATE PARTIES AT HOME / GIVE US A CALL North Shore (Gay Larner) 021776701 New Market kitchen 524 2606 Posted 2/7/2009

 

BOOK REVIEW

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Knots are classified by how you’ll use them and color-coded into sections: hitches (tying onto something), bends (tying onto another line), stopper knots (tying a line so it doesn’t run through hardware on a boat), and special-use knots (throwing a line- decorative finishes).

The deck also explains the parts of a knot -the standing end, the working end, and the bitter end - and the basics of coiling a line.

NZ$20.00

Kind regards,
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Boat Books Ltd
22 Westhaven Drive
Westhaven, Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: 64 9 358 5691
Fax: 64 9 358 5817
Email: crew@boatbooks.co.nz