GET KNOTTED
The Newsletter for the Townsville Cruising Yacht Club for December, 2014
Captain’s Chat
Upcoming Events
Firstly I would like to congratulate last year’s committee and
Gail, the first TCYC female Sailing Captain. With only a small
team many items were accomplished.

This year we have 11 on the committee, some that have
previous committee experience and some newbies. I’d like to
welcome your committee for 2015. We have started in earnest
to put together next year’s sailing activities, both on and off
water.

I have 3 goals for next year, Build Communication, Build
Sailing and Build Comradery.
The TCYC would like to invite all club boats to sail with us
in the Australia Day Cruise to Radical Bay in 2015.

Build Communication – I intend to continue and build
from last years committee instigation of Facebook and
increase use of emails. We will build the Web page so
that it is up to date and has calendar of events. As you
can see we have reintroduced “Get Knotted”.

Build Sailing – We are currently putting together a
calendar with racing and rallies, with the intention of a
number of events like Herald Island last month. We will
continue last years committee instigation of staggered
starts. There will be a “Blue Water Classic” regatta at
Easter next year. We are going over the pros and cons
for various locations. A NOR will be posted no later than
the Skippers Briefing.

Build Comradery – I intend to build sailing in general in
our community, engaging TYC and TSC locally, building
connections with various clubs up and down the coast as
well as liaise with Yachting Queensland and Yachting
Australia.
To that I’d like to commend Leon Thomas and his ‘Guilty
Pleasures VI’ team for their Sydney to Hobart endeavours,
the first since ‘Zoe’ in 2001. In addition all the other
Townsville sailors that will be taking up challenge as well. I
look forward to watching your progress toasting to your
success.
Keep the winds in your sails.
Craig Knight - Sailing Captain

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – Friday
December 26th
National Sabot Titles – 28th December to 04th
January
Australia Day – Monday 26th January
Australia Day Cruise
Join us on the beach for lunch and drinks, followed by a
not so serious game of cricket. Given the significance of
the day, sledging and underarm bowling will be tolerated.
Figurehead and “Best Convict Look alike” competitions on
the day and much more. Remember that the figurehead
competition is a wholesome family event, so gentleman
please leave the mankinis at home where they belong.
Tickets will be just $15 per person and on sale from early
January.
Guy Carton – Social Director
Social/Twilight Sailing
It’s great to see more boats on the water on a Wednesday
night, and many thanks to those boats who take visitors out.
I always try to get all our visitors on boats but sometimes it
does not work out. If you are going out and can take some
visitors please let me know as soon as possible on the night
as it will really help get as many as possible on boats.
Putting my Treasurers hat on – please nominate! It’s only $5
and it all goes to helping run your Club.
With New Years Eve, being on a Wednesday night, TCYC
will not be holding a social/twilight sail on this night.
Kevin Williams - TCYC Treasurer
Racing
Playing It Safe
For those who weren’t at the AGM, it would seem that I have
been given the position of Race Director once again. My first
task is to put together a Race Calendar that will hopefully have
something in it for all boats and not upset too many. My
thoughts are that there will be more races than last year and
no long breaks in the program. We will be looking at doing
more staggered starts, as they are always popular and puts
pressure on the early starters to know the course. Destination
finishes will also be part of the program again which hopefully
might encourage some cruising boats to join in the post race
festivities. If anyone has any suggestions as to what they want
or don’t want in a race program please let me know in the next
few weeks as I would like to finalise the calendar before
Christmas.
A reminder to all yacht/boat owners and or skippers to
check the number of lifejackets on board their vessel,
meet the safety standards, the vessel is registered and a
label affixed, someone holds a speed boat driver’s
license, flares are in date PHYSICALLY CHECK THE
EXPIRY DATE, and a V-sheet is on board.
There has been plenty of talk about a race over the Easter
weekend. TCYC has a very long history with the Dunk Island
and Hinchinbrook Blue Water Classics so we will be working
very hard to make this happen in 2015. At this stage it would
probably be a finish at an island other than Magnetic Island.
We will keep you informed as soon as we can confirm a
destination.
It is not worth a fine, fine for safety equipment is now
$200.
If you are going further a field, i.e. past Maggie Island
you must have a 406mhz EPIRB and it must be
registered with AMSA, and in date. Queensland
legislation required a 406MHz EPIRB as of 1st
November 2008. Not being able to purchase one is not
an excuse, neither is having one on order, it must be on
the vessel.
Cheers
Dick Greenwood – Safety Officer
With only about 14 weeks to the start of next season now is
the time to do that too hard maintenance, order the new sails
and, if need be, sack last year’s crew and get a new one.
See you on the water.
Graham Donnell – Race Director
Commodore’s Cup
The winner of the 2014 Commodore’s Cup proved that you don’t
need to be the biggest boat in the fleet to be competitive. Bob
Clayton’s ‘Chameleon’ was a very popular winner on the night of
not only the Commodore’s Cup but claiming 1st prize in five (5)
of the nine (9) race series (those 5 being the Frostbite, Spring,
Magnetic, Off Shore & Lady Skipper Series’).
‘Chameleon’ was designed in 1983 by Scott Kaufman as a trailer
yacht to Bob’s requirements and is constructed of WR Cedar
strip planked over hoop pine keel and bulkheads – glassed
inside and out. ‘Chameleon’ was built over a 23 year period by
Bob in the backyard – her speed was not evident at the time and was launched in January 2006. It appears that Bob is
preparing to retain the Commodore’s Cup in 2015, as
‘Chameleon’ is out of the water for summer maintenance, and
will be re-launched for the 2015 season.
And Bob would like all to know there is no truth to the rumour
that ‘Chameleon’ is about to change her colours.
Congratulations Bob and ‘Chameleon’ crew from all of TCYC.
(Thank you to Guy Carton for the photo of ‘Chameleon’)
Commodore’s Cup Winner ‘Chameleon’
Sailor Of The Month
This month we caught up with TCYCs youngest and arguably
cutest sailor Finn Carton, otherwise known as Point 1. We got
his take on the 2014 sailing season, his plans for 2015 and
asked how his build up was going for the 2035 S2H and the
2036 Fiji Ocean Race.
What are your sailing plans for 2015?
Age: 1
Well a bit more club racing, especially the lady skippers and
fixed mark races. We’re keeping Easter free as it looks like
Graham the Race Director is planning something special.
We’ll definitely be in for another MIRW, I’ve been doing that
regatta my whole life now and it’s a top event. Steve the old
IOR warhorse beat us on points this year, but next race
week I’ll almost be 2, so watch out. On the cruising side of
things we’re hoping to get down to the Whitsundays for a
couple of weeks and maybe up to Orpheus again.
Boat: ‘No Legends’
Ever been to the Whitsundays?
Favourite brewski: Aptamil
Profutura formula
Well sort of… apparently we sailed through the Whitsundays
when we brought ‘No Legends’ from Mackay to Townsville.
I’d only been in the oven 2 months at that stage, I think Mum
fed the fish a lot during that trip.
Name: Finn Carton
Favourite
Greg Elliott
boat/designer:
So Finn how was this year’s racing/cruising season, any
highlights?
So final question, how’s the build up for the 2035 S2H
and the 2036 Fiji Ocean Race going?
Yeah quite a few highlights for sure, Mum scored second overall
in the lady skippers’ series which was pretty good. We won the
last Maggie race of the year and finished over 30min ahead of
my good buddy Vaughan on ‘Unhinged’. We did our first run to
Orpheus and Palm Island, can’t remember too much of the trip
though, I think I slept most of the way. MIRW was a blast of
course, and the Herald Island trip was a ripper, those girls off
‘Soul Sister’ sure can party!
All under control, just logging miles at the moment.
Looking forward to tracking GP for this year’s S2H,
‘Comanche’ for line honours.
How would you describe the vibe on No Legends?
It’s pretty relaxed, we’re still learning about the boat but we
definitely got faster towards the end of the year. We always go
pretty well with Mum on the helm, and now she does all the
starts, its heaps better! Dad has trouble with the time on
distance thing, he also has a tendency to sail too high, but
enough said.
What’s your role on the boat?
At present I make the tactical calls, I usually give the old people
instructions regarding start line bias and boat positioning off the
line, after that I usually grab some shut eye for a couple of hours
in the for’d berth. I might move on to some trimming and bow
work next year, I just got to learn to walk first.
You seem to be quite popular with the ladies, would you
describe yourself as a ladies man?
Ummm….. I don’t kiss and tell
Articles for Next Edition
Contributions of articles from Club Members for future
editions of the “Get Knotted” newsletter are encouraged.
Email [email protected] at least 7 days prior to
the end of the month.
2015 Committee
2014 Presentation Night
At the recent Annual General Meeting the following
committee members were elected for 2015.
The TCYC 2014 Presentation Night was held on the night
of Saturday 15th November at the Townsville Yacht Club.
Awards were presented for the first three (3) places for all
series winners, with ‘Chameleon’ being a very popular
Commodore’s Cup winner.
Sailing Captain
Craig Knight
Vice-Captain
Bob Clayton
Outgoing Sailing Captain
Gail Harrower
Secretary
Meghan Scott
Treasurer
Kevin Williams
Race Director
Graham Donnell
Handicapper
Mark Vickers
Social Director
Guy Carton
Safety Officer
Dick Greenwood
Publicity Officer
Vacant
Web Officer
Nathan English
General member
Terri Mitchell
All committee members, new and re-elected are looking
forward to a successful year.
General News
Easter Regatta
Discussions have been held in regard to Orpheous Island as
the destination for an Easter Regatta. Due to the planning
that needs to go into coordination this event, it would be
appreciated if you could indicate your level of interest, and
provide suggestions and feedback to the committee in
regard to this idea..
TCYC Website – Request to update information
As outlined above, Nathan English was successful in his
nomination for TCYC Web/IT Officer and as such will be
updating the current site. This will include updating details
regarding the boats currently shown on the site as well as
keeping information current regarding races, race results
and upcoming events. To assist Nathan, could boat owners
please send through a current photo and a bit of information
about themselves and their boat so this can be updated on
the site.
Facebook Page
Don’t forget to join the Townsville Cruising Yacht Club
Facebook page to keep up to date with information in
between newsletters.
Members can post and share information between
themselves and even create events if going cruising to let
others know that may be interested.
In your Facebook search just enter Townsville Cruising Yacht
Club to join.
Congratulations to all winners and place getters and
thank you to all boats and crew that took part.
As summed up by Bob Clayton, owner and skipper of
‘Chameleon’, what is important is that you are out there
participating.
TROPICAL
AUTUMN
1 - Zoe
nd
2 - Dusty Muzzle
rd
3 - Tapdancer
1st - Guilty Pleasures VI
2nd - Zoe
3rd - Dusty Muzzle
FROSTBITE
SPRING
1st - Chameleon
2nd - Iseulta
3rd - Dusty Muzzle
1st - Chameleon
2nd - No Legends
3rd - Zen
MAGNETIC
FIXED MARK
1st - Chameleon
2nd - Soul Sister
3rd - Zoe
1st - Zoe
2nd - Guilty Pleasures VI
3rd - Dusty Muzzle
OFFSHORE
BUOY
1st - Chameleon
2nd - Dusty Muzzle
3rd - Femme Fatale
1st - Zoe
2nd - Chameleon
3rd - Boadicca
LADY SKIPPER
COMMODORE'S CUP
1st - Chameleon
2nd - No Legends
3rd - Tapdancer
1st - Chameleon
2nd - Dusty Muzzle
3rd - Iseulta
st
Sydney to Hobart 2015
Guilty Pleasures VI
This years Sydney to Hobart will have many Townsville sailors
keeping a keen eye on a few of own. ‘Guilty Pleasure VI’, a
Farr 40, will start in its maiden Sydney to Hobart race on
Boxing Day, and a number of local sailors will also be involved
as crew and support for other yachts racing.
Owner - Joel Bruce, Greg Dorries & Leon Thomas
Skipper - Leon Thomas
Whilst interest has been building more recently in this years
race for most, for the owners and crew of ‘Guilty Pleasure VI’,
preparation began 12 months ago.
This has included
replacing just about everything. Part-owner and skipper Leon
Thomas estimates crew have invested between 1500 and
2000 man hours to get the boat ready.
By the time ‘Guilty Pleasure VI’ crosses the start line, crew will
have sailed approximately 3000 miles already. This includes
Sydney to Townsville, Diamond Islet qualifier, and Townsville
to Sydney. She has also participated in Townsville - Airlie Townsville race and Magnetic Island Race Week, giving crew
a nice round figure of 5000 miles for the year. At a 7 knot
average that is over 700 hours of sailing. Yet they still feel
they could do with more practice.
Off the water there is the mountain of paperwork that needs to
be completed, and Joel Bruce has been working diligently to
get the Guilty Pleasures crew on top of that. This has included
IRC and ORCi measurement for stability, Boat Build
certification (which resulted in having to contact Farr and
engage a marine architect to sign off the boat was built
correctly and in accordance with ABS), crew declarations,
charts (approximately 50), safety certificate, and insurance.
Leon’s advise to anyone considering doing a Sydney to Hobart
is to start talking to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
(CYCA) early and develop a relationship.
At the farewell function held at the Townsville Yacht Club on
November 29th, Leon stated he was hopeful that their
participation would pave the way for other sailing people or
sailing programs to reach for and choose to compete in future
Sydney to Hobart races.
Sailing Master - Greg Dorries
Sailing Master
Greg Dorries
Navigator
Joel Bruce
Crew
S Brierly, D Haydon, S
Cant, R Arthur, and K
Collier
Type
Farr 40
Designer
Farr Yacht Design
Builder
Carroll Marine
Construction - GRP
LOA - 12.4
Beam - 4.0
Draft - 2.6
Others to watch (and
how to watch)
Other sailors involved this year are Mark Vickers and
Wes Bailey on Ocean Affinity, a Marten 49 that has
competed each in consecutive race since 2010 and In
last year’s race she placed 13th overall IRC, 6th in IRC
Division 2 and 10th in ORCi.
Mark Fox, better known to us as “Foxy”, is sailing on
Bacardi, a 30 year old Peterson 44 which has the record
of most ever Sydney to Hobart’s by an individual yacht.
This is Foxy’s second Sydney to Hobart and he will be
the main trimmer and tactician for Bacardi in this race.
Andrew Wallace will be managing shore support for
‘Spirit of Mateship’, a Volvo 60 owned by the not- forprofit Mates4Mates, that won its division last year.
Crewed by some experienced yachtsmen as well as
wounded, injured and ill Australian current and exDefence members, this group of mates will be competing
as part of Mates4Mates broader sailing rehabilitation
program.
Special mention should also go to all family, friends
sponsors and employers that allow everyone involved to
participate.
Log onto http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/tracker/ track the
progress and put your support behind our local sailors.
Guilty Pleasures VI