Feb 16th & 17th seems fine to lock in - for the newsletter.
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Cruise News
www.islandcruising.co.nz
Next Club EVENT :- Friday 9th August 2013
Next Club Event
Friday 9th August 2013
Venue to be advised.
The 2013 Pacific Circuit
Rally is now well underway with the Kingdom of
Tonga the first stop.
See where Windflower
is now, click the link
below
June 2013
Updates, News and club events
Even Hell..pt 2 - The Eye of the Storm
What Works - Refridg. charging & Water Makers
Anchoring - Staying put in a blow.
Doyle Sails - PCR Update
Introducing- PCR Profiles
http://www.islandcruising.co.nz/?page_id5
PACIFIC ZULU
e maran built
Yanmar diesel
el. Floscan fuel
it/nautical mile.
double or 2
uruno Navnet +
epthsounder/
dinghy,
to approved
survey. Has
gear. 11.95m,
m draft. For sale
This Ocean Capable
Power Trimaran
is now for seriously
– 0272848121 or owner Barry Young - (09) 4739506
For Sale
See pg 23 for details
Whiting
power systems
The front runners in the fleet
departing Opua 1st May.
We UPCOMING
Make Cruising M
ore Fun
KEEP CURRENT WITH
EVENTS
IN CRUISE NEWS
UPFRONT
FRONT COVER
The fleet got away on a beautiful 1st of May
with enough wind for a good sail and no
seaway to speak of. Seen here passing the
Opua wharf about 200m north of the start
line at the Opua Cruising Club.
INSIDE....
3.. 4,... 5...
6...
8...
12.
16... 18...
19...
20...
21...
22...
24..
25...
What's up next?
Updates, News
Featured in this issue
Evan Hell - Pt 2 - The eye of the storm.
Anchoring - How to stay put in a blow.
Doyle Sails PCR update
Sail to Indonesia rally
What Works
Introducing - PCR profiles
Cruising Prep Seminar dates
Recipes
Ponder this
Classifieds:- For sale & wanted to buy.
Brokerage
NEXT UP.
EDITOR'S
NOTES
Next ICA get together
Friday 9th August 2013. The venue is still to be set for this one
so watch this space.
What a great start to this years cruising season.
Almost 40 ICA Rally boats got away from Opua on
the 1st of May. The weather for the passage was as
close to perfect as you can get and most of the fleet
arrived at the Minerva's without incident, except
for a couple of exceptions with gear damage. This
group love a bit of fun and we ended up playing
the first Cricket International at the MCG (Minerva
Cricket Ground), North Minerva to be exact. From
there it was onto Tonga. The Uoleva clearance, a
first for ICA was a huge success but more on that in
the Doyle Pacific Circuit Rally report on pg 9.
Most of the fleet are reporting on Skipr.net this year
with the page mirrored on the ICA site.
To see where Windflower is today, click the link
below.
http://www.islandcruising.co.nz/?page_id5
2013/14 Seminar dates
A full round up of Seminar dates and program is now available online on the ICA site. or click the link below.
http://www.islandcruising.co.nz/?page_id=1563
2014 Sail 2 indonesia rally
Registrations have been strong for this rally since it's
launch last month. Final dates and venues will be
released shortly along with the first info pack for those
already registered.
summer rendezvous
Looks like the Barrier is going to be a busy place this
summer with good numbers alread registered for this 6
day "Cruise in Company"
Doyle Sails 2013 Pacific Circuit
Rally
There are still a few places available for Legs 3, 4 and 5 . This year
see's the first time a rally fleet has entered Fiji in the Lau Group. The
clearance dates for the Lau are on the 17th June and there is still
space for entries direct from NZ for this leg.
All Points Rally Dates
The 2013 All Points Rally dates in Opua are November 15th to 22nd
Registration and enrty details are now available online.
winter club nights
Friday 9th August
Friday 11th October
Welcome Back and Christmas Party
Saturday 23rd November.
For further details and to register, go to
www.islandcruising.co.nz
John & Lyn
Pg 3
Whiting
power systems
Where in the world is this shot?
Stunning Kenutu
Laundry day, Uoleva
Tell us which bay it was taken from and what we're looking at to have a chance to win a club Birgee.
CONTACT US....
Island Cruising Regattas Ltd. Trading as the Island Cruising Association or ICA - Directors;- John & Lyn Martin
email: [email protected] Snail mail: P.O. Box 534, Paihia Bay of Islands, 0290, New Zealand
voice mail: mobile 027-242-1088 & 021-242-1088 Office:- The good ship "WINDFLOWER", South Pacific
Voice Mail:- New Zealand 09 8898 444 Australia - 073 0403072
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Where in the world is this Pic?
OK we made this one too hard. I had hoped some of the members that
are already in Indonesia would have known this one. It's of the Island of
Mausambai in central Indonesia.
6..Evan Hell - part 2 - John Hembrow
In December last year Fiji was hit by
category 5 cyclone Evan. Last month we
introduced part 1 of the story, preparing
for the worst.
This month, part 2, The Eye of the Storm.
Welcome Aboard
May saw a rash of new members thanks to some great press from the Seven Seas Cruising Association. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank SSCA and to Welcome you Aboard, if you have any
queries please don't hesitate to drop us a line.
8..Feature Article - Anchoring, how to
Cruising Prep Schools.
stay put in a blow.
Every year during the cruising season
there's a blow that tests how you've
anchored. This years no exception, as I
write this we're sitting at anchor with
gusts to 45.
The first of the New Zealand Cruising Prep Schools is set for the weekend of 23rd/ 24th November
in Auckland. We will be usuing the same venue as last year at the Parnell. This holds a limited number of participants so we have had to place a limit on the numbers attending here. Please get your
registrations in as soon as possible to secure your place.
2014 Sail 2 Indonesia Rally Registrations.
Rally information and registration is now online www.islandcruising.co.nz The format of this rally has obviously found accord with many cruisers heading west with strong
numbers registered after the launch in May. It's also nice to see a number of return participants
from other ICA rallies.
Final arrangements are nearly there on Venues and dates and will be released soon along with Info
pack one for the rally.
For full details see the fliers on pages 6 to 9 or visit the website.
Update
Tonga, "The Friendly Islands" and the
first destination for the 2013 PCR. The
Passage, the clearance into Tonga's
Ha'apai Group and the cruising beyond.
Cyclone Greg has been busy again upgrading the facilities offered to Cruisiers for this years cruising season.
Along with the awesome food and coffee the cafe already offers our ICA port captain for Vava'u
now also offer upgraded internet, the fastest in the region with an extension of the premises into
the shop next door. This has also allowed for installation of the only commercial quality laundry
in Nieafu and as the local water is a bit hard, all washing is done with rain water. Lyn tested the
facilities and gave it the thumbs up with the washing returned clean, dry and folded, yes folded by
the girls. Greg is also a font of knowledge about everything Vava'u so if you've got a question either
stop in for a coffee or give them a call on Ch 16 VHF
Cafe Tropicana- ICA Port Captains since 2008-
18..What Works -
Refrigeration, Power Generation and
Water makers
We take a look at whats in the fleet,
whats working and more important
what's not!!
www.vavau.to/tropicana
Whiting
power systems
12..Doyle Sails - Pacific Circuit Rally
Cafe Tropicana hits the season running.
[email protected]
Whiting
Medical Kits
19..Introducing.- PCR Profiles
The answer to the question "Can I go
Cruising?" is YES, we profile another
couple in this years PCR
Every year we get some real characters
in the fleet, this year is no exception.
power systems
TRAINING
Yacht Lifeline
Available from
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attempt to re-attach it! I am told the swells at the marina entrance were in excess of 1 meter and there were standing waves
breaking all over the surge protector but that wasn`t going to stop the staff from having a go at re-securing it even if the wind
out there was over 70 kts !
3.00pm ; The first reports of drama begin to filter over the radio. Headsails that were not removed are starting to unfurl and
shred, Halyards that have not been well secured are flying around masts and a large tree has fallen and its branches have rested
on the solar panels and rear awning of a boat across from us but fortunately it seems that the marina staff and the owners have
been able to clear the worst of the debris and avoid further damage. So far so good for us ,, our fenders continue to jump on to
the deck as Red Sky and the boats either side of us roll and come together , it is a continuous battle to keep them in place but
so far we had managed to avoid any damage.
Part 2 -The Eye of the Storm - John Hembrow
So all the preparations were complete it was Sunday evening 16th December 2012 and we had returned to Red Sky, moved her
away from the sea wall, tensioned the anchor chain and stern lines, checked that our spreaders were not going to get fouled in
the rigging / masts of the boats either side of us, adjusted our fenders and we were anxiously checking forecasts and hoping that
Evan would make a last minute course adjustment and move offshore. No luck in that regard weather stations reported that TC
Evan was intensifying was now confirmed as a category 4 cyclone which is described as follows;
Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread
power failures. A Category 4 cyclone’s strongest winds are VERY DESTRUCTIVE winds with gusts of 225 - 280 km/h.( 120-150 kts).
These winds correspond to the highest category on the Beaufort scale, Beaufort 12 (Hurricane).
11.00 am Monday 17 December; We were getting a taste of what was to come. Wind speeds were constant at about 50 kts with
gusts to about 65 kts and the barometer was falling at an alarming rate. In the photo below you can see the adjustable pressure
indicator position from before Evan began to affect us at 1020.
th
5.00pm ; The bow lines on a 70 + foot ketch 5 boats upwind from us have failed and apparently the anchor chain was not properly
secured and its owner is now desperately motoring forward on its stern lines attempting to keep the boat from being destroyed
against the seawall .
The result of this for us is that the weight of it has been transferred to the boat alongside and it has caused a domino effect
meaning that they are now all resting on each other and rolling heavily with the wind pressure on the masts. It became far too
dangerous to try to push the fenders back down as they were pushed out of position as the rolling was so extreme that it was
actually causing the cap rail to go under water and one instance of bad timing on my behalf would surely result in a crushed limb
or worse,, time to retreat below and peak out of the port lights.
As we rolled I could see at least half a meter of the antifoul of the boat to our starboard and 1 meter of the smaller boat to our
portside. By now the fenders, those that hadn`t popped, were useless and the topsides of Red Sky and the boats around us were
getting scratched, the teak cap rails were being destroyed, stanchions were bending and lifelines breaking. It was heartbreaking
to have no choice but to bear witness to the sights and sounds Red Sky being punished in such a manner,, even as I write this 5
months later I become emotional.
This continued for the next 4 hours or so and wind speeds at the marina entrance were reported to have exceeded 120 kts or
220 k/ph. I can say with certainty that this was the worst 4 hours of boat ownership of my life. Leanne and I just sat in the saloon,
and grimaced every few minutes as the sound of splintering timbers and the boats next door bashing against our topsides all the
time trying to imagine just how bad the damage might be.
We couldn`t move around with any ease and even just sitting in the lounges was impossible without bracing against the floor,
at one stage Leanne was actually thrown from port to starboard as she attempted to change positions. The motion of the boat
was violent and was far worse than any ocean passage we have experienced.
9.00pm; Things started to calm a little; it is amazing how calm 40 kts of wind seems after 4-5 hours of 80-100kts! But the fun
wasn`t over yet.
Concerns about a storm surge coinciding with a high tide that was due in a couple of hours lead to speculation about the potential consequences and even more trepidation. Fortunately there was no significant surge and we were spared the predicted
anarchy that may have resulted.
12.30 pm; I attempted to capture the fury on video of what we though (hoped) was as bad as it would get, rain was coming
down in sheets, the noise generated by the wind as it continued to build (now constant around 65 kts or 145 km/h and gusting
much higher) had changed from the familiar whistle as it passed through rigging to what I can only describe as a guttural roar,,
something like the noise one that the Zombies make in those Hollywood horror movies. At this stage we still had internet and
I posted the video on my Facebook Page and I was soon receiving requests from news and other media for permission to air it.
28 Storms posted it to their You Tube Channel and can be viewed at; http://youtu.be/gh6S9D6Hs8A
1.00 pm; Pressure was 970 and still falling. News reports were saying that the eye which was expected to pass by very close to
Vuda Marina was still 5 hours away ! It was at this point we realized that we were in one hell of a storm and things were going
to get ugly.
1.30am; – 14 hours after it began its finally over ,,, things are calming Red Sky is still afloat , a good look around with the aid of
a spotlight and there appears to be no significant damage to her ( cosmetic only ) and she is now just rolling gently . We realize
that we are ok, but emotional, exhausted and grateful to have survived what was later reported here at http://www.weather.
com/news/weather-hurricanes/fiji-samoa-cyclone-evan-20121216 to be “The most intense tropical cyclone to have impacted
Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu.”
Next Month - Evan Hell - Part 3 -The Aftermath & Lessons learned.
For everything Spars and
Rigging related we're No1.
Items that had not been well enough secured began to blow around the marina and to my surprise I could see marina staff running around chasing after them as the crashed into trees and boats that were in the shipyard. I was at the time and remain still
in awe of the courage and commitment of the Vuda Marina Staff . They had been told by management not to venture outside
once the cyclone started however they couldn`t seem to help themselves.
email - [email protected]
Opua (+64) 09 402 6280
Whangarei (+64) 09 430 0298
Next thing I see is one of the staff with dive tanks and mask on running past Red Sky headed for the marina entrance , then I
see the marina tender headed that way also ! Apparently the surge protector had partially let go and these guys were going to
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your anchor for your boat (size and weight) as per the manufacturer’s recommendation, that goes for the chain size too.
Your second anchor should be a different type of anchor from your primary but
also sized to be used as a primary if required. A good choice here would be a
Danforth type or Fortress anchor. Both are very good in sand, mud and softer
bottoms. The secondary anchor should be set up in the anchor locker, ready to
go and for weight considerations often has a chain and rope rode rather than all
chain. This allows the secondary anchor to be deployed quickly in the event of a
catastrophic failure of the primary.
Anchoring - How to stay put in a blow.
Every year during the cruising season there's a blow that tests how you've anchored.
This years no exception, as I write this we're sitting at anchor with gusts to 45.
Anchoring – How to stay put in a blow.
You’ll often hear experienced cruisers say that good anchor and rode are your best
insurance. John and
Lyn Martin explore what’s needed on your average cruiser to help you stay put in a
blow.
It doesn’t matter if you’re out for the weekend, coastal cruising or out there exploring the world what you put on the bottom can, in the wrong circumstances, be all
that’s between you and disaster. So it stands to reason this is one area that every
sailor, power and sail, should make a reasonable investment in. You would of course
be wrong.
Anchoring can be a great spectator sport and watching what some people put down
in the expectation of staying put is frankly laughable. So what do you need? Not
all boats are going to need the same set up and some of it depends on the boat
and some on what use you’re going to put it too. Most boats heading out for the
weekend don’t need to go the whole 9 yards but should still have gear sized to the
boat. You’re average production boat will usually come with a windlass that will get
the gear off the bottom but may slow down a bit if you don’t motor up on the anchor
while retrieving it. But if you want to head further afield then you need to plan your
anchor, rode and windlass around the worst case scenario.
Your third anchor has a number of uses and can be set up in a number of ways.
We use a smaller Danforth and have it set up to use as a stern anchor for those
rolly anchorages. It has about three meters of chain and the rest of the rode is
Nylon rope. This anchor can also be used as a tandem anchor if your primary isn’t
holding in soft bottom conditions by attaching it onto the front of the primary on
the 3m chain only.
Another choice for third anchor would be a Fisherman type if the bottom conditions where you intend to cruise are often rocky or kelp covered. Not all chain
is created equal. Watch out when you are pricing chain as there is some cheep
rubbish around and beware of re-galvanised chain. The process reduces strength
by as much as 30%. From experience, tested Italian chain has the best performance and should be sized to the boat and the anchor you’re using. Remember
the bigger the chain the better the catenary effect. We carry around 100m of
tested short link chain on our primary and this sorts out 99% of anchorages. We
have the bitter end secured by a length of rope and a shackle that’s long enough
to come just above the hoss pipe so more rode, either rope or chain can be added
if required.
Bringing it up and putting it down.
Rope verses Chain
This is a debate that has raged for years. If you are only heading out for the occasional overnighter then rope and chain are fine, after all, of course you’ve checked the
weather and a blow at anchorage is not in the forecast. Extended cruising is another
matter. Sometimes you don’t have a choice and you’ll be out when it’s forecast to get
snotty. If your boat can handle the weight up front then it’s all chain in my book and
the more the better. Why? The word is “Catenary” and it’s the shape the chain takes
as it goes from your bow to the anchor. A nice curve is good, as the boat pulls back in
a gust the energy is dissipated as it straightens out the chain and acts as a shock absorber, taking snap load off the anchor, snap loading the anchor or pulling the shank
up instead of along can literally “Pluck” your anchor.
If you’re doing a lot of cruising then you’re windlass is going to get some work. In
a six month cruise around the islands last year I calculated the average use and
came up with a staggering 13 kilometers of chain pulled in over that time and
that’s up only. If you use your windlass to let the chain out you can double that
figure. That’s a lot of revolutions on the motor and gearbox, add to that we often
anchor in depths up to 30 meters, add again that middle of the night bail out
from a bad anchorage where you’re using the power of the winch to pull the boat
forward, some serious gear is needed. This is one part of the anchoring equation
where might is right so think about going up a couple of sizes on what the
manufacturer is recommending. While you’re at it buy a spare windlass motor for
good measure and service your windlass like you love her.
Rope and chain gives you only a very limited catenary effect. If you’re heading to
tropical waters then all chain is a must. I’ve seen 25mm rope rode sawn through on
coral easier than spreading semi soft butter. You can also help improve the catenary
effect by using a “Kellet”. A Kellet, a good example of which is the New Zealand produced “Anchor Buddy”, acts as a weight on your chain improving the angle of pull on
the anchor. This can be of particular use in strong winds, adding a further dampening effect on the rode, or when space is limited the scope can be reduced without
compromising your holding.
Above or below deck.
This is a preference issue, mine is above deck. Why? Your anchor locker is one of
the most corrosive places on earth. Put salt water and electricity together and
watch metal dissolve. We persevered with a through deck unit for a number of
years and I was always chasing my tail. We swapped out for a deck mounted unit
and maintenance is now simply new oil in the gearbox and plenty of grease on the
moving parts. For any windlass I can recommend a liberal coating of CRC Soft Seal
on the motor for a long life.
How much is too much?
The traditionalists would say it’s never enough when it come to ground tackle. But
to be reasonable for extended coastal and offshore cruising we can start with a minimum of three anchors. Your primary should stay on the bow so you’ll need a bow
roller that’s set up to handle it. The primary is your all purpose anchor so needs to be
of a type that covers the largest range of bottom conditions. Over the last five or so
years the “Spade” anchor has risen in popularity with Rocna, Manson Supreme and
the new Manson Boss anchor the most popular and for good reason, they work. Size
Snub it or break it.
A snubber is a very useful piece of your anchoring kit. Usually it’s a length or Nylon or Polypropylene rope that will stretch to absorb shock loads. They’re used to
take the load off your windlass by hooking onto the chain once you have enough
scope out and allowing some 3 or 4 meters additional chain out before making the
snubber fast to the Sampson post or a strong cleat. A chain hook or shackle can be
used or if you’re good a ropes a simple bend will do. A snubber will also insulate
you from chain noise as it scrapes across a hard bottom.
Now that we’ve got your gear sorted the next most important factor is scope,
or the amount of chain you put out. You’ll hear people say 5 to 1 or some other
magic figure, for my book if it’s in your anchor locker it’s not working for you. If
you’ve got the sea room put it all out, you’ll sleep better.
With the right gear welding you to the bottom it’s often the other occupants
in the bay that are your main worry. A medium sized boat dragging, side on to
the breeze can take a lot of stopping and can do a lot of damage very quickly so
choosing the right anchorage if a blow is coming can be important. Get there early
and position yourself for what’s coming, not necessarily what’s happening when
you anchor, can also save you some hair loss, safe sailing.
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"All Points Rally" 2013
“Turn Left, it’s easy”.
Make New Zealand your destination.
The “All Points Rally” is a *FREE rally and departs from Tonga, Fiji,
Vanuatu and New Caledonia for New Zealand in late October/ early
November for festivities, free seminars and fun at Opua from
15th to 22nd of November 2013
www.islandcruising.co.nz
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Doyle Sails
2013 Pacific Circuit Rally Update...
The lead up to the 2013 Rallies was full on this year having only arrived in Opua 5 1/2 weeks before the start.
Getting the boat ready, running the inaugural Opua Cruisers festival and then straight into the Rally briefings,
meant a busy time. As usual the Opua Cruising Club was a great place for drinks and meals, and local businesses were available to assist with last minute problems. Thankfully the weather played ball and most boats made
it to the official start, some even flying coloured sails as they headed out into the blue. After a couple of last
minute issues, Windflower left 6 hours behind the rest of the fleet and we enjoyed a great run north.
Nearly all the boats headed to Minerva Reef, some enjoying both South and North. Neil on Overdraft suggested
a cricket match on the reef, so most crews gathered at low tide for the first ( and probably last) international
cricket test held in the North Minerva Cricket Oval. Lots of fun was had but unfortunately the ball didn't get
through more than a dozen overs, so a draw was declared.
Tonga and Fiji were calling so the fleet split and went their separate ways. For those heading to Tonga, it was
Sunset at Uoleva.
Caravanserai
First and Last boats
a bit of a slog to windward. Due to problems with getting crew
onto flights from the Haia'pai, half the Pacific Circuit fleet ended
up clearing in Paingaimotu with the Tonga Rally, but for those that
cleared at
Uoleva we couldn't have had a better welcome. Clearances went
very smoothly, and the cold beers and chilled wine were rapidly
consumed at the Eager Beaver Beach Bar, and drinking coconuts
were quickly found for those who wanted something alcohol free.
David Hunt, our man on the ground, also organised for fresh fruit
and veges as well as bread.
With the Haia'pai showing us her friendliest side of balmy winds
The Beach Bar
Uoleva, Ha'apai
Cricket anyone!! Nth Minerva
50 kg Tuna for Bravado
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Kenutu, Vava'u
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and clear blue skies, the first few days saw the
start of fun and games, with the Pirate party
kcking it all off. Thalasante took 'first boat' honours but handed the rum bottle to the good ship
Carrie who were the last to anchor, but only after
Claire and Yves took a couple swigs. Thankfully
they left enough for the rum punch. Closest ETA
went to Providence, largest fish to Bravado and
after a vote from the whole group, Caravanserai
took out best Pirate Costume. Malo Apito to Sam,
the Tonga Tourism rep and the Tonga Visitors
Bureau for the trophies. Captain Cooks put on a
great feast, with lots of seafood, local vegetables,
chicken and pigs roasted in the umu. My favourite
as always was the caramelized tapioca. Serenity
beach hosted us on the third night with Semi out
doing himself with baked red snapper, delicious
chicken and loads of salad, with lime cake
Sharks and other scary monsters!!
Found Nimo!!
Inaugural "FIT"
islands, some of the flotsam was interesting. On this islands we found part of a marina pontoon, a few fishing
floats and untold jandals, both left and right. Barry on Centurus used the sand bank to practice his kite surfing.
Uonukuhihifo called and a couple of pleasant days were spent here sorkellingand chilling out. With copious
amounts of driftwood along the beach, we had sundowners with a roaring bonfire. Some of the local wildlife showed themselves in the form of cattle and a rather scrawny pig who investigated the remains for any
tidbits.
With the weather being so settled we took a quick trip out to Limu, on the outer reef. On the way we had a
humpback breech ahead of us, first sighting of the season. Limu is a beautiful spot, with azure waters and
white sand. All of us who visited circumnavigated the island on foot, then Jess and Pete from Caravanserai,
and the Windflower crew, snorkelled from shore back to the boats. The fish life was awesome with everything from boxfish to a large waloo. We even had a small turtle with 5 ramorrah attached. He took off
pretty fast when he saw me; probably my squeal of excitement scared him.
and chocolate cake for dessert. We were also
treated to fire dancing as well as some Tongan
dancing.
The fleet went in different directions for a few days but met up again at Foa, in the anchorage beside Sandy
Beach Resort. We enjoyed pizza and burgers at Matafonoa Resort on the point, great snorkelling in the
lagoon and most took part in the first Foa International Triathlon, involving a swim, a run and a paddle. This
team event was only just won by the crew of Centurus over the mixed Obsession/Providence team. And people wonder what cruisers do.
After 4 days we left to explore. First stop Tofanga,
a small island south of Uoleva. As with all tropical
Vava'u was calling so Saturday 25 saw a migration north to join the rest of the fleet that were already in the
area. For the next couple of weeks, we will be exploring and enjoying the delights this area has offer.
Fire Dancing at Serenity Beach
Limu Island- Ha'apai
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2013 Pacific Circuit Rally Profile...
Nick & Trudy Shapley - Seanine (C9)
With the fleet now one month into this years cruising season we look at what is and
what's not working in the fleet.
Refrigeration.
In last years October Cruise News we took a look at refrigeration systems and concluded
the following.
What to look out for.
A/. Insulation is everything. Top opening is best but in tropical conditions 100mm side
and top insulation and a minimum of 150, preferably 200mm on the bottom.
B/. For DC systems, water cooled is best. Our 75 litre freezer, water cooled, set to -18C
uses approx.. 80 amp hours per 24 hrs in 30C ambient. Our 40 Litre drawer fridge, air
cooled uses almost the same. A total of 150 -160 amp hrs a day, hence the need to provide good passive charging.
Trudy and Nick - C9
Nick came home one day rather sad, one of his
good mates had died! Worse he was younger than
Nick. There must be more to this life than work. We
were busy with business, a farm and Trudi had two
part time jobs as well. Things needed to change.
A long time friend, Paul, had a yacht and was sailing
around the Philippines, Nick decided we were going
to do something similar.
Logistics!! First sell the business, not an easy task in
the GFC, then what to do with the farm?
Nick started looking at different yachts new and
Failures this year have been related mainly to power with many turning their freezer into
a cooler or turning off their fridge unit. Our Waeco chilly bin type unit has been used by
a number of the boats so far.
Also two engine driven compressor systems have failed, one to degassing and the other
to a pulley failure.
Power Generation.
Having put much higher loads on the charge system here in the tropics we have seen a
number of alternator failures this year. Add to that the number of wind generators that
are out of service and there are many in the fleet struggling to keep up with power issues.
This year we replaced our Balmar alternator on the engine and fitted an "ElecroMax"
160 amp alternator with serpentine belts. It's got less than 200 hours on it so far so the
jury is still out but it has a number of great features. 1/. it's externally and internally
regulated. This simply means if your external three stage regulator fails the internal reg
will take over, pretty cool. 2/. There is no fan on the front of the unit, instead there are 2
internal fans one at the front and one at the back which sees the unit running at significantly lower temps. 3/. Serpentine belts. Knowing what I know now I'd have changed to
these belts much sooner, there is ZERO slippage even at extreme load, therefore cooler
operation and no belt dust. The engine bay is cleaner and there is no fouling of the interior of the alternator.
This year is the first bit of maintenance in five years we've done on our Superwind, I
replaced the brushes on the mount, it took less than 5 minutes. The unit has produced
countless amphours and is still tight and rattle free.
Battery capacity is also important and on Windflower this is one area that time has
finally caught up on. This year we swapped our engine driven watermaker for one of
Open Ocean's new 12v power units. WOW, fantastic is all I can say. Again the jury is
out as the unit is only a month old (also a sister unit on one of the other boats has had
issues), but it's already produced over a thousand litres, no, Lyn and I usually don't use
that much but a couple of the boats in the fleet have had watermaker failures. It has
however pushed our power consumption (it produces a whopping 50 litres an hour for
just 25 amps) past what our current bank can handle so it looks like another two house
batteries (400ahr) is on the cards.
The new 12 volt Open Ocean watermaker is a step up from our old engine driven unit.
We've more than proved the effectiveness of the old unit in the seven years since we
installed it and there are many other ICA boats using the same set up. This new unit is a
very polished system and will give many boats that have not got the capability of mounting the pump on the front of the motor another alternative at a very good price. We'll
put the unit on Windflower through it's passes and report over the next months.
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old but Trudi didn't like the idea of healing over so a cat sounded like a good idea. After a trip across to Australia and a test sail on a
Seawind they settled on a SeaWind 1250 which was duly delivered to NZ, used in the 2011 boat show in Auckland. The delivery skipper then finished the trip to their home port of Whangamata with Nick aboard.
After we,d done some sailing up and down the Coromandel coast and Trudi was getting comfortable with the boat, despite the odd
bout of sea sickness they decided to take the next step.
Checking on the Internet Nick came across the ICA site. We went to the seminars that John and Lyn ran, came home excited and decided this was what we were going to do, having no blue water experience the idea of going in a rally seemed reassuring and fun.
Fate stepped in, the business sold, the farm leased and the stock sold all that was left was for Trudi to give up working, a big step for
her which took her out of her comfort zone.
Getting the boat ready took time, it's a four hour round trip from Rotorua to Whangamata which took a big bite out of every trip, plus
we took a trip up to Sandspit for Tim Clissold, our cat 1 inspector to have a preliminary look at the boat. We finally we moved aboard
full time on the 12 th of April this year provisioned and headed north to Opua with a stop on the way for Tim to sign off on the cat 1.
The lead up to the rally was full of seminars, briefings and lots of fun. We Met and made lots of new friends and our crew joined us
for the passage, Nick,s son Bryce and a friend Hugh who was an experienced offshore skipper and had sailed before on more than one
ICA rally.
Sea sickness and perhaps some apprehension laid Trudi low until she took a couple of the magic Paihia Bombs. the passage was reasonably benign, Hugh's experience was invaluable, a stop at Minerva reef was a highlight and our arrival at a tropical paradise instead
of a smelly port was a huge bonus. All in all a positive experience.
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We Make Cruising More Fun
Ponder this...
1. Can you cry under water?
2. When I was young we used to go skinny dipping,” now I just
”chunky dunk.”
3. How important does a person have to be before they are
considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
4. If money doesn’t grow on trees then why do banks have
branches?
5. Why do you have to “put your two cents in”... but it’s only a
“penny for your thoughts”?
Where’s that extra penny going to?
6. Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes
you were buried in for eternity?
7. Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
8. How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured
out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
9. Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wakeup like every two hours?
10. If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?
11. Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put
money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
12. How come we choose from just two people for President
and fifty for Miss America?
13. If a 911 operator has a heart attack, whom does he/she
call?
14. I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loosefitting clothing.
If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn’t have signed up in
the first place!
15. Wouldn’t it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we
could simply press ‘Ctrl Alt Delete’ and start all over?
16. Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize
you haven’t fallen asleep yet.
17. Just remember...if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off.
18. Why is it that our children can’t read a Bible in school, but
they can in prison?
19. If raising children was going to be easy, it never would have
started with something called labor!
20. Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever!!!!
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We Make Cruising More Fun
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Ponder this...
Ginger Crunch - Trudy - "C9"
Safety Equipment
Huge Range
Whole meal ginger crunch.
Helen O'neale's recipe.
150 gr butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup coarsely shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup whole meal flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 tsp ginger
Preheat oven to 180 c
Line a 20 x 30 slice tin with non
stick paper
In large saucepan melt
butter,golden syrup, and brown
sugar
Mix in the other ingredients then
press into the prepared slice tin.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from
oven
Ginger icing
100 grms butter
2 1/2 cups icing sugar
6 tbsp golden syrup
3 tsp ground ginger
Melt butter and golden syrup together then beat in the icing sugar
and ginger
Spread onto the warm slice. Allow
to cool before cutting into pieces.
Great Showroom
Buy Direct Prices
With ICA VIP Card
Contact
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Showroom 79 Gaunt St
Westhaven Auckland
Ph 09 3099 111
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PACIFIC ZULU ‐ for sale Designed for Pacific Cruising
12m Bakewell-White Offshore power Trimaran built
2006, exoxy glass over marine ply. 54hp Yanmar diesel
new 2010, cruises 10/14 knots, 1125L fuel. Floscan fuel
computer. Fuel consumption approx 0.5 lit/nautical mile.
6'1" headroom in chart and galley with 1 double or 2
single berths. Electronics include VHF, Furuno Navnet +
radar+GPS, autopilot x 2, chartplotter, depthsounder/
fishfinder, stereo and CD player. Liferaft, dinghy,
fridge/freezer. Vessel professionally built to approved
plan by Kevin Johnson. Built to NZ Govt. survey. Has
been Cat.1 and NZ registered. All Cat 1 gear. 11.95m,
beam 4.6m extends out to 5.3m and 0.5m draft. For sale
at around half of the build cost.
$169,000 – Call broker Russell Hobbs – 0272848121 or owner Barry Young - (09) 4739506
Alternators to
suit all motors
High output belt kits available
Phone Open Ocean
+64 9 402 8449
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We Make Cruising More Fun
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