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Latest News
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Thursday, 12 August 2010
President's Report 2010The 8th Annual General Meeting of the Couta Boat Association marks my 4th year as President. Due to overseas travel commitments, our Committee had a bit of a ‘cabinet reshuffle’ and I have handed the reins of the Association to Andrew Skinner effective the 1st of April 2010; I thank him very much for stepping up to this responsibility.
The Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club has most ably conducted the Couta Boat National Titles in December 2009, the Portsea Cup in January 2010, and the Queenscliff Regatta in February 2010. We value this collaboration and the professional race management for the Association sailing events. The Couta Boat State Titles were held in conjunction with the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival during the Labour Day weekend in March 2010, conducted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club with assistance from Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.
The Couta Boat Association supported the Cup Regatta on Melbourne Cup Weekend in November 2009; this event is organised by the Classic Yacht Association of Australia and the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and is attended by New Zealand crews. For a bit of fun, the Classic Yacht Association issued a challenge to the couta boats for a match race between 2 classic yachts and 2 couta boats, and Nigel Abbott and Peter Gale ably represented the Couta Boat Association in this Guiness Cup Challenge with distinction, though weather conditions favoured the classic yachts.
We have renewed our trademark registrations and domain name registrations to assure that the COUTA BOAT remains a protected species.
We have have been very fortunate indeed to have Ray Eades and Wayne Johnston as Couta Boat Association Class Measurers during the past year. They have worked well together in collecting measurements of a large number of couta boats from around Port Philip, and have providing us with vital and accurate measurement reports. These recent measurements disclosed a significant discrepancy from the Couta Boat Class Rules in regard to mast and bowsprit length, and boat owners have been notified with a request to rectify these anomalies as soon as practicable. We strongly recommend that boat owners whose boats are unmeasured or need a re-measure contact the Class Measurers before the next sailing season to ensure that their vessels comply. The Class Measurer’s contact details are posted on the Couta Boat Association website www.coutaboatclub.com.au under CBA COMMITTEE.
I would like to thank the members of the Couta Boat Association Committee for their dedication and time commitment, particularly in regard to the Couta Boat Class Rules. We are also grateful to those coopted to the Committee for their expert opinions, including the boat builders and sail makers. As you can imagine, a lot of thought and many considerations are worked through in an attempt to provide Rules which honour the heritage of our beautiful boats, address safety issues, and seek to ensure that the racing fleet is vibrant and performs on a level playing field.
Carmen Bell
1 April 2010
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Friday, 30 July 2010 Organised in aid of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen which provides care, compassion and support to working, retired and disabled fishermen and their families.
Newlyn Fish Festival Gets BiggerMonday, 30th August 2010 sees a celebration of sea, fishing and seafood at the annual Newlyn Fish Festival –– and this year's is promising to be better than ever. Festival Secretary Steve Ryman says “The Festival is already the biggest of its kind in the country and, this year, we set out to make it even better in terms of quality and diversity. In addition to the main Festival Stage, we also have the Pirate FM music stage and now have the biggest line-up of local bands and performers that you’ll find anywhere on one day in Cornwall – including Djazz Celtica, the Carn Brea Cloggers, Tom Dale, Halfway Harmony, Bob Devereux, the Clive Palmer Band, the Falmouth School Jazz Band, the Newlyn Male Voice Choir and the 40-strong Blazing Hearts Chorus”
Rick Stein opens the day and will be signing books on the Books Plus stand. Rick has done more than anyone else to reawaken our appreciation of seafood and he is also vice-patron of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, to which proceeds from the Festival are donated.
Cooking the fish in the Seafood Hall will be a trio of top local chefs: Kier Meikle from the Navy Inn, Sanjay from the Greenbank Hotel and Andy Appleton from the Jamie Oliver-inspired restaurant Fifteen Cornwall, part of the Cornish Foundation of Promise, which helps up to 20 disadvantaged young people each year turn their lives around and become professional chefs.
Another new feature is the Old Newlyn Marquee showing historic displays from the Newlyn Archive and the Newlyn School of Art, with the Penlee House Story-tellers (Liz Harmann and John Wallis) acting out the scenes from Newlyn’s past.
Pete Goss with his lugger “Spirit of Mystery” returns to Newlyn after his epic journey to Australia last year. And look for the original “Mystery”, which made the voyage in 1854, in the Newlyn Archive display.
Talking of luggers, there will also be recent top attractions “Happy Return” from the Mounts Bay Lugger Association, “Barnabas” from the Cornish Maritime Trust and Newlyn-based “Ripple”, lovingly restored to its former glory by its owner, John Lambourn.
Also on the water will be gig racing, open fishing boats, coastguard and lifeboats and, in the water, will be someone who will (hopefully!) be rescued by the RNAS Culdrose rescue helicopter as part of the co-ordinated air-sea rescue display.
All around the harbour site, there will be the usual mix of great music, harbour entertainment, arts, crafts, charities, traditional lobster pot making, Bilbo the life-saving dog, lots of fun for kids and plenty of food – and, of course, all things fishy! A great day out for everyone!
Email info@newlynfishfestival.org.uk,
visit www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk
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Bounty Boat Replica
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Carmen Bell, Wednesday, 7 April 2010 221 years after the original mutiny - and this time it's for a good cause Mutiny on the Bounty - Again!It was in April 1789 that the famous ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ occurred just off the waters of the islands of Ha’apai in the Kingdom of Tonga. The story goes that, whilst in the Pacific, the Bounty crew were attracted to the idyllic life and were angered by the (alleged) cruelty of their commanding officer William Bligh. The mutiny was led by Fletcher Christian and some of his followers and they tried to get Bligh to sail the Bounty back to Tahiti because they terribly missed their Tahitian mistresses. Bligh did not agree with the mutineers and he insisted they continue sailing to Australia.
Fletcher Christian and his followers then cast commanding officer William Bligh and Bligh’s loyal crew adrift in a boat near Tofua Island in Ha’apai. Whilst Fletcher and the mutineers sailed to Pitcairn Island and settled there, Bligh and his men sailed for 42 days and over an epic 3,700 nautical miles from Ha’apai in the Kingdom of Tonga to Kupang in Timor in an overloaded boat with little food or water and no charts.
The story has been retold in movies, books and even in song. Now, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre is set to embark on an incredible nautical journey to re-create one of the most extraordinary stories of survival and determination – Captain William Bligh’s 4,000 mile open boat ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ voyage. The re-enactment, following the journey across the Pacific from the Kingdom of Tonga to Timor, will launch on the same day, at the same time and in the same place 221 years after the original mutiny journey - i.e. 28 April.
The seven week expedition aboard the Talisker Bounty Boat – a 25-ft long, 7-ft wide, open wooden vessel – will see McIntyre and his crew facing the same deprivations as the original crew when cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific. Using the replica 18th century traditional open timber whale boat, they will relive Bligh’s nightmare by attempting to sail the same voyage under similar conditions with no charts, no extra landings, no toilet paper, not enough food or water. Bligh and his crew only had 150 pounds of ships biscuits, 16 two-pound pieces of pork, 6 quarts of rum, 6 bottles of wine and 28 gallons of water McIntyre and his crew are deliberately not taking enough food and water in order to relive the challenges Bligh faced two centuries ago.
On Friday, 9 April 2010 at the Mitchell Library in Sydney, there will be the final crew send off and many of Bligh's personal artefacts (including his notebook, log book, telescope, personal seal and some letter he wrote to his wife after the mutiny) will be on display. McIntyre and the crew of the Talisker Bounty Boat are expected to arrive in Nuku’alofa on Monday 12 April, 2010. They will stay at the Royal Sunset Island Resort on ‘Atata Island (offshore from Tongatapu), where they will get everything in order. On Monday 19 April, they will set off on a nine day voyage to the exact location that the mutiny occurred and where Captain William Bligh was forcibly removed from the Bounty. From there, the crew will sail to Tofua in Ha’apai and spend 3 days exploring just as Bligh did after the Mutiny. The expedition even hopes to visit the cave that Bligh and his men sheltered in while on the Tofua Island. From there the crew will sail on and mark the beginning of their replica voyage.
Talisker’s Bounty Boat Expedition will attempt to raise over $250,000 for the Sheffield Institute Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease (SIF), which is the world’s first research Institute into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They will also use the voyage to monitor sea life and water temperatures in the Pacific and work with academics to compare their findings with the detailed log that Bligh kept.
For more information on the Talisker Bounty Boat Expedition, go to www.bountyboat.com
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 Thistle
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Couta Boat Sailing at the Geelong Wooden Boat FestivalFor an almost first time couta boat crew member, the racing on Sunday for heats 2 and 3 of the Victorian State Titles at Geelong covered a good range of conditions, starting with a stiff breeze and everyone on the rails, then ending with the crew forward and to leeward catching the last breath of a dead offshore zephyr as we drifted over the line. I say almost first time, I do have experience sailing the lug rigged Thistle from 1903 at the Australian National Maritime Museum where I am a curator of historic craft, so the chance to gain some different Couta boat crewing experience was not one to pass up.
In fact the object of the exercise was two fold. Obviously I was going to learn more about how to sail a couta boat, getting a feel for how a well set up boat points, heels and handles, and I saw the gaff set up for comparison to our lug. But the second objective was just to be part of the scene and action, rather than an onshore observer taking notes.
Thanks to Carmen Bell’s quick enquiry on my behalf, I was on board C888 Mystify with Bernie O'Hanlon and crew, and given the job of running the coarse end of the jib sheet. The wide range of conditions gave me an excellent overview, the flat, easy exit mainsail shape being the feature that made the most impression; I think the ‘old’ main has seen better days on Thistle. Stability felt a bit better too, and the attention given to sail set and trim upwind and down was another key factor in getting good performance.
I hope I can apply some of this to the museum’s use of Thistle, bearing in mind the museum’s interpretation of the craft is aimed at showing the couta fishing tradition of this iconic Victoria working boat. However, we do go and join in classic regattas on Sydney Harbour, so it will be good if we can show we know how to sail it well.
Couta boat owners can help me too, with my project the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, a database of existing Australian historic craft which some will be familiar with. Thistle, Ariel, Maud, Amy Christina and others are already listed, just go to www.anmm.gov.au/arhv and have a look. The Register would like to list more of the wonderful early craft that the class has kept alive, some were part of the fleet on the weekend and where possible I spoke to you or left a form on the boat. Whether you race or not, if you have one of the original boats even up to the 50s, that’s the type we would like to record to show the huge variety that still survive and remind people how important this truly Australian type is to the development of our maritime heritage.
You can contact me on dpayne@anmm.gov.au or 02 9298 3875. Meanwhile, when can I come out sailing again?
David Payne
Curator Australian Register of Historic Vessels
Australian National Maritime Museum
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 Sayonara
Thursday, 11 March 2010 Sirs & Siresses!
Just for you, here's the results of the Whyte, Just & Moore Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong.
A fuller report is being prepared.
To those who came, thanks for coming, we sincerely hope you enjoyed it all.
To those who didn't - well - - you missed another corker of a weekend and we suggest you pencil in 2012 NOW!!
The Whyte Just & Moore Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong.Under difficult weather conditions on Saturday, nine classic yachts left Williamstown bound for Geelong in the centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race. At the finish it was the topsail cutter 'Sayonara' (Doug Shields) who crossed the finishing line first in an overall time of 6 hrs. 14 mins. 43 secs. On handicap, it was the delightful cutter 'Anitra' (Carl De Fina) who was the winner of the centralgeelong.com.au silver salver. Kent Bacon's sloop rigged cutter 'Renene' was 2nd and 'Sayonara' was 3rd.
At Portarlington, 14 Couta boats lined up for race 1 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles and the centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race. Line honours went to Sail No. C97 (Jeffery Richardson) after 2hrs. 29 mins and 22 secs. On handicap in div. 1. it was 'Scoundrel' (Hayden Warszewski) 1st, 'Maud' (Andrew Scorgie) 2nd. and 'Fancy' (Paul Van Prooyen) was 3rd. In div. 2, 'Defiance' (David Cross) was 1st. 'Drizabone' (wet as a shag! Ed.) (Tom Frickie) was 2nd and 'Fancy' was 3rd, the ultimate winner of the centralgeelong.com.au silver salver being 'Defiance' (David Cross).
On Corio Bay, Heat 1 of the Norglass Heron series set off with 7 starters. At the finish it was 'Miss Spent Youth' (Dean Denny) 1st. 'Astro Boy' (Glen Wilson) 2nd and 'Sarie' (Ralph Brown) 3rd. At this point, rain stopped play.
Sunday dawned with warm but steamy sunshine opening a most pleasant day after the deluge further north. In Heat 2 of the Norglass Heron series, 'Miss Spent Youth' threw out a big challenge by again winning from an improving 'Sarie' 2nd and 'Sparkle' (Leigh McNotley). Showing absolute class, 'Miss Spent Youth' sealed the series with another 1st place in heat 3. 'Miss Behaviour' (Paul Wedding) was 2nd and 'Outcast' (Tony Cope) was 3rd.
This resulted in the overall winner of the Norglass trophy to be Dean Denny and 'Miss Spent Youth'. 'Sarie' was 2nd and 'Sparkle' was 3rd.
The 'Pier Point' Cup Race for classic yachts was won by Martin Ryan's 'Mercedes III', another example of a well loved and cared for classic of the past. 'Anitra' was 2nd and 'Renene' was 3rd.
Race 2 of the Victorian Couta Boat State titles, div. 1 was won by 'Sorrento' (Peter Gale), Sail No. C97 (Jeffrey Rochardson) was 2nd, and 'Lola' (Raymond Bateman) was 3rd. Div. 2 was won by 'Regina' (Janet Ellis), 'Defiance' was 2nd and 'Drizabone' 3rd.
The Longboard Wines Cup race and race 3 of the Victorian Couta Boat State Titles resulted in 'Southerly' (Andrew Skinner) winning from 'Surprise' (Nick Williams) and 'Lola' was 3rd. In div. 2 it was 'Defiance' again taking out top spot with 'Drizabone' (Now drier! Ed,) 2nd and 'Regina' was 3rd. 'Southerly' was presented with the Longboard Wines Corio Bay Couta Cup.
Selecting one winner of the 'Concours d'elegance' trophy, (meaning a competition of elegance or style), amongst such a display of so many beautiful and well cared for vessels is an extremely difficult task. Seven beautifully maintained boats were finally selected for consideration and it was after much deliberation that the beautifully preserved Friendship Sloop, 'The Hand Of Friendship' of Mike & Phillip Morris was selected as the winner. 14 years old and built by Tom Whitfield of Mordialloc with a Beach deck and a New Zealand Kauri hull she absolutely glistens in the sunlight! The second award of a Club Marine voucher went to 'Amiri', a beautifully maintained sloop. 'Rose', a Couta boat that shimmered with attention owned by A. Osborne and the shiny ski boat 'Redskin' of Scott Botterill's were also rewarded.
The judge and jury felt that the quality of entries was so high that the least they could do would be for honourable mentions to be made of the following. The 1933 gaff yawl 'Mariko' of Eric Messer, 'Sayonara' arguably the most famous classic keel boat of the Sayonara Syndicate and 'Windward II', built in Hobart in 1929 and owned by James Woods.
Summary, a great festival enjoyed by all who attended and regretted by those who didn't!
Bob Appleton OAM
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Bernie O'Hanlon, Secretary Couta Boat Association, Wednesday, 10 March 2010 The biannual mobile event was this year hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club - 6-8 March 2010 Couta Boat State Titles at Geelong Wooden Boat Festival 2010Couta Boats from Williamstown, Safety Beach, Queenscliff and Sorrento rendezvoused at Port Arlington (after a pleasant Saturday morning cruise) for a chat & catered Fish & Chips. (Thanks for organising this Carmen – it was appreciated by all). Boats were topped up with skippers and crew that arrived by road to Port Arlington.
As we all left the dock for the SSCBC run passage race into Geelong the breeze died and a postponement was issued by Peter Taylor on board the Kaurie Chief. After a short delay the breeze came in a very light shifty westerly or was that easterly...northerly? Anyway the race was started. The sky was ominous and getting blacker by the moment, thunder was heard, lightning was seen and the rain came and the wind did a couple of 360’s. No one at that stage knew of the carnage from the “Supercell” less than 50km’s to the North...a sign of things to come???
The fleet split into 2 groups, one group sailed the rhumb line to Hopeton Channel # 10 marker, and the other group chased pressure that was settling in from the south. In the end the group that sailed the rhumb line prevailed. Another feature was the Classic Yacht fleet on their passage race coming through our fleet looking very majestic. And with waterline length coming into play on a beam reach making them fast.
On arrival Royal Geelong Yacht Club officials welcomed us and directed us to our berths, where boats where tidied up and left for some welcome beers and barbecue with fellow sailors on the terrace overlooking our and many other boats, dingys and yachts.
The Wooden Boat Festival at Geelong was well set up with displays featuring many different craft; we admired the workmanship that was evident. A fleet of wooden Heron dingys looked very regal and seaworthy and their close racing was noted the following day.
Royal Geelong took over race management for the two short races on the Sunday which where keenly fought out. The feature being a developing persistent shift in the second race that resulted in the wind dying and backing 180 degrees enabling the second half of the fleet to finish. Those that started in clear air and anticipated the shift prevailed.
The passage back for us proved not to be boring... for off Port Arlington we were caught in a thunderstorm where visibility was significantly reduced ....we checked our heading, our waterproof chart for a course to steer. We slowed...it got dark ...the rain was constant...after a while we gained a visual sighting on the West Channel northern marker altered course to 180 degrees... and proceeded down the channel until we rounded the point of Swan Island and the Queenscliff lights came into view. In another hour or so we were on our mooring... with a sense of relief and accomplishment of a testing night passage without electronic navigational aides.
Congratulations are well deserved to the winners and placegetters being:-
COUTA BOAT ASSOCIATION SERIES RESULTS FOR STATE TITLES 2010 (held in conjunction with the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival):
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Division 1 |
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Race 1 |
Race 2 |
Race 3 |
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C43 |
Lola |
Raymond Bateman |
9 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
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C118 |
Sorrento |
Peter Gale |
13 |
4 |
1 |
8 |
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C119 |
Scoundrel |
Hayden Warszewski |
13 |
1 |
6 |
6 |
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C97 |
C97 |
Jeffrey Richardson |
13 |
7 |
2 |
4 |
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Division 2 |
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C136 |
Defiance |
David Cross |
4 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
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C3227 |
Drizabone |
Tom Frickie |
7 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
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C34 |
Regina |
Janette Ellis |
8 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
Race 1 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 06 Mar 2010
| Division 1 |
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| C119 |
Scoundrel |
Hayden Warszewski |
| C178 |
Maud |
Andrew Scorgie |
| C43 |
Lola |
Raymond Bateman |
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| Division 2 |
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| C136 |
Defiance |
David Cross |
| C3227 |
Drizabone |
Tom Frickie |
| C144 |
Fancy |
Paul van Prooyen |
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| Geelong Wooden Boat Festival centralgeelong.com.au Passage Race Trophy |
| C136 |
Defiance |
David Cross |
Race 2 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 07 Mar 2010
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Division 1 |
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C118 |
Sorrento |
Peter Gale |
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C97 |
C97 |
Jeffrey Richardson |
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C43 |
Lola |
Raymond Bateman |
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Division 2 |
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C34 |
Regina |
Janette Ellis |
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C136 |
Defiance |
David Cross |
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C3227 |
Drizabone |
Tom Frickie |
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Geelong Wooden Boat Festival Pier Point Cup |
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C34 |
Regina |
Janette Ellis |
Race 3 of the Couta Boat Association State Titles (sponsored by Yanmar Marine) 07 Mar 2010
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Division 1 |
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C2008 |
Southerly |
Andrew Skinner |
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C14 |
Surprise |
Nick Williams |
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C43 |
Lola |
Raymond Bateman |
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Division 2 |
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C136 |
Defiance |
David Cross |
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C3227 |
Drizabone |
Tom Frickie |
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C34 |
Regina |
Janette Ellis |
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Geelong Wooden Boat Festival Longboard Wines Corio Couta Boat Cup |
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C2008 |
Southerly |
Andrew Skinner |
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Thank you to the organisers of the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and to Royal Geelong Yacht Club for hosting us.
Also, well done to all couta boat sailors, who made the effort to showcase our boats to another area.
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Neil Patchett, Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Spirit of Mystery On Last LegThe replica Cornish fishing lugger Spirit of Mystery set sail on Sunday morning (approx 0700hrs, 21 February 2010) on the last leg of her stay in Australia to sail southward on a short offshore run to Port Kembla, NSW where she will be readied for ship transport back to England.
Cornish brothers Pete and Andy Goss built and sailed Spirit of Mystery out on the 11,800 nautical mile voyage in five months.
While in Australia, Pete Goss volunteered to become a Safety Ambassador for NSW Maritime. Pete Goss is a former British Royal Marine who was awarded the MBE by Queen Elizabeth II and the Legion d’Honneur by the French President.
Pete earned the respect of the international maritime community during the 1996-97 Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race when he staged a dramatic mid-ocean rescue of a fellow competitor whose yacht was sinking.
His reputation and experience built over many years are helping the Boat for Life campaign reach out to the boating community with essential safety messages for offshore boating.
Pete Goss joined former NSW rugby league player and now boating media identity Andrew Ettingshausen, and the kayakers Justin Jones and James Castrission as Boat for Life Safety Ambassadors.
The campaign, launched in 2009, is based online at boatforlife.com.au and has NSW Maritime and the Boating Industry Association of NSW as safety partners.
Pete Goss’ safety advice covers:
• Safety Checks – equipment including 406MHz EPIRBs;
• Going Offshore – route planning; check the weather;
• Boating Emergency – distress signals, lifejackets. ~hcusto:2909 Pete Goss
The ETA at Port Kembla on Sunday is between 4pm-6pm on 21 February.
Visit the site at: www.boatforlife.com.au
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Carmen Bell, Tuesday, 16 February 2010
It's a Bird, It's a Plane ... It's the America's Cup WinnerThe America's Cup has finally been won back by the US - Congratulations!
All that legal wrangling was worth it then ... Hmmm
Never mind that the 'boats' are a far cry from vessels that competed in the past. Never mind that, despite their extremely advanced technology, they were felt unsuitable to race in light airs or disturbed seas.
Winning is everything -
What will they do for the 34th America's Cup Race? Frankly, I no longer care.
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Australia II in 1983 |
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 7 February 2010 Sponsored by Parks Victoria and Queenscliff Harbour P/L Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta 2010
Regattas had been held at Queenscliff in the 1850s between the crews of the Customs, Pilots and Health Officer’s boats. The year 1862 marked the first regatta when the fishermen joined in. In 1865 it was the fishermen themselves who organised their first regatta, and these Fishermen’s Regattas became an annual event, held either at New Year or at Easter time.
Queenscliff fishermen successfully sailed their working boats against boats built for pleasure in races up the Bay. In 1888 Ben Chidgey won the Hundred Pound Cup at Hobson’s Bay, and in 1890 Walter Shapter won the Mordialloc Regatta. This did not sit well with the city folk, and in 1890 the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, and the Yacht Clubs at Hobson’s Bay, Brighton and St Kilda excluded fishermen from their races on the grounds ‘that they were professionals.’
These days, the Couta Boat Association is very pleased with its association with the Classic Yacht Association of Australia and has again invited the Williamstown-based classic yachts to join in the Queenscliff Regatta 2010.
The Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta was held on Saturday, 6 February 2010. This historic Regatta, which commemorates the Queenscliff Fishermen’s Regattas of the mid-1860’s, is organised by the Couta Boat Association and is an aggregate race which counts towards the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club season championship.
The newly completed Queenscliff Harbour provided a most suitable venue for this gathering of couta boats from around Port Phillip and, due to the efforts of the Queenscliff Harbour staff and with the cooperation of existing berth holders, adequate raft-up and mooring space was cleared to accommodate not only the visiting couta boats, but also wooden motor launches now owned by many previous couta boat skippers, and some of the majestic classic yachts from Williamstown. This event has all the makings of growing into a boat festival celebrating the beauty and endurance of wooden boats.
The weather forecast was as usual a bit up in the air, making decisions on whether to bring boats to Queenscliff a bit of a challenge for skippers from afar. Isn’t it amazing that we cannot get reliable forecasts just a few days out from a sailing event, yet we are told with absolute certainty by the meteorologists and climatologists what will happen to us in the year 2100? Full marks go to the classic yachts Mercedes III, Boambillee and Ventura, but in particular to couta boat Ella C129, who made the trip from Williamstown (and Geelong) on Friday in fairly rough conditions in order to be at Queenscliff Harbour in time for the Regatta.
As Mornington Peninsula boats arrived from 10:00 am onward on Saturday, they gathered in the central basin of the Queenscliff Harbour and skippers and crew made their way to the Harbour Shed to collect regatta T-shirts and fish & chips, and to attend the race briefing. Everyone enjoyed being on or near their boats, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable. The planned 1:30 pm start was a blessing as the wind started to build and race management was keen to get the race underway. Blissfully, Division 1 couta boats had a good start without general recall, followed by Division 2 and then the classic yachts.
Naturally sailors always pay close attention to the wind, but when sailing in Queenscliff waters, it is a bit like sailing on a conveyor belt as the tides run very hard in this area close to the Rip; and on Saturday, there was an ebb tide of 6.4 knots ... Boats which tossed onto port tack early lost valuable ground, but those which seemingly went too far on their initial starboard course, did very well indeed. I watched the race along with a good number of people from Queenscliff Harbour’s observation tower platform. It is a heart-warming feeling to see a flock of some 35 couta boats in the waters where they originated.
Trophy presentation was at the newly opened harbour restaurant 360Q, followed by a sold out Regatta Dinner there. Vin Rigby, a retired St. Leonard’s fisherman, told us about his life on the sea, and Dugga Beazley and his family came all the way from Port Melbourne to hear him speak. Naturally, the Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta would not be complete without the ‘Harbour Master’ Lewis Ferrier, who not only thanked Vin on behalf of all of us for his talk, but also marked the turning buoy with his fishing boat Rosebud on Sunday during the Sailpast.
Handicap Results for the Queenscliff Regatta 2010 are (full list can be viewed on www.sscbc.com.au – Couta Boat Aggregate 09/10):
Couta Boat Division 1:
1st Muriel C17 built 1917 by Mitch Lacco Skipper: Tim Phillips
2nd Darney C03 built 2003 by the Wooden Boatshop Skipper: Wayne Parr
3rd C97 C97 built 1997 by Jeffrey Richardson Skipper: Jeffrey Richardson
Couta Boat Division 2:
1st Duchess C21 built 1952 by Alex Lacco Skipper: Andrew Creek
2nd Regina C34 built 1934 by Peter Locke Skipper: Janette Ellis
3rd Ella C129 built 2001 by Brett Almond Skipper: Michael MacTavish
Classic Yachts:
1st Mercedes III R450 built 1966 by Cec Quilkey Skipper: Martin Ryan
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ...
This event could not have been a success without the sponsorship from Parks Victoria and Queenscliff Harbour P/L and the attendance of so many boats. Lew Ferrier farewelled the departing fleet on Sunday with the words "Hope to see you again next year, if YOU are alive" ( - he is 87!)
For additional photos, click on link below
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Q Regatta 2010 Raft-Up |
Queenscliff Regatta Start |
Queenscliff Regatta 2010 |
Queenscliff Regtta 2010 |
Div 1 couta boat trophy by Bill Jackman |
Div 2 couta boat trophy by Bill Jackman |
Classics trophy by Bill Jackman |
Vin Rigby and Dugga Beazley |
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Dinghy on Spirit of Mystery
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Carmen Bell, Wednesday, 16 December 2009 How many degrees of separation would that be? Dinghy was in the water for 5.5 months and traveled 350 miles Dinghy Moves in Mysterious WaysWhen the Spirit of Mystery approached Australia in early-March 2009, she was caught in a significant storm which ended up rolling her by 90 degrees. This resulted in one crew member suffering a broken leg as he was on watch on deck, and the loss of equipment. I remember how Pete and Andy Goss bemoaned the fact, that the little wooden clinker dinghy was ripped off its mounting on deck and lost at that time.
The Spirit of Mystery spent some time at Queenscliff Harbour to undertake repairs and, when setting off to Tasmania, had young boatbuilder Jeremy Clowes as one of her crew.
Amazingly, the lost dinghy which has now been named the Intrepid Tacker was washed up on a beach in King Island. The kids who found her happen to be the Stone Haven Cup holders, which links them to the King Island Sail Cub. They mentioned that they had found a dinghy to the Commodore, John Hiscock, who had welcomed the Spirit of Mystery on her stopover. Andy Goss had given a talk at the Club at that time and made a joke about the lost dinghy, saying "If you find one washed up, give us a call or make good use of it." Amazingly, out of the blue - 4 months later - Pete Goss received an email with some photos attached asking if this was his dinghy!
Tacker was made from the off-cuts of the Spirit of Mystery and had her own sail, rudder, dagger board and oars - a true tender. All of her parts were found with her, except for the sail.
Andy and Pete Goss felt that it was only fitting that Jeremy Clowes fix her up, as he is so entwined in the King Island aspect of the story. His boat yard is Peninsula Wooden Boats in Rosebud (just behind Rosebud Engineering) and his email is jwclowes@iprimus.com.au . He has made a start on the dinghy already, and sent some photos. He pulled the dinghy back into shape and had to remove the top four planks which need replacing. Sailmaker Col Anderson (Doyle-Fraser) donated some grown knees from his yacht Acrospire, and I believe that there will be a contribution of materials from the Alma Doepel as well. It is nice to see that the wooden boat family is joining in this project.
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Found dinghy_1 |
Found dinghy_2 |
Found dinghy_3 |
Dinghy repair |
Dinghy repair_2 |
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 Historic skiffs in Auckland
Carmen Bell, Wednesday, 16 December 2009 Open to Classic and Modern Yachts - and Special
Invitation to Couta Boats Trans Tasman Classic Challenge Series
The Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand has confirmed that they have obtained sponsorship from Oceanbridge Shipping for the shipping cost for two couta boats from Australia to New Zealand.
If you are interested please make contact with Joyce Talbot as soon as possible ... (one boat owner has already done so)
Below is the programme information for the Trans Tasman Classic Challenge Series:
Join us for two fabulous weeks of classic sailing and racing on the spectacular waters of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour, and the enjoyment of the warm hospitality and camaraderie of kiwi Classic Yachties.
Bring your own boat or crew on one of our beautiful ladies..............
Schedule of Events:
Friday Jan 29: Devonport Yacht Club Night Race to Mahurangi. (24 miles)
Saturday Jan 30: Mahurangi Cruising Club Classic Yacht Regatta & Classic
Launch Rally – non-series optional event
Sunday Jan 31: CYANZ Mahurangi to Auckland Race. (24 miles)
Raft up in Viaduct
Monday Feb 1: Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Regatta
The Southern Trust Classic Yacht Regatta: 11-14 Feb, with Race HQ based in the Viaduct. Food and bar open each night after racing
Thursday Feb 11: Skippers briefing, followed by dinner at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron
Friday Feb 12: Race 1
Saturday Feb 13: Race 2 followed by Race 3
Sunday Feb 14: Race 4 & Official Prize-giving
Highlights:
Mahurangi Regatta
Saturday 30 January: An absolute highlight of the season hosted by the
Mahurangi Cruising Club. The origins of this event go back to 1858 when a
regatta was held between the Navy and local work boats finishing with a picnic ashore, and was revived in 1977. With over 100 classics competing and a 1000 spectator boats the atmosphere in the Mahurangi Harbour is incredible! The Regatta is followed by a very popular prize-giving at Scotts Landing with a ‘big band’ playing classics from the swing era and more.
While not part of the Classics Series this event is highly recommended for a
relaxed fun day of racing, great camaraderie & tall tales in a beautifully historic setting. It’s a “Must do”.
Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
Monday 1 February: New Zealand’s oldest sporting event, first raced in1840 and celebrating Auckland 170th Birthday in 2010. A fabulous day on the water featuring races for all classes of vessel from optimists to A Class Keelers & Tall Ships, with the classics being the highlight of the day’s racing. Also features a tugboat race!!
The Southern Trust Classic Yacht Regatta
12-14 February: A fabulous three days of racing and rafting up, celebrating our yachting heritage with great camaraderie and prize-givings after the day’s racing in Race HQ right at the Viaduct.
Crew Opportunities
There are opportunities for those of you who would like to crew on one of our vessels and compete for the Trans Tasman Trophy (during the Classic Yacht Regatta only).
Accommodation:
For a selection of accommodation, all within walking distance of the harbour:
www.viaduct.co.nz
www.gatehouse.co.nz
www.accommodation-auckland.com/beaumont-quarter.htm
Berthage:
We will be endeavouring to organise berthage for Australian vessels at the
Viaduct or close by at Westhaven Marina. Once we have your registration of
interest we can pursue options on your behalf.
Things to do in Auckland
There are a multitude of things to do while visiting Auckland - beaches, parks, art galleries, museums, markets, winery tours ...... www.aucklandnz.com for a
detailed guide of what’s happening, where and when
For more information and to register your interest, contact Joyce Talbot:
e: joycetalbot@xtra.co.nz
p: +64 9 836 4747 m: +64 21 818 448
f: +64 9 836 4015
www.classicyacht.org.nz
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Bob Appleton, Friday, 13 November 2009 held on Labour Day weekend 6-8 March 2010 The Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong 2010Expressions of interest are pouring in which indicates that next year's Wooden Boat Festival will be bigger, better and more beautiful than before! The massive program includes the crowd pleasing Grand Parade of boats, the Classic Yacht passage race from Melbourne, the Couta Boat passage race from Portarlington, harbour races on Corio Bay, demonstration races by a fleet of 'Herons', the added bonus of the Couta Boat Victorian Titles AND an outstanding shoresides display!
Here, at the 150 year old Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Australia's maritime heritage will be on show during the Labour day weekend holiday of 6th & 7th of March with an expanded shoreside display as well as producing some never-to-be-forgotten sights on the waters of the jewel-of-the-south, Corio Bay.
On shore, the public, with easy access, will be able to meander along jetties and soak in the beauty of this display of well loved wooden boats! There'll be old ocean racers, fishing boats, harbour greyhounds, and ex-pilot launches plus large topsail cutters, putt putts, dories, classic speedboats, yachts and clinker built dinghies. Each one absolutely gleaming with the sheer care, love and attention showered upon them by proud owners.
At the Presentation Dinner, Tim Phillips will speak of his pride and joy, 'Storm Bay' then at lunchtime on Sunday, David Ramage will tell of the building of 'Metani' and his experiences when sailing her to the Caribbean.
Shore-based displays will include prominent boat builders whose exhibits will complement this historic assembly of Victoria's outstanding maritime heritage.
The 2010 program will again include the magnificent Cavalcade of Sail at the Grand Parade, the Concourse d' Elegance, racing on the bay for the Corio Bay Couta Boat Cup, The Couta Boat Victorian Titles and the fleet of 'Herons' zipping around close inshore in their demonstration races! There's only one word for it - - 'Spectacular'! Make sure that YOU do not miss it!
And, as the man said - 'There's MORE!' - Rope making, boat building displays featuring some of Australia's prominent shipwrights, a display of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club's 150 years of history, A BBQ and sausage sizzle will add to these attractions. Truly, a genuine salty flavour to a weekend of seagoing delights!
Saturday and Sunday will surely be massive days out for the public, when all displays, exhibitions and displays will be open to all.
This is only a teaser of the impressive display of beautiful craftsmanship, glorious history and tradition that will be on display at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of the 6th. & 7th. of March 2010.
Everyone is welcome and for the general public, entry is free! So skippers, take command and give the orders; 'Let go forward, let go springs and let go aft!' Now set your helm for the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong in March 2010!
Registration forms will be available within the next 2 weeks. Further information (03) 5229 3705 or visit www.rgyc.com.au
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Tuesday, 10 November 2009 19-21 February 2010 - Victoria Harbour, Docklands Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival 2010Wooden Boat Festival set for summer fun at the Docklands
Fans of wooden boats will be able to get their fill at the Melbourne Wooden Boat Festival which will come to the Docklands precinct on Victoria Harbour in Melbourne, Victoria, in February 2010.
The event, which is designed to promote wooden boat heritage and connect the broader public with the spirit of timber boating, will combine all of the major wooden boat and classic yacht groups in and around Melbourne.
Wooden boat enthusiasts will not only be able to enjoy the luxury of 100s of beautiful timber vessels, from the very old to the newer, but can enter competitions and take in the entertainment planned for the Festival.
The Festival will feature both on water and on piazza displays, a ‘Quick and Dirty’ competition, model sailing and racing boats, marine trade displays, strolling shanty musicians, in harbour sailing and working boats displays.
“Melbourne has such a rich heritage with wooden boats; it’s the founding city for Classic Yacht Association, Wooden Boat Association and the revival of the Couta Boat fleet – so it was natural that it should also have a Wooden Boat Festival,” says Mark Bergin, the Wooden Boat Festival director.
“We expect between 70 and 120 boats for the inaugural event. To-date, we’ve got about 50% of those spots spoken for, so that’s a great start,” Bergin enthuses.
Other activities to keep all satisfied include boat maintenance master classes and ‘How to Maintain your Hull’, engine, rig, sail and paint demonstrations, along with what is required for an annual safety inspection and information on the suitability of marine timbers.
Shipwright Conference Gathering will bring together Victorian shipwrights in one space who will share their extraordinary skills, knowledge and history.
To run an event of this magnitude, volunteers are need both on and off the water. No experience is needed, but a fun few days are guaranteed.
“Volunteers are a key factor,” Bergin says. “Not everyone is a sea going person; for many it’s the land activities that get them in – and we require help in both these areas.
“We’re very focussed on helping to build an active community in the Docklands area. Over the next five to 10 years, over 20,000 people will move into this area and wooden boats are a natural pastime activity for the local community.”
This Wooden Boat Festival adds to a growing calendar of events on Port Phillip and compliments the existing events at Sorrento, Queenscliff and Geelong. Now is the time to build up an activity centre closer to the largest population in the state, while supporting regional events and activities.
Event supporters include:
Blunts Boatyard, City of Melbourne, Classic Australian Wooden Power Boat Assoc, Classic Yacht Association ,Couta Boat Association, Docklands Yacht Club, H28 Association, Maritime Heritage Association of Victoria , Mordialloc Boating and Angling Club, Mordialloc Motor Yacht Club, Sail and Adventure Ltd - Alma Doepel, Sandringham Yacht Club, Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Tall Ships Victoria, Tumlaren Association, Wooden Boat Association, Wooden Boat Centre
Online registration for boats and volunteers is open
please jump onto the festival website and register today
http://www.woodenboat.com.au/MWBF2010
For sponsorship opportunities and event information contact Mark Bergin, Festival Director at: email: mark@woodenboat.com.au or phone: 0418 565 848
For all information including wooden boat and volunteer registration go to: www.woodenboat.com.au/mwbf2010/
Di Pearson, media manager
Phone: 0410 792 131
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Nathan Woodhead, Monday, 9 November 2009 Consolidated Insurance Agencies offer couta boat insurance - call Nathan ... CIA Couta Boat Insurance Policy30% Saving for Couta Boat Owners*
After a long association with the Couta Boat Association, CIA is pleased to advise that we have arranged a much improved insurance deal for Couta Boat Owners.
CIA is a member if the Steadfast Group, the motto of the group is “none of us is as strong as all of us”, as a member CIA has access insurance policies at heavily reduced prices – and we are given access to increased covers we would not otherwise (as an independent) be able to attain.
The Couta Boat Association is in the unique position of being able to access similar benefits for its members.
CIA is offering the Club Marine Steadfast Pleasure Craft cover, which offers increased features and benefits over and above the standard Club Marine policy wording, at a bulk discount rate.
The policy benefits are far superior to those which were previously enjoyed by owners. Benefits include:
· Automatic cover for equipment up to $10,000 with a $200 excess. ($1,000 per item)
· Automatic Club Marine Assist for Club Marine Members.
· Club Care benefits up to $5,000
· Mechanical Breakdown
· $10,000,000 Legal Liability Cover
By consolidating cover both owners and the Couta Association will be able to monitor claims and ensure ongoing competitive premium pricing.
By doing this we can reduce the claims members from time to time suffer, reduce the amount of time out of the water, and make the Couta experience more pleasurable.
CIA is proud of its long standing association with the Couta Boat Association and we trust this new and improved insurance offering will be of considerable benefit to members.
Do not miss the boat.
If you are not currently insuring your Couta Boat with CIA contact Nathan now on (03) 9557 2976 or email him at nathan@ciainsurance.com.au
CIA - “A Question of Value” – Adding value to Couta Boat Owners.
*Up to 30% savings on standard Club Marine Premiums
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Mark Chew, Sunday, 25 October 2009 Classic Yachts versus Couta Boats The Guineas Challenge
On the afternoon of Friday the 30th October 2009 a very special sailing event will take place on the waters of Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia. Two of the greatest Ocean racing yachts from the 1960's will sail against two fishing boats designed about 100 years ago. They will race off scratch, ie the first boat over the finish line will take home the Guineas Trophy and AUD$1000 for their team. This event is the brain child of Martin Ryan who devised it over a quality bottle of red in a Queenscliff pub earlier this year, after stepping ashore from racing against some of Port Phillip's famous Couta Boats and being astounded by their speed.
Now at first sight this might seem like a gross mismatch. The two ocean racers are the mighty "Mercedes III" and her smaller sleeker relative "Boambillee".
Mercedes III, off the drawing board of the legendary Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen) and Ted Kaufman, was the standout boat in the 1967 Australian team which won the Admiral’s Cup on the Solent. Since then she has sailed numerous Sydney-Hobarts and competed all round the South East of Australia....and what's more she is fresh out of the shed after a major spit and polish.
Boambillee was one of the first cold-molded ocean racers, built to the ORC racing rule and designed by the legendary Olin Stephens. She was part of the NSW Southern Cross team which won in 1968 and since then has been raced hard for most of her 39 years. She is still competitive at club level and AMS rule. She is "gun boat" (most line honours) currently in the classic fleet.
So we have two beautiful yachts designed 40 years ago to be the fastest possible in their Class......what about the sailors? The owners (Martin Ryan and George Fisscher/Chris Chapman) have added a sprinkling of world and national champions to their regular crew just to make sure there are no mistakes.
Surely two old 26 ft fishing boats won't stand a chance! But they are not just any fishing boats, these are Victoria's world famous "Couta Boats"...
The Couta boat fishermen sailed more miles in a year than most yachtsmen do in a lifetime. They worked in one of the most inhospitable seascapes in the world. Speed was a matter of survival. First to the Barracouta schools got the best catch. First back to the quay got the best price for the fish and first on to the overnight train for the Melbourne markets. Less time spent on the water meant less chance of meeting bad weather.
A fierce rivalry evolved from this need for speed resulting in "fishing boat" regattas held on Boxing Day or New Years Day. Competition was intense, whole communities would turn out, bets were laid and friendships strained. The local police intervened to settle racing disputes on the wharf. Many boats were hauled out the day before the race to have their bottoms polished and black leaded, new sails were ordered, and some of the crack boats had silk racing sails. Every effort was made to capture not only the purse of "Gold Guineas" but the prestige and status that went with it.
This year the two Couta boats sailing against the yachts are "Nepean" and "Romy", recently built but to 80 year old designs. They will be skippered by two of Australia's best sailors.
Nigel Abbott skipper of Romy is a past world Champion in Fireballs and part of Alan Bonds original team that contested the America's Cup. His Match Racing team Member, Peter Gale, will be skippering Nepean. Peter has been a team member on two Australian Olympic squads and won a world Championship in OK dinghies. Their crew don't like losing.
It's serious but it's also fun. Fisherman versus Yachtsman…..an enthralling tussle. The unifying factor will be the love and respect for the old timber craft and traditions of Victorian seamanship. This will be a fascinating afternoon of racing proceeding the "Cup Regatta".....We hope it will become a much anticipated annual event.
If you would like to see the race up close the CYAA has organized for the magnificent MV Melburnian (www.mvmelburnian.com.au) to follow the boats around the course to allow you to witness the tussle close at hand.
For more images and media enquiries regarding this historic and unique challenge contact mark@blueboat.com.au
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CYAA
Mark Chew, Sunday, 13 September 2009 Members of the Classic Yacht Association of Australia and the Couta Boat Association share a love of wooden boats, and this event provides an opportunity to show-case their vessels. The Cup Regatta 2009The third and revised iteration of The Melbourne Cup Regatta is planned to get underway on Friday the 30th October, 2009 with two special contests:
The first is a 2-on-2 boat contest between the CYAA gun racing boats from the 60's, Mercedes III and Boambillee, and two of the hottest boats from the Couta Boat Fleet. The "Guineas Trophy", as it will be called, is the brain child of Martin Ryan, who was fascinated by the speed of the fishing boats, when sailing in their company at the 2009 Queenscliff Regatta, compared to state of the art 1960's Ocean racers. A thousand Guineas will be on the table for the winning Association. For more information see the guineaschallenge offical document.
At the same time Melbourne's re-energised Tumlaren fleet will compete to find the top boat on Port Phillip, reliving the glory days of the 40's and 50's.
After these two new events there will be a Opening Cocktail Party held at The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, looking across Hobson's Bay Back to the City of Melbourne. We are hoping to arrange for as many vessels as possible to be berthed out the front of RYCV, rafting up and creating a fun social atmosphere in which we can share stories and information on our magnificent old boats.
The Regatta proper will start on Saturday 31st October, 2009 with a 20 nautical mile Passage Race around the top end of the Bay. Sunday 1st November, 2009 is a day for the purists with two short Laid Courses, testing the pure sailing skills of the racing fleet. Monday 2nd November, 2009 will see a morning Pursuit Race based on the corrected handicaps from previous races with the aim of a grouped finish at RYCV at around lunch time. On Monday afternoon we will hold a massive gourmet BBQ followed by the Presentation of trophies and prizes. And, if you still have any energy left, you can always go to the other "Cup" on Tuesday.
As always we are encouraging our interstate and Trans-Tasman members and enthusiasts to attend. They can be guaranteed a great weekend of sailing and socializing whilst celebrating The Melbourne Classic Fleet. Be a part of it!
Some Comments from 2008
"The racing was fabulous and close and the company superb. A great event and one which the CYANZ will be promoting as a 'must do' for next November." Tony Blake CYANZ President.
"Thank you to you and your team for putting on another special Cup Weekend Regatta…… the conditions were excellent for sailing, which we really enjoyed; plus the good company of the Kiwis we had as crew. The voyage across the bay to Sorrento, which I also enjoy, worked out well with quick and easy passages both directions." Rod Martin Couta Boat Skipper.
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 Sayonara
Wednesday, 9 September 2009 Melbourne-based Sayonara, one of Australia’s most graceful historic yachts, is moored on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, from 7 to 18 September, 2009.
Update from the Australian National Maritime MuseumThe gaff-rigged racer, 19 metres long (on the deck) with a towering mast 15 metres tall, was built in Adelaide in 1897 to a plan by William Fife III, a Scottish designer widely considered the most important naval architect of his time. Melbourne businessman George Garrard commissioned the plan and had the yacht built by the Adelaide firm A McFarlane & Sons.
The hull is carvel planked in New Zealand kauri on Australian hardwood frames. Fife was clearly pleased with the outcome as he built a sister yacht Cerigo from the same plans for his own use in Scotland.
Sayonara dominated inter-Colonial and then inter-State match-racing regattas for several years and played a major part in yacht racing in Victoria and NSW through until the 1910s. It gave its name to the Sayonara Cup, the premier series of yacht races in Australia from 1904 to the 1960s.
The big yacht spent most of its time from the 1910s to the 1990s in the Sydney region. Its new owners in the 90s, a holding syndicate, took it back to Melbourne for a million-dollar restoration and re-launch in 2000. Sayonara is presently visiting Sydney and will return to Melbourne later in the year.
Sayonara lunch, talk and inspection
Doug Shields, Sayonara syndicate manager, and David Payne, manager of the Australian Register of Historic Vessels, will present engaging talks over a light lunch at the National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, on Friday, 18 September. This will be followed by an inspection of the yacht.
The details:
Time – 12 noon to 1.30 pm.
Date – Friday, 18 September.
Price - $20 (museum members $15).
Bookings essential, phone (02) 9298 3644
http://www.anmm.gov.au/
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Monday, 7 September 2009
Notice of MeasurementOur two Class Measurers, Ray Eades and Wayne Johnstone, have declared the upcoming month of October as 'measuring month'. This is so that additional data on individual boats can be obtained, collated and then displayed on the CBA website. This information will also aide in deliberations for CBA Class Rules 2010 and beyond. Ray and Wayne will be available each Sunday in October. Could all boat owners whose boats have not already been measured this year and whose boats are out of the water contact Ray or Wayne for an appointment? One item the Class Measurers will be checking is the location of the design waterline (DWL). Once this is established they ask permission from boat owners to scribe a small line of the DWL at the stem and sternpost. This is so that owners can ballast their boats to this DWL and Measurers can have a visual reference when our boats are on the water. Ray Eades can be contacted on:- 0408 394 054 and (03) 9772 3283 (AH) Wayne Johnstone can be contacted on:- 0419 009 974 and (03) 9553 1765 (AH) Bernard O'Hanlon CBA Secretary
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 3 May 2009 After completing the original route taken by 7 brave Cornishmen in 1854, the boat will now travel around the coast of Australia. Spirit of Mystery Leaves Port PhillipAfter an epic voyage from Newlyn, Cornwall, UK to Williamstown, Victoria, Australia the Spirit of Mystery was slipped at Williamstown for repair of damage she sustained in a knockdown on 3 March 2009. The freak wave that hit the boat not only damaged communication equipment and tore off the life raft, it also resulted in one of the crew, Mark Maidman, sustaining a broken leg. Sadly, it also tore off the sailing dinghy which had been built with off-cuts of the 37-foot Cornish lugger replica and which thus is irreplacable. At the behest of the Couta Boat Association, a visit to the Southern end of Port Phillip was organised, and Andy Goss brought the Spirit of Mystery to the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club and finally to Queenscliff Harbour. Couta boat Lyndal Lea met the Spirit of Mystery just off Portsea and piloted her into her mooring spot in the central basin of the Harbour for public viewing. And indeed a large number of visitors came to Queenscliff to see the boat over the ensuing days. While moored at Queenscliff, some more boat maintenance was undertaken and plans were made for the next leg of her journey to King Island and then on to Launceston, Tasmania. The Queenscliff stopover proved to be a stroke of good luck as the mooring facilities were quite protected to sit out a couple of violent storm fronts which were approaching, with winds of up to 55 knots and seas of 3+ metres within Port Phillip, and naturally much more in Bass Strait. So, on Wedneday, the 29th of April 2009, the Spirit of Mystery left Queenscliff with a crew of 5: Andy Goss and Henriette Lemay were joined by Rosebud boat builder Jeremy Clowes, Ocean Grove sculptor Noel Essex and retired Queenscliffe councilor Steven Lee. Couta fisherman Lew Ferrier in his fishing boat Rosebud escorted the Spirit of Mystery out the Cut and through the Heads and was joined by motor launch Rough Up from Portsea. Lew handed one of his old couta jigs to Andy Goss as a departing gift with no doubt a colourful description of how to use it, and indeed it took less than 30 minutes for the crew on Spirit of Mystery to catch the first of several couta! I was sad to see this gallant little vessel go, but am sure we will cross paths again somewhere around Australia. Pete and Andy Goss are planning to be at the Sydney International Boat Show (30 July – 3 August 2009) at Darling Harbour; for anything beyond that, check the website www.petegoss.com
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Dinghy before the Storm |
Lyndal Lea and Spirit of Mystery |
Motley Crew |
Spirit of Mystery leaves Queenscliff |
Rough Up and Rosebud in good company |
Off to King Island |
Spirit of Mystery |
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 Romy off the wind
Nigel Abbott, Thursday, 30 April 2009 A perspective from the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club Captain Couta Boat Association State Championship 2009Over the last year, I would like to acknowledge the overall improvement in the running of Couta Boat events, due to the positive contribution of many people. Last season's sailing club forum no doubt has been a key influencer by listening to what the sailors and volunteers want out of sailing Couta Boats at Sorrento. Anyway since then the year has been smooth sailing with a good mix of events. This leads me offer a perspective on the final big CBA event for the year – The Investec CBA State Titles was again a big success with close to 40 Couta Boats enjoying a mixed format of passage and round the sticks races.
Day one was reserved for the long passage race. Div 1 went down to Rosebud via the South Channel Pile, with a shorter course for the Div 2's to Rye Pier and return. Those of you who sailed know all this, so I should now comment on the light breeze and ebbing tide which presented quite a challenge to the sailors. The course for the first section of the race went from the start off Sorrento, into a laid mark in near the sisters (in the area of the green cone) and then on down to Number 10 pile off Blairgowrie shops. The trick here was to understand the environment. I'm not talkin' tree hugging, Karma or turning your TV off at the power point, but the real environment – the wind and water – the air temperature and the water texture – the feel of the boat – the trim and gentle coaxing the boat needs to perform to the prevailing conditions. (Perhaps, Boat Karma).
Our first priority is simply to look for wind on water. Boats don't go without wind and when racing adjacent the shore line the breeze can be blanketed in some spots. Second; respect the tide flow. From the first mark, the fleet was sailing in the Sorrento channel down to Number 10, which is similar to sailing upstream in a river. As naturally competitive types we lee-bowed a couple of boats onto port and pushed them off towards the middle of the channel and into the deeper faster flowing water. What bastards... they say (Negative Karma) – but the end result is really quite pleasing to see 'your competitor' sailing away to certain defeat (Positive Karma). The point is; a key factor at the start of this race, was working with the 'environment' being the ebb tide water flow in the channel was a dominant consideration vs. the light wind conditions.
Once past number 10, the waters out to the South Channel Pile and down on to Rosebud, some 9 miles or more away, are of a similar consistency making tide a lesser factor. As the fleet neared Rosebud the wind became more and more affected by Arthur's Seat. This became very interesting... as the boats became influenced by softer winds nearer Rosebud the trailing boats began catching. In sailing, it's never over till the finish line, and often boats a long way ahead can fall foul in becalmed waters (Bad Karma) providing the opportunity for trailing boats to sail around such holes and pass them (Positive Karma). For us, we were pleased to round the Rosebud mark and travel away form the soft winds back towards a building sea breeze that was beginning to establish on the tip of the peninsula (Erection!). These long races don't have the boat handling and short tactical excitement but the overall concentration challenge and keeping the crew on the job whilst they gaze at the picturesque view adds up to a fun day on a Couta.
On the second day, with 3 short Triangle races, the tip is, we still consider the environment but are careful not to punt as heavily on the conditions at the expense of ignoring where the majority of the fleet traffic is headed. Round the sticks, tactical situations such as giving bad air to an opponent or rounding on the outside of a bunch of boats at a mark, all help to push the leaders further and further ahead, leaving most behind to bite and moan at each other. As I recently heard it said: To win; just do 4 things – 1) Have a system for everything so that preparing the boat, lunches, etc. thru to who does what on the boat is all sorted. (Bit high ground for Coutamen!). 2) Don't know what 2 is... (Couldn't hear). 3) Take your time i.e. put the whisker pole out later and pull it down earlier. 4) Sail high in the flat water spots. That's it.
At the end of the day we all aim to have plenty of fun and to learn as we go. I hope this little story is a help to your goals ... on the water.
Cheers – Captain Nugget.
Handicap Results Division 1 Division 2 C97 (built 1997) 1 Regina C34 (built 1934) Lisa C71 (built 1991) 2 Lucy C31 (built 1931) Romy C2003 (built 2003) 3 Morning Star C157 (built 1935)
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Wednesday, 1 April 2009 Dates can be very telling ... Plan to Ban Recreational Boating on Port PhillipDetails of a plan that will effectively ban daytime recreational boating on Port Phillip Bay, for six months out of each year, were released today.
The plan, if enacted, would see recreational boats over 4.8 metres, (both power and sail) banned from operating on Port Phillip Bay, between the hours of 1030 (10.30am) and 1530 (3.30pm) every day, in each alternate month.
According to Government Spokesperson Ms Nora Treally, “The current Dredging program in the bay is stirring up sand and sediments, that in the normal course of events would settle to the bottom quickly, generally within a few days. However, with the increased boating activity now taking place on Port Phillip, the sand and sediments are being continually stirred up by boats and remain suspended in the water. This has the effect of making the water in the bay more dense and of a heavier viscosity, a phenomenon known as ‘Thick Water’.”
According to Professor of Aquatics and Marine Life at Monash University, Prof. B. A. Loney , “thick water causes a number of serious problems. It’s a hazard for commercial shipping as large ships find it more difficult to steer and maneuver through thick water and it’s also a problem for fish and other marine life, who generally find it more difficult to swim through the water.”
Thick water is a phenomenon rarely seen in the Southern Hemisphere, but is often reported as occurring in the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Scandinavian waterways where the water temperature often causes the water to become more dense.
Fishermen in the Northern Hemisphere have reported that fish caught in ‘thick water’ appear to be ‘muscled up’ as a result of having to work harder to make their way through the water and are generally not as tender and tasty, as fish caught in normal water.
The ban on recreational boating on the bay is planned to commence on 29 February 2010.
P.S.: Thank you to John Zammit from SHIPMATE for his contribution to April Fool's Day.
The strange custom prevalent throughout this kingdom, of people making fools of one another upon the first of April, arose from the year formerly beginning, as to some purpose, and in some respects, on the twenty-fifth of March, which was supposed to be the incarnation of our Lord; it being customary with the Romans, as well as with us, to hold a festival, attended by an octave, at the commencement of the new year—which festival lasted for eight days, whereof the first and last were the principal; therefore the first of April is the octave of the twenty-fifth of March, and, consequently, the close or ending of the feast, which was both the festival of the Annunciation and the beginning of the new year.
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 Spirit of Mystery reefed down
Carmen Bell, Sunday, 8 March 2009 The Southern Ocean lives up to its fierce reputation Spirit Not Broken
After battling a fierce storm for two and a half days in the Southern Ocean, the Spirit of Mystery was knocked down more than 90 degrees by a freak wave near Kangaroo Island, South Australia early Wednesday, 4 March 2009, resulting in the injury of crewman Mark Maidman (Pete Goss's brother-in-law), who broke his leg while on watch on deck, loss of the life raft and dinghy and damage of the communications equipment.
Amazingly, a log entry from the 6th of March 1855 gives a taste of what conditions the crew on Mystery encountered in the Southern Ocean: "A terrific gale of wind - heaviest so far experienced. Our gallant little boat rides the mountains of sea remarkably well. Not shipping any water, dry decks fore and aft. I am confident she is making better weather than a great many ships would, if here."
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) dispatched a Donier aircraft and dropped medical supplies and a satellite telephone - all of which landed within 100 metres of the bow. While the initial decision was to evacuate the injured crewman once the Spirit of Mystery was within helicopter range (about 150 nautical miles from Portland, Victoria), in the end the vessel sailed all the way to Portland to deliver the injured man for medical treatment.
The remaining crew (skipper Pete Goss, his brother Andy and his son Elliot) then continued the trip towards their final destination of Williamstown, Victoria.
We wish them fair winds and safe arrival.
UPDATE: The Spirit of Mystery passed Queenscliff Pier on Monday, 9/03/09 and was met by Russ Watson's couta boat Nellie C148 and a number of modern yachts. See photos below ... and this is an excerpt from Pete Goss's weblog: Just before sunup we entered Port Philip and were met by a Couta Boat which is a traditional boat which reminded me of a Falmouth work boat. Fortunately for us the yacht 'Secretary' was just ahead of us and hearing us on the VHF to port control offered to hang back and take us through the western channel. Just as we cleared this Mark Lloyd turned up on a helicopter and we did a photoshoot which included putting up St Pirans - they are stunning. A welcome fleet soon started to build up as we closed Melbourne and the sense of anticipation built. As we closed the marina we noticed a crowd and on closing them realised that they were all dressed in traditional Cornish clothes and waving St Pirans flags.
www.petegoss.com/blog.php
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Spirit of Mystery at Queenscliff Pier 9/3/09 at 6:50 am |
Nellie & Spirit of Mystery |
A couta good morning |
Nellie in pursuit of Spirit |
Spirit ahead of Nellie |
Spirit of Mystery at South Channel Pile |
Spirit of Mystery arriving at RYCV |
All is well that ends well - Pete & Elliot Goss |
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 1 March 2009 sponsored by the Borough of Queenscliffe, Parks Victoria and Queenscliff Harbour P/L Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 20-22 February 2009
The Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta and Queenscliff Classic Yacht Regatta 2009 was conducted on Saturday, 21 February 2009. Conditions were breezy at the start, with a strong ebb tide against a brisk south-southeasterly wind, but settled in the course of the 1½-hour long race.
Handicap winners in Division 2 (small boats) were couta boats Claire C154 (stand-in skipper Mark Bergin) – FIRST, Rosie C114 (skipper Scott Crisp) – SECOND, and Nellie C148 (skipper Russell Watson) – THIRD.
Couta boat Regina C34 was built by Peter Locke on Beach Street in Queenscliff in 1934, sailed to Melbourne, loaded on the coastal trader Casino and delivered to Port Fairy where she fished for couta for many years and was also used as a cray pot boat. She was found in 1984 in Portland and restored. Jeanette Ellis was the only lady skipper who participated in the Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta 2009, and she won not only the coveted white jumper for the ‘first boat home’ (line honours) but also the Fisherman’s Trophy for the first old boat (>50 years of age) over the line in Division 2.
Handicap winners in Division 1 (large boats) were couta boats Lola C43 (skipper Raymond Bateman) – FIRST, Zephyr C2006 (skipper Peter Sullivan) – SECOND, and Pearl C12 (skipper James Mighell) – THIRD.
Couta boat Romy C2003 was built by the Wooden Boat Shop in Sorrento in 2003 and was originally named after the first owner’s wife Vivienne. The Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club Captain Nigel Abbott re-named her after his daughter Romy, and once again won the white jumper for line honours in Division 1. The Fisherman’s Trophy in this Division however went to the handicap winner Lola C43 whose previous name was Edna. Lola C43 was built by Doug Walton and his 12-year old son Jack at the Rhyll Pier from 1939-1943 and has also been re-named after her current skipper’s daughter.
It was good to see that the old working boats in the fleet were holding their own against recently built racing boats, and this is a credit to the Couta Boat Class Association design rules which attempt to provide a level playing field by restricting design development in this type of boat.
The Williamstown-based Classic Yacht Association of Australia members brought two of their classic yachts to this event, despite having just returned from a major Classic Yacht sailing event in New Zealand, and Mercedes III (skipper Martin Ryan) won over Boambillee (skipper George Fisscher) by a mere 26 seconds on corrected time. The classic yachts started after the couta boats but, because of their size and consequent faster hull speeds, overtook many of the boats in front. This they did in a most gentlemanly manner, as is befitting these beautiful wooden yachts.
Mercedes III is Australia’s first cold-moulded ocean racer, designed by Ted Kaufman/Bob Miller and built by Cec Quilkey. This 40-foot sloop was launched for the Admirals Cup trials and won 9 of her first 14 races in 1966. She has completed many Sydney-to-Hobarts.
All up, there were 25 boats providing a feast for the eye for the public watching along the beach and on the Queenscliff Pier, and plenty of photo opportunity for spectators on Mia Mia, a 25-metre sailing ketch built in Melbourne in 1965 whose aboriginal name means ‘resting place’.
The Memorial Sail-Past on Sunday, 22 February 2009 had special meaning as it did not only honour the fishermen and sailors who are no longer with us, but it also commemorated those who lost their lives in the recent bush fires. Lew Ferrier on his fishing boat Rosebud was on his boat’s foredeck and crews saluted him as they went past him and then proceeded to Portsea Pier and from there to their individual home ports of Williamstown, Martha Cove, Mornington, and Sorrento. An old Tiger Moth plane circled the boats while they were waiting for their start signal, which was given with a proper starting cannon from the end of the Queenscliff Pier by the President of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. And, as the first boat rounded the Queenscliff Bluff, the Queenscliff Fort detonated one of its large cannons as a salute – a great gesture.
Sailing instructions were available from www.sscbc.com.au
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Queenscliff Regatta 09 Start |
Coutas and Classics |
Queenscliff Regatta 09 |
Regatta Winners at Sailpast 09 |
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 15 February 2009 6-9 February 2009 at Hobart, Tasmania Australian Wooden Boat Festival 2009The 2009 Australian Wooden Boat Festival was the eighth festival held at Hobart, Tasmania and attracted more than 550 boats afloat and ashore. The smallest boat, but not a model boat, was a baby cradle called Eximious II at 3'9", and the longest boat was the tall ship James Craig at 230'.
The Parade of Sail on Friday signalled the start of the Festival and was attended by tall ships James Craig, Enterprize, Young Endeavour, Lady Nelson and Windward Bound. They were accompanied by a flotilla of hundreds of boats as they made their way up the River Derwent towards Sullivan's Cove. As a special treat this year, four of the historic 18-foot Sydney skiffs attended and proved their sailing skills in fresh conditions.
The Couta Boat Association hosted a get-together on Saturday at the Customs House Hotel which was attended by 112 members. Two Tasmania-based couta boats My Girls and Pelikan, and several Victoria-based Couta Boat Association members' boats such as Ruth-E, Torea and Storm Bay as well as a number of motor lauches also made the effort to attend. CONGRATULATIONS TO 'MY GIRLS C206' FOR WINNING THE PURSUIT RACE IN A MIXED FLEET - another example of what great boats the couta boats are.
Photos of the festival can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/awbf2009/
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is held every two years, and the next festival is planned for 11-14 February 2011.
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AWBF09 |
AWBF09 |
AWBF09 |
Ruth E C140 |
Lady Susan C521 |
AWBF09 |
Boys winning on My Girls C206 at AWBF09 |
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Carmen Bell, Thursday, 2 October 2008 photo courtesy Queenscliff Herald Couta Boat Fleet Welcomes 'Great White Fleet'On Saturday, 29 August 1908 a total of 15,000 visitors were expected in Queenscliff to watch the arrival of the 'Great White Fleet' of 16 American battleships (all painted bright white) on tour around the world. The Victorian Railways scheduled extra trains to and from Geelong with departures every 15 minutes (those were the good old days!)
The Queenscliff fishermen provided a flotilla of 40 couta boats (manned by a man and a boy each). This was quite a generous gesture by the fishermen as they would lose a half-day's income. The boats carried flags bearing the word 'Welcome' which were made locally.
Local photogaphers produced commemorative postcards. Copies of those and the train timetables are available at the Queenscliffe Historical Museum, Hesse Street, Queenscliff.
It is interesting to note the tiny jibs and high booms - a rig suitable for work ...
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 6 April 2008 The final aggregate race for the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club 2008 Championship was held in Queenscliff waters - Thank you to PRO Peter Gale and his team for setting a course that allowed the public to watch over 20 boats competing Matilda Waltzes into Double VictoryGale conditions during the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend on the last weekend in February 2008 prevented all on-water activities and necessitated the re-scheduling of the Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta to the 5th of April 2008.
After coming second on handicap two years in a row, Division 1 couta boat Matilda C127 not only won the 2008 Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta on handicap but also achieved first home line honours for which her skipper Mark Foley received the coveted white fisherman's jumper with the logo of the Borough of Queenscliffe.
Since 2006 the Queenscliff Couta Boat Association has revived the 100-year old tradition of the fisherman who was fastest back to Queenscliff changing from his blue working jumper to a white jumper to indicate his success to everyone. It was a matter of great pride to wear the white jumper at the end of a no doubt hard day’s work catching barracouta with lines and jigs as it demonstrated his exceptional sailing skills.
In further acknowledgement of the historic background of the Queenscliff Couta Boat, handicap trophies were hand-made couta jigs, modeled after one that Harry Mouchmore still had in his shed at Fisherman’s Flat.
Division 2 winners were the same as last year, with Brett Almond winning line honours and the white jumper (his 3rd in a row!) with couta boat Defiance C136 and Russ Watson’s boat It’s all good ‘Nellie’ C148 winning on handicap.
The Queenscliff Regatta also acknowledges with a special Fisherman’s Trophy line honour results for the fastest couta boat of more than 50 years of age and which is indeed a true working boat. The Fisherman’s Trophy in Division 1 was awarded to Scoundrel C119, and It’s all good ‘Nellie’ C148 won it in Division 2 - a great double win for the old girl and her crew.
The other handicap place getters were in Division 1 Pearl C12 in second position and Zephyr C2006 in third; and in Division 2 Dawn C96 came second and Blondie C15 came third.
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Defiance C136 Bow On |
It's all good 'Nellie' C148 - handicap winner |
Pearl C12 |
Zephyr C2006 |
Matilda C127 |
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 27 January 2008 Organised by the Queenscliff Couta Boat Association.
Supported by the Borough of Queenscliffe, Parks Victoria and Queenscliff Harbour P/L.
Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 22-24 Feb 2008Lighthouses have always been important at the Borough of Queenscliffe and therefore it is lighthouses which feature on the poster for the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 22-24 February 2008 – a community event organised by the Queenscliff Couta Boat Association which brings couta boats from around Port Phillip to their place of origin.
And, although the Queenscliff Harbour is under construction, visiting couta boats will be allowed to come in.  More detailed instructions will be available closer to the event.
The weekend kicks off with ‘Fishy Tales’ on Friday, 22 Feb 2008 at 7:30 pm at the Couta Boat Shed of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. This year’s speakers will be Bill Huggins (lighthouse keeper, retired), ‘Snow’ Lacco (son of boat builder Ken Lacco) and Dugga Beazley (still active Port Melbourne fisherman).
Couta boats will be rafting up at Queensciff Harbour from 10:00 am onward on Saturday, 23 Feb 2008 (those who want to attend Fishy Tales can come in Friday afternoon). Following lunch at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, the ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ will be conducted in the Harbour at 2:00 pm and the Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta starts at 3:30 pm. A Reception and trophy presentation by the Borough of Queenscliffe's CEO will be around 6:00 pm back at the Maritime Museum.
On Sunday, 24 Feb 2008, there will be Crew breakfast with compliments of the CBA President in Fisherman's Flat at 12 Beach Street, Queenscliff between 8:30 and 10:00 am, and the start of the Memorial Sail-Past and Passage Race to Portsea with Lew Ferrier’s fishing boat Rosebud as the turning mark at Lonsdale Bight is at Noon, allowing some time in between to visit the popular Queenscliffe Community Market.
The Queenscliff Fort will fire a salute at the start time of the Memorial Sail-Past (for those who may have missed the Queenscliffe Maritime President's antique starting cannon!) and as a special treat for the Sea Scouts.
For further information and to obtain tickets for Fishy Tales ($12.00 ea) and the Lunch ($15.00 ea), contact the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum at (03) 5258 3440 or wrecks@bigpond.net.au
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE SSCBC CLUB CAPTAIN.
Special thanks to June Negri of the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum for administrative support and to Andrew Watson for designing the poster.
Download - Queenscliff CBA Regatta Order Form
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Queenscliff Harbour Sterns |
Queenscliff Harbour Flags |
Queenscliff Harbour Bows |
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Carmen Bell, Thursday, 8 March 2007 Not just a static display but poetry in motion 2007 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival 10-12 March - We were thereThe 2007 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival shows the public the art of wooden boat building and displays a variety of wooden craft, including the couta boats.
The Festival is not just a static display of wooden boats, but the Classic Yachts of Williamstown and the Couta Boats converge in Geelong at the completion of their individual Passage Races in the course of the afternoon on Saturday, 10 March 2007. And there is a Grand Parade of Boats and Cavalcade of Sail past Cunningham Pier on Sunday, 11 March 2007 at 11:30 am, followed by the Corio Bay Couta Boat Cup and the Corio Bay Wooden Yacht Cup at 12:30 pm - a true feast for the eye.
Photo: Ewen Bell (2005 Geelong Wooden Boat Festival)
2007 RACE WINNERS (updated 11/03/07):
Williamstown to Geelong Passage Race:
RENENE SM23 Kent Bacon
Portarlington to Geelong Passage Race:
LYNDAL LEA C911 Carmen Bell
Corio Bay Wooden Yacht Cup:
RENENE SM23 Kent Bacon
Corio Bay Couta Boat Cup:
IT'S ALL GOOD 'NELLIE' C148 Russell Watson
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Nigel Abbott, Monday, 5 March 2007 Two days of racing are scheduled to start at 1330hrs.
Mercedes-Benz CBA Nationals this weekendMercedes-Benz is as excited as we to be in the last days before our final Couta Boat Association championship event of the year. Sailors will be pleased to know that Mercedes-Benz has left no stone unturned to make this a memorable championship. Hats and Polos for all crews. Two days of racing are scheduled to start at 1330hrs.
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Carmen Bell, Sunday, 18 February 2007 Steeped in history and full of maritime artefacts, the Hope & Anchor Tavern was a most suitable venue Couta Boat Association Function in Hobart 2007
Within walking distance of Constitution Dock, Victoria Dock and the Kings Pier Marina, we found a lovely old pub to hold an Association function for members who attended the 2007 Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
The Hope & Anchor Tavern was established in 1807 and has traded as a pub ever since. It certainly seemed like traveling in time when you stepped into the foyer and made your way up the stairs to the function room - a room full of antiques and lots of atmosphere. A group of just under 100 people gathered to exchange stories, find old friends not seen for a while or make new ones. Lovely fresh Tasmanian seafood and an open bar were enjoyed by all.
It was also a good opportunity to acknowledge publicly exceptional contributions to the Couta Boat Association by two prior Committee Members, namely its first President, John Ross, and its long-time Treasurer (and Slave), George Kimpton
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Queenscliff Maritime Weekend
Poster for Queenscliff Maritime Weekend 2007
Photograph:Andrew Watson
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Carmen Bell, Tuesday, 27 February 2007 Another great Queenscliff Regatta Queenscliff Regatta 23 - 25 February 2007What a heart-warming sight to see couta boats from around Port Phillip flock to their port of origin at Queenscliff for the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The central basin of Queenscliff Harbour was cleared for the visiting boats and flags and banners were flying from cranes, the slipway and the boats themselves. The Queenscliff Harbour will not be the same next year, as start of construction of Stage 2 is imminent and a larger T-shaped basin is created. The Blessing was conducted by Lewis Ferrier, Queenscliff's barefoot fisherman, who is still coutering in his boat Rosebud.
The Maritime Weekend was officially opened by Lisa Neville MLA, Minister for Mental Health, Children and Aged Care and representatives of the major sponsors were in attendance: Pat Semmens, Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe; Mal Poulter, Project Manager of the Queenscliff Harbour Development from Parks Victoria; and Tim Price, Director of Sinclair-Brook and Project Director, Queenscliff Harbour P/L. 
Queenscliff Couta Boat Regatta 2007
Line Honours Line Honours ( boat 50 years and over)
Romy C2003 Division 1 (built 2003) Scoundrel C119 Division 1 (built 1950's)
Defiance C136 Division 2 (built 2003) Duchess C21 Division 2 (built 1956)
Handicap Division 1 Handicap Division 2
1 Wagtail C86 1 It's all good 'Nellie' C148
2 Matilda C127 2 Paris C55
3 Scoundrel C119 3 Duchess C21
Memorial Sail Past and Passage Race
Handicap Division 1 Handicap Division 2
April C170 It's all good 'Nellie' C148
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Friday, 1 December 2006 The Queenscliff Couta Boat Association is reviving a 100 year old tradition of the skipper first home receiving a white jumper to signify their skill as sailors and fishermen. Borough of Queenscliffe’s mayor will present the prestigious white jumper to Division 1 & 2 line honour winners of the annual Couta Boat Regatta. The regatta and other community activities are part of the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend held 24, 25 & 26 February 2006. The Queenscliff Couta Boat Association is reviving a 100 year old traditionFirst Home!
A 100 year old Queenscliff fishing tradition will be relived during the 2006 Queenscliff Maritime Weekend held Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February.
Since the inception of the Queenscliff couta boat in the 1880s fishermen have always raced - whether from the fishing grounds to home or in local regattas. Changing their navy blue working jumper for the white jumper was highly regarded by the fishermen of the day as it clearly stated they were first home with their catch.
2006 is the year for reviving the 100 year old tradition of rewarding line honour winners with the legendary white jumper originally worn by the skipper first home with his catch of barracouta. The white jumper will be presented by the Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor, Chris Player, and will feature the borough’s distinctive logo bearing the Latin words for ‘safe harbour’.
Queenscliff’s rich maritime history comes to life during the Maritime Weekend held this year on 24, 25 & 26 February. The Couta Boat Regatta evokes a way of life long gone yet living on in the hearts and souls of many local people, their children and grandchildren.
It is anticipated that the Queenscliff Maritime Weekend will be opened by the Minister for Education and Training, Lynne Kosky. Official guests include MP for Bellarine Lisa Neville and MLC Elaine Carbines. The traditional Blessing of the Fleet will be given by Lewis Ferrier the barefoot fisherman, barefoot ambassador and barefoot lay minister.
For more information contact:
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Secretary June Negri 5258 3440.
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