Interclub Bay Cruise 2011

The Bay Cruise has been and gone for another year. It was enjoyed by and participated in by 15 boats in total from the MBBC.

Merv and Marlene from “Rimfire”, and Mick and Gayle from “C-Jade” were both able to join the cruise for the two nights at Southport at the VMR on Wednesday and at the Yacht Club on the Thursday. Merv and Marlene travelled down in the Motor Home, whilst the Hamiltons hosted Mick and Gail on “Grecher”. Hopefully both of their boats will be back and operational in the near future.

The cruise began on Saturday 17^th September at the RQYS grounds at Canaipa on the North Eastern tip of Russell Island. “Sunshine” and I had travelled down in company with David and Susie James-Brown in “Kai’ Mana”. A four hour trip with the tide behind us all the way. We arrived and anchored up in the creek, got organised with raising the previous Bay Cruise flags, getting the dinghy in the water, and tidying up, and then went ashore for the 2.00pm sign–on.

With 85 boats listed to take part and in spite of the 28 newbie “virgin cruisers” there were a lot of old friends to catch up and re-acquaint with, as well as our own good members. So a few wines were shared, some lies told, and following the usual cruise welcome from the Commodore and Committee we enjoyed the “Sarge’s” attempts to hand out fines, exhort money, or produce outlandish tutus and suits for alleged miscreants to wear for 24 hours. All good fun.

The following morning we up-anchored and headed south to the SYC’s “Dux Anchorage” on the northern end of South Stradbroke Island where it was the start of the cruise’s kids and adult organised activities. Our Bay Cruise club delegates John and Maria Elliott, with John the Bay Cruise elected Rear Commodore this year, were the organisers, arrangers, supervisors, and main culprits of numerous team challenges of varying degrees of difficulty and/or stupidity, which more than adequately catered for most of the cruise kids activities and because of that a lot of their parents as well.

That evening we gathered for the Trivia night at Dux, where the MBBC distributed the club donated port, cheese, and biccies. Whilst our collective brain power was not enough for any of our 3 or 4 trivia teams to have come away with the winnings, we certainly received a lot of recognition for the port.

On the Monday morning we moved again further south to the grounds of the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club “Southern Haven” situated just south of Tipplers on South Straddie, where we spent the next two nights. On Monday the MBTBC crew did us all proud with their Italian themed evening and luke warm “spag bol” followed by a number gathering around the camp fire and joining in with the sing-a-long along with some of the (slightly) musically inclined cruisers.

Following more kids activities during the day, the Tueday evening saw a couple of films shown on the large screen on the outdoor carpet area of the MBTBC. The early evening was appreciated by many.

Wednesday dawned with all moving south again past the Seaway and into the Southport Aquatic Basin (Bums Bay) where some went off on organised trips to Seaworld, some took advantage of the VMR and did a radio course, and others just rested their eyes behind closed eyelids. Then to the VMR for the usual round of Committee updates, SYC berthing arrangements for the next day, the “Sarge”, and evening spit roast meal which was followed by the “Casino” play gambling night for the adults, whilst the Elliotts (with a couple of helpers) ushered all the kids into a backroom for more prize orientated games. The kids all had a ball, as did most of the adults.

The next morning we all moved to the Southport Yacht Club Marina, where between the SYC and the Cruise Committee, they managed to squeeze all the boats into berths. It was very well organised and coordinated by Peter Shaw of the Bay Cruise Committee. A number of both Committee and senior cruisers were given areas of the marina to look after boats that had been previously allocated both their berth and the exact time they were due in, and without too much anxiety, all were berthed and ashore well before lunch. Some of us took the time to avail ourselves of the laundry facilities there, and still be free by lunchtime, and ready to observe the afternoon fashion parade put on by Musto and the SYC for the cruise benefit.

My offer of being a model in the parade was politely declined.

That evening at SYC we had a buffet meal followed by a “cent” auction style giveaway of a large number of donated prizes/items. Everything from bottles of scotch to two 2L tins of very good red paint – that I am still wondering what I am going to do with – GT stripes anyone?

The next morning we had the Commodore salute and sail past just south of the Seaway on our way back north to the clubs south of Tipplers. It is a spectacular sight seeing 85 boats all dressed up and in line passing the Commodore’s boat and acknowledging his and the Committee’s work for the cruise this year.

The sailing challenge began soon after at the Deep Hole where the challenge is not so much that of winning a sailing race, but of participating in an event whilst underway whether or not the boat was sailing was deemed immaterial. A couple of noteworthy occurrences at the start line at which I officiated at, was the extra points gained by Geoff off “Buragin” as he 180’d in front of the oncoming fleet and proceeded across the start line backwards with a number of cruise kids dancing on its bow to rather raucous music. Also of note was the Martys on “Real Thing” trying to throw Tim Tam bribes to me, failing to make the distance between boats, so promptly doing a 360, came back and picked up the (still) floating Tim Tam, and eating it themselves. They lost points for that. Mind you, I need Tim Tams like I need a hole in the head, but that was not the point.

That evening we had the usual committee briefings and the Sarge at the Gold Coast Boat Clubs grounds, and following a BYO BBQ there was the annual cruise Talent Quest. We had the talented Marty family again flying the flag for the MBBC, where this year Emily was acclaimed for her Acker Bilk clarinet rendition, and was ably supported by Therese’s banjo along with Brodie James-Brown on percussion.

A few of us headed back on the Saturday morning missing the final evening at the BOAT club, but I have been told that the Elliotts were again to the fore with the tryathlon on the Saturday.

Thanks to all who joined us, it was a fun trip, and especially thanks to the Elliotts. John and Maria did a brilliant job right throughout the cruise in all the roles that they were responsible for, and bought nothing but praise and a lot of recognition to the MBBC from all who participated. Well done to both of them.

David Mason-Cox

“Sunshine”

MBBC Participants in 2011 Interclub Bay Cruise

John and Maria Elliott with David, Deanne and Dominic                Sea-All           Sea Ray 30

Greg and Cheryl Hamilton                                                                Grecher          Bavaria 38

Mike and Sue Kinder                                                                        Mahogany      Riviera 3800

Chris and Therese Marty with Emily                                                Real Thing      Austral 8M

David and Susie James-Brown with Brodie                                    Kai’ Mana      Honeymoon 30

Peter and Zac Dwyer                                                                        Poppy-D         Regal

Tony and Wendy Kelly                                                                      Quoll               Fastback 32

Sharon and Barry Felschow with Jamie and Ryan                          Sunseeker     Haines 19C

Ian and Sandra Rogers                                                                    Spindrift          Heaney 39

Geoff Craig                                                                                       Buragin           50’ ex pilot boat        

Jock Mulligan                                                                                    Idle Mind         Swanson 32

Barry Kidman                                                                                    Soak’n Tent   Macgregor 26

David Mason-Cox                                                                             Sunshine        Displacement 34

Mick Drew and Gayle Kratzman                                                      C-Jade           Sea Ray 30

Merv and Marlene Waldron                                                             Rimfire            Fastback 32

Interclub Bay Cruise 2011 briefing

Hi all,

 

Lots happening this week in cruising.

 

Thursday evening is the monthly meeting/get-together at 7.30pm following some of us enjoying a "Schnitzel Special" clubhouse meal from 6pm on.

We will be dealing mainly with a final briefing for the Interclub Bay Cruise which begins on Saturday, and also looking to finalise a weekend trip in October. Come join us.

 

Saturday sees the start of the 36th Annual Interclub Bay Cruise with the sign on at RQYS grounds at Canaipa Point on the North Eastern tip of Russell Island between 1400hrs and 1600hrs.

The MBBC are again supplying and hosting the biccies, cheese, and port, on the Sunday night at the Southport Yacht Club's grounds "Dux Anchorage" on the northern end of South Stradbroke Island, so we will need all hands on deck that evening to held dispense the eats 'n drinks at the appropriate time. We also will be responsible to assist the following morning at 7am with an emu parade and clean-up of their grounds prior to departure down to the MBTBC grounds "Southern Haven" just south of Tipplers where we spend both Monday and Tuesday nights.

 

Wednesday night is spent in the Aquatic Basin just south of the Seaway where we are hosted by the Southport VMR. Thursday we move on to Southport Yacht Club where we are berthed. That night is the only evening where dress regulations will come into play, as the night is hosted inside the Yacht Club. Then following the annual sail past and Commodore's salute the cruise moves back to the Tipplers area where we are hosted by the Gold Coast Boat Club and the B.O.A.T. Club on the Friday and Saturday respectively. Then home again.

 

List of boats from the MBBC on the cruise - known so far

 

John and Maria Elliott and family - Sea Ray 30 - Sea-All - MBBC Bay Cruise delegates and Cruise Vice-Commodore

Greg and Cheryl Hamilton - Bavaria 38 - Grecher - MBBC Commodore

Mike and Sue Kinder - Riviera 3800 - Mahogany - MBBC Director

David Mason-Cox - 34' Bay Cruiser - Sunshine

Chris and Therese Marty and Emily - Austral Clubman 8M T/S - Real Thing

Ian Rogers - 39' Bay Cruiser - Spindrift

Sharon and Barry Felschow - 19' Haines - Sunseeker

Tony and Wendy Kelly - 30' Fastback cat - Quoll

Geoff Craig - 50' ex-Pilot Boat - Buragin

Peter and Zac Dwyer - Regal 26 - Poppy D

Mick Drew and Gail - Sea Ray 30 - C-Jade

Jock Mulligan - Swanson 32 - Idle Mind

David and Susie James-Brown and Brodie - Honeymoon - Kai Mana

Barry and Lorraine Kidman - Macgregor 26 - Soak-n-Tent

 

Wea re also hoping Merv Waldron from Rimfire will be able to join us for a day or two in Southport - he was booked on the cruise but unfortunately his boat will not be ready.

 

The VHF radio channel for the cruise will be Channel 09, so be aware of other boats from the club if you hear or see them about, and make yourself known.

 

The meeting on Thursday night hopefully will be a chance for you all to get to know each other prior to heading down and joining the cruise. Feel free to give me a call if you have any queries.

 

David Mason-Cox

"Sunshine"

0419 711488

VHF Channel 09 - from Saturday morning on  

Cruising Sunday - 28/8/11

CRUISING SUNDAY – 28/8/11

Following on from the postponed weekend at Bribie on the 20/21^st August due to inclement weather, it again looked bleak on Saturday for the trip over to Bongaree. It was raining and not altogether pleasant, although the forecast predicted it to clear with a fine day and only a couple of showers. Good enough, so we went.

Scott and Roseanne Garven with “Miss Toorbul” called late Saturday to say that they were already there and enjoying a “quiet red” but had a tide problem with getting back into the creek at Toorbul and that they would be away in the morning. Clive Moorhouse also called early Sunday to see what time we would be arriving as he had spent a very enjoyable evening at White Patch, so he was at Bongaree when the rest of us arrived.

I left my mooring just before 10am on the Sunday morning and caught the start of the yachties getting away to a spinnaker start in their Cowan race on the way over. Quite the spectacular sight.

The water was as smooth as a baby’s backside and with an outgoing tide it was an easy ride over and we were soon anchored up near Clive just north of the Bongaree jetty. Pretty soon after we were joined ashore by Ron and Emma Tschannen and family aboard their Whittley “Scott Free”, Ian Rogers, who ventured over on his own in “Spindrift”, and Mike and Sue Kinder along with Doug and Pam in “Mahogany”. Also along by road were some more of the extended Tschannen family, and old Touring participants Gary and Fiona Semenoff and kids.

The Barbie was fired, food was quaffed and washed down, a few lies were told, although not as many as the yachties and fishos generally tell, and a good time was had.

Following the successful discussion solving of most of New Zealand’s news and problems, some of which had been mentioned in passing by a number of those present emanating from there, we then headed back to our respective boats and retuned across the bay to find that the conditions had not changed from when we went over.

It was such a shame and with a tinge of disappointment to return to the club to find that the yachties had had to call off their race as the wind had died and they were hampered by having to legally finish the race before dusk. They looked so good at the start too.

Nevertheless – we had a ball. What a fantastic day to be in a boat.

Next month we have the Interclub Bay Cruise starting on Saturday 17^th September at Canaipa Point and finishing a week later at the Gold Coast Boat Club’s “Anchorage” just south of Tipplers. The MBBC will be represented with a number of boats as people are starting to come out of the woodwork and get interested in the trip.

A week or so ago John and Maria Elliott who are our Bay Cruise delegates spoke at our monthly Thursday get together about the forthcoming cruise and what to expect, and they will be along again at our next monthly Thursday night just prior to the Cruise on Thursday 15^th September at the club. Join us there.

David Mason-Cox    

cruising - 280711

BOAT TOURING/CRUISING

The Touring Section of the MBBC was part of the original idea in setting up the Club as it provided a means of safe traveling for the power boats of club members back in the early 1960’s.

Until the early sixties the Federal Government prevented the importation of outboard motors over 10hp for private recreational use, so most power boats were built from “bondwood” an early marine grade plywood and powered by either small outboard motors or converted car engines.

Once these restrictions were lifted and as larger outboard motors became available to the boating public then the unreliable noisy and messy mid-ship mounted Heath Robinson type propulsion fixture became obsolete for family boating and was replaced by the outboard and the stern drive, albeit a slightly more sophisticated converted car engine.

Soon after came fiberglass, and boating changed forever.

It is no wonder that the late fifties and early sixties type of boating enjoyment centred mainly around power boat racing with the odd family trip being rare, but as boats changed, became cleaner, quieter, bigger and more family friendly then a number of the activities that they engaged in became more sedate.

There is still power boat racing available, and there are still mid mount converted car engines towing water skiers all over the world, it is just that all these activities are catered for in separate clubs and the boats and motors are a tad more refined and technical than in days of yore.

Hence the beginning of the MBBC and its Touring section, where owners and builders of 12ft bondwood boats with relatively small outboards and 15 –17ft larger boats with inboards decided company and prudence were required as they continually headed blithely across the Bay to beaches and anchorages like Tangalooma.

The idea of a number of vessels going together in “convoys” appealed, and as these convoys became more successful, then more were arranged, hence the evolution of the Touring section.

As Touring has been somewhat in the doldrums over the past couple of years, there are still a number of members who would like to join in with a group of like minded boat owners, it has been decided to re-activate this section again, however as times and circumstances change and the types of boats interested in “cruising in company” are more variable, then the logistics of catering for them varies as well.

Consequently now, in arranging organized cruises we are looking to cater for boats of all types, be they slow, fast, or sail. Hence the rebadging of the old “Touring” section of the club to being now known as the “Cruising Section”.

The emphasis also has altered so that now instead of all boats leaving together and travelling in convoy, it is more about setting up a destination for boaties to meet at, allowing them to travel at their own speed and pace both to and from. Ideally the destination is somewhere like Bribie Island which is readily reachable and returnable by a comfortable day cruise either by sail or power boats and has the beach and facilities to allow participants to BBQ lunch ashore.

Some who may have more time availability will take the option of cruising further afield and taking off earlier in the weekend, others may be more restricted time-wise and only able to enjoy a day trip, but by having a monthly planning meeting prior to each trip these things can be sorted out, as can arrangements for newer members to meet others.

The cruising highlight each year is the annual Interclub Bay Cruise which our club has had participants involved and flying the burgee in for most of the past  35 years since its inception.

This cruise is held during the September school holidays each year and is generally held around the boat clubs in the lower reaches of Moreton Bay and the Broadwater.

The next activity planned will be a meeting on Thursday evening 18^th August prior to the Bribie Island cruising weekend of the 20/21^st of  August. Meeting starts at 7.30pm following a 6.30pm “Schnitzel specials” meal at the club.

The week-long Interclub Bay Cruise this year commences Saturday 17^th September at RQYS Canaipa on the NE tip of Russell Island.

All and any interested possible participants are requested to let either the club office or me know their intentions in advance.

David Mason-Cox                                                                                                     MBBC office

“Sunshine”                                                                                                                  3203 5188

0419 711488

june long weekend report

Hi all,
The forecast was terrible for the Sunday trip to Bribie on the 12th of June, and it was spitting in the morning with rail predicted all day - again, I really seem to pick good weather for our trips! But the Weather Bureau got it wrong again.
So it was with a lot of trepidation that I ventured to the boat, although it had stopped spitting by the time I arrived.
I got away about 9ish and motored over to Bongaree and dropped the pick. A bit later I was joined by Scott and Roseanne in "Miss Toorbul" as they had overnighted north of the bridge at the VMR. As there was quite a bit of west in the breeze Scott suggested we move up a lot closer to the bridge on the mainland side to a lot more sheltered spot where we rafted together and sat down to enjoy a couple of prawns and a glass of red.
Adam and Cheryl in "Reef Gypsy" soon joined us and helped polish off the remnants of the prawns - at least we left a couple for him. A bit later we were also joined by Laurie and Pamela in their yacht "Pretty Alright" who had enjoyed a good sail across.
Following the usual solving of the worlds problems and conviviality, Laurie, Pam, and I headed back to Scarborough, whilst Scott and Roseanne had to wait on the tide to get back into Elimbah Creek at Toorbul, and Adam and Cheryl were intending to stay till the next day.
The breeze did venture around to the east at one stage on the turn of the tide, but resumed back again from the south west where we had it on the nose all the way home, nevertheless it turned out to be a lot more pleasant day than was anticipated, no rain, and those attending enjoyed making the effort.
So much so, that as it was relatively early in the month that we ventured out, we decided to have a meal again this coming Thursday night at 6.30pm at the club. Just to renew some of the acquaintances.
It is a "schnitzel special night" on Thursdays, anyone wishing to join us is more than welcome.
Cheers,
David Mason-Cox
"Sunshine"
0419 711488

May Cruise Report

MBBC Cruising Section – 29 May 2011 - Bribie Report

A glorious day dawned on the Sunday, albeit with forecast of showers which were not to be, and the previously hoped for (March) BBQ  gathering of boaties at the Bongaree beach was re-attempted.

This time we all got ashore, met some old, some new members, shared some of Adam’s prawns, and generally agreed to repeat this again, and regularly.

Adam, Clive, Quinnie and Lorraine in “Reef Gypsy”, “Lucky Lady”, and “Emma” were all able to take advantage of the good weather also on Saturday and ventured up north of the Bribie Bridge and spent the night off Banksia Beach coming down to set up an anchorage for us all about half a mile north of Bongaree Jetty – a good spot, and a good choice.

They were soon joined by Rob in “Antares”, and I arrived about an hour later along with John and Julie Schultz who came over for the ride. Shortly we were then joined by Mike and Sue in “Mahogany” who had Doug, Pam and friend Merilyn on board. Geoff and Jock off the pilot boat “Buragin” soon joined us, and we were then pleasantly surprised by a visit from the sailing Bay Cruise regulars, Chris and Therese Marty, who had taken the car option and driven over.

The BBQ began with everybody drooling over Adam’s prawns which he magnanimously shared with (most) of those present. The Schultz’s had previously arranged to bring “some meat and salad” for the luncheon fare that I was to partake along with them, however their idea of catering is on somewhat of a grand scale so much so that they could have successfully fed the whole of Bribie Island with the amount of food that emanated out of the numerous wheeled bags/suitcases we bought ashore. I mean, I know I am a big lad, but…………….thanks Julie, it was great. 

Following lunch, Gary and Fiona Semenoff and kids also dropped in by car to chat and then watch the hilarity of an 8’ rubber duck with me and the Schultz’s and about 15 bags of slightly diminished supplies rowing out to “Sunshine” with an inch or two only of freeboard, and the differing gyrations of non-athletic bodies going through a myriad of exertions attempting to get back on board. There was a round of applause from the shore as we managed it without any of us getting wet. It was just the getting of the dinghy back on the coachouse roof that nearly caused it all to be undone. Nevertheless perseverance prevailed.

With a lunchtime low tide we had the tide with us both ways across the pond so it was only in the Passage that we had to push against it, with the tide change the slight breeze went around more to the South East making the anchorage and conditions even better and  more sheltered. It all turned out to be an excellent day, and one to be repeated. Thanks to all who made it.

With the Queens Birthday Long Weekend on the 11/12/13^th and although it is only a couple of weeks away, it is hoped that an extended overnighter again to Bribie can be accommodated. Some will not be able to spend the three days, some may only make it up for the day, but for those who can, we will plan to be there at least for the Sunday BBQ again at the same place at Bongaree. This caters for all those who may have a problem negotiating the 4.8m clearance of the Bribie Bridge.

A 7.30pm Thursday gathering at the club prior to this weekend on the 9^th will follow those who would like to join some of us for the special “Schnitzel Night” at the club restaurant.

See you there.

David Mason-Cox

“Sunshine”

0419 711488

cruisingmbbc@gmail.com

May 29th Bribie Trip

With the Bribie Island Wooden Boat Festival on the 14/15th and the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on 19-22nd and not wishing to clash, it is planned to have another day/weekend trip to Bongaree for a BBQ lunch ashore on Sunday 29th of May. Again it is BYO everything.
Those wishing to go for the weekend and spend some time up the Bribie Passage is fine, to come down and join us at Bongaree on the Sunday morning.
Bongaree being chosen to allow for those yachts and bigger power boats who may not be able to navigate under the Bribie bridge.
The planned meeting/gathering of the Cruising Section prior to the weekend will be again held at the club on Thursday the 26th at 7.30 - ideally following a "dinner specials" meal at 6.30pm. Please join us.
An indication of attendance will be appreciated either by phone or return email.
Cheers,
David Mason-Cox
0419 711488