1993 May Meeting

Jenny Maruff was at the last Meeting armed with notebook and camera....

There were about ninety people at the May Meeting which proves that multihull people enjoy a social evening and a bit of supper. Trevor Dellit showed some excellent video footage of sailing and social events. The shots of Kim Mitchell at a loss for words, for a change, due to his mouth being taped up with masking tape was a big hit In fact, there was just not enough time to view all the footage available and other people who bought in their video films did not get an opportunity to show them.

Harry Gilfoyle and Marcel Gonzales listen to Albie McKracken's good advice

Those who sailed in the Gladstone Race were able to tell others about their experiences. Our sympathies to the Martins on the capsize of TUSK. Gary and Robyn have the heartbreaking task of rebuilding their boat. They attended the meeting with Debra Brown (who was on board at the time), Graham Argall (who sailed on Australia's Child), Phil and Gayle Horan and Janette and Tim Richards. Tim told me that his brother Rod had checked Australia's Child thoroughly before the race but had omitted to inspect the rudder. The family had contributed to new sails and the tri was all set for a record breaking run when the rudder snapped at a
weld when out in front of the entire Gladstone fleet. (Welding of stainless rudder posts in high stressed areas probably worth a re-think by designers & fabricators!! Ed). The rudder has now been repaired and Australia's Child has broken all records in the Coral Sea Classic Series, beating XL2 by an hour and a half in the Townsville to Cairns and cutting several hours off Twiggy's record for the Cairns to Port Moresby passage.

Ian Farrier (centre) with Fred and Bev Gans (Ostac Triumph) and the Whipps

Pat Barker blew out a spinnaker on the way to Gladstone and coming home he hit a beacon at Mooloolaba at dusk. Bill Withers had a good trip with no breakages and caught five fish on the way up.

Rob McLellan who had cruised for a couple of weeks after Gladstone was at the meeting on his second night home. Sharryn took him home to bed early.

Ian Kelshaw and Jeff Owen

John Nolan, Owen Sykes and Geoff Toomey told me how the Gold Rush crew had worked efficiently after the mast broke to recover it without assistance. Sam Allen and Shawn Arber were looking pleased with
Windcheetah's second place (even if they both had an extra grey hair or two! Ed.)

The Kortluckes were pleased with Trilema's performance and Col Fraser and brother Cliff were discussing what would happen in next year's race.

There were several visitors including Patrick Kaiser from Leichtenstein and Marcel Gonzales and Philippe Dupuis originally from Mauritius. Gerry and Judeen Tumer brought their friends Geoff and Debra Irvine.  Several members of QMYC's cruising fraternity were interested in discussing parachute anchors and drogues with Alby McCracken from Melbourne who demonstrated the range of parachutes which he manufactures. Harry Gilfoyle had first hand experience some years ago when he was caught in a Pacific Cyclone in his Fastback catamaran

Rob Denny, Geoff Smith and Patrick Kaiser (Visitor)

Young Sailors Marcus Arber and Sabra Cruse were there. Also Allan Boon, the Vandermarks, the McNabbs, the Jensens and the Gammons. Brian Pearse won the rum. It was a very successful social night thanks to all who turned up and to Mareen Williams and Chris Black the organizers. Thanks to Jenny who took lots of photos.

Visitors Geoff and Debra Irvine with friends Gerry and Judeen Turner

Gayle and Phil Horan

The Rum Raffle by Maureen Williams and Chris Black