A HISTORY OF TRAILERTRIS and THE TRAILERTRI CLUB - 1978/1994
by Margaret Finegan
"HOW TRAILERTRIS BEGAN" (taken from notes by Ian Farrier)
Ian Farrier first started building and sailing monohull dinghies in the early sixties, at his home town, Christchurch, New Zealand. Then, in 1967, while studying Engineering at Canterbury University, he purchased the bare, unfinished shell of a 30' trimaran, which he considerably modified and then rigged. Though a rather outdated design, and overweight, it was good enough for him to sail single-handed from Christchurch to Auckland, surviving several mid-winter storms on the way. New Zealand is situated right in the middle of the roaring forties and these storms were valuable experience in the behaviour of trimarans in very bad conditions.
But, not being completely satisfied with it's performance as an off-shore boat, he then crewed on a 38' monohull from Auckland to Tonga, during which, the incredible difference in comfort, really confirmed his belief, that a properly designed tri was the way to go. Eventually, reaching Brisbane, he began crewing on a local tri, where thoughts of a trailable trimaran were first conceived, while sailing through a fleet of mono-hull trailer sailers.
Thoughts turned to why a multihull trailer sailer had never been developed. The trailer sailer is primarily a family yacht, and ideally, should be light for towing and handling, very stable with plenty of deck space, have a pleasant motion, be safe and unsinkable, and not heel very much. The multihull wins on every point!
The next question was, cat or tri? The tri had to be favoured, as the small cruising cat just does not have enough beam to be safe for the inexperienced, it gives little warning of imminent capsize, and the two narrow hulls make it difficult to arrange comfortable living accommodation. The cruising cat really only comes into its own from about 30' up.
The major problem with the tri, was a float fold system to reduce the very wide beam for trailing. Several alternatives were considered: one, eliminated immediately, was telescopic beams. Structural problems are very large and the combination of sand and saltwater would very quickly seize them up.
The next alternative was straight hinges in the beams, but to have sufficient overall beam, the floats would hang down below the waterline, making folding in the water impossible. The problems of trying to launch a 16' wide boat at a crowded ramp are considerable. The hinges in the beams also constitute a possible weakness after some wear has taken place.
The third alternative was the swing-wing type, where the floats swing back with hinges at both ends of the beams. At least this could be launched folded, but what about all those massive hinges! It just couldn't be made to look right, either/
The whole project appeared fruitless, but then, an inspiration, with a system of A frame struts being drawn out, which enabled the floats to move horizontally inwards with the beams going up. Everything just fell into place perfectly. It was then realized that, instead of the A frames being just used to fold the floats, they could also reinforce the beams as well. This was something! A folding system that actually strengthened the boat! The beams were without hinges of any kind, sufficient on their own for all loadings, but, when the A frames were added, the strength factor was actually doubled, making the beams fail safe!
A prototype was now built, this was called TRAILERTRI and launched in 1974. It was an instant success, and is still sailing, without ever having the folding system touched or altered in any way since launching. The only defect was lack of room, so a new design, (the 18'), was drawn up and built. Named TRAILERTRI TOO she was lighter, faster, had 50% more room, and, as with the original, sailed beautifully. She has now completed two years of extensive and exhaustive sea trials, again without ever having a spanner laid on the folding system.
The 680 design has now been developed, and combines all the features of the "18'", but with considerably more room, and superior performance. The first one built, has also undergone some extremely hard sailing, with the folding system proving to be every bit as successful as the "18's".
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It is obvious from the above that it was written by Ian Farrier during the latter half of the 70's. We first saw a Trailertri at the 1976 Brisbane Sailing Expo, at the old Valley Pool, where TRAILERTRI TOO was awarded the Ronstan Trophy for Trailer Sailers. At that time, we had just finished building “Anitra”, a Mirror Dinghy, in the rumpus room, and the whole family was learning or rediscovering how to sail. By the time we bought our 680 plans, in December 1978, we were issued with Sail Number 100, which eventually graced our first Farrier Design, "Centaurus", launched at Southport, October 1980. After the 680, the Haines Hunter Tramp was designed, Farrier's first production yacht, going on show from 16th to 20th April, 1980 at the B.I.A. "Pacific 80" Boat Show at Rocklea, and winning Boat of the Year in 1980. By this time, we were running Trailertri Supply Co under franchise from Ian.
Of course boat builders being what they are, a longer Trailertri with a rear cockpit was next on the agenda, and the 720 was developed, the first started were Doug Trott's “Knee Trembler”, Tony Goschnick's “Sticky Fingers”, and Ian Latham's “Skitzow”. The Command 10 plans came on the market, but, because these craft were a lot bigger and naturally cost more in cash, time and effort, they were not as popular as the trailable designs. By now, Trailertri Supply Co had outgrown our house, and we moved to commercial premises, commencing Wellington Point Marine in May 1982. In February 1984 the Farrier family moved to San Diego and another production yacht, the Corsair F-27 was designed. This craft took the sailing world by storm, a trailable yacht that was fast and competitive, and also comfortable for the family. The F-27 broke records in many mixed fleet races in the USA and sailed the Atlantic. During this period, our first “Satisfaction”, a 720, was built in around 3 months, launched at Easter 87. The first F-27 to come to Australia was imported early 1989. OSTAC had acquired the Tramp moulds and the OSTAC TRAMP, skippered by Geoff Berg of Allyacht Spars, arrived in time for the 1990 Trailertri Nationals at Dunwich, where we also launched “Satisfaction 11", an updated 18', stretched to 20' with Ian's blessing.
At the end of 1990, the plans for a 9.4 metre trailable trimaran were released, which were an immediate success. There were a number of F-31 and F-9A models commenced immediately, with David Mason's FLEETWING being completed by OSTAC in time for the 1991 Trailable Multi Nationals at Lake Macquarie. The F-24 was released in the USA shortly after this, but, as with the F-27, the exchange rate was not favourable for the Australian market. There was a lot of interest in the `F' series of designs, but there was also a gap, an amateur built yacht along the lines of the F-9A, but smaller. The F-25 plans were started at the beginning of 1992 and the Finegan's were once more in building mode. Frantically working to launch in time for the 1993 Bay to Bay , SATISFACTION 111, our F-25 is all we want for comfortable sailing, and is already a much travelled Yacht. There are a number of variations in design for all models, including Carbon Fibre F-25's being built in Denver Colorado. In 1994, Ian Farrier's design boundaries were still being expanded to keep up with the demands of the market place, and the advance of technology.
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During the early part of 1979, it became obvious that a club for Trailertri owners and builders was needed. There had been a club of sorts, in that some of the early owners gathered together for social and sailing activities. Five Trailertris had sailed to the Whitsundays in company in May 1979.
A public meeting was called by Geoff Finegan for all interested parties, and was held at Geoff & Margaret Finegan's Mt Gravatt home, in July 1979. A Committee was formed and the Queensland Trailertri Association was born, Commodore Geoff Finegan, Secretary/Publicity Ted Latta, Treasurer Ivan Ferris, Sailing Forbes Peters, Building John Davidson, Social Margaret Finegan, Trustee Ian Farrier, Committee Bill Chapman, Ian Porrill. Bill Chapman had to resign when he moved to Gladstone and Ross Turner (now of JARCAT fame) was elected in his place. The Club meetings were held at the Brisbane Yacht Club at Bulimba.
Notes from the Trailertri Newsletter November 1979 - Club Secretary, Ted Latta, wrote of the sailing day held on the Broadwater and filmed by Channel 9. Five Trailertris took club members to South Stradbroke Island for the day. I can remember some of the highlights - Ian Farrier sailing 360 degree turns without moving the tiller, and then sailing backwards under perfect control. Chris Landell's wiring catching fire during lunch, quickly extinguished, the fire, not the lunch. We also asked parents for children's gifts, value around $2, for the Christmas party at Coochiemudlo Island.
December 1979 - Forbes Peters and Ross Turner left Brisbane to sail Ross's 680 to Sydney. They had planned to launch at Tweed Heads, but the Tweed bar was not the best, so they eventually launched at Maclean on the Clarence River. After 20 miles of white-capped waves, they decided that they were not fit enough to make Sydney, so returned to Yamba and spent the time sailing the calmer waters of the Clarence.
Easter 1980 and a race was held for members over the four days, starting off Shorncliffe Pier 12 Noon on Good Friday, racing to Tangalooma, then sailing on to Horseshoe Bay on Peel Island to overnight. Next start line was at Horseshoe Bay racing to Coochiemudlo Island, then to overnight Saturday at Couran Canals. Easter Sunday was racing from Crusoe Island to One Mile, then from One Mile to finish off Hybers light. Total 140NM, and of course they were mad.
June 1980 and John Davidson had resigned from the committee, his place was taken by Paul Koch, now of OSTAC Yachts and Corsair Marine.
July 1980 and notice was given in our newsletter of the inaugural Tin Can Bay to Hervey Bay event (now known as the Bay to Bay Race), to be held on 2/3/4th August, 1980. Also a night out was planned for members to the Munich Steak House.
The first Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Trailertri Association was held on 10th September, 1980, Commodore Geoff Finegan, Secretary Ted Latta, Treasurer Ivan Ferris, Committee Forbes Peters, Ross Turner, Paul Koch, Trustee Ian Farrier. It was also moved that the name be changed to Trailertri Club. Also this month the first edition of "Trailertri" was published by Ian Farrier in conjunction with the Club.
March 1981 entries were being called for another "inaugural Tin Can Bay to Hervey Bay event for 2/3rd May 1981". Also notice of a cruise to the Whitsundays in July school holidays.
August 1981 and a report of a cruise around Great Keppel Island where the Marsh's, Finegan's & Buttress's all cruised in company. Keith Cutcliffe in "Windenwave" (680) won the multihull handicap from "Venom" and "Ben Bolt", Paul Koch in "Vamoose" (680) won his class in the Bramble Bay Winter Series.
September 1981 Commodore Forbes Peters, Secretary Ted Latta, Treasurer Ivan Ferris, Committee members Keith Cutcliffe, Geoff Finegan, Paul Koch.
February 1982 and a record of another kind was reported in the newsletter, Geoff Finegan was seen sailing "Centaurus" off Victoria Pt with 21 on board (it was really 26, with 5 down below) Ted Latta writes that " they were believed to be Army personnel, a full Platoon of "F's Troop". Four Tramps made it to America, however, two were wrecked as the truck carrying them passed under a bridge. The two survivors were shown in the Miami Boat Show and the Houston Boat Show.
March 1982 and the club was now meeting in the 7th Brigade Officer's Mess, Gona Barracks, Kelvin Grove. Sailing triumph for Keith Cutcliffe, Trailertri 680 "Windenwave" when he won line honours in Multihull Division and first on handicap by over an hour in the Marley Point Race. Graham Healey and Ian Farrier crewed. Said Keith " it was hairy and bloody scarey heading into a river at 20 knots and catching up to the tail end of 150 boats with nowhere to go."
May 82 when the second Bay to Bay was run, Trailertri members figured prominently in the handicap placings.
- 1st Tramp "Bonza"
- 2nd Seawind "Double D"
- 3rd Trailertri 680 Forbes Peters "Exodus"
- 4th Trailertri 18" John Davidson "Boofhead"
- 5th Red Baron
- 6th Trailertri 680 Geoff Finegan "Centaurus"
- John Davidson, Geoff Finegan & Andy Sproul Trailertri 680 "Daula", were also the winning Multihull Team.
September 1982 AGM, Commodore Forbes Peters, Vice Commodore Ian Farrier, Secretary Geoff Finegan, Treasurer John Richardson, Committee, Sailing Cliff James, Noreen Stonebridge, Keith Cutcliffe. Discussions were started on holding Trailertri Championships. Ian Farrier agreed that holding the event in Brisbane was better, as there were a greater number of boats here, the championships were envisaged for 12 months away.
January, 1983 application to QYA for Affiliation as an Association. When we were accepted by QYA in June 1983, the association had 48 full members and 38 associate members. It was known as the TRAILERTRI CLUB of QUEENSLAND and had 48 TRAILERTRIS & 2 JARCATS on the yacht register. The president was Forbes Peters, Secretary Geoff Finegan, QYA Delegate Cliff James.
September 1983 we were meeting at the Training Room, Industry House, Commodore Cliff James, Vice Commodore Ian Farrier, Secretary Alicia Farrier, Treasurer John Richardson, Committee Geoff Finegan (Handicapper) , Bob Forster, Kevin Walker. The September newsletter mentioned that Kevin Walker had sent a congratulatory telex to Alan Bond & Co in Newport on our behalf. The committee changed in February 84 when Ian & Alicia Farrier left for the USA, Cliff James & Bob Forster combined to look after the Secretary's role, while Geoff Finegan took over as Vice Commodore. In March 84 Julie Munro took on the job of Secretary and Peter Groot filled the Committee vacancy. June saw Julie having to resign so Geoff Finegan took on the Secretary's job till the AGM.
At the end of 1983, the club had a trial run conducting titles on Waterloo Bay. There were no Interstate competitors, but the series was held off Wellington Pt, using borrowed powerboats to lay the course and utilizing Lindsay Grey's monohull as a committee boat.
During 1984 the Club was very active in forwarding submissions for the drafting of Blue Book Rules covering Trailable Yachts and including Multi Hulls in the formula.
October 1984 saw Cliff James as Commodore, Vice Commodore and Handicapper Geoff Finegan, Secretary Marg Finegan, Treasurer Rob Adamson. Also in October, QYA approved the first official Trailertri National Titles to be held on 5/6th and 12/13th January 1985 in Waterloo Bay. These Nationals became famous for the storm that hit the fleet at the conclusion of racing on the first weekend. The safety boat and crew, Dave Vela from Wellington Point Sailing Club and Geoff Finegan from the Trailertri Club quickly swung into action in search & rescue, pulling an assortment of sailors out of the drink, and eventually locating the capsized Trailertri 680 of Bob Peberdy off Manly Boat Harbour. The Trophy presentation was attended by over 80 people at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.
September 85 - after submitting a proposal to Southport Yacht Club, we were successful in having a Multihull Division included in the Bridge to No Bridge race conducted by them. The previous year's storm had not deterred us from scheduling the Second National Titles to be held in Waterloo Bay January 1986. We were a bit more adventurous and organized a large Welcome Barbecue on the foreshore at Wellington Point. Once again, we hired the safety craft from Wellington Pt Sailing Club. The trophy night was held at the Restaurant at Wellington Point and was honoured by the attendance of the Queensland Justice Minister, Paul Clauson, to present the trophies.
May 1986 the meeting was moved from Industry House to Caledonian Club.
September 86, a new name, TRAILERTRI ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND, and we had forwarded a submission to the Justice Dept for Incorporation. Commodore Bob Forster, Vice Commodore and Handicapper Geoff Finegan, Secretary Marg Finegan, Treasurer Mike Vincent, Sailing Co-ordinator Tony Goschnick, Building Coordinator Stan Bishop, Social Coordinator Ted Kerr, Committee Member Graham Healey, QYA Delegates Cliff James & Geoff Finegan. During 1985 and 1986, the Association was vocal in issues debated within QYA such as the rights of Associations to have a vote on par with Clubs and the motion excluding Club & Class Association Secretaries from being QYA Delegates.
The Third Australian Trailertri Championship Regatta (1987) was held during the Christmas - New Year break from 27th December 1986 to 3rd January 1987 at Bundaberg, and is still judged by the old hands as the friendliest and best ever. The venue at Burnett Heads was magnificent, Bundaberg Blue Water Club and Bargara Woodgate Offshore Catamaran Club were very obliging. No-one will forget the many wonderful characters we met there, the 83 years young honky tonk pianist that had the trophy night rockin' and Jimmie the starter with his double barrelled shotgun. This was also when Bob Forster launched Potboiler and ended up with it being nicknamed Beach Party, ask him some time why.
However, it was becoming apparent, that family commitments meant it was difficult to hold the Titles around Christmas, so the next ones were scheduled for Easter 1988 at Scarborough. These titles were again quite successful with a lot of support from the local Redcliffe City Council, who listed the Titles as part of that city's Bicentennial Celebrations, and Redcliffe Peninsula Yacht Club and Moreton Bay Boat Club.
August 1987 we were now the TRAILERTRI ASSOCIATION OF QUEENSLAND INC, the Commodore was Bob Forster, Vice Commodore Barry Walker, Rear Commodore Geoff Finegan, Secretary Marg Finegan, Treasurer Mike Vincent, Committee Fred Gans, Ted Kerr, Mike Pepper.
September 1988 the Commodore was Julie Munro, Vice Commodore Barry Walker, Rear Commodore Graham Healey, Secretary Bob Forster, Treasurer Ted Kerr, Committee Brian Scales, Mike Pepper, Geoff Finegan. We were meeting at the Caledonian Club and plans were being made for the Bird Island Bash. Even though we had always had a good number of Interstate competitors from the very first Nationals in 1985, it had taken quite a while for an Interstate Association to bid for a Nationals outside Queensland. The first bid came from the Trailertri/Tramp Association of NSW to hold the Nationals at Lake Macquarie at Easter 1989.
During the Fifth National Titles held off Dunwich Qld during Easter 1990, a National Trailertri and Tramp Committee was formed to draw up National Class Rules. The Committee consisted of Bob Forster, QLD, and by then recognized as the Class Handicapper, Chris Nelson & Kevin Murray, NSW, and Martin Kilpatrick, ACT. (The rules were duly drawn up, presented and accepted at the Sixth National Titles, Lake Macquarie, September 1991.) At the Dunwich Titles, we used our own resources for laying the course and were based at Little Ship Club. These Titles were the first to be sponsored by Ostac and the new lightweight Ostac Tramp, skippered by Geoff Berg, took both Handicap and Line Honours in the Tramp Division. Gordon Myers on PEREGRINE won Line Honours in the Open Division, while Kevin Murray's 680 CHRYSALIS won the handicap double in the Open & Trailertri Class. During April the AMOC series was won by the F-27 AQUATECH entered by OSTAC and skippered by Ian Johnston.
The A.G.M. August 1990, Commodore Mike Vincent, Vice Commodore Barry Walker, Rear Commodore Bob Forster, Secretary Mac Story, Treasurer Ted Kerr, Committee Julie Munro, Tim Carroll, Graham Howard, Geoff Finegan sat as Ian Farrier's representative.
The September 1991 Titles probably were notable, in that the first F-31 was on view. It would have been the most photographed boat in Australia that week, creating enormous interest amongst the TV, press and public. The potential of the F-31 was reached in 1992 when Fred Gans OSTAC TRIUMPH won the AMOC series and was also named the Australian Modern Boating Yacht of the Year.
Martin Kilpatrick from ACT Trailable Multihull Association submitted a bid to hold the Seventh Nationals in Canberra, January 1993. This was going to be different, not only was it to be held on a Lake, but an inland one as well.
This of course brings us to the current years titles held once again at Scarborough during September 94.
