Dropping In For Chat Near Cape Horn
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday March 11, 1995
WHILE I was in Miami, I spoke with a number of Aussies who were in town for the "big time boat show". But one of the guys I chatted with was a long way from Miami, Florida. He was, in fact, making heavy weather of it 1,500 kilometres short of rounding Cape Horn.
I refer to Sydneysider David Adams, who is leading his class in the BOC Challenge solo round the world race.
Comsat Mobile Communications made contact with Adams and I was invited to say "g'day" from the Miami press room.
Despite loneliness, punishing sea conditions and bitterly cold weather, the laconic Adams, when I asked how things were going, replied, "All's sweet."
THE race director for the BOC Challenge, Mark Schrader, was also able to make contact with another well-known Aussie from the Miami press room, via Comsat, none other than Sydney's Don McIntyre, anchored in Commonwealth Bay in the deep south of Antarctica.
McIntyre told Schrader he had to keep an eye on his ground tackle as the breezes were fairly strong, like better than 100km/h. Commonwealth Bay is known as the windiest place on earth.
McIntyre and his wife, Margie, intend to spend 12 months there, proving, if any proof was needed, that solo yachtsmen are intelligent creatures.
THE 1995 Port Stephens Billfish Shootout, carrying a $10,000 cash bonus for the heaviest bill weighed, is set down for March 25, 26 and 27.
I can see the skippers and crews doing it tough as far as on-shore accommodation is concerned. The major sponsor of the shootout is the award-winning resort, The Anchorage. Special package deals are being offered for both crews and, in the adjacent 90-berth marina, for boats.
For those who have not yet visited The Anchorage, a treat is in store, I assure you.
The "main man" at The Anchorage is Ian McAndrew, president of the Boating Industry Association of NSW and of the federal body, the Boating Industry Association of Australia.
For information on the tournament, contact Sandy Murray, Go Fish Australia, telephone (075) 71-0000.
ONE must give kudos to the West Australian shipbuilder AustalShips, which has recently delivered its 23rd high-speed passenger catamaran to Chinese owners.
These Aussie-built cats carry between 200 and 400 passengers and can hit speeds in the region of 40 knots.
They're powered by dual Textron Lycoming gas turbine engines and cost their Chinese buyers in the region of $A10 million each.
For further information, Austal Ships, Henderson, WA, telephone (09) 410-1111.
BOATERS holidaying on the Far North Coast should be able to get the right "oil" at the newly-formed Jorgensen Iluka Motor and Marine.
Joint proprietors are brothers Peter (ex-offshore racer) and Paul (former Australian Formula I champ) Jorgensen.
The boys took over a BP service station at Iluka, on the Clarence River, and have installed a well-equipped workshop to handle auto and marine engines. They've already been granted a franchise by Mercury Marine and stock Allison fibreglass and Horizons alloy boats.
Jorgensen Motor and Marine is at 60/62 Spencer Street, Iluka, telephone (066) 46-6165.
© 1995 Sydney Morning Herald
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