Snake Tales Edition 1

Transcription

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Edition 1—April 2014
Leigh Hein—Taipan 4.9 Cat
National Champion 2013/14
Taipan Forum
Find us on Facebook!
Taipan Catamaran
Assoc.
Of Australia
TCAA Official Website
http://taipan.asn.au/
http://
taipan.asn.au/
forum/
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Editor’s Inscription
Welcome to the first edition of “Snake Tales” the quarterly Taipan catamaran newsletter!
We’ve taken snapshots from around the country to bring to you the goings on all around the
nation. Be it State Rep Reports, Tips and Tricks, Interviews, or just down right Rumour and
Innuendo, we’ll have it! It’s an exciting time within the Taipan ranks, with a new committee
keen to bring our class to the forefront of the cat sailing world.
So grab a drink of choice, sit back in your favourite Lazy Boy recliner, put your leopard skin
‘Snuggy’ on and marvel in the literary scrawling's of your Taipan community. Enjoy!
Ant Richards (aka Newsletter guy, then Marketing Officer, apparently now Publicity Officer!)
Taipan AUS 067
Contents
Editor’s Inscription
—
pg 2
Pennings from the “Prez”
—
pg 3
Secretarial Scribblings
—
pg 6
State Reports
—
from pg 7
NOR NSW State Titles 2014
—
pg 11
Tips and Tricks
—
pg 16
My club = your club
—
pg 19
Interviews (with bite!)
—
pg 20
Tech Talk with Chris Tucker
—
pg 24
Carpet Python award
—
pg 25
For Sale
—
pg 27
Rumour Mill
—
pg 28
Parting Shot
—
pg 29
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Pennings from the “Prez” (with Richard Nicholson)
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of ‘Snake Tales’ - and a big thank you to Ant Richards for taking the initiative and making
it happen. In addition to keeping us informed about Taipan events and happenings, a regular newsletter will provide
content to keep our website fresh and demonstrate to potential Taipan owners that we have a vibrant and active
class association.
After a disappointing turn out for the Queensland Nationals, I was delighted to see no less than 30 Taipans for the
Vic States at Portland – 23 cats, 3 sloops and 4 5.7s. Congratulations to the winners and placegetters and thanks to
the Portland Yacht Club for hosting the sailors and their assorted hangers-on and for their professional race management. Despite always figuring very strongly in Taipan results, Portland is only a small club and hosting the Vic
States took some significant individual efforts. Well done to Commodore Leigh Hein and his team of volunteers.
The weather was, as expected, “not usually like this”.
Although not competing, former Taipan stalwart Denis Baker was at Portland to assist his father Frank as regatta
PRO. Now, I don’t want this column to become a place where rumours are started, but I am more than happy to
spread an existing rumour started by somebody else – and I am referring to the whisper that Denis might be back on
a Taipan as early as this summer. By the way, it was great to catch up with Les Porter at Portland...
It was pleasing to experience the renewed enthusiasm for the class around parc fermé at Portland, not least due to
the presence of our South Australian brethren. The crow eaters are keen as mustard and would clearly like South
Australia to be recognised as a Taipan State. So much so that I think we need to seriously consider including South
Australia in the Nationals rotation from 2016 (that is, after NSW this year and Vic in 2015).
Based on numbers at the Brisbane Nationals and Portland States, it looks like we would get more boats to South
Australia than Queensland. If the South Aussies are truly up for a Nationals in 2016, then I would encourage them
to attend the Nationals this year to lobby the NSW fleet (and the Homans and Dean Behrens).
Whilst on the subject of the Nationals, it has been weighing heavily on my conscience since presentation night that I
neglected to thank Matt and Chris Homan for their efforts in making that event happen (I am still on my presidential
‘L’ plates). Thanks Matt and Chris – and to Slater (aka Chris Munro) for the trophies.
Committee
Last on the thank you list for this column is the other members of the Committee, who are all passionate about the
class and determined to see it prosper. The full committee for this year is:
Position
President
Secretary
Name
Richard Nicholson
Lachlan Cameron
Boat
4.9 cat
4.9 cat
State
Vic
Vic
Club
McCrae
Sugarloaf
Treasurer
Technical Officer
Gavin Vize
Chris Tucker
4.9 cat
4.9 cat
NSW
Vic
(Far) Kurnell
Sugarloaf
Documentation Officer
Marketing Officer
Vic rep
Andrew Williams
Ant Richards
Jamie Christensen
4.9 sloop
4.9 cat
4.9 cat
NSW
Vic
Vic
Gosford
Mt Martha
Mt Martha
NSW rep
Antony Edwards
4.9 cat
NSW
(Far) Kurnell
Qld rep
SA rep
Chris Homan
Tim Wright
4.9 sloop
5.7
Qld
SA
Humpybong
Meningie
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Pennings from the “Prez” cont.
I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of an unsung hero, webmaster Greig Bannister (4.9 cat, Sugarloaf).
Thanks Greig.
The Committee has 6 goals for the year, being:
Hold regular Committee meetings.
Improve communication with members.
Establish a collaborative catamaran association with the Vipers.
Bring the production of Taipan 4.9 hulls back to Australia.
Clean up the Taipan 4.9 Class Rules.
Convince Ant Richards that he is, despite all protestations to the contrary, our Marketing Officer.
A couple of comments on the above goals:
Communication with members
Hopefully you have already noticed an increase in activity on the Taipan Forum, which is the Committee’s preferred
platform for interacting with members. If you want to keep abreast (and who doesn’t) of what is going on, get on it.
If you don’t know where the Taipan forum is, shame on you. Go straight to the TCAA website and click on link to
the Forum. While you are on the website, make sure to check out ‘Who’s Who’ and drop the Secretary a line with
any updates/corrections.
The more we interact on line, the better we will function as an association and the better we look to the outside
world. With the Newsletter and reinvigorated Facebook page and Forum, it is definitely a case of “Taipans are go!”
Collaborative catamaran association
As outlined at the AGM, Andrew Williams’ solution to formalising an arrangement with the Vipers regarding titles is
an umbrella association to sit over the top of both TCAA and VICA (Viper International Catamaran Association).
This new association will exist solely to arrange sailing championships for Taipans and Vipers, along with any other
class or classes we choose to invite – the Paper Tigers have already expressed interest in coming over for a play.
As I see it, the main benefits of a collaborative association will be maintaining the critical mass of boats to ensure
ongoing access to the good venues, with reduced financial risk (the TCAA lost money on the Brisbane Nationals).
I have proposed ACRA (for Australian Catamaran Racing Association) as the name for the new association. Let
me know if you have something better.
Hull production
Bringing Taipan hull production back to Australia was first discussed in an open forum at the Paynesville AGM.
Greg Goodall was (and remains) supportive of the idea and I can confirm that Jim Boyer is now also on board.
With the Taipan not included on the new Goodall Design website, it seems our timing could not have been better.
As I write this report, the Taipan moulds are on their way to Bendigo and Chris Tucker has received quotes from 2
local builders. Importantly, Goodall Design will continue to supply parts for Taipans and assemble complete boats
for those who require this service.
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Pennings from the “Prez” cont.
Costing of the ‘new’ boat is yet to be finalised, but we are encouraged by the quotes for hulls received to date.
Looks like a bit more than a PT and 50%+ less than an A Class. Bargain.
Chris is all over this project, so contact him ASAP if you are thinking about a new boat.
Class Rules
The Taipan 4.9 is evolving from a class controlled by its manufacturer to a class controlled by its members and this
requires some amendments to the Class Rules. There are also several anomalies in the Class Rules that can be
addressed at the same time.
The Class Rules next come up for review on 1 July 2014, with any changes coming into effect on 1 April 2015. All
financial boat owners are eligible to vote on changes. Voting is by ballot and we will aim to have draft amendments
distributed in time for discussion at this year’s AGM.
Active Taipan fleet
You might have noticed that 50% of the TCAA Committee sail 4.9 cats in Victoria, which is probably reflective of the
current active Taipan fleet. In my view, 4.9 cats is still the most fertile ground for growing our numbers as there is
simply no other boat like it – probably in the world – and the foiling shit storm in the A-Class can’t be doing us any
harm either.
The previously dominant 4.9 sloop, on the other hand, has had its market attacked by all manner of competitors,
notably the Viper. One upside for the 4.9 sloops might be that it looks like the Viper has inflicted a death blow upon
F16, at least in Australia. Whilst the Viper is certainly F16 compliant, we all know that they consider themselves
Vipers first and F16s a very distant second (much like ourselves). I have sailed both F16 and F18 and I know what
a handful a spinnaker can be – and I have a collection of broken booms to prove it. I have also seen how much
newcomers to high performance catamarans struggle with the Viper. It is a handful. Clearly, there are those who
would be better off starting their journey with a season or two on a 4.9 sloop. The question is, how do we get to these people?
Personally, I will always regret not getting a 4.9 when my boys were younger. I did a couple of Easter regattas sailing sloop with my eldest son (before he got too big) and it was fantastic. The 4.9 sloop is still probably the fastest
thing to windward in a blow – and looks sooooo sweeeeet when it is strapped down and going hard.
Which leaves the 5.7. What an awesome boat, cruelly cut down before its prime by F18. I crewed a bit on a mate’s
5.7 when it was new and I absolutely love these boats. Even now, if I had the space and the $, I would have a 5.7
in the driveway – probably sans kite – to sail with my boys. What else is there for two blokes who want to go sailing
without a kite? Or even with a kite, for that matter. Although the 5.7 seems to be experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, particularly in SA, the principal problem faced in growing this class is no plug, no mould and therefore no
new boats. Of course, a new mould is not essential if anyone is really keen on a new 5.7. Google Linahl Composite
Design (LR4 and LR5 A-Class) to see how.
I want the TCAA to be inclusive of all Taipans - 4.9 cat, 4.9 sloop and 5.7. The challenge for the sloops and the
5.7s is to ensure that their message gets out and I encourage both of these groups to be proactive in this regard.
The Committee is here to help but, in short, if you want it to happen, you must make it happen. A good start would
be the resurrected Taipan Facebook page (thanks again, Ant). Start uploading!
Good sailing.
Richard Nicholson
Next issue: Development – yes or no?
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Secretarial Scribblings – (with Lachie Cameron)
The President's report covers what's been happening and what the committee is
working on. In this first report I will give you an idea of why I was interested in taking
on this role.
I haven't been an office bearer in an association of this type before. An essential part of the role is to keep
things ticking over administratively. Making sure the committee is meeting regularly, has an action list with
accountabilities assigned and that we are making sure things are happening. However, what I am particularly
interested in, is to develop over time a strategy for the development of the class that is built up from the contributions of all the members. Linking to this is the development of an plan to implement that strategy.
Sounds very corporate and we need to ensure that it doesn't get like that. After all we are a group of people
that go sailing and for many of us that means leaving administration behind. That said, we need as a class, to
know where we are heading and have a plan to get there. Knowing this will enable the committee to get others to help with tasks if we are clear with what we want. I mentioned earlier "members". Currently the only
members are those that compete in titles. I would like to see us move the association to a point where we are
a membership based organisation that offers value to its members. I will be canvassing this idea to find whether it makes sense in our class and what might be needed to get it to work and offer value. I have some ideas
but I am sure that everyone will have many more.
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State Rep Reports
Mexican Manuscript—Vic Report (State Rep Jamie Christensen)
Day 1 - CARNAGE DAY
The conditions were 18 - 20 knots, with a 3 metre swell with breaking tops.
The racing was tight in the cat fleet with 23 boats competing. 2 races were held top 3 results in Division 1 were,
race one, 1st Lee Hein, 2nd Luke Donovan and 3rd Ant Richards.
Race two, Les Porter (NSW), Luke Donovan and 3rd Jamie Christensen.
Division 2, 1 boat, SA sailor, Evan Steel finished both races with carnage claiming the others.
Division 3, race 1, Taipan 5.7's Wayne Hancock 1st, Brad Carver 2nd, Kym Luitjes 3rd.
Race 2, 1 boat Wayne Hancock the only boat still standing in this division managed to take out the win.
This was a day that tested most of us and our boats. Sailing was down to both boat handling and boat strength/
maintenance. Definitely a day not for the grand masters amongst us. some were just glad to get round the
course.
Noticeable mentions for the day, boat 141 Jerrard hits the committee boat. 067 Ant ripped out his bridle chain
plate regatta over, Taipan 5.7 Greg Cains breaks his spinnaker pole, Sloop sailor Matt Harps fell through his sail,
Jaime Christensen on boat 334 tips over while in a battle for second place and breaks every batten in his sail, a
number of trap wires broke.
In short day 1 was awesome sailing with high speed sailing in big waves with plenty of boats getting airborne
upwind and surfing the big waves downwind.
Day 2 - .... Not Carnage Day
In total contrast we had to wait for the wind to arrive, finally getting on the water at 1.30pm with a variable
breeze of 5 - 12 knots, where we managed to hold 3 races.
The first race consisted of some big wind shifts and big holes.
The second two races the wind became more consistent apart from a wind shift on the finish line.
This day was one we imagine would be in a brochure.
This is taking to long so for For results see the web page.
Keep an eye out for the go pro footage.
Day 3 - No Wind Day
Still waiting for wind, some of us hopeful for no wind and happy for results to stand with cat Riggs 1 & 2, 1
point apart, and third place decided on a count back.
No Racing, results stand :)
That's it in a nut shell.
See you on the water.
Jamie Christensen
Vic State Rep.
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Vic State Title Photos
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State Rep Reports
Cane Toad’s Composition —QLD Report (State Rep Chris Homan)
“The Great Race” - with Nicko 071 SharkBait
The great race is an annual event covering 37nm from Southport yacht club on the Broadwater on the Gold Coast through
to Manly. This year's great race was down in numbers, we think due to the very light wind forecast. The 17 entries ranged
from monohull dinghies like the laser II, some skiffs and a 49er through various cats including F18's and a Tornado. We
were entered in division 3, sailing our Taipan 4.9 as a sloop against Nacra 5.8's Hobie 16's and an Aquakat.
We got a great start in the light breeze and took an early lead, but soon discovered that the event is as much a navigational challenge as one of endurance as we misjudged the edge of the channel and hit a sandbank! No worries, foils and rudders up, and we were off again, only dropping behind the two Nacra 5.8's.
We paid more attention to the navigational markers from then on and soon clawed our way back to second, matching the
leading Nacra with about one minutes gap after a couple of hours. Being the race that it is though, we rounded one of the
many channel markers to head down between a new set of islands and the water was just glass. We drifted through, slowly catching the 16 ft skiff from division 2 and the Nacra ahead, but watching the Hobie 16's catching up to us!
We eventually found a new bit of breeze and ghosted along in about 5 kts, grateful to hear from a committee boat that
the race was shortened, with a U-turn back to Southport around a marker at Jacob's Well. More shennanigans ensued
with further navigational confusion, allowing us to get past the leading Nacra as they missed a marker and had to come
back to re-round. With only a 49er, 12ft skiff and Tornado in front of us now we thought we might have a chance at getting
a good result.
Thankfully the breeze picked up and we had an awesome ride home, with some good two-string reaching. unfortunately,
once we started heading deep downwind, the spinnaker boats started catching up and the Nacra 5.8 slowly overhauled us.
We finished the shortened race after 4 hours and 56 minutes. The fastest time was 4:05 by the Tornado, with the slowest
being a Windrider trimaran finishing in 7:31. Due to some clerical errors by the race committee we ended up being scored
as an F18, but we were too exhausted to argue. It was a great experience and I highly recommend anyone considering
doing a marathon type event to give it a go - it's certainly different to standard round-the-cans racing!
Nicko - Aus 071 - Shark Bait.
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State Rep Reports
Blue’s Bantering's —NSW Report (State Rep Ant Edwards)
Hello Snake Tamers,
Both on the forum and within this very newsletter, you all should find the NOR for the NSW 2014 Taipan States. To be held
at mostly picture perfect Forster over the October Long weekend, 4/5/6.
The dollars and sense have yet to be worked out to fine detail. But Interstate boats will have free entry to the states. It
would be great to see some doubled up trailers coming up from the south. Last year A. Vize and M. Broise made the trip.
They even got to wear spring suits it was so warm….for them.
Camping is generally available from Friday onwards, No need to worry about missing the Footy, it will be displayed as usual on the super big screen, with probably an appearance by the “Capulets” on Saturday night. A great local band. There
promises to be at least double the number of sloops at the recent Victorian states. Actually, I’m aiming for 10 Sloops, by
hook or by crook. Matt Harper, how can you refuse this invite? We can find good junior crews!
While Victorian Cat Fleet and in particular, Mount Martha seem to have reached a critical mass, numbers in in NSW are
holding steady, and slowly growing. Though, it’s been well noted how hard it is to get hold of second hand boat. With
most being snapped up within days of hitting the For Sale page. At Kurnell Cat Club, 2 years ago we invested in a junior
program. And already our class is starting to see the dividends. With 2 new crews on sloops, and a father buying a T4.9 and
sailing it week in and out. Now we have another intent on getting a T4.9 after trying a Nacra 5.8 for a season.
So…After watching the effect it has at my club, my question is. When was the last time you took out a new kid or adult on
your Taipan?
NSW Featured club this issue: KCC Kurnell Catamaran Club.
Kurnell was one of the original catamaran clubs, quickly coming up its 50 th birthday. In 1981, KCC held the A class worlds.
Back when worlds could be held at small OTB clubs.
Today KCC is one of only 2 Cat clubs left in Sydney, and the only one with an active taipan fleet. Currently numbering 8
boats. The Kurnell fleet sails Sundays on Botany Bay….That’s where Capt. Cook sailed in and kicked this party off. While not
as picturesque as Sydney Harbour, the sailing is infinitely better. With strong NE seabreezes in summer, very little competition from other clubs, and great amenities for an OTB club.
Finally, a big thanks to Ant Richards for re-instating the newsletter. It’s a thankless task, everyone wants to read it, but
precious few wish to contribute.
Ant – 214 @ KCC most Sundays.
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Taipan Catamaran Association of Australia
Notice of Race—NSW State Titles
4th, 5th & 6th OCTOBER 2014
The Taipan NSW State Titles 2014 Regatta, will be held on the Lake Wallis on the 4 th, 5th & 6th October 2014.
Owners and charterers of eligible boats are invited to enter the regatta on the conditions of this Notice of Race.
The races are organised by the Great Lakes Sailing Club (GLSC) and constitute the 2014 “Wild Cat” Regatta.
This Notice of Race should be read in conjunction
NOTICE OF RACE
1. RULES
1.1. The regatta shall be governed by the following;
1.1.1. 2013/2016 Racing Rules of Sailing,
1.1.2. The Prescriptions and Special regulations of Yachting Australia,
1.1.3. The rules of relevant Class Associations (for competing classes) except as amended by the Notice of Race
and the Sailing Instructions, and
1.1.4. The sailing instructions as amended from time to time
1.1.5. Attention is drawn to Fundamental RRS4 – Decision to Race
1.1.6. If there is a conflict between languages the English text will take precedence.
2. ADVERTISING
2.1. This event is conducted under ISAF Regulation 20.
3. ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY
3.1 All Competitors must be financial members off, the Taipan Association.
3.2. Entries will be taken for 3 Catamaran divisions.
3.2.1. Division 1 – Taipan 4.9 Cats.
3.2.2. Division 2 – Taipan 4.9 Sloop.
3.2.3. Division 3 – Capricorn, C2 and Taipan 5.7
3.3. Entry Fees to be advised closer to Series, a Assoc, states fee will need to be paid, and regatta entry to GLSC.
3.4 The Organising Authority reserves the right to refuse any entry.
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3.5 The Organising Authority reserves the right to consolidate divisions if less than 5 boats enter in any one division.
3.6. Starts and there constitution will be organised by the GLSC Race Committee.
4. SCHEDULE
4.1. Saturday 4th October 2014.
4.1.1. 0900 until 1100 – Registration.
4.1.2. Competitor Meeting/Briefing to be held at direction of GLSC not before 1030.
4.1.3. Race 1 Warning Signal not before 1200.
4.1.4. Subsequent race Warning Signals will be made as soon as possible after the completion of previous race/
s or expiry of the previous race/s time limit and at the discretion of the GLSC Race committee
4.2. Sunday 5th October 2014.
4.2.1. BBQ Breakfast will be available from 0730.
4.2.2. Warning Signal not before 0900. TBA by GLSC Race Committee.
4.2.3. Subsequent race Warning Signals will be made as soon as possible after the completion of previous race/
s or expiry of the previous race/s time limit.
4.2.4. No Warning Signal will be made after 1500.
4.3. Monday October 2014
4.3.1. BBQ Breakfast will be available from 0730.
4.3.2. Warning Signal not before 0900. TBA by GLSC Race Committee.
4.3.3. Presentation of prizes will take place as soon as possible after completion of the last race.
5. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
5.1. Sailing instructions will be available at the Great Lakes Sailing Club registration desk on Saturday 4th October 2014.
6. COURSES
6.1. Races will be conducted on the waters of Lake Wallis as directed and organised by GLSC.
6.2. Course diagrams will be available with the sailing instructions.
7. PENALTY SYSTEM
7.1. Rules 44.1 and 44.2 are changed so that only one complete turn, including one tack and one gybe, is required.
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8. SCORING
8.1. The low point scoring system of Appendix A of RACING RULES will apply.
8.2. A minimum of 3 races is required to be completed to constitute a series.
8.2.1. When fewer than 5 races have been completed, a boats series score will be the total of her race scores.
8.2.2. When 5 or more races have been completed, a boats series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score.
9. PRIZES
9.1. Prizes will be given to the first three boats in each division.
9.2. Additional prizes may be given at the discretion of the Organizing Authority.
10. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
10.1. All those taking part in the Taipan, Capricorn and A Class State Titles do so at their own risk and responsibility. The Organising Authority, the Tanilba Bay Amateur Sailing Club and any other organisation connected
with the event, their officials, employees, agents and any sponsors, disclaim any and every responsibility for
any loss, damage, injury or inconvenience that may occur to persons or things, both ashore and on the water,
as a consequence of their participation in any way in the race.
10.2. Specific attention is drawn to RRS Fundamental Rule 4, which states: "The responsibility for a boat's decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.
11. INSURANCE
11.1. Each participating boat shall be insured with valid third party property liability insurance with a minimum
policy cover of $5 million for any one incident over the period of the Regatta, event or equivalent.
11.2. By signing the Entry form indicates that the Skipper has acknowledged that the boat is insured as per this
requirement
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State Rep Reports
Crow Eater’s Column —SA Report (State Rep Tim Wright)
WE DON'T BITE
South Australia has been having another busy summer with some of the most consistent good-strong breezes for the last couple
of years.
This summer we have been trying to build numbers of Taipans getting on the water and travelling so we can sail against other
Taipans. Our situation in SA is a little unique as in there are many active 5.7's as there are 4.9's this makes things interesting
when we all get together and race. The 4.9 guys love the challenge of beating the 5.7's and likewise the 5.7's are kept honest by
the 4.9's.
There have been a number of regattas outside of "normal" club racing that have attracted the Snakes. The first of these was
the Lake Bonney Yacht Club's opening weekend back in October which attracted 3 5.7's along with the other classes including
18 foot skiffs and other catamarans. The 5.7's had some close racing pushing each other all the way which showed in the results
taking 1st on handicap and corrected times and all finishing in the top 6 out of the 12 boats that attended.
After all the clubs had there own opening days things settled into normal season racing. Which at my local club (Meningie Sailing Club) meant introducing another 5.7 to the cat fleet with Michael Crouch bringing Too Easy over from NSW. It was great to
have another boat to race against at the club which now has 3 active 5.7's.
November was a busy month for the SA Taipans with 2 meeting that took place. The first was at Rivoli Bay Saing Club for their
Western Region Regatta this attracted 3 5.7's, 2 sloop 4.9's and 2 cat 4.9's. This regatta was won by Luke Donavon on his 4.9
coming across the border to show us all how it is done. The other race was the Goolwa to Meningie distance race on the second
Sunday of the month which had 3 5.7's and a 4.9 sloop. This race was a challenge with the leading boat completing the 65km
course in 2hrs 50mins with all of it being 2 sail reaching or on the nose the 1st Taipan crossed the line 3rd with the 4.9 and one of
the 5.7's forced to retire in the extreme conditions.
December was quite on the regatta front with regular club racing and preparing to host national regattas on everyone's plates.
January got us all travelling again with state heats (will comment on them later) and another distance The Milang-Goolwa
Freshwater classic which say a drop in numbers of Taipans but 4 5.7's made the trip and placed well with one getting fasted
time against a large fleet of boats of all shapes and sizes including 31 foot Tri's and 18 foot skiffs.
In February was the Lobster Regatta at Lacepede Bay Sailing club which had their 4 local Taipans plus one from RBSC I did
not attend this event but from all reports the racing was close and everyone had a good time.
In early March there was not much on in SA so some of the boats made there way over to Vic for there State Championships
and from all accounts it was a great regatta. Later in the month the Drain to Drain classic is to be held and will be reported on
once run and won.
The South Australian Taipan State Titles were held on the 18th and 19th of January at Lacapede Bay Sailing Club in Kingston
SE. There were 5 Taipan 5.7's, 2 cat 4.9's and 1 sloop 4.9 in attendance. The 5.7's were Stewart and Janet Ferguson on “GT”, Neil,
Kelly, Taylor and Tegan Ferguson on “Men Behaving Badly”, Wayne and Josh Hancock on “Rikki Tikki Tavi”, Tim Wright and
Maeve Southall on “Two Dogs” and Michael Crouch and Jo Williams on “Too Easy”. In the 4.9 sloop class we had Evan Steel and
Darryl Brooksby on “Serenity” and the 4.9 cat class had Luke Donovan on “Brute Force” and Dean King on "Woof".
The racing started on Saturday with a nice gusty southeasterly blowing and the fleet hit the start in the first race with all to
play for as many of the boats hadn't met on the water that season. Unfortunately part way through the first race GT managed
to bring there rig down ending their regatta before it really started. The racing was close on the water with Luke showing us
yet again that he is fast as he mixed it up with the 5.7's for boat speed. At the end of day 1 and heat 3, Rikki Tikki Tavi was
leading the 5.7's, Serenity was leading the 4.9 sloops and Brute Force was out in front in the 4.9 cat division.
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State Rep Reports
Crow Eater’s Column —SA Report (State Rep Tim Wright) cont.
Day 2 we were greeted to similar conditions to the first day with the forecast for it to blow harder as the day went on. Racing in
the morning continued much where it was left with the 5.7's having some tight racing with some races having 3 boats changing
positions out the front in the tactical shifty conditions. After lunch the wind did just as forecast said and started to blow but this
did nothing to spread the fleet out as the racing remained hot until the final race which had to be called off as survival conditions took over from the racing. The final results were:
Boat Name Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Heat 5 Heat 6 Heat 7 Result
Two Dogs
1
2
Rikki TIkki Tavi
2
2
1
Men Behaving badly 4
Too Easy
3
GT
1
1
4
1
2
4
3
DNF
1
2
3
3
1
2
3
DNS DNS
2
DNF
4
1st
DNF
3
DNS
2nd
DNF
3
DNS
4th
3rd
DNS
DNS
5th
Results for the 4.9 cat class
Boat Name Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Heat 5 Heat 6 Heat 7 Results
Woof
2
Brute Force 1
2
2
1
2
1
1
DNF
2
1
DNF
1
2nd
1
1st
Results for the 4.9 Sloop class
Boat Name
Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Heat 5 Heat 6 Heat 7 Results
Serenity
DNF
1
1
1
1
DNS
DNF
1st
It is good to have state heats up and running again in SA. I would like to thank the club for putting on a great regatta and for
all the sailors for attending to make it a spectacle.
It has been a great summer of sailing in SA and would recommend anyone who has been wondering what we get up to over
and check it out we don't bite and hold many regattas and races throughout the year that are very Taipan friendly.
Tim Wright
SA State Rep
Two Dogs AUS 073
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Tips and Tricks
When discussing various ideas for “Snake Tales” we put the feelers out to you the ‘punter’ asking
what was the best things about the Taipan class. Time and again it came back to the close racing.
Of course one of the reasons why there is close racing is because those guys at the front are willing to give their time and knowledge to help the average Joe like me! Thankfully for you and I,
each edition will feature a Tips and Tricks topic where ‘the guns’ (4.9 Cat/Sloop and 5.7’s including
input from the crews) pour their knowledge out with what helps them…(of course I’ve deleted all
the good stuff for my personal gain, but the rest of it’s pretty good!)
This editions topic…”The
Start”.
(N.B. If there’s a topic you want to know about, email me!)
5.7’s with Brad Carver (The Shooter)
This is a brief run down of what Team Shooter does and looks for at the prestart
1: Check tides and wave conditions
2: Where all course markers are
3: Check line Bias and length
4: Try and line up something on land with the boat and pin
5: Beat up in the middle of the course to see what the wind is doing
6: Run back to start line making sure all the boat is set up right
7: Try a practice run at the line and time it
8: If there are Div starting before you watch them
9: Length of course
We stay away from the start area until the 90sec to 60sec mark by this time must boats are in what we call sheep mode (I’ll follow him)
Most times you’ll have boats too high and boats too low we just pick where the best clear air will be and protect that spot
We have one rule we must try and have good speed and clear air off the line; I can’t see any point sitting at the boat end or any where
Along the line and pulling your sails in at the gun you will be behind by good 5 to 6 boat lengths from boats that hit it with speed.
Waves and Tide’s can play a big part when setting up your run at the line, at the St Leonards states a couple of years ago must people
Where getting dragged down the line by the tide which left a lovely gap at the boat which we took thank you very much, and at Portland
States on the Saturday the waves were doing the same pushing boats down
Also at club racing if you sail long and short courses, have a go at port starts for short course days by ducking starboard boats with SPEED
One less tack up wind you’ll be surprised that most time you should be first at the top
In finishing 9 times out of 10 if you hit the line with good speed and clear air you will most likely be up with the leading boats or leading
Cheers
Brad Carver
Taipan 5.7 AUS198
THE SHOOTER
Member of the S.F.D.H Union (Sail Fast Drink Hard)
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Tips and Tricks cont.
4.9 Sloops with Evan Steele
When I'm lining up for the line and waiting to pull the power on I have the traveller low and the mainsheet relatively tight, I have my
crew pull the traveller on as we need to time the line while I am either already out on the wire or heading out, this shares the load to get
going and placing the boat at a critical time and place. It seems to accelerate the boat quickly and it doesn't take long for the crew to get
out once you have the skipper already on the wire and all but fully powered up.
I find I need to be on the wire just before the crew so that I am keeping the windward hull out of the water, it is harder to do this if you're
getting sorted to go out yourself and the crew is already out. The 4.9 just doesn't have the free board to have someone hanging out
there without the sail loaded up to hold the hull up.
The other thing I try not to do is get on the windward side of a cat rig 4.9 unless you have at least 2-3 boat widths above them, the cat rig
will out point a sloop any day, so if your windward you will be either forced to tack away soon or slowed down and can't maximise the
extra power produced by the crew.
That's about all I have as far as starts go, I will be very interested to hear/see what some of the top guns have to say.
Regards
Evan
4.9 Cat and Sloops with Luke Donovan
The start is the most important part of the race for me. If you win the start, you should be in a
good position for the whole race and can sail conservatively for the remainder of the race instead of taking more risk to make up time. Here are some points worth thinking about.
Leave the rigging area early enough to give ample time to get to the racetrack. Seems simple,
but at every regatta, there is at least one person running late. I try to be at the committee boat
with at least 10 min to spare. This gives enough time to check the following:
Check the line for any bias. The end of the line closest to the wind (or the highest ladder rung) will be favoured.
Decide where you want to start along the line. This is a big decision and can be influenced by a number of things. If the wind is consistent over the entire racetrack try to start at the favoured end of the line. It pays to think ahead though, if the course is favoured
on the right and the pin end of the line is favoured, you are probably better off to start at the boat. You may lose a little off the line,
but you can tack off without crossing boats and get to the favoured side earlier, which may produce a bigger gain.
Starting right at the boat or the pin is higher risk than starting closer to the centre of the line. Everyone is always shooting for the
best position, especially the top guys. There is often a gap in the middle of the line (like there was at Portland).
Know your opposition. Over time you will find out how your opponents sail off the line. Some will want to foot off quickly and try to
get a gap, some will pinch to slow competitors down and some will often get stuck in irons or tack onto port by accident. If you want
to sail a low fast groove don’t start above Brad Hein or Ant Richards! If you want to sail high and slow, don’t start too far down the
line as boats may foot over the top of you.
Get a transit line to a landmark on shore. This isn’t as important if you are starting at either end, but if you’re in the middle of a long
start line it can be helpful to gauge how far off you are.
Start on the front row if possible and get out of your comfort zone. It may be a safer and easier to start in the second or third row at
the committee boat, but you will never get any better at starting. Know your limits though, as you don’t want to spoil another competitor’s race through your mistakes. If you are not confident holding your boat in one spot, don’t practice at regattas. Practice before or after the racing at your club. Once your confidence and boat handling improves you can start putting your boat in the positions you want.
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Tips and Tricks cont.
4.9 Cat and Sloops with Luke Donovan cont.
When sailing sloop, you have an extra set of eyes and hands so make sure you utilise them. I used to leave all the timing to Mick and
it was his job to set the boat up (control lines clear etc.). Use your crew to set the watch and keep an eye on the other boats. He
was constantly updating me with info on the boats and the conditions around us.
Learn how long it takes to get your boat from stopped to full speed. Ideally, you want to be close to top speed, on the line when the
gun goes (obviously). You should know your settings for the conditions at this stage. Concentrate on sailing the boat fast. If you’re
too slow getting up to speed, you will get mowed down by the rest of the fleet and be forced to suck bad air or tack off.
Above all else, you want to keep a clear lane with clear wind all the way up the first beat. If you can start on the front row, on time,
in the preferred half of the line, with clear air all the way up the first beat, you should be in a good position to fight at the top mark
(unless you get McCrayed!). You can’t win a race at the start, but you can easily lose it.
Don’t forget to have fun!
Luke D
AUS 080
4.9 Cats with Leigh Hein
Usually when I arrive at the start line area, I have a look at
the conditions, i.e. waves, wind, tide, etc. When I am satisfied
with my own assessment, I then sail through the line at least
once, usually twice to gauge the angle of the line and the best
setup for the conditions. I then like to be around the committee
boat before the hooter to make sure I am setup and ready to start
my timer.
By this time, I have decided which end of the line I want to
start from and a plan of which way I want to sail to the first
mark, left, right or up the middle.
With a couple of minutes to go I am near the line and assessing
the competition and where everyone is heading. I suppose I sail
quite aggressively to get the line position I want. With a minute to go, I try to be only a few boat lengths from the line and
hooked to my trap wire.
With around 20 seconds remaining, I have set my rotation, traveller and downhaul into position.
By the time the gun goes, I plan to be on wire and at near full
speed, take off and adjust settings if required.
This process only works if you know your boats time over distance. It is really important to know
how fast your boat accelerates to know when you can sheet on and go.
cheers
Leigh
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My club = your club
In an effort to lift the profile of the Taipan, we really need to know where they are sailed! Each edition we will profile a club
from around the nation to find out what makes it tick…the boats, the who’s who and of course the club itself. This edition
we will head to beautiful Bateman’s Bay. Rob Currall has put together this write up!
***Next edition, BVSC (Lake Wivenhoe) from QLD***
Batemans Bay Sailing Club (BBSC) located on the south coast of NSW. It is a Club of around 100 members. The keel boats
sail in and around the beautiful Bay. Our off the Beach division is mainly sailed at a place called Coila Lake. Coila Lake is a
part of Tuross Heads and is situated about 40 kilometers south of Batemans Bay. There is a mixed fleet of off the beach
boats sailed at Coila including Lasers, Tazers, but mainly 14ft Hobies and Maricats, there is an old Quickcat, a couple of
Hobie 16s and 7x 4.9 Taipans. The Taipans are sailed mainly Cat rigged, but there is 1 that is sailed 2 up Sloop Rigged. How
did this pocket of 7 Taipans come about you might ask?
Well about 4 years ago one of our sailors was looking for a more modern 16ft Cat as his Hydra was falling apart. He had
decided that a Nacra 16sq was his choice when a Taipan became available not too far away so he went and had a
look and discovered that the Taipan was lighter than the Nacra and purchased it. Now everyone at the Club knew including him, that he wasn't a dynamic Sailor. However suddenly this boat became the centre of attraction, and it was the
quickest Catamaran in the club for a time. Some of the Sailors in the Club got the opportunity to sail this boat and before
long people were going out and getting these Taipan 4.9s to the point where we now have seven of these lovely Catamarans. The run down of the sailors is; 1 Accountant, 1 Solicitor, 2 Doctors, 1 Author, 1 Mechanic Ret, 1 Part time Grey Nomad. This part of the BBSC is a strong happy group of sailors with a zest for fun. Talking of fun the BBSC ANZAC Regatta is
coming up and we are looking forward to that.
Check out the Website.http://bbsc.org.au/
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Interviews (with bite!)
Here at “Snake Tales” we want to know what’s the make-up (not what foundation they wear!) of the Taipan sailor? Why
did they choose the Taipan? How long have they been sailing the Taipan? But most importantly, what do they drink! (You
can tell a lot about the person by the ‘bevvie’ one consumes!) In future editions, we’ll showcase a whole host of Taipan
personalities. But for the first edition, why not start at the top?! That’s right, it’s an interview with none other than Leigh
Hein, the current 4.9 Cat Australian and Victorian Champion. After the presentation ceremony at the Vic States (whilst the
rest of you were driving home!) I sat down with Leigh for a one on one chat. Enjoy!
Ant:
Well done on a great regatta! Now that everyone’s gone, any secrets for yours truly?
Leigh: Absolutely…don’t break your boat!
How would you rate your regatta overall?
Overall pretty good, I didn’t sail as good as I did in QLD, but overall consistent.
The highlight?
Crashing into Luke! Only joking. The thing I really like is the close racing and that’s one of the reasons why I got into Taipans. I
especially like seeing some of the flyers, like Steve Owens came out of nowhere and he was just there and that’s great. I like
mixing it with a range of different people.
How did your body and your boat fair on the first Saturday?
Yeh, the body was alright, did a bit of a hammy at one stage, got a cramp, tried to stretch it out while I was on the wire! It didn’t
work too well, but I put up with it!
Do you do other things to keep fit?
I race mountain bikes, endurance type racing. But after the QLD Nationals I came down with pneumonia for a week or so, so I’ve
just been trying to recover from that.
How on earth did you get pneumonia from QLD?
I think I was just run down.
Down to the nitty gritties…where do you live?
Portland
Club? (How long have you sailed here for?)
Portland and I’m currently the Commodore. I’ve sailed
here since I was 6. Mum and Dad have always been members here since I was born, I was virtually born down here.
How old are you now?
(thinks for a while!) Ummm 36
Just a youngster!!
I don’t feel it mate!
Any family?
Yep, wife and two kids.
Describe your personality in 3 words?
Ahhhh…(nervous laugh)…how do you describe your own personality?! Ummm…Happy, competitive and ahhh s&8* I don’t
know! Can I leave it at two?!
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Interviews (with bite!) cont.
Done! What would your brother say those 3 words would be?
Ahhh…smart arse, super competitive and a pain in the arse!
What would your wife say those 3 words would be?
(Laughs)…probably similar!
Describe your sailing in three words?
(Serious face on now!) Competitive, fun and always trying new things.
What got you into sailing?
My parents always sailed. Dad sailed an Yvonne and then a Mossie. Dad built
his Mossie and then I took it over from him when he retired to a trailer sailor.
What was your first sailing memory?
It was in a Manly Junior at the Easter Lake Bolac regatta. All the family had gone over waterskiing as there wasn’t much wind.
The wind came in and I raced. I never received the note that they’d planted for me that they were going to pick me up when I
finished sailing. So I started sailing across the lake to them after the race and got stuck in the middle without any wind for hours!
What were your previous yachts?
Many Junior was first, Arafura Cadet, then a 125, then a Mossie, then a couple of A’s and then the Taipan.
If you weren’t a sailor, what sport would you do?
Definitely Mountain Biking.
Aside from Portland, what is your favourite sailing destination?
I like anywhere that’s different…different conditions. I enjoy the challenge. Like in QLD we had heaps of tide to contend with and
we had to read the tides. I got down to the stage where I knew the tides every half an hour so if I got stuck in a spot, I could tack
off to go to different tide.
Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere in the bush camping.
How long have you been sailing the Taipan?
I bought Vizey’s 027 when I first got out of the A’s and sailed it with my wife. (laughing) Someone always said you should never
sail with your wife so we didn’t last too long! I think we did a season. I then had 10 years off sailing and I got back into it just before the St Leonards States 3 years ago.
You used to sail an A Class, so why the change to the Taipan?
I went over to Italy for the World Titles in the A’s and someone wanted to buy my boat so I sold it. I came back and the wife and
I travelled around Australia for two and a half years in the back of a Landcruiser. We got back, built a house, had kids and the
whole works and I wanted a boat that’s competitive, others are sailing it and I don’t have to fork out a shitload of $’s for.
So you have boat 070 how did you go about getting a competitive older boat? Please tell me because I’m on 067!
I honestly didn’t worry about competitive. It was my brother in laws boat and I just wanted a boat I could afford. I also wanted a
cheaper boat that I could put my own mast and sail on and start from that because the platforms in my opinion are pretty much
the same, it just about the rig in the air.
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Best regatta you’ve had? In anything….
I’ve probably got two. In the A’s when I won the Nationals in that class against all the guys that were there and then 6 th place at
the Worlds.
What was the one that got away?
Probably my first Taipan States at St. Leonards. In one race I forgot the extra lap and went down to finish and it ended up costing
me the regatta!
And mate, I very much thank you for that race!
I lot of people were don’t worry!!
Most embarrassing sailing moment?
I’ve had a few capsizes on the rescue boats, tangled up around masts etc. But this weekend was pretty much a definite with my
bow up against Luke’s boom inside his side stay!
Very succinctly, what are you looking for upwind?
I’m trying to look at where the pressure is coming down the course and I try and see if I can pick what angle it’s coming from. I
always take a couple of goes upwind before to see how much wind there is and to see if I can pick a land mark to get my bearings whether I’m on a knock or a lift. And then in the lighter stuff, I just try and keep in the pressure. In the heavier stuff, just
trying to go the right way and to sail your best VMG, the closest angle to the mark.
Downwind?
Similar, I always try and pick my downwind before I get to the top mark. This determines whether I’m going to gybe or go
straight. I try and have a bit of a game plan while I’m sailing upwind. I can usually tell that if the wind’s knocking one way, you
need to go that way downwind because it gives you a better angle.
You go wild downwind sometimes, what are the conditions you look for when deciding whether to go wild?
Anywhere from probably 12 to 18 knots depending on the water. If it’s flat water we can sometimes get it up in 8 to 10 but then
if it’s breezy and lumpy you’re generally surfing and playing the waves.
You’re a convert then, the wild thing’s the way to go?
Definitely. I think I kind of kicked it off again in the Taipans getting Luke into it and he’s up to speed and going good going wild.
So yes definitely!
Righto, a couple of questions from the cheap seats*******
Brad asked me to ask you why you’re not sailing together anymore? Something about a tiller extension!
Well he didn’t do what I wanted so I had to whack him in the head with the tiller extension…little brothers should know to do
what they’re told!
Jamie just wants Glen Ashby’s personal phone number, do you have it?
Yeh I do!
Can he have it?
No!
Luke wants to know when you’re going to fix the dings in his boat?
I’ll put some duct tape all over it to go with the rest of his holes!
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30 second challenge: (first word that pops into your head)
Coffee - gross, computers - boring, AFL - peptides, children - good, Johnson - Reg, super – (blank!), titanic - sinking, squall – a bit
on, rudder – cavitation, trophy – not bad!, carnage – fun at times, Taipan – good boat, Portland – good spot, Jamie – wood
duck!
On a serious note, any tips for newcomers to the Taipan?
Yep, just ask. You’ll find most of the guys who are going quick are pretty forthcoming with their information and only too happy
to pass it on. So yep just ask heaps of questions. Every boat’s a different boat to sail and needs to be sailed a bit differently, so
ask.
Finally, drink of choice?
C.C. and Dry
Luke Donavan: (piping in from the cheap seats) Dean Barker’s waiting for you Leigh!
Ah so that’s what the message was!
So well done again on a great regatta and congratulations on the win. But most importantly thanks for being the first ever
“Interview with Bite”!
______________________________
***Next edition – Mark Watters from S.A.***
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Tech Talk
(with Chris Tucker—Taipan Assoc. Technical Officer)
Each edition, Chris Tucker takes apart various technical aspects of the Taipan. With a lot of talk going on across the
forum about various technical issues, parts, rules etc, Chris will dissect a range of subjects to help out you and I.
(If there’s a topic you’d like Chris to tackle, let me know and we’ll get him on the case!)
When Ant first approached me about writing this column I had grand plans of writing a string of “how to guides” in a similar
vein to the always popular “How to fit rudder winglets” PDF I posted on the Taipan forum. But truth be told right now all I
have for him is a complete set of how to start a project but never get around to finishing it articles including “Building your own
carbon tiller extension and cross bar”, “Replacing your dolphin striker with a new spec adjustable one”, “How to track down
and repair small hull leaks”, “Re-finishing dagger boards”. So instead I’m going to give you all an update and where we are at
with a couple of other technical based committee requirements.
When agreeing to join the Taipan committee it was with the intension to go
through and clean up our rules as written. Due to a series of updates and
tweaks over the years there are many areas where they contradict with
themselves, make no sense or are unworkable. Classic examples of this include front beam rule 11.c.i which directs the reader to rule 17B which is a
rule about diamond wires. Another that would be of interest to many is rule
9s (Hull material) which states that the hulls not be made out of graphite,
metals and semi-metals . This rule is taken by many and I believe it was
intended by the authors to ban carbon fibre. However, while all graphite
fibres are in fact Carbon Fibre the reverse does not apply. Graphite Fibre is
made by cooking carbon filaments to extreme temperatures during production. With these and many other small issues in mind the class will in due
course be presented with a new set of rules to comment on and eventual
vote to ratify. In writing these new rules we are not intending on changing
any rules merely trying to make them more transparent, tighten up on some
loopholes like the above mentioned carbon one and try to return their
meaning to what we as a committee believe to be the intension of the rules.
At the end of this process I would expect the rules to actually be tighter than
those we currently sail under thus protecting the low cost one design sailing
we all enjoy.
In parallel to the rule re-write we are also going to be looking at a slate of alternate rules, some of which have become necessary due to things going on outside the class. These will be presented on a case by case basis so that each can be discussed
and debated on its own merits before being adopted or rejected for inclusion. An example of this will be discussion of our back
beams. As many of you are no doubt aware there are only a small number of our current back beams available via Goodall
Design and when this stock is exhausted they will be replacing them with a product that doesn’t fit within our class rules. This
results in us as a class having three options. 1. We either leave the relevant rules alone which will require owners to buy off
the shelf extrusions (typically slightly smaller and without the radius corners) and bolt on their own traveler. 2. We vote to allow the adoption of the new off the shelf back beam from Goodall Design or 3. We get our own beams made. As a committee
we don’t currently consider the commissioning of a batch of beams viable within our current budget so the question we will be
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Tech Talk cont.
putting to you as a class is will you be able to sail again boats fitted with a slightly bigger back beam. The pros and cons of
which we can discuss at a later date.
Finally and most excitingly as those of you who visit our forum know, we are well on the path to bringing Taipan 4.9 construction back to Australia. At the time of writing we are waiting for word from Goodall Designs that the container with the moulds
has arrived at which time we will be meeting with Jim Boyer to investigate their condition and determine if any maintenance is
required before we give them to a builder to start production. In the mean time I have been speaking to a range of potential
builders and will soon be ready to make my recommendation to the committee on where to go. Potential builders are being
assessed not just on price but also our confidence in their ability to produce the premium product we came to expect from
Boyer with regards to finish, weight and strength but also their commitment to helping as develop the product. In order to
minimize the lead time in the ordering of boats we are hoping to come to an arrangement with the selected builder to produce
a stock boat which can be delivered as soon as an order is placed. This will allow potential buyers to sell existing boats and not
run the risk of spending a season without a ride and also give the builder the freedom to fit Taipan construction in around other orders letting them keep the cost as low as practical.
Cheers Chris
Carpet Python Award!
(This is the “Snake Tales” version of ‘Tool of the Week’! – N.B. Send me any nominations for future editions!)
The inaugural winner of the “Carpet Python Award”, who of course shall remain nameless, goes to an ageing
(recently celebrating his entry into the 40’s!), but extremely keen fella, at the recent Nationals in QLD. An aspiring,
yet somewhat lacking in talent, musician, this well-known Taipan identity (for interests sake, let’s just call him Jamie)
was seen towards the end of the News Years Eve social evening caressing various microphone stands, rubbing up
against the P.A. system and trying to get himself upon the stage, to share with the crowd his ‘musical genius’. A one
pot screamer at the best of times, this mystery individual (again anonymity must be preserved—perhaps we’ll just call
him Mr Christensen?) was last seen being escorted by the R.Q.Y.S. establishment to a much more ‘safe haven’!
Congratulations mystery male on two accounts; firstly for being the first evictee ever from a Taipan event, but secondly (and of course more prestigiously!) being the first ever winner of the “Carpet Python Award”
…well done Knackers!
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Sponsor’s Page
To enhance the layout of future editions, Snake Tales would like to promote your business! No doubt there are Taipan owners out there that have businesses, so why not let us help boost your sales?! We’d love to make a permanent border on each page which showcases the logos of sponsors/businesses.
As an added incentive, each quarterly edition will feature one main sponsor (we are looking for four—one for each
edition) which gives you a whole page spread about your business, any deals/special offers you’ve got etc etc.
To find out more information, please contact “The Prez” at [email protected] and discuss what options
are available. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Want your logo
here?
Become a major
sponsor today!
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For Sale
The perfect place to sell your stuff! This edition I’ve taken the advertisements directly from the Taipan website. If
there are any For Sale items you’d like me to list, please send me details before the next edition.
Taipan 4.9 with jib and spinnaker - AUS149
4.9 Cat
Taipan together with jib and spinnaker kit.
Very good condition, 2 mains, race ready.
Kept undercover in Batemans Bay $8,000
firm.
Registered McKay no tie trailer. Call for more
info and photos.
Price $: 8,000
Location: Batemans Bay, NSW
Name: Michael O
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0414261800
- AUS3424.9 Cat
Taipan 342 is 4 years old and has been meticulously maintained. I have owned this boat from
new and it is a proven performer. It is a dry and
fast boat and has latest systems, carbon foils and
rudder stocks, coloured tramp and centre sheeting.
Last winter the foils were refinished, centre case
carpets replaced, ropes and rigging replaced nothing more to do.
Comes with yard cover, beach rollers with Eurotrax wheels, 2 competitive big head sails (Goodall
and Brewin), stern supports and trailing covers.
It is on a Vic registered Mackay no tie trailer with
2 sail boxes that is the same age as the boat.
Price $: 15000
Location: Melbourne, Vic
Name: Stephen Owens
Taipan 5.7 For Sale - AUS177 - AUS177
Taipan 4.9 Kite
Kit
Used once as purchased from
AHPC.
Kite (red).
Pole with snuffer.
Kite sheets and all
lines.
Turning blocks and
ratchet blocks.
Price $: 1500
Location: Geelong,
Victoria
Name: Chris
McCran
Email:
[email protected]
Telephone:
0401757845
For more items For
Sale please head to
the
TCAA Official
Website
http://
taipan.asn.au/
Sail for sale AUS56
4.9 Cat
For Sale a big
head made by
Steve Brewin
(battens not included) two seasons old.
Price $: $700.00
Location: Mount
Martha, Victoria
Name: Warren
Morse
Email: creativebenchtops@g
mail.com
Telephone:
0414269765
Sail
4.9 Cat
Big Head Cross Cut
Brewin with a full set
of Fibrefoam battens
3 seasons old and
not heavily used.
Excellent condition
Price $: 800
Location: Hurstbridge, Victoria
Name: Lachlan Cameron
Telephone:
0419131467
Taipan 4.9 for sale, AUS163 - AUS163
4.9 Sloop
Overall refit 3 years ago including new blue trampoline, ropes, blocks etc. 1 set of sails in good
condition with square top main. Queensland registered mackay trailer with spare and 1 sailbox.
comes with beach rollers, although they could do
with some love.
Price $: 9000 ono
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Name: jenni
5.7
Taipan 5.7 with Spinnaker on trailer this boat has been overhauled with no expense spared.
This boat fetchers Kevlar Hulls, New Carbon Fibre Centre Boards a spare set of boards, New Spinnaker Pole and Bag and spare
Pole and Bag, New Rigging, Competition Race Main and Club racing Main, Competition Jib and 2 spare Jibs, Competition Spinnaker and 2 Spare Spinnakers, Spare Boom, Spare Tiller Cross Bar, Beach Rollers, Custom Boat Cover (showing some ware)
and a spare used Mast (not rigged). The trailer is set up with no tie system, Light Truck Tyres with Alloy Rims and a new spare, 3
Large Sail Boxes and Large Gear Box (Plenty of Storage) with twin Mast Racks.
AUS 177 has won no less than 3 Australian Championships with 3 different owners and is still a very strong and fast boat.
Price $: 12000
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Name: Peter Scott
27
Telephone: 07 3202 7899
nake
ales
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kids aren’t on it anymore. It’s the domain of the ‘more
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in your neck of the woods!
Taipan Forum
With 128 Event topics and 139 General Discussion
topics, the Taipan Forum is the place to go to find out
all the latest news and views of all things Taipan!
Jump on board !
Taipan Catamaran
Assoc.
Of Australia
Taipan Forum
http://
taipan.asn.au/
forum/
Taipan Website
For all your notifications of Events (NOR’s, results etc),
Newsletters, Class Rules, Tips & Tricks, For Sale,
Builders, Taipan Clubs, Documentation, Who’s Who,
Hall of Fame, Galleries and Contacts check it out!
TCAA Official Website
http://taipan.asn.au/
Rumour Mill!
The Prez has already spilled the beans on this one, but it is rumoured that an ex-National Champ, not long into retirement, is possibly heading back into the class! After witnessing the Vic States from the sidelines, the ‘Rumour
Mill’ overhead discussions with this legend of the class and other sailors about a possible comeback next season…
welcome back I say!!
The ‘Rumour Mill’ has also been privy to ‘whispers’ around the traps that due to the ‘goings on’ in another class of
catamaran, (beginning with the letter A!) there could be a number of prominent sailors in that class heading our
way! Juicy!!
(Got any rumours, gossip or just general innuendo that needs to be shared, send it through for Edition 2)
28
nake
ales
The Parting Shot!
Phew! Lucky they put on their stern supports. That concrete can really damage boats!
Enjoy what you’ve read?! Then why not contribute to it. We want your input, your stories,
your questions, your photos!!
Send me content to [email protected] or mobile 0409231980.
Cheers,
Ant
Taipan 067
29

Snake Tales Edition 1

Transcription

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