Watermark #222 May 2023

One of our navy patrol crafts off to Ireland.  That is some serious big lift cranes.

                                                                    Birthdays
May              Trent Stephens, Ian Rennie, Ryan McCook
June            Hetty Goodwin, Karen Jones
July             Wayne McEwan

​Rob’s Ramblings – aka Commodore’s Report
We hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and well.  Manutaki has officially marked the end of the sailing season by recently disconnecting its freezer which runs continuously over the sailing season.
We and our four-legged children enjoyed our day out at the Botanical Gardens with club members recently.  Some other events are planned before the AGM coming up on 24 June 2023.  Notice of this event will be sent out separately.  One of the things we would like some suggestions on is how we will celebrate the club’s 25th birthday.
AYBA along with other organisations have lodged an appeal to the decision to allow development on Bayswater Marina and also seeking a judicial review of the Council’s decision to close its haul out facility at the Landing Okahu Bay.   Further information on this from AYBA has been previously sent to WYC members by me.
The key issue we wish to avoid is Auckland beaches and the Hauraki Gulf becoming out of bounds for Aucklanders, including boaties, due to the spreading of highly invasive seaweeds.   Presently there are four popular out of bounds bays, three at Barrier and little Mercury Bay, that have Caulerpa established and not responding to intensive efforts to contain it. 
Council biosecurity officers’ advice is that all is takes is as little as 1cm of the weed from a boat to establish in another area e.g. Mission Bay.  The impact on local beaches in no longer just a theory as demonstrated in the article below from the Ministry of Primary industries’ – Biosecurity Teams.  i.e. this could be coming to a beach near you.  (Blind Bay – Great Barrier, is one of the anchorages closed.)
Getting most of the Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee interested in this issue is proving difficult.  The AYBA would appreciate any help members or anyone else can offer.  Details are provided in previous correspondence sent from me.
See you on the 24th June if not before.
Rob

                        Off Water events

The Westhaven Yacht Club Annual General Meeting
is scheduled for Saturday 24th June at 16:30 with official meeting start time to be 17:00. It will be held at Lis and Bill McCook's home.

                                              Apologies to Barb McEwan
The club will provide the meats ‘beef and chicken” please bring your own drinks and sheared salad or deserts as per normal.
 
Belaire Ferries boat tour and trip to City for lunch

Date: Thursday 18th May
Meet at West Harbour at 1045hrs (parking on Clearwater cove, short walk to marina) quick tour over one of the ferries, then 1125hrs ferry into city, lunch at Commercial bay then return trip at your leisure.
 
Still feel free to organise an impromptu event using the club group messenger
 
 
                       On Water Events
Waiting for next summer, hopefully better weather

                           CLUB EVENTS

                Some of the team at the Auckland Botanic Gardens

                                                                Followed by lunch

This month’s bad joke
A woman went shopping. At the cash counter, she opened her purse to pay. The cashier noticed a TV remote in her purse:
He could not control his curiosity and asked. "Do you always carry your TV remote with you?"
She replied. "No, not always, but my husband refused to accompany me shopping today because of rugby match, so I took the remote.
*Moral :Accompany and support your wife in her hobbies.....*
The story continues....
The cashier laughed and then returned all the items that lady had purchased. 
Shocked at this act. She asked the cashier what he was doing. 
He said. "Your husband has blocked your credit card."
*MORAL : Always respect the hobbies of your husband.*
Story continues....
Wife took out her husband's credit card from purse and swiped it. Unfortunately he didn't block his own card.
*Moral: Don't underestimate the power and wisdom of your WIFE..*
Story continues....
After swiping, the machine indicated, 'ENTER THE PIN SENT TO YOUR MOBILE PHONE'.
*Moral: When a man tends to lose, the machine is smart enough to save him!*
Story continues....
She smiled to herself and reached out for the mobile which rang in her purse. It was her husband's phone showing the forwarded SMS. She had taken it with the remote control so he doesn't call her during her shopping. She bought her items and returned home happily.
*Moral: Don't underestimate a desperate woman!*
Story continues....
On getting home, his car was gone. A note was lying on the table. 
"Couldn't find the remote. Gone out with the boys to watch the rugby match. Will be home late. Call me on my phone if you need something."
 
*Moral: Don't try to control your spouse. You will always lose!* 

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                    End of Life boat problems

What happens to boats when they die? It’s a good question, especially in these days when environmental care is front of mind. The disposal of old boats has recently become the subject of multiple industry conferences and think-tanks, seeking to raise awareness of the “what to do with old boats” problem. 
Thankfully, some workable solutions have resulted to replace what’s currently the norm - the vast majority of old boats are simply cut up and buried in landfills. One thing being looked at, for example, is developing ways of recycling fibreglass boats more economically. It’s topical. With growing numbers of old boats soon coming to the end of their lives, the boating industry faces a looming environmental problem. Taking a leadership role now in providing long-term solutions to the old boat dilemma makes the boating industry more environmentally sustainable, which benefits manufacturers, dealers, and boaties alike.
​

                                     Naval terminology
Toerag
Toerag actually dates back to the early 1700s, perhaps earlier. A toerag or toe is a rope that hung from the ship`s head into the water where the toilet is located (or a hole that dominated the water), hence the Royal Navy toilet called The Head. The toerag hung in the water to stay clean was used to wipe your butt,
 
Long Shot
Today it's a gambling term for an event that would take an inordinate amount of luck. Its origins are nautical. Because ships' guns in early days were very inaccurate except at close quarters, it was an extremely lucky shot that would find its target from any great distance.