60 Seconds With Katie McHugh

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? 

            About five or six. My family were living in North Queensland my dad’s colleague was a keen sailor. Our family went for lunch one day and one of the sailing kids hadn’t turned up. I got thrown in a sabot with the club champion and a loved it (winning helped)!

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? 

            I’m actually loving my little laser at the moment. If money were no limit, I’d have boat shed on the harbour where I could launch at any time of day without needing help. I’d probably have a kayak as well and I’d like to learn how to windsurf properly.

3. What is your sailing goal? 

            While I’m competitive by nature, at this stage of my life, the challenge (and goal) is to stay in the game - to keep my body and mind active for as long as I can.

4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name? 

            I used to think of sailing as my religion - it’s where I went on Sundays as a kid. Apparently other people went to church. Now it’s more like therapy. It’s a great way to separate from whatever else is going on in life. It’s a bad day when my troubles follow me onto the boat.

5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?

            Spice - Sriracha, jalapeños or Chiu Chow chill oil

6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot)

            I love cooking, eating out and good wine and coffee. I’m not sure if “indulgence” is a hobby. I enjoy trail running, more so in winter. I’ve started drawing recently and I’m finding that very therapeutic as well.

7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words? 

Save the planet. I work in sustainability. A colleague of mine tells his kids that he can see the future. I think that’s a pretty cool way of describing it as well.

8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why? 

            Ash Deacon has convinced me the next masters worlds are going to be in Mexico. This sounds like a great trip, especially since Geelong was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Given money is no limit (question 2) I’ll probably visit Captain Steamy in Lake Garda on the way back!

9. What’s the maximum number of toilet rolls you’ve held in your household post 01 March 2020?

            However many came in my Who Gives a Crap subscription (I was down to the last roll when it arrived).

10. What’s your go to Covid-19 dish?  

            Variety is the spice of life. I’ve been cooking a lot at home, but also supporting the hospitality industry through heat and eat packs and produce boxes. The Chat Thai crew have a farm at Tiagra (Boon Luck Farm Organics) and I have had a couple of boxes from them that has really stretched my repertoire!

11. What life skill are you committing to learning whilst in lock down? 

            Drawing. I’m finding it very therapeutic. I’m also loving the scrabble with some of our other members. It won’t be a surprise to you all, but Andrew Cox sure is competitive!

12. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?

            I am the only person in my family who sails.

Katie Then…

…And Now.

One Year Ago…

On May 5th, 2019 our Winter Series kicked off. Here’s what we wrote about the day of sailing:

Sunday dawned with a beautiful, crispy, sunny winter morning, with the usual 8-12kt westerly. But looming storm clouds to the south heralded a predicted southerly change.  A healthy fleet of 19 boats managed to get two races in, albeit with a progressive left shift. Before race 3 began, the southerly hit (fortunately between races) with heavy rain and up to 25kts.  But this only lasted about 10min, while the on-water team reset the course, for the third race in a steady 8-12kt SSW breeze.  All in all it was a nice day on the water with great advice from Brett Beyer for those in the BBWP.  

DBSC Winter Series Opening Day - May 5, 2019

We’re looking forward to being out on the water together again soon! In the mean time we’ll have to suffice with our Saturday Zoom Drinks on the Deck.

Mast and Sail Needed

A community member has enquired if anyone has a second hand mast and sail they are looking to sell. Here’s her message: I own an old laser which I only use a few times a year, but unfortunately the top section of the mast broke a few months ago. I am looking for a second hand alloy section and a second hand full rig sail. It doesn't need to be racing standard, just something to get the boat on the water again. Please email Susan HERE if you can help. 

Zhik Australian Esailing Nationals - It’s Time to Bring Your E-game

Australian Sailing is running a virtual National Championship for clubs, using a platform called Virtual Regatta Inshore (which is an app for IOS), and we have registered DBSC to participate. The first regatta, the Club Championships will take place between 8 May and 18 May (exact programme TBC), with the winner being selected to participate in the state / territory final (May 22 – 24) to find an overall national champion. More information HERE.

The Club Championship will comprise of 5 races with 2 drops. The platform can only host 20 boats, so there’s every chance we’ll run a round robin if there’s enough entries. Races only take a couple minutes each, and we’d look to schedule qualifying on a Saturday afternoon, with the final the next Sunday – depending on numbers. 

For now, all we’re asking is who is interested. Click HERE if you are. To get ready for the big event, download the app HERE and practice.

60 Seconds With Mark Crowhurst

For our second instalment of our getting to know you game, we’re featuring Mark Crowhurst.

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?

• Too young to remember - I spent my youth on the water in one way or another.

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? 

• The Laser just 1 number newer than Andrew Cox's

3. What is your sailing goal? 

• I have a vendetta to resolve after my last minute and dramatic loss in the Tyrell 2019.

4. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?

• Jalapeno

5. What are your second/third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot)

• I didn't know I was meant to have other hobbies?

6. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words? 

• Computer Programming Consultant

7. What’s the maximum number of toilet rolls you’ve held in your household post 01 March 2020?

• I'm not sure what the maximum is, but I can tell you what the minimum was...

8. What’s your go to Covid-19 dish?  

• Pappardelle Lamb Ragu!

9. What life skill are you committing to learning whilst in lock-down? 

• At this stage, the main improvement looks to be my Scrabble skills. Hopefully someone else's answer to this question gives me some inspiration.

Mark’s been relaxing on boats since an early age.

We want to get to know you better too… so don’t forget to email your answers and old photos to newsletter@dbsc.com.au.

Coming Up…

Most Saturdays at 5pm – Zoom Cocktails on the Deck (Check The Top Mark Facebook Group for more info and Zoom code)

Friday 22 May – Virtual AGM. More details to follow. 

60 Seconds with James Tudball

During the Coronavirus lockdown we’re running a special newsletter feature to continue to get to know our fellow DBSC members. The series kicks off with James Tudball…

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? I can't remember exactly, but I do know I started sailing sabots when I was 9.

A young James hones his sailing skills.

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? Does a kayak count as a boat?  Because I just purchased a red cammo kayak and I've gotta say it's the best harbour-going vessel I've ever owned.  I am fully content with this baby.  I'm so excited with my kayak that I am now running Sydney harbour kayak tours, inspired by the former PM.  Click to learn more and book online

3. What is your sailing goal? I have two. #1. To buy a competitive one design keelboat, such as an Etchell, and race that with my dad and some other sailing mates at the pointy end of the fleet.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy sailing by myself, but I do prefer sailing together with family and close buddies.  Goal #2. To one day sail a regatta on Lake Garda.  I've only been to Garda as a land-based tourist, but geez, it really is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.  It is like Mecca for sailors.

4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name? Well my laser was originally called Barnstormer, as I bought Rod Barnes' old boat.  Barnesy actually regrets selling me the boat because he now realises it's quicker than his new one.  Anyway we couldn't have 2 x Barnstormers on the water, so I renamed the boat Captain Steamhole.  This name comes from the holes I get in the crotch of my pants as a result of playing the drums.  After a long sweaty gig my band mates refer to this hole as my Steamhole.  Unfortunately, at the AGM, Sara Brooks told me that a "Steamhole" has another meaning.  In shock, I decided that I better censor my boat name.  I emailed Daryl and asked him to please rename my boat Captain Steamy.  

5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?  I know the right answer is to say "nothing at all, they're perfect just the way they are". They ARE incredible, but I reckon a little dab of Sriracha or basil pesto would elevate them to the universe’s best toasties.

6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot). Sailing JUST pips my musical hobbies, particularly playing the drums. #3. Is playing Scrabble Go.  I've had a few competitive Scrabble Go tussles with Andrew Cox, Katie McHugh and Mark Crowhurst.  I am the worst out of the 4 of us. And Andrew Cox has a great ability to compare his Scrabble Go tactics to sailing and the strategies that Brett Beyer employs.  By the way everybody, download the Scrabble Go app if you haven't already done so.  It's the perfect iso activity!

7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words? Organise creative freelancers for events

8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why? Well I should probably book a flight to Milan, drive to Lake Garda and tick off that bucket list item afore mentioned!

9. What’s the maximum number of toilet rolls you’ve held in your household post 01 March 2020?   I haven't bought any because I choose to bidet myself.  Honestly it's cost effective, very hygienic, good for the environment and it means I completely avoid the stress of the toilet paper crisis.  My girlfriend finds it a bit weird, but many cultures around the world agree with my logic.

10. What’s your go to Covid-19 dish?  Pizza.

11. What life skill are you committing to learning whilst in lock down? How to lose graciously when playing Scrabble Go.

12. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?  15 years ago (almost to this day) I came last in a sailing race at Mordialloc in Melbourne - where I'm from.  I was sailing a Contender at the time - a boat that I never really mastered if the facts be known.  Anyway, I came ashore incredibly frustrated and decided that I was completely and utterly over sailing.  I sold the boat the next week.  It was actually a beautiful boat built in Lake Garda (the theme of this interview!) by a legendary boat builder in Italy, called Andrea Bonezzi.  Bonezzi boats were widely known as the best Contenders, so I sold the boat very easily.  I then had 13 long years off from sailing in pretty much all capacities.  I instead focussed on university and my music and to be honest I really didn't miss the sport much at all.  Fast forward a long chapter of my life to a couple of years ago, when I was walking in Steyne Park and I saw a bunch of lasers rigging up.  I'd never sailed a laser before but I knew they were a physical boat which I liked the idea of, so I walked across to the club to suss things out.  I was greeted warmly by two members (Pete Collie and David Huber) who gave me some great info.  Within two weeks I'd bought Barnsey's boat, purchased new sailing gear and was out racing.  And as I sit here writing now, I have to say that one of the most enjoyable things I have in my life now is the Double Bay Sailing Club.  I love the competitive racing, the camaraderie and mateship, the social hangs at the club and all of the life lessons which the club and sport provides.  It seems strange now that I took 13 years off from sailing.  I certainly don't take it for granted these days.  I feel very lucky that I know how to sail and can enjoy all that it offers.

Thanks to James for taking the time to share a bit about himself. Even though he exceeded the 20 word per question rule, I think you’ll agree, learning about James’ bidet habits was worth the extra space!  We’d love it if you too could enlighten us with your responses. Please send your answers and photos to newsletter@dbsc.com.au. 

Chris Bowling Retires from Racing in Big Boat Fleet

Chris Bowling – skipper of the Endeavour 24 Corinna in DBSC’s big boat fleet – has announced his retirement from racing, after 64 seasons, the last 10 based at DBSC. He started sailing aged 9, at Dover in the south of Tasmania, in flat-bottomed dinghies called Rainbows, and is especially proud of his first trophy, in the Esperance Dinghy Club’s forward hand race, in 1956. At boarding school in Hobart 6 years later Chris maintained his own Rainbow, on the Derwent, helped by a family friend, Jim Hickman, whose son Roger, 6 years younger than Chris, was also destined for a distinguished sailing career (and membership of DBSC).

Presentation of IRC division 3 winner's flag to Redrock Communications, Hobart 2002.

Chris gained his qualifications as an adventurer in Tasmania, canoeing the Huon River with wilderness legends Peter Dombrovskis and Olegas Truchanas, wandering southwest Tasmania and climbing most of its mountains, mostly in winter and often alone. At one stage he hitch-hiked around Australia, and worked as a diamond drill operator on the Gordon river dam site. In New Zealand he climbed Mt Cook; Chris remembers that climb as ‘iconic’, the sort of climb that qualifies one as a mountaineer. He backpacked through the Himalayas, reaching Everest base camp, and, in the winter of 1978, pioneered the Annapurma trek, in Nepal. And he met more extraordinary people. He recalls one such:  

…….. a young American hippie in Manali in northwest India.  He said “I’ve got some fresh rubbed charas from up on the hill.  How about we have a smoke?”  We got very seriously high – something I never repeated or wanted to repeat.  A week later he went home and started playing with computers in his mum’s garage.  His name was Steve Jobs. 

Around the turn of the century, still adventuring, Chris four-wheel-drove the Canning stock route solo and completed a circumnavigation of the continent via the Anne Beadell highway and the Maralinga test site, at one stage following wheel tracks in sand for 1,100km, just south of the SA/NT border.

But his most enduring love was sailing, and I asked him for memories. In no particular order, Chris spent 25 years in the OK dinghy class and made the cut for the OK Worlds in Adelaide in 1990; he owned or skippered boats in 15 Sydney-Hobarts and crewed in another 3; he recalls his boat in the 1986 S2H losing her mast in heavy weather in Storm Bay, Chris and crew jury-rigging a sail on a spinnaker pole, and inching her up the Derwent estuary, still the only jury-rigged finish in that race; he skippered an Etchell in the 1991 Worlds in Perth, finishing just behind Jim Hardy; and survived the worst of the worst in the storm-decimated 1998 S2H, with his boat and rig undamaged. In 2002, as skipper-owner of a Hick 30 he broke the 9 metre Hobart record and won the small boat division on IRC. The next year, without a boat for Hobart, he shipped aboard the 60-foot Spirit of Sydney for a month in Antarctica, working out of Ushuaia, and got to steer her around Cape Horn.

Illusion with Tasman Island in background 2010. taken from plane by Richard Bennett.

The boat Chris owned longest was the Endeavour 24, in which he won 14 State and 5 National class titles. Corinna (Aboriginal for Tasmanian tiger) is also the boat he raced for the last decade in the DBSC’s fleet, winning the fleet trophy several times.

Chris also had a life between adventures. He graduated from Newcastle University, and sang in the Sydney Philharmonia choir. This led to teaching music and mathematics at Ascham School, and from there to his on-going work in distance education. In his late 50s, Chris finally got married to Sharon, and five years later they became parents to a daughter (Krisha) and later a son (Russell). In family life, as in many of Chris’ races, he succeeded with a decisive late run.

All the above is a catalogue of events, but it tells the story of a resourceful, tough adventurer, qualities that earned him enormous respect from fellow skippers. Chris would sail Corinna in blinding westerlies or howling southerlies, when the rest of us had headed for home, and he took her for long passages at sea. He could fly a kite solo, and gybe it solo, while other skippers were shouting at the deckie. There seemed to be no mishap of rigging or running gear that could stop Corinna finishing.

I met Chris when, with Don Roach’s encouragement, he joined the big boat fleet in 2009. Much came of that meeting, including ten years’ racing around the Harbour but we also formed a team of two and set our sights on Hobart. We moved quickly and prepared a Davidson 34 half-tonner Illusion for the 2010 big race. Every S2H is a long story; but, long story short, it was a heavy race with a huge southerly on the first afternoon and knock-downs and intimidating seas in the Strait. Chris led us through it all and we finished halfway up the 87 boat fleet. For me that was a dream that Chris had helped bring to reality. Illusion raced to Hobart that year under the DBSC flag, the first yacht to do so. Soon after, in 2011, we sailed my Hood 23 Time & Tide to the narrowest of victories in the Hood 23 States, another highlight for me. 

Illusion crew in Hobart after 2010 race finish.

So Chris has now retired. All sailing careers end, often – as with myself – because the body becomes less willing than the spirit. Chris has also felt the responsibility of his still-young family; his kids still need much parenting.

One lasting memory for me of Chris will be of him instructing crew as they put a third reef in Illusion’s main, somewhere in Bass Strait, in pitch darkness, with the bow slamming and green water streaming over the deck threatening to sweep all on watch into a pile against the pushpit rails. I remember that water as warm, but – when it drained away – the wind left me wet and cold, hour after hour on long watches. I coped and played my part; but Chris led us until we were in the lee of Flinders Island, sailing flat and dry under a spinnaker, with dolphins escorting us. Powerful memories.

Illusion after the start of 2010 Hobart race.

Chris has been a resourceful adventurer and mountaineer; a highly successful sailor at the club, state and national levels; and a loyal and thoughtful friend. He will sail more seasons – we hope many more – as crew. But the fleet will miss Corinna and her skipper, and we salute him. 

Jonathan Stone

For the Big Boat skippers.

Virtual AGM - Save the Date

This year, due to Coronavirus restrictions, the DBSC AGM will be a virtual gathering on the evening of Friday 22 May. More details on how to join the meeting and the formalities of nominations and prize giving will be emailed to members in the coming weeks.  

Membership Subscription Update

We hope you are holding up well and you've found a way to maintain some balance through these difficult times, whether on the harbour, or otherwise.  

Each year in April, DBSC issues Membership Subscription Invoices for the upcoming season. We depend in significant part on the April subscription income to maintain prudential balances and meet our annual expenses, the majority of which occur over the winter season (even during lock-down).

However, we are very aware of the financial difficulties many across the country are currently facing. In light of this, we have made the decision to delay the collection of subscriptions until later in the season. However, we ask that those who are comfortable paying, to volunteer early payment to support the club’s financial requirements.

You will soon receive your Membership Subscription Invoice, which will show an extended due date. We reiterate that early payment is voluntary at this stage.