From the Townson 32 Owners Assoc

[Guest]

These guys seem to have an active and vibrant association happening. Plus one of the better class newsletters.

This month there were a couple of things worth repeating

Marine farming / Aquaculure./ Recreational Fishing.

This subject and its administration is getting out of hand. I have a feeling that our politicians have

never held a fishing rod, got their feet wet or felt the wind on their faces while sailing or understood

or appreciated what a unique marine environment that exists in New Zealand. They seem bent on

filling the surface of our waters with fish farms or mussel farms. A horrendous number of these

applications are in the process of consideration right now. If approved, they will further clog our

“pristine” cruising areas around New Zealand.

And then they have come out to restrict the number of snapper that we can catch per day. (Actually,

if Peggy and I caught 3 snapper we would be surprised and happy).

And then there is the size matter. We struggle to catch snapper over 27cm without the pressure of

aiming at 30cm now. How can we select the right size fish before pulling them in. And when we do,

the stupid snapper has deep throated the hook even when it is a size 6. So what to do? Throw it

away? Note that snapper is not a sought after species by other fish, and sea birds don’t plunder them

either from what we have observed. What a waste due to the purists. Oh dear, sausages anyone?

Yachting New Zealand and Auckland Yachting & Boating Association are doing their best on

our behalf and at great cost. That is why we don’t mind our contribution to YNZ with our membership

fee. The end is not yet nigh.

In the end, I fear for our water quality and its health. Think about the loss of so many oyster farms

due to the herpes invasion in so many harbours. What about the detritus from all those mussel farms

settling on the sea bottom. Just leave six mussels in a bucket filled with sea water for 4 hours and

see what is left in the water and you might get a scary picture for the big scene.

And then we have the impractical Environmental Protection Agency coming up with

recommendations to stop us cleaning and painting our own boats! The EPA are doing their best to

have copper removed from our antifouling paints after 600 years of use. Hello!!!!?? I understand that

not one member of this faceless authority is a New Zealander, has anything to do with boats or

understands how we live. Thanks to Altex management and Keith Ingram from Professional

Skipper and Aquaculture magazines for their intervention. The war is not yet lost, I hope!

 

And this

 

Getting our own back!

Last Easter, we had an incident on Sunlight when a launch named Elysium passed within 20 meters

of us in shallow water off Musick Point flooding our cockpit from its waves and causing us to hit the

bottom in the shallow reaches there. A letter of complaint to the Harbour master had a letter of

warning sent to the offending owner of Elysium. Now, we can get back at the many launches that are

passing too close to us at high speeds with large wakes. It appears that the Rivieras are the worst

wave makers.

Take careful note of the whole incident, position or whereabouts, name of offending boat (if you can

find it on the boat), the time, weather conditions and what the offending vessel did.

Go to the Maritime NZ website, martimenz.govt.nz to Publicity and Forms. On the right hand side of

the page, find Report a maritime accident or incident and email it to the MSA. They are obliged to

respond and hopefully, we can retaliate against these ignorant or arrogant savages.

Rise up, folks and let’s get them.

Your experiences would be appreciated to see if this service works.

 

 

 

Plus check out what they have planned

 

Townson Up & Coming Events. You have never had it so good for years! This is

what is coming up for you this Summer.

7 December 2013, the Patio Bay, Waiheke Cruise, Once again, we have the opportunity to

cruise from Orakei Wharf down the Tamaki Strait to Patio Bay at the east end

of Waiheke in company with the Classic Yacht Association. This is a great

opportunity for you to participate relaxedly alongside these classic beauties

and to enjoy good Townson company at the BBQ afterwards.

Last year was just a beautiful slide all the way with a final run to Patio Bay.

We leave Orakei Wharf in company at about 9.00 am either towing or carrying

dinghies. Entry fee will be about $30.00 to the CYA

We made a good fleet last year. Get organized and come along. For more

details and if you are interested make this an “occasion”.

Let me know at 534 6969 or email me.

Last year, we got some great photos of each other on the way plus some of

the larger classics such as Thelma, Little Jim, Rawhiti and Jesse Logan.

25 January Saturday. 2014. The famous Mahurangi Regatta. Anniversary Weekend

A great day for the old timers, for watching or participating. Aim to be there from 10.00am

15 March, 2014 Saturday. Arran Bay Gathering for a Townson BBQ meet and greet.

Tim & Ginny Le Couteur, Pizarro. Tim & Ginny have kindly offered to host a TOWNSON BBQ off

their beach at Arran Bay Waiheke. The date? Saturday 15 March from about 1.00pm onwards.

Heading down the Waiheke Passage past Connells Bay, look for Pizarro moored off Arran Bay. That is

our target! For those get away types, maybe sail down Friday. For the others, make it a nice day sail

for a return on Sunday. Here is another great opportunity to meet up with other Townson owners,

always a nice sociable experience. To assist with catering, phone or TXT them on 021 02556 1001 to

confirm your attendance. If the weather turns funny (unpleasant) we have alternative spots.

And, finally,

Our Townson 32 Championships and

Townson Regatta. April 5 and 6, 2014.

Don’t forget!! The dates for next year have been set as

above! Pencil in your next year’s programme for this

date. Normally, we like to hold the Regatta after

Easter to allow us to clean out our cruising clutter before the Regatta and for

the winter storage. This year? Unfortunately, no! Never mind, we will just have to juggle it all

around. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club will be hosting our Regatta again in the same waters.

Our Special Townson Dinner and prize giving will be on the following Friday, 11 April 2014.

Mark the dates on your calendar and do your best to come along.