Hobart Wooden Boat Festival 2013

[RFNK]

Almost certain now. Haven't locked in any dates. General plan is that me and my youngest, Henry, who will be 11 then, will go down. Boat will want a couple of days of maintenance and provisioning. Henry and I would be glad of some crew to bring the boat up to Hobart from Franklin. Probably stop at Randall's Bay where we have a shack, maybe make another stop on the way up, perhaps Mickey's bay. Then Hobart. So a 2 or 3 day cruise. Felicity will stay home to settle the second youngest into his first day at high school, which apparently starts about then in SA. Then she'll come down and join us. 2 or 3 days hanging around Hobart, and I'm sure we'll be getting out for the odd sail on the harbour, WBF guests welcome. Then I think off for a bit of a family cruise down the Channel.

I'd love to 'help' out if we're around Phil but it'll depend on whether we end up sailing over with a friend who may be sailing from here for the WBF and also what time we can get off work then. Your plan for a cruise afterwards with your family sounds great - I'm jealous already!

Rick

[Duncan Gibbs]

Rob J found out last time that taking a boat on the ferry costs a bundle.

Had a look at the rates and it would be a smidgen over a grand each way for a vehicle and boat trailer about 14 metres long. I would assume shipping would be about the same, but without the flexibility of having a tow.

[RFNK]

You have to add the passenger costs - these are very high.I guess my point is that however you do it, it's a very expensive exercise. I'd only do it if I was planning to leave the boat in Tas for a long time. It's a shame that it costs so much to take the ferry. As we're all paying through the nose to keep this state afloat, it's a shame that the governments involved don't make it a bit easier to take boats, trailers and caravans over.

Rick

[WX]

I guess the Taswegians are just like all other islanders, if you are a tourist and you are there when you must be rich.

[RFNK]

Tasmania's not an expensive place to stay or tour around. The ferry though is really expensive! Many years ago, we put our car on a cargo ship from Sydney to Hobart and then back from Devonport to Melbourne. We flew. It was much cheaper than just going on the ferry without a car at all! And I think it still is. These days we just fly and hire a car there if we need one. It was disappointing last time when Rob wanted to take over the boat that was actually on the WBF poster but found the cost, just from Melbourne, was prohibitive.

By the way, the WBF organisers offered no help at all for that boat to be there - rather stupid of them I thought! They pay people to come along and play dreadful music (OK, just IMHO) and they pay other presenters but they offer no incentive for a very iconic boat, an Oughtred design when Oughtred was attending!, that represents quite a lot of what the WBF is actually about, and that would certainly have attracted a lot more attention than some of the paid `acts'.

Rick

I just checked to see what the passenger fares on the ferry are - lowest rates for Feb 2013. Just under $600 return and that's only Melbourne ( about 1500km from Murwillumbah or more than that?) to Devonport (about 3 hours drive from Hobart without a trailer). Add the cost of about 11m of vehicle to that. Air from Brisbane to Hobart return? About $500 pp but about $300 pp from Sydney or $240pp from Melbourne

[Phil Y]

I think passenger cars on the ferry are subsidised by the government, but commercial vehicles are not. Rob was towing with a Canter-the cost would have been much higher than your basic 4wd+caravan combo. I drive a VW twin cab tray top, which just qualifies as a passenger vehicle. Once they tried to hit me with commercial rates because I loaded the truck up with firewood to take home to Adelaide (about $100 per ton instead of $300 or so). I won the toss but it was a close thing. Most times I've found the ferry about the same cost as airfares, prices vary depending on the day and the season. I opt for the share cabin, which can be a bit of a lottery. If you get a bad snorer you have to fart until the bastard leaves. If you need a car in Tassie, then you add car hire to the equation, and depending how long you are staying it works out OK.

But anyway, if Dunc is thinking of taking a restored Dragon down there, I'm wondering which festival year he's talking about???????

[RFNK]

We gave up even considering the ferry years ago as it was always way above the cost of flying. Of course it's completely different if you're carrying a load or staying a long time. Anyway, each WBF there are a few boats that have obviously been brought from the mainland on trailers so, either the owners reckon it's worth it or they're making it part of a lengthy tour. It is always nice to see a few boats there from further flung places!

Rick

[purri]

I can confirm that the cost is govt subsidised as is TAS generally (by mainlanders). If you want you can sleep in the lounge area but the cabins are very nice.

[Phil Y]

In my case the equation probably worked out better because driving from Adelaide to Melbourne is a lot cheaper than 5 or 6 airfares.

[Duncan Gibbs]

But anyway, if Dunc is thinking of taking a restored Dragon down there, I'm wondering which festival year he's talking about???????

Next year's festival. Once I get going I don't intend to stuff around. Deck should be off within two weeks. I'll be making an IR paint stripper to reduce sanding time. We have access to two 2 tonne trolley jacks to get the ballast keel off and all the right gear and material to blow out the old bolts. A good sandblasting and recoating facility to get the crud off the ballast. The silent partner is good friends with a boat builder who owns a local largish timber yard, so cheap and plentiful oregon and WRC is available for plank repairs and splining. I have a good stack of flooded gum to laminate up new frames. It's mostly all process stuff, so it's just a question of scheduling it in. Plus SWIMPAL doesn't want it sitting in the shed for ages, so there's motivation enough.

Just got to get the alternative income happening ASAP now I've quit my awful ex-job. Plans are afoot!

[RFNK]

Go for it! Good luck!

Rick

[Phil Y]

Go Duncan! Go! Life is too short to waste in crap jobs. Just get SWIMPAL to do more overtime. She loves her job right? And she wants the boat gone. Win win.

[skuthorp]

Splash....... Bump doesn't seem appropriate really.

[skuthorp]

I just thought, any chance of a dinner at the Yacht Club again this time round? I haven't seen Paul about the forum lately. Can we just organise it independently or do you have to be a member?

[johnno]

I belong to the Queensland one...I think they have reciprocal agreements....might be a way to get some value out of my membership fees Let me know if you want me to ask.

[skuthorp]

I'll give Paul a chance to surface first, thanks johnno.

[Duncan Gibbs]

And I'm the Rear Commodore of the Tweed Valley Sailing Club. All YA clubs do have reciprocal agreements. Paul may need a PM as he hasn't been near the Forum since last festival. He doesn't own wooden boat anymore and may be just too busy with his new Taswegian lifestyle.

[skuthorp]

Rear Commodore, does that come with a fancy hat.?

[RFNK]

Fancy pair of duds by the sound of it!
Rick

[Duncan Gibbs]

When the Club's treasury is of sufficient funds maybe both!

I've been a bit too busy for either club or sailing of recent. Can't remember the last time I had TMP out. Next weekend I hope to take her out.

[Phil Y]

I've already posted this on the Antipodean thread, so sorry to bore those who are already up to date, but Balia ended up getting entered in the show by my dad while I was having a sleep for a couple of weeks. My current plan is to get down to Franklin to catch up on a bit of maintenance in early to mid December, then probably get back down to Tas 3 or 5 days before the show, get provisioned and organised, spend a couple of days sailing from Franklin up to Hobart. Tie up wherever we are told to tie up. Then basically "open house" (I don't think "open boat" is the right phrase) for WBF members for the sail past/parade of sail. Then a week or two family holiday cruise after the show. I'd forgotten about the school term starting though, so perhaps we'll do the cruise beforehand and finish off with the show, and a couple of days back down to Franklin after the show. Who really knows? Nothing that I've done since the start of August has been in accordance with any sort of a plan. Stuff just happens and I try to keep up with myself. Should be a hoot anyway. Anyone who is heading down, I'd suggest take a few extra days, and head South. By boat or by car, the trip down the Channel is just wonderful.

[Duncan Gibbs]

I came to the festival by boat from Kettering last year, so I'm looking forward to crewing on Balia next year Phil!

Looe will have to wait until 2015.

[skuthorp]

I thought I'd have to start another thread this one was so far back, thanks.
I'm there from first fiight friday morning to a couple of days after (booked accom) but for a chance of a sail that can be adjusted as I haven't booked air travel yet. If there's room Phil just tell me where you want me and when.
Years ago I sailed round to Port Davey on a fishing boat as a break in a walking/climbing holiday.

[RFNK]

T & I'll be along for sure, thanks Phil! At this stage we'll also be around for a few days before or after the WBF, probably before.

Rick

[Phil Y]

Ok so school term starts 29 Jan. I'm told the plan is we (Felicity, Henry and I) will get down to Franklin in the Monday 4th of Feb, 2 days fiddling, (4th and 5th) 2 days to Hobart. 6th and 7th or maybe 7th and 8th-(I'm not really sure what day or time boats are expected to turn up at the festival) Do the festival. 8,9,10,11. Then probly head South with the family on the 12th for a week or so, see where the wind takes us.

[RFNK]

Let's know if you need a hand with anything.

Rick

[Phil Y]

Thanks Rick. I think Dunc and his Mrs might be coming for trip from Franklin to Hobart. Might just need someone to catch a line as we come into King's Pier.

[RFNK]

That should be no problem!

Rick

[Larks]

I'll probably be there to supervise him and shout encouragement...

[johnno]

I'll pick it up ....

[WX]

You blokes are going to have a top EBS and I won't be there but I don't think I will be too down hearted.

[Phil Y]

We'll send pics.

[donald branscom]

It's March already, only 11 months to go and the question is how can we make it more fun than it was last time?
Whose going, we hope Carl is but that's a bit of a dream probably, I am, been saving up. A few of the attendees last time seem to have faded from view, I'll have to look up my phone list.


http://www.australianwoodenboatfesti...for%202013.pdf
http://www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/

No life jackets? Hmmmm

[Larks]

No life jackets? Hmmmm

We learn how to swim down this way....

[Phil Y]

Too bloody cold for life jackets. You fall in, you die.

[RFNK]

No, it's so cold, we only fall in when we die.

Rick

[Portland]

http://www.australianwoodenboatfesti...News%20PC2.pdf .Rob J.

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

Thanks Rob.

I don't expect to be going this time, unfortunately.

Mike

[Portland]

I won't be going either , but I thought others should be kept informed.
Rob J.

[purri]

Well if there's a forum on traditional construction and associated matters I might be able to justify it.

Fly to LN, hire car and cheap digs in Hobart anyone?

[Bernadette]

at late notice, i have decided that i will be going down again in 2013. i have found a very good excuse to do so. this time around im going to be volunteering at the festival. surely a novel idea and im quite excited by it all.

in 2015 i will be sailing my new yacht down. no excuse needed for that year! in 2015 i will be planning to have dad (and mum) down as well, but i think i will fly them down. dad may well do the bass straight crossing with me. he will be 82 by then so just not sure what he will be wanting to do by then!

[skuthorp]

I'll look forward to seeing you again Bernie, any idea what you'll be doing? I didn't know they had a volunteer program or I might have done the same.

[Bernadette]

you can still volunteer. if you have been getting the news letters by email there is a link there. i have no idea what im doing. i get another email today regarding the matter. apparently i can choose what i do! plus its either morning or afternoon. leaves plenty of time for sight seeing etc. the idea of volunteering was proposed to me. its such a novel idea as ive never really volunteered before. and well, i did need to find a solid reason to go. i am really looking forward to it. this will be the 4th time ive been down. wow! im currently up on murray island working a 3 onth contract. its hard work again plus ive had a bit of a problem surface this past day so im fairly well stressed at the moment. the volunteering at the festival has given me a welcome distraction and something nice to look forward to.

[Phil Y]

It will be good to see you there Bern, great idea to get involved. See if you can get time off to join us for the parade of sail

[Larks]

Great to hear that you'll be there Bern', we might actually get to catch up this time as Kate and I'll be there for the whole festival.

[Bernadette]

i have nominated my 'availability' with the volunteer group and i have my accommodation booked. in fact i made a reservation in february this year with the henry jones art hotel. because i hadnt heard from them i figured i wasnt booked in. but as it transpires, i am. i stayed there in 2011 and found it to be super duper nice. i will be down in hobart one week after getting home from my current contract up here on murray island. life is fairly rugged up here so the thought of a staying in a fine place and playing boats for four days in cool hobart is something im really looking forward to!

[Bernadette]

i now have my flight from cairns to hobart booked. first night accomodation is at the casino followed by 4 nights at the henry jones art hotel. i will be at the festival site on friday morning. i think i start my volunteer work at around 1330 that day. im really looking forward to that. apparently last festival drew around 150 000 visitors. this time around they are hoping for double!
after the festival im hoping to take a side trip to see a man about a horse...seriously!!!!

[RFNK]

Good grief Bern - have you won Lotto?

Rick

[Phil Y]

I see the fesitival has a new website. You can search for a boat if you know its name or owner, but can't just browse registered boats, which would be nice. I've sent them a suggestion to make that possible. http://www.australianwoodenboatfesti...boat-directory

[john welsford]

I'm very pleased to say that the organisers have invited me to be there, I'll be up on stage a couple of time to talk about aspects of life as a designer, Lin and Larry Pardey will be there and speaking ( I've missed out on their presentations twice now and hope to make it this time) and I'm really looking forward to being in Hobart in February. See you there, some of you at least.

John Welsford