Newsletters From Clipper Motor Yachts

Issue 0801

February 2008

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2008. We hope everyone had a safe, enjoyable Christmas and happy New Year.

At Clipper Motor Yachts, 08’ will be an exciting year, with the launch of new products and long term projects coming of age. We hope to keep you informed and up to date with all the new developments through this Newsletter and our website http://www.clippermotoryachts.com.

We certainly have plenty of information for your reading pleasure and encourage any feed back that you may wish to submit. In this issue be sure to read the article on page 2, concerning the new 406 MHz EPIRB system, this is important information for all boaties. Our featured cruise destination to visit this issue is Tin Can Bay, on Queensland's beautiful East coast. This would make a great spot to take friends, family, kids and grandkids. Of course one thing on all our minds in the office is the impending arrival of our new 60’ Motoryacht, which is due middle of this year. Below is the Press release for this, we hope you are as excited about it as we are.

Clipper 60ft Set for Success

The new 60ft vessel has lived up to the expectations of the designers and engineers with out standing preliminary figures. The vessel gained a hull speed of 22knots with 26 passengers on board and holding tanks pressed up to capacity, 4315 litres of fuel and 1514 litres of water.

The new addition to the Clipper Motor Yacht range is powered by 2 x 540hp diesel Cummins engines. Some of the main features incorporated in the design of the Clipper 60’ Motoryacht is a full walk around deck, 3 cabins plus crew quarters, large cockpit, fibreglass hard top, hand crafted teak interior and internal stairs to the fly bridge.

The dynamics of the vessel start with the semi displacement hull with the ability to cruise in comfort and style at 11 to 20 knots, with a very economical fuel rate. The 60’ Motoryacht brings long range voyage capabilities to the table but is able to make haste to find safe anchorage at 22knots.

Darren Berry, Managing Director of Clipper Motor Yachts Australia is excited and proud to put his name and reputation with, not only the 60ft vessel, but other models to be released in 08. “The vessels are of excellent quality and competitive price for the market they sit in” Mr Berry stated.

Clipper Motor Yachts Australia is eagerly awaiting the second 60ft vessel to be delivered to Australia mid 08 where it will be viewed by the Australia marine public at both major boat shows on the East coast. This particular vessel will have 2 x 670hp diesel Cummins engines which will produce a speed in excess of 24 knots. The expected retail price for Clippers new flag ship will be 1.6 million.

Welcome Aboard

The Clipper Motor Yachts team would like to welcome Don & Sona to our growing boating family and we look forward to a long and rewarding friendship. Don & Sona recently took delivery of their new Europa 34’ (pictured below) and are looking forward to spending many days, weeks and months exploring their local area.

If there are any members out there with stories or adventures they would like to share and have featured in our newsletters please email them to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Ocean Alexander 48’ For Sale $850,000.00

This aesthetically pleasing vessel has everything you would want in a boat this size for a fraction of the price. Currently owned by the Managing Director with only 125 hours, this Ocean Alexander 48’ is still in its original pristine condition from the factory. A full manufactures warranty will accompany the vessel for the new owner. This vessel is elegant in style with all the extras that gave it the original price tag of 1.1M. This boat is on sale for the astute purchaser wanting value for money. Whether long or short coastal cruising with the family and friends you can be assured of safe, comfortable and economical ride with this Ocean Alexander 48’.

For an inspection please contact Andy on Ph: (07) 3890 5000 or 0414 782 446. Or you can email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Change is Near!

The current EPIRBs 121.5/243 satellite service will be discontinued in February 2009. What does this mean I hear you ask? This means all vessel owners requiring an EPIRB for the area they wish to travel, are encouraged to swap over to the new 406 MHz system before 2009. For those who are unsure of the applications of EPIRBs all vessels operating beyond smooth and partially smooth waters and more than two nautical miles from land must carry an EPIRB, this is the law.

An EPIRB is an important distress signaling and position- indicating device. It produces a signal that may be picked up by aircraft and orbiting satellites in the time of an emergency. This signal is then used by the authorities to activate a search and rescue plan.

he most common types of EPIRBs on the market today are the analogue 121.5 MHz and the new digital 406 MHz. While both do relatively the same thing, the 406 MHz has more features and by February 2009 will be the only working EPIRB on the market. Extra features of the 406 MHz include.: quicker transmission to authorities for activation times, more accurate fix on its position, vessel details can be stored and transmitted, certain models have an automatic “on” switch that activates EPIRB when submerged in water. But most important the 406 MHz is more robust and reliable.

It is time for all Clipper members to start researching and planning for the change over of EPIRBs. My advice to vessel owners, if you are in the market to purchase a new EPIRB, the 406 MHz would be a better option. A point should be made, all EPIRB activations are treated as “maydays” and should only be used if the vessel and or crew are in grave and imminent danger. They should only be used as a last resort. Other communications and signaling equipment like marine radios, flares, V-sheet and mobile phone should be used first. For further information about EPIRBs you can visit Australian Maritime Safety Authority at www.amsa.gov.au.

Tin Can Bay

Our feature for this newsletter is Tin Can Bay, on Queenslands South East coast. It is a small township with a population of 2000 and is located 210k north of Brisbane. It is a community built around the fishing industry. With the Tin Can Bay inlet sheltered by the southern tip of Fraser Island, the waters are calm and peaceful. Just the place to drop anchor and watch the world go by. You can either anchor in the calm waters of the inlet or moor at the local marina.

This is not just a quiet place, it has an abundance of activites for the tourist. Tin Can Bay is one of only three places in Australia that you can hand feed dolphins.

The Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins have been coming to this area and being feed for many years so are very accustomed to humans. Feeding of the dolphins is free, but as their food is regulated you must purchase it. You can feed them between 7am and 10am at the “Barnacles Kiosk” next to the Norman Park boat ramp. This would be an amazing experience for the adult or child alike.

If you visit the area in September you can enjoy the seafood festival. This event offers a variety of food and entertainment, from the locals.

On every third Saturday of the month the Tin Can Bay markets are held at the RSL hall. There are loads of arts & crafts as well as fresh produce. There is also an environmental walkway, stretching 9.5km along the foreshore. This is a raised wooden walkway that winds it’s way along the foreshore. It is a great way to stretch the legs and see some of the native wildlife. The foreshore area also has some great picnic and BBQ area’s that are close to safe swimming spots.

There are plenty of facilities to make your stay comfortable. The township has a local IGA store for grocery needs as well as a fruit and Veg Mart, local butcher and baker. There is even a place to pamper yourself at Beauty on the Bay, or have your hair styled at one of two local hairdressing salons. The Great Sandy Straits boasts one of the best estuary fishing spots in Queensland. From the inlet up to Kingfisher Bay Fraser Island, there is a variety of fish species to catch. Ranging from Bream & Whiting to Mangrove Jack & Tailor in winter. While you fish throw some crab pots in the mangroves. There is many a fat muddy or a sweet sand crab to catch. If you want something more exciting take an offshore fishing charter from either Rainbow Beach or Fraser Island. Just be aware that the Great Sandy Straits is a marine sanctuary and there are bag limits.

For more information on the marine parks regulations, visit the Parks & Wildlife website: www.epa.qld.gov.au. Follow the links through parks and marine to the Great Sandy Marine Park. Open the link on Zones, there is a colour coded map and information on the do’s and don’ts for the area.

From the Tin Can Bay area, there is a large fishing zone, but there are limits on the amount and type of gear you can use. The weather in this part of Queensland is of course fabulous, with a yearly minimum daily temp of 21 degrees and a maximum of 28.9 degrees. It is never too cold or too hot. It has on average 9 wet days a month, so you should have mostly sunny warm weather.

We feel this would have to be one of the best places in Queensland to watch the world go by, whilst relaxing in the comfort of your Clipper Motor Yacht.

Maintenance Tips

Caring for your battery

Your vessel batteries should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis, in order to prevent failure or damage resulting in costly repairs or personal injury.

Inspection Guidelines

Before carrying out an inspection adequate protective clothing, gloves and goggles should be worn. Disconnect shore power and turn any charging systems off.

  1. Check battery boxes for cracks or damage.
  2. Visually inspect the exterior of the battery, posts, terminals and connections, these should all be clean and free of dirt, fluids and corrosion.
  3. Visually inspect ALL battery cables and fastenings.
  4. Replace ANY damaged components.
  5. Check Electrolyte levels and adjust as required using distilled water only.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  1. Using Baking Soda mixed with boiling water carefully wash down any affected areas which will neutralise any acid present.
  2. Clean up any spills as soon as possible and dispose of contaminated cleaning products correctly.
  3. Remove battery terminals if required and clean battery posts with a correct size post cleaner. Replace the terminals and apply a thin coating of Vaseline to the battery terminals and posts to protect from corrosion.
  4. Wipe down battery boxes and lids and reinstall.
  5. Reconnect/switch on battery chargers and shore power and visually inspect these systems.
  6. Any shore power components should ONLY be serviced and repaired by qualified Electrical trades people.
By following these basic maintenance procedures approx every 2 months or before voyages will reduce costly repairs and avoid possible dangerous situations.

Recipes

This editions recipe is perfect for a light dinner or lunch. It’s fully of protein and energy for those hours of fishing but low in fat for those lazy nights relaxing on the water.

Barbecued Mushroom Burgers

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 1 brown onion, thinly sliced
  • olive oil cooking spray
  • 8 flat mushrooms (flat or bbq
  • flat)
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 50g baby spinach
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki

Method

Preheat a barbecue or chargrill pan on medium heat. Spray onion with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10minuts, turning frequently, or until soft and golden. Remove to plate. Cover to keep warm.

Spray mushrooms with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Increase heat to high. Cook for 2 minutes each side or until just tender.

Cook bread for 1 to 2 minutes each side or until golden toasted.

Top 4 slices of bread with spinach, tomato, mushrooms, onions and a dollop of tzatziki. Top with remaining slices of bread. Serve.

Next Time

We hope you have enjoyed this edition of our newsletter. If you have any enquires regarding any of our stories, please do not hesitate to drop us a line.

Please keep your eyes peeled for the next addition due in April. This copy will have stories on the up and coming Sanctuary Boat Show, as well as a preview piece on our new 78’ and 85’ Motoryachts currently under design. We are very excited about expanding our range and look forward to bringing you updates as they come in.

Until then safe and happy boating!