deckhardware

Melissa Yeomans

A weekend on the water

I truly am a lucky sailing chix.   Over the weekend I got to spend the entire two days on the water at two pretty awesome clubs.

The first one being Middle Harbour Yacht Club on Saturday.  Dad asked me to come out on the Start boat.  Not only to learn a little more watching him as the club PRO but also to take a million photos on a perfect blue sky day.  The Harbour really put on a show.  In Middle Harbour you could see the bottom as it was crystal clear water on a perfect 15 knot day.  I was so very lucky to be able to spend the day taking photos on a day like this.  Plus I got to see the first race of the season and where everyone was at.

Images from Saturday

I then got the chance to drive Hugh George again and learn how to pick up the marks after the race.   This was something new to me on such a large start boat.  It was great to have the clubs two RO’s onboard to help me learn this skill and how the boat likes to operate.  So big thanks to Dad and Steve for that one.

On the way back in the crew were letting me know to slow down as they had seen a windsurfer in a little distress.  I let Dad take the helm for this one as we got the poor shaking guy and his board onboard and delivered him back to Balmoral. Poor guy really was in a state and I am glad we saw him before he ended up in the main harbour.  He was already near Middle Head and heading his way out there.  When we got back to the club the preso was done and people were already heading home.   What a long day on the water!

Sunday I had to deliver some parts to friends of mine at Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club.  When I got there for their first Learn To Sail morning session there were kids EVERYWHERE!  I mean EVERYWHERE!  It could have been the amazing weather, the impact of the Olympics or the family atmosphere at that club.   It was an amazing day as the kids from the club took out a new kid each to give them a go and Rhys, Greg, Ian, Ian and I manned the Rescue boats also towing them out with out sails up to learn how to balance in a boat and steer.  What an amazing effort by everyone!   Pam and Andy could be seen taking people out in Herons at the same time!  EVERYONE from the club was busy and helping out somewhere.   Things then changed back to a bit of normal as we headed out for the junior sailing session.   Gee joined me in the RIB to do some coaching as Greg jumped in the start boat.  She did a fantastic job in particular coaching her little Junior States Crew around the course when the breeze kicked in a little.

In the afternoon I was leaning towards heading home to do some work on the website.  My friends informed me I could not go to work as I was in the RIB for that afternoon.  I must say I was not really going to say no on such a beautiful day.

Melissa Yeomans

Huge weekend on and near the Harbour

Friday started off with a First Aid course run at Middle Harbour Yacht Club run by Splint-All.  Fantastic course with references to sailing throughout.   So good to do and I recommend it to everyone as it was very hands on and not all theory.   With real fake blood and needles sticking it of people in mock scenarios and more!  This is something I have been meaning to do for a long time and I am glad to have finally ticked it off my list.

Saturday saw me heading out on the water for the first day of  The Captain John Piper Match Racing Regatta out of the CYCA.  This time I had my own whistle!  In the morning there were three of us onboard so for the first time I got to hear Umpires talking to each other which was extremely helpful.  In the afternoon it was just Erica Kirby and I which was fantastic as I got to step into the role properly and have a great time doing so.  The sunshine and awesome Sydney Harbour Winter weather certainly helped make it such an awesome day out there.
Sunday I ended up at my favourite club, Middle Harbour Yacht Club.  Phil Clinton the club Vice Commodore, Phil Yeomans aka Dad the club PRO and myself took out the club start boat Hugh George.   Dad was giving us lessons on how to drive the boat so that we will be able to in future.   It meant we got to head our of Middle Harbour and down the Main Harbour round Shark Island and back.   We ducked into Rose Bay to watch one of the sailors we sponsor Nic Douglass who was out training with her Dad in the Taser as their Nationals get close.

Sydney Harbour certainly put on a show for us.  What a perfect winters day!   Awesome clear blue sky, crystal clear water and a greats breeze.  How lucky were all those out there today!!!

The CYCA fleet was out in force and looked fantastic packing the Harbour and looking amazing.   They gave me so many chances to take photos as we headed down the Harbour towards the CYCA start boat to say Hi.

As we packed up the boat to head home one of our other Ambassadors Georgia was heading out in the 420 with her skipper for a spot of training as well!   You are all awesome!

A busy week is in my sights as we get into boat show preparation mode for the big Sydney International Boat Show which is sneaking up on us.   Plus I will be heading out again next Saturday to learn even more about umpiring!

Check out the photos and videos from today at the DeckHardware Fan Page on Facebook.

I also took some video of Nic and her Dad Rob out on the Taser heading out for their training session.

Melissa Yeomans

Man Ship proves popular at Sanctuary Cove

Another year up at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is done.   This has to have been our best in years with the people we spoke to having not only knowledge but enthusiasm for our products.   This makes the time for those of us on the stand pass so quickly.   A huge thanks to Mark Gray for helping set up the stand and work out with us how to fit it all in the space.   For two years now Ben King has flown in to help us as well.   We could not do it without Ben, not only is it the extra set of hands but his knowledge is invaluable.

Many of the people we spoke with were owner builders.  I hope you share with us on our facebook page your progress.   For those whose contact details we have for Man Ship Quotes we will be in touch shortly.   Please ensure you have a look at our Quote forms as to what we require to make this process as quick and painless as possible.  Man Ship is all Custom made and was extremely popular this year at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Man ship Marine and Hardware Co. Ltd, is a well known and respected manufacturer of chandlery and hardware for the international boatbuilding industry and watersport market since 1982.  Man Ships expanding product line includes stainless hatches, stainless portholes, stainless dorades, aluminium boat windows, and yacht fitting.  With skilled craftsman Man Ship Marine are experienced in producing one-off orders in stainless steel (304 or 316), Aluminum extrusions, Aluminum Castings, Zinc and Bronze Castings.

Up next for the DeckHardware Team will be the Sydney International Boat Show.   This year we will be on stand 316 in Hall 3 next to the stage.   We will have a big team assisting us this year on a nice big stand so make sure you stop by and see us!

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2012 (SCIBS) – Visitor numbers in total were up 1.6%, coming in at 37,094 over the four days.

For more information on DeckHardware visit www.deckhardware.com.au

Melissa Yeomans

So much happening at the moment

Over the weekend I did the Powerboat Training course run by Yachting NSW.    Our instructor Kingsley, did a great job and I recommend the course to even those who have had their licence for a long time like I have.  Especially if you spend a bit of time in RIBS on the race course.    There were many things I did on instinct and had never really thought through why I do it that way, I just do.   It was great to spend a few hours each day on the water in different boats as well.    Every boat behaves differently so having the opportunity to drive some other boats was fantastic.   Practising laying marks and staying on location near a MOB (Man Over Board) was also an interesting exercise.  Plenty of theory thrown in too which was good and our instructor did a great job balancing it between the knowledge of those doing the course.

Here are the course details for those who are interested:

Powerboat Training

Yachting NSW runs two courses from the National Power boating Scheme, both of which can benefit clubs and instructors.

Training club members in the safe and effective use of powerboats will ensure that they can provide a safe sailing environment, perform basic maintenance and equipment care, and reduce potential damage to club and member equipment.

Yachting NSW offers the Power Boat Handling qualification to members and clubs. This is an essential qualification for completing their instructor qualifications, and is highly recommended for club officials.

 

The biggest news though is our new DeckHardware Ambassadors!

Fire Stopping 16ft Skiff Team

I’m extremely excited to announce that the Fire Stopping 16ft skiff team has joined the DeckHardware Ambassadors.  The entire crew of Fire Stopping are old friends from my years at MHYC and Manly 16′ Skiff Sailing Club in Flying Elevens.  The team have been using some of our products and recently sent us one of the best sponsorship proposals we have seen in a long time.  Plus James Bury went to the effort of changing his profile picture on facebook to be the DeckHardware logo for several days to make sure the deal was done.   The Fire Stopping 16ft skiff team is a fantastic addition to our Ambassadors and I can not wait to be involved in their winter maintenance before the big season ahead.

Ambassadors – Fire Stopping 16ft skiff team

Fire Stopping 16ft skiff team has been at the forefront of 16ft skiff sailing for over 10 years, sailing from the Manly 16ft Skiff sailing club, with most of our club races being held on the northern most part of Sydney Harbour, the skiff team has been successful in past seasons, winning the Australian 16ft skiff championship in both seasons 2007/2008 and again in 2008/2009, Fire Stopping 16ft skiff team has also won the 2009/2010 and the 2010/2011 NSW state championship.