Last Hundred Posts

(If you want to see everything back to 2013, check out this archive).

• Get a free trip on Nancy 24th November
  Brian Marriott has the new batteries in Nancy working (yay!) and her first run will be over to Cradoc taking part in the Wooden Boat Guild Excursion. Book yourself in on the Nancy home page >>here<<. Numbers limited: first eight get a guernsey.
• Some Franklin Boat History
  Many of us have seen the remains of the old wooden boats, the Skip Jack and the Taruna, just downstream from the Egg Island Canal at Cradoc. Andrew Perkins has supplied us with a background history written by Graham Broxam – read it >>here<<. This would be good background reading if you intend being part… Read more: Some Franklin Boat History
• Good news from Kate
  We were hoping Kate Hoorweg would make it back from Port Davey in time to cook Monday night dinner, and she is optimistic. She writes: We got stuck a day but just into signal now, and yes thank you, I am right for Monday, looking forward to it! Just checked the weather, looks cold, let’s… Read more: Good news from Kate
• Solar power session Monday 2nd December
  NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM 25TH NOVEMBER Martin Riddle writes: Solar curious? Or just solar confused? If you have looked in to going solar you will know that there’s a confusing amount of information out there. The challenge is to sort the wheat from the chaff. While talking with Neil Rutt from… Read more: Solar power session Monday 2nd December
• Monday night: Kate cooking
  We hope. We are anxiously watching the weather to see if Windeward Bound can bring her back from Port Davey in time. Right now, on Friday morning, they would not be wanting to rely on sail, but if they are under motor it is fairly calm. If there is no Kate, then mystery cook! Come… Read more: Monday night: Kate cooking
• Picnic cruise with Wooden Boat Guild November 24
  Andrew Perkins writes: ‘Hi all, the annual Huon River trip is on November 24, something different this year! The plan is to depart the Franklin Boat Ramp at 10 am and transit the Egg Island Canal and travel south approx. 1 NM to the site of the wrecks of the Skipjack and Torana. There is… Read more: Picnic cruise with Wooden Boat Guild November 24
• Glenelg River Raid
  From Lorrie: This upcoming Raid in Victoria could be exactly what you are looking for. A long row over a few days down a gentle river with rowers from other clubs.  One boat will be made available for LBT members and there may be a few places on other boats as well.  We do need… Read more: Glenelg River Raid
• Some pics from the working bee
  Judging from these Basil did most of the work.
• On the Water
  If you were in Franklin last Friday you might have noticed a small knot of students gathered on the LBT lawn. They were there to receive instruction on rowing from Warwick Amundsen prior to heading out in the boats. Must have been a success, ‘cos none of them drowned. The program will continue until the… Read more: On the Water
• A beautiful sight
  The pile driver to put in the posts for our downstream pontoon has arrived!
• Monday Curry Night coming up
  The decision was made by acclamation last Monday – and what the people want is what the people will get. Bring along a dish of your best south east Asian tucker to share, something to drink and $5 for the kitty, after 6pm.
• Working Bee/Open Day Saturday 9th
  A reminder that this day is coming up – TOMORROW, starting 10am. We are running it in conjunction with the Wooden Boat Centre and there has been quite a splash made about it – see for instance the pic from the Huon News below. Come along and and lend a hand – there will be… Read more: Working Bee/Open Day Saturday 9th
• Peter Laidlaw
  There is a nice item in the Huon News recognising Pete’s time as president. In the meantime Pete is still well and truly around, wrangling boats and pontoons amongst other things.
• Draft Minutes for LBT Committee meeting 31st Oct
  Find them >>here<<.
• Open Day and Working Bee 9th November
  Our prez writes: 9th November 10h00 to 15h00 as part of the Wooden Boat Centre Community Open Day, the LBT will have a:
• The Tawe Nunnugah fleet in Waterman’s Dock
  Nice to see the picture below getting featured in the Wooden Boat Festival News, even though the accompanying story has nothing to do with it.
• New president at work
  Steve Wilson took these snaps of progress on the scout boat, which is having its keel reinforced. We believe the feet belong to Jack Witte.
• Monday night: grubs up and it’s British
  It is not quite strawberries and cream time but we can start to think about it. November already – can that be right? On Monday evening after 6pm bring along your favourite British dish, $5 for the kitty and something to drink.
• Keep those Grebes pointing out
  Here is a fine sight: the Grebes tied up in the boat shed with their sterns TO THE DOCK. The problem with having them the other way around is that their bows get caught under the dock at the change of tide and the chainplate (to take the forestay) gets damaged or ripped off.
• Tamar Trip (October 2024)
  Of course down here on the Huon we know that we are blessed with the best rowing waters in the universe, but, just to check, last weekend a group headed out to see if the Tamar (on the north coast) could in any way compare.   Without conceding too much we have to admit that it… Read more: Tamar Trip (October 2024)
• BBQ Monday night
  Yep, it is the last week in the month, so barbecue time again. A quick check of the BBQ cookbooks on the shelf suggest the possibilities for side dishes are endless, so take your pick. See you after 6pm with something to drink and $5 for the kitty.
• Buoys for Antarctica
  ‘Vessels’ come in all shapes and sizes. Over at the Wooden Boat Centre Jack is working on some seagoing buoys which will be loaded up with (small) scientific instruments and a transmitter and cast adrift in the currents down south, to end up who knows where?
• LBT members at large column
  Tom Stevens sent in these pics from the St Lawrence Seaway in autumn. We are wondering if he is getting delusions of grandeur, imagining his ‘Seaire’ in that boathouse.
• Van Diemen’s Band coming to Palais Oct 27
  There are all sorts of good events and concerts at the Palais, advertised <<here>>, but we make mention of this one because we know it is a favourite ensemble for many LBT members. The concert is called ‘Cloak and Dagger’: ‘Buried secrets, double meanings and encrypted emotions from England’s most turbulent century, vividly brought to… Read more: Van Diemen’s Band coming to Palais Oct 27
• Those other rowers
  JP pointed out this story about the ‘Head of the River’ from Franklin to Huonville last weekend.
• On the Water on Friday mornings
  A quick scan of the boat booking calendar shows that the Mike Dredge has booked the Grebes for Friday mornings in November – coming up soon – for Franklin School. If you use the boats, the pontoon or the Shed at this time be aware that you will be sharing with ‘learners’ who may need… Read more: On the Water on Friday mornings
• Monday night dinner 21st October: good news
  If you were thinking hard about the curry dish you were going to prepare you can rest those neurons, because KATE HOORWEG IS COOKING before departing for sunnier climes on Windward Bound. She is the galley mistress. Lucky them, but also lucky us who have chicken cacciatore with silver beet, brown rice and roast vegies… Read more: Monday night dinner 21st October: good news
• Entertaining small people at the AWBF
  For those who are thinking ahead about how to entertain family in February, the Boat Festival has you covered. They write: The 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, particularly for young adventurers and their families. AWBF is thrilled to announce the return of key supporter, The Old Woolstore… Read more: Entertaining small people at the AWBF
• Getting ready for On the Water
  Mike Dredge and Paul Frost have organised to get the Grebes out of the water so that they can be cleaned up this coming Tuesday. All helping hands welcome – 10am on.
• Getting back in your boat
  Of course the best way of avoiding problems re-boarding your boat away from the shore is to not fall out in the first place, but accidents do happen and it is worth thinking about. Those of us who have done it can vouch for the fact that it is not easy, particularly if you are… Read more: Getting back in your boat
• Monday night curry night
  It’s the third Monday of the month – must be curry night! Bring along your favourite South East Asian dish, plus $5 for the kitty and something to drink after 6pm.
• Working Bee
  Lots of sandin’ an scrapin’ and paintin’ got done on Saturday’s working bee, along with the installation of a post on the pontoon to make it easier to get in an out of boats. Thanks crew. Pics from JP Scheerlinck.
• Working bee this coming Saturday 12th
  Come along after 10am – morning and afternoon sessions. This activity has been organised by the rowing group, so there will be an emphasis on things Skiff.
• Mediterranean Monday night
  What’s your favourite – Italian, Spanish, Greek, Lebanese, North African? Take your pick and bring a dish along, after 6pm with something to drink and $5 for the kitty. With any luck we will end up with all desserts. Last Monday was a treat for we sweet-tooths.
• Minutes from LBT Committee October Meeting
  Read them <<here>>, To see the agenda that was being worked to read it <<here>>.
• 15 years rowing celebration
  See the flyer for details.
• Huon Yacht Club Open Day Saturday Oct 5
  Could be a good day to get down there and see what is going on, particularly if you take a boat. See the details <<here>>.
• Good news for the On the Water Program
  Tasports have approved the grant application submitted by JP, so there will be extra funding for Thanks Tasports, and thanks JP for organising and writing the application. All of this should encourage those of us who are thinking about volunteering for this program to hop off the fence and sign up using <<this form>>. We… Read more: Good news for the On the Water Program
• Monday night dinner: from the British Isles
  First daylight saving meal of the season, but unfortunately the weather report does not encourage al fresco dining. British fair this week. Given that chicken tikka marsala is apparently the national dish (invented in Glasgow) we aren’t limited to roast beef or smoked cod (those are welcome too). Bring along your favourite, $5 for the… Read more: Monday night dinner: from the British Isles
• New ribs for Punto
  Punto is in the Shed for care and maintenance, and on Tuesday Pete, Steve and Bob were on the job replacing some cracked ribs.
• Does your mooring need servicing?
  The mooring boat is in town.
• AWBF September newsletter
  Read it <<here>>. They are looking for volunteers, which would be a fine and fun thing to do.
• Safety boat for the LBT
  Mike Dredge has offered to sell us his old tinny at a very generous price, and Endra O’May took it out for a test spin. No disrespectful comments please – a lot of aluminium trees died to make this boat.
• A gleaming Flying Fifteen
  Sneak around the back of the Wooden Boat Centre and check it out. The hull has been completed, faired and painted.
• Castle Forbes Bay Annual Landcare Quiz
  What?           CFB Annual Quiz When?          Saturday 12th October                        Quiz starts promptly at 6.30pm                        Also BYO BBQ from 5pm (if you’d like to join us) Where?         CFB Recreation Club, 33 Meredith Street, Castle Forbes Bay Why?             For… Read more: Castle Forbes Bay Annual Landcare Quiz
• Free plans for L’il Nip
  Garry McDonald spotted this catamaran tender and liked it and the price of the plans. Get them from Duckworks: https://duckworks.com/lil-nip-plans/
• Monday night dinner – NOT a BBQ
  Those of us who set our calendars by the LBT Monday night dinner schedule are in for a shock. No ‘end of month’ BBQ. We can cope: we will have daylight saving to deal with soon, so this will be good practice. Instead of of doing for ourselves Andy Ritchie will be our celebrity chef.… Read more: Monday night dinner – NOT a BBQ
• Happy Birthday John Young
  Great to see John Young’s 90th birthday celebrated on the front page of the Huon News. Get your copy and read all about it.
• The LBT has a new Committee
  The main item of business at the AGM last Saturday night was to elect a new committee. Here it is. Congratulations to those who have taken these positions. Once they get organised there will be further announcements regarding subcommittees etc. Read further information about committee policies and procedures <<here>>. The draft minutes for the AGM… Read more: The LBT has a new Committee
• Yukon news
  Chris Butler and Jo Duffy have been to visit David and Ea, and Chris writes: “FOR SALE”. The re-greened Yukon moored at the Rudkobing wharf (the home of her two-year fit-out prior to circling the globe) on the island of Langeland off the coast of Denmark. A short ferry ride away, on the much smaller… Read more: Yukon news
• Monday night BBQ coming up
  Hopefully there will be some left overs from the post AGM festivities to supplement this meal – food is always better if it has been cooked and left to ‘rest’ for a while. Bring along your contribution to share, something for the hotplate and $5 for the kitty, after 6pm. With the weather the way… Read more: Monday night BBQ coming up
• Registering boats at the Wooden Boat Festival
  We notice that it is now too late to register an ‘on the water’ boat, but you can still put one on the hard, or in the model boat exhibition. Maybe Paul Frost will be tempted to enter his ‘Cartela’, or one of his other beautiful boats.
• Electronics on Viking almost done
  Pete Shimeld continues to beaver away, and tells us it is now down to details.
• LBT AGM 2024: Final Call
  You might have missed it: Find all related documents <<here>> Come along and you will for ever more be able to say ‘I was there when Peter Laidlaw gave his final president’s report’. AGENDA:
• Next Monday night, curry night
  We nautical types know that the engine that really got international trade moving was the spice trade, the Dutch East Indies and all that, but apparently our knowledge of history is only partial, and the trade in Indian spices to Europe goes back to Roman times when it was huge. There is a new (and… Read more: Next Monday night, curry night
• Expedition to the Tamar
  Dennis Muscovich writes: ‘Row from Georgetown to Launceston. 2 days/ 3 nights. Last Week in October. Open to all members but limited spaces. Contact Dennis 0428 364 178‘
• Skiff Working Bee 12th October
  Mike Hewitt writes: ‘There will be a Skiff working bee on the 12th of October starting at 10am at the LBT. This is a Saturday morning and we hope to have a lot of rowers available to help. Please inform your group members and encourage them to participate. A bbq lunch is on the agenda… Read more: Skiff Working Bee 12th October
• An historic moment
  The afternoon of September 10 2024. Big Phil directed traffic, Pete Shimeld hooked up the motor, and Viking’s propeller turned for the first time is decades! It is eleven years since Viking has been on the water. She may have a bit of taking up to do when she goes in the briny in the… Read more: An historic moment
• ‘Little blue boat’ coming to Franklin
  A few months ago a ‘boaty’ story that hit the news was the imminent demise of a small yacht moored for decades in Montrose Bay. See for instance this item from the ABC). Its claim to fame was that it was part of the landscape of the Derwent River, in the eye line as cars… Read more: ‘Little blue boat’ coming to Franklin
• Monday night dinner Sept 9: Mediterranean
  We recently participated in one of ‘those’ pizza discussions which nearly came to blows. Is pineapple a permissible ingredient? If you put pineapple on your pizza bring it along to the LBT dinner on Monday night after 6pm and be prepared for some lively debate. If you don’t like pineapple (or pizza) come anyway with… Read more: Monday night dinner Sept 9: Mediterranean
• On the Water with Franklin School
  Mike Dredge has been in contact with headmaster James Milne up at Franklin Primary, and we are expecting the kids down for the annual rowing program on all four Fridays in November. We would love to have your assistance, either in the boats or out. If you want to participate please submit your name <<here>>.… Read more: On the Water with Franklin School
• Where did all the boats go?
  Normally our pontoons support a healthy population of boats, following the dictum that a wharf (or pontoon) abhors a vacuum. This week it is strangely empty. There is an explanation: Saturday night’s westerly gale sent it off on little wander into the river. Fortunately the safety chain held, and by Sunday afternoon everything was back… Read more: Where did all the boats go?
• AWBF August newletter
  Read all about it <<here>>. Of particular import to those who want a boat in the Festival is that registrations close SOON. Register <<here>>.
• Monday dinner: Pommy grub
  The first Monday in spring, so we are informed, but the BOM forecaster has other ideas. So tailor your culinary offerings to what you think is appropriate – winter warming stodge or something seasonal to celebrate spring. Just make it British, and bring $5 for the kitty and something to drink.
• Water, water everywhere
  A very high tide met a flood coming down the river with the inevitable consequences. Pics from Zainab.
• Draft Minutes for LBT Committee August meeting
  You can read them <<here>>.
• Incidents, Hazards and Improvements
  The best way to get the attention of the Committee for something that you think needs correcting around the LBT is to submit the details through the online form that has been provided for this purpose. If you scroll down on the LBT homepage there are a couple of very obvious buttons on the right… Read more: Incidents, Hazards and Improvements
• Monday night BBQ coming up
  Time to gather around the hotplate and have a deep and meaningful about the virtues of thin versus thick sausages, which brand of tomato sauce is best, whether fried onions enhance or detract etc. Bring something to char, something to share, something to drink and $5 for the kitty after 6pm.
• Nominating for the LBT Committee
  On the notice board inside the Shed there is a big red arrow pointing to a collection of blank committee nomination forms. Four have already been completed – see them <<here>>. That leaves eight more positions to fill. PLEASE CONSIDER. In particular we are seeking a SECRETARY.
• Living Boat Trust AGM 2024 Sept 21
  Agenda for the Annual General Meeting of the Living Boat Trust Inc, 2024 6:00 pm 21st Sept, 3337 Huon Hwy, Franklin TAS 7113 (We plan to follow the meeting with a BBQ)
• Heads down, bums up on Tuesday
  The pictures say it all.
• How seaworthy is your small boat?
  A recent item in Small Craft Advisor alerted us to the online test you can do to make this assessment. In a recent post they make the point that ‘small’ does not necessarily mean unsafe. They cite the example of a small boat grounded in a tricky river entrance which was freed simply by hopping… Read more: How seaworthy is your small boat?
• Passionate young shipwrights
  Nice article in Southern Wooden Boat Sailing about Tasmanian Shipwrights and Co at the Oyster Cove Marina in Kettering. One of the owners is Nathan O’Neil who did the course at the Wooden Boat Centre a couple of years ago. They are apparently looking for an apprentice. Read all about it <<here>>.
• Getting the boats ready for Tawe Nunnagah
  Gavin is sorting out the navigation lights on Shannon.
• ‘Ice and fire’ at the Palais Thursday 22nd August
  Barbara Dawson points out this free documentary which should be of interest to many local LBT members. Date and time: Thu, 22 Aug 2024 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (be on time!) Join Save Our Marine Life, Environment Tasmania and the Australian Marine Conservation Society for a free screening of Ice and Fire: Protecting Australia’s… Read more: ‘Ice and fire’ at the Palais Thursday 22nd August
• The Franklin Frosties
  For some of us the right time for swimming in the Huon comes maybe in February after it has had a whole summer to warm up. Michelle Crawford and her friends reckon any time is fine – even now. My God. She has an item about the joys in the ABC news – read it… Read more: The Franklin Frosties
• Monday night curry night
  Time for something from the subcontinent – curry, samosas, dal, palau, gulab jamun, you choose. Bring along your dish to share, $5 for the kitty and something to drink. Alternatively, if you have run out of culinary inspiration bring $20 instead of a dish and with any luck you will get fed. After 6pm at… Read more: Monday night curry night
• LBT Committee minutes and next meeting
  The draft minutes for the July meeting can be found <<here>>. The next meeting is on August 22nd: an agenda is being prepared <<here>>. This may well be the last meeting before the AGM. Don’t forget to nominate for a committee position. There are printed forms pinned to the notice board at the Shed, or… Read more: LBT Committee minutes and next meeting
• We almost did it properly in the ‘old’ days
  Brian Marriott has unearthed some photos from the early noughties which will make a nice addition to the LBT collection. Amongst them is a record of the launch of Swiftsure at the end of November 2004, which, it appears, involved the sacrifice of some red wine rather than the traditional champagne. Tut tut. Paula Wriedt… Read more: We almost did it properly in the ‘old’ days
• 2024 LBT AGM documents folder
  For every AGM we create a folder of relevant documents, which has the forms, the agenda, reports etc for the upcoming meeting, and which remains as a history of that year. See the 2024 folder here and download nomination forms from it so you can propose some of the many worthy LBT members of your… Read more: 2024 LBT AGM documents folder
• Solar for ‘Raid’ boats?
  Small Craft Advisor has a nice article about how steady improvements in solar technology over the last decade has made this technology much more practical for use in small boats. Read all about it here. If this really takes off one of the things we will have to get used to is a new boat… Read more: Solar for ‘Raid’ boats?
• First Aid Course
  Sirpa Loevendie from the Wooden Boat Centre writes: ‘We are setting up a first aid course for volunteers and employees and should have extra spots available for LBT people. I am waiting to hear back regarding a pricing for the CPR refresher course, but the full First Aid and refresher is $150 per person. The… Read more: First Aid Course
• Monday night dinner August 12
  It’s back to the Med for culinary inspiration for this coming Monday, which provides a pretty wide taste palette ( the Levant to the east, Spain to the west, North Africa to the south, and enumerable cuisines to the north). Come along with your offering, plus $5 for the kitty and something to drink.
• Casting eyes to the north
  At Monday night dinner we heard about Matt Gogarty’s plans for a holiday in some islands off Sumatra, which lead to Piet Lundstedt regaling us with taies of visiting another Indonesian island, Madura, which is a serious wooden boat building centre. If you are feeling like some armchair travel in a warmer climate you might… Read more: Casting eyes to the north
• Punto in the workshop
  Punto has come in for some TLC after several years out in the elements and being actively used. Looks like the interior paint has held up reasonably well, but the varnish not so much. Also the transom knees need replacing and if you look to the stern of the boat you can see this job… Read more: Punto in the workshop
• No sooner said than done
  We reported last week that Nick Whyatt and the crew were planning to cure the leaks in the Flying 15 by covering the boat with a dynel sheath, and when we visited the Wooden Boat Centre this week it had already happened. That green tape is the waterline, so they must already be thinking about… Read more: No sooner said than done
• Do you recognise this canoe?
  Glen Johnson writes:
• Monday Dinner 5th August: it’s British
  t is still very British weather, so lets have a cookup that will warm us up. Bring along your black pudding, mashy peas, rice pudding etc to share (plus $5 for the kitty and something to drink) and we will enjoy the new heaters in the Shed.
• Look what’s happened to the Flying Fifteen!
  We’d been scratching our heads about what to do about the leak(s) in the Flying Fifteen when Nick Whyatt and the team at the Wooden Boat Centre took over. No messing about: here is what the boat used to look like: and here she is now – stripped bare. Those planks are Huon Pine to… Read more: Look what’s happened to the Flying Fifteen!
• Them weeders is a tough lot
  It might have been sunny, but the frost was still thick on the ground when Endra O’May took the Tas Land Conservancy party out to North Egg Island to chase down Spanish Heath. The recent rain had brought the water table up too so it was a boggy business, but they persevered. Mind you they… Read more: Them weeders is a tough lot
• Vale Lew Sweatman
  Lew’s sister Bronwen contacted us with the sad news news that he passed away (of natural causes) whilst building boats up in New South Wales. Apart from being a larger than life character, Lew is possibly best remembered as one of the main builders at the Wooden Boat Centre of ‘Belle’, commissioned by the world… Read more: Vale Lew Sweatman
• End of month BBQ coming up
  We were able to practise our barbecue skills this week, lets really make ’em count when we gather for our Monday night meal. The usual, something for the grill, something to share, something to drink, and $5 for the kitty. And if you really can’t cook (shame) bring $20 and hope for indulgence.
• LBT AGM 21st September: Committee positions
  At its July meeting the committee set September 21 as the date for the AGM, at which time the old committee will stand down and a new committee will be voted in.  This year in particular there is an opportunity for renewal and change. We will be looking for a new president and a new… Read more: LBT AGM 21st September: Committee positions
• Viking
  Pete Shimeld was up to his ears in Viking electrics on Tuesday.
• Painting Abel Tasman
  Now that the hull is sealed up Bob and Pete are applying a coat of paint to Abel Tasman. The colours have been chosen to match the original (circa 1970) scout livery. Pic from Glenys Bounday
• Escapee dinghies
  There was a very high tide on Friday evening. A couple of dinghies (not ours) have taken the opportunity to make a run for it – to Wattle Grove. If you recognize them contact Gary McDonald at Huon Yacht club – 0408 434 549
• Committee Meeting 24th July
  An agenda is being prepared here. If you want to catch up on what business has recently been addressed see the minutes for the last meeting here.
• A familiar face (and a familiar boat)
  A recent video in the Australian Wooden Boat Festival’s ‘Folks and Boats’ series features Saul Davidson talking about the restoration of his Hartley 16. Watch it here. For those who haven’t participated in Tawe Nunnugah and don’t know Saul, he has been one of our intrepid safety boat operators on a number of Raids.
• Monday night BBQ dinner coming up
  It is a long month so we will have a couple of barbecues to end it. Quite right and very nautical too – Long John Silver’s nickname was Barbecue. Come along with your snags and kebabs for the hotplate, something to share, something to drink and $5 for the kitty after 6pm.
• On the water? No, in the water
  Who says it is too cold to go in the water in Tassie in winter? You just have to be wearing the right clobber. Last weekend two of Endra’s young friends prevailed on her to take them scalloping at Shoal Bay, Maria Island in her boat Nord. They did alright too – not much competition.