News

News-Letter Nov 2019

Kaikoura Boating Club

P.O. Box 98

Kaikoura              11 November 2019

Greetings Boat Club Members,

Subs are due, and keys need to be updated.
The locks will come off on 15^th and new ones go back up the end of November.

Both sides of the South Bay ramp are now useable and there is still some work to do with poles and clipon walkway on the south side.

We thank you all for your patience in the time since the earthquake.   We are very close to back to normal at the two Peninsula ramps, but still have work to do on the Oaro ramp.  Oaro is next on the list as funds become available.  It is high tide use only at present.

Subs remain $130 for ordinary and $65 for super-annuitants.  If returning key(s) by mail with your annual subscription please ensure they are properly wrapped either in plastic or cardboard within the envelope to prevent loss.   If paying in person – keys will be at Hunting and Fishing – cash or cheque only please.

Notice: of AGM is on Sunday 5^th January – 1pm, at the Takahanga Bowling Club – Kilarney St.

Please think about joining the committee.   I am definitely retiring as president this year – I have had 13 years in the job – time for someone else, who do you want that to be?

Be considerate of locals.

Do not start your outboards out of the water at the ramp to flush them with fresh water.  The noise is very disturbing to the locals.  Doing it once at your own home is one thing, having dozens of people do it outside your home day in day out is quite another.

Park off the road, as close as you reasonably can to others, making the best possible use of the limited parking available, and causing the least possible disruption to locals and other traffic.

The ramp is easily two lanes wide each side, and with reasonable skill 3 vessels can launch abreast each side.  If you lack the skill to back quickly, accurately and safely, consider asking for help.   Building that skill takes practice.  Practice at home, not at a busy ramp.

Please remember when at the ramp that people coming out of the water have priority.

Please also remember to put the chain up each time.

Please note – Total Ban remains on Paua and shellfish, except crays which must have telson clipped as soon as possible.

Our website is www.kaikouraboatingclub.org.nz

In response to concerns around the introduction of safety guardrails along the coastline of Kaikōura, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has recently reviewed the guardrail scope with NCTIR. As a result, there will be reductions both north and south of Kaikōura.  More specific information will be communicated to the community from NCTIR soon. Pre-earthquake guardrail will remain in place.

Thanks to Anton Evans and the Hunting and Fishing team for being a contact point for membership and key renewal this year – it is a big job, please be appreciative.  Please be patient.  Please leave your email address if you have one.

All of your committee have worked hard, and all have had many other earthquake related things to deal with.  A very special thanks to Eddie for the huge time and effort he has put in to the planning and rebuild at all three ramps.

SAFETY

Think Safety.   The ocean is dangerous.  Tidal surfaces grow algae and get slippery.  Watch your footing.  Take extreme care.   We are a club, if you see anything that needs doing, and you can, then please do it yourself, rather than complaining to others.  If you can’t fix it, ask someone who can to help.  We are all volunteers.

For marine emergencies and to activate coastguard call 111 police, or VHF channel 16.  Note Channel 79 for continuous weather information for the Kaikoura area updated frequently.  Members are encouraged to register their radio and get a call sign.  Channel 60 remains the local Kaikoura Coastguard monitored channel, available for member use.

Have a merry xmas, good fishing and great boating.  Watch the weather forecasts, be patient and courteous at the ramps, stay safe out there, always have a plan B, and enjoy your time at sea – it’s what we’re all about.

Best Wishes
Ted Howard
Retiring President – Kaikoura Boating Club