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"The Kettering Yacht Club and the Wooden Boat Guild of Tasmania invite you to join in a rally of wooden boats on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel," reads the invitation to all who own, sail or skipper a boat of a certain kind! For just as a truck convoy is specific to trucks – you won't find coupes, dune buggies or BMX bikes among them – this rally is specific to wooden boats. "Sailing vessels, motor boats and dinghies are all welcome to join the fun, but all participating vessels must have wood as their principal construction material," continues the invitation. This is the 'off-year' for Tasmania's popular Wooden Boat Festival and it appears there is still a yearning among the fraternity to gather and show what each well-loved vessel can do. Invitations have been sent to all yacht clubs and all who registered for last year's Wooden Boat Festival and this, the inaugural wooden boat rally, is aimed at boat-owners – participants rather than spectators. "It's about being there, and taking part," said Kettering Yacht Club member Ben Marris. There is a social program as well as an on-water program, and all are about getting together and having fun.
The weekend unfolds
On Saturday evening the weekend will begin with a barbecue dinner at the KYC – and no doubt lots of challenges will be thrown down for Sunday's on-water activities! Sunday morning breakfast at the KYC could be a bit of a scramble as boats are made ready with last-minute preparations – and lots of side-long glances at the opposition. Sunday's events consist of pursuit sailing races for Division 1 yachts – spinnakers allowed; and pursuit sailing races for Division 2 yachts – no spinnakers to be hoisted in these races! There will be off-the-beach dinghy sailing races (does that mean a sort of Le Mans start?), and some rowing dinghy events. (Dinghies will leave from Trial Bay.) A parade of motoring boats will be held, and other class events will be listed according to entries received. Entries ($20) closed this week, but late entries are expected and will be welcomed if circumstances permit. (It might involve a late fee!) A themed art show featuring work relevant to wooden boats will be on display at the Oyster Cove Inn, where prizes and trophies will be presented at dinner on Sunday evening. Numbers must be confirmed for this dinner – no leniency for latecomers here! Breakfast, this time more relaxed and no doubt with much story-telling involving friendly rivalry, close calls and near wins, will be held on Monday morning at the KYC.
Rules and requirements
"Sailing instructions are on-line and will be available at the club house on Saturday. They will be finalised after entries are closed so that special events may be arranged for groups of similar boats. Courses will be in the vicinity of Kettering and will, subject to the weather, have an emphasis on reaching and being kind to boats and crew. All those taking part do so at their own risk and responsibility. The responsibility for a boat's decision to participate in a race or rally event, or to continue, is hers alone." These telling words set the scene for a safe and enjoyable weekend. The Oyster Cove Marina is sponsoring the weekend and while mooring and parking are the responsibility of boat-owners, the Marina will provide some berthing at no cost. Trailer boats can be launched at Trial Bay. Yachts entering sailing races must have third party insurance and meet AYF Category 7 safety standards; parading and rowing boats must meet MAST safety requirements.
Rewards and rally cries
The organising committee has decreed some extra rules: "Boats are encouraged to fly their own bunting." Out come the family crests and colourful tokens! "All entrants will receive a pennant and a plaque." Everyone's a winner at this weekend! "There will be assorted trophies for race winners, best-dressed crew – and various other causes (sic), at the discretion of the committee." The committee is obviously having a little fun of its own here. "There will be no monetary prizes – or sheep stations." Well, the money could have been useful, but what boat-owner has the time to look after a sheep station as well? They won't be missed! So wooden boat owners, if you haven't registered, take the plunge and do so. There couldn't be a more fun way for your boat to spend the February long weekend.

For more information contact KYC secretary Jim Tayton on 6267 4051. To arrange berthing at the Marina phone 6267 4827. To download an entry form visit www.kyc.yachting.org.au. Sailing instructions are available at the same website.

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