The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/50910
Cyclists on board … … and waiting to cross patrol vessel, the Renown, and served eight years as her master." During his time in Fiordland he met Sue, his wife of 33 years. After a year as penfriends, John had convinced Sue, who was an Invercargill schoolteacher, to run away to sea and become his deckhand! "Our time on the Renown was the best job of all, even though the sandflies were horrendous!" Meanwhile, also in Fiordland, Paul was celebrating his 21st birthday and gaining his Limited Launchmaster Operator Certificate. Since then, Paul has only ever left the South Island briefly and always found himself pining for the mountains and bush. For the past 15 years he has made his permanent home on the banks of the Mapua estuary. This creative area has seen him develop his artistic talents of photography and art. When Paul was offered a 50:50 partnership in The Flat Bottom Fairy he didn't hesitate, and the two men set out to build the ferry. John was operating a floating cafe on his similar vessel, The Floozie, at the time. "You are never too old," says John. "Ten years ago I was 'too old' and now look at this fantastic opportunity, right on my doorstep." The purpose-built 11m passenger vessel is licensed to operate with 50 passengers in the enclosed waters of the Waimea Inlet. Built of timber, she has three watertight compartments and is powered by two 25hp high thrust Yamaha outboard motors. The outboards are positioned on recessed mounts on either side at the stern to give maximum manoeuvrability and she can turn in her own length. The Flat Bottom Fairy is designed as a basic barge, says John. "As she operates in very shallow water, it was necessary to design something that would have the minimum draft possible, so wide and flat was the way to go." The design also allows her to negotiate the strong tidal flows which range up to seven knots in the channel. With a draft of 150 to 200mm, depending on her loading, she slips over the water with very little drag. The shallow draft also allows a very close ap proach to the shore. The 2.4m ramp also acts as a brake, having a blade which holds in the sand. Passengers can step ashore on dry land while the hull does not touch the bottom. Opening day saw over a thousand passengers (many with pushbikes) ferried to and from Rabbit Island. "We had a wonderful first day in service, even though the weather was shocking," says John. "I haven't finished jumping through the hoops yet, and to protect the birds in the area, I'm not allowed to operate during the duckshooting season!" Paul says the week days are quiet and they are using the time January/February 2012 Professional Skipper 37 to tidy and finish the vessel. "Weekends are really busy and on Sundays we are often taking over 200 passengers for the day. I get the feeling we are going to be really busy over the Christmas period." While ferry sailing times are still in the trial stage, they will likely be altered as the service is fine-tuned. Ticket prices are $8 one way and $12 return for an adult. Concession tickets have been in high demand. "I'm enjoying being back in the marine industry and learning it all again," says Paul. "If this goes well, this is going to keep me busy for another 20 years!" The Flat Bottom Fairy has a barbecue on board and is available for charters and coffee cruises in the inlet, depending on availability and tidal constraints. CREW VOLUNTEERS WANTED Help keep the call of the by-gone era of steam alive. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers, men and women, to join our crew so the old hands may pass the skills of yesteryear to the next generation of guardians of our heritage steam tug William C Daldy. No experience necessary. Are you interested in working boilers, steam engines or just being on deck to learn new skills or refresh the old, be it steam, engineering or seamanship? Do you enjoy making new friends and the camaraderie of the sea? If you answer yes, then please contact: Alex Franklin, 027 568 8623 or Bevan Tinker, 021 801 402 www.daldy.com VIP.S84