Flotsam & Jetsam 5.9.25
It’s about time we settled on a name for this page. I’ve found over the last few months that we come across many interesting snippets and links that might be of interest to the readers, but probably aren’t worth a full, stand alone article. So we started a news page, rounding up wooden boat and related stories from the past few days.
Photo: Robert de Jong
It’s had a few names! “News Wrap”… “Mid Month News”… “This Week on the WWW” and “Monthly Flotsam”. So it’s about time we locked one in, and I’m going with “Flotsam & Jetsam” as just using one or the other doesn’t seem like enough.
In British law, flotsam are goods found floating on the sea as a consequence of a shipwreck or action of wind or waves; jetsam are things cast out of a ship in danger of being wrecked, and afterward washed ashore.
What we don’t need however is “lagan”. That’s the stuff that sinks to the bottom, never to be seen again.
STARLINK SUITABILITY
Living aboard, we are starting to rely on Starlink more and more. What ever you think of the parent company’s (SpaceX) major shareholder, it’s technically amazing. Downsides are that fees go up quite dramatically once you get off shore, and it seems to be quite a drain on the boats power supply. But one thing I hadn’t really considered is covered in this article from MMHN Newsletter by Ian Thomson
With its low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband, it offers global coverage and latencies as low as 20-40 ms. Even in remote ocean regions where traditional geostationary VSAT systems fail, Starlink has become the communications backbone across the marine industry, from commercial ships and offshore energy platforms to cruise liners. Maritime providers report availability rates around 99.4%. It exceeds those of legacy GEO systems. With its ease of installation, lower cost, and rapid market penetration, reaching roughly 25% of satellite-connected vessels within just two years, Starlink is the go-to connectivity solution at sea. However, the recent Starlink outage has raised concerns within the maritime industry about relying solely on a single service provider. For vessels without a backup connection (such as VSAT or OneWeb) this means no internet connectivity at sea during the outage. It is recommended to have a hybrid connectivity setup to ensure continuous communication, even in the event of disruptions like the Starlink outage. On July 24, 2025, Starlink had a global outage. It lasted approximately 2.5 hours, reportedly due to a failure in the internal software services that coordinate its core network.
Read on HERE
TUIGA TRADGEDY
Most of you will have already seen this footage and I thought twice about re-posting it. I dislike disaster porn. But if you have ever sailed on a big Gaff Cutter these scenes, despite being filmed from a distance, will fill you with horror. The only reason I feel comfortable about linking it here, is that surprisingly no one was hurt.
Some background…
At the end of August 2025, while competing in the Copa del Rey de Barcos de Época off Menorca, Tuiga was caught in a sudden and violent thunderstorm near the island of Aire. Winds of more than 50 knots struck as the yacht was sailing close-hauled, and the force of a gust caused one of her stays to give way. With the rigging compromised, the mast could not withstand the strain and broke, leaving the elegant 15-metre Fife cutter dismasted. Although the incident was dramatic, the crew escaped injury and reacted quickly, cutting free the damaged rigging to prevent further harm to the hull. Tuiga was able to make her way safely back to port, but the damage brought her season to an abrupt close and she was returned to Monaco for repairs.
Boat Folk III - Mahi Mahi
There’s a great new video out from the coms team at the AWBF. It aligns so closely with everything we hold dear here at SWS! Have a listen!
Join brothers Dan and Matt Tucker as they share the inspiring story behind Mahi Mahi, a 30-foot traditional Marshallese proa they designed and built from scratch back in 2006.
This video dives into:
The design and construction of Mahi Mahi, inspired by the sailing canoes of the Marshall Islands.
The unique features of Pacific proas — from asymmetrical hulls to sailing in reverse.
Their ambitious attempt to sail from Tasmania to New Zealand and what went wrong at sea.
What they learned about traditional boatbuilding, seamanship, and the value of cultural design.
How Matt has since evolved the proa concept into a modern prototype, experimenting with performance sailing and design innovation.
From childhood adventures sailing through the South Pacific to crafting one of the most unique boats on the water, this is a story about tradition, innovation, and the open ocean.
THE CARAID STORY
Thanks to Malcolm Lambe for alerting us to the story of the 36m Summers & Payne yacht CARAID, written by world girdling yacting writer, and friend of SWS Nigel Sharp. Here in Australia we might begin to see Thailand as a practical and price effective place to carry out large scale comprehensive restorations.
Image Phil Clark- Helicam
Let’s build back better” is a slogan that has been used and abused by several politicians – most recently Joe Biden – but it was also adopted by the team that found itself restoring the 1896 ketch Cariad for the second time, barely 13 years after the first project. “We think the slogan was more appropriate for us than for Biden,” says Des Kearns, who was joint project manager for both refits – and he has a good case.
Cariad was designed by Arthur Payne and built in 1896 by Summers & Payne for Windham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, the 4th Earl of Dunraven. During his five-year ownership, Dunraven occasionally raced Cariad, without distinction, but more often he cruised on her. “The vessel has a roving commission,” reported The Yachtsman about one such cruise. “The noble earl, who is proceeding to sea for health as well as pleasure, having decided to go just where the wind will take him.”
READ ON HERE
OIL COMPLACENCY
Lasts week’s report on the plunge in international oils spillages is no doubt good news, but this 90 minute documentary called “Taking Back our Beach” about a New Zealand community that suffered the consequences of a spill reminds us that there is no room for complacency. It also reminds us of the importance of a strongly connected, motivated community.
Watch the trailer below or the whole documentary for free on WaterBear
MELBOURNE’S HERITAGE FLEET UPDATE
This article by Sean Car in the Docklands News (The voice of postcode 3008) doesn’t sound like good news to me.
Docklands’ much-loved heritage fleet faces renewed uncertainty, with Development Victoria (DV) pushing ahead with plans to relocate the vessels to Williamstown’s Seaworks precinct – despite serious logistical, financial, and timing concerns.
DV had sought to relocate the fleet from North Wharf by the end of 2025, offering no further lease extensions for the Alma Doepel, Enterprize or steam tug Wattle beyond this point.
However, DV confirmed with Docklands News in July that the fleet would be able to continue berthing at Collins Wharf through to mid-2026, providing some relief to operators as a relocation solution is finalised.
While DV has proposed Seaworks as a new home, stakeholders have raised alarm that the precinct won’t have berthing capacity for larger vessels like the Alma until at least mid-2026, but it’s likely this period will be longer.
DV’s position has prompted frustration and concern among the heritage operators, with the Alma Doepel team stressing that any move without a confirmed and viable new home is untenable.
Docklands News understands that the Alma Doepel team has made it clear it will resist any relocation unless a secured location is in place and would be seeking financial support to make any such move feasible.
While the Alma Doepel team, which has been restoring the century-old sailing vessel in Docklands for 16 years, is now increasingly open to relocating to Seaworks, commercial lease rates at the Williamstown facility present a significant challenge.
The not-for-profit operators currently enjoy security of tenure at North Wharf – provided rent-free with utility support by DV for more than a decade.
Ironically, the Enterprize once called Seaworks home, but was relocated to Docklands in 2009 after rising commercial rents became unviable.
Despite the heritage fleet’s role in activating Victoria Harbour and preserving the area’s maritime identity, DV appears determined to sever ties with the vessels ahead of its planned withdrawal from Docklands by 2030.
One viable solution remains at NewQuay beside Ron Barassi Snr Park – a location that could keep the fleet together and in Docklands. But DV has dismissed the site as “not suitable” saying that it lacks essential services such as water, electricity and direct access to the water.
Critics argue these problems are solvable with moderate investment and the will to support a meaningful outcome. However, in addition, DV says part of the site is under contract for future development and includes an exclusion zone due to deterioration of the seawall.
The Alma’s team has long sought to remain in Docklands – the ship’s historic home for most of the past 50 years. In March, Alma Doepel chair Matt McDonald said it was “extremely disappointing” that DV had failed to provide a viable alternative, despite making commitments for a Docklands home for more than a decade.
DV’s own 2012 Community and Place Plan acknowledged the need to “facilitate the development of berths for heritage vessels, including the Alma.” But with less than six months remaining, the pathway forward remains unclear. As stakeholders scramble to secure a future for the fleet, one thing is certain: unless DV reengages in good faith and provides real support, the Docklands community stands to lose a defining part of its identity.
DV’s acting group head precincts, Ronan Mellan, told Docklands News that it was “continuing discussions with the heritage fleet and Seaworks and will support their relocation.”
DV reiterated that it has provided substantial support to the Heritage Fleet, valued at around $800,000 over 16 years. This support has included access to berthing and workshop space, along with coverage of utilities and other operational costs.
DV added that together with Lendlease, it had done everything it could to support the fleet, extending its occupation at Collins Wharf for as long as possible. However, DV has left the door open for exploring “longer-term opportunities for the fleet at Docklands” by working alongside the fleet and the City of Melbourne.
HAPPY ENDINGS
Do you remember the article we posted hoping to save the Stor Tumlaren BLUE JACKET? Well although she not back in the water yet in seems like her future is secure, thanks to Phil Drozario
He wrote to the CYAA this week
I just wanted to say thank you to Classic Yacht Association of Australia for managing and assisting to secure the future of Doug Jenkin’s BLUE JACKET Stor or Albatross Tumlaren. Through joining the dots from a market place advert where I had first seen BLUE JACKET advertised for free your article and Southern Wooden boat sailing really helped me make the decision to take on and save BLUE JACKET which I think is a real piece of yachting history and restore her. Given there doesn't seem to be too many Stor Tumlaren's in existence today and the signification history behind BLUE JACKET from Doug's ownership to Les Nangles ownership and i believe she won the 1950 Queenscliff to Davenport race she is well worth the investment of time and money to have her back in the water for the current and next generation to enjoy. Especially given she has already been given so much love by the last previous owners. One question I do have is how the history is collated on a boat like this? For example owners, race history etc is something that intrigues me. Is it stored on a register somewhere or just a collation of information from various sources and owners etc? I will join as a member to support the great work you guys do as i have donated also to Southern Wooden Boat sailing to say thank you and give something back. My journey begins with BLUE JACKET following the recent passing of my sister from cancer two months before I decided to go and see BLUE JACKET. I have found spending time with Blue Jacket, the yacht club and the people i have met to be extremely healing and perfect timing to overcome and work through the grief process. It all seemed to fit so well and was like a gift from my sister as Williamstown was her favourite place to visit. Once again my sincere thanks to you and the team. Hopefully more classic yacht stories like this emerge with a happy ending for these beautiful pieces of history and not lost for all time.
With much heartfelt thanks
Phil Drozario
Windjammer Festival
An international report Thanks to Peter Smith of Maine. I’m not exactly sure what that specifically American term “Windjammer” means, but I’m going to find out more!
The PR Blurb states…”Labor Day Weekend marks the traditional seasonal Camden celebration for the windjammer fleet and this year promises another robust gathering full of events on the waterfront and downtown.
Festivities with the Camden Windjammer Festival begin Aug. 29, when Penobscot Bay schooners sail into Camden Harbor from 1 to 4 p.m., with captains carefully tucking their vessels into Camden's Inner Harbor. It is feat of skill as the schooners navigate the tight channels, and crews extend joyous welcomes to each other across the bows.”
Read a little more HERE
TOROA and the Auckland Heritage Festival 2025
Peter McCurdy writes to tell us of the opportunities to visit the TOROA restoration during the Auckland Heritage Festival 2025.
How the Toroa will look when back operating on the harbour as a heritage excursion steamer
There will be much less smoke from sustainably sourced fuel, not coal. (Barry Davis, 1969, TPS Collection)
Join us at the Toroa restoration yard for a presentation on the decades of Aucklanders taking their recreation on the steam ferries. This will be followed by a tour of the restoration of the 100-year old Toroa, the last survivor of 120 years of steam ferry operation on the Waitematā Harbour.
Before there was a car in every garage, the steam ferries reigned supreme. They were the queens of the Waitematā and they transported thousands of passengers out to watch the Anniversary Regatta and to picnics at North Shore beaches and to islands in the inner Hauraki Gulf or the upper Waitematā Harbour. Pine Island, now Herald Island, was a favourite destination, for many years owned by the Devonport Steam Ferry Company Limited. And to race meetings, sometimes ferrying the horses to the track with the punters. And the blokes on fishing and hunting excursions, with vast catches of snapper, birds and rabbits. The annual excursion for company and works employees, churches, Sunday Schools, unions, clubs and societies was the social event of the year.
The speed of the restoration is dependent on the funding — every bit of support helps towards returning the Toroa to steaming again on the Harbour.
Come and see her progress in her centennial year and find out how you can join the crew and contribute to her story.The booking scedule and more infomation can be found HERE