Dear Air Cushion Vehicle enthusiast,
The Queensland branch held its last planning meeting for 2008 at the SAAA hall at Archerfield
Aerodrome on Tuesday, 18th November 2008 which was attended by Phillip Audsley, Des Goss,
Arthur Stead and Steven Odgaard.
Cruise report - Muriel Street, Redland Bay, Sunday 9th November 2008.
The last cruise was held on Sunday 9th November 2008 and although only two hovercraft braved
the blustery conditions in southern Moreton Bay, 4 craft had arrived at the boat ramp for the days
escapade. Those attending the cruise were:-
Peter Venn - Turbo TP6
Arthur Stead - Revtech Renegade
Des Goss - Turbo Wedge 225
Steven Odgaard - Billy Baker 2.
Peter Venn, Des Goss & Steven Odgaard in the Turbo TP6 and Arthur Stead in his Revtech Renegade
ventured out in blustery overcast conditions punching their way south towards Mosquito Island in the grunty 4 stroke powered craft, with only low tide and narrow channels between
stands of mangroves to aid our safe passage. After a brief pause on a sandbank south of
Russell Island, Des, Peter and Steve noticed that Arthur was busy putting bungs into his rear
engine compartment. Good idea Arthur - but you probably should have put them in before leaving
Redland Bay.
Sandbanks aplenty
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More sandbanks
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And more sandbanks
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On entering Mosquito passage Arthur stopped to see why a big burly bloke was doing the
Australian crawl. This unfortunate bay user tried to manoeuvre in very shallow water but had run
aground and became somewhat stranded when his personal water craft caused him to take a
personal mud bath. He had been struggling for some time to push his jet ski back to deep water
but the tide receded very quickly and left him exhausted and exposed.
Des, Peter, Arthur and I heaved on each corner of the stranded scooter and assisted in moving
the jet-ski until the thin sandy crust yielded to a soft muddy slop. The poor guy was ready to give
up and laid there exhausted until we tied a tow rope behind the Turbo TP6 and managed to slide
the jet-ski across the greasy brown surface to deep water some 200 metres away. Another jet ski
arrived and towed the stricken craft back to Cabbage Tree Point.
Stranded
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Under tow
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Under tow
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With the excitement over, we continued along the thin winding Mosquito Passage, then headed
east out into Jumpinpin waterways and settled on Stradbroke Island at the ever popular Slipping
Sands. A boating enthusiast and his family of kids who had also ventured out in the miserable
weather came over to look at the Turbo TP6 and the Revtech Renegade, and commented that
they had seen us landing on the beach but did not hear us coming.
Arthur Stead and Steven Odgaard climbed to the top of the slipping sands and enjoyed the view.
Steven descended the sand dune very slowly with the aid of a borrowed toboggan board.
We headed back to Lagoon Passage via Russell Island and cruised comfortably in the exposed
bay with a stiff tail wind. Elaine's home cooking was a welcome delight as we enjoyed another tea
break with lots of scones, cakes and sandwiches. Peter Venn and Steven Odgaard ended the day
with a hovering competition in the hover port shed with some model helicopters.
Other cruises:-
On the previous Friday, Arthur and Judy travelled north with the Renegade in tow and met Barry
Fennell at Maryborough. Barry took his Viper 4X out for a cruise with Arthur on the Mary River.
Arthur and Judy then travelled further north to the Gin Gin region for a few days cruising on the
fresh waters of the Burnett River upstream of Bundaberg.
Barry and Arthur
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Mary River
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Burnett River
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News from Northern Queensland:-
Angus Kerr has some interesting news from Northern Queensland.
Hello Steve,
I received a phone call from Jack Hickmutt who bought Ray O'Sullivans craft from up north. He lives
in Proserpine and is interested in joining the club.
If anyone could assist in teaching him to fly this craft, he would probably offer to fly them up there
for the weekend. He also has a 36 foot cabin cruiser and would be willing to take them out on it if
they can stay longer. I believe he is semi retired, approx 80 years old.
His phone number is (07) 4794 51605 and mob 0438 451 605.
PO Box 940 Proserpine 4800
He would like to hear from anyone in the club.
Thanks
Gus...
Next club cruise:-
The next club cruise will be held on Saturday 6th December 2008 at Muriel
St, Redland Bay.
Meet at 9:00 am at Peter Venn's place at 96 Muriel St, Redland Bay for a launch into the Redland
Bay Channel - destination to be decided on the day depending on weather conditions.
UBD Reference - Map 267 B9.
Contact for the event is Steven Odgaard on 0400 798 404.
First cruise for 2009:-
The first club cruise for 2009 will be held on Saturday 16th January 2009 at Muriel
St, Redland Bay.
Meet at 9:00 am at Peter Venn's place at 96 Muriel St, Redland Bay for a launch into the Redland
Bay Channel - destination to be decided on the day depending on weather conditions.
UBD Reference - Map 267 B9.
Contact for the event is Steven Odgaard on 0400 798 404.
Next Queensland branch meeting:
As there is no meeting scheduled for December, the next meeting will be held at
7:30 pm - Tuesday, 20th January 2009.
SAAA hall at Archerfield Aerodrome.
Beatty Road Qld 4108.
Regards
Steven Odgaard
QSH secretary
