RQYS MAINSHEET 2025

Feature: Finn’s Shed

Personal motivations

Above: the Finn’s Shed crew Rear L- R: Mick Mallan, Graham Early, P/Cdre Greg Clarke, Don Murray Front L-R: David Healey, Peter Constant, Noel Paterson, Phil Tooth, David Thomas, Spikey Mikey Middleton AWOL: Arthur Gough, Don Tanner

One Patto remark is especially revealing: “What bothers me most is if we were a couple of boats down and the kids were left short.” In other words: whether an unserviceable RhIB, or a handful of Tackers Optis being unavailable, then the consequent denial of on-water opportunities for our young sailors is a viscerally- felt motivation for him. “I was also drawn in by the personal and socialising aspects,” reminisces Patto, “and now they’re all mates,” he said, as he cast his gaze around the Finn’s Shed work area and crew members during our conversation. It’s a sentiment shared by others in Finn’s Shed. St Mick leans in to add “some like looking after particular boats” — for instance, Arthur Gough’s passion for ensuring that all boats are ready for every weekend’s Squadron events and regattas, Don Murray and John Ward’s focus on the upkeep of Squadron mainstay “Vic Frizzell” , and the shared pride in keeping our Shark cats “Goodwill ” and “Myora” refreshed for each new Season’s requirements. St Mick arrived today with a hand-repaired rudder, while chatting with Patto concerned that his efforts may prove longer-lasting than the original fitting itself. Such a repair — and there are many rebuilt and new, freshly-varnished rudders and centreboards and hanging in the Finn’s Shed workshop — could cost anywhere upwards of $250 outsourced; instead, it costs RQYS next-to-nothing thanks to these amazing Volunteers. It’s a common theme running through these blokes’ efforts: vast worlds of experience invested in repairing and refreshing gear to safely extend longevity for future generations of young sailors whilst minimising Squadron running-costs Patto brings the benefits of a career in construction, Peter “Consty” Constant’s background is electrical and Graham “Harps” Early’s speciality is tools, specifically their keen edges and professional upkeep for the team. Recent addition to the crew Don Tanner has brought a wealth of hands-on and teaching skills across from the Mt Gravatt Men’s Shed — prompting St Mick to pipe up and proudly state “and I just love coming here to learn every week, too!” Above and beyond saving our Club’s money and time in maintenance and operational readiness, the personal pride — in workmanship as well as in contribution — is truly palpable. First-class calibre

R: Relaminated and freshly re-varnished centreboards are hung carefull to dry in the Shed. (Pic: MT)

R: The still-visible crack in St Mick’s repaired rudder will be bonded and faired to invisibility before being re-shipped on one of the Squadron’s dinghies. (Pic: MT)

Mainsheet 2025

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Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook