RQYS Mainsheet 2021

Taslander

FEATURE

FAREWELL TO TASLANDER New chapter in a distinguished life The stepped curve of her foredeck sheer is just one unique feature which has always caught the eye, whether berthed in the RQYS Marina or out on the seas beyond: here, highlights of TASLANDER’s unforgettable family connection are shared by P/Cdre Richard Crooke oam .

Competing in nearly all Goodwill and Myora Cups of her era, Taslander attended the official opening of RQYS Canaipa in 1990 and provided service at major Squadron regattas, including three Worlds and many Nationals. David Beard in Skaffie was started on the first nonstop, solo sail circumnavigation of Australia and then welcomed home to RQYS, with Taslander Chief Mate Susie dousing David in champagne. Susie also inaugurated the first Squadron Ball to host guests aboard the Squadron’s fleet. During the early 1990s, Taslander was involved in many of RQ’s early ‘seafaris’ to the southern Reef waters, then in company with Southport Yacht Club vessels – on one occasion witnessing 27 of the two clubs’ boats at anchor in Lady Musgrave lagoon! Avoiding a near catastrophe, Taslander , in company with several other vessels, searched for a crew member who was missing overnight in a rubber duck, thankfully locating the lost sailor, in one piece, 6nm SSE of Lady Musgrave.

A true classic of planked wooden displacement vessels, Taslander left the Squadron register after 38 years sterling service. Designed by English naval architect, Frederick Parker, the fittingly named Taslander was built in Launceston with a spotted gum keel, Huon pine planking and copper sheathing. She was launched in 1974. Half a lifetime and four generations of family enjoyment later, she and similarly well-constructed vessels of that era have more than proved themselves. Her basics included a 58’ x 15’6” x 5’6” carvel hull, twin V8 140hp Perkins marine engines and Onan genset. With ample refrigeration, fuel, gas and fresh water for extended sea time and economical cruising at 9+ knots, Taslander had a range of 1,000nm. She had the ability to deliver her crew of 12 to their destination in fair weather or foul. Under the command of Eric Crooke, his sons John and Richard, grandsons Peter and Alex and their families, Taslander safely completed 38 Reef cruises, including the 3,000nm round trip to Lizard Island, the Swains and Whitsundays. As well, there were many excursions to the favoured Bunker and Capricorn islands. With 7,700 hours on her mains she has cruised the equivalent of three times around the Equator.

Mainsheet 2021

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