Navigating grey between red and blue Queensland flagship of the RQYS partnership with Making Waves Foundation, The TRIBE resurrection continues. MWF’s signature bright red branding has been exchanged for a mirror-reflection RQYS navy blue finish on the relaunched Farr 40, with sea trials — including WAGS and the 139th Opening Day Sailpast — completed, notes MWF’s Natalie Herity, with the caveat that certification is still in a ‘grey area’ between ‘recreational’ and ‘commercial’ classes. ‘Neither fish nor fowl’ as the old saying goes, and this has led to a full Safety Management System being documented to satisfy MSQ regulatory oversight, before The TRIBE can begin its intended sailings with disabled kids in 2024. “Aside from the planned work, such as netting on the rail lifelines and modifications to the aft deck to accommodate two, locked-position wheelchairs, boarded via a new custom-built dock ramp,” Natalie said, “we’ve had to add additional safety equipment (flares, extinguishers, medical kits, fire alarms, etc) and replace the toilet.” Restricted to 12 POB during MWF outings meant an order for a new furler and high-cut jib to ease workload on fewer crew members was needed. This should make things easier on WAGS and social outings, when The TRIBE becomes a purely ‘recreational’ vessel. Aside from RQYS Member Sandy Grant’s tremendous contributions, it seems unfair to single-out individuals from a small band of Volunteers and tradies, but four people deserve special mention. “Anton from Yachtshare has been invaluable in helping navigate MSQ channels, and ‘Woody’ [Andrew Woodforth] has gone above and beyond with the structural changes needed to the boat. “Past-Commodore Greg Clarke is always dropping down to the berth to attend to the host of ‘little jobs’ which need doing and Volunteer Co-ordinator Phil Tooth — who’s out with us on The TRIBE every WAGS he can — has fashioned a new spinnaker pole … such outstanding RQYS support is making the resurrection process so much easier!” Successfully out the other side of ‘the grey area’ in the New Year, the aim is to safely and happily take 1,000 participants out on the Bay for some truly amazing and life-enhancing experiences in 2024. n Mainsheet 2023 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook 16 Making Waves Foundation update
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