So what, for Graham, would be the standout impression of changes in the RQYS boatyard operations over more than three decades? No doubts: “definitely the environmental improvements to how the yard operates and how the boats are worked on and maintained when they’re out of the water at RQYS.” The Squadron’s ‘Green Marina’ accreditation is an evident source of pride for him, personally and professionally — as it deservedly is for the organisation, and its Volunteers and Members, as a whole. Contented owner departed, and safely- slung vessel now awaiting only the tide, Shaggy’s back to the chat, which prompts a question about the Travelift itself and training in its operation — and for a former chef (competencies honed on hot and potentially dangerous commercial kitchen equipment notwithstanding). “Lots of walking, talking and job-shadowing to start with,” Graham says, “with ‘slowly’ always being the operative word.” When time and tide were judged right, Shaggy drove six ‘ICUS’ (In Command Under Supervision’) lifts under Graham’s gimlet eye before being cleared to solo. “You might think that aligning with the pier arms is important — and it is! — but going slow enough to be able to gently and correctly stop 35 tonnes of inertia in exactly the right spot is crucial.” To appropriate another aeronautical term, that means a ‘sterile cockpit’ situation before and during any boat movement with the Travelift: no extraneous banter or conversation, constant cross-checking with clear signals and consults. Sailing yachts generally need to arrive and depart the lift pier stern-first, often with biminis, solar and stays struck down to provide required Travelift clearances — “another reason for a pre-lift chat,” says Graham — and a sound awareness of keel, prop and rudder configurations. “For a first-time yachtie visitor without the familiar blue triangular guidance stickers,” he adds, “we also have an underwater camera which we can use to check the positioning of the slings before everyone is happy that we’re ready to lift.” Lifts out and in are just two of the four “activities” by which RQYS boatyard traffic is recorded; the others are a pressure-wash and ‘HIS’ (or a ‘Hang In Slings’ for inspection). During 2024, the monthly activity average has been 121, up from 88 the year before! Other daily life of the RQYS boatyard is rarely dull, with gear to be cleaned and maintained and the boys often called-out to assist with “other duties as required” — including fetching and returning boats booked for lifts (or the work pontoon) to and from their berths … and diverting the odd rogue Waterloo Bay floating treetrunk! Time for the 55-footer to go back in on the tide and, that done, Graham’s off on the forklift to retrieve the concrete bench from the dinghy beach so Shaggy can give it a pressure wash. n COMMERCIAL MARINAS RESIDENTIAL Proud Sponsor of RYQS Australia’s Largest Pontoon Manufacturer 1300 128 164 | home@marinestructures.com.au | www.marinestructures.com.au formerly The Jetty Specialist and Superior Jetties PICS: Matthew Tesch (except the advert) Marina assist: Graham and Shaggy join Dave Fisher on a RhIB to ferry a catamaran with one engine inoperative from her berth around to the boatyard. 49 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook Mainsheet 2024 Little-known longevities
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