Cruise report - Wellington Point - Saturday 26th February 2005.

Dear Air Cushion Vehicle enthusiast,
The last cruise was at Wellington Point on Saturday 26th February and was attended by:-

Des Goss launched his Turbo 225 at 9:30am and
Steven Odgaard launched his Bill Baker 2 at 10:00am.
A third craft joined us from across Waterloo Bay shortly after. It was
Angus and Lucas Kerr from Thorneside.
Other members and friends in attendance were: Phillip and Kerri Audsley, Elly (Eldred Grocock) from Western Australia, Mark and Emma Odgaard and Jill Hanna.

At 11:00am we set off for the mangrove delta of Hilliards Creek.
Des was having trouble carrying a passenger in the Robin powered Turbo 225 so Elly had to go with Angus in the larger Turbo 240.
Steven had no trouble carrying his passenger on the down wind leg, but coming back a clogged air filter caused the lift engine to lose power in rough bay water, and 3 blown skirts segments prevented the Bill Baker Vehicle from attaining hump speed. Angus again came to the rescue of a damsel in distress and took Steven’s passenger. With the lighter payload, the Bill Baker was able to spring back to life and cruise back to Wellington Point at a respectable cruising speed.
Angus had to depart then to take son Lucas to a birthday party. Des went for a trip around King Island and Steven took his niece Emma for a ride down the boat ramp and that was as far as the Bill Baker wanted to go. The clogged air filter caused the lift engine to flood within 30 metres from the ramp.
In all, we enjoyed beautiful weather and Des and Steven finally packed up and went home at 2:00pm.

Western Australia contacts:-
Allan Couplan - Rockingham
Tony & Jill Carr - Glenforrest
Clyde Carstairs - Mandurah
Michael Fane - Owns an 8 metre (26ft) craft.
Eldred Grocock - (Friend of Des Goss in Brisbane)

NSW Branch - Newcastle Camp Quality request:-
On Sunday 13th March the NSW branch of the Australian Hovercraft Federation are giving rides for children with cancer at a Camp Quality being held near Newcastle at Point Wolstoncroft on Lake Macquarie.
Members will be staying at the Black Swan Motel in Swansea - Ph (02) 4971 1392 for booking.
Karl Bowman needs a copy of your personal hovercraft insurance if you plan to participate.
Karl's fax is 02 9544 7255 or phone 0404 883 294.

From: Meredith Wall
To: Karl Bowman
Subject: Newcastle Camp Quality request

Hi Karl,
As per our phone conversation today:-
Camp Quality Newcastle is holding a weekend camp for our children at Point Wolstoncroft, ( a NSW Sport and Rec. camp), at Gwandalan, which is at the lower south east of the beautiful Lake Macquarie.
We are holding this camp MARCH 11th - 13th, 2005 and I was hoping that some of your members would be able to visit our camp on the morning of SUNDAY MARCH 13th, and give our children the thrill of riding on a Hovercraft. ( We leave camp for home mid afternoon that day and it would be a great way to finish on a high note ).
We are expecting around 40 children to attend which will make a group of around 90 plus, including our volunteers and staff.
I have heard from Illawarra Camp Quality, the fun they have when your members visit their camps.
Could you please let me know as soon as possible if your members are available and willing to come on that date. If you are only available on Saturday 12th March - we can try to change the existing arrangements with the saturday activities.
Could you also indicate the costs involved.

Kind Regards
Meredith Wall
Newcastle Area Manager

Australian Hovercraft Federation news:-
On Sat/Sun 26/27th March (Easter) the Vic branch are hosting the Australian National Rally at Lake Narracan, Moe, Gippsland. This is well worth the long drive as you will see up to 25 various air cushion vehicles participating from the largest club in Australia and interstate.
This is also the AGM for the Australian Hovercraft Federation Inc. AGM will be on Sunday.

Next Queensland branch meeting:-
7:30pm Monday 21st March 2005.
SAAA hall at Archerfield Aerodrome.
Beatty Road Qld 4108.

Regards
Steven Odgaard
QSH secretary