Batemans Bay Sailing Club today celebrated the relaunching of their committee boat "Clarence the Clocker". The Bertram 25 was named after the legendary racing columnist and also for the job of recording the finishing times at sailing club races. At the time of the winter maintenance haulout it was discovered that the internal workings of the sterndrive leg had all corroded away. It was going to be an expensive repair job or an even more expensive remotoring. Batemans Bay Mobile Marine mechanic Brendan Locke suggested a new 240hp Volvo motor, twice the power as previously. The quoted price was favourable so after much agonising (and donations from club members) it was decided to go ahead with the job. There were working bees to clean up the inside and outside of the hull. Al Rosier donated his services to replace the roof of the boat. Today "Clarence" went back in the water and out for some sea trials. With 5 on board she was able to get up to 28 knots, about twice as fast as before. More importantly the low speed steering and reversing were much better. Batemans Bay Sailing Club's race management platform now has an assured future. For further information about the club, including the sailing program and membership applications go to www.bbsc.org.au
