04/10/2026
A1 Crew were out on the water off the Gold Coast on Saturday, with sailing boats making the most of the fresh easterly breeze. ⛵
The migrating whales put on a show too, with mothers and calves spotted along the coast, treating the crew to a magnificent display of power and grace. 🐋
A memorable day on our beautiful stretch of coastline.
SKIPPERS REPORT A1 CREW - 04 October 26
A1 Crew put their navigation skills to the test
Paper charts, compass bearings, bar crossings and a spectacular whale display made for a full day of training aboard CB31 on Saturday.
A1 Crew departed Tweed Heads after logging on with Marine Rescue Point Danger and checking in with Currumbin base. Once clear of the bar, we headed about three nautical miles east before switching off the chart plotters and GPS to put our traditional navigation skills to the test.
Using a compass, paper charts and some maths, the crew took bearings on Burleigh Hill, Cook Island and the Tweed sand-pumping jetty to establish a three-point fix. Plotting the bearings produced the familiar “cocked hat” on the chart, from which we estimated our position and radioed our latitude and longitude to the Currumbin radio room.
We then set a course for the Southport Seaway, using dead reckoning and running fixes to track our progress. Regular position reports kept Currumbin updated with our latitude, longitude, course and speed, giving the crew valuable radio practice along the way.
Our fixes placed us within half a nautical mile of our actual position—a pleasing result from a small vessel moving around offshore, where taking a steady compass bearing is a skill in itself.
Busy waters and practical seamanship
Approaching Southport, we encountered a large fleet of yachts, apparently preparing for a race. With sails and spinnakers filling the scene, the crew had plenty to watch while applying collision-avoidance rules and navigating carefully through the traffic.
Trevor then took the helm for the passage north through the Broadwater towards Jacobs Well and Horizon Shores. Having completed his coxswain theory, Trevor is preparing for his final AMPA assessment, making the trip a valuable opportunity to consolidate his practical skills.
Along the way, the crew worked through navigation marks, collision regulations, skipper responsibilities and environmental requirements. At Horizon Shores Marina, home to our training facility, we practised berthing and refuelling procedures before stopping for lunch.
Nikki took the helm for the next leg towards Jumpinpin, navigating the busy Jacobs Well mooring field and channel with Dave assisting as navigator.
Building local knowledge at Jumpinpin
At Jumpinpin, we assessed the bar shortly after high tide as the ebb began. The vessel master judged the conditions suitable for the planned training, and we contacted Marine Rescue Jacobs Well to explain our intentions.
Their radio team asked us to report after each outward and inward crossing and also monitored our progress on AIS. That support was much appreciated.
The vessel master conducted the first crossing cautiously, checking depths, recording our track and maintaining a close lookout for breaking waves. The crossing extended for approximately one nautical mile, providing a clear reminder of how much attention a long, shifting coastal bar demands.
We found discrepancies between the electronic chart information and the depths and channel conditions observed on the day. Careful assessment, depth-sounder readings, local knowledge and a vigilant lookout were essential throughout.
After returning along the assessed track, Dave and Trevor each took a turn at the helm. As the run-out developed, the changing waves provided further experience in vessel handling and reinforced the need to reassess conditions throughout the exercise.
With training complete, we thanked Jacobs Well for their radio coverage and advised that we were heading home.
A memorable passage home
On the return passage towards Point Danger, two active humpback whales treated us to repeated breaches, one after the other. We slowed and passed at a safe distance, enjoying an extraordinary display to finish the day.
After safely crossing the Tweed Heads bar, we logged off with Point Danger and returned CB31 to her air berth. A full shutdown and washdown followed before the crew headed back to base for a debrief.
The day also offered a glimpse of the workload faced by our neighbouring units. Around Southport and Jacobs Well, rescue crews were busy assisting and towing vessels throughout the waterways—a reminder of the different demands across our region and the value of working together.
For A1 Crew, it was a rewarding day of navigation, boat handling and teamwork, with valuable experience gained by everyone aboard.
Thank you to the Currumbin radio room, Marine Rescue Point Danger and Marine Rescue Jacobs Well for supporting our training and keeping watch along the way.
