The EGWBA met for a BYO meal at the Paynesville Men's Shed on Thursday the 20th February to maintain contact with each other and plan some outings and meetings for 2014.

The offer of the Men's Shed at Paynesville was reiterated by one of the members and it was agreed that it was a most suitable location for future "on land" meetings.

Some meetings were planned and it was decided that we should notify the Victorian Wooden Boat Association of our organised movements and to also extend an invitation to members should they like to join us for any of the activities. Although it is understood that the "tyranny of distance" may prevail, we nevertheless wish to extend the invitation particularly since the WBA has been so supportive to us recently and have also extended a welcome to us to attend events there in Melbourne.

Bernard O'Kelly (Helmsman) told the group of the recent rebuilding and refitting of a new mast and rigging to his yacht Nellie following its dismasting in Bass Straight during an attempted sail to Hobart for the Wooden Boat Festival in 2013.

John Mulligan (member) was invited to speak about the recent installation of a 3 tonne lead keel and bilge keels to his motor cruiser Moongalba (pictured below).

John also outlined the extensive work done on Moongalba including a new John Deere engine refit and internal fit out.

Margaret Stewart (member) spoke of the recent first rescue and tow by Ticketyboo of a distressed cruiser which had run out of fuel on Lake Victoria.

Members agreed to meet on 22nd March 2014 at 1000 hours, at the Fisherman's Wharf in Paynesville. We plan to sail across Lake King and up the Tambo River to the Johnsonville Jetty. There we plan to have a BBQ lunch together and no doubt engage in some 'boaty' talk, and later dine together at the new Johsonville Jetty Restaurant for an evening meal.

Folks will overnight in their boats and return home after breakfast on the 23rd March. Toilet facilities are available at the Jetty and camping is available on a member’s block there or at the nearby "Lea low"caravan park. Anyone requiring further information can contact the Helmsman, Bernard O'Kelly on 5152 1715.

15th May 2014 - 1800 hours BYO meal at the Paynesville Men's Shed and then at 1900 hours a presentation by a local Coxswain Doug Haynes who will speak on "Blue Water Sailing".

There was also discussion about a future sailing by some of the members from Paynesville to Sale in March with the dates to be confirmed. This will involve crossing Lake Wellington and sailing up the Latrobe River. It is anticipated that there will be an overnight stay prior to crossing Lake Wellington and again at the Port of Sale before the return journey.

For more information about East Gippsland event, please contact Bernard O'Kelly on 5152 1715. Or Gary Stewart on 0490 331.