G'day from West Oz.

[Wotname]

Hello All, thought it was time to stop lurking and say hello to everyone, especially to those who are always posting - I feel I know you already. Your posts have informed me, infuriated me, made me laugh, made me cry, made me sometimes feel smug and superior and other times feel very humble. They have always been informative in some way - thank you all.

This is probably the right time and place to say something about me - Started sailing out of Moreton Bay (Aus) in the early 80's with a 30' steel sloop - read a "how to sail" the night before my first trip out of the marina - thus began the journey of all things nautical. Later had NZ built carvel 28' Wanderer (ala Hiscock's fame). Now refitting a 31' plywood Van DeStat Super Dogger in Perth (Aus) - into the 5th year on the hard, back to bare timber inside and out, epoxy coated, new engine, shaft, tanks, electrics, rigging, chainplates, sails - new everything really. Might finish this year, might not. It is not the deadline that is important, it is the quality of the finished product. I prefer to do all the work / fabrication myself (except the sails) so it takes some time but at least I know how good (or bad) the workmanship is. Still learning new skills and techniques every month.

Home port will be Fremantle for a while getting to know the ship and how she likes to be sailed and then relocate to Port Huon (Tasmania) to have it all (farm, boat and wonderful cruising grounds).

Apologies if my first post is a little long - promise to be more concise in the future.

BTW, my username reflects the fact I have been unable to decide on a suitable name for this "new" vessel (and please be gentle if you have to make a comment on the supertisions about renaming boats).

[Morgan Paul]

Hello and good day no name from the other side of the earth (Long Island, New York, USA)

Paul

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Wot,
Welcome aboard! I hope you find some interesting posts to ponder.
Kind Regards,
JohnL

[cooper]

Hey yet another Ozzie...look out world...welcome !!

[emmo]

Hi, Good to see another Perth sailor on board, know the 'Dogger looked at one a few years ago, and missed out on another I did not know was for sail.
All the best,
Emmo

[Weyalan]

Port Huon would be pretty high on my list of spots to settle with a boat and land. Unbeatable cruising too. Sean Langman has built a nice little marina right opposite the Kermandie Tavern (which he has also bought) and it looks like he is going to put a travel-lift in there too, so you will have all the facilities you could want, without even having to go as far as Hobart.

[Wotname]

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

Weyalan, how are we going to keep southern Tassie a secret . Maybe tell everyone how cold it is - nah, won't work - North Amercians and NZer's will still think it warm, might fool the Qlder's though. I saw the work on the marina last time I was there and wondered why the Kermandie Tavern was closed - now I know. Will PM you sometime soon to get all the low down on your neck of the woods.

Emmo - good to hear a Perth voice.

Thanks again everyone.

[swagman]

Hello Mate,
We were sailing out of Perth / Freo for 20 years and the Dogger moves out for an older design. What was the name of the boat before you got her and was she from Perth or another location? We had at least one pal who owned one plus other acqaintances we raced against.
John Longley (of Bondies Cup capaign) was possibly best know local owner.
JOHN

[Wotname]

G'day John,
Kalia, she was at South of Perth YC. I believe she was built by the Jarman brothers in Perth sometime in the seventies but to be honest, I have no idea who they are, I only moved here in 1990. Was raced by them and also raced by a Bob Blewett. Previous owner was a Mr Wallace. If you can add anything to this sketchy history I would be appreciative.