catamaran surfing gold coast seaway

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Surfing Cat in Oz

This is a Perry 43 catamaran named Saltonay coming in over the bar at the Southport Seaway entrance to Queensland’s Gold Coast in Australia. If you watch the whole video you’ll see these guys had one hell of an exciting ride.

Bulletin boards on the net have been crackling with critiques of the skipper’s seamanship. Having studied the situation a bit, I’ve come to the conclusion he knew what he was doing, though I’m not sure I would have done the same thing in his position.

There’s no doubt that the Southport bar is nothing to trifle with. Evidently it was absolutely treacherous prior to 1986, at which time the Seaway was constructed and the inlet’s banks were shored up with some serious rock retaining walls. But the entrance can still be quite challenging and at times is impassable. The local Volunteer Marine Rescue Association maintains an observation post atop what is known as the Seaway Tower overlooking the inlet and advises mariners by radio on what conditions are like. This aerial shot was taken when things were calm:

Here’s another shot of a monohull trying to get out the entrance when things weren’t so calm:

Saltonay ‘s owner and skipper, Ian Sloan of Tasmania, is no novice when it comes to crossing dangerous bars. He has negotiated many of Australia’s more challenging inlets and underwent two days of specialized hands-on bar-crossing training at the Lakes Entrance in Victoria, considered by many to be the trickiest bar in Oz. Before deciding to take Saltonay through the Southport inlet Sloan and his crew of two stood off the entrance for about 18 hours, monitoring conditions while communicating both with VMR in the Seaway Tower and another vessel, a large powerboat, that was also standing off waiting for an opportunity to enter. Sloan made his final decision only after he watched the powerboat go through. Though the powerboat had some trouble during its transit and almost broached and hit the wall, Sloan figured his catamaran would be more stable and much less likely to broach. He then observed the wave sets in the inlet carefully before picking his moment. As you can see in the video, there is one split second where the cat almost starts slewing into a broach, but then quickly recovers.

Sloan wrote a full account of his Southport transit for Multihull World , an Aussie magazine, in which he describes his moment of truth as follows:

This wild and incredible ride lasted only for 20 to 30 seconds. Spray and water exploded all around the boat as the bows firstly bit into the face of the wave and then lifted as the buoyancy raised them. The rudders were doing their job as her bum tucked down, and she tracked like a rocket on rails, responding instantly to the corrections given by the helm. The noise inside the boat was like [that of] half a dozen bowling balls being bowled down a corrugated bowling lane.

Conditions in the cockpit were euphoric; we screamed and yelled like banshees with excitement. This was way over the top in terms of thrill rides on the Gold Coast. At no stage of the ride did any of us feel fear, concern, or anything approaching a worry that we were in jeopardy. It was the experience of a sailing lifetime, an adrenalin rush like none of us ever experienced.

I’m sure it was, but it is important to note that Sloan did have other options. Instead of shooting the Southport inlet he could have made a 120-mile detour and slipped behind the Gold Coast’s barrier islands further north at Brisbane. Several critics have noted that all the time spent waiting off Southport could just as well have been spent pursuing this safer alternative. In his account Sloan does explain that he originally did decide to detour to Brisbane, but got sucked into waiting at Southport by forecasts of improving conditions there.

Be that as it may, I doubt I would have had the balls to try this. I think I would have been crawling up to Brisbane like a whipped puppy.

What about YOU???

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This is the first time I have read this account, and I thank you for your comments as they are mostly correct and well considered. It is important to note that I really expected to get all the way through without mishap as the breaks between the sets were quite long. Though clearly not quite long enough….many thanks ….ian skipper of Saltonay

@Ian: Thanks for stopping by!

I’m certainly not an expert on the virtues of catamarans, having sailed them very few times and also not being familiar with the lines of the Perry (Particularly the aft ‘Rocker’ or rise of the aft sections below the waterline) but I was very surprised that that S.V. ‘Saltonay’s’ bows didn’t dig in, (Resulting in a partial pitch-pole, or a broach!) as they appear to have very, very little volume. The footage however, shows that she had very little cause for concern. This is testament to some obviously very sound Naval architecture. Well done to the skipper and pooey to all the naysayers who condemned his actions as foolish. There are so many theories as to what the correct course of action should be in similar circumstances and so many things to consider (For example, would it have been best to use almost maximum revs on the engines all the way in and risk catastrophic failure if the governors didn’t restrict the over-revving as the boat exceeded the boats’ top speed under engines – and have the possibility of severe cavitation – causing loss of laminar flow over he rudders due to turbulence and the risk of a spectacular loss of steerage! OR once on the wave – (Assuming both props were feathering or folding), cutting engines and then reversing the gear lever to fold/feather the props to reduce said risk of turbulence over the rudders!) Obviously it was a very successful outcome! Well done Mr Sloan! Moral of the story – Get out on the ocean do it your own way and then learn by your mistakes (Not saying Mt Sloan made any mistakes here!) Live your own lives and don’t stand round in the safety of harbour criticising those who do!!!

I hear Peter of Townsville on his cat ‘License to keel’ – (38 foot sea wind 1160 ) had a similar experience at the end of March 2017 as cyclone debbie hit the gold coast as they were sailing in from Lord Howe. I hear the VMR tower was being evacuated because of the high winds (cyclone like) because they were worried it would be blown apart when they did it. It was that or run with it towards NZ. The Go Pro footage from on the boat doesn’t do it justice. Lucky the skipper was a surf boat sweep from Bondi.

5 Must do Gold Coast Watersports Activities

Gold Coast Watersports - Two scuba divers exploring a vibrant coral reef surrounded by tropical fish in clear blue water, capturing an underwater adventure in Queensland.

Best Gold Coast Watersport Activities

With spring now in full swing on the Gold Coast and a current average water temperature of 22° heading upwards to 26° in summer. Now is the perfect time to dust of those swimmers and head out into the crystal clear waters of the Broadwater and Gold Coast beaches. We have compiled a list of the ‘must-do’ Gold Coast watersports activities to inspire you to get your toes wet and make the most of this water playground that is right here on our doorstep. Our local experts have worked hard to dig deep and provide you with some insiders tip’s on making the most of your watersports adventure.

Jet Ski Tours

Scuba Diving

Jet boating.

Parasailing

Jet Ski & Parasailing

A parasail boat towing two people under a colorful parachute over the ocean, with Gold Coast skyscrapers and a clear blue sky in the background.

Gold Coast Watersports is the longest running & largest Watersports company on the Gold Coast and we’re now operating from Main Beach and Surfers Paradise Established back in 2004 and located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Watersports has built a solid reputation for service, safety and most importantly…..fun. They feature the largest range of Watersports in one place on the Gold Coast with customisable packages that include Jetski Hire, Jet ski Tours, Parasailing, Jet boat and the ONLY company in Queensland to offer the coolest new trend that everybody needs to give a go…the Flyboard!

Insiders Tip When Parasailing you can even choose if you’d like to get your toes wet or stay dry, just let your skipper know before you fly if you’d like to be ‘dipped’.

A scuba diving boat preparing to depart with divers on board, docked in calm water with a city skyline in the background.

When it was constructed in 1985, Wave Break Island’s primary purpose was to capture storm waves and protect the western foreshore of the Broadwater. Since then it has become a recreational hotpot for boaties and kayakers and is home to over 50 different species of fish and other marine life. Making it one of the top spots for snorkelling and scuba diving on the Gold Coast.

With more than 60,000 dives on the Gold Coast in the past 20 years, Queensland Scuba Diving are the underwater experts and offer everything from snorkelling through to PADI Instructor certification. They even have boogie boards with view holes for those that just wish to float about. Explore the rainbow under the waves with Queensland Scuba Diving.

If you have friends or family who would love to join in the experience but prefer to stay on-board a discounted ‘observers ticket’ can be purchased for them, subject to availability.

Insiders Tip

Always wanted to try SCUBA Diving but not qualified? For $119 you can do an ‘ Introductory SCUBA dive ’ This dive is purely for pleasure –no experience necessary. You will be accompanied by a certified PADI instructor throughout the whole dive.

Paradise Jet Boating vessel speeds across the water with passengers raising their hands in excitement, surrounded by a lush natural landscape in the background.

Did you know the Gold Coast has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year? How lucky are we! The team at Paradise Jet Boating use this to their full advantage, providing exciting jet boat adventures through the Gold Coast Broadwater all year round. Sit back and relax…well kind of… as your professional jet boat skipper takes you on an fun adventure through the waterways, past the sandbars and along the channels of the Gold Coast Broadwater and Sovereign Islands.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including Dolphins, Wallabies and Dugongs as you cruise through the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Your tour also includes guided commentary by your driver who will share interesting facts along the tour.

Yes you’ll get wet, yes you’ll have fun, so hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Gold Coast Jet Boat rides depart 9am to 4pm daily. This is one of the most popular Gold Coast watersports so don’t miss out book today .

Don’t have your own car? No worries. Paradise Jet Boating offer a free pick up service from Surfers Paradise. BUT hurry because seats sell out fast. BOOK TODAY!

Sailing Tours

A "Sailing in Paradise" catamaran anchored near a sandy shore with the Gold Coast skyline visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Discover a new side to the Gold Coast aboard Sailing in Paradise’s Island Cruise. Sit back and enjoy 3 to 6 hours of bliss on the water aboard your own private catamaran charter! Take in the sights of the picturesque and calm Gold Coast Broadwater, including impressive super yachts, Sea World, South Stradbroke Island, Wavebreak Island and the Gold Coast Seaway. They offer a laid-back cruise experience on a spacious sailing catamaran that you are sure to love whether you are seeking quality time with a special someone, entertaining clients or organising a birthday or hens party.

Visit an isolated island beach only accessible by boat where you are invited to jump in for a swim and try some beach games (including Beach Volleyball, Stand Up Paddle-boarding, Beach Cricket, and splash mat). Or if you just want to laze on the beach (or the trampoline-style foredeck) that’s totally fine, they will play some cool tunes while you sip on an icy cold drink so you can relax and watch the world sail by in style. But don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the friendly bottlenose dolphins who regularly cruise past.

Insiders Tip

Book very early with Sailing in Paradise… The weekends are booked well in advance.

Children learning to surf, balancing on surfboards while riding small waves, with a surf instructor in the background under a sunny, clear blue sky.

Voted no2 in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards Best Beaches in Australia, Surfers Paradise beach is undoubtedly a Gold Coast icon. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into the Surfers Paradise environment and lifestyle is through one of Australia’s favourite past-times, surfing.

Learning to surf is easy with Get Wet Surf School who have been teaching learn to surf since 2004. Andrew and Kerri Jekyll pride themselves on providing their lessons where the locals learn. They run their lessons in the safe waters of Main Beach just north of Surfers Paradise, the very same area they taught their own three children to surf. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car a free courtesy shuttle is available from your hotel.

A 2-hour surfing lesson including all equipment will set you back $68 for adults, $63 for kids 12 years and older. Your experienced and knowledgeable instructor will have you up on the board and hanging ten in no time.

The Get Wet Surf School check in location is at their system business Get Coffee on Main… so why not re-fuel with a smashed avo on toast and barista coffee after your lesson.

Book Your Adventure Today!

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their families, of the land, sea, and waters on which we operate. We honor and recognise their custodianship of Country and culture for over 60,000 years, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

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