Australian Mail Out

A belated congratulations to all Crews who were successful at the latest National & State IRB Competitions.

But especially to Tallebudgera , Bribie Island, Point Lookout , Kirra, Mooloolaba, Mudjimba, South Maroubra (who won the NSW State Titles and came a very close 2nd to North Burleigh at the National Titles).

 

Not forgetting Brighton South Australia who came 2nd in their State Titles to Port Noarlunga. South Australia now have a very strong Arancia representation, which is very pleasing.

Glenelg produced some very close racing we understand with North Burliegh just coming out on top.

Peter prepared the motors and props for North Burleigh as he does for many other successful clubs. Lifeguard first, businessman second.

Just proves the caliber of Peter Hallett, and vindicates our decision to restart the 377 Arancia manufacture in NZ for the Australian market again.

Now if we could have all NB crews in Arancia 377s.

Being on the SAME PAGE is very important to the Arancia philosophy of fair play for all Lifeguards.

A big thanks to all that have supported us and for their faith in the 377Arancia this last couple of years, and the continued support for the Flagship A380 introduced in 1980. (over 1000 sold worldwide)

Arancia A380 History 1976

Arancias first involvement in Surf Life Saving was at Mangawhai Heads in 1976. We, Dave Dineen and I trialled one of our Arancia (orange predominate colour for inflatables back then was grey) 3.7m Sport boats above. It was from this contact that SLSNZ approached us in 1978 to design a small light two man inflatable boat suitable for use in surf conditions to 4m. ARANCIA IRB Mark 1 shown above in B&W is involved in rescuing a swimmer within 20 minutes of being launched.

The second modified design (Mark 2 not shown) Arancia A380 was approved by SLSNZ in 1979 & 1980 in Australia.

These first meetings we had with Lifeguards in 1976/78, and experiencing first-hand how dedicated they were to their Lifesaving responsibilities, helped convert us from pleasure boat designers / manufacturers to dedicating supporters producing mostly IRBs from 1978, and from 1983 IRBs only. 33 years of continuous IRB manufacture/development along with specialised rescue craft supply, and safety equipment design.

Arancia have now exported over 1000 IRBs to over 12 countries, but our first export to Soldiers Beach NSW Australia in 1980, was very special. Still have the Green hoody Cliff Spong, John Fallon & Mike Sawaski presented to us when they competed in the NZ IRB Champs 1983. Fast forward to Kawana Waters 2009 and we catch up with Cliff, and a laugh again over Solders Beach being given the Piha Kelp Lane to race in 1983.

Not just the first export sale but good friends.

Arancia 377 v brief History

Feb 1999 Discussions held with P Hallett regarding the production of a smaller faster IRB for Australian market. May 1999 Arancia start on the design of the smaller IRB based on the Arancia A380, and designated No 377. Manufacturer of the first two 377s Arancias Serial No's 430 & 431 starts June 1999 2nd Sept 1999.

Manufacturing agreement to build the craft in Australia discussed and letter of intent signed by MCM Directors.

10th Sept 1999 - P Hallett and R Thomas fly over to trial the new Arancia 377 at Piha see attached photos above. Peter Hallett comments after the trial, John change nothing, it is perfect.

28th September 1999 Arancia 377 No 1 exported to MCM Queensland. Second 377 S/No 431 is bought & exported to Whitsand SLSC UK. December 1999 First Arancia 377 Serial No 430 Awaits SLSA Evaluation 3rd May 2000 Manufacturing Agreement signed by all parties with a change from MCM to Thundercat as Manufacturer.( A decision that would create a dishonourable opportunity for Thundercat Inflatables to fraudulently change the name from Arancia 377 to Thundercat 377 Plans drawings patterns & digital information copies of manufacturing procedure are forwarded to MCM, (later to be retained by Thundercat Inflatables and used to build Arancia 377 in opposition to Arancia.) September 2000 Fly to Queensland to advise and assist with the building of the First 3 Arancia 377 IRBs,( ordered by Gosford City Council delivered Oct 2000)

Between 2001 & 2007 Arancia are notified of 23 A377 built and sold to SLSA Clubs, however SLSA Records show 123 Arancia 377s produced in this period. December 2007 SLSA are notified that the Manufacturing agreement has been terminated and the supply of Arancia IRBs to Australia will end. Peter, in good faith continues contact with Arancia to Rescue the Arancia dealership , as we agree, to have pulled out would have been a failing on our part to the loyal Arancia crews. Arancia 377 NZ manufacture recommences, August 2008 July 2009 first Australian sale to Collaroy NSW serial no 432 , followed by Scarboro WA and Mudjimba QLD.

Between 2001 & 2007 Arancia are notified of 23 A377 built and sold to SLSA Clubs, however SLSA Records show 123 Arancia 377s produced in this period. December 2007 SLSA are notified that the Manufacturing agreement has been terminated and the supply of Arancia IRBs to Australia will end. Peter, in good faith continues contact with Arancia to Rescue the Arancia dealership , as we agree, to have pulled out would have been a failing on our part to the loyal Arancia crews. Arancia 377 NZ manufacture recommences, August 2008 July 2009 first Australian sale to Collaroy NSW serial no 432 , followed by Scarboro WA and Mudjimba QLD.

Arancia 377 production now exceeds number of notified Arancias built under the Manufacturing Agreement between 2000 & 2007 . (23)
And yes we still use Plywood (Australian Hoopine) for the transoms and will continue to while it is still available. It has the required strength its light and will probably outlive the boats, will GRP Laminates last this long ? Arancia 377 are built to the same original design there are no special models, for us they are all special.

A word from P Hallett MCM
Arancia 377 has a great history of consistency which has been the Arancia culture, and has not suffered the fate of so many clubs who have been test dummies for the opposition whose boats have had fabric changes, fitting changes, generation changes, the list goes on.

The original Arancia designed once designed right John Speight The Creator Not The Imitator. Arancia 377 The Creation Not The Imitation.

That First 377 IRB No 430

Where did it go after it was SLSA approved ( March 2001) to Brighton LSC

Victoria, and it was still there in 2009 competing at Kawana Waters photo attached, Only change to Arancia No 1 was the kiwi logo on the bow was removed & replaced.

For A380 & A377 Sale & Service Contact MCM mcm@midcoastmarine.com.au
or Arancia info@arancia.co.nz

John Speight:
Designer, Manufacturer, Supporter.