2,000km in an open boat for leukaemia research

by Imprint Media on 21 May 2010 Gold Coast boating enthusiast John Fels is on a quest – an epic ocean voyage of more than 2,000 kilometres in a four-metre open boat to raise funds for leukaemia research.

A Leukaemia Quest Ambassador, 59-year-old Mr Fels will launch his 'tinnie' on the Gold Coast on August 1, starting his voyage north to Cairns.

John was given a special bonus when the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show organisers gave him space in the show to display his boat and raise money.

'Every single day, five Queenslanders are diagnosed with blood disorders including leukaemia,' said John. 'I was inspired to take this voyage when I saw the effects of the disease on a friend two years ago.

'David has dreamed of a big fishing trip and one day I thought ‘Blow it, what have I ever done for someone else?' So I asked my brother if we could take our boat all the way to Cairns. He thought I meant by road!'

John's open Blue Fin boat is powered by a single 30 horsepower Mercury outboard motor. The boat has been fitted with special buoyancy tanks and fuel tanks.

'This is not a stunt and we are taking no stupid risks,' said Mr Fels. 'We are carrying some very sophisticated navigation electronics on board. My aim is to raise as much money as I can to help with leukaemia research work.'

Mr Fels said he and his brother have been boating for more than 40 years.

'I got my boat licence in 1967 and have owned a boat ever since. Robert and I love to go fishing around the Gold Coast and take short trips,' he said.

Today he is Rear Commodore of the Gold Coast Boat Club, one the first supporters of his venture.

Already more than 20 companies have pledged funds for leukaemia research through the venture, including luxury boat builder Maritimo, Bias Boating Warehouse, Gold Coast Boat Sales and Battery World.

'The voyage is entirely self-funded,' explained Mr Fels. 'Not a single dollar we raise will be used to pay for the trip. It all goes to leukaemia research.'

The boat will be on display at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 20 to May 23.

'The people at Sanctuary Cove have been very kind,' said Mr Fels. 'They offered me free space so we can use the show to raise even more funds.'

Mr Fels will be alone in the boat, with twin brother Robert and long-time friend John Darbyshire working as his land support team following him by road.

Mr Fels will visit every Volunteer Marine Rescue, Coast Guard and Water Police station along the route.

'These people risk their lives every day to keep our waterways safe, and safety is a priority for us,' he said. 'We will also visit as many communities as possible to raise funds.'

Mr Fels expects the voyage to take about 26 days, depending on weather conditions.

'We stop every night,' he explained. 'It is simply not safe to drive in the open water alone at night.'

The team has already scouted the entire route by land and water, talking with local marine safety authorities, checking coastal bars and bays for problems and safe landing sites.

'We even have the support of the Army,' said Mr Fels. 'The longest stretch between towns and marinas is north of Yepoon, past Shoalwater Bay. The armed forces training grounds are there and they have kindly allowed us in to this highly restricted area to stay overnight and refuel.'

To support John Fels' venture and donate to the Leukaemia Foundation, or for more information about the voyage, contact him by mobile phone, 0437 829 450.