THE winged keel proved the secret to Australia II’s sailing success at the America’s Cup in 1983.
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At South Lake Macquarie Amateur Sailing Club, at Sunshine, a very different kind of invention is making its mark.
Just as Ben Lexcen’s innovative keel design turned a whole generation of Australians onto sailing, George Kalaf’s custom-designed and -built mobile wood-fired pizza oven is doing its bit to enhance the sailing experience for Lake Macquarie kids.
Mr Kalaf and his wife Emma operate the hobby business, Sunshine Pizza, which they stress is more hobby than business.
“It’s all about our love for pizza,” Mr Kalaf said.
What sets this operation apart is that it’s mobile.
The oven sits on a trailer and can be towed to venues for cooking onsite – and there’s no need to hook up to a power supply.
It’s been a welcome treat for sailors in the lead-up to, and during the weekend of, the State Optimist Sailing Championships at the club.
“We’ve been to some school fetes, and charity events, and we’ve also been asked to do a wedding,” Mr Kalaf said.
Designing a mobile pizza oven has been a labour of love for the Kalafs.
“I’ve been researching materials for a long time, and there’s been a lot of trial and error,” Mr Kalaf said.
“I also have an oven at home that I’ve built, and I’ve been commissioned by a friend to make one.”
- For details, phone Mr Kalaf on 0414 568475.