Nominate a young achiever: deadline January 28
The end of January deadline to nominate young Queenslanders for the Queensland Young Achiever Awards is fast approaching.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries acting Regional Director Alan Stephens is urging everyone to nominate a young person they know aged between 14 and 26 for these awards.
"The Queensland Young Achiever Awards Program for 2005 recognises talented young people who have excelled in one of seven fields: the arts, their careers, community service, the environment, regional initiative, science and technology, and sports," Mr Stephens said.
"DPI&F is honoured to be sponsoring the Regional Initiative Award in this program, which will recognise the contribution one young Queenslander has made to the rural sector," he said.
Each of the category winners receives a $2000 cash prize, with the overall State winner receiving an additional $2000.
These awards endeavour to encourage and motivate young Queenslanders in their chosen fields while also helping them to develop their leadership and life skills; Mr Stephens said.
Nominations close on Friday January 28, and winners will be announced during National Youth Week in April 2005.
Australia Day
On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor. Australia Day, a national holiday, is a day of celebrating what's great about Australia and being Australian.
World Champs postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful, that this grand world event which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding it in January/ February 2006 in that country.
Seal of approval
Welcome back to all you holiday makers. The editor of the Monash University Information Technology newsletter writes that we may all legitimately fear the occasional bad day.
"So I thought it might be timely to reflect now on the fact that there is always someone worse off than oneself. Next time you feel the onset a bad day, bear in mind these examples:
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.
At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A moment later, a killer whale ate them both.
Airlie Bay underwater obstruction
Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction is located in approximate position latitude 20° 16.05'S, longitude 148° 43.15'E at Airlie Bay. Chart: AUS 268
Reality and you
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."
--Les Brown
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Festival to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea
Trafalgar 200, to commemorate 200 years since the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was launched at the London Boat Show.
On 28 June, there will be a chance to see warships from over 30 nations side by side on the Solent as part of the biggest ever International Fleet Review. A four-day event will then follow with the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar 200 is part of this year's SeaBritain 2005 campaign to promote the sea. Chairman of SeaBritain 2005 David Quarmby CBE said: "It is a festival of events, exhibitions and celebrations around the UK coastline, waterways and islands to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea."
Aboard the HMS Sutherland at the London Boat Show, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC said: "It will be the largest International Fleet Review ever staged and I am delighted by the number of navies that have accepted the invitation to attend."
Her majesty the Queen, The Lord High Admiral will be reviewing The Fleet of around 150 vessels, which includes warships, tall ships, merchant ships and yachts. Her majesty will be aboard a naval vessel to witness a steam and sail past of the boats.
With an emphasis on youth, the Review will see around 3,000 young people afloat.
Mike Richmond, the Managing Director of the festival said: "Our key aim when visitors leave our site is to make sure they are fully marinated!"
Crowned the vice-patron of the festival, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson also spoke of her love of the sea and how some young people have never been to the sea. She said: "We have such a strong heritage with the sea that we hope to show that the sea is accessible for everyone."
Airlie sailor's record improved
Sailing from Dakar in Senegal to Guadeloupe in an open catamaran of 20-foot is not easy. Trying to break the 1986 record of 18 days and 22 hours set by Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurent and French mate Pradel. Three sailors have lost their lives trying.
In 1999, Hans Bouscholte (Ned) and Gerard Navarin (Fra) set a new world record after four attempts of mainly French crews. On a modified Inter 20, Bouscholte and Navarin sailed the 2700 miles in 15 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. On the 9th of January 2005, on their second attempt, Andrea Gancia and Matteo Miceli (ITA), sailing their 20-foot cat Abaco broke this reference in a new World Record (to be ratified by the WSSRC) of 13 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes. Andrea and Matteo were 35 hours faster than Bouscholte and Navarin.
Another Australian and a Belgian crew is preparing for an attempt on the record.
New Years
The Chinese New Year 4702 is February 2, at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
Forty-six percent of New Year's resolutions will remain in effect six months from now, according to a study.
Finally, a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will move up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top, in case you have any champagne left over. This is not a cure for a hangover, however.
Supermaxi dismasted
Two weeks ago Ludde Ingvall's supermaxi Nicorette took line honours in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.
Her two main rivals, Skandia and Konica Minolta and many other competitors did not survive the tough weather conditions.
This week, during a corporate sail, with Nicorette sponsor clients, the 90-footer was about half a mile seaward of the Gold Coast Seaway at around 3.30pm sailing under main and headsail, in a flat seaway, at about 10 knots when her $1 million mast and sails went over the side into 22 metres of seawater.
Sailor swaps Cold Water for Warm
International yachtsman Nick Lykiardopulo spent the New Year relaxing on Hamilton Island after winning the gruelling Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Lykiardopulo was relaxing on Hamilton Island with his wife and family when the lure of a twilight sailing race with locals became too much to bear, reports Susan Boyd.
"He was delighted to swap the rough and unpredictable conditions associated with the Sydney Hobart Race with the idyllic and warm racing in the twilight racing series of Hamilton Island on Wednesday evening."
Lykiardopulo who owns the British Ker 55 Aera said he loves sailing in the Whitsundays. He has previous competed in Hamilton Island and Hayman Island regattas and welcomes any opportunity to sail in beautiful seas in the warmth.
He was welcomed aboard the crew of Hustler skippered by Airlie Beach local Bruce Finlay.
The crew finished third overall in the race, behind Hamilton Island yachts Excalibur and Silverado.
Patrol praises boating enthusiasts
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has applauded the good behaviour of boaties and recreational fishers during the Christmas New Year holiday break.
While Queenslanders turned out in their thousands to enjoy the State's waterways very few marine infringement notices were handed out.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol A/General Manager Bob Grimley said patrol field officers carried out nearly 8000 regulatory fisheries inspections and boating safety equipment checks during the period.
"Considering the large number of inspections, officers handed out just 168 infringement notices throughout the State with the majority of fines being for boating safety equipment breaches and speeding," Mr Grimley said.
"The bulk of our recreational boating enthusiasts have been extremely responsible but to have more than 120 boat owners putting their passengers and vessels at risk by carrying incorrect safety equipment or through speeding was disappointing," he said.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. His yacht later suffered structural problems and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
Laguna Quays, Gloucester Passage, Nares Rock notices
The depth in the entrance channel to Laguna Quays (20 35'.95 S 141 41'.48 E) is reduced. Local knowledge from the marina office should be sought before transiting the channel. Chart: Aus252
Gloucester Passage - Light buoy. Insert west cardinal cylindrical light buoy, Q(9) 15s, with topmark 20 04.01 S 148 26.41 Chart: Aus825
Nares Rock - Navaid. Substitute light, Fl(2) 5s, for light beacon 19 46.2 S 148 21.5 E Chart: Aus825.
Help?
"The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
--Carl Rogers
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Trafalgar 200, to commemorate 200 years since the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was launched at the London Boat Show.
On 28 June, there will be a chance to see warships from over 30 nations side by side on the Solent as part of the biggest ever International Fleet Review. A four-day event will then follow with the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar 200 is part of this year's SeaBritain 2005 campaign to promote the sea. Chairman of SeaBritain 2005 David Quarmby CBE said: "It is a festival of events, exhibitions and celebrations around the UK coastline, waterways and islands to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea."
Aboard the HMS Sutherland at the London Boat Show, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC said: "It will be the largest International Fleet Review ever staged and I am delighted by the number of navies that have accepted the invitation to attend."
Her majesty the Queen, The Lord High Admiral will be reviewing The Fleet of around 150 vessels, which includes warships, tall ships, merchant ships and yachts. Her majesty will be aboard a naval vessel to witness a steam and sail past of the boats.
With an emphasis on youth, the Review will see around 3,000 young people afloat.
Mike Richmond, the Managing Director of the festival said: "Our key aim when visitors leave our site is to make sure they are fully marinated!"
Crowned the vice-patron of the festival, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson also spoke of her love of the sea and how some young people have never been to the sea. She said: "We have such a strong heritage with the sea that we hope to show that the sea is accessible for everyone."
Airlie sailor's record improved
Sailing from Dakar in Senegal to Guadeloupe in an open catamaran of 20-foot is not easy. Trying to break the 1986 record of 18 days and 22 hours set by Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurent and French mate Pradel. Three sailors have lost their lives trying.
In 1999, Hans Bouscholte (Ned) and Gerard Navarin (Fra) set a new world record after four attempts of mainly French crews. On a modified Inter 20, Bouscholte and Navarin sailed the 2700 miles in 15 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. On the 9th of January 2005, on their second attempt, Andrea Gancia and Matteo Miceli (ITA), sailing their 20-foot cat Abaco broke this reference in a new World Record (to be ratified by the WSSRC) of 13 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes. Andrea and Matteo were 35 hours faster than Bouscholte and Navarin.
Another Australian and a Belgian crew is preparing for an attempt on the record.
New Years
The Chinese New Year 4702 is February 2, at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
Forty-six percent of New Year's resolutions will remain in effect six months from now, according to a study.
Finally, a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will move up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top, in case you have any champagne left over. This is not a cure for a hangover, however.
Supermaxi dismasted
Two weeks ago Ludde Ingvall's supermaxi Nicorette took line honours in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.
Her two main rivals, Skandia and Konica Minolta and many other competitors did not survive the tough weather conditions.
This week, during a corporate sail, with Nicorette sponsor clients, the 90-footer was about half a mile seaward of the Gold Coast Seaway at around 3.30pm sailing under main and headsail, in a flat seaway, at about 10 knots when her $1 million mast and sails went over the side into 22 metres of seawater.
Sailor swaps Cold Water for Warm
International yachtsman Nick Lykiardopulo spent the New Year relaxing on Hamilton Island after winning the gruelling Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Lykiardopulo was relaxing on Hamilton Island with his wife and family when the lure of a twilight sailing race with locals became too much to bear, reports Susan Boyd.
"He was delighted to swap the rough and unpredictable conditions associated with the Sydney Hobart Race with the idyllic and warm racing in the twilight racing series of Hamilton Island on Wednesday evening."
Lykiardopulo who owns the British Ker 55 Aera said he loves sailing in the Whitsundays. He has previous competed in Hamilton Island and Hayman Island regattas and welcomes any opportunity to sail in beautiful seas in the warmth.
He was welcomed aboard the crew of Hustler skippered by Airlie Beach local Bruce Finlay.
The crew finished third overall in the race, behind Hamilton Island yachts Excalibur and Silverado.
Patrol praises boating enthusiasts
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has applauded the good behaviour of boaties and recreational fishers during the Christmas New Year holiday break.
While Queenslanders turned out in their thousands to enjoy the State's waterways very few marine infringement notices were handed out.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol A/General Manager Bob Grimley said patrol field officers carried out nearly 8000 regulatory fisheries inspections and boating safety equipment checks during the period.
"Considering the large number of inspections, officers handed out just 168 infringement notices throughout the State with the majority of fines being for boating safety equipment breaches and speeding," Mr Grimley said.
"The bulk of our recreational boating enthusiasts have been extremely responsible but to have more than 120 boat owners putting their passengers and vessels at risk by carrying incorrect safety equipment or through speeding was disappointing," he said.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. His yacht later suffered structural problems and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
Laguna Quays, Gloucester Passage, Nares Rock notices
The depth in the entrance channel to Laguna Quays (20 35'.95 S 141 41'.48 E) is reduced. Local knowledge from the marina office should be sought before transiting the channel. Chart: Aus252
Gloucester Passage - Light buoy. Insert west cardinal cylindrical light buoy, Q(9) 15s, with topmark 20 04.01 S 148 26.41 Chart: Aus825
Nares Rock - Navaid. Substitute light, Fl(2) 5s, for light beacon 19 46.2 S 148 21.5 E Chart: Aus825.
Help?
"The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
--Carl Rogers
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Submariners and their boats
Submariners and their boats have been in the local news lately, so as an above sea-level sailor your Waterfront writer brushed up on the subject of the underwater mariners.
For those interested in submarines there is a book in the council library titled 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines." Perhaps a good way to become an instant sub-expert.
For sailors, the sail, formerly known as the conning tower encloses the periscope and snorkel. It looks like a keel on top of the boat. In addition, for those new to the subject, a sub is always called a boat.
Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci designed an underwater warship but kept it secret.
Getting seasick is apparently very common when the boat is at the surface due to the movement of the long cigar-shaped steel tube. At 546 feet below the waves, it is as steady as the basement of an office building even during a cyclone.
In the chapter, 'Reacting to an Emergency' it says, "When an emergency occurs on a sub, many of the crew start to look like a series of one-person bands. Under the waves this is known as "multitasking." I wondered what that term meant.
It's all about the secrets of the deep, stealth being everything. Hooning around in a noisy fashion is not a submariner thing.
Local ex-submariner Col Deller told me years ago that submariners have an interesting sense of humour, why the boats don't have screen doors, that sort of thing. 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines" says the exception is that it is never a good idea to say, "Good news Captain -- the flooding put out the fire." Apparently, sub commanders don't have a sense of humour about emergencies.
An ex-submariners group, the North Queensland Submariners Association of Australia recently held their official sub-branch launch. Their next gathering will be held locally in March where up to 50 ex-submariners are expected.
Airlie to Asia Relief Fund
In support of those in Asia dealing with the recent tsunami disaster, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is calling on all business and community groups within the region to support them in raising funds to be donated to Care Australia for victims aid support.
All donations need to be made by Wednesday 5 January and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce will issue a receipt acknowledging the donation of funds.
If you have any enquiries please contact Judi Dunn, Secretary Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce on 4946 2000, alternatively you can make a donation personally at PRDnationwide Whitsunday at 350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.
Tropical Jellyfish
An information program on marine stingers following the Tourism Whitsundays Irukandji Stinger seminar held in November, Surf Lifesaving Queensland has given Tourism Whitsundays a number of DVDs, which contain the latest available information about marine stingers. Any operators wanting to borrow this DVD for staff information and training purposes should please contact membership@whitsundaytourism.com or call me on 4948 5916 to arrange a copy.
Fine for husband and wife
A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
"Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws," he said.
"This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences."
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. In the 1996 edition Bertrand de Broc suffered structural problems with his boat and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
The Good life
"It's a good life at sea, no matter what boat you are on."
Whitsunday ex-submariner Col Deller
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Submariners and their boats have been in the local news lately, so as an above sea-level sailor your Waterfront writer brushed up on the subject of the underwater mariners.
For those interested in submarines there is a book in the council library titled 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines." Perhaps a good way to become an instant sub-expert.
For sailors, the sail, formerly known as the conning tower encloses the periscope and snorkel. It looks like a keel on top of the boat. In addition, for those new to the subject, a sub is always called a boat.
Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci designed an underwater warship but kept it secret.
Getting seasick is apparently very common when the boat is at the surface due to the movement of the long cigar-shaped steel tube. At 546 feet below the waves, it is as steady as the basement of an office building even during a cyclone.
In the chapter, 'Reacting to an Emergency' it says, "When an emergency occurs on a sub, many of the crew start to look like a series of one-person bands. Under the waves this is known as "multitasking." I wondered what that term meant.
It's all about the secrets of the deep, stealth being everything. Hooning around in a noisy fashion is not a submariner thing.
Local ex-submariner Col Deller told me years ago that submariners have an interesting sense of humour, why the boats don't have screen doors, that sort of thing. 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines" says the exception is that it is never a good idea to say, "Good news Captain -- the flooding put out the fire." Apparently, sub commanders don't have a sense of humour about emergencies.
An ex-submariners group, the North Queensland Submariners Association of Australia recently held their official sub-branch launch. Their next gathering will be held locally in March where up to 50 ex-submariners are expected.
Airlie to Asia Relief Fund
In support of those in Asia dealing with the recent tsunami disaster, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is calling on all business and community groups within the region to support them in raising funds to be donated to Care Australia for victims aid support.
All donations need to be made by Wednesday 5 January and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce will issue a receipt acknowledging the donation of funds.
If you have any enquiries please contact Judi Dunn, Secretary Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce on 4946 2000, alternatively you can make a donation personally at PRDnationwide Whitsunday at 350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.
Tropical Jellyfish
An information program on marine stingers following the Tourism Whitsundays Irukandji Stinger seminar held in November, Surf Lifesaving Queensland has given Tourism Whitsundays a number of DVDs, which contain the latest available information about marine stingers. Any operators wanting to borrow this DVD for staff information and training purposes should please contact membership@whitsundaytourism.com or call me on 4948 5916 to arrange a copy.
Fine for husband and wife
A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
"Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws," he said.
"This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences."
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. In the 1996 edition Bertrand de Broc suffered structural problems with his boat and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
The Good life
"It's a good life at sea, no matter what boat you are on."
Whitsunday ex-submariner Col Deller
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
SOS: Safe Over Summer
This summer holidays there is an increased number of boat users on the waterways increasing collision risks. Boat registrations in Queensland, recorded by Queensland Transport in October were 187,893 with 7,677 Personal Water Craft registrations.
Even minor collisions can cause serious damage to your boat, to infrastructure or worse cause injuries or fatalities.
To avoid collisions: Keep a good watch! Use both sight and sound to be aware of other boats particularly in bad weather due to restricted visibility and darkness.
Keep a safe distance! Allow plenty of time to stop just in case something pops up. Remember, speed limits apply.
Make your intentions clear! Never assume that the operator of another boat will observe the rules. Be prepared to take action!
Like roads, the sea has clear & defined traffic laws to indicate passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats.
Safety is a key priority and you must do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
When navigating narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard side (right) pass oncoming boats on the portside (left).
The golden rule of giving way is look all around, give way to right, turn to right and stay to the right. When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
If you are overtaking a boat, you can overtake to either side of the boat you wish to pass. Ensure you keep well of the boat you wish to overtake. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In all instances, do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
When two boats are crossing, the boat on your right has right of way. Keep clear, alter your course or slow down to pass astern of the other boat. If you have the right of way, be predictable and keep your course and speed. If the other boat does not give way, the boat with the right of way must take action to avoid a collision.
Remember your actions affect others and you have a responsibility to others on waterways.
Watch where you are going - a collision at sea can wreck your entire day.
New Year thought
We all want to be happy. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to how we feel. Beyond that, there are a number of things we can do to alter our state and experience more joy.
* Look for the good in things.
* Be sure to laugh often. Look for the humour in every situation.
* Resolve not to be a whiner.
* Live with passion and do things with verve.
Attitude is a choice. So, choose to be positive.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Another year gone
'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.
Newfoundland fisherman's saying.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
This summer holidays there is an increased number of boat users on the waterways increasing collision risks. Boat registrations in Queensland, recorded by Queensland Transport in October were 187,893 with 7,677 Personal Water Craft registrations.
Even minor collisions can cause serious damage to your boat, to infrastructure or worse cause injuries or fatalities.
To avoid collisions: Keep a good watch! Use both sight and sound to be aware of other boats particularly in bad weather due to restricted visibility and darkness.
Keep a safe distance! Allow plenty of time to stop just in case something pops up. Remember, speed limits apply.
Make your intentions clear! Never assume that the operator of another boat will observe the rules. Be prepared to take action!
Like roads, the sea has clear & defined traffic laws to indicate passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats.
Safety is a key priority and you must do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
When navigating narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard side (right) pass oncoming boats on the portside (left).
The golden rule of giving way is look all around, give way to right, turn to right and stay to the right. When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
If you are overtaking a boat, you can overtake to either side of the boat you wish to pass. Ensure you keep well of the boat you wish to overtake. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In all instances, do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
When two boats are crossing, the boat on your right has right of way. Keep clear, alter your course or slow down to pass astern of the other boat. If you have the right of way, be predictable and keep your course and speed. If the other boat does not give way, the boat with the right of way must take action to avoid a collision.
Remember your actions affect others and you have a responsibility to others on waterways.
Watch where you are going - a collision at sea can wreck your entire day.
New Year thought
We all want to be happy. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to how we feel. Beyond that, there are a number of things we can do to alter our state and experience more joy.
* Look for the good in things.
* Be sure to laugh often. Look for the humour in every situation.
* Resolve not to be a whiner.
* Live with passion and do things with verve.
Attitude is a choice. So, choose to be positive.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Another year gone
'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.
Newfoundland fisherman's saying.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
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