Surrounded by water a good cure for flood victims
A local bareboat charter company believes being surrounded by blue water would be a good cure for past charter clients who have suffered in the recent flooding events.
While offering their sympathies, Airlie Beach based Whitsunday Escape is also offering two five-night bareboat charters to any past charterers who had their home flooded.
"The holiday needs to be taken in the next year and we will match you to the same or similar boat you took last time. Let us know your circumstances. If we have more than two requests we will draw names from a hat," a Whitsunday Escape spokesperson added.
Sailability draw
At the Sailability Aussie Day last week, the draw for the keelboat race and rum prizes was conducted by Commodore Kevin Fogarty using the Airlie Concrete truck to spin out numbered coconuts. Later the raffle draw was drawn to cheers. The hard part is getting only one nut at a time.
Rum Race
The next Sorrento's Friday night rum race is on this Friday (weather permitting!). Lyn Chalmers of Abel Point Yacht Club writes that "anyone who would like to go sailing, or learn to sail is welcome. Be at Sorrento's, Abel Point Marina by 3.30pm to get on a boat. Or they can contact Rupert King, Commodore on 0406077703."
Big? It's Capesize!
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP) is finalising planning for the development of a man-made reclaimed harbour at the Port of Abbot Point.
The Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility (MCF) involves dredging and reclamation to create a sheltered man-made harbour of armoured bund walls of about 13km in length. When completed, the MCF will create up to 12 shipping berths, all Capesize capable if necessary with the project providing 320 hectares of adjoining reclaimed area, a shipping access channel and a tug harbour for the port.
Readers asked about 'Capesize ships'; to travel between oceans, these ships have to pass either the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn. In effect Capesize reads as "unlimited" with their large size and deep draft mean that only the largest deep water terminals can accommodate them.
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Cruise Lines have announced that it would base the 88,500-tonne 'Carnival Spirit' in Australia. This will be Carnival's first venture into Australian waters, and the largest cruise ship to be based full-time out of Australia.
'Carnival Spirit' will arrive in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25.
"The 2012-13 cruise season is now shaping up to be a record year for the Australian cruise market with all major lines placing additional ships in the region," said Jill Abel, General Manager of Australia's national cruise industry body Cruise Down Under.
Where are they now?
In February of last year, ultra marathon swimmers, Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron joined by local tri athlete Christie Leet swam from Whitehaven Beach to Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island - a distance of 14.5 kilometres.
Waterfront has just heard from Todd Cameron who says, "I am an hour north of Toronto for this winter, it was -31C here a week ago and is -22C right now, very Antarctic like conditions. Next winter: Back to Australia."
Seawind Rally 2011
The annual Seawind Rally is on again during June 18-25! Last year, 19 Seawind Cats and 80 crew members attended. The fleet cruises to a different anchorage each day where beach barbeques are arranged or onshore entertainment is organised. We still have some Seawind sailing catamarans available for the rally. Get in early!
To obtain a quote, book your boat or place a hold contact Whitsunday Escape
Finger moved
Mariners are advised that Finger Reef buoy Fl R 2.5s normally located at the eastern seaward end of Gloucester Passage has been reported off station in a westerly direction. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area. AUS chart 268
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
