Queensland's saviour or another disaster

Queensland's saviour or another disaster

 

Strewth! It's the Million Dollar Memo

 

Million Dollar Memo News says Hot or Not; go with what ya got

 

One week since the launch of Queensland's Million Dollar Memo campaign and entries are starting to arrive, slowly.

 

Exactly four entries in the first seven days; Hot or Not? Million Dollar Memo News is on the job with a quick review of two.

 

Hot! The Croatian bank girls from Zagrebacka Banka. I wouldn't want to work there, but I would accept an invitation to join them for a drink after work. Eastern European girls are always welcome in Queensland!

 

Not! The property pigs - What is the message here? Get your snout in the Queensland property trough?

 

Member for Whitsunday and Queensland's Minister for Tourism Jan Jarratt told Million Dollar Memo News this week that "We're encouraging people to have a bit of fun with this."  So we at MDMN have taken her at her word.

 

A week is a long time in politics and fashion and Friday will be two weeks into the Million Dollar Memo as well as April Fools Day. That should get the traffic flowing or Queensland Premier Captain Anna Bligh will be keel hauling some of her tourism staff.

 

Airlie Beach, Whitsunday - The Heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef

 

Million Dollar Memo News is a fun site promoting Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays  http://www.milliondollarmemonews.com/

Cyclone milestones

Cyclone milestones this week

 

This week marks one year since cyclone Ului crossed our coast and 100 years since the luxury steamship S.S. Yongala disappeared during a cyclone just north of the Whitsunday Islands, with a loss of all 122 passengers and crew.

For almost 50 years the steam ship kept her watery grave a secret until divers recovered her safe and noted her name in 13 inch tall letters on her bow in 1958.

Today, March 23, a wreath will be placed in honour of those 122 lost souls who perished in one of Australia's most tragic maritime incidents.

Scuba divers with Alva Beach based Yongala Dive will mark the longevity and endurance of the wreck that is now protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 and managed through the Maritime Archaeology Section of the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

At 110 metres (361-feet) long she is one of the largest, most intact historic shipwrecks registered on the Queensland National Estate as a Heritage site

A special interpretive sign was unveiled by the Burdekin Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin on Sunday during a special family day at Alva Beach, the closest launching point to the famous wreck, with Alva-based Yongala Dive providing a 30-minute boat trip.

The SS Yongala is a popular dive spot with an extensive array of marine life that has prospered throughout 100 years of tides, currents and high winds.

The anniversary provides the opportunity for divers to recall the S.S. Yongala's history, and reflect upon how a tragedy can become a lifeline for a wide variety of marine species.   Yongala Dive - www.yongaladive.com.au

 

Descendant tribute voyage

 

MV Sea Esta has departed Townsville bound for an exceptional rendezvous with historic S.S. Yongala and carrying a special passenger.

Charles Woodward is the son of Jack Woodward, the third son of Charles and Maud Woodward and the great grandson of Mary Anne Woodward, who perished on the Yongala's final voyage 100 years ago.

The crew on MV Sea Esta are on a voyage to pay tribute to the 122 lives lost on the 23rd March 1911.

122 flowers will be scattered during a memorial service on the day.  Sandra de Matos, Marketing Manager of Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive and President of the 100 years of Yongala Tribute on The Seabed committee says "the 122 flowers recognizing the lives lost will add their own personal touch to the day.  It is important for family members to take time on that day".

Mr Woodward said "It is too late to do anything for the victims of the Yongala except to honour their memory but we can at least contribute to the victims of Cyclone Yasi."

 

Nemo spotted

 

Very cute little Dutch children on Saturday's FantaSea reef trip burst into a long and loud chorus of "Nemo, Nemo, Nemo," et cetera, when they spotted the famous Clownfish on the ship's wide screen. Other children of unknown origin joined in the chorus. Bet is they had a great fun day.

  

Notice to Mariners

 

While out during the last week I saw that the front leading light on Daydream Island guiding vessels through Unsafe passage between Mid Molle Island and North Molle Island be unlit.

Lagoon Rock - Mariners are advised that the lighted west cardinal mark beacon Q (9) 15s which marks Lagoon Rock off Whitehaven Beach has been destroyed.

Fitzalan Passage - Mariners are advised that the lighted special mark buoy Fl Y 2.5s in Fitzalan Passage between Henning Island and Whitsunday Island, usually in approximate position latitude 20° 18.8' S, longitude 148° 56.05' E, is reported to be off station. The reported position of the lighted buoy is between Henning Island and Plum Pudding Island.

Mariners should navigate with caution in the vicinity and report any sightings to the Regional Harbour Master's Office Mackay, telephone 4944 3700.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

 

 

Seeing under the sea

Seeing under the sea has taken a turn, you can now do it without scuba gear or even getting wet and on Monday night you can see how it is done.

Mike Cappo from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) will show you at a free presentation at the Reef Gateway at 7:00 pm. 

Did you ever wonder how scientists study the fish populations of the deep inter-reef habitats? 

And what have they found? Well, wonder no more and come along to a fascinating evening with Mike Cappo from AIMS and learn all about BRUVS.

Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) have been developed by AIMS scientists in order to monitor the vast areas of deeper inter-reef and shelf habitats inaccessible to research divers so that important bioregions there can be included in marine protected areas.

BRUVS consist of tourist-grade "HandiCam" video cameras in simple underwater housings made of PVC sewer pipe and acrylic, with a canister of minced pilchards on the end of a bait arm in the field of view. The housings are held in steel frames, and picked up after one or two hours filming at the seabed.

In his talk, 'One Fish, Two Fish, Green Fish, Blue Fish' Mike will present some ideas formed by counting and measuring deepwater reds, coral trout, tusk fish and reef sharks including tigers and hammerheads with BRUVS.

The Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee and the award winning OUCH Volunteers have pooled their resources for the presentation at Reef Gateway on Monday April 11 at 7:00 pm.  More information WLMAC Secretary 0407676952.

 

America's Cup News

 

"The big news today is that San Francisco AC34 (34^th America's Cup) will be designated a "National Special Security Event," which means that the US Secret Service will take over the responsibility for regatta security and the FBI will take over policing duties.

"The announcement was accompanied by a maritime security plan produced by the newly formed 34CUP security organization that shows all San Francisco harbors will be closed during the 43 days of racing from July through September, a move that drew strong reactions from the local boating community.

"Close all the harbors?" asked local sailor Roman Barnakle. "I don't understand why they just couldn't set up some of those barriers with the retractable nylon webbing around the racing area."

However, due to budget cuts, maritime law enforcement will be closing off harbors rather than trying to patrol the perimeter of the racing area.

"There's no way that taxpayer dollars should be spent on providing security for these super rich guys to go play around in boats," said Richard Stiphington of the American Way Taxpayer's League.

"Why should taxpayer dollars be used for event security when they can be used to build a life-sized ark in the middle of Missouri?"

Your Waterfront writer then noticed the press release date was April 1, 2011.

 

China rejects 'hot' ship

 

Singapore flagged motor ship 'MOL Presence' was this week refused entry to the Chinese port at Xiamen in Fujian when high levels of radiation were recorded on arrival officials say.

The incident represents the first time a ship has been prevented from entering a foreign port due to radiation.

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) rejected Chinese claims that 'MOL Presence' was contaminated when inspections off Kobe, Japan found levels below the Chinese figures.

 

Marine Notice

 

Stonehaven Anchorage - Mariners are advised that the lighted starboard lateral mark beacon Fl G 2.5s in approximate position latitude 20° 05.3' S, longitude 148° 53.1' E, which is between Black Island and Bird Island in the South Channel adjacent Stonehaven Anchorage, is reported to be unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 & 254

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Whitsunday Sailing Club proves forty years young

Sailing Club proves forty years young

Some twenty-five years ago, having recently moved to Airlie Beach, I walked
into the bar at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and while enjoying a refreshing
ale, asked about membership.

"Ask Jimmy Hayes" was the response. So I sat down to wait for Jimmy Hayes,
and so began one of the countless friendships I have formed at the club over
the years.

Many good ideas were discovered after a night at the club bar; coming to
light later, written as they were on the back of a drink-soaked beer
coaster.

Some surviving ideas include Airlie Beach Race Week, originally sponsored by
Hog's Breath, the annual Blessing of the Fleet, the ever popular Wednesday
afternoon sailing and marine training.

Some that didn't stay on the calendar include the City to the Sun Race from
Sydney to Airlie with the Cruising Yacht Club, Paradise to Paradise Race to
Port Vila Vanuatu and one I thought would last, but was not to be;
Mooloolaba to Airlie.

Sometimes the best laid plans have a flaw, and the Soggy Santa is surely
included as one of those. On this Yuletide occasion Santa, who shall remain
nameless, felt it necessary to fortify himself before the encounter with the
young sailors with their cheeky comments and sticky lolly hands. Suffice to
say, Santa perhaps over-did the heart starter and when delivered to the
sailing club bay by speedboat proved that the most dangerous place is
between the boat and shore.

You just never know who you will meet at the Sailing Club bar and it has
always been one of those places where unique individuals abound. If you were
to find yourself talking to someone wearing a 'Rolls Royce Owners Club'
t-shirt you can be confident they either found it in a rag bag or actually
own a Roller, or two.

Mrs Cap'n Dan had her work cut out planning our wedding, having to juggle
the race calendar and tide times so Hayman's 'Sun Paradise' could dock at
Abel Point to embark our Wedding party. My mate Fr Keith Felgate, Ex Royal
Navy padre, said we really had to be married at sea. He was right and after
a turn around the Whitsunday islands the reception followed at the club.

The long battle to get the lease for Port of Airlie began with the grandiose
plans of Christopher Skase to turn the entire Muddy Bay / Boat Haven Bay
into a resort, marina and golf course. When Skase bailed out (pun intended)
FAI insurance was owed something from him and got dibs on the lease.
Learning curve included realising that when they said something would happen
on Monday, the real question had to be "what year?"

The collection of photos on display at the anniversary dinner brought back
many memories, not only were we faster then, we were better looking! (Speak
for yourself! says Mrs Cap'n)

At the dinner party it was excellent to hear some of the yarns about days
gone by. Getting things done was one subject and Club patron Eddie Gray is
the font of knowledge when detail is needed. Having our State and Federal
representatives in attendance and wanting to impart some 'can do' spirit
onto them, Eddie described the use of gelignite to enhance dinghy bay
access, that predated the arrival of WH&S, nosey officialdom and the Nanny
State to the area.

The night included thoughts about the absent faces of friends. The late Bill
McGrath was remembered with son Mark accepting on behalf of the family a
plaque to his memory. Others were remembered for their fun, friendship and
how much drink they spilled doing it.

So here I am years later as a Commodore retired, the beer is still cold . .
. and I still spend some time at the bar waiting for Jimmy Hayes.

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan, Commodore (Ret.)

Dan is a regular broadcaster on ABC Radio Tropical North

Cyclone milestones this week

Cyclone milestones this week

 

This week marks one year since cyclone Ului crossed our coast and 100 years since the luxury steamship S.S. Yongala disappeared during a cyclone just north of the Whitsunday Islands, with a loss of all 122 passengers and crew.

For almost 50 years the steam ship kept her watery grave a secret until divers recovered her safe and noted her name in 13 inch tall letters on her bow in 1958.

Today, March 23, a wreath will be placed in honour of those 122 lost souls who perished in one of Australia's most tragic maritime incidents.

Scuba divers with Alva Beach based Yongala Dive will mark the longevity and endurance of the wreck that is now protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 and managed through the Maritime Archaeology Section of the Museum of Tropical Queensland.

At 110 metres (361-feet) long she is one of the largest, most intact historic shipwrecks registered on the Queensland National Estate as a Heritage site

A special interpretive sign was unveiled by the Burdekin Mayor, Lyn McLaughlin on Sunday during a special family day at Alva Beach, the closest launching point to the famous wreck, with Alva-based Yongala Dive providing a 30-minute boat trip.

The SS Yongala is a popular dive spot with an extensive array of marine life that has prospered throughout 100 years of tides, currents and high winds.

The anniversary provides the opportunity for divers to recall the S.S. Yongala's history, and reflect upon how a tragedy can become a lifeline for a wide variety of marine species.   Yongala Dive - www.yongaladive.com.au

 

Descendant tribute voyage

 

MV Sea Esta has departed Townsville bound for an exceptional rendezvous with historic S.S. Yongala and carrying a special passenger.

Charles Woodward is the son of Jack Woodward, the third son of Charles and Maud Woodward and the great grandson of Mary Anne Woodward, who perished on the Yongala's final voyage 100 years ago.

The crew on MV Sea Esta are on a voyage to pay tribute to the 122 lives lost on the 23rd March 1911.

122 flowers will be scattered during a memorial service on the day.  Sandra de Matos, Marketing Manager of Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive and President of the 100 years of Yongala Tribute on The Seabed committee says "the 122 flowers recognizing the lives lost will add their own personal touch to the day.  It is important for family members to take time on that day".

Mr Woodward said "It is too late to do anything for the victims of the Yongala except to honour their memory but we can at least contribute to the victims of Cyclone Yasi."

 

Nemo spotted

 

Very cute little Dutch children on Saturday's FantaSea reef trip burst into a long and loud chorus of "Nemo, Nemo, Nemo," et cetera, when they spotted the famous Clownfish on the ship's wide screen. Other children of unknown origin joined in the chorus. Bet is they had a great fun day.

 

 

Notice to Mariners

 

While out during the last week I saw that the front leading light on Daydream Island guiding vessels through Unsafe passage between Mid Molle Island and North Molle Island be unlit.

Lagoon Rock - Mariners are advised that the lighted west cardinal mark beacon Q (9) 15s which marks Lagoon Rock off Whitehaven Beach has been destroyed.

Fitzalan Passage - Mariners are advised that the lighted special mark buoy Fl Y 2.5s in Fitzalan Passage between Henning Island and Whitsunday Island, usually in approximate position latitude 20° 18.8' S, longitude 148° 56.05' E, is reported to be off station. The reported position of the lighted buoy is between Henning Island and Plum Pudding Island.

Mariners should navigate with caution in the vicinity and report any sightings to the Regional Harbour Master's Office Mackay, telephone 4944 3700.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

 

 

Dent to Dunk race with a change . . . or two

Dent to Dunk race with a change . . . or two

 

"We have some exciting news. The Dent to Dunk Rally and Race are on this year," reports Lyn Chalmers of Abel Point Yacht Club.

"The Rally will now be called the Coral Coast Rally and we are sailing to Port Douglas. Instead of spending two nights at Dunk Island (due to cyclone damage) the rally will now spend two nights at Fitzroy Island.

"The rally starts from Airlie Beach on Wednesday 1st June and ends in Port Douglas on 11th June. 

"The race this year is being called the Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island Race.  It is still a 210 nautical mile race, starting from Airlie Beach, going around the Palm Group of Islands then back to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island.  "The rally is timed to be there to see the racing yachts finish.  The race starts at 4pm on Friday 3rd June," Ms Chalmers says.

The rally boats will arrive at Horseshoe Bay Magnetic Island on Saturday June 4 with presentations for the race winners at 4pm Sunday 5 June.

 

Eco Barge goes OS

 

Whitsunday environmental citizen Libby Edge will travel to an international conference to promote the work of her Eco Barge project and highlight the need to address marine debris.

"I am proud that I am able to attend the 5th International Marine Debris Conference held at the end of March in Hawaii thanks to Zonta, MTA travel and the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee.

"Zonta gave a massive $2000 towards the cost of attending this conference, not only did they support in this way, but the ladies of Zonta also bought 25 of our bamboo bags! Zonta is a wonderful organisation that supports women; they are currently inviting new members if you are interested in joining this wonderful group of women."  

"The Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee helped with $500 towards the registration fee of the conference. It is wonderful to have our WLMAC supporting our program in this way, thank you.

"At this conference I will learn the latest methods of monitoring and removing marine debris, I aim to implement these methods into our own program, and I am looking forward to meeting other teams from around the world who are passionate about keeping our seas clean.

 

Tsunami damage

 

A tsunami generated from the massive killer earthquake in Japan slammed into Northern California coastal communities Friday, capsizing and damaging boats and leaving the waters littered with debris.

At Santa Cruz Harbor, on Monterey Bay near San Francisco boats were ripped from their berths, sent adrift or sunk.

Connan Bradley, who has a sailboat in the harbor reports, "My girlfriend observed all the water being sucked out of the bay, right down to the mud — a drop of at least 15 feet. As the docks and boats dropped to the mud, several boats got pinned under sections of the docks, and a number broke free as the incoming surge lifted them."

"Santa Cruz Harbor is closed until further notice, The Coast Guard is facilitating the oil and debris removal operation to address pollution threats, public safety issues and navigational hazards," reports Port Director Lisa Ekers,

A man who went to the Northern California coast to photograph the arrival of a tsunami early Friday was swept out to sea and remained missing, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

Marine Notices

 

Unsafe Passage - Mariners are advised that the daylight light on the front leading light F.Bu (F day) bearing 240° which marks Unsafe Passage between Mid Molle Island and North Molle Island has been reported to be unlit.

Boat Haven Bay - Mariners are advised that the lighted special mark buoy Fl.Y which marks a wreck is off station.

Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252, 253 & 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Whitsunday reefs dodge cyclone damage

Whitsunday reefs dodge cyclone damage

 

Two cyclones crossing the coast in one week could have spelled 'damage' writ large for the Whitsunday coast and nearby barrier reef, however scientists say we were spared.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have undertaken initial surveys to assess the damage caused to the Great Barrier Reef by cyclones Anthony and Yasi. 

"The good news is that the damage to these reefs has been patchy," says GBRMPA's assessment coordinator Dr Paul Marshall.

"Recent cyclone Yasi tracked between the main tourism sites in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays and we were very pleased to find that those areas are still healthy and thriving with marine life.

"For the time being, it is important to remember that while parts of the Reef in the path of the cyclone have been damaged, most of the Great Barrier Reef remains unaffected," Dr Marshal added.

The scientists conducted rapid assessments of 36 reefs in this region to ascertain the extent of the damage. 

"About 13 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef, from Cairns to Townsville, was exposed to Yasi's destructive winds.  The affected area represents a 300km stretch of the 2400km-long Reef, with serious damage in patches and minor or nil damage in other parts.

"The areas that faced wind gusts of up to 285 km per hour (153 knots) were the most seriously damaged.

Research conducted by James Cook University into the effects of cyclone Hamish, which tracked along the Queensland coast in 2009, shows that coral trout can go off the bite following a cyclone.

"We have received similar reports from fishers between Innisfail and Bowen after cyclone Yasi; however, the research also reported increased catch rates of red throat emperor. Other species that are expected to thrive due to improved breeding conditions include barramundi and mackerel."

 

Sail camp call

 

The annual Sabot Development Camp is part of the Yachting Queensland Identification and Development Pathway. Developed to enable all junior and youth sailors to attend training camps it takes place from Friday April 1 at The Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club.

The camp, open to all Sabot sailors, is an intensive program covering key aspects of boat handling, rigging, regatta preparation, rules, tactics and protest room proceedings.

Young sailors have the potential to be identified as an up and coming sailor by Queensland Sailing Team (QST) coaches and talent identifiers.

Coaches include ex-Sabot sailors - Australian Paralympics Coach Adrian Finglas and Australian Youth Olympic Coach Ben Callard.

 

Coke sub seized

 

The US Coast Guard Cutter Midgett recently busted a midget sub loaded with cocaine while on a cruise of the Eastern Pacific. The 35-foot long self-propelled semi-submersible was carrying 6,000 kilograms of cocaine from Columbia bound for the United States.  This was only the second ever seizure of a self propelled semi-submersible by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter.  In addition to the catching the narco-sub, the Cutter Midget seized 11 tons of cocaine and marijuana on five trafficking vessels and detained 20 suspected narcotics traffickers.

 

Marine Notices

 

This week mariners were advised that a large tree approximately 10m long and 1m diameter was reported drifting between the mooring area near Abel Point Marina and Bluff Point being carried towards shore with the tide.

 

Bird Island to Groper Point – Navaids including the south cardinal light beacon was destroyed and replaced temporally by a south cardinal light buoy, Q(6)+LFl.15s. Light beacons Fl.G.4s and Fl.G.2·5s are damaged and light buoy, Fl.G.6s is off station.

 

Bowen South entrance channel - Mariners are advised that the port hand buoy Fl.R.4s is off station. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution whilst operating in this area. AUS charts 268 & 826 

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Adventure of a lifetime on Young Endeavour

Adventure of a lifetime

 

I remember boarding the brigantine rigged Young Endeavour during her first voyage in these waters shortly after she was presented by the United Kingdom to Australia as a bicentennial gift in 1988.

Sailing at that time on the brigantine 'Golden Plover', the meet-up was to allow their trainee crew the chance to spend time on our ship, all traditional hemp rope and Stockholm tar, while we sampled the joys of their cook's glorious meat pies in Young Endeavour's crew mess.  Aaahh!

So it is with the greatest pleasure to note that once more the 44-metre tall ship will ply our waters and will berth three local young people on a voyage of discovery that will include the ship, our area and the young people themselves.

Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Inc is once more sponsoring three berths on the Young Endeavour and is looking for enthusiastic young people aged 16 to 23 from the Whitsunday Region to participate in the experience of a lifetime.

In 2010, four Whitsunday regional youth, Jarred Muller, Joshua McMullen, Charles and Louis Budini were the successful candidates chosen by the club for this experience.

This voyage will be from Mackay to Brisbane and will take place from 19 April to 29 April.

"For 11 days with 23 other young Aussies you learn how to sail and how to work together," said Suzie Beirne, (0418 758 389) the project coordinator for the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.

"Applicants need a sense of adventure and a willingness to push themselves to the limit, this is a chance for them to discover new reserves of character, commitment, confidence, teamwork and leadership," Suzie says.

 

Clean Up Australia

 

This Sunday will see the area get a nice tidy up from Clean Up volunteers. Due to the weather, there is the additional Great Northern Clean Up this year coinciding with the revamped Rotary Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show and Fun Race on the weekend of September 9 until 11.

 

Wooden Boats Rule

 

Just a note from WoodenBoatsAustralia@yahoogroups.com "The group is for discussions about wooden boats. Not your favourite comedy show (unless it involves a wooden boat or destruction of jet skis), footy tipping, hoax emails, recipes (except for stuff to paint, glue, preserve or other wise be used on wooden boats), political views or religious views."

"All such unrelated messages will be deleted (eventually) and repeat offenders (or extreme first offenders) will be kicked off the list. If such a message is posted please do not reply to it as it only encourages them."

 

'E' radio New Zealand

 

'E' is for Emergency and a small team of amateur radio operators are keeping the lines of communication open in earthquake-hit areas of Christchurch.

The head of the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications team, Richard Smart, ZL4FZ says ten amateurs are using their emergency broadcast vans to keep rescue teams and Civil Defence staff in touch and sending updates on the disaster to families of people in Christchurch who are overseas.

It has become accepted among NZ Amateur Radio operators that these unique "E" calls have priority over all other users of amateur radio frequencies.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications organisation was formed in 1932 after the Napier earthquake, to train licensed amateur radio operators to provide reliable communications.

 

Marine Notices

 

Lagoon Rock light - Mariners are advised that the west cardinal mark beacon Q (9) 15s marking Lagoon Rock in Whitehaven Bay has been restored to normal.

 

Surprise Rock, east of Hamilton Island - The temporary isolated danger mark buoy Fl (6) 6s marking Surprise Rock east of Hamilton Island is temporarily unlit.

 

Platypus Rock off Shaw Island - Mariners are advised that the temporary west cardinal mark buoy VQ (9) 10s which marks Platypus Rock off Shaw Island is temporarily unlit. AUS charts affected: 252, 254 and 824

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Welcome to 100 Magic Miles!

Welcome to 100 Magic Miles!

 

During the past thirty years David and Carolyn Colfelt have travelled extensively along the Queensland coast, exploring the marine park, observing its wildlife, photographing, researching, exploring and writing about the treats that are the Whitsunday islands.

Arguably Australia's smallest publisher, Windward publish only books by David and Carolyn, of which there are three at this time – 100 Magic Miles, The Whitsundays Book, and Barrier Reef Traveller. All are about the Great Barrier Reef region.

This site is named after their book'100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef' known locally for its exhaustive information for boaters about every nook and cranny of the Whitsunday islands. The book is required by marine safety authorities to be aboard all bareboats in our extensive local fleet.

This is a great introduction site for friends who want to know something about the magical stretch of the Queensland coast inside Australia's Great Barrier Reef known as 'The Whitsunday Islands' - what to do, where to go and how to get the most out of the area.

A great place to direct anyone interested in the area, this is a site to sea - www.100magicmiles.com/

 

Boy sailors

 

During the eighteenth and early nineteenth century in Britain and, indeed, most other countries, attitudes were quite different. Boy soldiers, mostly drummers, went into battle as a matter of course. The same applied in the Navy. Boy sailors as young as thirteen went aboard as sometimes press-ganged junior ratings.

Among officers an early start was the norm. William Bligh was less then eight when he commenced his career as a midshipman. Nelson himself was only twelve. Their ships were their schools. They learned fast or they did not survive.

'Young Nelsons - Boy Sailors during the Napoleonic Wars' By D.A.B. Ronald is written very colourfully and in great detail to describes the lives and subsequent careers of many of these boys. His extensively researched book shows that, considering the times, an early start in the Navy was not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Shipwreck brew

 

Finnish authorities plan to allow several modern breweries to replicate the recipe of beer found in a Baltic Sea shipwreck dated about 1800 to 1830.  In addition to cases of champagne, the wreck contained five bottles of the oldest drinkable beer ever discovered.

Now the local government of the Aland island chain, where the wreck was found, has commissioned a scientific study to attempt to determine the beer's original recipe, as the first step toward brewing the ancient beer.

Divers found the two-mast ship at a depth of about 50-metres in the Aland archipelago, which stretches between the coasts of Sweden and Finland in the Baltic Sea.

The ship was believed to be making a voyage from Copenhagen in Denmark to St Petersburg, then the capital of Russia.

The salvaging operation to bring up 145 champagne bottles – since determined to include vintages from Heidseck, Veuve Clicquot and Juglar – had one casualty: a bottle that burst open at the surface, revealing it to be beer.

The brew has already been sampled by four professional beer tasters at the Technical Research Centre of Finland who are commissioned to get to the bottom of the sunken beer's recipe.

 

Edgecumbe Bay, Bowen

 

Mariners are advised that due to recent cyclone activity in the North Queensland Region, a number of aids to navigation in the Bowen area, have been reported as being off station. Mariners are advised to navigate with extreme caution when in the Edgecumbe Bay, Bowen Harbour and surrounding waterways. Any abnormalities should be reported to Townsville VTS on VHF 16 or 12. AUS charts affected: 825 & 826

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Whitsunday Sailing Club celebrates 40 years

 Sailing Club celebrates 40 years

 

The Whitsunday Sailing Club is celebrating their 40th birthday in March and is looking for any early members who have moved away or fallen off the mailing list.

A lot of water has gone under the keel at the sailing club; almost as much as spilled beer at the bar. Ever tried getting the family together for a 40th anything? It should be an entertaining evening.

Saturday March 26 is the evening for the event. Drinks, fancy canapés followed by speeches, dinner and the obligatory punch-up.

Call club if you haven't been had contact in recent times.

 

Mooring damage

 

During the recent cyclonic events, boaters were warned not to use the blue public use moorings in the Whitsunday islands area as the moorings are not rated for use in winds over 34 knots i.e. gale force.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management report that public mooring inspections began as soon as possible after the cyclone event to ensure that they were safe for public use.

A large number of moorings have now been cleared and are ready for use however inspections will be continuing over the next few weeks. Your assistance in following the rangers' directions to vacate moorings during these times will be appreciated.

It can be noted that other than normal wear and tear, no damage due to the cyclone has been reported.

 

What a relief!

 

Park Rangers have now finished construction on the track and toilet facilities located at Tongue Point, and they are open and ready for public use. Visitors are able to access the new loos very easily from the Hill Inlet circuit track, approximately 20m from the far end of the lookout boardwalk.

 

Fishers snap at ban

 

Snapper is overfished in Queensland says the State Government. To 'help protect the sustainability' of snapper stock an interim six week closure from February 15 has been put in place. This closure applies to all Queensland east coast waters and means that snapper cannot be taken during this period. This also applies to the other main co-caught species of pearl perch and teraglin until March 31.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the closure was an interim measure until new fishing rules could be finalised to ensure take of snapper was sustainable."

"The interim closure applies to all sectors – commercial, recreational and charter."

"Snapper, teraglin and pearl perch should not be targeted during this time and if incidentally caught should be returned to the water immediately," Mr Mulherin said.

However, recreational fishing groups have attacked the six-week ban, saying it as a "complete overreaction".

According to two of the four options now out for public consultation, recreational fishing enthusiasts could face mandatory or voluntary logbook rules and a $70 or $90 permit fee to catch snapper.

Sunfish chairman Barry Pollock said the recreational fishing group was "absolutely astounded" and frustrated by the announcement.

Dr Pollock disputed suggestions snapper stocks were struggling, saying while charter groups had reported low numbers on parts of the Gold Coast, he did not agree there was overfishing elsewhere.

"The management they're proposing for snapper is draconian and out of sync with the real situation," he said.

"It's very irresponsible to just come out and slap these things on and not do a proper economic assessment," Dr Pollock said.

 

Spitfire Rock

 

Mariners are advised that the west cardinal mark buoy Q(9) 15s which marks Spitfire Rock in Kennedy Sound, south-west of Lindeman Island, has been reported to be unlit. AUS charts 252, 254 & 824

 

The Narrows

 

Mariners are advised that in The Narrows, between Hayman and Hook Islands, the lighted starboard lateral mark buoy Fl G 6s, in approximate position latitude 20° 03.86' S, longitude 148° 54.22' E, is currently off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts affected: 252 and 254

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

 

Cyclone Yasi - Fast action provides protection

Fast action provides cyclone protection

 

Last week with Cyclone Yasi looming ominously on the horizon, Abel Point Marina in Airlie Beach was filled to overflowing with vessels seeking refuge from the approaching maelstrom.

Faced with increasing demand, the newly installed facility at Port of Airlie Marina was considered to be at a state of safety readiness to provide further berths. However there still existed an exclusion zone and finalisation of systems to allow for the use of the facility.

Faced with the fast moving storm system and the signing of a pre-emptive disaster declaration by Premier Anna Bligh, local authorities and Port of Airlie owners Meridien Marinas fast tracked the imperative use of the new facility.

Richard Barrett, Meridien Marinas Abel Point General Manager told The Guardian that fast action allowed good outcomes for all concerned.

 "Meridien Marinas Abel Point Management and the Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) team at Airlie Beach worked closely together to obtain a special exemption from the regional Harbour Master to use the new Port of Airlie marina to accommodate the overflow of vessels seeking protection from cyclone Yasi,"

"We could not have asked for more from the local MSQ team and water police, leading up to and throughout the event with the exceptional service and support they provided to us and the boating community," Mr Barrett said.

 

Yacht hits UFO

 

French trimaran Maxi Banque Populaire V hit a UFO an 'unidentified floating object'   while travelling at 37 knots that damaged a 600 kg dagger board. To be prudent, they slowed to 25 knots and headed for calmer waters for a complete inspection.   For most of us the idea of "slowing down" to 25 knots in a sailboat is quite remarkable in its own right.

The Jules Verne Trophy is currently held by French trimaran Groupama 3 which in March of last year set the new around the world speed record of 48 days, 7 hours 44 minutes and 52 seconds, the fastest circumnavigation speed recorded for a yacht of either sail or power.   The fastest recorded powerboat circumnavigation was 61 days by the ill-fated Ady Gil, which when operated by Sea Shepherd, sank following a collision with a Japanese whaler.

 

What tourists say

 

Those of us that have worked in the tourist game appreciate the sometimes wacky things they come out with. Travel agent Flight Centre has experienced some quirky travel requests.

Their strangest customer questions must be lead by, "Can I catch a train from Fiji to New Zealand?"  And the perennial favourite "What time does the three o'clock ferry leave?"

Personal favourites for your Waterfront writer are, "How many cartons of cigarettes can I take on my driving holiday in Queensland?" and "Do I need a passport to go to Hamilton Island, because I am flying overseas? And, what is the duty free allowance?"

Is it the dream holiday or are they just dreaming?

 

Mariner Notices

 

Mariners are advised that due to inclement weather and sea conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone 'Yasi', aids to navigation may have been destroyed or be off station.

Debris from flood run-off may be encountered outside rivers and creeks and is considered to be a hazard to navigation.

Mariners are advised to navigate the region with caution and are requested to report any aids to navigation damage and other potential hazards to navigation to Maritime Safety Queensland.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan