The Beauty of Barrier Reef island bay

The Beauty of Barrier Reef island bay

 

Manta Ray Bay, at the northeast of Hook Island, has a fascinating array of underwater coral valleys, caves, and swim-throughs leading to the seafloor 25 metres below. Considered one of the best dive and snorkel sites in the Whitsunday Barrier Reef islands, Manta Ray Bay has a good coverage of hard and soft corals and abundant marine life.
At these cooler times of the year, it is quite possible to see the sudden silver-white flash of large Manta Rays gliding across their namesake bay.
Often described as the best snorkelling and dive site in the Whitsundays and the worst overnight anchorage, changes to Manta Ray Bay anchoring in the Whitsunday Plan of Management by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority needs a mention.
The recently extended no anchoring zone now lines up with the easterly point of the bay to stop anchoring and reef damage to the coral near the point. The Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee and local marine tourism supporters pursued this widely supported change.
Manta Ray Bay (and eastern Luncheon Bay) is a special management area (one of the first) because it provides for some of the best underwater coral scenery.
Manta Ray Bay is a popular daytime spot with access by public moorings only, so if the moorings are being used you will have to move on.
The bottom of most of the inner bay is reasonably shallow at low tide and blanketed with coral of all types and abounds with many fish types, some quite inquisitive as it has been a no fishing zone for many years.
Also a caution that some moorings are for dinghies only and are in shallow water.

 

That's a yacht!

 

Let's face it, when 'The Wall Street Journal' has an article about a yacht it's not going to be a little yacht.
Aptly named 'Eclipse' and easily eclipsing all other yachts at 557-feet (170-metres) she was just launched for Roman Abramovich, a Russian who is also owner of English Premier League Chelsea Football Club, and other yachts and boy's toys.
Not bad for a Jewish boy who got his start in black-market goods such as perfume, deodorants, tights and toothpaste in Moscow in the late 1980s, later launching his business career selling plastic ducks.
While business has been tough, he currently is worth 8.5 billion and employs a private security army of about forty and a veritable navy including four other yachts. Eclipse also boasts a mini submarine that doubles as an escape pod.
Eclipse easily tops the world's previous record holder, a 525-footer owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai.

 

The Pirate Party

 

I don't quite know what my Swedish grandmother would say, but news that Sweden's Pirate Party has swept possibly two pirates into the European parliament has surprised more than a few.
Part of the Pirate Party's platform is to increase people's privacy on the web, and to protect freedom of speech, says party leader Rickard Falkvinge. It also wants to reform the copyright laws and patent system, demand transparency of state administration and has chosen to be independent on the traditional, but irrational left-right scale.
These ideas could well attract support elsewhere when government appears to have little interest in protecting people's privacy.
The Swedish Pirate Party now has over 48,000 registered members. Young Pirate (Swedish: Ung Pirat), is now the largest political youth organization in Sweden.

 

Shute lights unlit

 

1/ Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No.2 Beacon QR that is located at the northern end of Shute Island has been reported unlit.
2/ Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No.8 Buoy Fl R 3s that is located at the entrance channel into Shute Harbour has been reported unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 and 253.

 

Boats are quite tricky

 

"There isn't no call to go talking of pushing and pulling. Boats are quite tricky enough for those that sit still without looking further for the cause of trouble." - Sam Gamgee, J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings.

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Dent to Dunk Rally

Yachts bound for glory cruise the coast

 

Abel Point Yacht Club Inc, invite entries from suitably found yachts & motor vessels, not less than 7.5m overall, to take part in the DENT TO DUNK RALLY, a distance of approximately 240 nautical miles, from Airlie Beach to Port Hinchinbrook, Cardwell, starting on Saturday June 13 at 1030.
The spirit of this Rally is to foster fun, good fellowship and enjoyment of sailing and to introduce sailors, who have not cruised these parts before, to this beautiful region. They will become familiar with the islands and anchorages, in company with other cruisers who know the area.
The proposed format for the Dent to Dunk Rally is Saturday 13th, start at 1030 and cruise in company, through Gloucester Passage, for an overnight stop at the Gloucester Eco Resort and a Pirates or Blues Bros theme night & BBQ at the resort.
Sunday 14th cruise to Cape Upstart. Next day, a cruise to Cape Bowling Green, or anchor behind Cape Cleveland if the weather is unfavourable. Then Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, cruise on again in company to anchor at Orpheus Is. for a quiet night if you wish and rest up for the fun at Port Hinchinbrook.
Friday 19th a short leg to anchor behind Cape Richards off Port Hinchinbrook Eco Resort, maybe visiting Zoë Bay & the waterfalls enroute if the weather allows. 
Saturday 20th an 18-mile leg to Dunk Island & a Hawaii theme night. Sunday 21st is the final 22-nautical mile leg to Port Hinchinbrook. Tuesday 23rd is the presentation of prizes about midday.
The programme may be subject to variation as required due to unexpected happenings. Details - www.apyc.yachting.org.au        
 
Liferaft launch

 

Launched during the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show at the weekend, a ten-person RFD liferaft supplied by Whitsunday Ocean Services took 34 seconds to inflate.

 

Free navigation book

 

Nathaniel Bowditch (died 1838) was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. Often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is a shipping industry standard that is still carried onboard every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel.
Bowditch is the definitive work on navigation. Prepared by the United States National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Bowditch Includes the latest advances in electronic navigation and digital charting technology. It also covers traditional navigation such as celestial, plotting and dead reckoning. Bowditch is carried on the bridge of every U.S. Navy ship and should be the mainstay of any serious navigator's library. Armchair navigators will love this and you can get a complete and free copy online at http://www.irbs.com/bowditch

 

Spies remembered

 

The U.S. government has arrested a 70-something couple for spying on US Naval secrets for the island nation of Cuba. At their age, keeping secrets wasn't a problem but remembering them was.

 

In the Pink?

 

Pop punk Pink suffers from seasickness - and was once so ill she tried to kill herself by jumping off a yacht in the middle of an ocean.
The 'So What' singer currently touring in Australia, hoped the vessel's captain would dock the boat at night - but when he refused, she considered throwing herself overboard.
However, as she teetered on deck with a bottle of wine in her hand, husband Carey Hart talked her out of a suicide bid.
Pink says, "I once chartered a yacht through the Mediterranean. In the end, I tried to jump off the boat and kill myself because I wasn't getting along with the captain.
"The idea was we'd go to port every night so we wouldn't be rocking like The Perfect Storm, but he had other ideas. We were out in the ocean riding the waves. I got sick and couldn't take it.
"I got my favourite dress in one hand, a bottle of wine in the other hand and I was ready to jump in the ocean and die. Luckily Carey talked me down."

 

Tourism acclimatises

 

Whitsunday reef tourism operators can learn how to tackle climate change head on with a two-day workshop to be held this week in Airlie Beach.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority General Manager Andrew Skeat said the workshop would answer some vital questions for tourism businesses about climate change and just what it means for businesses in the future.
"This workshop provides a timely opportunity for tourism operators to learn about the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef and what it means for their business.
"Topics will include how operators can become Climate Action Certified, how to calculate their carbon footprint and reduce their emissions, and important information about carbon offsetting." Mr Skeat added.
The workshops will be delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in partnership with the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators and will include a presentation by Ecotourism Australia on their recently released Climate Change Action Certification program.
"It is important that we all act now and work together to ensure a sustainable Reef and a sustainable tourism industry." Mr Skeat concluded.

 

Follow the sun

 

"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun"    -- Pablo Picasso

 

Fair winds to Ye!

 

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show

New 'Kids Cove' boat show fun for kids

 

Award winning youth environmental group EcoKids Reef Guardian Club is joining forces with Rotary Club of Airlie Beach to have a new 'Kids Cove' full of  fun and educational activities for kids at the family friendly Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show this weekend.
Parents can bring their camera and picture the kids enjoying the 'Under the Sea" mural or aboard a fully rigged kid sized Optimist sailing boat. Kids under 12 years are free to attend the show.
EcoKids are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian program developed in schools throughout Queensland.
A fun game for kids to try is the brand new GBRMPA Climate Change Game that guarantees plenty of action.
There will be marine animal facemasks, colourful bandanas to make, and badges to design in a cool safe environment with parents relaxing nearby.
Kids can join EcoKids at the show and you could win a great prize.
Highlighting our environment, 'Kids Cove' will feature displays and activities from Whitsunday Catchment Landcare, Eco Barge, Marine Parks Rangers from Department of Environment and Resource Management, Optimist sailing and more.
Aargh! Might even have some Pirates aboard.

 

Champions sail

 

The Queensland State Sabot Championships will sail at the Kepple Bay Sailing Club Yeppoon this weekend.
The North Queensland team including a good number of local sailors from the Whitsunday Sailing Club will attend and receive coaching from Ben Callard.
A feature of the Championships is the South Queensland V North Queensland Team Challenge.
North Queensland organiser Jeremy Cooper reports that, "So far, the NQ team comprises one 2-up boat from Townsville, three 2-ups boats and four or five 1-ups from Whitsunday, and, hopefully, some boats from Mackay."
"This may turn out to be the best NQ showing for some time. It is always a great regatta, and I am sure all the kids will get a lot out of it. For parents, the bar provides great viewing!"
"We look forward to catching up with all the NQ Sabot sailors, to keep the team shield for 2-ups, and maybe gain the 1-up team shield." Mr Cooper added.

 

Survivor dies

 

Millvina Dean, the last remaining survivor of the sinking of the Titanic, died in England on Sunday May 31, the 98th anniversary of the Titanic's launch. She was 97.
Born on February 2, 1912, when the RMS Titanic sank on April 15, Millvina was the youngest passenger on board at nine weeks of age.
Dean's parents decided to leave England and emigrate to America to start a new life.
The Deans were not supposed to be aboard the Titanic, but owing to a coal strike, they were transferred to the ship and boarded as third-class passengers at Southampton, England.
Her father felt the ship's collision with the iceberg on the night of 14 April 1912, and after investigating, returned to his cabin telling his wife to dress the children and go up on deck.
Dean, her mother, and brother were placed in Lifeboat 10 and were among the first steerage passengers to escape the sinking liner.
Dean's brother, Bertram, died, aged 81, on 15 April 1992; 80 years to the day after the Titanic struck the iceberg.

 

 
Anchor Lights
 
Volunteer Marine Rescue has activated several times recently for tows and including two medivacs.
 "Vessel owners are once again reminded of their obligations to display anchor lights after dusk if their vessel is at anchor," reports VMR member Mal Priday.
"VMR1 goes out in all conditions and it is disappointing that so many vessels are unlit at night. In a worst case scenario, the owner of an unlit vessel may be held liable in the event of a collision."
Please show approved anchor lights!
 
Light on sunken vessel

 

Mariners are advised that the sunken vessel, which is approximately 400 metres in a north-westerly direction from Abel Point Marina entrance, has been marked with a lighted special mark buoy. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity.
AUS charts affected 252, 253, 268 & 824

 

Buoy off station

 

Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral No. 8 buoy Fl.R.2.5s in the Shute Harbour South Channel, be off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts affected 252, 253 & 824

 

Short shortcomings

 

"Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters"   -- Margaret Halsey

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Blessing of the Fleet celebrates twenty years

Blessing of the Fleet celebrates twenty years

 

All boating people and landlubbers are invited this Sunday to attend the twenty-year celebration of our Blessing of the Fleet.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we also celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
For the twenty-year celebration the Anglican Bishop of North Queensland, Bishop Bill Ray will conduct the blessing from the rock wall at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from 11 am Sunday.
A colourful flag parade will take place from the Airlie Lagoon to the sailing club from about 10.30 followed by the service from 10.45.
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Now retired, Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us" says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show.
In recent years, Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church, has conducted the Blessing.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups and musicians are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

 

Live firing feral control

 

Mariners are advised that a control program requiring the use of live firing of weapons will take place on St Bees Island, Wild Duck Island, South Percy Island, High Peak Island and Turn Island in the Mackay/Capricorn National Parks Management Area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
These control operations will continue until approximately 1800 hours Thursday May 28.
Exclusion zones have been placed around St Bee's Island, South Percy Island, High Peak Island, Wild Duck Island and Turn Island between these dates. These exclusion zones extend seaward of the High Water mark by 500 metres.
All vessels are to remain clear of exclusion zones during the above detailed times. Marine VHF security calls will be made at 0800, 1200 and 1600 hours on channel 16 by Queensland Parks & Wildlife vessel 'Tamoya'.
AUS charts affected 251, 426 & 823

 

Who's your pilot

 

"You learn to know a pilot in a storm" - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>

 

 

Crewless Kiwi yacht drifts to Qld Coast

Crewless Kiwi yacht drifts to Qld Coast

 

A 7.9m yacht abandoned last year near the north coast of New Zealand was towed into Bowen this week by local fisherman.
The yacht, 'Air Apparent', was abandoned when its inexperienced crew defied the yachtmaster/owner and called New Zealand rescue services despite assurances by the yachtmaster that the yacht would not sink.
Air Apparent had a leisurely drift across the Tasman while being tracked by air patrols. Halfway across the ditch, the yacht was discovered south of Norfolk Island by French Navy patrol ship La Moqueuse, whose captain, Lieutenant Laurent Saunois, said the yacht was like a 'ghost ship'.
Yacht owner Bill Heritage told his insurer "It is remarkable that she is still afloat after more than 13 months adrift,"
On March 25 last year, Air Apparent was travelling from Auckland to Nelson, when it encountered 3-metre waves and 25 to 30-knot winds. The captain, Bill Heritage, did not consider these conditions life threatening but his three crew disagreed and set off the emergency locator beacon.
"I was sleeping when they woke me up and told me they were going to set off the beacon. I didn't know what they were talking about,' Mr Heritage said.
A helicopter responded to the beacon and Mr Heritage said he had no option but to abandon the boat with the three crewmen.
The insurer is discussing salvage costs with the fishermen. Coincidentally the yacht shares the name with a well-known racing yacht based in Bowen.

 

Cruise in safety

 

The Louisiades Yacht Rally will sail again in September. After a very successful inaugural Rally last year both the yachties and locals are getting ready for this years event.
The rally departs Cairns in September, taking four or five days to make the crossing to these remote islands at the tail of New Guinea.
Cruise in safety with accompanying yachts, meet welcoming local people and learn about their island lifestyle and culture.
The Louisiades are close to Australia and are a real jewel of the Pacific. The people are very friendly, the Melanesian and Pacific Island culture is abundant and the landscape both above and below the water are fertile with flora, fauna and sea life.
The rally takes in an exciting program of events including sailing canoe racing, feasts, sing sings, skull cave visit, traditional dancing, a remote river trip, school and hospital visits and much more. The program also allows plenty of time for independent exploration to the islands and their friendly communities.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority and the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club support the Rally. Yachts muster at Yorkeys by September 6 and depart 12 September, yachts return to Australia mid October to mid November. Power and sail boats are welcome! Visit www.louisiadesrally.com
So what are you waiting for? Life isn't a dress rehearsal. You can make it happen, watch it happen or wonder what happened….

 

Barrier Reef Parks News

 

The construction of new amenities at South Whitehaven Beach will be underway for approximately twelve weeks. Access to the Southern toilet block, day-use area and group campsite will be restricted.

 

Commercial operators are advised to use the sheltered picnic area during this time, and remind visitors of the location of alternative toilets at the northern end of the day-use area. New camping nodes at the southern end of the beach will remain open. Please follow on-site signs and direction and not enter the construction area.

 

New Great Walk construction is underway on Whitsunday Island. Visitors to Dugong and Sawmill Beach in coming months can expect minor disruption during the operation of plant and equipment used in the construction of the Whitsunday Peak walking track, part of the new Ngaro Sea Trail walking track.

 

Good News

 

"I am not an economist, and we all know economists were created to make weather forecasters look good," Rupert Murdock said last week, "But it is increasingly clear that the worst is over."

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Now is your chance to get into sailing

Now is your chance to get into sailing

 

Many sailors swear that the only way to learn to sail is in a small boat.
It's not that hard either, just turn up at nine on Sunday mornings at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and 'Get into small boat sailing'
'Get into small boat sailing' is the descriptive name of the practical course taught by qualified instructors and endorsed by Yachting Australia.
You don't have to desire to sail around the world or go to the Olympics, but if you wanted too this would be the best starting point.
However, first things first and learning the safe way to sail around the bay taught by qualified coaches and with the support of a safety boat is a good start.
Basic Sailing Skills 101 provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to 'learn the ropes" of small boat sailing for novices. The course includes an introduction to fundamental boat handling skills and essential safety knowledge that will allow participants the freedom of sailing small boats with guidance from the instructor or coach.
Lead by chief instructor Roger Stewart, you can learn with several types of boats including the sporty new X3 training dinghies.
Roger says novices of all ages, "from 8 to 80 years old" are regularly on the water training and you can fulfil your dream too. Call Roger Stewart on 0433 370752 or araldite@iprimus.com.au
It is the best way to learn to sail, so see you at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Sunday mornings from this weekend.

 

Petrol danger

 

A suspected petrol explosion on a people smuggling boat has put the explosive danger of this common fuel on front pages across the country.
Many of us have some petrol around to operate lawnmowers, outboards and so on. However, if stored improperly, a fire and/or explosion could result, destroying the house or boat and causing injury or death.
Petrol is a highly volatile liquid, and a spark, flame or other hot object can ignite its vapours easily. When mixed with air in the right proportions, the vapour of one cup of petrol has the explosive power of a couple of kilos dynamite, enough destructive force to destroy any house or car or boat.
In spite of the routine use of petrol, many people are unaware of or unappreciative of the dangers of gasoline.
Petrol burns at close to room temperature when near a spark, flame, or even static electricity. It can float on water and may spread long distances, making ignition and flash back possible. Petrol vapour is highly explosive and may ignite as a "fireball" with a temperature of 8,000 degrees C.

 

Blessing reaches 20

 

The annual Blessing of the Fleet turns 20 this year on Sunday May 21. The Whitsunday celebration will be at the sailing club marking James Cook's naming the Whitsunday Passage on Pentecost Sunday in 1770. All the blessed news at blessingofthefleet.blogspot.com/

 

Modern pirate facts

 

In 2008, there were 293 incidents of piracy against ships worldwide, up 11 per cent up on the year before. Attacks off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden almost trebled. Nearly 20,000 ships pass through the Gulf of Aden each year, heading to and from the Suez Canal.

 

Square Reef pontoon

 

Mariners are advised that the helicopter pontoon located on Square Reef has been re-established in its original position following its disappearance during cyclone Hamish. AUS chart 821

 

Storm or sunshine?

 

"If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine" Author Morris West

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Easter Regatta as predicted - wet and windy

Easter Regatta as predicted – wet and windy

 

Sailors were not surprised that another Easter Regatta was wet and windy on Pioneer Bay at the weekend. However, it didn't dampen the spirits of the large fleet of competitors.

"With over sixty entries and a great variety of boats including Sharpies, 505's, Lasers, Tasars, Sabots, X3s, multihulls and a couple of Experimental Moths a great time was had by all," reports Off Beach Rear Commodore Terry Archer.
The organisation was excellent with Principal Race Officer Tim Parker saying that the event was not only successful but also fun for all involved.

Sailors attended from Keppel Bay in the south to Cairns and Tinnaroo in the north of the state.

Your Waterfront writer was starter for the youth classes of Sabots and X3s and can state that the conditions included wet squally 40 knots and sunny mild conditions, all within an hour or so.

Whitsunday Sailing Club president Mick Phillips thanked the many volunteers for their sterling effort without which there is no event.

 

Sailors head north for a labour of love

Sailors head north for a labour of love

 

Whitsunday Sailing Club offbeach sailing and learn to sail will not be on this Sunday because of the Labour Day weekend. Serious sailors are heading to the Lake Tinaroo May Day Regatta for an eight-race program over three days.
Tinaroo Sailing Club's major event for the season is always popular with visiting sailors from across the state and organisers expect one hundred boats on the water.
The sailing club at Tinaroo Dam, located sou' west of Cairns, was established in the early 1960s. With an area nearly the size of Sydney harbour (and not nearly as many boats), Tinaroo Sailing Club offers a wonderful place to sail in Tropical Far North Queensland.
Most competitor's camp on site at the club's facilities and enjoy a great weekend!

 

Ice melting?

 

Your Waterfront writer recently remembered an old photo while reading about the demise of polar ice areas.
The photo was one of a submarine on the surface at the North Pole.
A bit of a search discovered a 1958 photo of USS Skate, the first nuclear submarine to surface at North Pole - the photo showing the sub on the surface in clear water.
In fact, USS Skate was able to surface ten times.
Is the ice melt new? Will we be soon swamped by the rising sea or is it an ebb and flow thing as the tides?
While at the North Pole, crewmen performed a mission of sentiment, scattering the ashes of Australian explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins.
Wilkins worked as a Gaumont cinematographer covering many international events including the Balkans War in 1912. However, he wanted to become a polar explorer. His first trip to the Arctic was as cinematographer with the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913 led by Vilhjamur Stefansson. He walked thousands of miles over unexplored territory, returning in 1916 to Point Barrow, Alaska, to learn the world had been at war for two years.
In 1928-1929, he flew across the Arctic Sea, from Barrow in Alaska to Spitsbergen, Norway. It was the first time such a plane flight was achieved; Wilkins was knighted and chose to be known as Sir Hubert, rather than Sir George.
In 1931, he was the first to attempt a submarine cruise to the Pole.
So this remarkable Australia adventurer walked ice at both the Artic and Antarctic , trekked in parched desert, flew aircraft including a Zeppelin and went under the ice in a submarine.
Truly remarkable, my adventure started while thinking about an old photo.

 

Going boating?

 

Weather wise the wind looks to pick up later in the week but it should stay dry for the long weekend. If it does not it shows the relationship between rain and long weekends.
Carrying the right boating safety equipment and knowing how to use it is essential as well as ensuring your boat is serviced and fuelled.
While boats that do not require registration are not obliged to carry compulsory safety equipment, it is strongly recommended appropriate equipment is taken in the event of an emergency.
Some safety equipment types include components that can deteriorate over time. This can decrease their effectiveness or in some cases render them inoperable. This equipment includes fire extinguishers, EPIRBs, flares, inflatable life jackets, smoke signals, and inflatable life rafts.
The manufacturer or an authorised agent must service this equipment by the expiry date, which must be clearly marked on the equipment.
Equipment that cannot be serviced or no longer works must be replaced if it is to be carried as part of the safety equipment requirements.

 

Rattlesnake Island

 

Mariners are advised that the Department of Defence Maritime Wing will be conducting live firing on Friday June 5, from 0730 to 1430 hours.
The range layout is a circle of 4.8 nautical miles with the radius centred on Rattlesnake Island and not exceeding a height of 6000 feet above sea level.
Firing point is at approximate position latitude 19° 20.27' S, longitude 146° 36.43' E with firing bearing of 305° (T). Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times. AUS charts affected 256, 371 & 827

 

Adventure, defined

 

"Adventure is not outside; it is within"

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

LEGO conference for Whitsunday

LEGO conference for Whitsunday

 

OK, it's not about little colourful interlocking plastic bricks that kids play with, although it is about building for the future and includes, as it does, the bricks and mortar of marine studies education.

LEGO in this case is 'Linking Estuaries of the Great Barrier Reef and Oceans' the annual conference of the Marine Teachers Association of Queensland planned for Airlie Beach in September.

Marine Teachers Association of Queensland (MTAQ) is a professional association of teachers of Marine Studies in Queensland primary, secondary and tertiary levels. MTAQ is a non-profit organisation, which coordinates activities to support marine education, teachers of Marine Studies and students.

Marine teacher at Mackay North High School and conference organiser Dedan Daniel told The Whitsunday Coast Guardian this week that Airlie Beach was chosen for it's beauty, central location and bustling maritime industry.

"The MTAQ, with over 400 teachers working throughout Queensland are looking for speakers and industry representatives with information that teachers would be interested in hearing."

"These are, in no particular order, information regarding marine careers and jobs that are out there. Many teachers do not know about all the careers that there are for their students to think about. Some that spring to mind include marine pilots, deck hands, ships captains, stewardesses, marina employees, Superyachts, marine surveyors, however there are many more"

"It would be interesting to hear from an authority on marina development and all the processes they had to go through to develop a marina"

"Also, a scientist who monitors water quality and waste from areas around the region, perhaps from Island resorts and marinas.

"People from the commercial fishing seafood industry, tourism, charter operator, sailing, rec fishing, diving, getting a coxswain licence etc

"Any other relevant topics to marine teachers; these are the topics most people teach in their schools, for example navigation, boating, sailing,  snorkelling water safety, oceanography (coastal physics), aquaculture, ecology (reef and mangrove), and management of marine systems. What about a good way to teach kids to tie knots?

"Generally what teachers look for at conferences is some interesting information about anything marine, ideas they can take back to their classroom, and also to have a good time" Mr Daniel added.

If you can help, forward ideas and contacts to my.events@hotmail.com

 

Barrier Reef Park News

 

The construction of new amenities at South Whitehaven Beach will be underway this week for approximately twelve weeks. Access to the Southern toilet block, day-use area and group campsite will be restricted from May 6.

Commercial operators are advised to use the sheltered picnic area during this time, and remind visitors of the location of alternative toilets at the northern end of the day-use area. New camping nodes at the southern end of the beach will remain open. Please follow on-site signs and direction and not enter the construction area.

New Great Walk construction is underway on Whitsunday Island. Visitors to Dugong and Sawmill Beach in coming months can expect minor disruption during the operation of plant and equipment used in the construction of the Whitsunday Peak walking track, part of the new Ngaro Sea Trail walking track.

 

Superyacht consult

 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Superyacht Access Study Consultation Workshop, as part of the Superyacht Access Study, representatives of the Great Barrier Reef marine tourism industry, Superyacht operators and agents, and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park management agencies will attend a consultation workshop on Thursday, May 7.

 

Live a bit

 

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air" Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Whitsunday resident receives bravery medal

Whitsunday resident receives bravery medal

 

A Whitsunday resident will today be awarded a silver medal for bravery by Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley, AO, Governor of Queensland.
Senior Constable Brett Norris of Whitsunday Water Police receives a silver medal that gives public recognition for an act of bravery to those who risk their own lives to save the lives of others.
The Whitsunday Water Police Officer, of Airlie Beach, receives the silver medal in recognition of going to the rescue of 37 passengers and crew of the two-mast schooner "Romance" wrecked on rocks at Caves Cove, Hook Island, on February 12, 2008.
President of Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Michaela Moss was on radio duty that night.
"At 1.20 a.m. the call from the 'Romance' indicated they had broken their mooring and were in distress and heading for the rocks."
"A water police boat and the VMR vessel were dispatched from Airlie Beach.
"However, when the boats reached the site they found the ship on the lee shore rocks at a 45-degree angle and in a position too dangerous to come alongside to attempt a rescue.
The passengers onboard, mostly foreign backpackers, were terrified as they endured the storm conditions.
Around 3 a.m., police contacted the CQ RESCQ helicopter.
This crew and another from Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) in Townsville both took part in the rescue described as 'an example of extreme teamwork under very challenging conditions'.
The police boat was unable to approach the stricken ship because of three-metre breaking waves driven by high nor' westerly winds described by Senior Constable Norris, an eight-year veteran of the Whitsunday Water Police, as "the worst conditions I had seen inside the islands."
Senior Constable Norris "grabbed a pair of fins, put on a wet suit and swam."
At 7.30am the CQ RESQ helicopter crewed by Messrs Dowler, Scanlon, Hinder and Hoare deployed to the wreck of "Romance" and searched the scene where the sea state was 2-3m swells and winds blowing at 30-40 knots. The monsoon trough created at times a cloud base at 500 feet.
Wedged on jagged rocks and listing at a 45-degree angle the rigging of the two steel masts on the schooner were hazards for winching operations.
CQ RESCQ crewman Phillip Dowler was winched down onto the rocks to join Snr Const Norris who had swum from the police tender through the surf in the dark onto the rocks and secured ropes to the vessel.
The two men were joined by a crewman from the EMQ helicopter and decided that winching from the vessel, rather than trying to bring the 37 people by rope from the ship to the rocks was the practical and safer rescue procedure.
The rigging was secured, minimizing dangers in winching; the 37 onboard were briefed on winching procedures and despatched the passengers, two at a time up to the aircraft. The final winch carried Messrs Dowler and Norris who had spent two and a half hours organizing the winching from the yacht.
The action is recognised as the largest helicopter rescue operation from one vessel in Australian history.
CQ RESQ crew members Phillip Dowler, Heath Scanlon, John Hinder and Daniel Hoare will also receive bronze bravery awards from The Royal Humane Society of Australasia in Brisbane. Phillip Dowler is General Manager of CQ RESQ.
The Royal Humane Society of Australasia, formed in 1874, is concerned with giving public recognition to acts of bravery by making awards to those who risk their own lives to save the lives of others.
Over forty boats sank, ran aground or were damaged around the Airlie Beach foreshore on that disastrous night and early morning in February 2008.
A family of six were rescued that night by three brave police officers as their uninsured family boat disintegrated on a rock wall at Airlie Beach.

 

Meet danger

 

"It is better to meet danger than to wait for it. He that is on a lee shore, and foresees a hurricane, stands out to sea and encounters a storm to avoid a shipwreck" Charles Caleb Colton (1780 - 1832)
 
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Easter Regatta and State Titles in Airlie

Easter Regatta and State Titles this weekend in Airlie

 

Easter weekend is often windy so Pioneer Bay at Airlie Beach this weekend should show some exciting small boat actions for the annual Easter Regatta and Queensland State Tasar Titles at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
"So far we have over sixty confirmed entries with a great variety including two Sharpies, two 505's, many Lasers, 20+ Tasars, a variety of multihulls and even a couple of Moths," reports Off Beach Rear Commodore Terry Archer.
"We also have boats to charter if a sailor wants to fly in for the weekend," Rear Commodore Archer added.
"Currently we have about 21 entries to the Voice2net Telecom Tasar State Titles and one Tasar left to hire
"We'd love to see even more company for the Concept Tiles Easter Regatta in
some of our more unusual classes - we know the Moth guys in particular would love to get enough boats together to hold their own division, so come out and race" Rear Commodore Archer said.
The new and very sporty X3s are available with either a fun rig, or the smaller educational rig. If you have children in your family who sail, you may be happy to learn that the sailing club have a number of X3 dinghies available for use in the regatta at a modest rental rate.
By registering on the website, www.easterregatta.com.au you can be kept up to date on the latest news and results.

 

Going fishing over Easter?

 

If you're heading out on the water over Easter, don't forget to pick up your free Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Map so you know where you can go and what you can do.
Mick Bishop from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority says Zoning Maps were useful to keep onboard boats or in tackle boxes and should be checked regularly when out on the water.
"It's a good idea for fishers to check their maps while out on the water to ensure they aren't illegally fishing in areas where fishing isn't allowed or is limited," he said.
"We're stepping up patrols over Easter so people should be particularly mindful that they can't fish in Green Zones and there's limited line fishing in Yellow Zones.
"It is important people know where they are and what the zoning is for that area, otherwise they could risk getting a fine for illegal fishing."
Green Zones are no-take areas where extractive activities like fishing or collecting are not allowed. Anyone can enter a Green Zone to anchor and participate in activities such as boating, swimming and snorkelling.
Stowing fishing gear on board the boat or in rod holders with a hook still attached is also allowed in a Green Zone, provided the fishing apparatus is out of the water.
There's limited line fishing in Yellow Zones - this means fishing with one hand-held rod or one hand-held line per person, with one hook attached to that line.
Free Zoning Maps are available from bait and tackle shops, visitor information centres, ship chandlers and Environmental Protection Agency and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices.

 

Rescue launched for two

 

Wellington - A rescue operation was launched Monday to save two Italian sailors stranded on a crippled yacht in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between New Zealand and Chile.
An oil tanker was diverted to their aid, but New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre (NZRCC) said it was 800 nautical miles from the 10-metre yacht and would not reach them for nearly three days.
They were identified as father and son, Pietro Fresi, 64, and Vittorio Fresi, 34, who reportedly sailed in their yacht Onitron from Italy in September planning to retrace the clipper route of sailing ships in the 19th century on a voyage expected to take up to 300 days.
NZRCC told Radio New Zealand the yacht capsized in a storm in the early hours of Monday and although it righted, the mast broke in winds of 45 knots and 7-metre sea swells.
Once the sailors are found, the 151,000 ton tanker 'Spetses Hellespont Trooper' will take them to Argentina.

 

Shute Harbour light restored

 

Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral No.8 buoy Fl.R.3s, which marks the entrance into Shute Harbour, is restored to normal. AUS charts 252, 253 & 824

 

The sea is dangerous

 

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore" Vincent Van Gogh

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Aussie sailors pass fifty-knot milestone

Aussie sailors pass fifty-knot milestone

 

Last week Australia's 'Macquarie Innovation' made world speed sailing history by maintaining an average speed of 50.43 knots over a 500 metre shallow inlet course at Sandy Point, Victoria.
Sailing in 24 knots of sou' westerly wind, Macquarie Innovation reached a maximum speed of 54.23 knots (100km/hr) and became the first sailing boat in the world to complete an official 500m run in excess of 50 knots.
The Macquarie Speed Sailing Team will now claim the record for ratification by the sport's governing body, a claim that realises the team's long-term goal to sail their craft beyond 50 knots - sailing's equivalent of the 4-minute mile for running.
Their goal set fifteen years ago has achieved a major milestone in world performance sailing.
Perhaps there is even more speed in their futuristic looking winged contraption.

 

Landsailing Speed Record Broken

 

Ivanpah Dry Lake located on the California and Nevada border on the West Coast of the United States was last week the venue for British engineer, Richard Jenkins to smash the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles.
The engineer's land yacht 'Greenbird' clocked  109.56 knots (202.9 km/h) , eclipsing the old, American held, record of 100.8 knots set by Bob Schumacher in the 'Iron Duck' in 1999 at the same location 40 miles south of Las Vegas.
The 'Greenbird' is two vehicles: a land craft and an ice craft, powered only by the wind. Their aim is to break both the land and ice world speed records.

 

Park News

 

Cyclone Hamish passed with minimal impact to island beaches and campsites. Whitsunday National Park islands were closed for a short time in response to the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone developing off the Queensland coast. An inspection of the campsites and recreational infrastructure carried out by QPW rangers reported minimal damage.
*Whitsunday's beaches are glistening like new thanks to the efforts by local residents and volunteers to clean up the shorelines as part of Clean-up Australia Day. A big 'thank you' to the Whitsunday community for their contribution to the annual Clean-up Australia Day campaign. The day was made possible with the generous support of Fantasea, Cruise Whitsundays, Local Marine Advisory Committee, SES volunteers and Eco-barge.
*Whitehaven Beach is set to take on the country's most beautiful beaches
in an effort to secure the celebrated title of Australia's Cleanest beach!
After taking out the state awards Whitehaven beach has now moved on to the competition's national level.
*The Whitsunday Great Walk will reopen to visitors on April 1. Minor damage to several tracks has occurred from the flooding rain in February with repair works completed over the next three months.

 

Good oil

 

Costing only $485 million, a new royal yacht has been delivered to H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate and the president of UAE. This ocean worthy yacht contains 12 bedrooms, several Jacuzzis, three swimming pools, a helipad with helicopter, a cinema hall, and a discothèque.

 

Live firing, flares

 

Mariners are advised that the Army School of Transport, Maritime Wing will conduct a flare demonstration and live firing on Wednesday April 1, from 0800 to 1400 hours. The active area is within a circle of 4.8 nautical miles with the radius centred on Rattlesnake Island and not exceeding a height of 20000 feet above sea level. The firing point is at approximate position latitude 19° 20.27' S, longitude 146° 36.43' E, with firing bearing of 305° (T). Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times. AUS charts 256, 371 & 827

 

Round Hill Creek

 

Mariners are advised that due to shifting sand bars the unlit starboard hand buoy at the entrance to Round Hill Creek has been altered in position approximately 60 metres due north. AUS charts affected 366 & 818

 

Lost at sea

 

"Goodbye meant forever, so we always said, 'See you later', says Stacy Greene, her fisherman fiancée lost in the cold Atlantic Ocean.
"He died doing what he loved. He was a man at peace when he was on the ocean."
"You could say we had saltwater in our veins," said another scallop fisher. "It's what we do and what we've always done."

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Australian makes world speed sailing history

Australian makes world speed sailing history

 

Last week Australia's 'Macquarie Innovation' made world speed sailing history by maintaining an average speed of 50.43 knots over a 500 metre shallow inlet course at Sandy Point, Victoria.
Sailing in 24 knots of sou' westerly wind, Macquarie Innovation reached a maximum speed of 54.23 knots (100km/hr) and became the first sailing boat in the world to complete an official 500m run in excess of 50 knots.
The Macquarie Speed Sailing Team will now claim the record for ratification by the sport's governing body, a claim that realises the team's long-term goal to sail their craft beyond 50 knots - sailing's equivalent of the 4-minute mile for running.
Their goal set fifteen years ago has achieved a major milestone in world performance sailing.
Perhaps there is even more speed in their futuristic looking winged contraption.

 

Landsailing Speed Record Broken

 

Ivanpah Dry Lake located on the California and Nevada border on the West Coast of the United States was last week the venue for British engineer, Richard Jenkins to smash the world land speed record for wind powered vehicles.
The engineer's land yacht 'Greenbird' clocked  109.56 knots (202.9 km/h) , eclipsing the old, American held, record of 100.8 knots set by Bob Schumacher in the 'Iron Duck' in 1999 at the same location 40 miles south of Las Vegas.
The 'Greenbird' is two vehicles: a land craft and an ice craft, powered only by the wind. Their aim is to break both the land and ice world speed records.

 

Park News

 

Cyclone Hamish passed with minimal impact to island beaches and campsites. Whitsunday National Park islands were closed for a short time in response to the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone developing off the Queensland coast. An inspection of the campsites and recreational infrastructure carried out by QPW rangers reported minimal damage.
*Whitsunday's beaches are glistening like new thanks to the efforts by local residents and volunteers to clean up the shorelines as part of Clean-up Australia Day. A big 'thank you' to the Whitsunday community for their contribution to the annual Clean-up Australia Day campaign. The day was made possible with the generous support of Fantasea, Cruise Whitsundays, Local Marine Advisory Committee, SES volunteers and Eco-barge.
*Whitehaven Beach is set to take on the country's most beautiful beaches
in an effort to secure the celebrated title of Australia's Cleanest beach!
After taking out the state awards Whitehaven beach has now moved on to the competition's national level.
*The Whitsunday Great Walk will reopen to visitors on April 1. Minor damage to several tracks has occurred from the flooding rain in February with repair works completed over the next three months.

 

Live firing, flares

 

Mariners are advised that the Army School of Transport, Maritime Wing will conduct a flare demonstration and live firing on Wednesday April 1, from 0800 to 1400 hours. The active area is within a circle of 4.8NM with the radius centred on Rattlesnake Island and not exceeding a height of 20000 feet above sea level. The firing point is at approximate position latitude 19° 20.27' S, longitude 146° 36.43' E, with firing bearing of 305° (T). Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times. AUS charts 256, 371 & 827

 

Round Hill Creek

 

Mariners are advised that due to shifting sand bars the unlit starboard hand buoy at the entrance to Round Hill Creek has been altered in position approximately 60 metres due north. AUS charts affected 366 & 818

 

Lost at sea

 

"Goodbye meant forever, so we always said, 'See you later', says Stacy Greene, her fisherman fiancée lost in the cold Atlantic Ocean.
"He died doing what he loved. He was a man at peace when he was on the ocean."
"You could say we had saltwater in our veins," said another scallop fisher. "It's what we do and what we've always done."

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Paradise Lost? Fishers; Divers at odds on reef damage

Paradise Lost? Fishers; Divers at odds on reef damage

 

Conflicting views about damage to the Great Barrier Reef caused by recent category five cyclone Hamish has involved both state and federal government, commercial fishing and recreational diving industries.

The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) says the reef suffered significant damage from Cyclone Hamish and wants the Queensland Government to declare a natural disaster over the southern part of the reef so QSIA members can be compensated for the loss of fish stock caused by cyclone Hamish.

However, dive operators in the Whitsundays say attaching the term 'disaster zone' to the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef will give tourists the wrong impression.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett says the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is keeping a close eye on conditions.

"The reef is our most important national and international coral reef system and it's a treasure of Australia's which requires us to have the most exacting and absolutely comprehensive protection," he said.

Mr Garrett says he has not received a formal proposal, but he is monitoring the situation.

Whitsunday Charter Boat Association representative Greg Lambert says dive operators in his group have not seen any significant damage.

He says using the term 'disaster' would be wrong.

"You can imagine if you're a tourist wanting to come from overseas and dive the Great Barrier Reef and you read in the media that it's been destroyed, declared a national disaster area, you're not going to come," he said.

QSIA spokesman Neil Green said after speaking to State Government ministers, he was confident the disaster zone would be declared.

"Half the reef has been completely overturned from Bowen South. It'll affect tourism, it'll affect certainly commercial fishers - about 50 per cent or 300 jobs are at risk with 30 guys put off yesterday," Mr Green told ABC radio.

"There's just nothing left out there to fish on."

"We've had our boats out there working this week for the first time after the cyclone and people with 20 years experience can't recognise the damage being done," Mr Green said.

"Their catches where they'd catch 150 fish a day have been down to five fish a day."

Any decision to declare the reef a disaster area would be a first, according to the Department of Primary Industries.

However, the tourism industry is wary of such any association between the "disaster area" and the Great Barrier Reef.

"It would be very unhelpful for the tourism operators up and down the coast," The Queensland Tourism Industry Council's Daniel Gschwind said,

"We're very keen to make sure that the public is not driven into believing that it's no longer worth going to see the reef," he said.

Local diving operator Mike Daley of Whitsunday Dive Adventures this week said while some coral suffered damage, it was mainly soft branching corals that were more easily damaged but were also faster growing.

"No. The reef isn't destroyed. The reef has a wonderful ability to be sustainable. That's not to say it isn't under pressure. However for inner reefs siltation from onshore construction runoff has been more of a problem."

 

Mystical attraction

 

"There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends"

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

New fishing rules apply from this week

New fishing rules apply from this week

Significant changes to regulations affecting commercial and recreational
fishers throughout Queensland came into effect this week.
The changes include new bag and size limits for popular species like bream,
whiting, tailor, and flathead.
The changed size, take and possession limits for both fresh and tidal waters
are effective from March 1.
Anglers do not require a licence to fish recreationally in Queensland,
except if fishing in some stocked impoundments such as at Peter Faust Dam.
The 2009 coral reef fin fish closures, scheduled for later in the year are
under currently under review.
Full details Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
www.dpi.qld.gov.au

P&O Arcadia memories

Item last week brought some memories sparked by the fourth P&O Arcadia, the
largest P&O Cruises ship ever to visit Australia as part of her debut world
cruise.
Thousands immigrated to Australia on P&O Cruises' second Arcadia as
'ten-pound Poms' in the 1950s and '60s.
A mate, Meecham Philpot 4MK Radio presenter told Waterfront that his mom and
dad met onboard the second Arcadia in the early 1960s.
"And last week we were at lunch in Brisbane while Arcadia was alongside"
Meech added.
There have been several other memories related, do you have one?

Barrier Reef Island Park News

The recent sighting of a crocodile at Langford Lagoon prompts a reminder to
be croc wise in the Whitsundays. Crocodiles can occur around offshore
islands and are potentially dangerous. Be Croc wise - Never approach,
provoke or interfere with a crocodile. Report crocodile sightings to the EPA
on 1300 130 372.

Whitehaven awarded - Whitsunday Regional Council and EPA received the Keep
Australia Beautiful, Queensland's cleanest beach award for Whitehaven Beach.
Everyone is encouraged to keep up the great work, with judging for the
national title this year.

Walking track maintenance - Work to upgrade sections of walking tracks on
South Molle Island will continue throughout March 2009. During this time
some track closures will occur as machinery, plant and equipment are in use.

South Whitehaven Beach - construction underway to upgrade visitor facilities
including a new day-use area installed with seating and new toilet systems
for day visitors and campers, weather permitting. Visitors are reminded to
observe all signs and directions. Commercial operators are reminded by EPA
of their obligations to obey their permit conditions and not access or allow
their guests to access sites for which they are not permitted. This includes
new or 'under construction' walking tracks.

Surprise Rock beacon

Mariners are advised that the lighted isolated danger mark beacon Fl(2) 6s,
located east of Hamilton Island in approximate position latitude 20° 21.3'
S, longitude 149° 01.6' E, has been destroyed. Mariners should use caution
in the vicinity. AUS charts affected are 252, 253 & 824

Hamilton Island Marina

Mariners are advised that the Hamilton Island Marina entrance will be closed
to traffic for pipeline construction between 1045 and 1230 hours on Thursday
12 March 2009.

Rough and calm

"As we sail thru life, don't avoid rough waters, sail on because calm waters
won't make a skilful sailor"

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Ambassadors greet visiting cruise ships

Ambassadors greet visiting cruise ships

 

Last Friday passengers from P & O Oriana visiting Airlie Beach were greeted by the volunteer Ambassadors from the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce.
Nothing new really, as the Ambassadors have been going since 2004 and some of the originals are still there welcoming passengers and seeing them off.
"The passengers leave with a positive feeling and the volunteers have fun meeting and greeting," says coordinator Judi Dunn
Today, Wednesday, P&O Aurora will be visiting on a 93-night world cruise ex Southampton so cruise ship volunteers will be enjoying meeting and greeting.
If anyone would like to join in and become a volunteer cruise ship arrivals Ambassador, give a call Judi Dunn 0408 285 915

 

One we missed

 

Arcadia is the largest P&O Cruises ship ever to visit Whitsunday and indeed Australia as part of its debut world cruise.
Unfortunatly she will only transit the Whitsunday Islands enroute to Cairns.
The 83,000-tonne Bermuda flagged vessel with 1,950 passengers, evoked memories of former P&O ships to carry the same name.
Thousands immigrated to Australia on P&O Cruises' second Arcadia as 'ten-pound Poms' in the 1950s and '60s.
The modern 285-metre Arcadia is the fourth ship in the company's history to bear the name.
The second incarnation of P&O's Arcadia, launched in 1953, was central to the migration of more than a million Britons to Australia in the 1950s and 60s.
The Arcadia is one of four superliners gracing Australian waters this week, with Cunard's Queen Victoria, Diamond Princess and the giant Queen Mary 2.

 

Clean Up this Sunday

 

Ian "Stack' Hudson called to report that Rotary Club of Airlie Beach will meet at 8 am in Rotary Park next to the Whitsunday Sailing Club for registration.
"The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach, as part of its service to the local community, co-ordinates Clean Up Australia from VMR at Cannonvale through Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour, weather permitting" Stack says.
"2009 marks the 19th National Clean Up Day. Volunteers are needed to fill the provided bags and leave them on the roadside for collection by others. Participants should wear sensible shoes/boots, a hat, sunscreen and bring a pair of working gloves, although some gloves will be available."
"Since the total area is divided into 17 easily handled plots, it is envisaged that three hours will see the job done.
"Rotary will provide a free T shirt and soft drink or water to take, and when done a sausage sizzle. Also, there will be McDonalds vouchers and a drink afterwards compliments of the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Rotary looks forward to seeing as many people as possible for this annual community effort.
The group organising the area from Riordanvale Rd to Tropic Rd will meet at the Reef Gateway Hotel at 8 am and expect to finish at 11.
Organiser Jan Jarratt MP invites people to "Join us to help clean up, fix up and conserve the environment"
The Eco Barge is taking ten volunteers to clean beaches on South Molle Island and surrounding islands to pick up bags left by other volunteers on the day. Departing Whitsunday Sailing Club dinghy jetty @ 8.00 am. Register on www.cleanup.org.au or call Libby Edge 0417 642 815 ecobargeservices@gmail.com

 

Over the top

 

A good reason for not wanting Lake Proserpine to fill and spill over the Peter Faust Dam is an evil Weed of Mass Destruction - Mimosa Pigra. Water over the dam wall might spread the seeds of this weed downstream.
Mimosa Pigra is one of the worst weeds of a number of tropical countries and is well established as the worst weed of the Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia.
The alarm has been raised locally with the discovery of this potentially devastating weed at Peter Faust Dam, the first site outside of the Northern Territory.
If it were to become established Mimosa Pigra would pose a severe threat to a number of industries and the wetland areas of the humid and sub-humid tropics.

 

Film critic

 

Watching the new film 'Australia', Mrs Cap'n Dan said, "There are too many crikeys and not enough strewths" and for your Waterfront writer the poor radio operation skills are obvious when the radio operator says 'over and out'. When will they learn?

 

Hesket Rock light

 

Mariners are advised that a lighted south cardinal mark beacon Q(6) + LFl.15s has been established in position latitude 20° 56.1893' S, longitude 149° 28.9649' E on Hesket Rock, which is about 2.5 nautical miles in an easterly direction from St Bees Island. AUS charts affected 251, 823 & 824

 

Your fortune read

 

"Many a false step was made by standing still" Common sense from a Fortune Cookie

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Average people make a huge difference for our environment

Average people make a huge difference for our environment

 

In 1989, an 'average Australian bloke' had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard - Sydney Harbour. This simple idea has now become the Australia's largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day.
It is hard to believe that this campaign began twenty years ago as the inspiration of one man, Australian yachtsman, Ian Kiernan.
As he sailed through the oceans of the world in his yacht 'Spirit of Sydney', he was shocked and disgusted by the pollution and rubbish that he continually encountered in areas such as the remote Sargasso Sea. The polluted state of the world's oceans motivated Ian to act.
Clean Up Sydney Harbour Day in January 1989 received an enormous public response with more than 40,000 Sydneysiders donating their time and energy to clean up the harbour.
In Whitsunday, Libby Edge is the driving force behind Eco Barge Services, a local marine clean up operation to work amid our Whitsunday Islands and their foreshores.
Libby first got the idea to clean the islands when she saw that marine debris was a constant and ever increasing problem on our local islands and marine life and wanted to take action herself.
"Eco Barge is planning to run trips out to the islands to remove plastics and rubbish from the beaches and inlets," Libby told Waterfront this week.
"Eco Barge will be taking volunteers to help with the removal of debris and is looking for help with the clean up operation," Libby added.
Libby has already teamed up with Reef Catchments and O.U.C.H. Volunteers; Jan Jarratt has chipped in and the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee is encouraging support for the Clean up Australia day event on March 1 and the Clean up business day on February 24.
Eco Barge Services is seeking help to the clean up Whitsunday. Contact Libby Edge at ecobargeservices@gmail.com

 

VMR Whitsunday logbook

 

VMR has had towing, police and medivac jobs and assisted boaties with varied difficulties.
On February 3, VMR1 was tasked by Queensland Ambulance Service to carry out a medivac from Long Island for a young woman with a suspected Irukandji jellyfish sting. The patient was stabilized by a Paramedic and transported to an ambulance waiting at Abel Point. VMR Media and Public Relations Officer Malcolm Priday, commented that this was probably "Not a good way to start a honeymoon" for the young woman and her partner.

 

Island Park news

 

Construction is underway at South Whitehaven Beach to upgrade the visitor facilities including a new day-use area installed with seating. A new toilet system for day visitors and campers is to be installed.
South Molle Island; Following an upgrade to the waste management system in 2008, work will start on the Sandy Bay campground (weather permitting). The area will be closed to camping and visitors are encouraged to use nearby Paddle Bay, South Molle Island, North Molle, Planton and Denman islands camping areas during this time.

 

Notices to mariners

 

Shute Harbour - Rooper Inlet lighted starboard lateral No.3 buoy Fl.G 2.5s in the Shute Harbour south entrance channel, is off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts affected 252, 253, and 824

 

Military Live firing and flares. The Army School of Transport - Maritime Wing will be conducting live firing and a flare shoot from 0730 to 1400 hours on Saturday March 14. The active area is within a five (5) nautical mile radius of Rattlesnake Island, Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times. AUS charts 256, 371 and 827

 

A brave man
 
"Noah was a brave man to sail in a wooden boat with two termites."

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Boating and fishing lifestyle resists downturn

Boating and fishing lifestyle resists downturn

 

Boating is part of the Australian lifestyle. Unlike other recreational pursuits, such as golf, boating is a family affair. Boaters can float away from onshore worries for a weekend and spend time with the ones they love. The lure of wetting a line in a few spots with friends and anchoring for the night in a secluded cove is still an affordable lifestyle option.

The Miami International Boat Show opens this week and is focusing on family activities such as the Discover Boating Center staffed by experts who can answer your questions to help you become a boater.

Exhibitors will showcase wellness at Dubai International Boat Show taking place in March at the Dubai International Marine Club,

'The ultimate frontier of wellness; a yacht with a gym onboard" says Christian Dietrich, Managing Director, Technogym Emirates,

The need for relief is what keeps Frank Herhold, Marine Industries Association of South Florida executive director, optimistic despite the economy.

''People still want to relax,'' he said.

So, while the economic downturn may be affecting new boat sales, boaters can still enjoy the sizzle of boat and fishing shows and the best in this part of Australia is the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show on June 6 and 7 sponsored by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.

 

Dam Sydharbs

 

In Australia the size of many bodies of water are referenced back to the size of Sydney Harbour, that is a body of water x is y times the size of the Sydney Harbour.

So the sydharb is an Australian unit of volume for water. One sydharb is the amount of water in Sydney Harbour: approximately 500 gigalitres.

Geologically, Sydney Harbour/Port Jackson is a drowned river valley, or ria. It is 19 km long with an area of 55 km². The estuary's volume at high tide is over 500,000 megalitres.

Peter Faust Dam is an earth and rockfill embankment 50 metres high, on the Proserpine River and when full, covers 4350 ha with a capacity of 500,000 ml (one sydharb). The Dam was constructed for irrigation, flood mitigation and town water supply. It is situated 26 km inland from Proserpine and construction was completed December 1990, just before the big wet of 1991. Although anticipated to take 10 years to fill, the Dam was at 98% after this first wet season.

It has significantly reduced the frequency and severity of floods in the Proserpine River.

The Bureau of Meteorology operates a flood warning system for the Proserpine River catchment.

Australia uses 25,000 gigalitres of water per annum - which is equivalent to 50 Sydney Harbours.

  

Sunken vessel

 

Mariners are advised that there is a sunken sailing vessel about 400 metres in an easterly direction from Abel Point in Boat Haven (Muddy) Bay. A lighted yellow special mark buoy Fl.Y.3s has been temporarily established to mark the position.

Mariners are advised to use caution when in the vicinity. AUS charts: 252, 253 & 268

 

Oar what?

 

"A straight oar looks bent in the water. What matters is not merely that we see things but how we see them" Michel de Montaigne

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Cyclone shipwreck discovered at bridgework site

Cyclone shipwreck discovered at bridgework site
 
Bridge builders on the Pioneer River this week discovered the remains of the wooden steamship Brinawarr while working on the new Forgan Bridge.
Construction work has halted until the wreck, sunk in the 1918 cyclone is investigated.
Main Roads acting regional director Ian Husband says that as required by heritage legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency has asked Main Roads to suspend all work until a marine archaeologist has investigated the wreck.
Mr Husband says he is hoping work will resume before the end of the week.
"Under the legislation we're required to stop work," he said.
"We've done that and we're arranging for these marine archaeologists to come and examine the site, and we're hopeful that by the end of this week we'll be in a position to recommence work on the bridge.
So far, a number of artefacts have been salvaged, including a compass and a number of ornate brass dragon figurines. The propeller was salvage years ago and is in the Mackay museum.
The Brinawarr is of an age to be an historic shipwreck. A wooden ship, Brinawarr was a 91-foot steam powered vessel of 119 gross tons, built in 1890 by J Hawken Snr, of Coolangatta, at Shoalhaven, New South Wales.
October 1893 Brinawarr was acquired by the Adelaide Steamship Co and employed as a tender on the Pioneer River, Mackay.
During the January 1918 cyclone the "Brinawarr" struck the bridge and badly damaged, she sank. Captain Hone, his son and the cook were on board. The three managed to scramble on to the bridge.
Brinawarr is an Aboriginal word for 'Place of water lilies'
 

Parks news
 
Visitors can expect minor disruption during final work to the Nara Inlet walking track and viewing platform, including restricted access at times to allow for safe heli-lift operations.
Work to upgrade sections of walking tracks on South Molle Island will continue until March 2009. During this time some track closures will occur as machinery, plant and equipment are in use. Access to the Spion Kop track will be restricted from 9 February 2009.
The Whitsunday Great Walk is currently closed due to flooding, and will be closed to visitors during annual maintenance from 2 February to 31 March 2009. Day visitors can still enjoy two short walks, the Kingfisher Circuit and Honeyeater Track (weather permitting).
The amended Plans of Management for the Whitsundays and Cairns Areas are now in effect, and a number of changes have been made to opportunities for tourism operators. For further information please contact the GBRMPA on 07 4750 0700 or visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au under
 
Hazard reported
 
Mariners are advised that a danger to navigation, similar in appearance to a vertical floating pylon, has been reported about 2.5 nautical miles south of Shaw Island in the Lindeman Group. The hazard is reported to be floating about one (1) metre out of the water.
The danger has similarities to the lost vertical floating 9-metre pylon sighted off Grasstree Beach, near Sarina Inlet and reported on September 18.
Mariners are advised to navigate this area with caution. Chart AUS 252
 
Not afraid of storms
 
"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."
 Louisa May Alcott American Author, 1832-1888

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Aussie sailor's record breaking ocean quest

Aussie sailor's record breaking ocean quest

 

Aussie sailor Jessica Watson has just completed a 13-day, 1,300 nautical mile passage from Mooloolaba, Queensland to Whangarei New Zealand.
Not much surprising about that, even though this was Jessica's first trip as skipper on an ocean voyage, she has crewed on several other passages.
Jessica has been sailing since she was eight years old so sailing a 10-metre yacht across the Tasman with two other crew onboard doesn't sound special until you find that one reason is that Jessica is too young to have a boat licence.
Indeed this voyage is preparing 15-year-old Jessica for her quest, to become the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the World.
Imagine sailing 22,000 nautical miles, circumnavigating the globe, alone, unassisted and non-stop.
Inspired by Kay Cottee, the first woman to sail solo non-stop unassisted around the world and by Jesse Martin, the youngest person to do so, Jessica Watson has set her sights on shattering Jesse's record. In the process, Jessica hopes to inspire young sailors, adventurers and everyone with a dream in their heart.
Jesse Martin was 18 years when he returned to Melbourne to claim the current record for youngest solo, non-stop unassisted circumnavigation in 1999. 
Jessica aims to depart shortly after her 16th birthday in May this year, giving her plenty of time to return home safely to Mooloolaba and make history. 
While Martin took 327 days and Cottee took 189 days, Jessica is expecting to back within 210 days (7 months).
Two records Jessica could break are in the process of being set right now.

Seventeen-year-old Zac Sunderland is making his leisurely way around the world, and has only to cross the Atlantic, transit the Panama, and sail to San Diego to be the youngest sailor to sail round the world.
However, sixteen-year-old (108 days younger) Michael Perham has just left the Canary Islands and is heading for the Cape of Good Hope in a much faster racing boat, attempting to sail Non-Stop and Unassisted round the world. If he reaches the Canary Islands again any time less than 108 days after Zac reaches San Diego, then he will be beat Zac's potential record, and the Non-Stop and Unassisted criteria.

Jessica will have to beat both to be the 'youngest around', but it would not prevent her from being 'youngest woman around'.

 

Solar storms study

 

A new study from the National Academy of Sciences outlines dire consequences on Earth for a worst-case scenario giant solar storm. Scientists involved in the study say that damage to power grids and other communications systems could be catastrophic. All types of radio communications could be affected.
Solar activity is expected to rise sharply in coming years and what is known as severe space weather will ramp up a year or two before the peak in 2012. Once the Solar storm hits Earth it can disrupt power distribution grids, cause blackouts, and downgrade both terrestrial wire-line and satellite to ground communications.

 

Royal yacht sale
 
Once used by the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne the former royal yacht Bloodhound is up for sale.
The 63-foot fully restored 'Bloodhound' is no ordinary yacht. She is one of the few authentic classic 1930s racing yachts left. Her uniqueness and attraction lie in the fact she was one of the most successful racing yachts ever built, becoming the Queen and Prince Phillip's personal yacht during the 1960's.
Built in 1936, she was one of three yachts designed and built by Camper & Nicholson to the twelve-metre class.
This yacht not only has great provenance, she is also capable of establishing herself as the yacht to beat on the classic circuit.
"In a sense, these boats are irreplaceable and part of living history," current owner Cindy McGrail said.
 
Run down?
 
Offshore sailors worry about being run down by ships. The danger is less now than anytime in recent memory partly because of new technology, but much of it because of economics. There's just not as much shipping as there used to be. With oil having dropped over $100 a barrel, some 50 mega-tankers around the world are being used solely for storage, as on-shore storage is nearing capacity.
With world trade dropping, international shipping has plunged. Perhaps the best indicator is that for the first time in many years the cost has dropped significantly. The cost of shipping a 40-foot container from Hong Kong to Rotterdam has dropped from $2,700 last year, as low as $200 this year. What's more, many ships are now operated at lower speeds to save money on fuel. I guess that's what is meant by the economy slowing down.
 
Hamo light back on

 

Mariners are advised that the Q.R light on the port lateral mark No. 2 beacon marking the entrance channel into Hamilton Island Marina has been restored to normal. Chart AUS254

 

Haul up yer anchor!

 

"I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor"
 Oliver Wendell Holmes, Writer, humorist and Professor at Harvard, 1809-1894

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan