Nominate a young achiever: deadline January 28

The end of January deadline to nominate young Queenslanders for the Queensland Young Achiever Awards is fast approaching.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries acting Regional Director Alan Stephens is urging everyone to nominate a young person they know aged between 14 and 26 for these awards.
"The Queensland Young Achiever Awards Program for 2005 recognises talented young people who have excelled in one of seven fields: the arts, their careers, community service, the environment, regional initiative, science and technology, and sports," Mr Stephens said.
"DPI&F is honoured to be sponsoring the Regional Initiative Award in this program, which will recognise the contribution one young Queenslander has made to the rural sector," he said.
Each of the category winners receives a $2000 cash prize, with the overall State winner receiving an additional $2000.
These awards endeavour to encourage and motivate young Queenslanders in their chosen fields while also helping them to develop their leadership and life skills; Mr Stephens said.
Nominations close on Friday January 28, and winners will be announced during National Youth Week in April 2005.

Australia Day

On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor. Australia Day, a national holiday, is a day of celebrating what's great about Australia and being Australian.

World Champs postponed

The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful, that this grand world event which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding it in January/ February 2006 in that country.

Seal of approval
Welcome back to all you holiday makers. The editor of the Monash University Information Technology newsletter writes that we may all legitimately fear the occasional bad day.
"So I thought it might be timely to reflect now on the fact that there is always someone worse off than oneself. Next time you feel the onset a bad day, bear in mind these examples:
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.
At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A moment later, a killer whale ate them both.

Airlie Bay underwater obstruction

Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction is located in approximate position latitude 20° 16.05'S, longitude 148° 43.15'E at Airlie Bay. Chart: AUS 268

Reality and you

"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."
--Les Brown

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Festival to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea

Trafalgar 200, to commemorate 200 years since the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was launched at the London Boat Show.
On 28 June, there will be a chance to see warships from over 30 nations side by side on the Solent as part of the biggest ever International Fleet Review. A four-day event will then follow with the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar 200 is part of this year's SeaBritain 2005 campaign to promote the sea. Chairman of SeaBritain 2005 David Quarmby CBE said: "It is a festival of events, exhibitions and celebrations around the UK coastline, waterways and islands to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea."
Aboard the HMS Sutherland at the London Boat Show, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC said: "It will be the largest International Fleet Review ever staged and I am delighted by the number of navies that have accepted the invitation to attend."
Her majesty the Queen, The Lord High Admiral will be reviewing The Fleet of around 150 vessels, which includes warships, tall ships, merchant ships and yachts. Her majesty will be aboard a naval vessel to witness a steam and sail past of the boats.
With an emphasis on youth, the Review will see around 3,000 young people afloat.
Mike Richmond, the Managing Director of the festival said: "Our key aim when visitors leave our site is to make sure they are fully marinated!"
Crowned the vice-patron of the festival, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson also spoke of her love of the sea and how some young people have never been to the sea. She said: "We have such a strong heritage with the sea that we hope to show that the sea is accessible for everyone."

Airlie sailor's record improved

Sailing from Dakar in Senegal to Guadeloupe in an open catamaran of 20-foot is not easy. Trying to break the 1986 record of 18 days and 22 hours set by Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurent and French mate Pradel. Three sailors have lost their lives trying.
In 1999, Hans Bouscholte (Ned) and Gerard Navarin (Fra) set a new world record after four attempts of mainly French crews. On a modified Inter 20, Bouscholte and Navarin sailed the 2700 miles in 15 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. On the 9th of January 2005, on their second attempt, Andrea Gancia and Matteo Miceli (ITA), sailing their 20-foot cat Abaco broke this reference in a new World Record (to be ratified by the WSSRC) of 13 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes. Andrea and Matteo were 35 hours faster than Bouscholte and Navarin.
Another Australian and a Belgian crew is preparing for an attempt on the record.

New Years

The Chinese New Year 4702 is February 2, at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
Forty-six percent of New Year's resolutions will remain in effect six months from now, according to a study.
Finally, a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will move up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top, in case you have any champagne left over. This is not a cure for a hangover, however.

Supermaxi dismasted

Two weeks ago Ludde Ingvall's supermaxi Nicorette took line honours in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.
Her two main rivals, Skandia and Konica Minolta and many other competitors did not survive the tough weather conditions.
This week, during a corporate sail, with Nicorette sponsor clients, the 90-footer was about half a mile seaward of the Gold Coast Seaway at around 3.30pm sailing under main and headsail, in a flat seaway, at about 10 knots when her $1 million mast and sails went over the side into 22 metres of seawater.

Sailor swaps Cold Water for Warm

International yachtsman Nick Lykiardopulo spent the New Year relaxing on Hamilton Island after winning the gruelling Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Lykiardopulo was relaxing on Hamilton Island with his wife and family when the lure of a twilight sailing race with locals became too much to bear, reports Susan Boyd.
"He was delighted to swap the rough and unpredictable conditions associated with the Sydney Hobart Race with the idyllic and warm racing in the twilight racing series of Hamilton Island on Wednesday evening."
Lykiardopulo who owns the British Ker 55 Aera said he loves sailing in the Whitsundays. He has previous competed in Hamilton Island and Hayman Island regattas and welcomes any opportunity to sail in beautiful seas in the warmth.
He was welcomed aboard the crew of Hustler skippered by Airlie Beach local Bruce Finlay.
The crew finished third overall in the race, behind Hamilton Island yachts Excalibur and Silverado.

Patrol praises boating enthusiasts

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has applauded the good behaviour of boaties and recreational fishers during the Christmas New Year holiday break.
While Queenslanders turned out in their thousands to enjoy the State's waterways very few marine infringement notices were handed out.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol A/General Manager Bob Grimley said patrol field officers carried out nearly 8000 regulatory fisheries inspections and boating safety equipment checks during the period.
"Considering the large number of inspections, officers handed out just 168 infringement notices throughout the State with the majority of fines being for boating safety equipment breaches and speeding," Mr Grimley said.
"The bulk of our recreational boating enthusiasts have been extremely responsible but to have more than 120 boat owners putting their passengers and vessels at risk by carrying incorrect safety equipment or through speeding was disappointing," he said.

Message in a bottle

When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. His yacht later suffered structural problems and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.

Laguna Quays, Gloucester Passage, Nares Rock notices

The depth in the entrance channel to Laguna Quays (20 35'.95 S 141 41'.48 E) is reduced. Local knowledge from the marina office should be sought before transiting the channel. Chart: Aus252
Gloucester Passage - Light buoy. Insert west cardinal cylindrical light buoy, Q(9) 15s, with topmark 20 04.01 S 148 26.41 Chart: Aus825
Nares Rock - Navaid. Substitute light, Fl(2) 5s, for light beacon 19 46.2 S 148 21.5 E Chart: Aus825.

Help?

"The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
--Carl Rogers

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Submariners and their boats

Submariners and their boats have been in the local news lately, so as an above sea-level sailor your Waterfront writer brushed up on the subject of the underwater mariners.
For those interested in submarines there is a book in the council library titled 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines." Perhaps a good way to become an instant sub-expert.
For sailors, the sail, formerly known as the conning tower encloses the periscope and snorkel. It looks like a keel on top of the boat. In addition, for those new to the subject, a sub is always called a boat.
Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci designed an underwater warship but kept it secret.
Getting seasick is apparently very common when the boat is at the surface due to the movement of the long cigar-shaped steel tube. At 546 feet below the waves, it is as steady as the basement of an office building even during a cyclone.
In the chapter, 'Reacting to an Emergency' it says, "When an emergency occurs on a sub, many of the crew start to look like a series of one-person bands. Under the waves this is known as "multitasking." I wondered what that term meant.
It's all about the secrets of the deep, stealth being everything. Hooning around in a noisy fashion is not a submariner thing.
Local ex-submariner Col Deller told me years ago that submariners have an interesting sense of humour, why the boats don't have screen doors, that sort of thing. 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines" says the exception is that it is never a good idea to say, "Good news Captain -- the flooding put out the fire." Apparently, sub commanders don't have a sense of humour about emergencies.
An ex-submariners group, the North Queensland Submariners Association of Australia recently held their official sub-branch launch. Their next gathering will be held locally in March where up to 50 ex-submariners are expected.

Airlie to Asia Relief Fund

In support of those in Asia dealing with the recent tsunami disaster, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is calling on all business and community groups within the region to support them in raising funds to be donated to Care Australia for victims aid support.
All donations need to be made by Wednesday 5 January and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce will issue a receipt acknowledging the donation of funds.
If you have any enquiries please contact Judi Dunn, Secretary Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce on 4946 2000, alternatively you can make a donation personally at PRDnationwide Whitsunday at 350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.

Tropical Jellyfish

An information program on marine stingers following the Tourism Whitsundays Irukandji Stinger seminar held in November, Surf Lifesaving Queensland has given Tourism Whitsundays a number of DVDs, which contain the latest available information about marine stingers. Any operators wanting to borrow this DVD for staff information and training purposes should please contact membership@whitsundaytourism.com or call me on 4948 5916 to arrange a copy.

Fine for husband and wife

A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
"Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws," he said.
"This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences."
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.

Message in a bottle

When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. In the 1996 edition Bertrand de Broc suffered structural problems with his boat and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.

The Good life

"It's a good life at sea, no matter what boat you are on."

Whitsunday ex-submariner Col Deller

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

SOS: Safe Over Summer

This summer holidays there is an increased number of boat users on the waterways increasing collision risks. Boat registrations in Queensland, recorded by Queensland Transport in October were 187,893 with 7,677 Personal Water Craft registrations.
Even minor collisions can cause serious damage to your boat, to infrastructure or worse cause injuries or fatalities.
To avoid collisions: Keep a good watch! Use both sight and sound to be aware of other boats particularly in bad weather due to restricted visibility and darkness.
Keep a safe distance! Allow plenty of time to stop just in case something pops up. Remember, speed limits apply.
Make your intentions clear! Never assume that the operator of another boat will observe the rules. Be prepared to take action!
Like roads, the sea has clear & defined traffic laws to indicate passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats.
Safety is a key priority and you must do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
When navigating narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard side (right) pass oncoming boats on the portside (left).
The golden rule of giving way is look all around, give way to right, turn to right and stay to the right. When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
If you are overtaking a boat, you can overtake to either side of the boat you wish to pass. Ensure you keep well of the boat you wish to overtake. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In all instances, do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
When two boats are crossing, the boat on your right has right of way. Keep clear, alter your course or slow down to pass astern of the other boat. If you have the right of way, be predictable and keep your course and speed. If the other boat does not give way, the boat with the right of way must take action to avoid a collision.
Remember your actions affect others and you have a responsibility to others on waterways.
Watch where you are going - a collision at sea can wreck your entire day.

New Year thought

We all want to be happy. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to how we feel. Beyond that, there are a number of things we can do to alter our state and experience more joy.
* Look for the good in things.
* Be sure to laugh often. Look for the humour in every situation.
* Resolve not to be a whiner.
* Live with passion and do things with verve.
Attitude is a choice. So, choose to be positive.

Under a spell

President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.

Distress comment called

The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.

Premium race award

The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.

Eimeo Creek light restored

Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823

Another year gone

'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.

Newfoundland fisherman's saying.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Shark caution to swimmers

Recent sightings of sharks and tragic fatal attacks send a timely warning this summer about the dangers of swimming in some locations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Shark Safety manager Baden Lane says people should avoid swimming in areas such as near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways particularly early in the morning, evening, at night and where people are fishing.
Mr Lane said bull whaler and tiger sharks were likely to inhabit these areas, as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
"The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters," he said.
"They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots."
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing were safe activities but people should still be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do especially when there are families swimming," he said.

Training boost

Giving something old a new lease of life, the old sand dredge used in the creation of Mackay Marina Village has found a new home in a training facility run by The Giles Group. The Giles Group operates a dredge and work vessels in the area, as well as across Australia reports Michelle Dunstone.
The Giles Group runs a training facility for 'youth and local community'. This is a self-funded facility, which works in alliance with accredited organisations.
"This gives the youth and local community members a chance to learn about heavy engineering and mechanics. The scheme is run to provide participants with life skills and quality training to strive for a better lifestyle through gaining employment."
This type of scheme is of huge benefit to both the Shipyard and the youth in training. Mackay's marine industry, in parallel with the rest of Australia, is suffering from a shortage of trained workers at present and this type of initiative is exactly what is needed to boost the local economy.

Under a spell

President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.

Busy on water

Item last week about Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers-by involved in saving a thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan failed to mention the role played by Kevin Fogarty of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Timely work by all saved Capt Morgan's boat from destruction on the rocky Airlie foreshore.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with bigger tides.
As the problem will not go away until boat owners realise the power of the conditions in the dreaded northerlies, a group has been suggested to look at the issues involved in responding to theses events.
Issues would involve the safety of those going to the rescue, timely response, legal and salvage, and education to prevent it happening in the first place.
No one should be surprised when a boat comes ashore after the builder's block and bit of dog chain 'anchor' drags.
The group will meet in the new year, contact Waterfront C/ The Guardian

Distress comment called

The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.

Premium race award

The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.

Submarines

Submariner mate always said that subs were boats not equipped with screen doors.
Now your Waterfront writer likes to stay above sea level, so has a lot of respect for those that do not.
Heard a yarn recently about a new submariner joining a boat and wanting to know all about his exciting new job and home.
An old hand sorted him out: "Listen, it's real simple. Add the number of times we dive to the number of times we surface. Divide that number by two. If the result doesn't come out even, don't open the hatch."

Eimeo Creek light restored

Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823

Live forever

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

No charges over spear fish shark death

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has no plans to prosecute anyone in relation to claims a group was illegally spear fishing at Opal Reef off the coast of Cairns when a man was fatally attacked by a shark.
DPI&F acting regional manager Bob Koch said the Department had spoken to the police and owner of the boat and was satisfied no illegal fishing had taken place.
"Although there were no plans to prosecute, a routine investigation has been carried out just to confirm what the group was doing and what types of fish they were catching," Mr Koch said.
"The group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef which is a legal activity. They were en route to Port Douglas when advised to move into shallower water in Opal Reef for the rescue helicopter operation."
Mr Koch said an independent witness has also confirmed the group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef.
"There has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about this tragedy. I suggest now the privacy of family and friends is respected," he said.

Busy on water

Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers by were all involved in saving the thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan.
The boat was seen drifting towards the rocks in front of Airlie and could easily have been seriously damaged if not destroyed. The boat was later secured at Abel Point Marina for the absent owner.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with the bigger tides in recent days.
Capt Morgan has recently had his tender swamped and used his artificial leg fitting to bail out the seawater. A visit to the Whitsunday Police station also resulted in his mobility scooter accidentally smashing a front window. Perhaps he needs a nickname like Capt Smash.

One boat for every 22 people in Qld

Queensland recreational boat ownership is growing by about 6% each year, which is almost twice the rate of our population growth.
"Boating is relaxing and pleasurable - but it's not a game, and complacency can be deadly. The person in charge of the boat is responsible for the safety of all people on board, and masters must ensure their boat is safe to operate, properly equipped and crewed and handled safely at all times," the Premier Mr Beattie said this week.
Transport Minister Mr Lucas said: "Water Police and the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be out in force keeping an eye on boatie behaviour and compliance over summer.
"If you are irresponsible you will be caught and hit with a stiff fine.
"Enforcement agencies issued 770 marine infringement notices in Queensland during the last the Christmas-New Year holidays.
"In the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay area they issued 165 notices, and 333 of those were at the Gold Coast.
"Since then more than 3380 notices have been issued to the end of September - 470 in the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay area and 845 on the Gold Coast.
"Fines start at $150 for offences such as speeding or not having the right safety equipment, and more serious breaches can lead to prosecution and penalties of many thousands of dollars.
"Speeding, especially near anchored or moored vessels, is by far the most frequent complaint reported to Maritime Safety Queensland and enforcement agencies.
"This is about ensuring people in boats enjoy themselves and that the only thing they come back with at the day's end is a nice feed of fish.
Nine people have died and 21 were seriously injured in boat accidents in the first nine months of this year. In 2003, seven people were killed in boat accidents.
"The smart approach is to be responsible - watch your speed and wash, watch where you're going, keep a safe distance, and don't dump rubbish at sea.
"With jet skis, watch your noise and distance rules and think about where you operate," Mr Lucas said.

Lagoon cruising

The regular visits of cruise ships certainly liven up Airlie Beach. But the hot tropical weather lead to an estimated four hundred and twenty cruise ship guests passengers taking a refreshing dip in the Lagoon one morning this week - a good crowd at eleven am.

Clean Beach Awards

Horseshoe Bay in Bowen was North Queensland's Cleanest Beach for 2004. The Horseshoe Bay announcement was made at a regional EPA Clean Beach Challenge awards function in Townsville.
Tourism Whitsunday reports that our region was awarded three Outstanding Accomplishment Awards including: Collex Resource Conservation and Waste Management Award - Airlie Beach Foreshore Bunnings Community-Local Government Partnership Award - Bowen Shire Council for Queens Beach Litter Prevention Award - Whitehaven Beach
An amazing result for the Whitsundays highlighting the region's continued commitment to positive environmental management.

Premium race award

The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.

Who needs it?

Did you to know that Mercedes-Benz has changed the on-board software in some of its cars after male customers said they did not want to take driving directions from a female voice.

Rock lobster rules: OK

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging fishers to keep up to date with tropical rock lobster fishing regulations following a number of recent fishing offences in north Queensland.
DPI&F acting district operations officer Matthew Hall said there had been a spate of incidents involving tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus), in particular egg bearing and tar spot rock lobsters.
"Tropical rock lobsters, also known as painted crayfish, are a much sought after seafood delicacy but size and take and possession limits apply as well as rules to protect females," he said.
"However, because most crayfish are caught with a spear, females are difficult to identify until caught."
Mr Hall said under the Fisheries Act egg bearing and tar spot female tropical rock lobsters were totally protected and if caught needed to be returned to the water immediately.
He said egg bearing females held the cluster of eggs underneath the tail section while the tar spot female was identified by a greenish black spot clearly visible on the underneath body plate between the crayfish legs.
Mr Hall said tropical rock lobsters also had a minimum carapace size limit of 90mm and 115mm for the tail. All other Panulirus species have no size limit.
The take and possession limit locally is five per person and 10 per boat.

Love and inspiration

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."

--Ella Fitzgerald

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Jet ski changes on horizon

Queensland jet skiers will require a special jet ski licence and be prohibited from operating in 'exclusion zones' under a new State Government plan announced this week.
Following the Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
The plan, available for community comment until February 27, 2005, also standardises the minimum distance that must be maintained between jet skis and people in the water, moored vessels and the shore.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Eighty per cent are registered in south east Queensland, with the majority in the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and along the Brisbane River," he said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
"Today my Government has released a plan which takes a common sense approach. It balances the needs of waterside residents, recreational boaties, the general community and the environment with those of jet skiers," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
"Thankfully, there have been no recorded jet ski deaths," Mr Lucas said.
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include a new stand-alone licence for jet skis to improve the knowledge and skills of operators.
From January 1, 2006, all persons operating a jet ski must have a jet ski licence. To be eligible for this licence, a person must first hold a recreational marine drivers licence or a commercial licence.
Some areas of Queensland waterways will be able to be restricted for jet ski use by both exclusion zones (total ban) and restricted-use zones (restricting activities other than straight-line travel at set speeds).
Local Councils seeking to establish exclusion zones in their area will be required to apply the criteria and consult the community on any proposal to limit or restrict jet skis.
As these zones will primarily be created for amenity or quality of life issues, primary responsibility for enforcement will be a matter for local Councils and will be required to be addressed in any proposal to the State Government.
"Distance off" regulations for jet skis will be 60 metres in all cases - from people in the water, anchored vessels, infrastructure and the shore. Within 60 metres, they must travel no faster than 6 knots.
A dedicated jet ski education and enforcement team will be introduced over the 2004/05 Christmas/New Year boating season. The jet ski team will focus on enforcing boat safety rules and educating jet ski operators on their responsibilities through regular patrols at known hot spots.
Queenslanders now have until February 27 to comment on our proposals before we move to implement them by mid-2005 under amendments to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
Mr Beattie said the government wanted to ensure that the responsible use of jet skis continued without adversely affecting the community.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," he said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."

Fastest sailor

The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of a new
World Record, the Outright World Sailing Speed record of 46.82 knots set by Finian Maynard on a Windsurfer, 13th November 2004.

Fish net swimmer netted

Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.

Can't believe it's not butter

Forty-eight percent of British and Welsh schoolchildren believe margarine comes from cows.

Mystery solved

The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.

Toe the line

A story in another newspaper had someone refusing to 'tow the line.' Obviously a case of an editor who wasn't on his tows.
In the 1700s, when sailors were called to assembly on a ship, they were required to stand with their toes touching a line, or seam, on the deck. So, they toed the line.

Abel Point Marina

Mariners are advised that the construction of the new rock wall at Abel Point Marina has been completed, and that dredging operations are to be carried out within the Abel Point Marina lease area as well as within the area adjacent to the lease area extending to the southern entrance to Shingley Beach. Dredging operations are expected to commence on Tuesday 14th December 2004 and a silk curtain will be placed across the southern entrance to Shingley Beach on Monday 13th December 2004. The southern entrance to Shingley Beach will therefore be closed to navigation until further notice.
Dredging operations are anticipated to continue for approximately eight (8) months. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268

Heros

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
--Christopher Reeve

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Sail of the Century: HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail

It had hardly seen the light of day since 1805, but when the top foresail from Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory was pulled from its sail bag and shown at the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth, UK, in 1998, it proved to be one of the highlights of the event. Now the Society of Nautical Research has completed conservation work and the Textiles Conservation Centre, with the help of a GBP5000 donation from Pusser's, and the sail will once again be on display to the public next year as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The sail, which is now known as the HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail, was packed away after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 complete with some 90 holes from cannon and musket shot and left largely untouched for nearly 200 years. Measuring 80 feet at its base, 54 feet at its head, and 54 feet deep, the sail covers an area of 3,618 square feet; it has never been hoisted since Trafalgar. It is thought to be the only surviving sail of the battle, and therefore not only holds clues as the methods of sailmaking 200 years ago, but is also of huge historical importance.
The Battle of Trafalgar rates as one of the greatest naval victories in history, as Lord Nelson directed the English fleet against a numerically superior French and Spanish fleet near Cadiz, Spain. It was before Trafalgar that Nelson raised his legendary flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty', and his brilliant tactics ensured that Britannia truly ruled the waves; sadly, the battle was also to cost Nelson his life. It was after Trafalgar that Nelson's body was brought back to England preserved in a barrel of rum which the sailors drank, thereby giving the rum its nickname of Nelson's Blood...
The Trafalgar Sail will be on display in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in an environmentally controlled area of Storehouse 10 from March to October 2005.

Third, final reef closure

The third and final spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish for 2004 is set to begin at 12.01am on Monday, December 6 and continues for nine complete days until midnight Tuesday December 14. Fishing for coral reef fin fish may restart on Wednesday, December 15.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) reef line manager said the closures were in place to protect and conserve valuable reef fish stocks.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting and flathead.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
He said coral trout and many other reef fish species aggregated while spawning making them susceptible to fishing.

Fish net swimmer netted

Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.

Swim safe

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!

Mystery solved

The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.

Unholy smoke

Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke.

'Aphrodite' stolen

$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan who told Waterfront this week that there were probable sightings up the coast near Cooktown.
"He might be hiding somewhere until the windy weather blows over. There's a shipload of people who'll be looking for him then" Paul added.
If yer see 'em contact Paul through Waterfront.

Rave review

"Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and the maid as willing as the Duchess."

Sir Winston Churchill

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Guns on yacht: arrested if you do and robbed if you don't

The plight of Perth's international sailing legend and adventurer Chris Packer arrested in Bali for possessing small calibre non-military firearms aboard his vessel, highlights the dilemma faced by all Australian cruising yachties today.
After being boarded and robbed by pirates off Peru 18 months ago and repelling a second attack with gunfire, the 52-year-old Perth champion yachtsman felt justified in carrying weapons on his 55-metre 500-tonne converted freighter, Lissa.
Indonesian police in speedboats boarded the Lissa as it left Benoa harbour on Friday and confiscated a pistol, two rifles, two shotguns and 2500 rounds of ammunition which Mr Packer had not declared when he sailed into Indonesian waters a month ago.
"Mr Packer acquired the weapons after his friend, yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, was killed by pirates on the Amazon River in December 2001" says friend Peter Robinson a Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor/Examiner with Yachting Australia.
"Having ocean raced extensively in south east Asia since his early twenties and patrolled an oil pipeline off Sarawak to defend it against pirates between 1980 and 1983, Chris understands better than most the potential pirate dangers lurking in these waters.
"The decision facing him and any other captain visiting these areas is whether to go defenceless and rely on the local police to protect you or to be armed in a way sufficient to protect your vessel and crew."
"Under Australian law the master of any vessel owes a duty of care to protect and keep safe all on board their vessel" Mr Robinson said.
"To go defenceless through the ever increasing hazardous areas of the world that are subject to piracy, ill-prepared, must surely be in dereliction of this duty, exposing all aboard to the horrors and cowardly brutality of these violent people."
Mr Packer won the Sydney-to-Hobart race in 1975, was an Admirals Cup yachtsman for England the same year and for Australia in 1979 aboard Police Car. He spent the weekend in a Bali jail cell, its walls smeared with excrement.
His first mate, New Zealander Kenneth Brewster, 47, accused police of stealing equipment from the Lissa, including an $850 dive watch, sunglasses, mobile phones and pens.
Even being armed is no guarantee of surviving an encounter with these seaborne thugs (the pirates) as the tragic murder of Chris's kiwi friend and fellow sailing legend Sir Peter Blake attests.
A part solution surely is for Australia to formalise agreements with these countries to allow safe transit of one or two small calibre firearms that are properly licensed in Australia. To be kept, as is now required in Australia, in a proper gun safe on board at all times.
With our close proximity to and good relationship with Indonesia we would do well open the dialogue with them soon.
The images currently in the media of a highly respected Australian sporting hero sweeping up cockroaches in a Bali jail is doing neither of our countries any good at all.

Fish net swimmer netted

Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.

Swim safe

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!

Mystery solved

The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.

Unholy smoke

Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke

'Aphrodite' stolen

$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan Mob: 0403 584 808.

Brampton light restored

Mariners are advised that the lighted beacon at Brampton Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 251, 824

Evil?

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing"
-- Albert Einstein

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

What people do in little and big boats

In 1986, Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurant and Frenchman Daniel Pradel sailed an 18-foot Hobie catamaran from Dakar, Senegal, the westernmost country on the African continent to the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean and became the first to sail across the Atlantic in a small catamaran.
Next week, Australian Greg Homann will set sail single-handed in his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a tiny catamaran, the type normally seen at beach club resorts.
Sailor Greg Homann, 41, will make the world record attempt on crossing the Atlantic from the Canaries and Guadeloupe in under 28.5 days on the 18-foot Catamaran.
The current single-handed record is held by Alessandro Di Benedetto from Italy who completed the journey in 28 days 11hours and 36 minutes.
The cat Greg will be sailing is a modified F18 18-feet/5.52m, incorporating an enclosed pod, reefable sails, water-tight compartments, wings/seat, mast float, safety gear including an Iridium sat phone, EPIRBS, VHF, and water-maker, freeze dried food and survival suit.
"If everything goes well and I enjoy the experience, I'd like to see a race happen in the next couple of years, a mini cat transatlantic, solo from the Canaries to Guadeloupe."
Have a nice sail!

Other yachts of note

Following the Waterfront column last week about the Gigayacht visiting Whitsunday, owned by Microsoft co-founder billionaire Paul Allan, here are some snippets of other yacht notables.

Budget: $200 million

Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.

Tough being Tiger

Tiger Woods and his new Swedish model wife were briefly held aboard their 155-foot private yacht by U.S. Coast Guard officers at San Juan's port because they failed to notify authorities of their arrival ahead of time, an official said.
Since July 1, new U.S. security regulations require many boats to submit an arrival notice at least four days in advance before entering a U.S. port, a Coast Guard spokesman said.
The 28-year-old golfer and Swedish model Elin Nordegren, 24, were married October 5 at a luxury resort in Barbados and later set out on Tiger's new yacht 'Privacy'.
So what's onboard Tiger's love boat? We can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour reported by yacht watchers.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes. "No haggling around."
Interior designer Carol Williamson said of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Privacy features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk.
There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.
The Honeymoon is not over yet. “We’re having so much fun on the honeymoon, I don’t know if I’ll be back or not,” Woods said.
Tiger Woods is taking a swing at a Vancouver yacht company, claiming it violated a confidentiality agreement by distributing photos of a boat that the newlywed golf star purchased.
Woods, is suing Christensen Shipyards for allegedly distributing photos of Woods's luxury 155-foot, $20 million yacht, "Privacy," and thus breaking an agreement to keep mum on the purchase.
Pretty hard to hide a 155-foot, $20 million yacht. On waterfront wag said maybe Woods was "more blonde than was previously thought".

Latest News

Isn't she a beauty? No, not the glamorous blonde. That's his wife Sarah O'Hare, this is about the boat. Lachlan Murdock has been swanning around Sydney Harbour on his 80 footer Ipix Una recently. Young Lachlan's Swan 80 worth about $4 million and built in Finland and moored at the CYC. Ipix Una visited Whitsuday earlier this year.

'Reformed' dictator

Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny deck at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."

The big 'O'

In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.

Strange vanishing client

Some years ago, yacht designer Donald Starkey was approached by a secretive overseas client to design what would have been the largest motoryacht in the world, some 150 meters or about 492 feet overall. Following measuring some discreet initial inquiries, Starkey determined that the client was credible, and therefore he set to work on the project.
Over the course of the following 18 months there were numerous phone calls, faxes, and e-mails. Designs, drawings, and specifications were prepared, forwarded to the client, reviewed, and approved.
However, there was never a face-to-face meeting with the client, who maintained that he was heavily engaged in business dealings and wanted Starkey to manage the entire project.
Finally, after a year and a half, the design was agreed upon, and contracts were to be signed. Starkey was to be given power of attorney to represent the owner in all dealings related to the project.
At last, they would meet to close the deal. The date was set, and the day before the meeting the client sent an e-mail confirming his plans and advising he would be calling for directions to Starkey's office. But he never called and never showed up, and that's the last time the client was ever heard from.
Strange.

Pest fish spread

Queenslanders are encouraged to join in the fight against exotic pest fish by reporting any catches or sightings.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says pest fish are being reported more regularly and public assistance is needed so early action can be taken to control their spread.
DPI&F policy officer Aimee Burton said pest fish were hard to control and difficult to eradicate once they had become established.
However, Ms Burton said if discovered early enough there was a chance the fish could be destroyed or contained.
"Pest fish compete with native fish for food and space and in some cases they are aggressive," she said.
DPI&F has produced an Exotic Pest Fish Reporting Form to assist people to compile the necessary information.
"The more information collected, the better picture we can build about where the pest fish populations are and what control strategies may work."
Ms Burton said if possible the fish should be caught and killed humanely in an ice slurry and then stored in a freezer.
Alternatively, a photo of the fish and a close up of its head can help with identification.
As a rule, native fish have two dorsal fins while many exotic fish only have one.

God save the queen

There is a movement in Britain to replace the term "British Isles" with "Islands of the North Atlantic" because "British Isles" is potentially offensive to the Irish.

Fitzalan Passage light altered

Mariners are advised that the light on the lighted Special Mark buoy in approximate position latitude 20°18.4223' S, longitude 148°55.3803' E in Fitzalan Passage has been altered to Q.Y. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824


"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention."
--Duguet

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Giga yacht graces Whitsunday port


The sleek brilliantly white 199-foot motor yacht that graced Abel Point Marina at the weekend is not the largest vessel owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, merely the third largest.
Allen, called the "accidental zillionaire" in his unauthorized biography, also owns the world's largest private yacht the 414-foot (125 metre) Octopus and the 302-foot Tatoosh worth a rumoured price of $100 mil.
While the jet helicopter on Meduse' aft deck and the five communications domes are an indication of what's onboard the Giga-toy, that's not all.
There is extraordinary headroom, enough for seven-foot-plus-tall members of the Portland Trailblazers basketball team, which Allen owns. Should a vertically challenged individual be aboard and be unfortunate enough to sit behind one of the basketball players in the main-deck cinema, fear not: The rear settee can rise hydraulically. A Surround Sound system enhances the viewing experience.
Built by Feadship/De Vries Scheepsbouw, Holland, Meduse is powered by two 1,700-hp Caterpillar diesels.
Meduse has slowly slipped down the world size rankings to currently hold seventeenth spot. Her name means "jellyfish" in French.

So, what is number one?

Yacht-watchers worldwide have been catching a glimpse of the behemoth, Octopus the biggest private vessel in the world and owned by Paul Allen
At 414-feet, it has a permanent crew of 60 people, contains a theatre/cinema and a basketball court, two helicopters, an 18 metre landing craft and a private 10-person submarine and swimming pool.
There are more than enough diversions to keep him busy. Maybe he's rocking out in the onboard music studio, watching one of his favourite movies in the private theatre, or slam-dunking on the basketball court located on the main aft deck.
Allen and friends can explore the undersea world in the personal submarine Octopus houses in a specially designed garage. Talk about a feat of engineering: The submarine launches via an underwater hatch, and when the sub returns to the yacht and the hatch closes, the water drains from the garage.

Number 2 is . . .

Yacht number two in Paul Allen's fleet is Tatoosh at 302-feet. Given that Forbes magazine estimates his worth at $20 billion, what else is he to do with all of that cash?
Just like Octopus, Tatoosh has been keeping a busy itinerary. This five-decker spent time in Victoria, BC before moving on to Portland, Oregon, in October for a party honouring the Portland Trail Blazers, which Allen owns. Bora Bora and Moorea were next in February, and then it was the Mediterranean in May, this time to entertain celebs during the Cannes Film Festival.
After Panama, the yacht was docked in San Diego, causing quite a stir among the locals when a local paper reporting that a live lobster tank was among the yacht's features.
While that would indeed be an interesting feature, we think it's more notable that the yacht is capable of toting two helicopters, one on the top deck, the other on the deck directly below, a custom 40-foot powerboat, and a sailboat of about the same size. She is additionally equipped with a shaded swimming pool and a private cinema, just the normal accoutrements, really.
Allen's simply too busy figuring out where to send his globetrotting yachts next. Having spent the early part of the year travelling everywhere from Norway to Curaçao, Octopus cruised around the Med this summer, visiting Croatia before pulling into Greece in time for the Olympics. Add parties during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Some of his celebrity friends aboard, expect people like tennis great Monica Seles and of course, Bill and Melinda Gates will roam her decks.

Other yachts of note

Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.

Shhhhh...

We can't tell you the name of Tiger Woods' new motor yacht, only Hull 026, but we can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes without actually confirming her identity. "No haggling around."
Oregon-based interior designer Carol Williamson, who also wouldn't confirm or deny ownership of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Hull 026 features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk. There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.

'Reformed' dictator

Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny porch at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."

The big 'O'

In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.

Reef fish closure starts Saturday

The second annual spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish begins next Saturday (November 6) ending on November 14.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says that while coral reef fish are protected other fish species can still be taken.
DPI&F reef line manager Mark Elmer said there had been some confusion over what fish could and could not be taken during these spawning closures.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting, flathead and, for some of the period, barramundi.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
"The closure starts on and from Saturday, November 6. This means no reef fish can be taken from 12.01am on November 6," he said.
"It continues for nine complete days until midnight Sunday November 14. Fishing may restart on Monday, November 15."
The third and final reef fish spawning closure for 2004 is from 12.01am December 6 to midnight December 14.
"During these periods numbers of mature fish aggregate in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase," Mr Elmer said.

Knockin' on heaven's door

'A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.'
--Bob Dylan

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

H M Bark Endeavour homeward bound

The replica of the original H M Bark Endeavour will sail back to her home in Australia.
Launched in 1993 and commissioned in 1994, the nearly exact duplicate has sailed around the globe to great acclamation and a brush with Hollywood during the filming of Master and Commander.
As part of his research for Master and Commander, Director Peter Weir made two trips on the Endeavour, soaking up the atmosphere. According to Captain Chris Blake, the director was keen to muck in, climbing the rigging, steering the ship and doing the occasional night watch.
'He was travelling as a supernumerary so he didn't have to do anything but he wanted to have the full experience so he could make the film as authentic as possible,' Captain Blake said.
Though she has been wildly popular during her stay in the UK, Endeavour will leave Whitehaven on November 8th, and thus become the first ship ever to sail from the port directly to Australia.
The Australian Government wants the ship back and she will leave directly from Whitehaven after almost a decade sailing around the world.
Her departure from Whitehaven is a major coup for the town that is gearing up for one of the biggest events in its maritime history.
Visit organiser Gerard Richardson, said: "Whitehaven being chosen as the departing point for the vessel is the biggest honour the port could have asked for.
The epic voyage will take the replica of Captain Cook's ship about five-and-a-half-months. She is to become a floating museum alongside the Maritime Museum in Sydney, despite attempts by skipper Captain Chris Blake to keep her sailing in Europe.

Barra closure

The annual barramundi closed season for Queensland's east coast starts at midday next Monday (November 1) and runs until midday on February 1.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries education officer Karl Roebuck said the closed season is aimed at protecting barramundi stocks during their vulnerable spawning period.
"During these periods numbers of mature fish aggregate making them more susceptible to fishing pressures," Mr Roebuck said.
However, he said during the closed season one barramundi was allowed to be taken from 18 stocked dams in Queensland.
Mr Roebuck said this would balance the right for anglers to fish for barramundi in stocked dams while protecting wild barramundi stocks.
"There is no practical way to identify a stocked dam barramundi from a wild fish so the one take and possession limit is a compromise," he said.

Flathead fish survival project

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries biologist Dr Ian Brown said the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation has provided $104, 299 for the 18 month study of survival of released line-caught flathead.
Dr Brown said the study into flathead survival follows the National survey of recreational fishing which estimated that about 13.5 million flathead of various species were caught by recreational fishers throughout Australia during 2000/01 and of this total 6 million (almost 45 percent) were released.
Nationally, flathead accounted for the greatest numbers of fish of any group caught by recreational fishers.

Privy summit

The World Toilet Organization wants you to know that "The Societal Impact of Toilets" will be discussed at the World Toilet Summit next month in Beijing.

JFK's boat busted

Federal drug agents have seized "Flash II", once owned by a young John F. Kennedy, alleging its current owner purchased the vessel with proceeds from selling marijuana.
According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, the Star Class sloop built in 1930 and currently owned by Gregory Olaf Anderson constitutes property derived from the sale of narcotics distribution and is subject to government forfeiture.
Federal agents learned Anderson was involved in drug trafficking in 1996 and used proceeds from marijuana sales to purchase the boat Kennedy had once used in sailing races off Hyannis.
The President and his brother, Joseph Kennedy, purchased the Olympic-class sailboat in 1934. President Kennedy sold the boat in 1942, just before shipping out to the Pacific theatre during World War II, where he commanded the PT-109.
Anderson previously rejected a bid of $800,000, sensing he could get a higher price, according to the agents.

Match making plan

Bermuda is spearheading a campaign to have women's keelboat sailing changed from fleet to match racing in the Olympics.
The primary reason for such a move, explained president of Bermuda Sailing Association (BSA) Tim Patton, is that it would significantly reduce participant expenses thereby opening up competitive sailing to women in many more countries.
"Match racing requires much less by way of equipment for the competitors."
"They would need a pair of sailing gloves and a bottle of sun block and they could go from event to event and sail in whatever class of boat there is at that location."

Eureka

"Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Babyboomers Sea Change fuels labour shortage

The Queensland boating industry is seeking apprentices to satisfy the labour demand created by a protracted recreational boating boom.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland said a shortage of skilled technicians and tradesmen had been created by a 10-year boom in recreational boating.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said the short term problem was increasing workload in service centres with the onset of summer.
"As the number of boats and engines requiring regular servicing has increased throughout Queensland, the number of trained technicians has not kept pace," Mr Hibberd said.
"With the traditional Christmas holiday season fast approaching, workshops are starting to feel the pressure of the extra workload," he said.
Mr Hibberd said the shortage also would cause long term difficulty in Queensland.
"With a net migration of 60,000 people into Queensland each year - predominantly baby boomers doing a sea change and looking at a lifestyle on the water - this issue is not going to improve, unless it is addressed now," he said.
"At the end of August 2004, there were 185,620 registered vessels in
Queensland, an increase of 64% since 1994. That's an incredible rate of growth, in fact, twice the rate of population increase."
BIAQ has asked its members to employ more apprentices to be trained for the future, when assessing workplace requirements for 2005.

Award "first for Tourism"

An Award for workers employed in the Whitsunday Marine Tourism industry is a first for the industry says Deb Lewis, Executive Secretary of the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association.
"The new Award is the beginning of a long term viable tourism industry, the first of its type in Australia," The Guardian was told this week
"The Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association has worked closely with unions and government to insure the new award will provide a baseline figure for all seagoing employees working from Whitsunday ports" Ms Lewis said.
The Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Award - State is now the subject of several information meetings to inform workers of the impact the award will have.
This "proposed" award applies to all employers operating vessels other than fishing boats where charters/tours originate commence between the 20th and 21st parallel of south latitude.
Included in the agreement are 'key features' such as; Daily rates of pay, pay by charter, length of charter as defined by WCBIA Code of Practice, Permanent and Casual staff catered for and the Introduction of casual rate loading. Whilst at sea, every employee shall be provided with proper meals, and a bed as defined under the survey requirements of Maritime Safety Queensland. Except like this sailor you usually prefer to sleep on deck.
Training and development provisions are included to ensure staff has a career path available as they play an integral part in the long term implementation of the award.
"Employees are encouraged to attend the information meetings and to make submissions that are necessary to grow the award process," Ms Lewis added.

Industry issues

The Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA) successfully negotiated through Maritime Safety Queensland to develop a set of boarding procedures regarding government agency boardings of ships. This was a direct result of "blitzes" that took place in the region that caused distress to some passengers and crew.
Boarding Procedures have been accepted by both government agencies and operators, and are included in the operational procedures on board vessels, particularly the overnight charter vessels.
The WCBIA, and with the endorsement of WLMAC has commenced working on a draft Management Plan for Hill Inlet, which will most likely flow over to Whitehaven Beach and Chance Bay. The WCBIA is currently drafting a needs survey to go to members and their crew as part of industry consultation.

Free Seminar

Participate in this Free Seminar as part of QMA's commitment to best practice standards in the Marine Industry.
Owners, Operator, Managers, Skippers and Crew are invited to a Free Professional Development Seminar on Occupational Health and Safety, Tuesday evening 7.00 pm 26th October at the Marine Club, Altmann Ave, Cannonvale.
This seminar, presented by Katherine Sellers and Des Ward, will highlight changes to legislation and duty of care responsibilities with service of alcohol and risk assessment for the marine industry.

Teamwork OK!

I seem to recall that a U.S. advertising executive once wrote something like, "A big team is not always the best team. One can accomplish a lot with a small group if they're the right group. Look what Jesus Christ did with a team of just 12!"
While Waterfront does not have the whole universe to think about as that famous team and its leader did, the point is the same; if it's the right small team, it will be far more effective than a less-committed quarter-million.

Hamilton Island SAR

SAR is Search And Rescue, so Mariners are advised that a search and rescue exercise be conducted on Wednesday 27th October. The exercise will involve liferaft dropping and hoisting operations from a helicopter and will be carried out near the seaward end of the Hamilton Island airstrip and Dent Island between 1000 hours and 1400 hours.
A safety vessel will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment. Orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers will be dropped. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253

Unforgettable proverbial

"A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner."
--English proverb

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Play it safe with crocs, stingers and sharks this summer

AS the weather heats up in North Queensland and water-based activities become more popular, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers have issued a reminder for people to take the necessary precautions to make your activities as enjoyable and safe as possible.
DPI&F district officer Peter Kirkby said he had received a report that the annual migration of tiger sharks had commenced.
"Every year, tiger sharks follow the run of mackerel schools heading to warmer waters," he said.
"Some of these sharks can be quite large and can head to in-shore waters as they follow the mackerel to their spawning locations.
"Boaties and those swimming in unpatrolled areas should be aware of the movement of these sharks."
Mr Kirkby said bathers should swim in patrolled areas because summer was also marine stinger season.
"And of course, there is also the danger of crocodiles for swimmers who venture into estuarine areas," he said.
Mr Kirkby said sightings of large sharks should be reported to the DPI&F. He said a tiger shark had been spotted by a boatie this week.
"These sharks will move on once the mackerel are gone. They are a part of life in the tropics and, as always, boaties and bathers should make safety a priority to ensure their recreation is enjoyable as possible," he said.
Enjoy your time on and in the water this summer. Remember, onshore there are snakes, spiders, suits, car filled roads and landlubbers!

Record official!

The World Sailing Speed Record Council have announced the ratification of a new World Record for; Outright Marseilles to Carthage. The "Transmed Record" was set by Orange II; a 120-foot Catamaran sailed by Bruno Peyron and a crew of 10 on 24th and 25th September 2004. Time was 17 hours 56 minutes 33 seconds to sail 458 nautical miles at an average speed of 25.53 knots.

Hooked on fishy feelings

US based campaign industry organisation 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' (PETA) employ over one hundred people including a fish empathy project manager.
Militant vegetarians, PETA is best known as the group wanting the circus to come to town without any animals.
Meanwhile a PETA movie review reads; "Shark Tale sends a heart-warming message about compassion for all animals. Lenny, played by Jack Black, is a vegetarian shark who saves the lives of worms, shrimp, and any other animal who swims his way.
"In less than two hours, Lenny convinces his family and everyone who watches Shark Tale that fish are friends, not food.
"PETA hopes that Lenny will inspire a generation of children to follow his vegetarian example by keeping fish off their plates-and in the ocean where they belong.
The donation driven group prove they are no dead duck and claim an historic victory for animals when California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill that bans the force-feeding of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras pate.

Rotary Boat Show

How does the Oceanic Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show, show its affection?
It will hug the shore in June 2005.

School ship sold

The Australian Maritime Collage's long serving training vessel, WYUNA, has been sold. Built over 50 years ago in Glasgow, TV WYUNA has been the AMC's flagship and principal training vessel since AMC first opened its doors in 1980.
AMC acquired WYUNA from the Port Phillip Sea Pilots, and her profile represents a smaller version of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The sale became necessary due to the relatively high operational and maintenance costs compared to the reduced need for seagoing training in this day and age of simulation/computer training techniques said AMC.
On 19 October 2000, the Australian Maritime College vessel Wyuna was being used to train students in night pilotage exercises in the Tamar River.
The official report says "after clearing North West Bank beacon, the master became disorientated and confused North West Bank Beacon for Shear Rock Beacon. He instructed the student on the con to set a course to take Wyuna clear of the river, but the vessel was set on course for Shear Rock. At 2305, Wyuna struck Shear Rock."
"The master stopped the engines and checked the electronic chart display, which showed the vessel on Shear Rock. The tide was setting the ship across the rock but, about 2 minutes later, the ship was afloat once more, being carried northward across the channel.
"The master let go the port anchor with a shackle1 and a half of chain (A shackle is about 27 metres) but this did not arrest the ship's drift and, at 2315, the ship grounded once more, on Middle Bank. The chief engineer reported that there was no apparent damage to machinery, so the master used the engines to prevent the ship from going further aground and, at 2317, Wyuna steamed back into the channel.
"No oil or water was lost from the ship but numbers 10 and 11 double bottom tanks were making water through sprung seams and rivets.
WYUNA has been purchased by a Western Australian mining operator, for the purpose of providing accommodation for workers, alongside at the mine's port.

Ahoy Cap'n

I was dismayed while reading an Australian journalist's article "About Sailing" on the Athens Olympic website to find the Mistral class described as "boardsailing".
This is extremely frustrating as the organisations and committees of both international and Australian windsurfing all agreed that our sport was WINDSURFING and not "boardsailing" several years ago.
This was discussed and agreed to before the Sydney Olympics, but the message still doesn't seem to have been understood by the Australian sports media.
The International Sailing Federation call the sport windsurfing in all their press releases, on their website and in the Olympic sailing instructions.
Why do journalists on prestigious newspapers continue to refer to our sport as bored-sailing?
Michael McGrath, Editor, Freesail - Australia's Xtreme Windsports Magazine

Lagoon Rock, Whitehaven Bay

Mariners are advised that the lighted West Cardinal Mark beacon Q(9)15s on Lagoon Rock in Whitehaven Bay in the Whitsunday Group has been reported unlit. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 824, 825

Believe it

"The creed you really believe is spoken, not by your lips, but by your life."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Calling on fishers to monitor mackerel stocks

Commercial and recreational fishers are being encouraged to assist the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) with its monitoring of Spanish and spotted mackerel stocks.
The DPI&F Long-Term Monitoring Program has been expanded to ensure the sustainability of these popular commercial and recreational fish species.
As its name suggests, the program collects information about fish stocks over a number of years to assess the effectiveness of fisheries management strategies in protecting and conserving fisheries resources.
DPI&F fisheries biologist Jonathan Staunton-Smith said the expanded sampling program for mackerel would build on information from previous monitoring projects as well as two important Fisheries Research and Development Corporation-funded projects.
"The Spanish and spotted mackerel program is being expanded to collect information on the size, sex and age structure of east coast mackerel stocks by examining commercial and recreational catches," Dr Staunton-Smith said.
As part of this program, recreational fishers will be asked to provide researchers with intact fish frames (not gilled and gutted) to help them collect the necessary information from each fish.
The same information will be obtained for commercial catches at seafood processors and wholesalers and from cooperating commercial fishers.
Dr Staunton-Smith said like many other species, length of mackerel on its own was not a good indicator of age.
However, Dr Staunton-Smith said the age of the fish could be determined from the otoliths or ear bones.
"In mackerel, length is not a good indicator of age because there is a large degree of variability in their individual growth rates and females also grow faster than males," he said.
"Determining the age distribution of Spanish and spotted mackerel stocks along the east coast will help assess current management practices, which include recent changes to recreational size and possession limits and a cap on annual commercial catches."
Dr Staunton-Smith said DPI&F scientists would be contacting recreational and commercial fishers, processors and bait and tackle shops asking for their assistance.
"We will be relying on the assistance of these groups to collect samples all along the east coast between Cooktown and Tweed Heads," he said.
"The more information we gather, the greater certainty we have in ensuring Spanish and spotted mackerel stocks are maintained at sustainable levels for future generations of Queenslanders."

Record official!

The World Sailing Speed Record Council have announced the ratification of a new World Record for; Outright Marseilles to Carthage. The "Transmed Record" was set by Orange II, a 120-foot Catamaran sailed by Bruno Peyron and a crew of 10 on 24th and 25th September 2004. Time was 17 hours 56 minutes 33 seconds to sail 458 nautical miles at an average speed of 25.53 knots.

Fishy feelings

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals employs a fish empathy project manager.

Fishing fines and forfeit

Two more men have been fined $12000 for commercial fishing offences in the State's far north bringing the total to more than $90,000 in fines handed down in north Queensland courts during the past two months.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries says the fines send a strong message to commercial fishing operators.
On Monday (October 4), Tho Le, 39, from Wynnum in Brisbane, was convicted and fined a total of $9500 in the Cairns Magistrates Court for six offences.
These included failing to keep log book records, failing to immediately produce licence documents, possessing 174 under-sized blue swimmer crabs, possessing 24 under-sized Moreton Bay bugs, possessing one under-sized spotted mackerel and a quantity of non-permitted fish.
Mr Le was also ordered to pay $63.20 court costs and the illegal catches were seized and forfeited.
On a separate date he also allowed assistant fisher Cuc Van Le, 29, from Runcorn Heights, Brisbane, to take 174 under-sized blue swimmer crabs and to possess 24 under-sized Moreton Bay Bugs.
Cuc Van Le was convicted and fined $2500 in the Cooktown Magistrates Court on August 31 for these offences.
Cairns-based Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers were conducting routine inspections at cold store premises when they detected the illegal catches.
These recent convictions follow $45000 in fines handed down in the Cairns Magistrates Court in September for separate trawling offences.
DPI&F district manager Bob Koch said the recent spate of heavy fines highlighted how seriously the courts took fishing offences.
"Fisheries regulations are in place for a reason and that is to protect and conserve Queensland's fish stocks," he said.
"These heavy fines should act as a deterrent not only to the fishers involved but to industry as a whole.
"While most operators do the right thing, there are still some out there who break the law. These fines show this sort of action will not be tolerated."
Mr Koch said the forfeiture of the unlawful catch was a further deterrent to people who tried to gain financially from breaking fishing regulations.

Maximum exposure

News Item: "Several hundred animal rights activists -- some in their underwear, others topless -- marched through the streets of . . ."

Sailing Club AGM

The AGM will be on Sunday 31 October 2004 commencing at 10 A.M.

Fruit for thought

European Union bureaucrats classified carrots as a fruit in a directive, apparently because the Portuguese use carrots to make jam, and anything used to make jam, in their eyes, must be a fruit.

Notice to Mariners

List of Lights - Edward Island - Light move light to 20 15.02 S 149 10.44 E. Chart affected AUS 825


"All explorers are seeking something they have lost. It is seldom that they find it, and more seldom still that the attainment brings them greater happiness than the quest."
-- Arthur C. Clarke


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Aussie Sonar sailors fifth at Paralympics

Sydney 2000 Gold medallist, Australian Jamie Dunross and his crew of Jeff Milligan and Colin Harrison had to be contented with fifth place, finishing their regatta with an eighth place in the final race, sailed in light to moderate south-westerly breezes.
Israeli Dor Cohen and his crew were dominant throughout the Paralympics in the three-person Sonar class and took the Gold by a persuasive nine points.
The Netherlands crew won Silver, with the USA's team taking Bronze, a further nine points in arrears.
Winning four of the nine races sailed the Israeli crew deserved Gold and only finished outside a top four place on one occasion. Following his win, Cohen commented, 'we are very happy for ourselves and for Israel. The flag of our country is up now.'
For Jamie Dunross and his crew from Western Australia, it was shattered dreams. Dunross, in particular, wanted that Gold for the skipper whom he won Gold with in Sydney, Noel Robbins, who was tragically killed in a car accident early last year.
The three showed moments of brilliance and at one stage were second placed, but it was not to be, however they had some good results including two second places, but did not sail consistently well as the top three did.

No free ride

AQIS - the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service - has published a new brochure for cruising yachtsmen to help reduce the risk of introducing exotic marine pests.
Stowaways such as black-striped mussels, exotic seastars, marine worms - even foreign seaweeds - could devastate Australia's marine environment, fisheries and aquaculture industries. An incursion of black-striped mussels in Darwin's Cullen Bay marina in 1999 cost $2.2 million to eradicate.
Marine Pests - don't give them a free ride identifies marine pests of particular concern to Australia, outlines maintenance and cleaning techniques, and provides a checklist of procedures to follow before and on arrival in Australia. Images and line drawings illustrate the pests' favourite onboard hiding places.
'Marine pests can stow away on hulls, on outboard motors or in internal seawater systems,' AQIS Seaports Program national manager Robert Langlands says.
'Incursions of exotic mussels and northern Pacific seastars in recent years have had huge impacts on recreational boating and commercial fishing, and have cost Australia millions of dollars to control or eradicate.
'AQIS has produced the brochure because we need cruising yachtsmen to help us manage these risks. By following the guidelines they can help themselves, their vessels and Australia's marine environment,' Robert says.

Noxious freshwater fish fine

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has scored a win in the fight against noxious and non-Indigenous fish with a western Queensland man being heavily fined for using carp and goldfish as bait.
A Charleville man pleaded guilty in the Cunnamulla Magistrates Court and was convicted and fined a total of $6250 plus $62.10 court costs for a variety of freshwater fishing offences including $4500 for possessing nine carp and three goldfish and using them as bait.
He was fined a further $1750 for being in possession of four undersized golden perch, one silver perch (black bream) which is a no take species in the Warrego River, and for a number of other set line and netting offences.
A Jandowae man pleaded guilty and was convicted and fined $750 plus $62.10 court costs for possessing and assisting with the set lines.
DPI&F officer Coby Walker said the heavy fines were a big win for Queensland's freshwater fisheries.
Mr Walker said fines of up to $150,000 could apply for being in possession of noxious fish and it was also illegal to use noxious fish such as carp and non-Indigenous fish such as gold fish as bait.
"Noxious and non-native fish cannot be used for bait either live or dead to prevent them from spreading throughout Queensland waterways," he said.
"They can compete with native fish species for food and also destroy habitat so it is critical our freshwater waterways are protected."
"These are considered serious offences under the Fisheries Act and anyone found breaking these regulations will be dealt with accordingly," he said.
"Fisheries regulations are in place to protect and conserve Queensland's fisheries resources."

SEANET convention

The South East Asia Amateur Radio Network (SEANET) was established in 1964 on 20m at 14.320 MHz. The objective of this Net is to promote international understanding and fellowship among amateur radio hams and to relay emergency, medical, urgent or priority traffic. This on-the-air meeting, which has taken place without fail daily at 1200 UTC, has strengthened unity and co-operation among Hams around the world, especially those within the region.
The radio net also provides Hams a facility for testing their equipment and propagation conditions on the 20m band.
This year's convention will be held in the Arnoma Hotel, in the city-centre of Bangkok from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st November 2004.

Dung in court

Two men have been fined a total of $45,000 in the Cairns Magistrates Court for separate trawling offences sending a strong message in the fight against fisheries crime.
Dung Van Le of Mackenzie, Brisbane, pleaded guilty in writing and was convicted and fined $30,000 plus $63.20 court costs for six offences including possessing non-permitted fish, possessing regulated fish, failing to accurately record catch details and taking painted crayfish.
In the second unrelated matter, Dahn Le of Calamvale, Brisbane, was convicted and fined $15,000 plus $63.20 court costs for three offences including possessing regulated fish during trawling operations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers were conducting a routine inspection at a cold store premises in Cairns when they detected the illegal catches.
Acting district operations officer Robert Hall said the heavy fines sent a strong message to the fishing industry.
"This should act as a deterrent not only to fishers but to the industry as a whole," Mr Hall said.
"While most people do the right thing, there are still a few who disobey the law. The message is that those people who break the law will not be tolerated and will be treated accordingly."
Mr Hall said the forfeiture of the unlawful catch was a further deterrent to people who tried to gain financially from illegal fishing activities.
"Fisheries regulations are in place for a reason and that is to protect and conserve fisheries resources," he said.
"It is also important to remember that fisheries resources belong to the public, not just those with fishing interests."

Fitzalan mark moved

Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark buoy FL.Y.2.5s in approximate position, Latitude 20°17.9313' S, Longitude 148°55.0470' E in Fitzalan Passage has been altered in position to Latitude 20°17.8545' S, Longitude 148°55.0008' E.
Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824

"Getting people to like you is simply the other side of liking other people."

Norman Vincent Peale

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan