Aussies invited to come OnBoard for lifestyle, sport

Sailing is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle - there are few activities where age is no barrier and families and friends can participate socially or competitively in adventurous activity.
Yachting Australia has officially launched OnBoard, a program designed to increase the number of people participating in sailing throughout Australia, while enhancing the pathway and experiences for new participants.
The launch, highlighted the new initiative, which aims to achieve a growth of about 25,000 new sailors per year, in its first five years of operation.
As part of the Australian Sports Commission's Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program, The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp announced a $700,000 commitment to the OnBoard program over three years.
Yachting Australia will distribute 62% of the first years budget to participating State Yachting Associations and specifically for the appointment of State Development Officers, who will provide ongoing training and support to yacht clubs.
Yachting Australia has specified the following as some of the OnBoard goals:
*Increase the number of club members from over five years through OnBoard.
*Implement a range of sailing activities to bridge the current service gap between entry level/ training graduates and regular club participation and competition.
*Provide clubs with the tools and development training necessary to enhance best practice in member recruitment and retention.
*Improve recording and tracking of new sailors from participation to club level.
The President of Yachting Australia Graeme Ainley said, 'Yachting Australia believes the OnBoard program will enhance the pathway to participation and club membership and provide a benchmark for the delivery of sport participation programs.'

Austrian Coach Sunk in Athens
During the Pre-Olympic Saronikos Gulf regatta in Athens recently, the Austrian Tornado coach was tossed out of his boat in high waves while heading to the course area. He did not have the kill switch cord attached to him, so the boat kept running, directly at the 80 boat Mistral fleet.
With no one driving, and the boat a threat to the Mistral fleet, the Greek Coast Guard simply shot at the coach boat, putting what appears to be a 20mm cannon round through the motor...
The rescued Austrian coach is fine, but they have a used motor they would like to sell.
Word on the Greek waterfront is that the their Coast Guard want to include a new shooting sport in next year's Olympics. Hear it combines 20mm cannons and moving targets.

Memorial for mate
The Geoff Godby Memorial Cruise is held each year in memory of Geoff, who was a local Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour identity for many years.
The 2003 cruise is scheduled for this weekend leaving the Whitsunday Sailing Club around 11am on Saturday 27th heading for an overnight at Macona Inlet.
This is a social cruise, not a race and it is open to all boats. Obviously, suitability depends on the weather on the weekend and the experience of the crew. For visiting sailors wishing to join us, Macona Inlet is on the southern end of Hook Island and it is roughly 15 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Sailing Club to the inside of Macona.
A beach barbeque is planned with Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast available.

'Boy' gone sailing
'Boy' Messenger, one of the great characters of the Sydney waterfront and a Life Member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, has died in Sydney.
Messenger, who sailed aboard Horizon in the first Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 1945, would have turned 79 next month. His 20th and final race to Hobart was the 50th in 1994 when he and his sons, Paul, Christopher and Anthony sailed with him aboard his yacht La Tortuga. Boy was never aboard a winning boat, the best result being a third overall aboard Southerly in 1959.
CYCA Commodore John Messenger (a cousin) described 'Boy' Messenger as an "icon of the Club and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race". "Having competed in the inaugural Sydney Hobart as a 21-year-old, he was role model for young sailors," Commodore Messenger said. "Over the past 58 years he taught many people to sail, taken them on their first ocean race, giving happiness to so many."
Boy was a regular visitor to the Whitsunday Sailing Club where he enjoyed having a yarn with his many friends. Your Waterfront writer completed his Yachtmaster examination on board La Tortuga.
His working life revolved around Sydney Harbour, as a shipwright, coxswain, ferry driver, professional yachtsman, charter boat operator, even writing a weekly column "On the Waterfront" for the now defunct "Daily Mirror" newspaper.
"I think he has just gone sailing..." said his wife 'Brick'.

Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.

Sea bird
The albatross drinks seawater. It has a special desalinisation apparatus that strains out and excretes all excess salt.

"There's no substitute for preparation and training"

Yachtsman Ernesto Bertarelli after losing the Moet Cup


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Brits love Aussie whale tale
The British press have seized upon the story of the Johnson family from Coventry who "are lucky to have survived" an encounter with a humpback whale when it crashed onto their holiday boat during a family holiday in the Whitsundays.
Headlined "Whale wrecks family's sailing trip" the story tells how the humpback whale - one of the world's largest mammals - crashed onto the boat's deck taking its mast and rigging with it and destroying a safety rail.
The Johnson family from Coventry on their "holiday of a lifetime" believe they are lucky to have survived when a 30-foot whale jumped out of the ocean and landed on their boat.
"The whale came onto the boat right above me and if I had put my head up at that moment it would have hit me." Mrs Johnson said:
"We were all absolutely panic-stricken because we didn't know whether the boat might sink."
Mrs Johnson described how the mast was ripped from the vessel as the beast returned to the water and the boat's radio was knocked out.
"It was shedding barnacles from its tummy and caught itself on the rigging. I was very, very shocked - it was very scary."
"I heard this almighty groan and bang and came up and the first thing I thought was how sunny it was because the mast had been blocking out the sunlight," said Mr Johnson, 61.
"This was literally a life-threatening situation. We were 10 miles out to sea and had no equipment to radio for help."
"It was just so lucky my son had his mobile telephone with him because we would have drifted onto an island and would have had to abandon ship" Mr Johnson told the BBC.
"We had a dinghy and could have got to a bay on the island but what we would have done then I don't know."
"We are so, so lucky."
Perhaps we should market exciting 'Reality' holidays in whale infested Whitsunday waters.

More British press
From The Times: A young girl, who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth, was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster.
A British coast-guard spokesman commented: 'This sort of thing is all too common these days.'

Kids in Boats
"We're trying something different these school holidays," says Whitsunday PCYC manager Sgt John Dickinson
"With the summer boating season bearing down on us we thought we might be able to get kids up to speed with marine safety. The concept of the course is this; if kids are out on a boat with their parents and the unfortunate happens would they really know what to do?"
The PCYC is introducing a Marine Safety Course called 'Kids in Boats' for children between the ages of 8yrs to 16 yrs. Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom will conduct these courses every Monday & Thursday morning from 9am - 11am during the school holidays for a low cost of $5.00 per session.
"Are your kids prepared for any boating emergency?" Sgt Dickinson asked.
Further information for school holiday activities, 'phone 4948 1144

Traditional day
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater Sydney, held its 136th Yachting Season Opening Day on September 13. A traditional ceremony was conducted, striking the club ensign and firing a replica cannon from the Barque Endeavour donated by member Marcus Blackmore.

Boom not bombs
Even Kabul is experiencing a property boom. Under the Taliban, real estate agents were considered satanic.

Sailors disciplined
Four British naval officers have been given reprimands or dismissed from their ship at a court marshal over their handling of HMS Nottingham off Lord Howe Island last year.
All four, including the captain, remain in the Royal Navy despite the costly and embarrassing error that caused the vessel to run aground.
The Nottingham was saved from sinking when she hit rocks just off Lord Howe Island, leaving a 30-metre rip in the hull.
Commander Richard Farrington, the captain of the destroyer, pleaded guilty to delegating conduct of the ship without insuring a sufficient navigational plan and has been reprimanded
The officer of the watch, Lieutenant James Denney, pleaded guilty to negligently causing Nottingham to be stranded off Lord Howe Island in Queensland on July 7, 2002. He has been dismissed.
Lieutenant Andrew Ingham, the navigating officer, and Lieutenant Commander John Lea, the executive officer, both pleaded guilty to negligently allowing the Nottingham to be stranded. Lieutenant Ingham has been reprimanded, while Lieutenant Lea has been dismissed.
A junior officer had accidentally left a navigational pointer on the chart that obscured dangerous rocks.
The incident has cost the British navy more than $90 million in repairs. The vessel was taken back to the United Kingdom aboard a transport ship for repairs.

Shark infested
The mechanical shark in the 1975 hit movie Jaws was named Bruce.

Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.

Bowen Fishing Classic is on this weekend with something for the whole family. See you there!

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Bowen Fishing Classic coming up

There will be some great prizes to be won at the twelfth annual Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend on September 19, 20 and 21.
While just being able to wet a line around beautiful Bowen should be enough for any fisher, you could also win a boat. Just taking a fish to the weigh-in could bag you a prize.
Held in the perfect spot at Bowen's Front beach, the whole family will enjoy what has become a local tradition within our region.
For those who don't fish (I hear there are some) there will be beach game activities starting Saturday on Front Beach before the cake-eating contest. Yum, yum!
The kids will be kept busy chasing the soldier crabs as they could win fifty dollars for the biggest specimen brought in to be measured.
There will be great music during the seafood and wine spectacular on Saturday night.
On Sunday, there will be a Teddy Bears & Cuddly Friends Picnic and sandcastle competition with the classic lolly drop. If that wasn't enough, don't miss the Pirate show and the magician, silliest fishing hat, dash for cash, crab races and Bikini Parade.
Some people will also be fishing!

Model Trans Atlantic

When a Transatlantic flight by a Model Plane kicked up the sand at Mannin Beach Ireland, the plane, "The Spirit of Butts Farm" was found to have used just less than one (1) gallon of fuel in its 38-hour 1900-mile epic.
The plane had a built in GPS transmitter which bounced messages off a constellation of satellites in order to keep the flight team up to date hourly.
The plane was contacted using on-site antennas and information such as speed, height, and distance were passed on to the "pilot" Dave Brown. Using this information Mr. Brown landed the model plane within 35 feet of the designated landing spot.
Two records have been submitted, One record for distance by a model plane and the other for duration of flight.
The model aircraft was launched at Cape Spear the most easterly point of North America just outside of St Johns Newfoundland.
The models weigh less than 5 kg (11 lbs), including fuel, to meet FAI requirements for an aeromodel. The wingspan is 1.83 meters (72 inches). The fuselage is 1.8 meters (71 inches) long.
"We are trying to honour the historic courage and accomplishments of Capt. John Alcock and Lt. Arthur Whitten Brown who made the first manned airplane flight from St. John's, Newfoundland to Roundstone Bog, Ireland on June 14-15, 1919" said an organiser of the flight.

Whale of a time

"I lived in the Whitsundays for 10 years in the 80s, sailing most weekends and did not see a whale. Recently, I saw whales from the ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, from the media boat during Hahn Premium Race Week, one swam beside the yacht I was sailing on in the last race and another flicked its tail when I was on the ferry back to Shute. Either the whales, like the yachties, have discovered the Whitsundays as the
best place to spend winter or the Save the Whale campaign is working," says former Whitsunday resident Kathy McKenzie.

Bushed walkers located

Some discussion amongst bushwalkers about the use of Personal Locator Beacons PLBs - often referred to as EPIRBS, the term used for marine beacons - and the likely action, or inaction that the Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC) takes.
To set the record straight, say RCC, all distress alerts received from the satellite system are treated as one of the 3% real distress situations until proven otherwise.
It is true that approximately 97% of alerts from distress beacons are non-distress alerts but this does not mean that alerts are not followed up.
"The actions taken depend on the frequency that the alert is received. If a 406 MHz alert is detected, we know that it is definitely a distress beacon because we receive the unique identifying code that can be decoded to provide ownership information.
"Once received, contact can be made with the owner or a nominated 24-hour contact to ascertain the situation. Hence, a false alert can usually be sorted out with a phone call and little or no fuss. Importantly, scarce SAR assets need not be deployed for a non-distress situation.
"On the other hand, an initial alert received on the 121.5 MHz frequency presents a more complex problem. A 121.5 MHz alert is anonymous and may even be caused by interferers and other extraneous system generated signals. Even if from an analogue beacon operating on 121.5 MHz, we have no way of knowing whose beacon it is or the exact position of the beacon.
Under no circumstances should people believe that no action is taken on an initial distress alert.
The answer is "Switch to 406". The newer technology being introduced means the price is coming down without detriment to accuracy or the other superior characteristics that the 406 MHz beacons have over the 121.5 MHz units.

Underwater obstruction

Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction has been reported in approximate position Latitude 20°09.29'S, Longitude 148°40.39'E off Grimston Point in Pioneer Bay.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected AUS 252

No city boy

Actor Steve McQueen once said, "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Smooth sailing for kids with DisABILITIES
It was all hands and wheels on deck when the world-record-breaking Australian crew set sail in Airlie Beach last week to give school children with disabilities a taste of life at sea.
The same crew, captained by David Pescud, recently broke the around-Australia record, sailing 6,500 nautical miles in just 37 days.
The Sailors With DisABILITIES crew will sail with more than 400 students from Queensland and northern NSW special schools over the next five weeks following the programme launch in Airlie Beach.
After enjoying Hamilton Island Race Week, the crew is heading south in the 54' NRMA sponsored yacht to encourage children with disabilities to pursue their goals.
"We've been able to overcome our disabilities to accomplish some tremendous physical and mental feats," Mr Pescud said.
"We've been spurred by our achievements to take on new challenges, and we think this a unique chance to show and share what we've learned with children living with disabilities.
"We want to encourage them to consider what they can do, not what they can't."
Queensland State Manager Daniel Musson said NRMA Insurance had a long heritage of helping people in the wake of a crisis, and valued the work of Sailors With DisABILITIES in helping children with disabilities get the most out of life.
"We encounter and help people every day who have to move on with life after dealing with difficult circumstances," he said.
"It's inspiring to be involved with a team which hasn't let adversity get in the way of their goals, and who are willing to share their experiences with young people who face unique challenges.
"It's a sad fact that about 40 per cent of spinal cord injuries in Australia are a result of road accidents. By supporting Sailors with DisABILITIES we can play a further role in helping accident victims live full and active lives."
Sailor with DisABILITIES will dock at six ports, from Airlie Beach to Coffs Harbour, dedicating three or more days in each port to sailing expeditions with children from special schools and their carers.

Ban jammers

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is to investigate the need for a ban on radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) jammers, including global positioning system (GPS) jammers.
ACA Chairman Tony Shaw has called for comment; closing date for written public submissions is 17 September 2003.
The investigation is being conducted because of the potential for these jammers to interfere with a wide range of services including aviation, transport and communications.
Copies of a consultation package, including the background paper and draft declaration can be obtained from `What's New' - August Releases from the ACA.

Trophy prized
Bernard Heimann on Maxi sloop Ragamuffin took the 'Cock of Pioneer Bay' prize by charging to the lead of a 94-yacht fleet representing Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia to win the Great Habitat Whitsunday yacht race at Airlie Beach on Saturday.
The most valueless prize, an empty Bundaberg Rum bottle mounted on a slab of rainforest cedar was awarded to skipper Heimann at the 27th annual race.
Whitsunday Sailing Club 2003 Great Habitat Whitsunday Yacht Race results.
Div 1B: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday) 1, British Defender (T Hudson, Whitsunday) 2, Boomerang (T Johnson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2: Pilgrim (A Goodwin, Sydney) 1, Sidewinder (C Gilbert, New Zealand) 2, B.Y.O. (D Turner, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2B: Jungle Juice (G Jiggins, Whitsunday) 1, Elyara (J Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Concubine (B Fleming, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3A: Out Of Africa (D Dellow, Whitsunday) 1, Bus Stop (V Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Erica (L Wilson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3B: Gumblossom (J Latchford, Whitsunday) 1, Wobbly Boot (C Piccinelli, Whitsunday) 2, Goofly (P Mitchell, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 4A: Adios (S Halter, Whitsunday) 1, Ocean Emu (J Cadwallader, Whitsunday) 2, Trident (C Henry, Lake Macquarie) 3.
Div 5: Struen Marie (K Pryor, Whitsunday) 1, Ileola (M Bocchini, Abel Pt) 2, Kalimna (A Hurley, Mackay) 3.
Overall Teams trophy: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday, Storm 2 (D Algie, Whitsunday) and Intrigue of Stornoway (Dr I Nicholson, Hong Kong).

Aussies grab Greek gold
Australia has taken gold in the Tornado and 49er classes at the Athens 2003 Regatta. Reigning world champion Tornado sailors Darren Bundock and John Forbes and three-time 49er World Champion Chris Nicholson and his crew Gary Boyd held onto the number one spot to finish on top of their classes.

Slade Island light
Mariners are advised that the VQ(3)5s light on the East Cardinal Mark buoy on the eastern side of Slade Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250

The sea and mistakes
"The tragedy shows the need for discipline. The sea does not pardon mistakes or inexactitude," Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking after the wreck of the K-159 submarine that left nine seamen dead, was located on the seabed at a depth of 238 metres.


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Whitsunday Fun Race this weekend

Love it or hate it, Fun Race is on again this Saturday in Airlie Beach. While many people get on the water for, well, fun, the 'race' starts at 11 am for the serious division. There are two briefings that will stress safety and not throwing rubbish into the water of Pioneer Bay (Friday 7 pm & Saturday 9 am at the sailing club). And yes, there is an entry fee of $15.
The party starts as the sun goes down with the new Mr XXXX 6 pack competition a new feature along with the legendary Miss Figurehead supported by Rock Stars on Vacation and local muso's.

Crabs history

The Bowen Historical Museum Society is holding a garage sale this Saturday (August 30) at Gordon Street, Bowen, 8 am until 11 am.
One of the many items for sale is an old washing copper that would be very good for cooking mud crabs.
Your Waterfront writer suggested to Marie Bailey, President of the Bowen Historical Society that she should auction off that old copper as they could get a good price considering how good the muddies are around Bowen.

Hahn Hammo race week

Hamilton Island had something for everybody in the twentieth year with that favourite international competition Aussie Vs Kiwi: Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth raced on the New Zealand yacht Georgia and John Bertrand sailed on Another Duchess in the IRC division. After the Rugby on Saturday, racing between the two teams was followed by all the competitors as it became another Aussie vs. Kiwi contest reports correspondent Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie.
"General recalls became the norm in this class and Another Duchess won with the new Swan 45 Joe in second place".
"The competition for the Sydney 38s National Title was equally competitive with 6 of the 12 yachts winning a race. The Performance Handicap Class had only seven entries due to the popularity of the shorter courses and extra lay day for the cruising classes. The IRC Cruising Class was hotly contested with five Beneteau 47.7s competing and three taking the top places.
The biggest fleet was, once again, Cruising Class with 76 yachts. The keen racers were on the line for the start. The charter boats tended to hold back as they didn't want a damage bill and the cruisers started, in their own time, keeping well away from the rest of the fleet.
The weather was sunny with 12 - 14 knot winds on all days but one when the wind was light and fluky, causing some races to be shortened and others to be abandoned.
Winners: IRC - Another Duchess - Bob Oatley, Sydney. Sydney 38s - Rush - Cameron Miles, Sydney. Performance Handicap Class - Sandstone - Mike Davies, Busselton WA. IRC Cruising Class - Euphoria - Anthony Coleman, Sydney. Premier Cruising Class - Savoir-Faire - M Roe & S Dart, Sydney. Cruising Yachts 1. The Probe - Tim Lewis, Melbourne.

Fishers fined

A Mackay commercial fisherman forfeited an 84 metre net and was fined $4000 plus costs in the Proserpine Magistrates Court for using an additional net in a Zone B Dugong Protection Area.
Magistrate John Brennan recorded a conviction against the fisher who was intercepted on at Sinclair Bay north of Airlie Beach by Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers.
Prosecuting officer B J Tompkins said that commercial fishermen were restricted to using three set nets within a Dugong Protection Area to reduce the chances of accidental drowning of these endangered animals. The conviction included two counts of failing to mark the extra net.
Another Mackay district fisherman from Slade Point was fined and convicted $3000 plus $62.10 court costs for commercially fishing for live coral trout while not the holder of an assistant fishers licence.
QB&FP officers aboard the offshore Patrol vessel Edgecumbe located the fisherman at Line Reef 80km northeast of Airlie Beach on April 11 this year.
Mr Tompkins told the court that this was the third time the fisher had been breached for the same offence. Boarding officers found that his assistant fishers licence had been expired for some months.

Scallops sustained

A recently released report into saucer scallops indicates that scallop replenishment areas are helping to sustain Queensland stocks.
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) Long-Term Monitoring Program surveys have been carried out each year since 1997 in the major scallop grounds between Hervey Bay and Yeppoon.
QFS fisheries biologist Eddie Jebreen said the surveys gathered information on scallop stocks.
"The saucer scallop fishery is a significant part of Queensland's east coast trawl fishery," Mr Jebreen said.
"Therefore, it is important to determine whether the fisheries management practices in place are working to sustain scallop stocks."
"Scallop replenishment areas are large zones opened and closed to commercial trawling on a rotational basis," Mr Jebreen said.
"When closed, commercial trawl operators are excluded from the areas to help protect brood stock from fishing and allowing stocks to replenish.
"The survey results between 1997 and 2000 highlight that these areas had a high abundance of juvenile scallops which was a positive outcome for the industry."

East of Slade Island

Mariners are advised that the Lighted East Cardinal Mark buoy VQ(3)5s in approximate position Latitude 21°06.1'S, Longitude 149°15.45'E of the eastern side of Slade Island has been reported to be dim. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250

Old salts

It's hard to drown in the Dead Sea. It is 25 percent salt, which makes the water very heavy so you would float.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Tropical shirt regatta
Everyone had a great time during the Hog's Breath Tropical shirt regatta
including the last day that featured no wind. Pioneer Bay looked like a
mirror with nary a wisp of breeze to ruffle its surface. Enough racing had
been sailed to ensure results in all classes so Principal Race Officer Tony
Denham declared the regatta over, except for the last party.
Sailors from all around the globe enjoyed the event and business around the
area seemed to enjoy a surge with many proprietors reporting good takings.
Final placing prepared by Top Yacht Software.
IRC Division. 'Joe' skippered by Steven David took first place with 'Ticket
of Leave' Kevin Wood Sandringham YC second place and 'Ichi Ban', Matt Allen
CYCA third.
PHS1: 'Intrigue Of Stornoway' Dr Ian Nicolson Royal Hong Kong YC took the
first spot with 'StarFire' Don & Helen Cameron, Sandringham YC with
'Kerinda' Len Payne RMYC Port Hacking third.
PHS2: First place 'Sundowner' skippered by Bill Webb from Gold Coast Yacht
Club, second 'Deception' Murray Sanders Whitsunday Sailing Club, third
'Wobbly Boot' Craig Piccinelli also WSC.
Cruising PHS Spinnaker: First 'Aito' Simon Vincent NQCYC Bowen, second
'STRUTH' Vincent Bezzina LMYC, third 'Koomooloo' Donald Freebairn, RQYS.
Cruising PHS: First 'Risque' Paul Johnson of WSC, second 'Effarvescent'
Terry Balson, Southport Yacht Club. Third 'Earl Grey' Norm House, WSC.
Sports boats: First 'Vivace' Pierre Gal, CHYC. Second 'Excel' Steve & Yvonne
Battl, MOFSC. Third 'Guilty Pleasures' Leon Thomas, TCYC.
Sydney 38s: First 'Another Challenge' Lou Abrahams, Sandringham YC. Second
'Asylum' Wayne Kirkpatrick, HIYC / CYCA. Third 'Livewire' Terry Hall,
Sandringham YC.

20 years at Hamilton
The 20th Hahn Premium Race Week, Hamilton Island, including the Sydney 38
National Titles is being sailed this week and enjoying bright but not windy
weather.
The Cruising Class finished its 20 mile race which started around 11am at
about 4pm. No one wanted to start any earlier. Robbo Robertson's Eureka II
finished first in the Premier Cruising Class. One crew reported seeing
turtles, whales, dolphins and sea snakes. 'While going that slowly it an
opportunity to appreciate nature,' he said.

Remember Bondy?
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Australia II winning the America's Cup on
Friday, September 19 at the America's Cup Gala Ball in Perth. Expect to see
names like Bond, Bertrand, Conner, Hawke and other high profile members of
the community on the guest list. $250 per person. Royal Perth Yacht Club.

Full speed ahead
"Well the billfish season is full speed ahead," says Capt Ken Bryant. "After
a slow start the Marlin and Sailfish are now feeding in the grounds north of
Hayman Island and to the east of Hamilton Island. Bait schools are thick
from Net Reef to the Islands. We have just completed a charter to the shelf
and encountered Marlin to 300 lbs but were over run by Spanish mackerel"
"The Mackerel are taking almost any trolled bait or lure. Most of the fish
are only up to 12 kilo's but are thick. One recent trip to Evit shoal east
of Edward Island produced over 20 mackerel in four hours fishing. News from
Cairns is similar with large bait schools appearing and this would indicate
another big Black Marlin Season and perhaps an early bite."

Wooden Boats
The Port of Townsville Wooden Boat Festival is to be on the 13th and 14th
September at the Quarterdeck on the Marina.

Seen at Hamo
T- SHIRT from Melbourne. FRONT: Just because I slept with you last night
doesn't mean I'll sail with you today.
BACK: SUPERMODEL

Aussies love sport!
"We love sport so much our news readers can read the death toll from a
sailing race and still tell us who's winning. And we're the best in the
world at all the sports that count, like cricket, netball, rugby, AFL,
roo-shooting, two-up and horse racing" says a mate.

Sold at 75
At the ripe old age of 75, Ron of Argyll, a popular charter boat in the
Whitsundays, has reportedly been sold to a private owner in Brisbane.


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Proserpine River ramp risk
Users of the Proserpine River boat ramp are incensed over the risk to vehicles and people and lack of access at the facility.
"It is always covered in mud because of the location of it. When the tide comes in it can dump mud over the ramp. Obviously, this poses a risk for vehicles and individuals using the facility" several ramp users have told Waterfront.
The ramp is owned by Queensland Transport while Whitsunday Shire Council have responsibility for maintaining it, but users have said that's not going to solve the problem. The council has attended the ramp numerous times but constant maintenance when the results can be wiped out overnight seems a waste say users.
Your Waterfront writer remembers attending several meetings about boat ramps around the shire some years ago. Queensland Transport and Council were represented as well as Sunfish. Ramps across the shire were looked at but your writer is unable to find any outcomes. Can any reader help?
One suggestion has been that the long-term solution is to build a new boat ramp along the Proserpine River. Do you have an opinion about this ramp? Contact Waterfront c/ The Guardian or ahoy@whitsunday.net.au

Fishing "better than ever"
Another week of windy weather with some days over 25 knots haven't put off local fishers reports Capt Ken on Marlin Blue.
"The sailfish have begun to turn up on the bait schools north of Hayman Island and to the east of Edward Island," says Capt Ken.
"Bait Reef even produced a sailfish for us the other day along with some more yellow fin tuna and small Spanish mackerel."
"The reef is fishing better than ever with some big trout and sweetlip bitting on almost anything. Deeper water is best with some trout over 10 pounds and full lippers"

The Yachtie Bible
The Yachtie Bible: How to Get Paid While Travelling in Style by Kimberly P Davis. "This book is full of information and contacts for anyone aspiring to crew on charter or private luxury boats around the world", says Boating Oz Editor Kathy McKenzie.
"Chapters include how to get started, crew responsibilities and qualifications, job hunting, health issues, sharing small spaces and potential problems. Directories include crew training facilities, culinary schools and boat builders and yards."

First out, last in
Can you imagine, racing without a course? Or, without a start and finish line? Where would our sport of sailing be without the club stalwarts who voluntarily man committee boats and safety vessels to conduct yacht racing around Australia?
Yes, it's the Volunteers who make it possible on the first boat out and the last boat in!
There are some great events coming up locally. If you want to be on first boat out, get in touch with the Whitsunday Sailing Club or Abel Point Yacht Club and get aboard. See you on the water.


How many leagues?
Those who enjoy adventure on the high seas stories and swashbuckling bodice rippers will have puzzled when a position was given as so many leagues away. Well, there are three miles in a league.

Beacon destroyed
Mariners are advised that the lighted Isolated Danger Mark beacon Fl(2)6s in approximate position Latitude 20°21.3'S, Longitude 149°01.6'E on Surprise Rock in the Whitsunday Group has been reported to be destroyed. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 370, 371, 824

Those stories
It seems that everyone who's spent any time on boats has at least one Funny Boat Story, which is define as a story that (1) involves a boat, (2) is funny, and most importantly, (3) was not funny at the time it happened.
When people hear one sails or goes boating a lot, they often tell you a story, often about their 'first time' (on a boat, on the water).
New acquaintance recently told me her Funny Boat Story about being stuck on a sandbar for six hours. Apparently the lighter side of her predicament came to her after the first bottle of champers.
A shop worker said, hi, how are you, and got a reply about boat trouble. She said just about everybody around here has a story like that, and paused. I asked her what hers was. She paused again, and said quietly, "Oh, ... I got lost." I nodded sympathetically and talked about something else. Obviously a touchy subject.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Trade winds greet traditional sailors
Sunday saw a superb fleet of traditional boats sail a course from Airlie around Langford Reef and return. We sailed in the finest trade wind conditions the Whitsundays can provide, the sun making up for the salt spray across the decks in the boisterous seas.
The Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy was awarded to the newest addition to the fleet of traditional sailing ships; the beautiful 1961 built Alden ketch 'Enid' and proud owner Leo Rodriguez.
Not a race, but a regatta and let the trophy also show that in the gaffer fleet Providence V was really pushed by her captain and crew to pip Windjammer at the finish.
Derwent Hunter took advantage of the fresh trades and waterline length to stay ahead of Atlanta. Pearling lugger Ise Pearl and the Atkins design gaff cutter Pequot sailed one tack from Langford Island to the finish in Pioneer Bay averaging five and a half knots to weather. Southern Cross attended from Bowen and visitor Centurion peeled off at Stonehaven for a leisurely lunch.
Everyone agreed it was a fantastic day on the water. Over a couple of rums afterward, it was thought that this kind of traditional theme, timber, tallship and gaffer fleet should meet again, perhaps as part of the Rotary Boat Show next June. It would show visitors and sailors alike that there was life before plastic boats and that it still takes sailors of steel to sail timber ships with traditional rigs. Beware the gaffers off the wind. Aargh!
Special thanks to Peter and Jill on Pequot (pronounce pea-coy) from your Waterfront writer for the best day on the water.

'Ranges to the Reef'
Saying they want to personalise the heart of tropical Queensland, Personalised Plates Queensland (PPQ) is set to develop their newest regional plate with a visit to the region this week.
When designing a personalised plate for a regional area, PPQ say their primary focus is on capturing the essence of regional areas by giving residents a say on what theme should be chosen and how the region should be represented.
"We recognise that regional Queensland is a vital part of the Queensland community and therefore love creating personalised plates for the area. It is a great way to develop and foster a sense of identity and community for regional areas," said PPQ General Manager Ian Andrew.
PPQ have launched personalised plates in a number of regional areas and are keen to consult the locals as to how they feel the region's life style and essence can best be depicted on a plate.
ABC Radio Tropical North gave residents the opportunity to have their say about the plate slogan, called a sash, during Anne O'Keefe's breakfast program this week.
Here's some of the entries that ABC Tropical North listeners came up with in the slogan competition: Yvonne, who was busy with three slogans entered with 'Sailing through Heaven' that was 'right up there'.
Listener Olga thought 'A world of Wonder' would get people thinking, while Tex was obviously thinking about his car with 'Paradise on Wheels'.
Graham was thinking about the coastal interface with 'Blue meets green', with Mark going for 'Islands in the Sun,' which would also make a good song title.
The winner was Lorraine with 'Ranges to the Reef' who will be the proud owner of a set of Whitsunday Personalised Plates when they're released early next year, although not necessarily with her slogan.
"Lorraine is from Mt Hector Station, up on the Hinterland - the last property in the Whitsunday Shire before the border with Mackay" said ABC Tropical North breakfast presenter Anne O'keefe. "So, it's appropriate that Lorraine won with a slogan that represents the whole region,"


Pool for My Baby
The tycoon bought a luxury yacht for his only daughter upon her graduation.
Large and white, the yacht that is, it even had an onboard pool. Mr Moneybags brought the daughter aboard for a tour of the boat.
Around the pool were shirtless ship construction workers finishing up some painting.
The daughter clasped her hands and screeched, "Oh, daddy it's a wonderful pool and you've even stocked it for me!"

Fishing winter reds
"The winter reds have turned up right on time. Recent high winds have made fishing difficult but when we have been able to get to the reef it has fired. The reef fishing scene is great with both red emperor and sweetlip on the chew. The lippers are all full of eggs and their stomachs are full of anything including coral. This means they are very hungry due to their spawning and will feed on almost anything."
"The Spanish Mackerel have gone a little quiet as they do during July but will be back on the bite on the first quarter moon in August. Sailfish and Marlin should be showing their bills any day now and with the amount of baitfish north of Hayman Island, we are in for a big season."
"Speaking of the grounds north of Hayman it is one of the areas that GBRMPA want to close, so don't forget to put in a submission objection to this area and Bait reef being closed to fishermen."
Tight Lines, Capt Ken on Marlin Blue

Green flash figured
A green flash is sometimes seen just as the sun sets or rises. This occurs because green light is bent most strongly by the atmosphere. So the green is seen before other colours at sunrise, and after the other colours have vanished at sunset.

Mackay Harbour buoy
Mariners are advised that an unlit yellow marker buoy has been established in the position of (Chart Datum WGS 84) Latitude 21°07.025'S, Longitude 149°13.8'E off the southern wall of the marina off Mackay Harbour. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250, 823

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Aussies take Admiral's Cup
Australian sailors have broken a 24-year drought by taking the Admiral's Cup
in a closely sailed series. The coveted international series went to the
line with the Aussie team trailing the Spanish crews before the final race.
Two owners with no previous Admiral's Cup experience put the winning team
from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Sydney, together. Bob Oatley, the
owner of Wild Oats, is one of Australia's foremost wine industry figures,
with a long sailing history, but mostly on the domestic circuit. Businessman
Colin O'Neil chartered Aftershock, a Rodman 42, and named it after his boat
in Australia. This was his first foray into international competition.
The series of nine races was pretty much a two horse race from the start
between the Aussies and the Spanish team, which included the King of Spain.
The Spanish went into the final race with a one-point lead.
Typical Aussie humour included; 'The convicts have beaten the King!' said
Mark Richards, helmsman of Wild Oats.
Australia won the Admirals Cup in 1967 with Mercedes III, Balandra and
Caprice of Huon and again in 1979 with Police Car, Impetuous and Ragamuffin,
but that wasn't a year for celebration due to the Fastnet tragedy.

Your position?
The would-be rescue ship tuned in to a faint distress signal from a sinking
pleasure craft. "What is your position?
Repeat, what is your position?" shouted the radio operator into the
microphone.
Finally a faint reply crackled over the static, "I'm executive vice
president of First Global Bank - Please hurry!"


Multihull Rendezvous
"Don't miss this highlight of the Whitsunday sailing calendar..." say
organisers of the Multihull Rendezvous.
"Join a varied fleet of multi's from racers to cruising liveaboards for five
days of traditional Rendezvous revelry ... Sensational daily racing topped
with the usual doses of decent partying! This year sees the Whitsunday
Sailing Club and Abel Point Yacht Clubs joining forces to make 2003 the best
yet - competitive sailing in Australia's premier cruising grounds with
enjoyable celebrations daily at two of the best venues in Queensland - how
could it not be a Rendezvous to Remember? "If you're 'multihulled' in
Airlie in August - See ya there!" organisers said.
The Notice Of Race is available from WSC, Abel Point Yacht Club, and
Emultihulls. Three divisions will compete in racing, performance cruising
and cruising/liveaboard.
The briefing will be held on Friday 15th August at Abel Point Yacht Club
with the presentation on Wednesday 20th at the Whitsunday Sailing Club
More Info? Ring Lockie Wilson - 0405-612-233


The 'new' cruising cup
Join the fleet in this inaugural event for monohulls, created to complement
the traditional multihull Rendezvous - after all - why should they have all
the fun?? Enjoy a weekend of competitive sailing, along with a "play day"
on Monday 18th...including the Cock of the Bay Sabot Championship and relax
with a few beers and snags at the BBQ. The Inaugural Whitsunday Cruising Cup
is the beginning of an Airlie tradition with a perpetual Trophy featured and
a future sure to see the event carved forever into the Whitsunday Sailing
Calendar...


Name new 'brand'
The Australian Yachting Federation, now to be known as Yachting Australia,
launched a new brand that will exist to create a bond between governing
bodies and clubs and form a common visual link for all aspects of yachting.

Swashbuckler
Did you hear about the new pirate film? It's rated Aarrrgh!

Tropical shirts
"We are looking forward to having fun with the boat in one of the best
places in Australia, at one of the best regattas, where the weather is
usually sensational. Not much wrong with that picture" said Sandringham
Yacht Club Vice Commodore Coombs.
Sandringham Yacht Club from Victoria has a 12-boat contingent competing at
Hog's Breath Race Week in all divisions. Vice Commodore Phil Coombs will be
racing No Fearr at this year's regatta. Coombs also raced aboard No Fearr in
this year's Melbourne to Osaka yacht race.
This year's Hog's Breath Race Week has competitors travelling from all parts
of Australia to compete in the annual regatta on Pioneer Bay. Australian
boats and crew from every state and territory are making the trip as well as
international boats from New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Commenting on the fact that the Tropical Shirt Regatta will resemble a
Sandringham Yacht Club AGM, Coombs went on to say "Hog's Breath Race Week is
very popular with Sandringham Yacht Club people, as it gives us the chance
to race at an affordable regatta in the Whitsunday's and to enjoy the
hospitality of Airlie Beach township".
This year's Hog's Breath Race Week will be the first time that three of the
Volvo 60's now in Australia will be on Whitsunday waters together. Andrew
Short Marine's djuice sponsored by Club Marine announced that they would be
racing along side Indec and Magnavox 2UE at Hog's Breath Race Week.
" We are looking forward to the racing at Hog's Breath Race Week with the
two other Volvo 60's and seeing how we match on the Pioneer Bay and Island
courses," said Andrew Short.
The racing up north will be close with all three boats having raced around
the world in the last Volvo Ocean and Whitbread races. The Volvo 60's will
race in the Big Boat division at Hog's Breath Race Week before going across
to the Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week.
The new Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach will be accommodating the entire
fleet this year allowing the crews easy access to the extensive post-race
entertainment in Airlie Beach.
"Seeing three Volvo 60's racing on Pioneer Bay at Hog's Breath Race Week is
a wonderful boost to our event. Apart from the spectacle they will provide,
all three teams are led by great Australian sailing identities. We look
forward to hosting the growing Volvo 60 fleet at Airlie Beach," said Regatta
Director Andrew Palfrey.

Not enough

"Just living is not enough," said the Butterfly. "One must have sunshine,
freedom, and a little flower."Hans Christian Anderson


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Race Weeks looming on horizon for Whitsunday
Sailors are gearing up for a busy sailing season in the Whitsundays. The trade winds have been pumping and organisers have been working hard to make this sailing season the best yet.
The sailors and more and more their families, have been coming up the coast for the last twenty years to our sailing playground paradise.
That's right. Hamilton Island has been hosting the annual Race Week for twenty years and this year will see another fabulous fleet of racers enjoying the delights of the Whitsundays.
"If you speak to anyone who has competed at Race Week at Hamilton Island - they'll tell you of the perfect balance between sailing and socialising and the 20th anniversary of the event is ensuring that both categories are world-class," said Race Director Warwick Hoban.
"On the yachting side, we will see some of the world's best ocean racing sailors lining up for honours in the various divisions, plus the super-fast Sydney-38 class will be incorporating their Australian championships into the event.
"But the great aspect about the Hahn Premium Race Week, starting on August 16, is that it is not just about fast and furious racing - there's a fun side and the 20th anniversary celebrations will be huge.
"This year the lay-day on Monday August 18th will feature the traditional Moet and Chandon lunch at the Beach House followed that evening by a street party and concert by top Australian rockers Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Every evening will feature an array of entertainment across the island.
"And of course there's the famous Whitehaven Beach Party on Thursday August 21st, where the crews will kick back and unwind with a game of beach cricket with some members of the Queensland and Australian cricket teams after a quick race from Hamilton Island," said Mr Hoban.

Hog's shirtsleeves event
The first event of the program this year is the Hog's Breath Race Week starting on xxxxxxxx
"This year's Hog's social programme won't be one to forget with the new marina providing a social hub for the fleet. The Wolverines will be playing each afternoon for after race drinks. There will be a daily Coconut Lotto with each competing boat in the draw as well as the traditional "Foam Parties" during the regatta" says Hog's Sam Crichton
"The Hog's Breath Race Week Daily Chronicle will provide information on what's happening around town, who is making the most of their visit to Airlie Beach and what is happening on the racing side of things."
This year's Lay Day has plenty of activities organised with a Skydiving display at the Whitsunday Sailing Club as well as live bands, Team Tug of War and the Coconut Lotto.
For more information on Hog's Breath Race Week, including Entry forms, go to: www.hogsbreathraceweek.com.au

A true fisherman won't say . . .

"Wow, I've never caught a fish that big!"
"Hey! Lets take our wives fishing!"
"Let's go shopping, fishing can wait."
"Those hip boots make your butt look big and they don't match your belt!"
"We don't need to buy those lures and beer, let's send our wives flowers instead?"
"I don't think Duct Tape will fix that."
"I feel guilty not washing the breakfast dishes before coming out fishing!"
"Hey somebody land this fish for me. I need to tidy up the camp."
"I can't go fishing, my neighbour is having a Tupperware party and I really need a mixing bowl."
"I think electronic fish finders should be banned."
"Let's throw this fish back, I don't think it will fit in the frying pan."
"We can always go to the fish shop on the way home."

Hi Gang,

"The lack of reports lately has been due to a very busy start to the season. Together with the Mackerel season, bringing the new boat up from down south in the cold country and the RAP program there has not been much sleep.
'The Gun' will back up 'Marlin Blue' while I am up north for the marlin season this year. I do still have some spots available for the heavy tackle marlin season. 'The Gun' is a 40-foot Blackwatch with all the toys. The vessel is a state of the art fishing machine.
"The RAP program is coming to a close with submissions to be into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority by the 4th of August. Please view the web site at www.gbrmpa.gov.au and have a look at the zoning plan. The green zones are what we are objecting to - most importantly the area north of Hayman Island and Bait Reef. Please fill a submission form on the net with your objection to these two important areas.
Fishing has been great with a bumper Mackerel season. Tight lines. Capt Ken Bryant on Marlin Blue.


Another 'consultation'

Maritime Safety Queensland are conducting a review of the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 1995, including two rounds of community and industry consultation, it is proposed to remake the regulation in 2003. Written comments must be provided no later than 25 August 2003.
A copy of the regulatory impact statement and a draft copy of the proposed new regulation are provided at www.transport.qld.gov.au/maritime
One interesting point is the proposed name change for the grandly named Recreational Ship Master Licence, formerly the Speedboat licence to a new Marine Drivers licence.


Course offered

The Queensland Marine Academy is conducting a seminar on "Collision Regulations and Bridge Resource Management"
The course is designed to provide professional development to the industry and seafarers. This brings increased awareness of safety and the role of crew onboard as managers.
The seminar will be conducted as a refresher and will benefit those people already in the industry and for those just commencing their career.
Cannonvale TAFE. Tuesday August 5 at 17:30 - 19:30. Cost $20 per person. Queensland Marine Academy. For further enquiries phone 07 49464151


The ocean is . . .

The ocean is a body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man - who has no gills.
Ambrose Bierce

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Most marine accidents in good weather: report says

Daytime with good visibility and clear weather are major defining factors of marine incidents resulting in fatalities or serious injuries in Queensland. These factors, perhaps surprisingly, were each involved in more than sixty per cent of the 58 fatal and serious injury incidents contained in the Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report 2002.
The next largest attribute was human operational error reported as a contributing factor in 42 per cent of incidents. Another human factor, 'inattention' was also up represented in 16 fatal and serious incidents.
The report, issued each year by Maritime Safety Queensland profiles Queensland's maritime safety performance as measured by marine incidents during the year.
"The data contained in the report is foundational to understanding how and why marine incidents occur on our waterways and developing effective and innovative measures to continuously improve maritime safety in Queensland," says Captain John Watkinson, General Manager of Maritime Safety Queensland
"In the last five years, Queensland's population has risen by more than ten per cent and the number of registered vessels by a staggering 31 per cent. Despite this significantly increased exposure on our waters, serious marine incidents have been trending downwards." Captain Watkinson said.
Recreational vessels represent 96.8 per cent of Queensland's total registered fleet. Speedboats make up 84 per cent of all registered vessels. Sailing vessels make up 3.1 per cent of registrations.
Recreational personal watercraft, or jet skis as they are better known, continue to trend downwards with their involvement in fatal and serious incidents down more than 30 per cent below their previous four-year average.
Recreational jet skis make up about three per cent of the total Queensland registered recreational vessel fleet and during the reporting period their numbers grew by more than 24 per cent.
Commercial vessel registrations have steadily increased over the last five years with 2.4 per cent growth in 2002. They were involved in 66 per cent of the year's 629 reported marine incidents.
Commercial fishing vessels, while making up less that 0.001 per cent of all registered vessels, were involved with 33.3 per cent of incidents involving a fatality, 30.7 per cent where the ship was a total loss and 14.6 per cent of all reported marine incidents.
Volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 callouts for assistance statewide in 2002 - 190 more than the previous year. Breakdowns accounted for 64 per cent of callouts. VMR groups provide a strong safety net for the professional and recreational maritime community in Queensland the report says.
On the Waterfront thanks Captain John Watkinson and his staff for supplying a copy of the report. It is available from Maritime Safety Queensland offices.

Boat owner fined for safety breaches

A charterboat operator has been fined $4000 for breaching marine safety regulations under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994.
The Cairns based operator was fined and also ordered to pay $4000 costs in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 26 June 2003 for causing the vessel to be operated unsafely by allowing the vessel to carry an excess of passengers and failing to equip the vessel with sufficient life jackets and an inflatable life raft sufficient to carry each person on-board.
Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) apprehended the man in the early hours of New Years Day 2001.
The master of the same vessel was fined and ordered to pay nearly $4000 for similar breaches of overloading passengers, deficient safety equipment and failing to complete the vessels logbook earlier this year.
Cairns QBFP District Manager Bob Koch said the court finding highlighted that breaches of the marine safety legislation are taken seriously and will not be tolerated.
"When offences are detected there have been serious consequences for both the owner of the vessel and the master," he said.
Mr Koch said the majority of the marine industry runs professional operations in accordance with the legislation and he reminded all users of the water to comply with marine safety rules.

Missing the sea?

A few more suggestions on what to do if you get lonely for the sea. You know you are missing the sea when you wake up every night at midnight and have a peanut butter sandwich on stale bread. Optional: Canned spaghetti or cold soup. This is particularly good and reeks of realism if eaten while standing under the lawn sprinkler on a cold night.
You raise the thresholds and lower the top sills on all your doors so that you either trip over the threshold or hit your head on the sill every time you pass through one of them. Best fun in the dark.
Sleep on the laundry floor with the dryer running. Make sure the dryer is full of diesel steeped clothes and old socks.
When making cakes, prop up one side of the pan while it is baking. Then spread the icing really thick on one side to level off the top. Eat it with your hands. Yum, Yum!

Edgecumbe Bay light restored

The F.G (F by day) leading light bearing 329° which marks the channel to the wharf in Edgecumbe Bay at Bowen has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 268, 826

Bow, wow!

"If you're not the lead dog the view is always the same..."


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Sailors with disABILITIES smash record
When the sailors with disABILITIES left Sydney on May 25 to circumnavigate Australia, their one wish was to finish what they started, to sail their way around Australia, non-stop and unassisted, and to make the public aware that disabilities do not stop people from achieving their dreams. But just quietly, their dream was to also break the existing race record - and it was a dream, until Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday 3.04.16pm AEST, their Lyons 54' yacht, KAZ and her crew crossed the finish line at Sydney Heads to write themselves into the world record books. Not only the fastest time recorded for a circumnavigation of Australia for a monohull yacht, but the first disabled crew to successfully circumnavigate and break the existing record for this journey, which prior to their finish, had been held by an able-bodied crew.
The sailors with disABILITIES story is one of true grit and determination in the face of disbelievers and knockers in the past. Today, as in past endeavours, this group of dedicated, experienced and determined sailors did what many able-bodied sailors have been unable to do - they completed a circumnavigation in record time - the previous record of 43 days 19hrs 29min,was set by Australians, Jeremy Pearce and Kanga Birtles in October 1999, on a 60' monohull yacht.
KAZ and her crew shattered that record, shaving over six and a half days off the prior record.
An emotional David Pescud, owner/skipper of KAZ said on crossing the finishing line 'I feel humbled, fantastic, unbelievable - 6500 nautical miles and we're here.'
On breaking the race record, he commented, 'it's an amazing feeling, when we crossed the line my guts went up and down a hundred times when I realised what we had done.'
Out on the Harbour to greet KAZ and her crew, John Messenger, Commodore of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), said, "this is a fantastic effort and what a great achievement, for them, for our Club and for disabled sailors around the world. David Pescud and his crew have put Australia on the map in terms of disabled sailing, they are leading the way for others, I feel very proud of what they have done."
Following his comments, John Messenger presented each of the seven crew, David Pescud (severe Dyslexia), Phil Thompson (arm amputee), Kim Jaggar (arm amputee), Al Grundy (polio), Harald Mirlieb (deaf), Albert Lee (double leg amputee) and Brett Pearce (Spina Bifida) with individual commemorative plaques.
Asked about the best and worst of the trip, crew said "the hardest was the Southern Ocean, it was really cold. The best was rounding Maatsuyker Island at Tasmania; it was just awesome, wonderful, and spectacular. We were in close and saw the lighthouse, the first land we had seen since Cape Wessel. We did see an oilrig too, and Brett was convinced there was a McDonald's there and wanted us to stop. The top of Australia was awesome too, I had never been there before, so that was something special."

Gallipoli Rally 2004
His Excellency Mr Tansu Okandan, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey invites you to take part in a unique and memorable sailing event to include the Anzac Day Commemorative Service at Gallipoli
Apart from the special symbolism and emotion of being part of the 89th Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove on the 25th April and the Commemorative Service at Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair, the special cultural and sightseeing program being offered in the program will provide all participants with an everlasting memory.
For more information and a detailed program, contact Rally Director, Teki Dalton C/ Waterfront.

Fishers to meet
A group of commercial and amateur fishers will meet on Friday evening at the Les Stagg Oval to discuss the proposed changes to reef zoning.
Organisers say there has been a good response with many keen to attend the meeting.
Those invited to the Proserpine meeting include 'anyone who likes to throw a line in the water' according to supporters. The meeting will commence at 7 pm. Further information: Ian Lade 4946 1882

Low Rock light restored
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Mark Q light, which marks the northern side of Low Rock, has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253.

Blessings of freedom
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
Thomas Paine (1737-1809)

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Whale watching - a special privilege
The annual whale migration to the Whitsundays has started with sightings on the increase. Whale watching is an experience not to be forgotten. To see a humpback whale lift its massive body into the air, or slap the sea surface with its long fins, is a breathtaking sight and a special privilege.
Whale watching involves many senses. As well as seeing whales, you can hear the characteristic sounds of the blow, breach, or fin slap, and feel the sea spray from this behaviour.
Remember! While the humpback whale's behaviour can sometimes seem playful, it has a purpose and isn't there for our benefit alone.
The migration of humpback whales along Queensland's coast is essential for the survival of their species, and must not be disturbed.
Whales are protected by Australian and Queensland laws, which are based on continuing research and management including regular boat patrols.
Boaties: Please follow the guidelines so the whales remain uninterrupted on their journey. A person in control of a boat must not: bring the boat any closer than 100m of a whale; bring the boat any closer than 300m of a whale if: - three or more boats are already closer than 300m to a whale; bring the boat to a position that would cause a whale to come closer than 100m to the boat if the whale continued in its direction of travel;
Move or operate the boat in a way that causes the whale to alter its direction or speed of travel or its behaviour; or bring the boat between members of a pod of whales.
A person on a jet ski must not bring it any closer than 300m to a whale. A person in water must not move any closer than 300m to a whale. A person must not enter water closer than 300m to a whale.
A person must not do any of the following to a whale in the wild. Deposit rubbish near a whale; make a noise that is likely to disturb a whale; make a noise that is likely to attract a whale; intentionally feed a whale; or touch a whale.
Commercial whale watching is operated under permit using skippers and crew with experience in Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay and the Whitsunday Islands.
These are only some of the regulations, which protect and conserve whales from disturbance and harm.

Satellite shopping
Boating is only a minor user of satellite GPS (Global Positioning System) with much bigger sales for transport vehicles, commercial applications, hikers, and now supermarket trolleys.
For those who have problems doing the shopping here is the answer; a shopping trolley that takes you to the correct shelf. All you have to do is pick the product off the shelf and place it into the trolley.
Now being tested in Britain, the shoppers merely point to the item they are looking for on a screen, which sits on the trolley's handle and off you go to the destination shelf.
And, hold the steak knives, this GPS-trolley will suggest recipes, bring bargains to shopper's notice and work out the fastest way to get what you want and get to the check out.
No ETA for installation in Australia. Not quite like a fish finder either, where you still have to bait a hook and wet a line or stop at the fish shop on the way home.

'It's freezing out here' says skipper
"It's freezing out here" Sailors with disABILITIES skipper, David Pescud reported Tuesday afternoon, "we're at 43 degrees latitude in the Southern Ocean, and it's freezing on deck, minus 20 degrees, I reckon, cold enough to freeze the bark off a humpy."
"We are in 25 knot headwinds, east-nor-east, can you believe it. We are waiting for the wind to go left, then we can reach instead of beating into it like we are now.
"We haven't seen much life out here in the Ocean, a few beautiful big birds, a couple of seals, that's about it, no ships, nothing else."
Meanwhile, on land, weatherman 'Clouds' advised, "no change this morning - see that you're working tight and making reasonable progress. Short term, models are still unfavourable."
The only worry now is the Coast of Tassie. With this in mind, the next few days will be crucial for KAZ and her around Australia record attempt.

Fisheries say
Thousands of Queenslanders have responded to the Department of Primary Industries combined Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and Draft Public Benefit Test.
Queensland Fisheries Service general manager Jim Gillespie said it was encouraging to see how many people took the time to comment on the new management proposals.
"Queensland's fisheries resources belong to everyone not just those with fishing interests," he said. "We received responses from a broad cross section of the community which will enable us to consider community expectations when we make our decisions."
A range of recommendations were outlined in the RIS including changes to measuring blue swimmer crabs; commercial netting regulations; new regulations for commercial and recreational Spanish mackerel catches; and a number of other management initiatives in the trawl, net, spanner crab and line fisheries.
Mr Gillespie said the RIS contained proposals aimed at protecting the State's valuable fisheries resources therefore it was very important to conduct a detailed analysis of the responses to the RIS.
"Analysis of the responses has commenced and QFS is expected to provide final recommendations to the Government in early July."
"The responses were in the form of 1500 full RIS responses and over 4000 form letters relating to specific issues," he said.
Mr Gillespie said while there is no denying that these recommendations will affect the various fishing sectors.

Secrets of the sea
"My soul is full of longing for the secrets of the sea, And the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Southern Ocean excites sailors with disABILITIES

The sailors with disABILITIES sloop KAZ, attempting to break the Around Australia circumnavigation non-stop sailing record have turned the corner to sail into the Southern Ocean.
David Pescud, owner skipper of 54-foot KAZ reported from the sailboat. "We are excited about entering the Southern Ocean, the outlook doesn't look too bad, I mean it's never that nice, but the predictions look fine. We are comfortable on board, everything is going really well and KAZ is prepared," the 55 year-old dyslexic grandfather said.
Still on pace to break the Jeremy Pearce/Kanga Birtles 1999 record, Pescud and his six disabled cohorts, Phil Thompson, Kim Jaggar, Harald Mirlieb, Albert Lee, Allan Grundy and Brett Pearce, have already dragged out their thermal gear including the balaclavas in preparation for the iciest part of their journey so far.
KAZ was trucking along near Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly tip of Australia, off Western Australia, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. She has covered 4500 nautical miles of her 6500-mile odyssey, with an ETA at the Sydney finish line late on June 28 - well ahead of record pace.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse sits alone at its tip, a solitary sentinel. Totally manually operated until 1982 by a clockwork mechanism and kero burner, one of the last in the world, the lighthouse marks the turning point for KAZ as she sails across the Southern Ocean, the Great Australian Bight, her likely next sight of land Maatsuyker on Tasmania's southern tip.

Hog's Breath Race Week

That time of the year has come around again. Once again Hog's Race Week August 8-14 is coming together say race organisers.
The four main people in the organisation are Overseer and Sponsor representative, Race founder Don Algie. Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore George Canfield. Once again Principle Race Officer is former Olympic official Tony Denham. New on the crew is Event Co-ordinator Andrew Palfrey.
"All names you know, except for Andrew (Dog) Palfrey," says Commodore Canfield. "Andrew is a professional yachting event co-ordinator. He has a wealth of experience, knowledge of the fleets, and the competitors who usually compete in this style of event. Dog in his spare time, (ha, ha), flits around the world sailing with Ian Murray, training for the Star Class Olympics in Athens."
"As we all know, a few people cannot run an event of this magnitude," adds Commodore Canfield. "So we are calling for our much needed and appreciated volunteers. This year we are having an external bar open after racing, so we even need staff for this"
"Last year was a very successful Hog's Breath Race Week and all we can do is to try to make it a little better each year. I ask you again to help if possible. There is a spot for everybody; start boats, boat crew, shore crew, general helpers. Please contact me as soon as possible, with any question, queries, and hopefully a commitment." Contact George Canfield 0439 922487 or the club on 4946 6138.

Reef zoning

" Hi Gang, This is the most important Email I will ever send you."
"The green area's proposed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in the Whitsunday area would wipe out all of the bill fishing grounds including the historic area north of Hayman Island and the new Blue Marlin grounds off the reef shelf.
"It is vitally important that we stop this and your assistance in submitting your views is VERY important. The G.B.R.M.P.A. wants to take the easy way out and will destroy the fishing industry in the process. Please Help. Please read the letter from Laurie Wright, president of the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association of which I am a member. It's available from me at, marlin@whitsunday.net.au

Captain Ken Bryant, Marlin Blue

Special ship

Ham radio operator Frank VK2ZL had an interesting CW contact recently when he had words with WW2-LST (Landing ship tank) crewmember in LST 325 now resting in a museum in Mobile, Alabama.
This tank landing craft saw action during the invasion of Normandy in WW2. A crew of dedicated volunteers sailed her back to the States recently from France. The average age of the volunteer crew was 80 years. Some feat. This craft is apparently given regular shake down cruises.

Group names?

Ever wonder what a group of a certain animal is called? Here are some suggested proper terms for naming a group of: Boar: A sounder of boars. Emus: A mob of emus. Ferret: A business of ferrets. Ravens: An unkindness of ravens. Jellyfish: A smack of jellyfish. Porpoise: A pod of porpoise. Sailor: A bar of sailors.

Boats for sale

Roads leading to Airlie Beach were lined with boats for sale during recent long weekend. Taking advantage of the Rotary Boat Show?

Langford light destroyed

Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q(6) + LFl.15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7864'S, Longitude 148°52.65'E which marks the southern end of Langford Reef has been destroyed. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 254, 825
NOTE: Your Waterfront writer went around to Langford and had a look at the yellow temporary replacement buoy. It is a lot lower than the destroyed light so it is not visible from the same distance, but you can see it from a couple of miles.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Boat show success: See you next year
"A great place for a boat show" has proved to be true following the successful Whitsunday Rotary Boat Show on the weekend.
Near perfect weather and twice as much to see brought boating enthusiasts from all around the region to Airlie Beach.
The new floating pontoons at Abel Point marina were thronged with people gazing at the broad array of boats on show.
"How much is this yacht worth?" enquired an onlooker. "Four million dollars, but it's not for sale," said the proud owner.
One exhibiter with a large engineering stand said they would now class the Airlie Beach show as the second or third in the state and would be back next year.
Gleaming timber to exotic synthetics, it was all there. Can't wait to see the turnout next June.

Blessing of the Fleet
As part of the boat show the annual Blessing of the Fleet was celebrated on Sunday, Whit Sun, morning. Rev'd Fr Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers conducted the service in the beaming sunshine.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whit Sun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
"Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here in Whitsunday some years ago. Today as we conduct another blessing of the fleet our thoughts turn to Father Keith who, in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us.
"Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor.
"Today we look out and see many boats on the water. Many activates related to this marvellous boat show. Importantly we see children who we wish to enjoy memorable and safe journeys on the water and through life."

Science 1 -V- poacher nil
Department of Primary Industries scientists have pioneered innovative molecular forensics techniques to help convict an Indonesian fisherman caught with dolphin remains in Queensland waters.
Customs officers found pieces of organs of a large animal aboard the fishing vessel and recruited the skills of the scientists to help identify the animal, according to DPI Animal and Plant Health Service executive director Dr Kevin Dunn.
"Mitochondrial DNA sequencing technology was developed in what is thought to be an Australian and potentially a world first use of this technology to convict a person charged with illegal fishing practices," he said.
Dr Jane Oakey, a DPI scientist based at the Oonoonba Veterinary Laboratory in Townsville, developed the technique in under three weeks when asked for assistance by the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions.
According to Dr Oakey, the team developed the forensic method using genetic sequence data published on the Internet at the international gene database known as Genbank.
"The technique was validated with samples from other known marine species including tissue from a bottlenose dolphin, dugong, an estuarine crocodile tail and a green turtle," she said.
"When applied to the animal sample seized as evidence, the test results achieved a 99.3 percent accuracy to positively identify the samples seized as being of dolphin origin."
Faced with the forensic evidence, Ilham Sinon admitted to prior possession of the whole dolphin in Cairns Magistrates Court on May 14. Sinon was charged with an offence under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 for keeping part of a bottlenose dolphin.
Sinon was jailed for one month for this offence but will spend a total of nine months in prison for defaulting on fines totalling $13,600 imposed for illegal fishing.
Dr Dunn said this sort of DPI Smart Science is imperative to help protect Queensland's marine and wildlife resources for future generations.
"The application of this technology is enormous," he said, "It can be applied to any animal tissue dependent upon state of degradation."
Dr Dunn said that DPI Animal and Plant Health Service scientists have had a flood of enquiries from a number of law enforcement and wildlife agencies that need this technology.

Group names?
Ever wonder what a group of a certain animal is called? Here are the suggested proper terms for naming a group of: Boar: A sounder of boars. Emus: A mob of emus. Ferret: A business or fesnyng of ferrets. Ravens: An unkindness of ravens. Jellyfish: A smack of jellyfish. Porpoise: A pod of porpoises. Sailor: A bar of sailors.

Fog defined
According to international definition, fog occurs when visibility is 600 feet or less. Visibility in mist may extend up to 3,000 feet.

Scam uncovered
Many people receive unsolicited scam letters from Nigerian royalty asking your help in getting money out of that nation. You know, the letters that offer you a percentage if you are willing to help?
Well Amateur Radio NewsLine listener Bill Whitney, N7CD, passes along word of a similar hoax now running around world.
In a posting on the Internet, a reader warns to watch out for offers to buy your 'for sale' gear with a Bank / cashiers cheque from someone who claims they are owed money above and beyond the price of your sale and has a bank / cashiers cheque in that higher amount.
The person offers to send you the cheque if you will send back the difference. This, while he or she arranging for someone to pick up the equipment you want to sell.
You receive the bank / cashier's cheque. It looks real so you deposit it and send the purchaser the difference. Within days you are informed that the cheque is forged. You are not only stuck with the gear you were trying to sell but a big bill owed to a bank as well.
If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Caveat Emptor means buyers beware.

Boats for sale
Roads leading to Airlie Beach were lined with boats for sale during the weekend. Taking advantage of the Rotary Boat Show?

Langford Reef light destroyed
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q(6) + LFl.15s in approximate position Latitude 20°05.7864'S, Longitude 148°52.65'E which marks the southern end of Langford Reef has been destroyed.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 254, 825

Enter here . . .
"Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself."
Chinese Proverb

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Let the sun shine for Rotary Boat Show!

Rotary Club of Airlie Beach members will be looking skywards and keeping a 'weather eye' out in the lead up to this weekend's second annual Whitsunday Boat Show.
The ambitious, and sold out, show will draw boating fanciers from the entire region to Abel Point Marina this Saturday and Sunday with gates open at 9 am.
This year's facility is twice the size of last year. It will be chockers with boat bits, interesting displays and personalities. Featured will be demonstrations on marine safety, mast rigging, engine fixing, tucker, fishing advice and tackle care. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and Queensland Ambulance will be on site and may rescue the damsels at the Fashion Parade if it's a hot day.
About 10,000 boating, sailing and fishing enthusiasts are expected from the coastal and hinterland regions of North and Central Queensland - from Townsville to Gladstone.
Scott Hillier, well known reporter and local Townsville fisherman, will be a key presenter on the main stage. Scott will be talking on the subject of "Catching the Big Red Fish" being favourite reef fish Coral Trout and Red Emperor.
Senator Ron Boswell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services has kindly accepted Rotary's invitation to open the Boat Show. A great start to the Show and recognition of the event's growing importance in the region - in just two years the Show has become the third largest Boat Show in Queensland. Senator Boswell will open the Show on Saturday at midday.
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is held each year on Whit Sunday/ Pentecost Sunday. That special day falls this week. Rev'd Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers will conduct the Blessing of the Fleet from the Boat Show main stage at 10 am on Sunday.
For two days, boating enthusiasts will see a grand display of eighty-eight stands, featuring engines, sails, marine electronics, chandlery, boating and fishing accessories and scuba gear. All housed undercover in two giant Hoecker buildings surrounded by a large outdoor display of trailer boats and engines. Floating exhibits will grace the new marine berths.
Visitors will enjoy non-stop boating and fishing demonstrations, fashion parades, fine food, music and entertainment, all in the most laid back and appealing atmosphere of any boat show in Australia. Great door prizes and competitions will be won during the show. Information - www.rotaryairliebeach.com.
Airlie Beach -- What a great place for a Boat Show!

Repacking the Liferaft

The only time you want to see the inside of a liferaft is during the annual inspection at an authorized dealer.
When it comes to lifesaving equipment and the prospect of abandoning ship, no piece of gear has a stricken crew's immediate hopes pinned on it as much as the liferaft. Whether because of fire, collision with a floating object at sea, or being overwhelmed by the elements, the liferaft is expected to be an unfailing safety net in the event it is pressed into service.
Whether liferafts are permanently encased in a hard fibreglass case or packed in a soft fabric valise, their hidden nature renders them largely inaccessible to the probing minds of sailors. Many cruisers are capable of diagnosing electrical problems, fearless when it comes to valve adjustments or injector extraction, and gung-ho about any number of other maintenance feats that cruising requires, but when it comes to liferafts and servicing them, this is the terrain of authorized personnel only.
The liferaft is a Pandora's box of sorts, offering equal parts hope and terror. You hope it will work when you need it, but also know getting into it means confronting a worst-case scenario.
There is the tendency to consider bypassing the liferaft inspection based on budget constraints, half-founded ideas about safety margins, dealing with the host of competing chores a boat demands, and the propensity to think optimistically that you won't ever have to use it.
Think again. The life you save might be your own.

'Grab the rod!

Heaps of boats and fishing tackle were on display at the recent Sanctuary Cove Boat Show but there was only one talking fishing rod holder.
The Campocatcher basic model flashes lights and buzzes when a fish bites and the more expensive model does all this and also says 'Grab the rod, the rod, grab the rod, the rod,' and then yells 'GRAB THE ROD'.
The rod holder is made from stainless steel, it's adjustable, has an independent bait light and a multi-functional base for securing in rocks, sand or a boat's rod holder.
Designed in Queensland, it has already won an award in China for ice fishing.

Boats as business

The Boating Industry Association of Queensland reports some statistics that provide food for thought. They say there are more than 172,500 Queensland boat registrations and that Queensland's marine industry employs 6,500 people with an annual turnover of $1.2 billion.

Whales at Sydney

Sea gazers down Sydney way report the annual migration of whales has started with numerous sightings of humpbacks swimming up the NSW coast.

Old time feeling

"Nostalgia isn't what it used to be."

David Anderson, ABC Radio Capricornia

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Disabled sailors on course for record
Skipper David Pescud and his six disabled crewmembers left Sydney on Sunday in wild, wet and woolly conditions. On Wednesday morning, their yacht KAZ was sailing off the Sunshine Coast nearing Fraser Island in 18-24 knot strengthening south south-westerly winds with a poled out headsail.
Pescud and crew returned to Sydney over a week ago to get KAZ ship-shape for their Around Australia record seeking journey that will take over one month to complete.
With their record attempt underway, the Sailors With DisAbilities crew aboard their Lyons 54' yacht KAZ, are revelling in ideal conditions in their attempt to break the current Around Australia record of just under 44 days.
The yacht officially left South Head in Sydney at 13.40.19 (1.40.19pm) Sydney time on Sunday May 25 in wet conditions.
While it is a little early to start talking records, KAZ is ahead of the 44 days 19 hours mark set in 1999 by Jeremy Pearce and Kanga Birtles, both of whom are watching KAZ's efforts with interest.
Weatherman, Roger 'Clouds' Badham's predicted strong south-easterly winds in the 25-35 knot range, which are developing along the Queensland coast for KAZ and should last for at least three days, along with plenty of rain.
Pescud, a severe dyslexic, and his disabled crew aboard KAZ know they must sail non-stop and unassisted to beat the record.
For further information on the KAZ crew, go to the SWD website at: www.sailorswithdisabilities.com and click on the '03 Project' icon.

ATO boat ruling
The ATO's final draft ruling for charter boats, announced just before the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show opened appeared to be welcomed by both boat builders and charter companies. Many agree that it is fair and they can now get on with selling and chartering boats reports BoatingOZ editor Kathy McKenzie who attended the show at the weekend.
"Boat builders had reported having orders on hold until the announcement. After the publicity surrounding the initial ATO ruling, some potential charterers were reluctant to book for fear that a company may go broke. On the first day of the boat show, one charter company reported more enquiries for buying boats than for actual charters."
"Some charter boats have left the fleets, but one company reported that in the last year they have added four boats to their fleets after owners submitted business plans to the ATO."
"Mr Dagge from Euroyachts Pty Ltd, importers of Princess motor yachts and Jeanneau Yachts, believes that the ATO ruling will translate into ten yacht sales in the near future. Euroyachts Pty Ltd was one of more than 100 marine businesses, which lobbied the ATO to change its policy on charter boat investment."
"His positive comments were echoed by Jeanneau Queensland distributor Ian Douglas of Mooloolaba Yacht Club Brokerage. "There's no doubt there has been more inquiries from people wanting to own a boat for charter," Ms McKenzie said.

'Grab the rod!
Heaps of boats and fishing tackle were on display at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show but there was only one talking fishing rod holder.
The Campocatcher basic model flashes lights and buzzes when a fish bites and the more expensive model does all this and also says 'Grab the rod, the rod, grab the rod, the rod,' and then yells 'GRAB THE ROD'.
The rod holder is made from stainless steel, it's adjustable, has an independent bait light and a multi-functional base for securing in rocks, sand or a boat's rod holder.
Designed in Queensland, it has already won an award in China for ice fishing.

Boats as business
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland reports some statistics that provide food for thought. They say there are more than 172,500 Queensland boat registrations and that Queensland's marine industry employs 6,500 people with an annual turnover of $1.2 billion.

Whales at Sydney
Sea gazers down Sydney way report the annual migration of whales has started with numerous sightings of humpbacks swimming up the NSW coast.

Old time feeling
"Nostalgia isn't what it used to be."
David Anderson, ABC Radio Capricornia

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Sailors with disABILITIES record on hold
David Pescud and his six-crew members from Sailors with disAbilities sailed back into Sydney, unnoticed in the heavy rain and mist aboard their yacht KAZ, their attempt to break the Around Australia record on hold.
Just short of two days after exiting Sydney Harbour, Pescud, the yacht's owner and skipper, decided it was prudent to return to Sydney when they encountered a rudder problem on KAZ, just north of Sugerloaf Point on the NSW coast, a repair at sea not viable.
'It wasn't dangerous, it just meant we would have had to bail the boat a bit during our trip, which just takes a bit of the fun out of it. We also had a couple of other little problems with the boat, so we decided we would come home, fix the yacht, and head out again when our meteorologist, 'Clouds' (Roger Badham) tells us when the next best weather opportunity is.'
Whilst the crew, which consists of Pescud, a severe dyslexic, and six other disabled sailors, whose disabilities range from amputees to polio, deafness and spina bifida, were obviously disappointed at having to return home after all the hype of organising the trip, then finally leaving on Monday, they realise that it will only be a matter of a week or so before they can head out again.
KAZ returned to its home base, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, all crew on board in good spirits. The yacht was taken to River Quays, where repairs were undertaken.
Pescud and crew originally set out on Monday to circumnavigate Australia non-stop and unassisted on the group's Lyons 54' yacht, KAZ. In doing so, the aim is to beat the Jeremy Pearce/Kanga Birtles time of just under 44 days, set in 1999, to create a World Record - a first for a disabled crew.
An extremely experienced crew who have done a number of ocean miles together, including completing the disastrous 1998 Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, in which they won the PHS class, Pescud's crew comprises Phil Thompson, Kim Jaggar, Harald Mirlieb, Allan Grundy, Albert Lee and Brett Pearce.
For further information on the KAZ crew, go to the SWD website at: www.sailorswithdisabilities.com and click on the '03 Project' icon.

Speaking of weather:
Writer Mark Twain said some readers complained that there wasn't enough weather in his stories. So, he said he wrote some weather, which they could insert wherever they thought it would help.
Mark Twain was born Samuel Clemens of Hannibal, Missouri. "Clemens," as a first name, is like the name "Clementine," derived from the adjective "clement." To be clement is to be lenient and compassionate, or, in the case of weather, perfectly heavenly.
Which is just what we have been having. Enjoy.

Fish numbers plunge
A global survey spanning nearly half a century reveals a 90 percent plunge in the population of large ocean fish, from tuna to cod, since commercial fishing vessels took to the high seas, Canadian researchers report.
With fish numbers decreasing by as much as 80 percent in 15 years, the depleted communities could crash delicately balanced ecosystems, with unknown worldwide consequences, the surveyors of pelagic creatures warned.
"More than 90 percent of the fish we like to eat are gone," said Jeremy Jackson, a renowned marine ecologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
The statistics -- which some industry scientists questioned -- emerged from a 10-year analysis of trawler surveys and U.S. and Japanese long-line fishing records compiled over 47 years for 62 predatory species.
"From giant blue marlin to mighty blue fin tuna and from tropical groupers to Antarctic cod, industrial fishing has scoured the global ocean," said lead study author Ransom Myers, Chair in Ocean Studies in Halifax, Nova Scotia. "There is no blue frontier left."
"Since 1950, with the onset of industrialized fisheries, we have rapidly reduced the resource base to less than 10 percent -- not just in some areas, not just for some stocks, but for entire communities of these large fish species from the tropics to the poles," said study co-author Boris Worm of Dalhousie and the University of Kiel in Germany.
"Even if the authors' numbers are off by as much as 50 percent, this is a big, big problem," said Randy Kochevar, science communications manager for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and principal investigator with the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics research project, an international collaboration to study migration patterns of large open-ocean animals in the North Pacific.
"The trends they've identified have profound consequences for the future of ocean life," he said.
"We have forgotten what we used to have," Kochevar said, "We had oceans full of heroic fish -- literally sea monsters. People used to harpoon 3-meter-long swordfish in rowboats."
The great fish are meeting the fate of other great beasts that were hunted to the brink of extinction, and beyond, researchers said.
Even the open ocean, widely viewed as an untapped reservoir of large fish, has suffered severe depletion, the researchers found.
"The long-lining data tell a story we have not heard before," said Daniel Pauly, a fisheries scientist. In this technique, particularly favoured by Japanese fleets, single-stranded fishing lines hoist endless rows of baited hooks over vast stretches of open ocean that can extend thousands of miles.
"Whereas long lines used to catch 10 fish per 100 hooks, now they are lucky to catch one," Myers said.
Conservation efforts have had mixed results, noted Rich Ruais, executive director of the East Coast Tuna Association in Salem, N.H.
"Are there still problems of illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing?" Ruais was asked in a telephone interview. "Absolutely there are, as there are still subsidies that are problematic."
However, there are also success stories such as the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, a commercial treaty involving 33 countries that is conducting ground-breaking work to blow pirate fishing out of the water.
"We think about the oceans as being a source of endless bounty, and look on the idea of hunting animals to extinction as a folly from the distant past,"
"The need for more knowledge is both urgent and critical," he concluded.

Problems we face . . .
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."
Albert Einstein (1879-1955),

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan