Luxury cruise ship visits Whitsunday islands

 

Luxury cruise ship visits Whitsunday islands

 

Visiting Hamilton Island on Friday this week will be the six-star luxury ship Silver Whisper on an 18-day sailing Sydney to Singapore.

The ultra luxury all-suite ship features diversions such as historian and writer Professor Geoffrey Blainey whose lecture topics focus on Australia's geography, legends, history, heroes and current culture.

For the Art Aficionado Opera director Thomson Smillie will tell a most entertaining story of opera and through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is introducing L'École des Chefs, a new interactive cooking school.

With almost 300 crew and 382 guests, Silver Whisper takes luxury to the next level while maintaining Silversea's trademark intimate ambience.

Passengers will visit Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef during their stay.

 

Fishing event

 

This weekend the Whitsunday Game Fishing Club will hold its annual Sweeties & Squires Tournament. There will be the usual get together at the clubhouse on Friday evening to talk about the fish they will catch and a weigh-in and presentations for the ones that didn't get away on Sunday.

 

Get ready

 

With the first low of the season possibly developing off the north Queensland coast, it is a good time for boaties to get into gear and ensure they have a cyclone plan. Some good advice is available from the Meridien Abel Point Marina with their cyclone procedures available on the website.

 

Mooring checks

 

QPWS rangers will be undertaking mooring maintenance throughout the Whitsundays. The assistance of boaties in keeping mooring areas safe for scuba diving during this period is appreciated.

 

Park Guide out

 

A new edition of the parks visitor Whitsunday islands and Ngaro Sea Trail Visitor Guide with updated information on day-use, camping and walking track facilities has been produced. Copies are available from QPWS office, corner of Mandalay and Shute Harbour Roads, Jubilee Pocket.

 

Kon Tiki Knut dies

 

Knut M. Haugland the last surviving member of the crew that crossed the Pacific Ocean in 1947 on board the balsa wood raft Kon Tiki has died at age 92.

Haugland was a former Norwegian resistance fighter and explorer who was honoured with Norway's highest decoration for military gallantry, the War Cross with sword. Similar honours  were also bestowed upon him by Great Britain and France. 

He joined the Kon Tiki ocean going raft expedition of Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl, as one of its radio operators. The Kon-Tiki eventually sailed / drifted 4,900 miles from Peru to Polynesia in 101 days to prove Heyerdahl's theory that ancient mariners may have migrated across ocean stretches.

Despite the tiny radio with an output of only six watts, they managed to contact radio operators in Norway, even sending a telegram to congratulate King Haakon VII on his 75th birthday.

 

Bird Island light

 

Mariners are advised that the south cardinal mark beacon Q(6) + L Fl 15s about 0.5 nautical miles south-east of Bird Island. Langford Reef in the Whitsunday Group has been reported to be unlit. The light beacon has been repositioned south-eastwards to 20 05.790 S - 148 52.590 E, Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts affected: 252 & 254

 

Travel is a passion

 

"For us, travel is a passion, and every one of our journeys is a voyage of discovery. Benvenuti a Bordo." Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman, Silversea Cruises

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Centaur discovery an emotional experience

Lest We Forget: Centaur 1943

 

The discovery and positive identification of the Australian Hospital ship 'Centaur' torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1943 has been an emotional experience for many and not least for Whitsunday resident Ian Hudson.

Pictures of the sunken ship, its Red Cross still visible, has stirred plenty of emotion.

The Centaur Association's Queensland president, Ian Hudson this week told The Guardian exclusivly, "An extremely emotional day yesterday – I got the first pics at 0750."

"Devastation" and a "mangled mess" were used yesterday to describe Centaur, particularly the aft section of the ship, which is split from the forward section, just behind the main superstructure, and where, on first indication yesterday, was probably where the torpedo struck, rather than further forward as first thought."

"But more pictures in the next two days will reveal much, much more.

"Getting towards the finale, apart from the on and off shore memorial services, of what was Queensland's biggest maritime disaster, and I am suitably humbled for the experience, when I read and see the expressions and heartfelt thanks from relatives and descendants for the eventual finding of Centaur."

"There was one woman who said 'Finally, I know where the gold ring I gave my husband is'. If that doesn't bring a tear to the eye, I don't know what will," Mr Hudson said.

The Centaur was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine off the Queensland coast in 1943. Just 64 of the 332 people onboard survived.

The wreckage lay undiscovered for 67 years until world-renowned shipwreck hunter David Mearns located the Centaur on December 20, 48km east of the southern tip of Moreton Island at a depth of 2,059 metres.

On Sunday, his crew aboard the 'Seahorse Spirit' sent a submarine robot down to capture footage proving beyond doubt that this is her resting place.

Artefacts identified include the Centaur's inscribed bell, a distinctive star on the bow, and a corroded identification number, the Red Cross.

After completing a third mission down to the wreck on Monday, Mr Mearns said a test had shown the memorial plaque would quickly be covered with mud if it were placed on the seabed.

He said he had written to Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett on Monday morning seeking permission to lay the plaque directly on the wreck, which is protected under the Commonwealth's Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.

"Just shows you that Peter Garrett can make a decision – within 2  hours of our application to place the plaque ON THE SHIP, (probably on or near the bow,) we got it…………It will be placed tonight or tomorrow." Mr Hudson told The Guardian.

The memorial plaque reads: "In memory of shipmates, relatives, colleagues & friends who paid the supreme sacrifice on a mission of mercy, 14 May 1943. 2/3 AHS Centaur Association 2010, Lest We Forget."

  

Pioneer River light

 

Mariners are advised that a port lateral mark No.12 light Fl.R 2.5s has been permanently established in the position of latitude 21°08.644'S, longitude 149°09.254'E in the Pioneer River. The light marks the end of a fishing platform. AUS charts affected: Outside pilotage area

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Jellyfish potential aphrodisiac?

Irukandji jellyfish love you long time

 

It's strongly recommended you don't try this at home, but a jellyfish expert says there's potential for the deadly irukandji to be an aphrodisiac.

Director of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory service Dr Lisa Gershwin says some male victims have prolonged erections after being stung.

She says funding for research has been limited, but the side effects could justify further study.

"I strongly recommend against using an irukandji to prepare for a date," she says.

"I don't think that is appropriate please but I do think that the research should be there to isolate that particular component that's causing that particular reaction."

A great subject for funding?

 

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Soggy Santa

 

A few years ago now, Santa arrived at the Whitsunday Sailing Club for the offbeach kids break-up party and created quite a splash.
Santa made a great entrance into the boat harbour aboard the club speedboat, pulled up to the beach with his bag of goodies on his shoulder and Ho! Ho! Ho!-in for all he was worth.
Perhaps the boat nudged the beach. Perhaps the gunwale rail was slippery with spray from the hight speed manoeuvres. Perhaps he had a small libation to steady the nerves before fronting a hoard of cheeky sailor kids.
Betwixt the boat and the beach there is the sea, yes, the soggy Santa slipped into the drink much to the merriment of all.
Nobody seems to remember who that Santa was although the occasion will not leave the memory.

 

Croc in marina

 

OK, we do have salt-water crocodiles and it is only a matter of time before a photo of the croc in Abel Point Marina is taken say marina workers.

 

Shark

 

Although Australia continues to have a bad reputation concerning the threat of shark attacks to swimmers, the statistics do not support these claims. In the last 50 years, there have been 53 human fatalities (1.06 per year) in Australian waters from shark attack. Some years there are no fatalities recorded, other years there have been up to three in a year, but the average remains around one per year. Yet each year 100,000s of swimmer-days take place on our beaches, harbours and rivers and the number is increasing with both increasing population and tourism.

 

The Australian Shark Attack File is coordinated at Taronga Zoo and is associated with the International Shark Attack File managed by the American Elasmobranch Society.

 

A winner

 

From a dusty shed on a cane farm in Calen to TV studios, fame, and the glitz and glamour of Sydney, Colin Chamberlain has been on a wild ride of late.
He has invented a boat propeller that won't sever limbs or cause injury to marine life, something modern day propellers fail to achieve.
The invention not only sounds good but also after winning the best invention gong on ABC TV show - The New Inventors, the patented idea could potentially make the former Calen resident a multi-millionaire.

 

Brampton Island sold

 

A private investor has brought the Brampton Island resort for $5.9 million.
Australia's biggest property trust the GPT Group announced the sale this week, with settlement expected to be finalised in February.
GPT chief executive Michael Cameron says the sale reflects a shift from the volatile tourism sector and a refocussing on retail, office and industrial properties.
Brampton Island is an island mostly designated as National Park in the Cumberland Group, off shore from Mackay south of the Whitsunday Islands within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The Ayers Rock Resort is now GPT's only tourism asset.

 

Marine notice

 

A chart update for AUS252 is available showing the infrastructure; pipeline routes in Dent Passage between Hamilton Island and Dent Island. Mariners need be aware of this and the restrictions on anchoring in the passage.
The Australian Hydrographic Service advises that the plan may be accessed and printed from their website http://www.hydro.gov.au/

 

"Open your presents at Christmastime but be thankful year round for the gifts you receive" 

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Plastiki on voyage to Great Barrier Reef

Unique message in a bottle

 

We have all heard of a ship in a bottle, but what about a ship made of bottles.

In the future, we could sail the seas in a yacht made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

 This is exactly what environmental storyteller David de Rothschild and his intrepid crew of scientists, sailors and adventurers are doing on the Plastiki, an ocean going one-of-a-kind 60-foot catamaran on a mission to beat waste.

Following the launch in California, Plastiki will sail across the Pacific to Australia.

It is hoped that the plastic fantastic will provide support for another awareness-rasing event, The Great Barrier Reef Swim, a record-breaking ultra-marathon ocean swim of 2300 kilometres calling attention to ocean conservation and awareness.

Two open water swimmers Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron plan to embark on the world's first swim of the entire length of Australia's Great Barrier Reef in 2010.

 

Sea Trail tracks open

 

From this week rangers welcome visitors to explore the new walking tracks constructed on Hook, Whitsunday and South Molle Islands as part of the new Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. An official launch in 2010 will complete the two-year project, which has seen the investment of more than $1 million into our islands walking tracks. Information about the walks can be found online at www.derm.qld.gov.au or collect a visitor guide from QPWS Airlie Beach.

 

Lucky, Not Lonely!

 

"For the first time in over two weeks I saw something man made other than Ella's Pink Lady. It was a small white piece of plastic that floated by this morning while we were becalmed for a short while. Not all that exciting, but it made me think about just how completely in the middle of nowhere I really am and about how every mile is taking us further into a pretty much empty stretch of ocean" writes teenage sailor Jessica Watson.

Jessica's position is East of New Zealand and SW of Pitcairn island heading across the south Pacific to Cape Horn and after sixty days at sea she has sailed over 6,000 miles on her voyage around the world.

 

There be monsters

 

Monsters are found in Queensland, Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said this week.

Those keen fishers who want to land a metre long monster barramundi should be dropping a line in one of Queensland dams.

"The easiest way to catch one of these monster barramundi is by fishing in one of the State's dams," the Minister said.

"Stocked barramundi in Queensland reach the golden length of one metre in five years compared with 10 years for wild fish.

"To reach the legal minimum size of 58cm* stocked fish take just two years as opposed to four years for wild caught barra.

A recent study found barramundi released into freshwater dams reached the 'magic metre' twice as quickly as wild barramundi.

Mr Mulherin said the study used data from more than 120,000 tagged fish.

"The study was developed with the help of anglers through fish tag collection and monitoring research conducted since 1987," Mr Mulherin said.

 

Make my day

 

"I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will,"  - Clint Eastwood

 

Fair winds to Ye!

 

Cap'n Dan

The World comes to Airlie Beach

The World comes to Airlie Beach

 

Arriving in Airlie Beach this Sunday, The World is a cruise ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. The residents, from about 40 different countries, live on board as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe. Some residents live onboard full time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.

The World flies a Bahamas flag and has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. The vessel is 644 feet (196m) long, 98 feet (30m) wide, and has a 22-foot (6.7m) draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h). The crew numbers 250.

The ship has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship's residents. The ship carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.

The World was the idea of Knut U. Kloster Jr., whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. The ship was built in Rissa, Norway and launched in March 2002.

In October 2003, the residents of the vessel purchased The World. ResidenSea in Miramar, Florida, remained the management company responsible for operations and administration of the ship. The residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ship's itinerary, finances and lifestyle.

 

2011 Around Australia

 

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. At last count this week, 211 yachts have taken up Race or Rally.

"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said.

The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24-hours at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.

The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.

Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

 

The Reef

 

A controversial $3.5 million Australian-made film, 'The Reef' tells the story five young travellers who are sailing in tropical waters when their yacht sinks, stranding them in open ocean to be harassed by a Great White shark, a species seldom seen on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Association of Marine Park Operators is worried the film would turn off foreign visitors who could not distinguish fact from fiction.

Shark attacks are not the reef experience most tourists seek; indeed the shark footage had to be filmed in South Australia, as there aren't any up here.

Producer of 'The Reef' Michael Robertson says, "I think in most cases people that go to watch these films understand that the horror genre is part of fantastic cinema and the aim of these films is to scare an audience."

And hey, even after 35 years many still hum the theme of 'Jaws' when someone is entering the water.

The Reef is set for release in late 2010.

 

Navigation hazard

 

Mariners are advised that a steel pile is located in Shute Bay at position latitude 20° 17.524' S, longitude 148° 46.903' E and a timber pile is located in position latitude 20° 17.498' S, longitude 148° 46.898' E on the northern shoreline of Shute Bay. These piles could be covered at high tide and should be considered hazards to navigation at those times. Mariners should navigate with caution when operating in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 & 253

 

That's life

 

"Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms," observed actor Sir Laurence Olivier

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Island Arks meet first for Whitsunday Island

Island Arks meet first for Whitsunday Island

 

A symposium discovering and informing sustainable use of island ecosystems will be conducted on Daydream Island December 7 - 11.

Organiser Derek Ball, Operations Manager of Biodiversity Coasts and Marine for Reef Catchments said, "It is surprising that there has never been a conference of this type before in Australia. We are expecting that the symposia topics and location will attract major interest from around Australia and the South Pacific.

The island destination will attract scientists, island managers, ecotourism operators, students and others with a direct and indirect interest in island sustainability and management to identify, discuss and resolve management challenges; identifying pathways for long-term conservation of island ecosystems including sustainable use.

"The sustainable use of island ecosystems requires strong inter-disciplinary knowledge bases including terrestrial and marine ecology, coastal engineering, fire ecology, invasive species management, waste management, communication and marketing, and environmental economics."

"The symposium aims to bring together practitioners in these disciplines," Mr Ball added.

 

Hugh Williams Day

 

On December 5, 1664, a ship sank in the Menai Strait off the coast of Wales. Of its 81 passengers, the sole survivor was a lucky fellow named Hugh Williams.

On December 5, 1785, 121 years later, another ship sank in the Menai Strait. All 60 souls aboard perished… except one. His name was Hugh Williams.

On December August 5, 1820, 35 years later, yet another ship, a small 25-passenger vessel, sank in the Menai Strait. Once again, there was only one survivor. Once again, his name was Hugh Williams.

"So if you're ever going sailing in Wales on December 5, I won't be offended if you forget to invite me," says the modern day Hugh Williams who stays away from the sea.

"There are many versions of this story in circulation that have all three events taking place on December 5; I only recently found the source material that dates the third event in August, not December" Mr Williams added.

 

Spitfire Rock

 

Mariners are advised that the west cardinal mark beacon Q(9)15s in approximate position latitude 20° 28.59' S, longitude 149° 01.7' E which marks Spitfire Rock in Kennedy Sound has been reported to be unlit. Mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252, 254, and 824

 

Important as anything

 

"When people talk about all the things needed to sail around the world they never seem to mention patience, but I'm fast learning that it's as important as anything." Teenage sailing adventurer Jessica Watson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Mutiny on the Bounty boat adventure revisited

Mutiny on the Bounty boat adventure revisited

 

April 28, 2010 marks the 221st anniversary of the Mutiny on the Bounty, when Fletcher Christian cast William Bligh and 18 of his men adrift in a 23-foot open boat, which marked the beginning of one of the greatest open boat voyages in maritime history.
During the following seven weeks, Bligh and his men sailed over 3,700 nautical miles, in an overloaded boat, with little food or water and no charts, from Tonga to Kupang in Timor.
It has become more than legend of leadership, small boat seamanship and survival.
On that same day, in the same place, at the same time of day 221 year later, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre, Mike Perham; the world's youngest solo circumnavigator and two other crew, will relive Bligh's nightmare.
They will attempt to sail the same voyage under similar conditions, no charts, no toilet paper, not enough food or water, in an 18th century traditional open timber whale boat.
McIntyre is not new to adventuring, but this challenge is like nothing he has experienced before.
They will have very good safety equipment, a strong risk minimisation program, and will have a GPS, charts, torches and the emergency food etc. onboard, sealed in a box and not used.
The hardships and human dynamics of the crew is part of the experience sought, to get close to Bligh and his men.
"Can we survive on of the greatest open boat journeys in Maritime History?" asks Captain McIntyre.
"Our odds are far higher than if you were a sufferer of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)."
"We are making this journey to raise funds for the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience. This landmark initiative will create the world's first, stand alone institute dedicated to bringing an end to MND." Captain McIntyre said.

 

Too much sun

 

Boat passenger could not figure out why she got sunburnt while out on a boat.
"I didn't think I could get sunburnt because the boat was moving"
 
Dugong Beach campground

 

New defined camping sites have been well received with their design reducing damage to vegetation caused by visitors shortcutting between sites, the new post and rail completes recent work to upgrade the site. Dugong is a good alternative to camping at adjacent Sawmill Beach, which will close to camping from December 8.

 

Rubber vine reduced

 

Park Rangers have targeted outbreaks of the Class 2 pest plant, rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora on Gloucester Island in an effort to protect habitat of the island's Proserpine Rock-Wallaby and reduce further spread throughout the Whitsunday islands.

 

Airlie Creek fireworks

 

Mariners are advised that the Fantasea Annual Cracker Night will be held on Friday, November 27. The event commences at 1800 hours at the market site on the Airlie Beach foreshore adjacent to the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Fireworks are due to be set off from the point of Airlie Creek at approximately 2000 hours for an estimated duration of half an hour. AUS charts 252 and 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Australian Radio Alphabet

Australian Radio Alphabet

 

 The Americans have forced their radio alphabet on the rest of the world
 but we prefer this Aussie radio alphabet, it comes courtesy of ALEX vk2fpol;

 

 A - AUSSIE
 B - BARBIE
 C - CARTON
 D - DUNNY
 E - ESKY
 F - FOOTBALL
 G - GROGSHOP
 H - HOTEL
 I - IDIOT
 J - JACKAROO
 K - "K"
 L - LONGNECK
 M - MEAT PIE
 N - NUMBSKULL
 O - OCKER
 P - PINCH
 Q - QUID
 R - RIGHT OH
 S - SICKY
 T - TROOPY
 U - U-TURN
 V - VEG OUT
 W - WEEKEND
 X - XXXX
 Y - YABBIE
 Z - ZILLIONS

 

 

Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

 

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday, our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.

The Volunteer Ambassador Program has been meeting and greeting for some years now with Judi Dunn at the helm and they need some help.

"Great news!" writes Judi.

"Yet another cruise ship added to our schedule in December.

"We have just been advised the residential cruise ship, The World, will be visiting Airlie Beach on Sunday December 13.

"The World is an apartment complex on water. You purchase your own apartment and permanently live onboard, continually travelling the world. There are 165 apartments, catering for 300-400 residents and their guests.

"This of course gives us six ships within 12 days in December, so our volunteer

Ambassadors will need extra help to keep up their enthusiasm and good spirits.

"Our volunteers are a critical ingredient in the successful experience for the passengers and therefore ensuring the cruise ship companies continue using Airlie Beach as their 'port of call' in the Whitsundays," Judi added.

If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

 

Teenage adventurer

 

Teenage adventurer 16-year-old Queenslander Jessica Watson has almost reached the equator.

Jessica is attempting to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted; Jessica left Sydney on October 18 to embark on her 38,000km trip and has passed the 2500 nautical mile mark.

"Progress had been a little on and off over the last few days". Jessica writes, "No wind."

"This afternoon (Monday) was pretty cool, a pod of dolphins spent a couple of hours hanging around and I had a great time sitting in the shade of the sails on the bow, feet dangling over the side (and yes clipped on!!) watching them play in clear water. I'm not sure what kind they were (small and completely grey) but they hung around for ages, so they can't have thought my music was too bad! I loved the way the dolphins would play around riding and shooting along the swell and can only imagine how much fun they must have in a big sea."

 

Reef record swim

 

Two swimmers want to raise awareness of ocean conservation and aim to set a new record in open water swimming next year.

The two swimmers Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron will embark on the world's first swim of the entire length of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This will be a record ultra-marathon ocean swim of 2300 kilometres. They will be calling attention to ocean conservation and awareness.

In the first week since the launch of the Facebook page 'Great Barrier Reef Swim', over 300 members had signed on.

The swim will highlight the GBR and show it to be generally in good health. The organisers would like to hear from boating people who would consider helping out with their time, experience and vessels.

 

Oil spill?

 

Following a report of an oil spill at Shute Harbour, fully geared-up officers from Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) arrived to inspect the unknown offensive and possibly dangerous material at the waters' edge.

The officers would not have noticed the smell, they being enclosed in their self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus.

The smell was that of the naturally occurring oceanic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium commonly known as 'sea sawdust' and often mistakenly called 'coral spawn'.

Thankfully the smelly slick, though often confused with oil spills, wasn't.

 

Notice to Mariners

 

The Australian Hydrographic Service advises a chart update for the Historic wreck on Carlisle Island. Chart AUS824 insert stranded wreck, with magenta legend Historic Wk 20 46.730 S 149 16.620 E.

The Howard Smith Ltd iron steamship 'Geelong' 432 gross tons, built 1856; registered Melbourne; On the Sydney - Queensland ports service was at anchor off Carlisle island when run ashore, in a cyclonic gale, to save life, 17th February 1888. Two crewmen perished.

 

Important as anything

 

"When people talk about all the things needed to sail around the world they never seem to mention patience, but I'm fast learning that it's as important as anything." Teenage adventurer Jessica Watson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

America's Cup for Whitsunday?

America's Cup for Whitsunday?

 

With America's Cup defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland suggesting holding next year's event in Queensland, perhaps Whitsunday should be put forward to host the world's most iconic yacht race.

While trying to resolve a legal battle with American Challenger BMW Oracle Racing it emerged the Swiss were happy to move the event to the east coast of Australia.

The American challenger, Oracle, had previously challenged the Swiss choice of the Persian Gulf, on safety grounds.

However, it is unlikely Whitsunday could host the international event, as it does not yet have sufficient facilities required despite boasting some of the best waters in the world for yacht racing at Edgecombe Bay, Bowen or Pioneer Bay at Airlie Beach.

Legendary Australia II skipper John Bertrand has tipped Southport as the location in Queensland to probably host the event, although the Swiss team has not revealed its preferred location.

Other than Queensland, Valencia in Spain is the only venue mentioned to host the America's Cup racing.

 

Remembrance Day

 

Originally called Armistice Day, this day commemorated the end of the hostilities for the Great War (World War I), the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was observed by the Allies as a way of remembering those who died, especially soldiers with 'no known grave'.

Lest we forget

 

Fishing closure

 

The final Coral reef fin fish closure for 2009 is on (or is it off?) this Saturday November 14 until Wednesday November 18.

There is no Christmas closure this year (Yea!) the next being October 5 to 9 2010.

 

2011 Around Australia race and rally

 

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. The Race and Rally events were launched late June 2009. As at 25 September 2009, 164 yachts have taken up Race or Rally (Race 54, Rally 110).

"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said

The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24hrs at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.

The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.

Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

 

Marine radio call

 

Responding to concerns about declining standards in the use of VHF marine radio and compliance with the requirement to hold an operators' certificate of proficiency, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion paper about regulatory arrangements for VHF marine radios used by recreational boat operators.

The discussion paper invites comment from marine radio users about safety and the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters and follows concerns expressed by the National Marine Safety Committee and representatives of the maritime community.

The ACMA is interested in hearing all views across the spectrum of interested parties - from individuals who operate marine radio on a recreational basis, to marine industry representatives and regulatory bodies throughout Australia.

The close of submissions for this paper is Friday, December 18.

 

Rattlesnake Island

 

Mariners are advised that military units will be conducting live firing activities between 0800 and 1400 hours this Friday, November 13. The active area is within a five (5) nautical mile (approximately 9260 metres) radius of

Rattlesnake Island, and will not exceed a height of 22000 feet above sea level.

Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times.

AUS charts 256 and 827.

  

"The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear. It is the storm within that endangers him, not the storm without" Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen this weekend

 

Off beach sailors will converge on Bowen this weekend with junior class to the fore and some assistance from others would be appreciated.

Event organiser Jeremy Cooper told The Guardian "We hope to attract boats other than Sabots to this regatta, and look forward particularly to meeting sailors from the Open BIC, and other fleets."

"For Sabot families, the event will incorporate the AGM of NQ Sabot Association, and selection trials for the 2009-2010 National competition to be held in Gosford over the Christmas-New Year holiday.

Queensland's first Sabot sailor David Steen will be on hand to present the trophies.

"We look forward to seeing as many junior sailors as possible. Registration will open and close on October 31; however, an early indication of numbers would be appreciated, so that division prizes may be obtained. Further information 0429315939 or the Sabot website at http://sites.google.com/site/nqsabot/

 

Ambassadors meet and greet

 

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday - four ships in four days scheduled for early December - our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.

The Volunteer Ambassador Program has been meeting and greeting for some years now with Judi Dunn at the helm and they need some help.

Judi just sent an updated program that shows visits by new ships such as the Holland America Line MS Volendam whose first visit is on December 3.

MS Volendam will cruise around Australia and New Zealand before returning to cruise Alaska's Inside Passage with Ports of Call at Hong Kong, Shanghai returning to Vancouver for the northern summer season.

The most exciting, the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built; Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is due here on Sunday February 28 on a two-month cruise from New York with about 3000 passengers. She will be a sight to see and it would be good if a charter operator took sightseers out for a turn or two around her.

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas will visit six times with 2435 passengers.

So add those new visitors to the usual Princesses, Suns, Dawns and Jewels and you can see that our volunteers could really use some friendly help. If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

 

Hugh Williams Day

 

On December 5, 1664, a ship sank in the Menai Strait off the coast of Wales. Of its 81 passengers, the sole survivor was a lucky fellow named Hugh Williams.

On December 5, 1785, 121 years later, another ship sank in the Menai Strait. All 60 souls aboard perished… except one. His name was Hugh Williams.

On December August 5, 1820, 35 years later, yet another ship, a small 25-passenger vessel, sank in the Menai Strait. Once again, there was only one survivor. Once again, his name was Hugh Williams.

"So if you're ever going sailing in Wales on December 5, I won't be offended if you forget to invite me," says the modern day Hugh Williams who stays away from the sea.

"There are many versions of this story in circulation that have all three events taking place on December 5; I only recently found the source material that dates the third event in August, not December" Mr Williams added.

 

Let's dance!

 

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain"

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

 

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday - four ships in four days scheduled for early December - our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.
The Volunteer Ambassador Program has been meeting and greeting for some years now with Judi Dunn at the helm and they need some help.
Judi just sent an updated program that shows visits by new ships such as the Holland America Line MS Volendam whose first visit is on December 3.
MS Volendam will cruise around Australia and New Zealand before returning to cruise Alaska's Inside Passage with Ports of Call at Hong Kong, Shanghai returning to Vancouver for the northern summer season.
The most exciting, the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built; Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is due here on Sunday February 28 on a two-month cruise from New York with about 3000 passengers. She will be a sight to see and it would be good if a charter operator took sightseers out for a turn or two around her.
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas will visit six times with 2435 passengers.
So add those new visitors to the usual Princesses, Suns, Dawns and Jewels and you can see that our volunteers could really use some friendly help. If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

 

Wind surfin'

 

There has been a bit of wind this week so why not take advantage of it.
The crew of Cruise Whitsundays ferry 'Orca' spotted a speeding sailboard well past Pioneer Point and heading northeast, the surfer clearly enjoying the stiff breeze in the Molle Passage.
On the vessel's bridge, we speculated about the swift surfer's destination with guess-ta-mates ranging from Hayman to Fiji and included Düsseldorf in Germany.

 

VMR Service charge
    
VMR Whitsunday is a volunteer, not for profit organisation, but some people seem to be under the impression that we are fully funded by government and run as a public service.
Nothing could be further from the truth. 
We receive from government a capital grant of $10,000 per annum, which goes partly towards the cost of replacing our boat. The current boat cost $350,000, and will be due for replacement in six or seven years at a cost of around $500,000. We run and maintain the vessel and pay all running costs by way of membership subscriptions at $55 each, by fund raising, and through generous and essential donations.
We have no alternative but to charge for our services to make up the shortfall, otherwise we would run at a loss, could not afford to replace our rescue boat, and clearly, we would not be here. Therefore, we make no apology for charging for our services.
We have about 20 active members, who share the tasks of staffing the boat, maintaining the boat, staffing the emergency phone, fundraising, and running the radio base on the weekends. No one in VMR Whitsunday is paid for the, often considerable, time that we put in to maintain essential rescue services in the Whitsundays; in fact, we have to pay to be a member so we can volunteer our services! You can help by becoming a member, and we are always on the lookout for more active members to help us to help you.
Information supplied by Malcolm Priday, VMR Media and Public Relations Officer

 

2011 Around Australia

 

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. The Race and Rally events were launched late June 2009. As at 25 September 2009, 164 yachts have taken up Race or Rally (Race 54, Rally 110).
"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said
The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24hours at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.
The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.
Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

 

Marine notice

 

Nares Rock light reported to be unlit. Mariners are advised that the isolated danger mark Fl (2) 5s located on Nares Rock, in position latitude 19° 46.2777' S, longitude 148° 21.5115' E, has been reported unlit. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution whilst operating in this area. Charts AUS 371, 825 & 826.

 

Learning best

 

"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm"
Willa Cather 1873 - 1947, The Song of the Lark, 1915

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

 

Coral reef fish species will be off limits this week October 15-19 as the first 2009 spawning closure comes into effect.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the closures were in place to protect fish during peak periods of spawning.

"Coral reef fin fish in particular coral trout are vulnerable at this time in their life cycle as the fish aggregate to spawn around the new moon," the Minister said.

"The closures span the new moon in the key spawning months October and November.

"Historically, three nine-day closures were in place to protect the stocks. However, the latest research tells us that the fish stocks are healthy allowing for the closures to be dropped down to two five-day periods."

"We hope by setting these dates in advance, tourism operators and commercial fishers can benefit from being able to plan ahead in their businesses."

The next closure is November 14 to 18 with dates until 2013 posted on the DPI web site.

     

NQ Junior Championship Regatta

 

The NQ Junior Championship Regatta will be he sailed in Bowen on the weekend of October 31 / November 1.

Event organiser Jeremy Cooper told The Guardian "We hope to attract boats other than Sabots to this regatta, and look forward particularly to meeting sailors from the Open BIC, and other fleets."

"For Sabot families, the event will incorporate the AGM of NQ Sabot Association, and selection trials for the 2009-2010 National competition to be held in Gosford over the Christmas-New Year holiday.

"We look forward to seeing as many junior sailors as possible. Registration will open and close on October 31; however, an early indication of numbers would be appreciated, so that division prizes may be obtained. Further information 0429315939 or the Sabot website at http://sites.google.com/site/nqsabot/

 

VMR Service charge

    

VMR Whitsunday is a volunteer, not for profit organisation, but some people seem to be under the impression that we are fully funded by government and run as a public service.

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

We receive from government a capital grant of $10,000 per annum, which goes partly towards the cost of replacing our boat. The present boat cost $350,000, and will be due for replacement in six or seven years at a cost of around $500,000. We run and maintain the vessel and pay all running costs by way of membership subscriptions at $55 each, by fund raising, and through generous and essential donations.

We have no alternative but to charge for our services to make up the shortfall, otherwise we would run at a loss, could not afford to replace our rescue boat, and clearly, we would not be here. Therefore, we make no apology for charging for our services.

We have about 20 active members, who share the tasks of staffing the boat, maintaining the boat, staffing the emergency phone, fundraising, and running the radio base on the weekends. No one in VMR Whitsunday is paid for the, often considerable, time that we put in to maintain essential rescue services in the Whitsundays; in fact, we have to pay to be a member so we can volunteer our services! You can help by becoming a member, and we are always on the lookout for more active members to help us to help you.

Information supplied by Malcolm Priday, VMR Media and Public Relations Officer

 

Island camping holidays

 

Most of the Whitsunday islands are national parks and are great places for a camping holiday. From small, secluded sites to large areas suitable for groups, most campgrounds are in bush settings with limited facilities. Camping permits may be purchased online at www.qld.gov.au/camping and from the Whitsunday Tourist Information Centre on the Bruce Highway.

 

Mariner Notice

 

Mariners are advised that the Fl.G.2.5s light on the starboard lateral mark beacon off the northeast corner of Dent Island has been restored to normal.

Charts AUS 253 & 254

 

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over" Aesop

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Ports partners protect Reef Park

Ports partners protect Reef Park

 

The Queensland Ports Association and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strategically improve coordination associated with port activity adjacent to and in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
GBRMPA Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said the MOU would be used as a vehicle for cooperation between the two organisations.
"The MOU addresses key areas of strategic planning, research and monitoring, management of port activities, consultation, and strategic discussion on some of the significant issues facing both organisations including climate change, introduction of marine pests and dredging," he said.
Queensland Ports Association Chairman Mr Clive Skarott said the Queensland Ports Association and the GBRMPA have common interests and a commitment to common outcomes.
"Queensland Ports Association is pleased to reach an agreement with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and recognise the value of working together on policy, strategic planning developments, ports, port operations, shipping routes, anchorages and dredging."

 

Oh, no 000!

 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) advises that although previously referred to as Triple O the emergency quick dial is now to be called Triple Zero. The previous term will no longer used due to a concern that it may cause confusion for users of alphanumeric keypads who may dial the letter 'O' rather than zero. This also brings the procedure in line with radio operator best practice.

 

Marine radio call

 

Responding to concerns about declining standards in the use of VHF marine radio and compliance with the requirement to hold an operators' certificate of proficiency, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion paper about regulatory arrangements for VHF marine radios used by recreational boat operators.
The discussion paper invites comment from marine radio users about safety and the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters and follows concerns expressed by the National Marine Safety Committee and representatives of the maritime community.
The ACMA is interested in hearing all views across the spectrum of interested parties - from individuals who operate marine radio on a recreational basis, to marine industry representatives and regulatory bodies throughout Australia.
The close of submissions for this paper is Friday, December 18.

 

Live . . .

 

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…" Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803-1882

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

 

The first Great Northern Clean Up will be taking place for the first time this weekend. This additional Clean Up day will enable North Australia to join, and be a part of, the Clean Up experience at a time when the elements are more favourable.
The Great Northern Clean Up will be fun, easy and everyone can get involved. Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday's Reef Guardian Council, individuals and local groups are helping and you may register at Rotary Park next to Whitsunday Sailing Club Airlie Beach on Sunday mooring from 0800.
Rotary Site Coordinator is Robert Snowsill 0417717588 eliterex@bigpond.net.au

 

Jessica Remains on Track

 

Jessica Watson and her team wish to advise all of her supporters that she remains on track to achieve her goal of being the youngest to sail solo around the world.
Further to media reports, Jessica's parents Roger and Julie confirmed receipt of an official letter prepared by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) in regards to the incident with Ella's Pink Lady and the bulk carrier Silver Yang.
The MSQ letter was confidential and made some recommendations that have been followed, despite the alligation that the incident occurred outside MSQ's jurisdiction.
Jessica's team is disappointed that the MSQ letter was leaked to the media. However, even a sixteen year old should learn about media manipulation by the government.
Jessica and her support team advise that they respect all of the maritime authorities and the important role they play in ensuring safety on the sea. Jessica's team will continue to treat the MSQ letter as confidential and, as such, will not be making any comment on the contents.
MSQ last week conducted inspections of the recent repairs to Ella's Pink Lady and are satisfied with the safety of the vessel. 
With Jessica now planning to sail to Sydney Jessica's father Roger said, 'Worried, of course we're worried, who wouldn't be,' he told me. 'But we're equally confident in her ability.
'I may have to draw the line somewhere, though, she's spoken about getting a motorcycle when she returns and having been the victim of a couple of spills I think I'll be doing what ever it takes to discourage that,' he added.
In addition, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre - the man who made it all possible by donating Jessica's yacht, Ella's Pink Lady - is standing by the teenager.
"I'm still confident she has what it takes to do the voyage," he said.

 

Bounty Mutiny sail

 

Australian adventurer and solo round the world sailor Don McIntyre has signed Mike Perham as Second-in-command for the 2010 Bounty Boat Expedition. This is a 4000 mile re-enactment 221 years after Capt William Bligh and his crew were forced into an open whale-boat by the mutineering crew on HMS Bounty and successfully sailed from Tonga to Timor in the Pacific.
McIntyre and Perham will face the same deprivations, with little food, no charts and only the limited navigation implements that were available to Bligh.
The search begins for two extra crew to join this expedition, which has a serious scientific purpose, as well as raise money for MND research.

 

Survival mode

 

Three Texas fishermen spent eight days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico atop their capsized boat endured hunger, blistering heat, scares from sharks and hallucinations, but they never gave up hope they'd be rescued.
"The power of prayer had us feeling safe as far as knowing that we were going to make it out of it, but didn't know how long that we were going to have to endure this."
The three were awakened by water coming into their 7-metre catamaran, it flipped over in one minute," a survivor said. "Then us country boys went into survival mode. That's all we could do."'

 

The good and the bad

 

"Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment"
            -- Barry LePatner

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan