Ngaro Sea trail hailed for breathtaking views

Ngaro Sea trail hailed for breathtaking views

 

Members and friends of the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee enjoyed a visit to Sawmill Beach on Whitsunday Island to explore the newly opened Ngaro Sea Trail and to mark World Environment Day June 5.

The keenest hikers tackled the 3Km Whitsunday Peak track finding that the fairly strenuous walk / clime to an elevation of 437 metres offered breathtakingly spectacular views over the Whitsunday islands and surrounding mainland.

Some of the less active walked the 1.5km Dugong Beach track and enjoyed a refreshing swim.

The Whitsunday islands have been the home country to the Ngaro Aboriginal people for over 9,000 years.

The Ngaro Sea Trail walk offers not just a physical walk, but also a culturally educational experience, offering insights into the life of the traditional owners.

"These sites throughout the islands hold special meaning for Ngaro descendents; they are our connection to Country," traditional owner Irene Butterworth told the group who help manage the Great Barrier Reef and islands.

"The Ngaro people welcome you to country, hope you enjoy your visit; please respect our culture by not taking anything except pictures. We still don't know the meaning of everything that is here"

For more information, visit Ngaro Sea Trail on the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management website.

 

Forty years, and a day

 

In 1970, a plaque was placed on a cairn at Sawmill Beach, now somewhat to the side of the beaten track; it remains an historic part of the Whitsunday Barrier Reef islands.

It reads,

"TO COMMEMORATE THE BI-CENTENARY OF THE SAILING OF CAPTAIN JAMES COOK THROUGH THE WHITSUNDAY PASSAGE ON 4^TH June 1770 – ERECTED BY THE PROSERPINE & WHITSUNDAY PROMOTIONAL COUNCIL – 4^TH JUNE 1970"

 

Yacht spotters

 

James Packers Private motor yacht "Z" has been taking pride of place at Abel Point Marina this week.

The Mangusta 165 is the largest open production super yacht in the world and, when purchased new, comes with a complimentary Aston Martin V12 Vanquish.

Powered by 3397kW MTU 16V 4000M93 diesel engines that can push the ship along at 37 knots, seven crew keep her white and shinny. She is fitted out with five guest bedrooms, four crew bedrooms, a huge entertainment area and loads of outdoor seating and plush sun lounges to enjoy while cruising the Mediterranean when not in use in Australia.

Beneath the stern of the yacht are a speed boat and a jet ski to keep guests amused as they cruise around.

Mr Packer's personal wealth jumped by $US1 billion last year to $US3.5 billion, according to the Forbes rich list.

He and wife Erica have added baby number two, son Jackson, whom James affectionately calls "Jacko" a little brother for Indigo, 2.

Nothing to do with yachts, however the Packer family is looking forward to moving into their home in Sydney's Vaucluse.

The Packers' landmark 1972 Guilford Bell-designed house sits on 2374 square metres and cost $18 million last June. The freshen-up is costing about $12 million adding the two adjoining houses to give the family room to grow.

Both the adjoining Vaucluse Road houses are likely to be demolished to relocate the pool.

It will be the first family home for the Packers since they married in June 2007.

 

Mariner Notices

 

The leading light F.Bu bearing 261° marking the Shute Harbour entrance is temporarily unlit. AUS charts 252 & 253.

 

North of Mackay off Eimeo, approximately 5NM north of Mackay Harbour. Mariners are advised that the lighted south cardinal mark buoy Q(6)+ LFl.15s which is off Eimeo, has been re-established in the charted position. AUS charts 249, 823 & 825

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Drifting start - windy finish for Dent to Dunk Race

Drifting start – windy finish for Dent to Dunk Race

 

Sailors knew the Dent to Dunk Race would be a challenge when they woke on Saturday to a glorious morning of no wind at Hamilton Island.

A quick rule change at the morning briefing allowed contestants all the time in the world to drift against the tide to cross the start line in Dent Passage.

From the magnificent committee bridge at the new Hamilton Island Yacht Club, race officer Tim Parker dealt with the usual problems of yacht racing with his enviable good nature, starting the race with no yacht within cooee of the line.

Saturday continued to be calm and frustrating with the fleet looking like painted ships on a painted sea until darkness fell, crew then watching the lights of Airlie Beach winking tantalisingly in the distance. Finally, a useable breeze kicked in taking the fleet up the coast.

Peter Millar's catamaran Cynophobe took all day Saturday to reach Double Cones Island about 9pm. They then caught the building breeze sliding all the way up sitting on 20 knots and hitting a maximum of 24 knots, with one reef in the main sail, taking line honours at 1746 Sunday night. 

Skippered by Mal Robertson, the Sydney 60 Eureka II was the first mono across the line at 05:15 AM Monday morning, followed by Another Fiasco, Questionable Logic, Sure Foot then Idle Time. This will go down in the record books as one of the slowest and frustrating for the race first sailed in 1909.

Terry Archer on Questionable Logic reported that Saturday evening saw the crew enjoy dinner peacefully at anchor in Pioneer Bay before catching the breeze and finishing at 6.46 Monday morning.

 

Jessica; experience and training

 

The most talked about sailing achievement since the 1983 America's Cup win by Australia, Jessica's capture of the hearts of people everywhere has lead to an increase in interest in sailing.

The national authority of sailing, Yachting Australia says that they "welcome Jessica Watson safely home and congratulate her on successfully circumnavigating the globe in Ella's Pink Lady. We are pleased she has returned safe and sound."

Jessica and her support team have always known that the official World Speed Sailing Racing Council would not recognise the voyage, because that body has stopped recognising a "youngest" category. The WSSRC took this decision because of a fear that younger and younger sailors would attempt the record.

The successful global circumnavigation by this remarkable 16-year-old teenager was underpinned by her choice of Offshore Maritime Training courses designed to prepare her for her solo voyage around the world.

Before her voyage, Jessica completed the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Personal Survival and Sea Safety Course, Diesel Engine Maintenance Course, Radar Operations, Marine First Aid and VHF & HF DSC Marine Radio Operations.

 

Cyclone Ului book

 

Whitsunday resident and graphic designer Ann Parrótt says she is publishing a book about Cyclone Ului and is looking for contributions from local residents, Mackay to Bowen and everywhere in between.

Ann is searching for images that depict the storm and aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ului earlier this year.

"This is an opportunity to have your photograph published in a unique keepsake book which will be published and available throughout the region in later this year."

Photographs must be an original image of the contributor, and include the location and a brief descriptive caption.

If you would like to be a part of history in the making, check out www.cycloneului.homestead.com

 

Notice to Mariners

 

"Ahoy there, I spent three days last week out on the briny, basically a circumnavigation of Hook Island, and noticed two marks still not replaced, no doubt after Ului.

"The first was the starboard mark at Macona Inlet, and the other the south cardinal at Bird Island

"You have no doubt published these missing marks way back, but would it be a good idea to relist the marks that are still missing, now two months down the track?" asks Stack Hudson.

Well Stack, we will see what we can do; some repairs were temporary such as the port buoy at Nara. Thanks for the input.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Our Jessica is home

Jessica welcomed home with experience added to training

 

The most talked about sailing achievement since the 1983 America's Cup win by Australia, Jessica's capture of the hearts of people everywhere has lead to an increase in interest in sailing.

The national authority of sailing, Yachting Australia issued a statement that they "welcome Jessica Watson safely home and congratulate her on successfully circumnavigating the globe in Ella's Pink Lady. We are pleased she has returned safe and sound."

Jessica and her support team have always known that the official World Speed Sailing Racing Council would not recognise the voyage, because that body has stopped recognising a "youngest" category. The WSSRC took this decision because of a fear that younger and younger sailors would attempt the record.

The successful global circumnavigation by this remarkable 16-year-old teenager was underpinned by her choice of Offshore Maritime Training courses designed to prepare her for her solo voyage around the world.

Before her voyage Jessica completed the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Personal Survival and Sea Safety Course, Diesel Engine Maintenance Course, Radar Operations, Marine First Aid and VHF & HF DSC Marine Radio Operations.

 

Hams turn 100

 

This weekend marks the centenary of the foundation of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) and the start of organised amateur (HAM) radio in Australia during 1910.

It will focus attention on the early history of amateur radio in this country as the WIA celebrates at their Centenary Convention in Canberra.

A weekend of activities is planned including a visit to the Black Mountain telecommunications tower with guided tours to areas never seen by the public.

The Black Mountain Tower is the most visually imposing structure on the Canberra skyline, a symbolic landmark in Canberra and major tourist attraction. The World Federation of Great Towers joins such distinguished monuments as the Blackpool Tower in England and the Empire State Building in New York.

"The WIA Centenary through word, picture, and artefacts" is shaping up to be a real highlight with Dick Smith VK2DIK as guest speaker at the centenary dinner. Dick is one of Australia's best-known entrepreneurs, businessman, aviator and modern day explorer who obtained his amateur licence when he was 17,

WIA delegates will visit Dick Smith's Bowylie Flying Club on at Gundaroo north of Canberra. This privately owned aviation museum is home to a wide range of carefully restored aviation related memorabilia and display of historic radio equipment used in the air and at sea.

 

New standards

 

The Australian Transport Council (ATC) has approved Amendments the existing Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code, making way for the national application of legislation for four new commercial vessel safety standards in Australia.

Set to take effect on 1 October 2010, the amendment will mean the design and construction requirements of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Buoyancy and Stability after Flooding will replace the equivalent requirements in the USL Code from October 1.

However, the other standards covered by the amendment, Leisurecraft (Hire and Drive), Accommodation, Arrangements and Personal Safety and Watertight and Weathertight Integrity are still being finalised and will come into effect six months after their gazettal.

"This last raft of standards completes the review of the USL Code and is the culmination of years of contribution by industry and government experts to the NMSC process," CEO Ms O.Tarpey said.

Find out more www.nmsc.gov.au

 

Cyclone Ului book

 

Whitsunday resident and graphic designer Ann Parrótt says she is publishing a book about Cyclone Ului and is looking for contributions from local residents, Mackay to Bowen and everywhere in between.

Ann is searching for images that depict the storm and aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ului earlier this year.

"This is an opportunity to have your photograph published in a unique keepsake book which will be published and available throughout the region in later this year."

Photographs must be an original image of the contributor, and include the location and a brief descriptive caption.

If you would like to be a part of history in the making, check out www.cycloneului.homestead.com

 

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Whitsunday 240-year anniversary celebrated

Whitsunday 240-year anniversary celebrated 

 

This Sunday May 23 is Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday, and marks 240 years since Whitsunday was named in 1770 by first lieutenant James Cook and 21 years since the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach was started by Father Keith Felgate.

This year the Bishop of North Queensland, Bill Ray, will conduct the Blessing of the Fleet on the waterfront lawn of the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Our gathering will begin at 10 Sunday morning with the Blessing of the Fleet from 11 O'clock in the forenoon from the Club's rock wall.

Sailors, saints and sinners are welcome as is anyone who wants to join us in the celebration so important in marking the naming of the area and recognition of those involved with the sea. Information 49464131

 

Adventure with Jessica and Don

 

Now that Jessica Watson is safely ashore, we can follow the course of Don McIntyre, Aussie adventurer and yachtsman who paid for Jessica's yacht 'Pink Lady'.

Don and three crew are reliving Bligh's nightmare Mutiny on the Bounty voyage of 221 years ago when Fletcher Christian cast William Bligh and 18 of his men adrift.

Don McIntyre reports from his 25-foot long, 7-foot wide, open timber whaleboat that he has just passed Vanuatu with Restoration Island on the north Queensland coast the next stop

Restoration Island is a national park a few hundred metres from Cape Weymouth and Iron Range National Park.

On 29 May 1789, after the mutiny on the Bounty, Captain Bligh and the men who remained loyal to him arrived on the island in the ship's boat. This was the first island they came to, and he named it Restoration Island because the food they found, oysters and native fruits, greatly restored their spirits and because that date was the anniversary of the restoration of King Charles II in 1660.

"At noon I observed the latitude of the island to be 12 degrees 39 minutes south" writes Captain William Bligh in his book "A Voyage to the South Sea" (description of the voyage and island online - http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/15411)

 

Youth sailing

 

NQ Sabot Assoc is holding a training this weekend for young sailors in preparation for the Qld State titles to be sailed at Yeppoon on the June long weekend. Coaching, racing, and fun at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and taking part in the 21st Blessing of the Fleet. Sabots and Optimists will be sailing. Phone Jeremy Cooper 0429315939

 

Responsible Park Practices

 

Anchoring - Avoid anchor damage to coral by anchoring in sand or mud. motoring toward the anchor when hauling it in, using a lightweight reef pick with heavy plastic tubing over the chain where possible, using public moorings where installed.

 

Dent to Dunk

 

The first Dent to Dunk race was sailed on February 20, 1909. Little is known of the first event. The number of starters is unknown, but the winner was Bert Dunstone, skipper of the gaff-rigged cutter PILOT from Townsville. The race started off Dent island lighthouse and finished off Dunk Island.

In April of 2005, the second running of the Dent to Dunk race and a Passage Rally saw 19 starters on the Dent Passage start line, with another nine boats taking part in an impromptu "rally."

The 2010 event starts this Saturday with organisers Abel Point Yacht Club looking forward to another enjoyable race/rally.

 

Boat Haven wreck marked

 

Mariners are advised that a drying wreck be situated in the position of latitude 20°15.966'S, longitude 148°43.381 in Muddy Bay (see note). A lighted special mark buoy Fl.Y.3s has been established in the position of latitude 20°15.959'S, longitude 148°43.384'E to mark the wreck. AUS charts 252 253 268 824 & 825

Note: Boat Haven – At a meeting of the Proserpine Shire Council on 9 June 1960 the adoption of 'Boat Haven' was approved as a name for the bay, until then known as Muddy Bay, at the eastern end of the Town of Airlie,. The idea was to rid that muddy bay of the stigma of the earlier name.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Adventure on the high seas continues

Adventure on the high seas continues

 

On October 17 last year, the day before her departure, Jessica Watson said.... "Tomorrow I am going to wake up and sail around the world." This was her dream. When she sails into Sydney Harbour this Saturday morning, 210 days after her departure, she will have achieved her dream. She will have sailed around the world, solo, non-stop and unassisted.

 

Bligh voyage

 

"Did I tell you that it is bad luck for a wooden boat not to leak?" writes Aussie adventurer Don McIntyre from a 25-foot long, 7-foot wide, open wooden vessel nearing Vanuatu.

Don and three crew are reliving Bligh's nightmare Mutiny on the Bounty voyage of 221 years ago when Fletcher Christian cast William Bligh and 18 of his men adrift.

They are attempting 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. The conditions reflect that which Bligh encountered.

"We just had our first knockdown about an hour ago. The boat was full of water with crew bailing and one on the helm. We are still in gale conditions with 5-6 metre seas and 35 knots wind from the south east."

 

Turn on the lights

 

Navigation lights are a requirement under marine safety legislation, courtesy and common sense.

All boats, including sailing or rowing boats, must show lights if operating at night or in restricted visibility. Even a boat that does not travel between dusk and dawn may still need to show lights, for example during a heavy rain shower. Or if they breakdown and drift into the night.

A yacht must comply with the powerboat lighting requirements when under engine power.

The requirements for navigation lights are provided in an international agreement known as the Collision Regulations (COLREGS). The rules in the COLREGS applicable to lights provide specifications about the position, colour and performance of navigation lights.

Unfortunately, some boat owners fit non-compliant navigation lights.

In addition, the lights on some boats have been allowed to deteriorate to a point where they no longer comply or the wrong lamp (bulb, globe) has been used.

 

X marks the spot

 

Brit election report; There be a pirate running for Parleyment. Just sendin' thee a holler to tell thee that Mad Cap'n Tom, friend, honoured captain of the UK Talk Like a Pirate Day be running for Parleyment as an MP for Chelsea and Westminster.

Demands: that be the policies. Rum t'be tax free. All British schoolchildren t'be trained in swordsmanship an' gunnery. To fix broken Britain - a roll o' duct tape sent t' all homes. Require Apple to rename the iPad in the UK. New name: the iPatch.

Mad Cap'n Tom fer Parleyment: on May 6, X marks the spot.

Results are in fer Cap'n Tom;  "I be pollin' 84 votes, So thank ye all, from th' bottom o' me heart."

Broadside: International Talk Like a Pirate Day in Airlie Beach be Saturday September 18 this year.

 

Cruise News

 

"I have received confirmation that Airlie Beach will be welcoming an extra cruise ship in May this year," Reports Judi Dunn at the helm of the cruise ship Volunteer Ambassador Program.

"The (additional ship) Pacific Dawn will be arriving in Pioneer Bay on Monday May 31. The Pacific Jewel will visit on Saturday 22 May 10"

If you want to join the meet and great call Judi on 0408 285 915

 

Platypus Rock

Mariners be advised that the west cardinal mark beacon VQ (9) 10s, which marks Platypus Rock off the southern end of Shaw Island, has been reported to be destroyed. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252, 254 & 824

 

Abel Point Marina entrance

Mariners be advised that the Fl R 2s light on the port lateral mark No. 2 beacon which marks the entrance into Abel Point Marina has been restored to normal.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Teen sailor Jessica Watson - The Last Cape!

Teen sailor Jessica Watson - The Last Cape!

 

A month of heavy stormy weather, waves the size of buildings, sleep deprived, six months in a boat at sea without seeing another person. Some days beginning with a knockdown; the yacht on its side, objects flying down below. Days ending in exhaustion or worse, not ending, just going on and on until you cannot do anything except drop into your bunk.

Sixteen-year-old Queensland sailor Jessica Watson has had it all and then some on her quest to be the youngest to sail unassisted around the world.

Jessica has conquered her last cape and joyfully wrote "Monday, May 03, Good news. Ella's Pink Lady and I have made it around the South East Cape of Tasmania and we're now headed north on the final leg to Sydney!"

Passing clear of the last cape in the dark "with not the nicest conditions" Jessica will keep clear of busy shipping lanes and has revised her expected ETA to end her voyage for the weekend of May 15-16.

Jessica's homecoming landfall will be at the Sydney Opera House, the time and date to be confirmed.

News of Jessica's voyage has been one of the most requested items of Waterfront these last six months. Stay tuned for her book to be published by Hachette "as soon as possible after her return."

 

Whit Sunday sailing

 

NQ Sabot Assoc is holding a training weekend May 23-24 for young sailors in preparation for the Qld State titles to be sailed at Yeppoon on the June long weekend.

Coaching, racing, camping and fun at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and taking part in the 21^st Blessing of the Fleet. Phone Jeremy Cooper 0429315939

 

Man rescued

 

A would-be sailor has had to be rescued after running out of fuel circling a small island when he thought he was sailing around the UK coast.

The Sheerness Lifeboat and Thames Coastguard assisted the man who ran aground off the Elmley Marshes on the Isle of Sheppey on April 19.

With only a road map for directions, he set off on the river Medway, headed for Southampton.

The man told the rescue team he had been keeping the coast to his right and had ended up sailing in circles around Sheppey.

The RNLI towed the man's motor cruiser and officers gave him advice on fuel usage finding the man had owned the boat for less than a day and seemed very surprised that its fuel consumption was greater than his car.

Neville Crane, of the Isle of Sheppey HM coastguard rescue team, told BBC Kent "He was very short on expertise, even shorter on safety equipment and had no navigational equipment whatsoever on board.

"He was absolutely aghast that he had used three tanks of fuel to get to Elmley, which was only the very first part of his journey to Southampton when he could do the whole journey by car in less than one tank.

"We did impart the invaluable advice that in our opinion he'd be better off making the journey by train."

 

Marine Notices

 

Since cyclone Ului, repairs have continued with work done at the entrance to Nara Inlet on Hook Island where a temporary lighted buoy is established. Mariners are advised that a temporary lighted buoy Fl R 2.5s has been established to mark the entrance to Nara Inlet. The buoy also marks the remnants of the destroyed port lateral mark beacon, which is

exposed at low tide and submerged at high tide. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution when transiting the entrance. AUS chart 252

Mariners are advised that the Fl R 2s light on the port lateral mark No. 2 beacon which marks the entrance into Abel Point Marina has been restored to normal. AUS charts 253 & 268

 

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Local marine stinger research needs help

Local marine stinger research needs help

 

The Whitsunday Stinger Management Committee has asked for assistance of Queensland Health, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance Service to notify of potential and confirmed stings to help build a better picture of the jellyfish problem locally.

The committee believes that this year has seen an increase in the number of stings however; a database would provide proof and inform future activates.

The goal is to raise awareness about stingers and to decrease the number of stings occurring in Whitsunday waters each year.

The Committee believe they have had success in decreasing the number of stings in recent years by promotion of a balanced message regarding marine stingers. This works by informing the public how to prevent stings through wearing protective gear and actions in the event of a sting.

Formed in 2005 the Whitsunday Marine Stinger Management Committee comprises tourism, industry, volunteer and government agencies.

Whitsunday Regional Council provides leadership with support from Tourism Whitsunday, Surf Lifesaving Queensland, Queensland Ambulance Service, Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association, Fantasea Cruises, Cruise Whitsundays and GBRMPA.

Marine Stinger Advisor Dr Lisa-Ann Gershwin had previously advised of stings that occurred but this is now less frequent as she has moved to Tasmania.

Usually the only time the Committee hears of stings in the region is through the media, which can be difficult at times as Committee members are asked to provide comments to the media and often don't have the information of the stings that have occurred.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Committee's program and improve methods, a record is needed of the number of possible/confirmed Irukandji stings occurring in Whitsunday area between Bowen, the Whitsunday Islands down to Midge Point.

The earlier the notification, the more effective the Committee can be in developing prevention strategies.

With an updated database, the Committee can assess whether or not sting prevention has been as successful as previous years.

Contact the Committee through Whitsunday Regional Council by calling Dale Mengel or Angela Jackson at Environmental Health Services on 4945 0682.

The Committee looks forward to working together with community services to spread the message of stinger safety.

 

Whitsunday named

 

On Sunday May 23 it will be 240 years since Whit Sunday was named in 1770 by 1st lieutenant James Cook and 21 years since the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach was started by Father Keith Felgate.

Community groups who wish to take part at the Whitsunday Sailing Club may contact 49464131

 

Catching seahorses' fine                 

 

A 25-year-old man has received a twelve-month good behaviour bond for taking two pot-bellied seahorses, a protected aquatic species at Lakes Entrance Victoria in January.

Yang Yu pleaded guilty in the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court to taking the two pot-bellied seahorses while fishing for sand crabs using a hoop net in the Gippsland Lakes.

The prosecutor told the court that the two pot-bellied seahorses were returned to the water by fisheries officers, but were unlikely to survive after being kept in an esky with sand crabs for a long time.

Magistrate Jillian Crowe said this species needed to be protected, but could not assume the seahorses had died as they had been released back into the water.

No conviction was recorded and Mr Yu was ordered court costs.

 

Light off Airlie Beach

 

Mariners are advised that the lighted special mark buoy Fl Y 3s, temporarily established to mark a sunken vessel in Muddy Bay about 400 metres in an easterly direction from Abel Point, is permanently withdrawn. No remnants of the sunken vessel remain. AUS charts 252, 253 & 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Mutiny crew ready for adventure

Mutiny crew ready for adventure

 

The Mutiny on the Bounty, when Fletcher Christian cast Captain William Bligh and 18 of his men adrift in a 23-foot open boat 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.

The 221st anniversary of the start of this epic voyage is April 28, 2010. On that same day, in the same place, at the same time, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre and crew will relive Bligh's nightmare.

McIntyre and crew will be attempting 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.

"We are all very busy here in Tonga and today met with His Majesty King George Tupou V, the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese Ambassadors, a host of other dignitaries and the heads of the Defence forces along with the Tongan National traditional Dance troupe all made for a very special day that I will not forget." Don writes.

Safety equipment, a strong risk minimisation program, a GPS, charts, torches and the emergency food will be 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.

Good luck on the voyage Don, you might need it.

 

No More Island

 

A disputed island in Bay of Bengal has disappeared into the sea.

For nearly thirty years Bangladesh and India have argued over ownership of a tiny island in the Bay of Bengal. Now the dispute has been resolved for them.  Due to rising sea levels, as of March 24 the island is gone.

Its disappearance below the waves has been confirmed by satellite imagery and sea patrols and one might now say that New Moore Island is, no more.

New Moore or Purbasha (as it is known in India) or South Talpatti (as it is known in Bangladesh) was a small uninhabited offshore sandbar landform in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta region. It emerged in the Bay of Bengal in the aftermath of the Bhola cyclone in 1970.

Although New Moore was uninhabited and there were no permanent settlements or stations located on it, both India and Bangladesh claimed sovereignty over it because of speculation over the existence of oil and natural gas beneath its shores. 

The highest elevation of the island never exceeded two meters above sea level.

In March 2010, Sugata Hazra of the School of Oceanographic Studies at Jadavpur University, Kolkatta, India, said that the island had disappeared.  He said that sea level rise, changes in monsoonal rain patterns that altered river flows, and land subsidence were all contributing to the inundation of land in the northern Bay of Bengal. 

 

Bottle letter delivered

 

In 1914, British World War I soldier, Private Thomas Hughes, tossed a green ginger beer bottle containing a letter to his wife into the English Channel. He was killed two days later fighting in France. In 1999, fisherman Steve Gowan dredged up the bottle in the River Thames. Although the intended recipient of the letter had died in 1979, it was delivered in 1999 to Private Hughes' 86-year old daughter living in New Zealand.

 

Abel Point Marina

 

Mariners are advised that the port lateral mark No. 2 beacon Fl R 2s that marks the entrance into Abel Point Marina, has been reported to be unlit. Mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 253 & 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Message in a bottle from sailor

Message in Bottle find

Last week Michael Lawrence was walking on a rocky beach near Lorne Victoria with his son Pete, 13, when they discovered the old whiskey bottle with its enclosed message written in Chinese characters.

The message reads; "Happy to connect with you. I would like to make friends with you. Would you like to?", and was signed Li Xing Bo according to a translator.

Reporters from a Chinese TV network tracked down the author of a message in a bottle. They report Li Haibo, a crewman on a freight ship, dropped the bottle into the ocean after leaving Argentina five years ago.

Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organisation scientists mapped out how the bottle may have made the journey, a serpentine course through the Philippines and along the east coast of Australia, before looping under Tasmania and around to Lorne.

A message in a bottle is a form of communication where a message is sealed in a container, archetypically a glass bottle, but could be any medium, so long as it floats and remains waterproof and released into the sea or ocean. Such messages are not intended for a specific person, but to end up wherever the currents carry them.

Because of their simplicity they are often associated with people stranded on a desert island, attempting to be rescued. However, many people release such messages for pleasure, to see how far their message can travel and to make new friends.

They are also used for scientific studies of ocean currents. The phrase "message in a bottle" has also come to refer to any message sent without an intended destination.

The oldest message in a bottle spent 92 years 229 days at sea. It was released in the North Atlantic on April 25, 1914 and recovered not that far away by fisherman, Mark Anderson of Bixter, Shetland, UK, on December 10, 2006.

 

Cruisin' life

 

This week the Holland America Line cruise ship MS Volendam anchored at Fitzalan Passage near Hamilton Island.

The graceful mid-sized ship known for its staterooms with a generous amount of personal space carries 1400 passengers with a crew of 600. Registered in The Netherlands she is ten years old.

The next cruise ship to arrive in Airlie Beach is the Pacific Dawn on Monday April 19, followed by Pacific Jewel on Saturday May 22 and Pacific Dawn on Monday June 21 reports Judi Dunn of the Volunteer Ambassador Program.

 

Marine notices

 

Still having more reports than usual following Cyclone Ului, as always, mariners are advised to navigate with caution.

 

Reef Point, Whitsunday Island Port Lateral Mark beacon Fl.R.2.5s which marks Reef Point on Whitsunday Island, has been reported destroyed. AUS charts 252, 253, 254 & 824

 

Proserpine River entrance, near Conway Beach. Mariners are advised that the Lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon No.1, Fl.G. 3s that marks the entrance to the Proserpine River, is destroyed. A lit buoy has been established, just south of the remains of the beacon.

The Lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon No.2, Fl.G. 3s that marks the entrance to Proserpine River, has been severely damaged, is leaning over and may be unlit. AUS charts 252 & 824

 

Muddy Bay, Airlie Beach

Mariners are advised that the FL.Y.3s light, which was established to mark a sunken vessel in approximate position latitude 20°15.96'S, longitude 148°43.38'E in Muddy Bay, has been destroyed.

 

Macona Inlet, Hook Island, Whitsundays Group, Mariners advised that the Lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon FL.G.2.5s which marks the entrance to Macona Inlet, have been reported destroyed. AUS chart 252

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Grounded ship tried shortcut: fishers

Grounded ship tried shortcut: fishers

 

Fisherman say they have seen ships like the now grounded Shen Neng 1 take 'shortcuts' through the Great Barrier Reef.

A Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson also revealed facts relating to the shortcut near the site of now stricken ship.

The illegal route through the GBR has enough depth to permit ships to take the shortcut on the run to China, saving time and fuel, if it works out.

Ships may also exit legally through surveyed channels such as Hydrographers Passage, known as the Coral Gateway, open for navigation in the 1980s.

The Shen Neng 1 hit Douglas Shoal at full speed when it ran aground on Saturday night.

An MSQ representative said the passage was possible, but "poorly executed" by the Shen Neng 1, which was obviously "well outside the shipping lanes."

Authorities are hoping for good weather to stop a stricken carrier spilling more oil into the Great Barrier Reef.

Chinese owners Cosco face fines of up to $1 million over the incident, while the captain could receive an individual penalty of up to $250,000.

Global tug operator and salvage company Svitzer has been contracted to supply tugs and equipment to remove the ship.

 Svitzer Salvage recently succeeded in refloating a cargo vessel that grounded in January in Algeciras Bay, Spain during a storm.  

 

Ahoy sailors!

 

The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Young Endeavour program is looking for young sailors to take part in a sponsored program. The program application date is extended until this Friday April 9.

 

Mariner notices

 

Following cyclone Ului, there are still lights out and navigation marks destroyed so Mariners should use caution when navigating in the vicinity.

 

Mariners are advised that an 8-metre fly bridge cruiser has sunk in shallow water in the Muddy Bay small craft mooring area, a buoy mooring float (MM348) marks the position of the vessel. AUS charts 252, 253, 268, 824 & 825

 

The leading light at Unsafe Passage, between North Molle and South Molle Islands have been reported to be unlit. However, Waterfront brought a yacht through on Monday and they were lit at that time.

 

At Bait Reef, mariners are advised that the starboard lateral mark beacon in approximate position latitude 19° 48.56' S, longitude 149° 03.76' E, which marks the western side of Bait Reef, has been destroyed.

 

Seaforth Creek entrance lighted buoy lateral mark buoy Fl R 2.5s has been temporarily established in position. Mariners should use caution when transiting the entrance as remnants of the beacon remain. AUS chart 251

 

Victor Creek. The port lateral mark No.4 beacon Fl R 3s which is the second port lateral mark beacon from seaward marking the entrance into Victor Creek, has been destroyed. A port lateral mark buoy Fl R 3s has been temporarily established to mark the position of the destroyed beacon. Navigate with caution as remnants of the destroyed beacon remain. AUS chart 251

 

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

"Hush money" claim to Sydney Ferries tenderers

"Hush money" claim to Sydney Ferries tenderers

Thursday, 12 August 2010 06:52

The New South Wales state government in Australia has paid transport operators Veolia and TransdevTSL up to AU$6 million (US$5.38 million) for the money they wasted tendering against Sydney Ferries for management of the service. Sydney Harbour ferry 'Supply', in Sydney, Australia. The state opposition Treasury spokesperson Mike Baird accused the payments of being "hush money" and criticised the whole tendering process for being deeply flawed following a Maritime Union of Australia campaign, which forced NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to cancel the process. The previous premier, Nathan Rees, opened up Sydney Ferries for privatisation following a critical report from barrister Bret Walker, which recommended private sector management. The Australian has reported that the two tenderers spent between AU$2 million and AU$3 million in bid preparations, however details of the tendering process have not been disclosed. See the Work Boat World editorial from October 2009, from Editor-in-Chief Neil Baird on the perils of government-owned ferries. Source: The Australian

Fleet to be Blessed on Whitsunday May 23

Fleet to be Blessed on Whitsunday

 

BISHOP of North Queensland, Bill Ray will conduct the 2010 Blessing of the Fleet service on Whitsunday May 23 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in Airlie Beach

 

It will be 240 years since First Lieutenant James Cook named the Whitsunday Passage in 1770.

 

This year's service also marks 21 years since Father Keith Felgate started the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach.

 

The Blessing of the Fleet in Airlie Beach is held each year on Whitsunday, otherwise known as Pentecost Sunday.

 

A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the calendar of many seaside and fishing communities around the world.

 

Like Easter, Whitsunday or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year.

 

Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery.

 

In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.

 

Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.

 

"As we conduct the Blessing of the fleet on Whitsunday, my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us," says co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom.

 

Community groups are invited to participate in the Blessing of the Fleet on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach from 10am, May 23. The sail past of yachts is from 11 am from the sea wall.

 

For further information, contact the sailing club or call Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom on-4946 4131  MOB  0407 676 952.