National Tasar Championship cheers Airlie

National Tasar Championship cheers Airlie

 

Hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, a fleet of 93 Tasars representing all states and territories spent over ten days here enjoying tough sailing conditions on the bay and fun times onshore.

Whitsunday Sailing Club Rear Commodore Offbeach Terry Archer told The Whitsunday Coast Guardian that the big fleet brought excitement and business to Airlie Beach.

"This was the largest international class regatta held in Queensland for some time. To register its huge success in a regional area demonstrates the ability of our club and volunteers to attract and conduct major events rivalling any venue in the state."

"Locally, bringing over 300 people to the town for ten or twelve days surely gave Airlie a needed boost." Rear Commodore Archer added.

Competitors support those comments, "Racing was very fair today with nice breezes and not too much in the way of holes in the wind or massive shifts" and "Great race management and nothing to complain about except the quality of the fleet making it real tough out there."

"The racing has been extremely competitive. The depth in the fleet seems to go much further back than I can remember of previous regattas so you get punished for the slightest mistake." Finally, "Bottom line is it's a very tough fleet and tough conditions to master. Funny how the cream is still rising to the top though."

In the final results of the 10-race Championship, the highly competitive and medalled father and daughter crew of Robert and Nicole Douglass from NSW won another trophy with only two points over the sensational local crew of Aaron Linton and Jamie Jochheim. Representing Whitsunday Sailing Club, Aaron and Jamie showed their ability by finishing 13 points ahead of previous National champions Shane Guanaria, Craig McPhee and Paul Ridgeway.

 

Recipe for success

 

The winning Whitsunday Australian Tasar Championship recipe starts with 93 two-person sailboats. Add to those 186 sailors their families and friends, sprinkle in race officials, add some media. Then sift in local volunteers; sail it on the bay at Airlie Beach in challenging conditions, then get back on shore for some fun and a bucket of rum, and you have the recipe for another great event.

 

Why Airlie Beach?

 

"It's the lay day here so here's a little snippet. Forget about the sailing; the bottom line is I'm sitting on our deck looking at the club twilight race underway just off shore, in shorts and t-shirt sipping on a nice cool Heineken. Sun is going down and all is well with the world, (apart from the yacht racing we are involved with. That's another story!)

 

Ready for 21^st

 

Airlie Beach Race Week is turning 21 in one month's time, so it will be time for another celebration on the waterfront.

Almost one hundred yachts are already entered for the Meridian sponsored event and the social event dance card is filling.

Originally established with Don Algie as the Hog's Breath series, it has fulfilled the originators dream of a fun regatta to tune up for Hamilton Island. It has become a serious event with a full slate of entries across ten classes.

A growing fleet in the regatta is the sports boats that hotrod around the fleet with crew hanging on yelling "yahoooo"

Starts August 13 with the series including bay and island races and social events that anyone can enjoy.

 

Taylors Beach light

 

Mariners are advised that the buoy at Taylors Beach has been restored to normal. AUS charts 827 & 828

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Big fleet National Titles sail in changeable conditions

Big fleet National Titles sail in changeable conditions

 

The Invitation Race on Sunday saw ninety Tasars front the start line in the gusty conditions at the Tasar National Titles being sailed at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

This big fleet style of racing gives a start with plenty of excitement and seeing bold manoeuvres paying off better than messing about in the tricky sailing conditions on Pioneer Bay.

The 90-minute race resulted in 80 boats crossing the finish line, a few dropping by the wayside.

Visitors (well the adults anyway) enjoyed the Whitsunday tradition of the bucket of rum and with 300 sailors at the welcome night there was a lot of rum downed in the increasingly friendly atmosphere.

The racing has been close with boats over at the start, recalls, plenty of wind, no wind, shifty wind, variable wind during the two races on day two. The fleet of 93 were happy to get back to the beach. And more rum buckets with which to recover.

After three races, it is nice to be able to report that local sailors Aaron Linton and Jamie Jochheim are at the head of the 93-yacht fleet, possible due to their knowledge of the conditions on Pioneer Bay

Wednesday is a lay day

 

Faith in charts?

 

How accurate are Nautical Charts? How much faith can be placed in them?

Yachting Australia has recently met with the Australian Hydrographic office to discuss recent changes in the use of charts and chart plotters.

Michael Prince, Director of Charting and Information Management at the Australian Hydrographic Office provides enlightenment on this question. http://www.hydro.gov.au/important-info/accuracy_of _charts.pdf

 

Sailor says

 

Sailor said his partner owned half the yacht; "hers is the side that is always nearest to the rocks." Your writer is not entering into that one.

 

SOS Hoaxer jailed

 

A 53 year old pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in California to broadcasting a fake distress signal and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

At that time he made the transmissions the man told would-be rescuers that he was in a kayak off the coast of Santa Cruz and having difficulty getting to shore. However, it was found that he was actually at his home.

The man also pleaded guilty to making two other fake mayday calls to the Coast Guard. In all, the court found that he had made 51 false distress messages over six months and costing the Coast Guard $102,000 in search and related costs.

 

Plain talk Act

 

The Navigation Act 1912 is about to undergo a re-write to recast it in modern, plain language and remove outdated provisions. The re-write will create a modern framework for maritime safety and marine environment regulation. It will introduce greater flexibility to allow amendments to international treaties to be readily adopted; and provide confidence and certainty for industry.

The Department for Transport and Infrastructure seeks your views, as stakeholders in the maritime and shipping industries, on the proposed changes.

 

Reef updates

 

Chart update for Bait Reef, Insert underwater rock and extend danger line W to enclose 19 48.430 S 149 03.730 E. Reference Aus254 (plan: Hook Reef) [31/2010]

Heading to the reef? 716(T)/2010 refers Barb Reef west cardinal beacon (19° 49'.07 S 149° 07'.45 E) has been destroyed. Chart Aus254

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Whitsunday welcomes Tasar sailors at National Titles

Whitsunday welcomes Tasar sailors at National Titles

 

Airlie Beach welcomes over 180 sailors here for the Australian Tasar National Championship that starts with an invitation race on Sunday afternoon and includes five days of racing, a lay day of fun activities and a range of onshore social events.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club is hosting the event for the one-design Tasar dinghy with 91 entries from all Australian states and the Northern Territory.

Regarded by many as the best family class boat in the world, crews consist of father and son, father and daughter, husband and wife, boyfriend-girlfriend, or just special friends, blending a strong family fellowship within the class.

When the winner's trophy is decided on Saturday July 10 it may feature 2009 world champions and former Australian title multiple champions, Robert and Nicole Douglass, a NSW father and daughter duo. Also, keep an eye on the Whitsunday Sailing Club crew of Aaron and Amy Linton who have grown up with the often interesting conditions on Pioneer Bay.

The 4.52 metres (14-feet 10-inch) Tasar was designed to be sailed by a man and a woman and delivers exciting performance without using either spinnaker or trapeze. The wide beam and a cockpit designed for comfortable hiking make the Tasar easy, fun and very exciting to sail in winds up to 25 knots.

The Tasar is constructed to the same specifications by licensed builders in Australia, Canada and the UK thus ensuring a true one design class.

"A group of us dreamed of a boat which would not only be more suitable for men and women than any existing boat but one which would be much better than anything else then available" said Australian designer Frank Bethwaite.

 

Unique Airle event

 

Usually events such as the Tasar Nationals will have a dinner where competitors, race officials and volunteers get together and have the meat or fish in a set affair.

The Tasar dinner next Wednesday evening will be a unique social event where dinners take their pick from the variety of eateries on the Airlie Beach Esplanade.

Offering a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, they are all within arm's reach of one another with tables that spill out onto open-air dining areas or on balconies.

Many of the eateries sport a view over the water through shady trees, the mood enhanced with live music played from across the road.

 

Thar be whales

 

Plenty of whales, some with calves, are being reported by boat crews and passengers returning from Whitsunday island trips this week. Figures collected through Southern Cross University's Cape Byron Humpback Whale Project suggests there are now about 5000 humpback whales taking part in the annual migration to breed in our warmer waters.

 

SOS Hoaxer jailed

 

A 53 year old pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in California to broadcasting a fake distress signal and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

At that time he made the transmissions the man told would-be rescuers that he was in a kayak off the coast of Santa Cruz and having difficulty getting to shore. However, it was found that he was actually at his home.

The man also pleaded guilty to making two other fake mayday calls to the Coast Guard. In all, the court found that he had made 51 false distress messages over six months and costing the Coast Guard $102,000 in search and related costs.

This is not the first time that he has been convicted of transmitting a false distress message having been convicted in 2004, sentenced to two years in federal prison, and ordered to pay more than $29,000 in restitution to the Coast Guard.

 

Shute light on

 

Mariners are advised that the F.Bu Leading Light bearing 261° that marks the entrance into Shute Harbour has been restored to normal. AUS charts 252 & 253

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Plenty of breeze for Seawind Rally

Plenty of breeze for Seawind Rally

 

The fourth annual Seawind Whitsunday Rally sailed from Airlie Beach on Sunday with a record flotilla of twenty Seawind catamarans prepared for a week of breezy social racing, parties and onshore activities around the Whitsunday islands.

The fleet of luxury cruising catamarans, all built in Wollongong NSW, came from far and wide for the now famous cruising event that rivals the best regattas of its kind elsewhere in the world.

Seawind's Brent Vaughan says about 85 crewmembers join the fun filled week flying in from all around Australia plus international guests.

"The rally will have a fleet race from island to island with a party or event at each of the seven destinations."

"Points are gained for not only the racing results, but also the extracurricular onshore activities including such challenges as Island Karaoke and the Blind Man's Dinghy Race just to name a few." Mr Vaughan said.

 

Bligh voyage safe

 

The Talisker Bounty Boat has landed in Kupang, West Timor, having completed an expedition that set sail to re-create Captain Bligh's epic 'Mutiny on the Bounty' journey.

The official landing marks an historic occasion: it is the first time anyone has ever successfully re-created the mutiny voyage, under the same conditions and with the same navigational equipment as Captain William Bligh, who embarked on the 4000-mile open boat journey through the Pacific Ocean 221 years ago.

The four-man crew have undertaken one of the greatest open boat voyages in history, embarked on the seven week expedition, which set sail on the April 9, aboard a 25-foot long, 7-foot wide, open wooden vessel, have followed the original journey across the Pacific from Tonga to Timor.

The crew even faced the same deprivations that included no navigation charts, two weeks of water; hardly any food and no luxuries like a torch and toilet paper.

Led by Australian adventurer Don McIntyre, the expedition included another Aussie Dave Pryce joined by English sailors, David Wilkinson and Chris Wilde.

Not content with just taking on this huge challenge, McIntyre and crew raised  funds for The Sheffield Institute Foundation for Motor Neurone Disease (SIF), which is building the world's first research Institute into Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

 

Bowen Sail training

 

Sailing coaches Ben Callard, Martin Watson will join local coaches at the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (Formerly the Port Denison Sailing Club) for a sail training youth camp on Thursday July 8 – Sunday July 11.

The Queensland Identification & Development Program is provided in partnership by Yachting Queensland and the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club to enable all junior and youth sailors access to skills and knowledge coaching and identification

All junior and youth sailors who have completed a Basic Skills 1 course are welcome to take part.

There is room available for sailors and families to camp at the club and this is encouraged. In the evening there will be coaching lectures and fun activities.

In trying to help families, there is some help if you have three or more children please contact Ben Callard at Yachting Queensland on 3393 6788 or ben@qldyachting.org.au

 

Hammo outriggers

 

Mariners are advised that an outrigger canoe regatta will be conducted near Dent Island, Hamilton Island and Pentecost Island between 0630 hours and 1700 from Thursday June 24 until Sunday June 27. Mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252, 253, 254 & 824

 

Seaforth Creek buoy

 

Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No. 4 beacon Fl R 2.5s at the entrance to Seaforth Creek, has been destroyed. A lighted temporary port lateral buoy Fl R 2.5s has been established to mark the destroyed beacon. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution in the vicinity as remnants of the beacon remain. AUS chart 252

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

Sailing? Must be another Whitsunday 'winter'

Sailing? Must be another Whitsunday 'winter'

 

As it cools in the southern climes, the racing scene warms up in the Whitsunday islands with a full sailing calendar looming on the horizon.

In just two weeks sailing starts in the 2010 Tasar Nationals at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, July  2 - 10.

Whitsunday Sailing Club Flag Officer Terry Archer is keen to host the Australian Tasar championships on Pioneer Bay with an eye on having the popular sailing venue accepted to host a future Tasar World series when an Australian venue is considered.

The club has secured the services of the highly respected Victorian race management team of twin brothers Ross and Kevin Wilson who have been calling the Whitsundays their 'winter address' in recent years, with official roles in the successful Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week events.

The Tasar was designed to be sailed by a man and a woman delivering exciting performance without using either spinnaker or trapeze. The 4.52-metre (14 feet 10 inch) hull has a fine angle at the bow to reduce wave impact drag with unusually clean and sharp chines aft to ensure very free planning and outstanding stability. The foam-cored hull is stiff and light and the advanced hull shape, together with an innovative rig, which combines a rotating mast with a fully battened main sail, allows the Tasar to plane upwind with the crew normally hiked. The wide beam and a cockpit designed for comfortable hiking make the Tasar easy, fun and very exciting to sail in winds up to 25 knots.

 

Winter sailing calendar

 

* 21st Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week August 12-19th with the first race on Friday 13th and the final race day & presentation of trophies on Thursday August 19th. There are also plenty of social happenings with the program nearing completion.

* Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is now in its 26th year and going from strength to strength with a range of sailing and social events unequalled in this or most other countries. Aussie winter sailing around the Whitsunday islands - August 20 - 28.

* Multihull Solutions Whitsunday Multihull Rendezvous - August 28 to September 3th organised by Abel Point Yacht Club provides a great format for multihull sailors. Of course, there is a social calendar with something for everyone.

* Since 1977, the Whitsunday Fun Race has provided a day out for sailors. It continues into the night for everyone. Saturday September 11 at Whitsunday Sailing Club

* International Talk Like a Pirate Day in Airlie Beach is a just for fun day to top off another winter of sailing in the Whitsunday Barrier Reef islands. Everyone has fun and talks like a pirate. Details - Saturday September 18, http://piratesofwhitsunday.blogspot.com/

 

Bare boats

 

Bare boating is not necessarily sailing without clothes, the term means chartering a yacht or ship without a crew.

Whitsunday hosts the largest bareboat fleet in the Southern Hemisphere and with years of experience have a quality product capable of competing in the international marketplace.

Thinking of buying a sailing or motor yacht? Monohull or multihull for racing or cruising? Sailing with friends or family? Don't buy when you can try.

Check out how reasonable it is to charter a bare boat when friends visit or you want a  week away.

Its right in your backyard, so don't fly to some overseas destination - your quality and exciting (or relaxing) holiday is right here.

 

Seaforth Creek entrance

 

Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No.4 beacon Fl R 2.5s which is the second beacon from seaward marking the entrance into Seaforth Creek, has been destroyed. Mariners are advised to use extreme caution in the vicinity as remnants of the beacon remain. AUS chart 252

 

St Bees Island

 

Activity: light reported unlit

Mariners are advised that the light Fl 2.5s on the southern end of St Bees Island has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 823 & 824.

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

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