Blessing of Fleet looms on horizon
The 16th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday May 15, which is known as Whitsun Day, or Pentecost Sunday, and marks the day Lieutenant James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
A sail past and blessing of traditional ships at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be a high point of the day that is expected to include yachts and commercial vessels with VMR Rescue One in the leading position.
For many years, Father Keith Felgate conducted the service with 'Minister for Tourism' Terry Ayling taking over last year.
Community organisations will get together on the beautiful front lawns of the sailing club for the service. Groups are asked to contact the Kylie at the sailing club if they would like to take part, this is your invitation. All are welcome to show off their activities and join in the spirit of the day.
Historically, Whitsun commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the disciples (Apostles), as recorded in the New Testament. It is often called Pentecost because when the disciples received the Holy Spirit and began to go out and preach about Jesus it was the Jewish festival of Pentecost.
Because it marked the first preaching about Jesus, it is called the birthday of the Christian Church and is a favourite day for baptism so has a good connection with water.
The word itself is said to come from the old English and includes the use of words such as Whitsuntide and White Sunday from the white ceremonial baptism robes worn on this day.
A great idea worth considering on Whitsun comes from the wonderfully named Carrickfergus Sailing Club, Rodger's Quay, County Antrim, Ireland where they conduct the Irish Boat Jumble, a car boot type of market for marine gear.
"If you do it in, on or under water there is bound to be something to get your oar into. The jumble casts off at 10am with a flood of new and used bargains" say organisers.
Perhaps a Whitsun Jumble with the guarantee of blessed goods could be a winner for the sailing club.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive while adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine bought the rights to the story.
Dane's host Disabled
Denmark's Sønderborg Yacht-Club has the pleasure of inviting yachtsmen to the 2005 Disabled Sailing World Championship to be sailed in late August.
The Championship will be held under the protection of HRH Princess Benedikte.
The World Championship is organized under the auspices of The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and The Danish Sailing Association.
The organizing authorities are The Committee for Disabled Sailing under the Danish Sailing Association and The Regatta Committee at Sønderborg Yacht Club.
The venue will be Sønderborg Yacht-Club. Races will take place on the magnificent Sønderborg Bay within a distance of two nautical miles from the Sønderborg Yacht-Club.
Danish pasting
Princess Mary won the Royal Match Race on Sydney Harbour this week defeating Prince Frederik 2-1 in a series of 20-minute races. Princess Mary sailed with Chris Meehan on his Farr 40 Belle Property and Prince Frederik skippered his Farr 40 Nanoq.
Spanish mackerel catches
New regulations for recreational fishers designed to stop the illegal sale of Spanish mackerel come into effect this week.
Under the new regulation, introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), recreational fishers must now remove the pectoral fin of any Spanish mackerel in their possession.
DPI&F Fisheries Resources Manager Mark Elmer said the legislation applied to all recreational fishers including people conducting commercial fishing tours and crew members of those tours.
"Recreational fishers must not possess, on board a boat, a dead Spanish mackerel unless a pectoral fin has been removed," Mr Elmer said.
"This provision is intended to make it easier for recreational and commercial catches to be identified."
Mr Elmer said the introduction of legislation followed the new management arrangements in the Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel fishery during the past two years.
"In December 2003, new arrangements that were introduced included limiting the number of commercial fishing licences able to access the Spanish mackerel fishery and a reduction in the recreational possession limit for Spanish mackerel from 10 fish to three," Mr Elmer said.
"Last year, a total allowable commercial catch came into effect in the commercial fishery and individual transferable quotas were allocated to licence holders based on past history in the fishery.
"These changes raised concerns about the potential for black-market trade in recreationally caught fish which could compromise the integrity of the commercial quota.
"The new legislation was passed in August 2004 requiring recreationally caught Spanish mackerel be fin-clipped to deter black-marketing of these fish. The legislation continues to allow recreational fishers to fillet Spanish mackerel at sea."
Handy invention
"Probably the earliest fly swatters were nothing more than some sort of striking surface attached to the end of a long stick"
Says inventor Jack Handy
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, March 07, 2005
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Coastal sail for historic old pot
The discovery of a pewter pot, the 96-year-old Hayles Trophy, sparked Whitsunday sailors to resail the Dent to Dunk Cruising Race & Rally for the adventure and the old pewter pot
A growing fleet of sailing yachts and multihulls will compete in racing and cruising divisions from Dent Island in the Whitsunday Islands to Dunk Island, one of the Family Islands near Cardwell.
Motor cruisers will join in and compete in a log trial. Cruising divisions start April 30 and racing divisions start on May 1 with further info at www.apyc.yachting.org.au
Peter Beattie, Premier and Minister for Trade, announced that organiser Abel Point Yacht Club would receive a grant of $10,000 to develop, promote and run the Hayles Dent to Dunk event.
The Dent to Dunk Event Rally Yachts will stop overnight at Gloucester Passage, Cape Upstart, Horseshoe Bay, Orpheus Island and finally Dunk Island.
The Motor Boat Rally will have a log trial between Dent Island and Gloucester Passage Magnetic Island and Phantom Island and then cruise onto Dunk for the presentation night for both Rallies on Wednesday May 4.
Commodore Bob Beauchamp says the addition of the Motor Boat Rally adds a significant extra number of people who can participate in the Event.
"The fleet will enjoy the beautiful waters of the Whitsundays and north to Dunk Island. It also gives them the opportunity to see different anchorages and feel safe by sailing in company with other yachts and motorboats all with the intent of enjoying the experience" Commodore Beauchamp told Waterfront.
Some historic boats are getting ready for the sail including the one hundred year old 127-foot topsail schooner Solway Lass and local film star Providence V.
These ships will offer paid berths so landlocked adventurers can get a taste of the sea and join in the activities.
Also entered and available for charter is classic yacht Enid. She has competed in 4 Sydney to Hobart Races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone Races and won line honours in the 1964 inaugural Sydney to Mooloolaba Race
Entries Close March 31, 2005.
Blessing of Fleet
This year the annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday May 15, which is known as Pentecost Sunday, or Whit Sun Day, the day Lieutenant James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
A sail past and blessing of traditional ships at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be a high point of the day that will include the VMR rescue in the leading position.
Community organisations will get together on the front lawns of the sailing club for the service. Groups are asked to contact the sailing club if they would like to take part. All are welcome to show off their activities.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The three men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine had bought the rights to the story.
Meeting brings agreement to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Burdekin community have agreed to work together to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin River.
A Regional Consultative Committee meeting in Ayr today between DPI&F, the Burdekin Shire Council, James Cook University, stocking groups and other government agencies saw all parties agree to work together to manage the noxious fish.
DPI&F Fisheries and Aquaculture Development General Manager Ian Yarroll said the meeting helped to resolve a number of issues about the Department's noxious fish program.
Mr Yarroll said DPI&F took the threat of noxious fish very seriously and had been working closely with the Regional Consultative Committee to determine the best action to take.
"At the meeting we discussed a range of management options and are now developing an action plan to implement a management and communication strategy," he said.
"We are also working closely with James Cook University to carry out further research into pest fish to give us a better understanding of tilapia, their breeding habits and environmental impacts on waterways and other native fish."
Mr Yarroll said part of the management strategy discussed was the use of the fish poison rotenone. DPI&F has applied to use rotenone but is still waiting for approval.
"Typically the use of rotenone as an eradication technique has only been successful in enclosed bodies of water so we have to carefully consider whether or not we would use it," he said.
"At the meeting we discussed rotenone extensively, particularly the impact it will have on the environment as it will kill all fish including native species.
"We also made it clear that even with the use of rotenone, there is a low probability that it will be fully effective in eradicating tilapia."
Mr Yarroll said a communications strategy had also been developed to better educate the community and promote greater environmental awareness.
"One point we need to emphasise is that once established it is very difficult to eradicate tilapia from waterways although we will do everything we can to contain the population and prevent the fish from spreading further," he said.
"We rely on the community to report any sightings of noxious fish to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116. This means we can act sooner rather than later and have a better chance at controlling them."
Mackay buoy withdrawn
Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark Buoy Fl.Y 2s which was established at Mackay Harbour in approximate position latitude 21°06.739' S, longitude 149°14.988' E has now been permanently withdrawn.
The lighted Special Mark Buoy Fl.Y 2s which has been established at Mackay Harbour in approximate position latitude 21°07.212' S, longitude 149°15.152' E remains in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250, 823
Worth chewing over
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
-- Mark Twain
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The discovery of a pewter pot, the 96-year-old Hayles Trophy, sparked Whitsunday sailors to resail the Dent to Dunk Cruising Race & Rally for the adventure and the old pewter pot
A growing fleet of sailing yachts and multihulls will compete in racing and cruising divisions from Dent Island in the Whitsunday Islands to Dunk Island, one of the Family Islands near Cardwell.
Motor cruisers will join in and compete in a log trial. Cruising divisions start April 30 and racing divisions start on May 1 with further info at www.apyc.yachting.org.au
Peter Beattie, Premier and Minister for Trade, announced that organiser Abel Point Yacht Club would receive a grant of $10,000 to develop, promote and run the Hayles Dent to Dunk event.
The Dent to Dunk Event Rally Yachts will stop overnight at Gloucester Passage, Cape Upstart, Horseshoe Bay, Orpheus Island and finally Dunk Island.
The Motor Boat Rally will have a log trial between Dent Island and Gloucester Passage Magnetic Island and Phantom Island and then cruise onto Dunk for the presentation night for both Rallies on Wednesday May 4.
Commodore Bob Beauchamp says the addition of the Motor Boat Rally adds a significant extra number of people who can participate in the Event.
"The fleet will enjoy the beautiful waters of the Whitsundays and north to Dunk Island. It also gives them the opportunity to see different anchorages and feel safe by sailing in company with other yachts and motorboats all with the intent of enjoying the experience" Commodore Beauchamp told Waterfront.
Some historic boats are getting ready for the sail including the one hundred year old 127-foot topsail schooner Solway Lass and local film star Providence V.
These ships will offer paid berths so landlocked adventurers can get a taste of the sea and join in the activities.
Also entered and available for charter is classic yacht Enid. She has competed in 4 Sydney to Hobart Races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone Races and won line honours in the 1964 inaugural Sydney to Mooloolaba Race
Entries Close March 31, 2005.
Blessing of Fleet
This year the annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday May 15, which is known as Pentecost Sunday, or Whit Sun Day, the day Lieutenant James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
A sail past and blessing of traditional ships at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be a high point of the day that will include the VMR rescue in the leading position.
Community organisations will get together on the front lawns of the sailing club for the service. Groups are asked to contact the sailing club if they would like to take part. All are welcome to show off their activities.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The three men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine had bought the rights to the story.
Meeting brings agreement to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Burdekin community have agreed to work together to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin River.
A Regional Consultative Committee meeting in Ayr today between DPI&F, the Burdekin Shire Council, James Cook University, stocking groups and other government agencies saw all parties agree to work together to manage the noxious fish.
DPI&F Fisheries and Aquaculture Development General Manager Ian Yarroll said the meeting helped to resolve a number of issues about the Department's noxious fish program.
Mr Yarroll said DPI&F took the threat of noxious fish very seriously and had been working closely with the Regional Consultative Committee to determine the best action to take.
"At the meeting we discussed a range of management options and are now developing an action plan to implement a management and communication strategy," he said.
"We are also working closely with James Cook University to carry out further research into pest fish to give us a better understanding of tilapia, their breeding habits and environmental impacts on waterways and other native fish."
Mr Yarroll said part of the management strategy discussed was the use of the fish poison rotenone. DPI&F has applied to use rotenone but is still waiting for approval.
"Typically the use of rotenone as an eradication technique has only been successful in enclosed bodies of water so we have to carefully consider whether or not we would use it," he said.
"At the meeting we discussed rotenone extensively, particularly the impact it will have on the environment as it will kill all fish including native species.
"We also made it clear that even with the use of rotenone, there is a low probability that it will be fully effective in eradicating tilapia."
Mr Yarroll said a communications strategy had also been developed to better educate the community and promote greater environmental awareness.
"One point we need to emphasise is that once established it is very difficult to eradicate tilapia from waterways although we will do everything we can to contain the population and prevent the fish from spreading further," he said.
"We rely on the community to report any sightings of noxious fish to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116. This means we can act sooner rather than later and have a better chance at controlling them."
Mackay buoy withdrawn
Mariners are advised that the lighted Special Mark Buoy Fl.Y 2s which was established at Mackay Harbour in approximate position latitude 21°06.739' S, longitude 149°14.988' E has now been permanently withdrawn.
The lighted Special Mark Buoy Fl.Y 2s which has been established at Mackay Harbour in approximate position latitude 21°07.212' S, longitude 149°15.152' E remains in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250, 823
Worth chewing over
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
-- Mark Twain
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Yacht hits rocks - life or salvage?
Salvage is a subject that the average boat owner hopes will never have to be dealt with, but is the one issue that may suddenly occur in the small hours of the morning or when you are far from the vessel.
When a vessel is in distress, the owners usually do not have time to consider the legal aspects, or the logic, of the help often offered.
Usually the situation is tense, especially if the preservation of life is involved when one is more concerned with saving the lives of those onboard.
However, what if the boat only is in danger, heading to the rocks. Now.
It is true to say that more misconceptions exist about the law of civil salvage that about any other branch of Admiralty jurisprudence.
The word salvage conjures in the imagination the piratical days when abandoned ships were boarded and the cargo and ship seized. Sea lore has since evolved with the erroneous idea that a wreck or stranding is fair game for all comers.
However, as far as maritime salvage is concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.
Any comments? C/ The Guardian.
Your opinion sought
Further to recent concerns in the Whitsunday boating community regarding maritime communications, this is an opportunity to contribute.
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels.
That could mean you boat.
To find out more about the document under review and find out how you can comment at www.nmsc.gov.au and then go to the "Have your say". Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Voyaging Virgo Comes Full Compass
Former resident of the Whitsunday Shire and experienced maritime lawyer, Bruce Virgo, had been working in Scotland until 2002 has moved his maritime practice to the Brisbane office of Townsville based law firm, Roberts Nehmer McKee.
Bruce quickly re-established his marine insurance practice, and developed a growing maritime commercial following, particularly in marine contractual matters. This built upon his years of maritime commercial legal experience while acting for tourism operators in the Whitsunday region. Bruce practised as a local lawyer for 12 years up to 1994 in his firm, Grevell & Virgo - now Grevell McLean.
Although living in Brisbane, Bruce says he intends to provide a personal service to clients in North Queensland, particularly in small business. Although a regular visitor to the region since leaving, Bruce is looking forward to even more regular contact because of this move.
Bruce left in late 1994 with his wife, former local G.P. - Dr Morag Virgo (Ferguson), and their young family to travel to Scotland before eventually deciding on living there, which they did for over 5 years.
Close to a sailor's heart: Queensland First in Beer-Making
Queensland had become Australia's beer-making capital with the official opening of the $170 million expansion of the Yatala brewery owned by the Carlton & United Beverages division of the Foster's Group.
While opening the expanded facility, Premier Peter Beattie said the Yatala Brewery would now produce 450 million litres a year, which translates into more than 1.4 billion stubbies. The plant's capacity can be increased to 540 million litres annually.
"The Yatala Brewery has been expanded to lift its annual output to 25 per cent of Australia's beer production," Mr Beattie said.
"There's another fairly well-known brewer in Queensland, which produces about 14 per cent of Australia's beer, so the two plants account for about 39 per cent of the country's production!"
The wide range of brands being brewed and packaged at Yatala includes Victorian Bitter, Carlton Mid-Strength, Crown Lager, Fosters Lager and Powers Gold.
Meeting brings agreement to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Burdekin community have agreed to work together to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin River.
A Regional Consultative Committee meeting in Ayr today between DPI&F, the Burdekin Shire Council, James Cook University, stocking groups and other government agencies saw all parties agree to work together to manage the noxious fish.
DPI&F Fisheries and Aquaculture Development General Manager Ian Yarroll said the meeting helped to resolve a number of issues about the Department's noxious fish program.
Mr Yarroll said DPI&F took the threat of noxious fish very seriously and had been working closely with the Regional Consultative Committee to determine the best action to take.
"At the meeting we discussed a range of management options and are now developing an action plan to implement a management and communication strategy," he said.
"We are also working closely with James Cook University to carry out further research into pest fish to give us a better understanding of tilapia, their breeding habits and environmental impacts on waterways and other native fish."
Mr Yarroll said part of the management strategy discussed was the use of the fish poison rotenone. DPI&F has applied to use rotenone but is still waiting for approval.
"Typically the use of rotenone as an eradication technique has only been successful in enclosed bodies of water so we have to carefully consider whether or not we would use it," he said.
"At the meeting we discussed rotenone extensively, particularly the impact it will have on the environment as it will kill all fish including native species.
"We also made it clear that even with the use of rotenone, there is a low probability that it will be fully effective in eradicating tilapia."
Mr Yarroll said a communications strategy had also been developed to better educate the community and promote greater environmental awareness.
"One point we need to emphasise is that once established it is very difficult to eradicate tilapia from waterways although we will do everything we can to contain the population and prevent the fish from spreading further," he said.
"We rely on the community to report any sightings of noxious fish to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116. This means we can act sooner rather than later and have a better chance at controlling them."
Imagine!
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans"
John Lennon
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Salvage is a subject that the average boat owner hopes will never have to be dealt with, but is the one issue that may suddenly occur in the small hours of the morning or when you are far from the vessel.
When a vessel is in distress, the owners usually do not have time to consider the legal aspects, or the logic, of the help often offered.
Usually the situation is tense, especially if the preservation of life is involved when one is more concerned with saving the lives of those onboard.
However, what if the boat only is in danger, heading to the rocks. Now.
It is true to say that more misconceptions exist about the law of civil salvage that about any other branch of Admiralty jurisprudence.
The word salvage conjures in the imagination the piratical days when abandoned ships were boarded and the cargo and ship seized. Sea lore has since evolved with the erroneous idea that a wreck or stranding is fair game for all comers.
However, as far as maritime salvage is concerned, nothing could be further from the truth.
Any comments? C/ The Guardian.
Your opinion sought
Further to recent concerns in the Whitsunday boating community regarding maritime communications, this is an opportunity to contribute.
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels.
That could mean you boat.
To find out more about the document under review and find out how you can comment at www.nmsc.gov.au and then go to the "Have your say". Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Voyaging Virgo Comes Full Compass
Former resident of the Whitsunday Shire and experienced maritime lawyer, Bruce Virgo, had been working in Scotland until 2002 has moved his maritime practice to the Brisbane office of Townsville based law firm, Roberts Nehmer McKee.
Bruce quickly re-established his marine insurance practice, and developed a growing maritime commercial following, particularly in marine contractual matters. This built upon his years of maritime commercial legal experience while acting for tourism operators in the Whitsunday region. Bruce practised as a local lawyer for 12 years up to 1994 in his firm, Grevell & Virgo - now Grevell McLean.
Although living in Brisbane, Bruce says he intends to provide a personal service to clients in North Queensland, particularly in small business. Although a regular visitor to the region since leaving, Bruce is looking forward to even more regular contact because of this move.
Bruce left in late 1994 with his wife, former local G.P. - Dr Morag Virgo (Ferguson), and their young family to travel to Scotland before eventually deciding on living there, which they did for over 5 years.
Close to a sailor's heart: Queensland First in Beer-Making
Queensland had become Australia's beer-making capital with the official opening of the $170 million expansion of the Yatala brewery owned by the Carlton & United Beverages division of the Foster's Group.
While opening the expanded facility, Premier Peter Beattie said the Yatala Brewery would now produce 450 million litres a year, which translates into more than 1.4 billion stubbies. The plant's capacity can be increased to 540 million litres annually.
"The Yatala Brewery has been expanded to lift its annual output to 25 per cent of Australia's beer production," Mr Beattie said.
"There's another fairly well-known brewer in Queensland, which produces about 14 per cent of Australia's beer, so the two plants account for about 39 per cent of the country's production!"
The wide range of brands being brewed and packaged at Yatala includes Victorian Bitter, Carlton Mid-Strength, Crown Lager, Fosters Lager and Powers Gold.
Meeting brings agreement to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and the Burdekin community have agreed to work together to tackle tilapia in the Burdekin River.
A Regional Consultative Committee meeting in Ayr today between DPI&F, the Burdekin Shire Council, James Cook University, stocking groups and other government agencies saw all parties agree to work together to manage the noxious fish.
DPI&F Fisheries and Aquaculture Development General Manager Ian Yarroll said the meeting helped to resolve a number of issues about the Department's noxious fish program.
Mr Yarroll said DPI&F took the threat of noxious fish very seriously and had been working closely with the Regional Consultative Committee to determine the best action to take.
"At the meeting we discussed a range of management options and are now developing an action plan to implement a management and communication strategy," he said.
"We are also working closely with James Cook University to carry out further research into pest fish to give us a better understanding of tilapia, their breeding habits and environmental impacts on waterways and other native fish."
Mr Yarroll said part of the management strategy discussed was the use of the fish poison rotenone. DPI&F has applied to use rotenone but is still waiting for approval.
"Typically the use of rotenone as an eradication technique has only been successful in enclosed bodies of water so we have to carefully consider whether or not we would use it," he said.
"At the meeting we discussed rotenone extensively, particularly the impact it will have on the environment as it will kill all fish including native species.
"We also made it clear that even with the use of rotenone, there is a low probability that it will be fully effective in eradicating tilapia."
Mr Yarroll said a communications strategy had also been developed to better educate the community and promote greater environmental awareness.
"One point we need to emphasise is that once established it is very difficult to eradicate tilapia from waterways although we will do everything we can to contain the population and prevent the fish from spreading further," he said.
"We rely on the community to report any sightings of noxious fish to the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116. This means we can act sooner rather than later and have a better chance at controlling them."
Imagine!
"Life is what happens when you are making other plans"
John Lennon
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Safe radio operation - VMR plan for local business
For the last month, VMR have been seeking feedback from various areas of the Whitsunday Marine Industry regarding VHF radio coverage in the local area.
"This process received some urgency with the cessation of operations of Airlie ComStat in early January and following extensive discussion we now present to you with our final recommendations" says VMR Whitsunday committee member Graeme Richardson.
The VMR proposal includes.
Expensive maintenance of vital repeater stations 22, 81, and 82. Over the last 2 years VMR Whitsunday, which is so reliant on community support, received $6,000 in donations for the repeaters from industry while it spent over $16,000 maintaining and improving these services. Obviously this shortfall cannot continue. If the repeaters cost $7500 a year on average to maintain and there are 250 bareboat and charter vessels in the area the VMR commitment is at least $30 per vessel for the repeater maintenance alone.
"As you will see the operational aspects of this process are mostly in place or being attended to and we ask that you discuss this within your company and/or your industry association and respond to us with:
"The level of financial commitment in the form of a donation you deem appropriate for Repeater Maintenance managed by VMR Whitsunday
"The level of financial commitment in the form of a donation you deem appropriate for supporting the search and rescue and radio base operation by VMR Whitsunday
"The completion of the attached form which will enable VMR Whitsunday to contact representatives from your business in the case of need.
"Any additional requirements or suggestions you feel we should take into consideration
VMR Whitsunday has just completed a very successful month of promotion culminating with the charity ball last week. I would like to thank all those who assisted during the month and I again humbly request your indulgence in providing assistance so that our group can continue to provide a professional and ever more relevant service to the local marine community.
Graeme Richardson, VMR Committee of Management
As of today all professional and recreational vessels have access to the following general VMR services:
* Listening watch by the VMR radio base from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends
* Listening watch by VMR volunteers after hours from 5:00 pm to 8:00am 7 days a week
* 24/7 emergency telephone number at 4946 7207
While the VMR radio base is open, our volunteers will address the following calls if required and/or requested:
* Emergency, Urgency and SÉCURITÉ calls
* Requests for weather or other safety information
* Requests to contact vessel management for routine operational issues
* Position reporting
Around the world with Ellen in record time
Ellen MacArthur has broken the non-stop single-handed round the world record set just a year ago by Francis Joyon. Ellen sailed her 75ft trimaran B&Q across the finish line off Ushant, France at 22hrs 29mins 17 secs on Monday 7 February in a time of 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes and 33 seconds, shaving over 1 day 8 hours off Joyon's record.
A huge welcome reception is planned in Falmouth, UK.
Ellen took just over 13 days longer than the record set by the 125ft catamaran Cheyene with 13 crew. B&Q was built by Boatspeed in Australia and was launched at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney in January 2004.
Immediately after finishing Ellen said: "I cannot believe it, I absolutely cannot believe it. It hasn't sunk in yet. I don't think until I see faces again that it's really going to sink in. It's been an absolutely unbelievable journey both physically and mentally. I'm absolutely overjoyed."
Later news: Ellen MacArthur, the fastest ever sailor to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, is to be made a Dame in honour of her achievement, the British Prime Minister's office said on Tuesday.
Earlier Queen Elizabeth congratulated the 28-year-old Briton, who completed her marathon journey in 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes and 35 seconds.
"I'm delighted to learn that you have completed your round-the-world journey in record time," she said.
MacArthur broke the previous record set by Frenchman Francis Joyon, who took 72 days 22 hours 54 minutes and 22 seconds on his voyage last year.
"Since you set sail last November, your progress has been followed by many people in Britain and throughout the world, who have been impressed by your courage, skill and stamina," the Queen added.
"I send you my warmest congratulations on your remarkable and historic achievement."
Shute light
Mariners are advised that the front leading light F.Bu in approximate position latitude 20° 17.5782' S, longitude 148° 47.2130' E at Shute Harbour has been reported unlit. Mariners should navigate the area with caution. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253
Gloucester beacon destroyed
Mariners are advised that the West Cardinal Beacon No. 3, Latitude 20° 03.49' S, Longitude 148° 26.54' E, Gloucester Passage has collapsed. The remains of the pile are now approximately 0.5 metres below the water at low tide and constitute a danger to navigation. The site will be temporarily marked by a buoy Q (9)15s on Tuesday 8 February 2005 until the beacon can be replaced. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825
At sea, Ellen's log
December 22, day 25: "I've got a real problem. I've gone off muesli bars and, unfortunately, I based my diet on eating a lot of them. Worse than that, I've gone off porridge as well."
Ellen MacArthur, on record breaking sail around the world
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
For the last month, VMR have been seeking feedback from various areas of the Whitsunday Marine Industry regarding VHF radio coverage in the local area.
"This process received some urgency with the cessation of operations of Airlie ComStat in early January and following extensive discussion we now present to you with our final recommendations" says VMR Whitsunday committee member Graeme Richardson.
The VMR proposal includes.
Expensive maintenance of vital repeater stations 22, 81, and 82. Over the last 2 years VMR Whitsunday, which is so reliant on community support, received $6,000 in donations for the repeaters from industry while it spent over $16,000 maintaining and improving these services. Obviously this shortfall cannot continue. If the repeaters cost $7500 a year on average to maintain and there are 250 bareboat and charter vessels in the area the VMR commitment is at least $30 per vessel for the repeater maintenance alone.
"As you will see the operational aspects of this process are mostly in place or being attended to and we ask that you discuss this within your company and/or your industry association and respond to us with:
"The level of financial commitment in the form of a donation you deem appropriate for Repeater Maintenance managed by VMR Whitsunday
"The level of financial commitment in the form of a donation you deem appropriate for supporting the search and rescue and radio base operation by VMR Whitsunday
"The completion of the attached form which will enable VMR Whitsunday to contact representatives from your business in the case of need.
"Any additional requirements or suggestions you feel we should take into consideration
VMR Whitsunday has just completed a very successful month of promotion culminating with the charity ball last week. I would like to thank all those who assisted during the month and I again humbly request your indulgence in providing assistance so that our group can continue to provide a professional and ever more relevant service to the local marine community.
Graeme Richardson, VMR Committee of Management
As of today all professional and recreational vessels have access to the following general VMR services:
* Listening watch by the VMR radio base from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends
* Listening watch by VMR volunteers after hours from 5:00 pm to 8:00am 7 days a week
* 24/7 emergency telephone number at 4946 7207
While the VMR radio base is open, our volunteers will address the following calls if required and/or requested:
* Emergency, Urgency and SÉCURITÉ calls
* Requests for weather or other safety information
* Requests to contact vessel management for routine operational issues
* Position reporting
Around the world with Ellen in record time
Ellen MacArthur has broken the non-stop single-handed round the world record set just a year ago by Francis Joyon. Ellen sailed her 75ft trimaran B&Q across the finish line off Ushant, France at 22hrs 29mins 17 secs on Monday 7 February in a time of 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes and 33 seconds, shaving over 1 day 8 hours off Joyon's record.
A huge welcome reception is planned in Falmouth, UK.
Ellen took just over 13 days longer than the record set by the 125ft catamaran Cheyene with 13 crew. B&Q was built by Boatspeed in Australia and was launched at the National Maritime Museum in Sydney in January 2004.
Immediately after finishing Ellen said: "I cannot believe it, I absolutely cannot believe it. It hasn't sunk in yet. I don't think until I see faces again that it's really going to sink in. It's been an absolutely unbelievable journey both physically and mentally. I'm absolutely overjoyed."
Later news: Ellen MacArthur, the fastest ever sailor to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, is to be made a Dame in honour of her achievement, the British Prime Minister's office said on Tuesday.
Earlier Queen Elizabeth congratulated the 28-year-old Briton, who completed her marathon journey in 71 days 14 hours 18 minutes and 35 seconds.
"I'm delighted to learn that you have completed your round-the-world journey in record time," she said.
MacArthur broke the previous record set by Frenchman Francis Joyon, who took 72 days 22 hours 54 minutes and 22 seconds on his voyage last year.
"Since you set sail last November, your progress has been followed by many people in Britain and throughout the world, who have been impressed by your courage, skill and stamina," the Queen added.
"I send you my warmest congratulations on your remarkable and historic achievement."
Shute light
Mariners are advised that the front leading light F.Bu in approximate position latitude 20° 17.5782' S, longitude 148° 47.2130' E at Shute Harbour has been reported unlit. Mariners should navigate the area with caution. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253
Gloucester beacon destroyed
Mariners are advised that the West Cardinal Beacon No. 3, Latitude 20° 03.49' S, Longitude 148° 26.54' E, Gloucester Passage has collapsed. The remains of the pile are now approximately 0.5 metres below the water at low tide and constitute a danger to navigation. The site will be temporarily marked by a buoy Q (9)15s on Tuesday 8 February 2005 until the beacon can be replaced. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825
At sea, Ellen's log
December 22, day 25: "I've got a real problem. I've gone off muesli bars and, unfortunately, I based my diet on eating a lot of them. Worse than that, I've gone off porridge as well."
Ellen MacArthur, on record breaking sail around the world
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Forecast for Whitsunday Islands -- time for a change
It is time for a change of weather areas to recognise the special nature of the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Bowen to St Laurence forecast is outdated. It had historic reasons but they are now, well, history.
Mariners who work the outer Great Barrier Reef (GBR) from Whitsunday ports know it is not enough to use just the 'local' forecast.
Modern weather forecasting is certainly more accurate now than years ago when the weather could be 18 hours out. We now have weather radar from Mackay and the new installation at Abbott Point, north of Bowen. Both facilities are online (www.bom.gov.au) and cover our area and you can watch the rain clouds before they come over.
Locally we have the largest bare-boat fleet in the southern hemisphere. We enjoy a tourist industry that takes forty per cent of all visits to the GBR in comfort and safety.
Safety is the real key here. Many bare boaters are novices. Our expanding population includes those who are new to boating and need good local weather reports to help get them home safely.
Its time for a weather change; a change for safety.
It took years to get the tide times localised to Shute Harbour. Many old-timers were so used to using the Mackay times they could calculate the differences, time and height in their head.
It is time the winds of change swept history aside and put Airlie and the Whitsunday Islands on the map and on television screens around the country.
World Champs postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful that this grand world event, which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding of it in January/ February 2006 in that country.
Target 2010
"Our goal is to have a (hydrogen) fuel cell propulsion system, designed and validated that would give you the performance required and also that would be comparable in cost when you are building about 1 million units a year."
"Only 12 per cent of the people in the world own a car."
The only waste produced by the hydrogen fuel cell is water.
"There's one-tenth as many moving parts in a fuel cell propulsion system"
Says Larry Burns, General Motors vice-president for research development and planning
New Years
This week February 2 is Chinese New Year 4702 at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
So long, sailor
Peter Kurts, one of Australia's great ocean racing yachtsmen of the past three decades, has sailed his final ocean race. The two-times winner of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and six-times Australian Admiral's Cup team representative died in Sydney after a brief illness.
This illness prevented the 80-year-old doyen of Australian ocean yacht racing from skippering his beloved 31-year-old timber yacht Love & War in the 60th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which would have been his own 31st (at least) race to Hobart.
"The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is saddened at the passing of a great yachtsman and a distinguished club member," Commodore Martin James said.
"Peter had been a member of the CYCA for 38 years and had represented the CYCA in many international ocean racing events as well as achieving great success in local ocean racing. He was one of only a handful of owners to have won the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race twice over the past 60 years."
Love & War, a classic Sparkman & Stephens 47, won the Sydney Hobart in 1974 and 1978 and represented Australia at the Admiral's Cup in England in 1975, and had been maintained in immaculate condition by Kurts as the most loved boat he had ever owned.
Peter Kurts began his remarkable ocean-racing career when he won the Brisbane to Gladstone Race in 1967 when he lived in Queensland running his successful property development and real estate company.
Home port for Airlie?
A mate asked me to look at the requirements to make Airlie Beach a registered home port so vessels going overseas can legally have 'Airlie Beach' on the transom.
In looking at the situation, this bit of bureaucratic prose leapt off the page.
(4) Upon the receipt of an application under sub regulation (3), the Registrar shall, if the proposed home port is a port that is, for the time being, a port that is, or is to be taken to be, a port approved by the Authority for the purposes of sub regulation (1), give notice in writing to the registered agent to the effect that registration of the change of home port in relation to the ship may proceed upon that part of the inscription referred to in paragraph 20 (1) (b) that relates to the home port of the ship being altered accordingly.
So, it's going to be that easy.....Aargh!
That's a ship load
About 6000 ship transits are recorded each year in the Great Barrier Reef high-traffic area stretching from just south of Gladstone to Cape York. Most ships are bulk carriers exporting coal from the Hay Point coal terminal near Mackay.
About 3200 foreign-flagged ships make 18,000 port calls around Australia, with Australian Maritime Safety Authority surveyors making 2900 checks annually.
Grow up!
"Youth is a circumstance you can't do anything about. The trick is to grow up without getting old."
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
It is time for a change of weather areas to recognise the special nature of the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Bowen to St Laurence forecast is outdated. It had historic reasons but they are now, well, history.
Mariners who work the outer Great Barrier Reef (GBR) from Whitsunday ports know it is not enough to use just the 'local' forecast.
Modern weather forecasting is certainly more accurate now than years ago when the weather could be 18 hours out. We now have weather radar from Mackay and the new installation at Abbott Point, north of Bowen. Both facilities are online (www.bom.gov.au) and cover our area and you can watch the rain clouds before they come over.
Locally we have the largest bare-boat fleet in the southern hemisphere. We enjoy a tourist industry that takes forty per cent of all visits to the GBR in comfort and safety.
Safety is the real key here. Many bare boaters are novices. Our expanding population includes those who are new to boating and need good local weather reports to help get them home safely.
Its time for a weather change; a change for safety.
It took years to get the tide times localised to Shute Harbour. Many old-timers were so used to using the Mackay times they could calculate the differences, time and height in their head.
It is time the winds of change swept history aside and put Airlie and the Whitsunday Islands on the map and on television screens around the country.
World Champs postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful that this grand world event, which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding of it in January/ February 2006 in that country.
Target 2010
"Our goal is to have a (hydrogen) fuel cell propulsion system, designed and validated that would give you the performance required and also that would be comparable in cost when you are building about 1 million units a year."
"Only 12 per cent of the people in the world own a car."
The only waste produced by the hydrogen fuel cell is water.
"There's one-tenth as many moving parts in a fuel cell propulsion system"
Says Larry Burns, General Motors vice-president for research development and planning
New Years
This week February 2 is Chinese New Year 4702 at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
So long, sailor
Peter Kurts, one of Australia's great ocean racing yachtsmen of the past three decades, has sailed his final ocean race. The two-times winner of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and six-times Australian Admiral's Cup team representative died in Sydney after a brief illness.
This illness prevented the 80-year-old doyen of Australian ocean yacht racing from skippering his beloved 31-year-old timber yacht Love & War in the 60th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which would have been his own 31st (at least) race to Hobart.
"The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is saddened at the passing of a great yachtsman and a distinguished club member," Commodore Martin James said.
"Peter had been a member of the CYCA for 38 years and had represented the CYCA in many international ocean racing events as well as achieving great success in local ocean racing. He was one of only a handful of owners to have won the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race twice over the past 60 years."
Love & War, a classic Sparkman & Stephens 47, won the Sydney Hobart in 1974 and 1978 and represented Australia at the Admiral's Cup in England in 1975, and had been maintained in immaculate condition by Kurts as the most loved boat he had ever owned.
Peter Kurts began his remarkable ocean-racing career when he won the Brisbane to Gladstone Race in 1967 when he lived in Queensland running his successful property development and real estate company.
Home port for Airlie?
A mate asked me to look at the requirements to make Airlie Beach a registered home port so vessels going overseas can legally have 'Airlie Beach' on the transom.
In looking at the situation, this bit of bureaucratic prose leapt off the page.
(4) Upon the receipt of an application under sub regulation (3), the Registrar shall, if the proposed home port is a port that is, for the time being, a port that is, or is to be taken to be, a port approved by the Authority for the purposes of sub regulation (1), give notice in writing to the registered agent to the effect that registration of the change of home port in relation to the ship may proceed upon that part of the inscription referred to in paragraph 20 (1) (b) that relates to the home port of the ship being altered accordingly.
So, it's going to be that easy.....Aargh!
That's a ship load
About 6000 ship transits are recorded each year in the Great Barrier Reef high-traffic area stretching from just south of Gladstone to Cape York. Most ships are bulk carriers exporting coal from the Hay Point coal terminal near Mackay.
About 3200 foreign-flagged ships make 18,000 port calls around Australia, with Australian Maritime Safety Authority surveyors making 2900 checks annually.
Grow up!
"Youth is a circumstance you can't do anything about. The trick is to grow up without getting old."
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Nominate a young achiever: deadline January 28
The end of January deadline to nominate young Queenslanders for the Queensland Young Achiever Awards is fast approaching.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries acting Regional Director Alan Stephens is urging everyone to nominate a young person they know aged between 14 and 26 for these awards.
"The Queensland Young Achiever Awards Program for 2005 recognises talented young people who have excelled in one of seven fields: the arts, their careers, community service, the environment, regional initiative, science and technology, and sports," Mr Stephens said.
"DPI&F is honoured to be sponsoring the Regional Initiative Award in this program, which will recognise the contribution one young Queenslander has made to the rural sector," he said.
Each of the category winners receives a $2000 cash prize, with the overall State winner receiving an additional $2000.
These awards endeavour to encourage and motivate young Queenslanders in their chosen fields while also helping them to develop their leadership and life skills; Mr Stephens said.
Nominations close on Friday January 28, and winners will be announced during National Youth Week in April 2005.
Australia Day
On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor. Australia Day, a national holiday, is a day of celebrating what's great about Australia and being Australian.
World Champs postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful, that this grand world event which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding it in January/ February 2006 in that country.
Seal of approval
Welcome back to all you holiday makers. The editor of the Monash University Information Technology newsletter writes that we may all legitimately fear the occasional bad day.
"So I thought it might be timely to reflect now on the fact that there is always someone worse off than oneself. Next time you feel the onset a bad day, bear in mind these examples:
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.
At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A moment later, a killer whale ate them both.
Airlie Bay underwater obstruction
Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction is located in approximate position latitude 20° 16.05'S, longitude 148° 43.15'E at Airlie Bay. Chart: AUS 268
Reality and you
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."
--Les Brown
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The end of January deadline to nominate young Queenslanders for the Queensland Young Achiever Awards is fast approaching.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries acting Regional Director Alan Stephens is urging everyone to nominate a young person they know aged between 14 and 26 for these awards.
"The Queensland Young Achiever Awards Program for 2005 recognises talented young people who have excelled in one of seven fields: the arts, their careers, community service, the environment, regional initiative, science and technology, and sports," Mr Stephens said.
"DPI&F is honoured to be sponsoring the Regional Initiative Award in this program, which will recognise the contribution one young Queenslander has made to the rural sector," he said.
Each of the category winners receives a $2000 cash prize, with the overall State winner receiving an additional $2000.
These awards endeavour to encourage and motivate young Queenslanders in their chosen fields while also helping them to develop their leadership and life skills; Mr Stephens said.
Nominations close on Friday January 28, and winners will be announced during National Youth Week in April 2005.
Australia Day
On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip took formal possession of the colony of New South Wales and became its first Governor. Australia Day, a national holiday, is a day of celebrating what's great about Australia and being Australian.
World Champs postponed
The Yachting Association of Sri Lanka, which was successful in its bid to host the World Enterprise Sailing Championships in February on Negombo Beach, has had to postpone this event because of the calamity that befell the nation by the tsunami waves.
The YASL is however hopeful, that this grand world event which will serve to bolster tourism, will receive the sympathy of Enterprise International and permit the holding it in January/ February 2006 in that country.
Seal of approval
Welcome back to all you holiday makers. The editor of the Monash University Information Technology newsletter writes that we may all legitimately fear the occasional bad day.
"So I thought it might be timely to reflect now on the fact that there is always someone worse off than oneself. Next time you feel the onset a bad day, bear in mind these examples:
The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000.
At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers.
A moment later, a killer whale ate them both.
Airlie Bay underwater obstruction
Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction is located in approximate position latitude 20° 16.05'S, longitude 148° 43.15'E at Airlie Bay. Chart: AUS 268
Reality and you
"Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."
--Les Brown
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Festival to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea
Trafalgar 200, to commemorate 200 years since the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was launched at the London Boat Show.
On 28 June, there will be a chance to see warships from over 30 nations side by side on the Solent as part of the biggest ever International Fleet Review. A four-day event will then follow with the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar 200 is part of this year's SeaBritain 2005 campaign to promote the sea. Chairman of SeaBritain 2005 David Quarmby CBE said: "It is a festival of events, exhibitions and celebrations around the UK coastline, waterways and islands to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea."
Aboard the HMS Sutherland at the London Boat Show, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC said: "It will be the largest International Fleet Review ever staged and I am delighted by the number of navies that have accepted the invitation to attend."
Her majesty the Queen, The Lord High Admiral will be reviewing The Fleet of around 150 vessels, which includes warships, tall ships, merchant ships and yachts. Her majesty will be aboard a naval vessel to witness a steam and sail past of the boats.
With an emphasis on youth, the Review will see around 3,000 young people afloat.
Mike Richmond, the Managing Director of the festival said: "Our key aim when visitors leave our site is to make sure they are fully marinated!"
Crowned the vice-patron of the festival, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson also spoke of her love of the sea and how some young people have never been to the sea. She said: "We have such a strong heritage with the sea that we hope to show that the sea is accessible for everyone."
Airlie sailor's record improved
Sailing from Dakar in Senegal to Guadeloupe in an open catamaran of 20-foot is not easy. Trying to break the 1986 record of 18 days and 22 hours set by Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurent and French mate Pradel. Three sailors have lost their lives trying.
In 1999, Hans Bouscholte (Ned) and Gerard Navarin (Fra) set a new world record after four attempts of mainly French crews. On a modified Inter 20, Bouscholte and Navarin sailed the 2700 miles in 15 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. On the 9th of January 2005, on their second attempt, Andrea Gancia and Matteo Miceli (ITA), sailing their 20-foot cat Abaco broke this reference in a new World Record (to be ratified by the WSSRC) of 13 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes. Andrea and Matteo were 35 hours faster than Bouscholte and Navarin.
Another Australian and a Belgian crew is preparing for an attempt on the record.
New Years
The Chinese New Year 4702 is February 2, at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
Forty-six percent of New Year's resolutions will remain in effect six months from now, according to a study.
Finally, a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will move up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top, in case you have any champagne left over. This is not a cure for a hangover, however.
Supermaxi dismasted
Two weeks ago Ludde Ingvall's supermaxi Nicorette took line honours in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.
Her two main rivals, Skandia and Konica Minolta and many other competitors did not survive the tough weather conditions.
This week, during a corporate sail, with Nicorette sponsor clients, the 90-footer was about half a mile seaward of the Gold Coast Seaway at around 3.30pm sailing under main and headsail, in a flat seaway, at about 10 knots when her $1 million mast and sails went over the side into 22 metres of seawater.
Sailor swaps Cold Water for Warm
International yachtsman Nick Lykiardopulo spent the New Year relaxing on Hamilton Island after winning the gruelling Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Lykiardopulo was relaxing on Hamilton Island with his wife and family when the lure of a twilight sailing race with locals became too much to bear, reports Susan Boyd.
"He was delighted to swap the rough and unpredictable conditions associated with the Sydney Hobart Race with the idyllic and warm racing in the twilight racing series of Hamilton Island on Wednesday evening."
Lykiardopulo who owns the British Ker 55 Aera said he loves sailing in the Whitsundays. He has previous competed in Hamilton Island and Hayman Island regattas and welcomes any opportunity to sail in beautiful seas in the warmth.
He was welcomed aboard the crew of Hustler skippered by Airlie Beach local Bruce Finlay.
The crew finished third overall in the race, behind Hamilton Island yachts Excalibur and Silverado.
Patrol praises boating enthusiasts
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has applauded the good behaviour of boaties and recreational fishers during the Christmas New Year holiday break.
While Queenslanders turned out in their thousands to enjoy the State's waterways very few marine infringement notices were handed out.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol A/General Manager Bob Grimley said patrol field officers carried out nearly 8000 regulatory fisheries inspections and boating safety equipment checks during the period.
"Considering the large number of inspections, officers handed out just 168 infringement notices throughout the State with the majority of fines being for boating safety equipment breaches and speeding," Mr Grimley said.
"The bulk of our recreational boating enthusiasts have been extremely responsible but to have more than 120 boat owners putting their passengers and vessels at risk by carrying incorrect safety equipment or through speeding was disappointing," he said.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. His yacht later suffered structural problems and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
Laguna Quays, Gloucester Passage, Nares Rock notices
The depth in the entrance channel to Laguna Quays (20 35'.95 S 141 41'.48 E) is reduced. Local knowledge from the marina office should be sought before transiting the channel. Chart: Aus252
Gloucester Passage - Light buoy. Insert west cardinal cylindrical light buoy, Q(9) 15s, with topmark 20 04.01 S 148 26.41 Chart: Aus825
Nares Rock - Navaid. Substitute light, Fl(2) 5s, for light beacon 19 46.2 S 148 21.5 E Chart: Aus825.
Help?
"The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
--Carl Rogers
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Trafalgar 200, to commemorate 200 years since the famous Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, was launched at the London Boat Show.
On 28 June, there will be a chance to see warships from over 30 nations side by side on the Solent as part of the biggest ever International Fleet Review. A four-day event will then follow with the International Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth.
Trafalgar 200 is part of this year's SeaBritain 2005 campaign to promote the sea. Chairman of SeaBritain 2005 David Quarmby CBE said: "It is a festival of events, exhibitions and celebrations around the UK coastline, waterways and islands to celebrate Britain's long love affair with the sea."
Aboard the HMS Sutherland at the London Boat Show, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC said: "It will be the largest International Fleet Review ever staged and I am delighted by the number of navies that have accepted the invitation to attend."
Her majesty the Queen, The Lord High Admiral will be reviewing The Fleet of around 150 vessels, which includes warships, tall ships, merchant ships and yachts. Her majesty will be aboard a naval vessel to witness a steam and sail past of the boats.
With an emphasis on youth, the Review will see around 3,000 young people afloat.
Mike Richmond, the Managing Director of the festival said: "Our key aim when visitors leave our site is to make sure they are fully marinated!"
Crowned the vice-patron of the festival, Olympic sailing champion Shirley Robertson also spoke of her love of the sea and how some young people have never been to the sea. She said: "We have such a strong heritage with the sea that we hope to show that the sea is accessible for everyone."
Airlie sailor's record improved
Sailing from Dakar in Senegal to Guadeloupe in an open catamaran of 20-foot is not easy. Trying to break the 1986 record of 18 days and 22 hours set by Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurent and French mate Pradel. Three sailors have lost their lives trying.
In 1999, Hans Bouscholte (Ned) and Gerard Navarin (Fra) set a new world record after four attempts of mainly French crews. On a modified Inter 20, Bouscholte and Navarin sailed the 2700 miles in 15 days, 2 hours and 26 minutes. On the 9th of January 2005, on their second attempt, Andrea Gancia and Matteo Miceli (ITA), sailing their 20-foot cat Abaco broke this reference in a new World Record (to be ratified by the WSSRC) of 13 days, 15 hours and 26 minutes. Andrea and Matteo were 35 hours faster than Bouscholte and Navarin.
Another Australian and a Belgian crew is preparing for an attempt on the record.
New Years
The Chinese New Year 4702 is February 2, at which point we will leave the Year of the Monkey, finally.
The Muslim New Year 1426 is February 10 this year, which is not to say this year on the Muslim calendar, because by then it will be next year.
The Hindu calendar begins the year 2062 on April 9.
Buddhists mark the New Year on the first full moon day of April, except for other Buddhists, whose New Year starts on the first full moon day of January, although Tibetan Buddhists tend to celebrate about a month later.
Forty-six percent of New Year's resolutions will remain in effect six months from now, according to a study.
Finally, a raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will move up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top, in case you have any champagne left over. This is not a cure for a hangover, however.
Supermaxi dismasted
Two weeks ago Ludde Ingvall's supermaxi Nicorette took line honours in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.
Her two main rivals, Skandia and Konica Minolta and many other competitors did not survive the tough weather conditions.
This week, during a corporate sail, with Nicorette sponsor clients, the 90-footer was about half a mile seaward of the Gold Coast Seaway at around 3.30pm sailing under main and headsail, in a flat seaway, at about 10 knots when her $1 million mast and sails went over the side into 22 metres of seawater.
Sailor swaps Cold Water for Warm
International yachtsman Nick Lykiardopulo spent the New Year relaxing on Hamilton Island after winning the gruelling Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race.
Lykiardopulo was relaxing on Hamilton Island with his wife and family when the lure of a twilight sailing race with locals became too much to bear, reports Susan Boyd.
"He was delighted to swap the rough and unpredictable conditions associated with the Sydney Hobart Race with the idyllic and warm racing in the twilight racing series of Hamilton Island on Wednesday evening."
Lykiardopulo who owns the British Ker 55 Aera said he loves sailing in the Whitsundays. He has previous competed in Hamilton Island and Hayman Island regattas and welcomes any opportunity to sail in beautiful seas in the warmth.
He was welcomed aboard the crew of Hustler skippered by Airlie Beach local Bruce Finlay.
The crew finished third overall in the race, behind Hamilton Island yachts Excalibur and Silverado.
Patrol praises boating enthusiasts
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has applauded the good behaviour of boaties and recreational fishers during the Christmas New Year holiday break.
While Queenslanders turned out in their thousands to enjoy the State's waterways very few marine infringement notices were handed out.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol A/General Manager Bob Grimley said patrol field officers carried out nearly 8000 regulatory fisheries inspections and boating safety equipment checks during the period.
"Considering the large number of inspections, officers handed out just 168 infringement notices throughout the State with the majority of fines being for boating safety equipment breaches and speeding," Mr Grimley said.
"The bulk of our recreational boating enthusiasts have been extremely responsible but to have more than 120 boat owners putting their passengers and vessels at risk by carrying incorrect safety equipment or through speeding was disappointing," he said.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. His yacht later suffered structural problems and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
Laguna Quays, Gloucester Passage, Nares Rock notices
The depth in the entrance channel to Laguna Quays (20 35'.95 S 141 41'.48 E) is reduced. Local knowledge from the marina office should be sought before transiting the channel. Chart: Aus252
Gloucester Passage - Light buoy. Insert west cardinal cylindrical light buoy, Q(9) 15s, with topmark 20 04.01 S 148 26.41 Chart: Aus825
Nares Rock - Navaid. Substitute light, Fl(2) 5s, for light beacon 19 46.2 S 148 21.5 E Chart: Aus825.
Help?
"The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others."
--Carl Rogers
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Submariners and their boats
Submariners and their boats have been in the local news lately, so as an above sea-level sailor your Waterfront writer brushed up on the subject of the underwater mariners.
For those interested in submarines there is a book in the council library titled 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines." Perhaps a good way to become an instant sub-expert.
For sailors, the sail, formerly known as the conning tower encloses the periscope and snorkel. It looks like a keel on top of the boat. In addition, for those new to the subject, a sub is always called a boat.
Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci designed an underwater warship but kept it secret.
Getting seasick is apparently very common when the boat is at the surface due to the movement of the long cigar-shaped steel tube. At 546 feet below the waves, it is as steady as the basement of an office building even during a cyclone.
In the chapter, 'Reacting to an Emergency' it says, "When an emergency occurs on a sub, many of the crew start to look like a series of one-person bands. Under the waves this is known as "multitasking." I wondered what that term meant.
It's all about the secrets of the deep, stealth being everything. Hooning around in a noisy fashion is not a submariner thing.
Local ex-submariner Col Deller told me years ago that submariners have an interesting sense of humour, why the boats don't have screen doors, that sort of thing. 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines" says the exception is that it is never a good idea to say, "Good news Captain -- the flooding put out the fire." Apparently, sub commanders don't have a sense of humour about emergencies.
An ex-submariners group, the North Queensland Submariners Association of Australia recently held their official sub-branch launch. Their next gathering will be held locally in March where up to 50 ex-submariners are expected.
Airlie to Asia Relief Fund
In support of those in Asia dealing with the recent tsunami disaster, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is calling on all business and community groups within the region to support them in raising funds to be donated to Care Australia for victims aid support.
All donations need to be made by Wednesday 5 January and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce will issue a receipt acknowledging the donation of funds.
If you have any enquiries please contact Judi Dunn, Secretary Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce on 4946 2000, alternatively you can make a donation personally at PRDnationwide Whitsunday at 350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.
Tropical Jellyfish
An information program on marine stingers following the Tourism Whitsundays Irukandji Stinger seminar held in November, Surf Lifesaving Queensland has given Tourism Whitsundays a number of DVDs, which contain the latest available information about marine stingers. Any operators wanting to borrow this DVD for staff information and training purposes should please contact membership@whitsundaytourism.com or call me on 4948 5916 to arrange a copy.
Fine for husband and wife
A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
"Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws," he said.
"This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences."
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. In the 1996 edition Bertrand de Broc suffered structural problems with his boat and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
The Good life
"It's a good life at sea, no matter what boat you are on."
Whitsunday ex-submariner Col Deller
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Submariners and their boats have been in the local news lately, so as an above sea-level sailor your Waterfront writer brushed up on the subject of the underwater mariners.
For those interested in submarines there is a book in the council library titled 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines." Perhaps a good way to become an instant sub-expert.
For sailors, the sail, formerly known as the conning tower encloses the periscope and snorkel. It looks like a keel on top of the boat. In addition, for those new to the subject, a sub is always called a boat.
Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci designed an underwater warship but kept it secret.
Getting seasick is apparently very common when the boat is at the surface due to the movement of the long cigar-shaped steel tube. At 546 feet below the waves, it is as steady as the basement of an office building even during a cyclone.
In the chapter, 'Reacting to an Emergency' it says, "When an emergency occurs on a sub, many of the crew start to look like a series of one-person bands. Under the waves this is known as "multitasking." I wondered what that term meant.
It's all about the secrets of the deep, stealth being everything. Hooning around in a noisy fashion is not a submariner thing.
Local ex-submariner Col Deller told me years ago that submariners have an interesting sense of humour, why the boats don't have screen doors, that sort of thing. 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Submarines" says the exception is that it is never a good idea to say, "Good news Captain -- the flooding put out the fire." Apparently, sub commanders don't have a sense of humour about emergencies.
An ex-submariners group, the North Queensland Submariners Association of Australia recently held their official sub-branch launch. Their next gathering will be held locally in March where up to 50 ex-submariners are expected.
Airlie to Asia Relief Fund
In support of those in Asia dealing with the recent tsunami disaster, the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce is calling on all business and community groups within the region to support them in raising funds to be donated to Care Australia for victims aid support.
All donations need to be made by Wednesday 5 January and the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce will issue a receipt acknowledging the donation of funds.
If you have any enquiries please contact Judi Dunn, Secretary Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce on 4946 2000, alternatively you can make a donation personally at PRDnationwide Whitsunday at 350 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach.
Tropical Jellyfish
An information program on marine stingers following the Tourism Whitsundays Irukandji Stinger seminar held in November, Surf Lifesaving Queensland has given Tourism Whitsundays a number of DVDs, which contain the latest available information about marine stingers. Any operators wanting to borrow this DVD for staff information and training purposes should please contact membership@whitsundaytourism.com or call me on 4948 5916 to arrange a copy.
Fine for husband and wife
A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
"Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws," he said.
"This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences."
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.
Message in a bottle
When Claire Cox was walking on a very remote beach on Kangaroo Island off South Australia, she found a bottle with a message in it from Bertrand De Broc. He threw it in the water at Cape Hope on Christmas day during the 1996 Vendée Globe. In the 1996 edition Bertrand de Broc suffered structural problems with his boat and capsized. Today he is a renowned sailor on the Figaro circuit.
The Good life
"It's a good life at sea, no matter what boat you are on."
Whitsunday ex-submariner Col Deller
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
SOS: Safe Over Summer
This summer holidays there is an increased number of boat users on the waterways increasing collision risks. Boat registrations in Queensland, recorded by Queensland Transport in October were 187,893 with 7,677 Personal Water Craft registrations.
Even minor collisions can cause serious damage to your boat, to infrastructure or worse cause injuries or fatalities.
To avoid collisions: Keep a good watch! Use both sight and sound to be aware of other boats particularly in bad weather due to restricted visibility and darkness.
Keep a safe distance! Allow plenty of time to stop just in case something pops up. Remember, speed limits apply.
Make your intentions clear! Never assume that the operator of another boat will observe the rules. Be prepared to take action!
Like roads, the sea has clear & defined traffic laws to indicate passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats.
Safety is a key priority and you must do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
When navigating narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard side (right) pass oncoming boats on the portside (left).
The golden rule of giving way is look all around, give way to right, turn to right and stay to the right. When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
If you are overtaking a boat, you can overtake to either side of the boat you wish to pass. Ensure you keep well of the boat you wish to overtake. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In all instances, do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
When two boats are crossing, the boat on your right has right of way. Keep clear, alter your course or slow down to pass astern of the other boat. If you have the right of way, be predictable and keep your course and speed. If the other boat does not give way, the boat with the right of way must take action to avoid a collision.
Remember your actions affect others and you have a responsibility to others on waterways.
Watch where you are going - a collision at sea can wreck your entire day.
New Year thought
We all want to be happy. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to how we feel. Beyond that, there are a number of things we can do to alter our state and experience more joy.
* Look for the good in things.
* Be sure to laugh often. Look for the humour in every situation.
* Resolve not to be a whiner.
* Live with passion and do things with verve.
Attitude is a choice. So, choose to be positive.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Another year gone
'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.
Newfoundland fisherman's saying.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
This summer holidays there is an increased number of boat users on the waterways increasing collision risks. Boat registrations in Queensland, recorded by Queensland Transport in October were 187,893 with 7,677 Personal Water Craft registrations.
Even minor collisions can cause serious damage to your boat, to infrastructure or worse cause injuries or fatalities.
To avoid collisions: Keep a good watch! Use both sight and sound to be aware of other boats particularly in bad weather due to restricted visibility and darkness.
Keep a safe distance! Allow plenty of time to stop just in case something pops up. Remember, speed limits apply.
Make your intentions clear! Never assume that the operator of another boat will observe the rules. Be prepared to take action!
Like roads, the sea has clear & defined traffic laws to indicate passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats.
Safety is a key priority and you must do whatever it takes to avoid a collision.
When navigating narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard side (right) pass oncoming boats on the portside (left).
The golden rule of giving way is look all around, give way to right, turn to right and stay to the right. When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
If you are overtaking a boat, you can overtake to either side of the boat you wish to pass. Ensure you keep well of the boat you wish to overtake. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In all instances, do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
When two boats are crossing, the boat on your right has right of way. Keep clear, alter your course or slow down to pass astern of the other boat. If you have the right of way, be predictable and keep your course and speed. If the other boat does not give way, the boat with the right of way must take action to avoid a collision.
Remember your actions affect others and you have a responsibility to others on waterways.
Watch where you are going - a collision at sea can wreck your entire day.
New Year thought
We all want to be happy. And having a positive attitude goes a long way to how we feel. Beyond that, there are a number of things we can do to alter our state and experience more joy.
* Look for the good in things.
* Be sure to laugh often. Look for the humour in every situation.
* Resolve not to be a whiner.
* Live with passion and do things with verve.
Attitude is a choice. So, choose to be positive.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Another year gone
'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.
Newfoundland fisherman's saying.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Shark caution to swimmers
Recent sightings of sharks and tragic fatal attacks send a timely warning this summer about the dangers of swimming in some locations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Shark Safety manager Baden Lane says people should avoid swimming in areas such as near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways particularly early in the morning, evening, at night and where people are fishing.
Mr Lane said bull whaler and tiger sharks were likely to inhabit these areas, as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
"The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters," he said.
"They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots."
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing were safe activities but people should still be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do especially when there are families swimming," he said.
Training boost
Giving something old a new lease of life, the old sand dredge used in the creation of Mackay Marina Village has found a new home in a training facility run by The Giles Group. The Giles Group operates a dredge and work vessels in the area, as well as across Australia reports Michelle Dunstone.
The Giles Group runs a training facility for 'youth and local community'. This is a self-funded facility, which works in alliance with accredited organisations.
"This gives the youth and local community members a chance to learn about heavy engineering and mechanics. The scheme is run to provide participants with life skills and quality training to strive for a better lifestyle through gaining employment."
This type of scheme is of huge benefit to both the Shipyard and the youth in training. Mackay's marine industry, in parallel with the rest of Australia, is suffering from a shortage of trained workers at present and this type of initiative is exactly what is needed to boost the local economy.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Busy on water
Item last week about Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers-by involved in saving a thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan failed to mention the role played by Kevin Fogarty of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Timely work by all saved Capt Morgan's boat from destruction on the rocky Airlie foreshore.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with bigger tides.
As the problem will not go away until boat owners realise the power of the conditions in the dreaded northerlies, a group has been suggested to look at the issues involved in responding to theses events.
Issues would involve the safety of those going to the rescue, timely response, legal and salvage, and education to prevent it happening in the first place.
No one should be surprised when a boat comes ashore after the builder's block and bit of dog chain 'anchor' drags.
The group will meet in the new year, contact Waterfront C/ The Guardian
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Submarines
Submariner mate always said that subs were boats not equipped with screen doors.
Now your Waterfront writer likes to stay above sea level, so has a lot of respect for those that do not.
Heard a yarn recently about a new submariner joining a boat and wanting to know all about his exciting new job and home.
An old hand sorted him out: "Listen, it's real simple. Add the number of times we dive to the number of times we surface. Divide that number by two. If the result doesn't come out even, don't open the hatch."
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Live forever
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
-- Mahatma Gandhi
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Recent sightings of sharks and tragic fatal attacks send a timely warning this summer about the dangers of swimming in some locations.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Shark Safety manager Baden Lane says people should avoid swimming in areas such as near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways particularly early in the morning, evening, at night and where people are fishing.
Mr Lane said bull whaler and tiger sharks were likely to inhabit these areas, as they were able to tolerate freshwater and often preferred shallow habitats.
"The bull whaler can be found far up rivers and in some parts of the world have been recorded hundreds even thousands of kilometres upstream. This is due to their ability to tolerate low-salinity waters," he said.
"They are also extremely aggressive which makes it particularly dangerous to swim in these spots."
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, crabbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing were safe activities but people should still be careful about dangling their feet or hands over the sides of the boats and into the water
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do especially when there are families swimming," he said.
Training boost
Giving something old a new lease of life, the old sand dredge used in the creation of Mackay Marina Village has found a new home in a training facility run by The Giles Group. The Giles Group operates a dredge and work vessels in the area, as well as across Australia reports Michelle Dunstone.
The Giles Group runs a training facility for 'youth and local community'. This is a self-funded facility, which works in alliance with accredited organisations.
"This gives the youth and local community members a chance to learn about heavy engineering and mechanics. The scheme is run to provide participants with life skills and quality training to strive for a better lifestyle through gaining employment."
This type of scheme is of huge benefit to both the Shipyard and the youth in training. Mackay's marine industry, in parallel with the rest of Australia, is suffering from a shortage of trained workers at present and this type of initiative is exactly what is needed to boost the local economy.
Under a spell
President George W Bush recently announced Margaret Spellings as the American Secretary of Education. The good news is that she is married. Why is this good news?
If she were single, they would have Miss Spellings at the forefront of American education.
Busy on water
Item last week about Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers-by involved in saving a thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan failed to mention the role played by Kevin Fogarty of Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Timely work by all saved Capt Morgan's boat from destruction on the rocky Airlie foreshore.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with bigger tides.
As the problem will not go away until boat owners realise the power of the conditions in the dreaded northerlies, a group has been suggested to look at the issues involved in responding to theses events.
Issues would involve the safety of those going to the rescue, timely response, legal and salvage, and education to prevent it happening in the first place.
No one should be surprised when a boat comes ashore after the builder's block and bit of dog chain 'anchor' drags.
The group will meet in the new year, contact Waterfront C/ The Guardian
Distress comment called
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) is seeking your opinion on the service specification for the National Marine and Distress and Safety Communication System for Domestic Non-solas vessels. Comment closes on 15 March 2005.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Submarines
Submariner mate always said that subs were boats not equipped with screen doors.
Now your Waterfront writer likes to stay above sea level, so has a lot of respect for those that do not.
Heard a yarn recently about a new submariner joining a boat and wanting to know all about his exciting new job and home.
An old hand sorted him out: "Listen, it's real simple. Add the number of times we dive to the number of times we surface. Divide that number by two. If the result doesn't come out even, don't open the hatch."
Eimeo Creek light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy situated approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 249, 823
Live forever
Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
-- Mahatma Gandhi
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
No charges over spear fish shark death
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has no plans to prosecute anyone in relation to claims a group was illegally spear fishing at Opal Reef off the coast of Cairns when a man was fatally attacked by a shark.
DPI&F acting regional manager Bob Koch said the Department had spoken to the police and owner of the boat and was satisfied no illegal fishing had taken place.
"Although there were no plans to prosecute, a routine investigation has been carried out just to confirm what the group was doing and what types of fish they were catching," Mr Koch said.
"The group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef which is a legal activity. They were en route to Port Douglas when advised to move into shallower water in Opal Reef for the rescue helicopter operation."
Mr Koch said an independent witness has also confirmed the group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef.
"There has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about this tragedy. I suggest now the privacy of family and friends is respected," he said.
Busy on water
Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers by were all involved in saving the thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan.
The boat was seen drifting towards the rocks in front of Airlie and could easily have been seriously damaged if not destroyed. The boat was later secured at Abel Point Marina for the absent owner.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with the bigger tides in recent days.
Capt Morgan has recently had his tender swamped and used his artificial leg fitting to bail out the seawater. A visit to the Whitsunday Police station also resulted in his mobility scooter accidentally smashing a front window. Perhaps he needs a nickname like Capt Smash.
One boat for every 22 people in Qld
Queensland recreational boat ownership is growing by about 6% each year, which is almost twice the rate of our population growth.
"Boating is relaxing and pleasurable - but it's not a game, and complacency can be deadly. The person in charge of the boat is responsible for the safety of all people on board, and masters must ensure their boat is safe to operate, properly equipped and crewed and handled safely at all times," the Premier Mr Beattie said this week.
Transport Minister Mr Lucas said: "Water Police and the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be out in force keeping an eye on boatie behaviour and compliance over summer.
"If you are irresponsible you will be caught and hit with a stiff fine.
"Enforcement agencies issued 770 marine infringement notices in Queensland during the last the Christmas-New Year holidays.
"In the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay area they issued 165 notices, and 333 of those were at the Gold Coast.
"Since then more than 3380 notices have been issued to the end of September - 470 in the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay area and 845 on the Gold Coast.
"Fines start at $150 for offences such as speeding or not having the right safety equipment, and more serious breaches can lead to prosecution and penalties of many thousands of dollars.
"Speeding, especially near anchored or moored vessels, is by far the most frequent complaint reported to Maritime Safety Queensland and enforcement agencies.
"This is about ensuring people in boats enjoy themselves and that the only thing they come back with at the day's end is a nice feed of fish.
Nine people have died and 21 were seriously injured in boat accidents in the first nine months of this year. In 2003, seven people were killed in boat accidents.
"The smart approach is to be responsible - watch your speed and wash, watch where you're going, keep a safe distance, and don't dump rubbish at sea.
"With jet skis, watch your noise and distance rules and think about where you operate," Mr Lucas said.
Lagoon cruising
The regular visits of cruise ships certainly liven up Airlie Beach. But the hot tropical weather lead to an estimated four hundred and twenty cruise ship guests passengers taking a refreshing dip in the Lagoon one morning this week - a good crowd at eleven am.
Clean Beach Awards
Horseshoe Bay in Bowen was North Queensland's Cleanest Beach for 2004. The Horseshoe Bay announcement was made at a regional EPA Clean Beach Challenge awards function in Townsville.
Tourism Whitsunday reports that our region was awarded three Outstanding Accomplishment Awards including: Collex Resource Conservation and Waste Management Award - Airlie Beach Foreshore Bunnings Community-Local Government Partnership Award - Bowen Shire Council for Queens Beach Litter Prevention Award - Whitehaven Beach
An amazing result for the Whitsundays highlighting the region's continued commitment to positive environmental management.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Who needs it?
Did you to know that Mercedes-Benz has changed the on-board software in some of its cars after male customers said they did not want to take driving directions from a female voice.
Rock lobster rules: OK
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging fishers to keep up to date with tropical rock lobster fishing regulations following a number of recent fishing offences in north Queensland.
DPI&F acting district operations officer Matthew Hall said there had been a spate of incidents involving tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus), in particular egg bearing and tar spot rock lobsters.
"Tropical rock lobsters, also known as painted crayfish, are a much sought after seafood delicacy but size and take and possession limits apply as well as rules to protect females," he said.
"However, because most crayfish are caught with a spear, females are difficult to identify until caught."
Mr Hall said under the Fisheries Act egg bearing and tar spot female tropical rock lobsters were totally protected and if caught needed to be returned to the water immediately.
He said egg bearing females held the cluster of eggs underneath the tail section while the tar spot female was identified by a greenish black spot clearly visible on the underneath body plate between the crayfish legs.
Mr Hall said tropical rock lobsters also had a minimum carapace size limit of 90mm and 115mm for the tail. All other Panulirus species have no size limit.
The take and possession limit locally is five per person and 10 per boat.
Love and inspiration
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
--Ella Fitzgerald
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has no plans to prosecute anyone in relation to claims a group was illegally spear fishing at Opal Reef off the coast of Cairns when a man was fatally attacked by a shark.
DPI&F acting regional manager Bob Koch said the Department had spoken to the police and owner of the boat and was satisfied no illegal fishing had taken place.
"Although there were no plans to prosecute, a routine investigation has been carried out just to confirm what the group was doing and what types of fish they were catching," Mr Koch said.
"The group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef which is a legal activity. They were en route to Port Douglas when advised to move into shallower water in Opal Reef for the rescue helicopter operation."
Mr Koch said an independent witness has also confirmed the group was blue water spearing north of Opal Reef.
"There has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about this tragedy. I suggest now the privacy of family and friends is respected," he said.
Busy on water
Whitsunday Police, watersports operators, the parasail boat and passers by were all involved in saving the thirty-foot sail boat belonging to one Capt Morgan.
The boat was seen drifting towards the rocks in front of Airlie and could easily have been seriously damaged if not destroyed. The boat was later secured at Abel Point Marina for the absent owner.
The northerly conditions often claim boats inadequately anchored especially when the northerly conditions are linked with the bigger tides in recent days.
Capt Morgan has recently had his tender swamped and used his artificial leg fitting to bail out the seawater. A visit to the Whitsunday Police station also resulted in his mobility scooter accidentally smashing a front window. Perhaps he needs a nickname like Capt Smash.
One boat for every 22 people in Qld
Queensland recreational boat ownership is growing by about 6% each year, which is almost twice the rate of our population growth.
"Boating is relaxing and pleasurable - but it's not a game, and complacency can be deadly. The person in charge of the boat is responsible for the safety of all people on board, and masters must ensure their boat is safe to operate, properly equipped and crewed and handled safely at all times," the Premier Mr Beattie said this week.
Transport Minister Mr Lucas said: "Water Police and the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be out in force keeping an eye on boatie behaviour and compliance over summer.
"If you are irresponsible you will be caught and hit with a stiff fine.
"Enforcement agencies issued 770 marine infringement notices in Queensland during the last the Christmas-New Year holidays.
"In the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay area they issued 165 notices, and 333 of those were at the Gold Coast.
"Since then more than 3380 notices have been issued to the end of September - 470 in the Sunshine Coast-Moreton Bay area and 845 on the Gold Coast.
"Fines start at $150 for offences such as speeding or not having the right safety equipment, and more serious breaches can lead to prosecution and penalties of many thousands of dollars.
"Speeding, especially near anchored or moored vessels, is by far the most frequent complaint reported to Maritime Safety Queensland and enforcement agencies.
"This is about ensuring people in boats enjoy themselves and that the only thing they come back with at the day's end is a nice feed of fish.
Nine people have died and 21 were seriously injured in boat accidents in the first nine months of this year. In 2003, seven people were killed in boat accidents.
"The smart approach is to be responsible - watch your speed and wash, watch where you're going, keep a safe distance, and don't dump rubbish at sea.
"With jet skis, watch your noise and distance rules and think about where you operate," Mr Lucas said.
Lagoon cruising
The regular visits of cruise ships certainly liven up Airlie Beach. But the hot tropical weather lead to an estimated four hundred and twenty cruise ship guests passengers taking a refreshing dip in the Lagoon one morning this week - a good crowd at eleven am.
Clean Beach Awards
Horseshoe Bay in Bowen was North Queensland's Cleanest Beach for 2004. The Horseshoe Bay announcement was made at a regional EPA Clean Beach Challenge awards function in Townsville.
Tourism Whitsunday reports that our region was awarded three Outstanding Accomplishment Awards including: Collex Resource Conservation and Waste Management Award - Airlie Beach Foreshore Bunnings Community-Local Government Partnership Award - Bowen Shire Council for Queens Beach Litter Prevention Award - Whitehaven Beach
An amazing result for the Whitsundays highlighting the region's continued commitment to positive environmental management.
Premium race award
The Hahn Premium Race Week at Hamilton Island was named as Queensland's best significant event at the annual Queensland Tourism Awards last week.
The week-long event, which attracts thousands of sailors and yachting enthusiasts is held in August each year and continues to grow in terms of participation numbers, esteem and reputation.
'Race Week is one of the most vibrant and exciting times on Hamilton Island. Sailors from all over the globe make an annual visit to the island to catch up with old friends and to race in some of the most scenic waterways of the world,' said Hamilton Islands Managing Director Wayne Kirkpatrick.
'We are honoured that the quality of the event has been recognised with this Queensland Tourism Award,' he said.
Who needs it?
Did you to know that Mercedes-Benz has changed the on-board software in some of its cars after male customers said they did not want to take driving directions from a female voice.
Rock lobster rules: OK
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging fishers to keep up to date with tropical rock lobster fishing regulations following a number of recent fishing offences in north Queensland.
DPI&F acting district operations officer Matthew Hall said there had been a spate of incidents involving tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus), in particular egg bearing and tar spot rock lobsters.
"Tropical rock lobsters, also known as painted crayfish, are a much sought after seafood delicacy but size and take and possession limits apply as well as rules to protect females," he said.
"However, because most crayfish are caught with a spear, females are difficult to identify until caught."
Mr Hall said under the Fisheries Act egg bearing and tar spot female tropical rock lobsters were totally protected and if caught needed to be returned to the water immediately.
He said egg bearing females held the cluster of eggs underneath the tail section while the tar spot female was identified by a greenish black spot clearly visible on the underneath body plate between the crayfish legs.
Mr Hall said tropical rock lobsters also had a minimum carapace size limit of 90mm and 115mm for the tail. All other Panulirus species have no size limit.
The take and possession limit locally is five per person and 10 per boat.
Love and inspiration
"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
--Ella Fitzgerald
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Jet ski changes on horizon
Queensland jet skiers will require a special jet ski licence and be prohibited from operating in 'exclusion zones' under a new State Government plan announced this week.
Following the Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
The plan, available for community comment until February 27, 2005, also standardises the minimum distance that must be maintained between jet skis and people in the water, moored vessels and the shore.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Eighty per cent are registered in south east Queensland, with the majority in the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and along the Brisbane River," he said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
"Today my Government has released a plan which takes a common sense approach. It balances the needs of waterside residents, recreational boaties, the general community and the environment with those of jet skiers," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
"Thankfully, there have been no recorded jet ski deaths," Mr Lucas said.
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include a new stand-alone licence for jet skis to improve the knowledge and skills of operators.
From January 1, 2006, all persons operating a jet ski must have a jet ski licence. To be eligible for this licence, a person must first hold a recreational marine drivers licence or a commercial licence.
Some areas of Queensland waterways will be able to be restricted for jet ski use by both exclusion zones (total ban) and restricted-use zones (restricting activities other than straight-line travel at set speeds).
Local Councils seeking to establish exclusion zones in their area will be required to apply the criteria and consult the community on any proposal to limit or restrict jet skis.
As these zones will primarily be created for amenity or quality of life issues, primary responsibility for enforcement will be a matter for local Councils and will be required to be addressed in any proposal to the State Government.
"Distance off" regulations for jet skis will be 60 metres in all cases - from people in the water, anchored vessels, infrastructure and the shore. Within 60 metres, they must travel no faster than 6 knots.
A dedicated jet ski education and enforcement team will be introduced over the 2004/05 Christmas/New Year boating season. The jet ski team will focus on enforcing boat safety rules and educating jet ski operators on their responsibilities through regular patrols at known hot spots.
Queenslanders now have until February 27 to comment on our proposals before we move to implement them by mid-2005 under amendments to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
Mr Beattie said the government wanted to ensure that the responsible use of jet skis continued without adversely affecting the community.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," he said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."
Fastest sailor
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of a new
World Record, the Outright World Sailing Speed record of 46.82 knots set by Finian Maynard on a Windsurfer, 13th November 2004.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Can't believe it's not butter
Forty-eight percent of British and Welsh schoolchildren believe margarine comes from cows.
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Toe the line
A story in another newspaper had someone refusing to 'tow the line.' Obviously a case of an editor who wasn't on his tows.
In the 1700s, when sailors were called to assembly on a ship, they were required to stand with their toes touching a line, or seam, on the deck. So, they toed the line.
Abel Point Marina
Mariners are advised that the construction of the new rock wall at Abel Point Marina has been completed, and that dredging operations are to be carried out within the Abel Point Marina lease area as well as within the area adjacent to the lease area extending to the southern entrance to Shingley Beach. Dredging operations are expected to commence on Tuesday 14th December 2004 and a silk curtain will be placed across the southern entrance to Shingley Beach on Monday 13th December 2004. The southern entrance to Shingley Beach will therefore be closed to navigation until further notice.
Dredging operations are anticipated to continue for approximately eight (8) months. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268
Heros
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
--Christopher Reeve
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Queensland jet skiers will require a special jet ski licence and be prohibited from operating in 'exclusion zones' under a new State Government plan announced this week.
Following the Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
The plan, available for community comment until February 27, 2005, also standardises the minimum distance that must be maintained between jet skis and people in the water, moored vessels and the shore.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Eighty per cent are registered in south east Queensland, with the majority in the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and along the Brisbane River," he said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
"Today my Government has released a plan which takes a common sense approach. It balances the needs of waterside residents, recreational boaties, the general community and the environment with those of jet skiers," Mr Beattie said.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
"Thankfully, there have been no recorded jet ski deaths," Mr Lucas said.
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include a new stand-alone licence for jet skis to improve the knowledge and skills of operators.
From January 1, 2006, all persons operating a jet ski must have a jet ski licence. To be eligible for this licence, a person must first hold a recreational marine drivers licence or a commercial licence.
Some areas of Queensland waterways will be able to be restricted for jet ski use by both exclusion zones (total ban) and restricted-use zones (restricting activities other than straight-line travel at set speeds).
Local Councils seeking to establish exclusion zones in their area will be required to apply the criteria and consult the community on any proposal to limit or restrict jet skis.
As these zones will primarily be created for amenity or quality of life issues, primary responsibility for enforcement will be a matter for local Councils and will be required to be addressed in any proposal to the State Government.
"Distance off" regulations for jet skis will be 60 metres in all cases - from people in the water, anchored vessels, infrastructure and the shore. Within 60 metres, they must travel no faster than 6 knots.
A dedicated jet ski education and enforcement team will be introduced over the 2004/05 Christmas/New Year boating season. The jet ski team will focus on enforcing boat safety rules and educating jet ski operators on their responsibilities through regular patrols at known hot spots.
Queenslanders now have until February 27 to comment on our proposals before we move to implement them by mid-2005 under amendments to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
Mr Beattie said the government wanted to ensure that the responsible use of jet skis continued without adversely affecting the community.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," he said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."
Fastest sailor
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of a new
World Record, the Outright World Sailing Speed record of 46.82 knots set by Finian Maynard on a Windsurfer, 13th November 2004.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Can't believe it's not butter
Forty-eight percent of British and Welsh schoolchildren believe margarine comes from cows.
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Toe the line
A story in another newspaper had someone refusing to 'tow the line.' Obviously a case of an editor who wasn't on his tows.
In the 1700s, when sailors were called to assembly on a ship, they were required to stand with their toes touching a line, or seam, on the deck. So, they toed the line.
Abel Point Marina
Mariners are advised that the construction of the new rock wall at Abel Point Marina has been completed, and that dredging operations are to be carried out within the Abel Point Marina lease area as well as within the area adjacent to the lease area extending to the southern entrance to Shingley Beach. Dredging operations are expected to commence on Tuesday 14th December 2004 and a silk curtain will be placed across the southern entrance to Shingley Beach on Monday 13th December 2004. The southern entrance to Shingley Beach will therefore be closed to navigation until further notice.
Dredging operations are anticipated to continue for approximately eight (8) months. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268
Heros
"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
--Christopher Reeve
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Friday, December 03, 2004
Sail of the Century: HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail
It had hardly seen the light of day since 1805, but when the top foresail from Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory was pulled from its sail bag and shown at the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth, UK, in 1998, it proved to be one of the highlights of the event. Now the Society of Nautical Research has completed conservation work and the Textiles Conservation Centre, with the help of a GBP5000 donation from Pusser's, and the sail will once again be on display to the public next year as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The sail, which is now known as the HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail, was packed away after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 complete with some 90 holes from cannon and musket shot and left largely untouched for nearly 200 years. Measuring 80 feet at its base, 54 feet at its head, and 54 feet deep, the sail covers an area of 3,618 square feet; it has never been hoisted since Trafalgar. It is thought to be the only surviving sail of the battle, and therefore not only holds clues as the methods of sailmaking 200 years ago, but is also of huge historical importance.
The Battle of Trafalgar rates as one of the greatest naval victories in history, as Lord Nelson directed the English fleet against a numerically superior French and Spanish fleet near Cadiz, Spain. It was before Trafalgar that Nelson raised his legendary flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty', and his brilliant tactics ensured that Britannia truly ruled the waves; sadly, the battle was also to cost Nelson his life. It was after Trafalgar that Nelson's body was brought back to England preserved in a barrel of rum which the sailors drank, thereby giving the rum its nickname of Nelson's Blood...
The Trafalgar Sail will be on display in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in an environmentally controlled area of Storehouse 10 from March to October 2005.
Third, final reef closure
The third and final spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish for 2004 is set to begin at 12.01am on Monday, December 6 and continues for nine complete days until midnight Tuesday December 14. Fishing for coral reef fin fish may restart on Wednesday, December 15.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) reef line manager said the closures were in place to protect and conserve valuable reef fish stocks.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting and flathead.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
He said coral trout and many other reef fish species aggregated while spawning making them susceptible to fishing.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Swim safe
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Unholy smoke
Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke.
'Aphrodite' stolen
$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan who told Waterfront this week that there were probable sightings up the coast near Cooktown.
"He might be hiding somewhere until the windy weather blows over. There's a shipload of people who'll be looking for him then" Paul added.
If yer see 'em contact Paul through Waterfront.
Rave review
"Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and the maid as willing as the Duchess."
Sir Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
It had hardly seen the light of day since 1805, but when the top foresail from Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory was pulled from its sail bag and shown at the International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth, UK, in 1998, it proved to be one of the highlights of the event. Now the Society of Nautical Research has completed conservation work and the Textiles Conservation Centre, with the help of a GBP5000 donation from Pusser's, and the sail will once again be on display to the public next year as part of the bicentennial celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The sail, which is now known as the HMS Victory Trafalgar Sail, was packed away after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 complete with some 90 holes from cannon and musket shot and left largely untouched for nearly 200 years. Measuring 80 feet at its base, 54 feet at its head, and 54 feet deep, the sail covers an area of 3,618 square feet; it has never been hoisted since Trafalgar. It is thought to be the only surviving sail of the battle, and therefore not only holds clues as the methods of sailmaking 200 years ago, but is also of huge historical importance.
The Battle of Trafalgar rates as one of the greatest naval victories in history, as Lord Nelson directed the English fleet against a numerically superior French and Spanish fleet near Cadiz, Spain. It was before Trafalgar that Nelson raised his legendary flag signal 'England expects that every man will do his duty', and his brilliant tactics ensured that Britannia truly ruled the waves; sadly, the battle was also to cost Nelson his life. It was after Trafalgar that Nelson's body was brought back to England preserved in a barrel of rum which the sailors drank, thereby giving the rum its nickname of Nelson's Blood...
The Trafalgar Sail will be on display in Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in an environmentally controlled area of Storehouse 10 from March to October 2005.
Third, final reef closure
The third and final spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish for 2004 is set to begin at 12.01am on Monday, December 6 and continues for nine complete days until midnight Tuesday December 14. Fishing for coral reef fin fish may restart on Wednesday, December 15.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) reef line manager said the closures were in place to protect and conserve valuable reef fish stocks.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting and flathead.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
He said coral trout and many other reef fish species aggregated while spawning making them susceptible to fishing.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Swim safe
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Unholy smoke
Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke.
'Aphrodite' stolen
$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan who told Waterfront this week that there were probable sightings up the coast near Cooktown.
"He might be hiding somewhere until the windy weather blows over. There's a shipload of people who'll be looking for him then" Paul added.
If yer see 'em contact Paul through Waterfront.
Rave review
"Well, dinner would have been splendid... if the wine had been as cold as the soup, the beef as rare as the service, the brandy as old as the fish, and the maid as willing as the Duchess."
Sir Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Guns on yacht: arrested if you do and robbed if you don't
The plight of Perth's international sailing legend and adventurer Chris Packer arrested in Bali for possessing small calibre non-military firearms aboard his vessel, highlights the dilemma faced by all Australian cruising yachties today.
After being boarded and robbed by pirates off Peru 18 months ago and repelling a second attack with gunfire, the 52-year-old Perth champion yachtsman felt justified in carrying weapons on his 55-metre 500-tonne converted freighter, Lissa.
Indonesian police in speedboats boarded the Lissa as it left Benoa harbour on Friday and confiscated a pistol, two rifles, two shotguns and 2500 rounds of ammunition which Mr Packer had not declared when he sailed into Indonesian waters a month ago.
"Mr Packer acquired the weapons after his friend, yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, was killed by pirates on the Amazon River in December 2001" says friend Peter Robinson a Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor/Examiner with Yachting Australia.
"Having ocean raced extensively in south east Asia since his early twenties and patrolled an oil pipeline off Sarawak to defend it against pirates between 1980 and 1983, Chris understands better than most the potential pirate dangers lurking in these waters.
"The decision facing him and any other captain visiting these areas is whether to go defenceless and rely on the local police to protect you or to be armed in a way sufficient to protect your vessel and crew."
"Under Australian law the master of any vessel owes a duty of care to protect and keep safe all on board their vessel" Mr Robinson said.
"To go defenceless through the ever increasing hazardous areas of the world that are subject to piracy, ill-prepared, must surely be in dereliction of this duty, exposing all aboard to the horrors and cowardly brutality of these violent people."
Mr Packer won the Sydney-to-Hobart race in 1975, was an Admirals Cup yachtsman for England the same year and for Australia in 1979 aboard Police Car. He spent the weekend in a Bali jail cell, its walls smeared with excrement.
His first mate, New Zealander Kenneth Brewster, 47, accused police of stealing equipment from the Lissa, including an $850 dive watch, sunglasses, mobile phones and pens.
Even being armed is no guarantee of surviving an encounter with these seaborne thugs (the pirates) as the tragic murder of Chris's kiwi friend and fellow sailing legend Sir Peter Blake attests.
A part solution surely is for Australia to formalise agreements with these countries to allow safe transit of one or two small calibre firearms that are properly licensed in Australia. To be kept, as is now required in Australia, in a proper gun safe on board at all times.
With our close proximity to and good relationship with Indonesia we would do well open the dialogue with them soon.
The images currently in the media of a highly respected Australian sporting hero sweeping up cockroaches in a Bali jail is doing neither of our countries any good at all.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Swim safe
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Unholy smoke
Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke
'Aphrodite' stolen
$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan Mob: 0403 584 808.
Brampton light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted beacon at Brampton Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 251, 824
Evil?
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing"
-- Albert Einstein
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The plight of Perth's international sailing legend and adventurer Chris Packer arrested in Bali for possessing small calibre non-military firearms aboard his vessel, highlights the dilemma faced by all Australian cruising yachties today.
After being boarded and robbed by pirates off Peru 18 months ago and repelling a second attack with gunfire, the 52-year-old Perth champion yachtsman felt justified in carrying weapons on his 55-metre 500-tonne converted freighter, Lissa.
Indonesian police in speedboats boarded the Lissa as it left Benoa harbour on Friday and confiscated a pistol, two rifles, two shotguns and 2500 rounds of ammunition which Mr Packer had not declared when he sailed into Indonesian waters a month ago.
"Mr Packer acquired the weapons after his friend, yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, was killed by pirates on the Amazon River in December 2001" says friend Peter Robinson a Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor/Examiner with Yachting Australia.
"Having ocean raced extensively in south east Asia since his early twenties and patrolled an oil pipeline off Sarawak to defend it against pirates between 1980 and 1983, Chris understands better than most the potential pirate dangers lurking in these waters.
"The decision facing him and any other captain visiting these areas is whether to go defenceless and rely on the local police to protect you or to be armed in a way sufficient to protect your vessel and crew."
"Under Australian law the master of any vessel owes a duty of care to protect and keep safe all on board their vessel" Mr Robinson said.
"To go defenceless through the ever increasing hazardous areas of the world that are subject to piracy, ill-prepared, must surely be in dereliction of this duty, exposing all aboard to the horrors and cowardly brutality of these violent people."
Mr Packer won the Sydney-to-Hobart race in 1975, was an Admirals Cup yachtsman for England the same year and for Australia in 1979 aboard Police Car. He spent the weekend in a Bali jail cell, its walls smeared with excrement.
His first mate, New Zealander Kenneth Brewster, 47, accused police of stealing equipment from the Lissa, including an $850 dive watch, sunglasses, mobile phones and pens.
Even being armed is no guarantee of surviving an encounter with these seaborne thugs (the pirates) as the tragic murder of Chris's kiwi friend and fellow sailing legend Sir Peter Blake attests.
A part solution surely is for Australia to formalise agreements with these countries to allow safe transit of one or two small calibre firearms that are properly licensed in Australia. To be kept, as is now required in Australia, in a proper gun safe on board at all times.
With our close proximity to and good relationship with Indonesia we would do well open the dialogue with them soon.
The images currently in the media of a highly respected Australian sporting hero sweeping up cockroaches in a Bali jail is doing neither of our countries any good at all.
Fish net swimmer netted
Setting a 55-metre net at Frogmore Lagoon to catch barramundi has cost a 19-year-old woman $450 plus court costs.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Boating and Fisheries Patrol prosecutor Brenda Stevenson said Patrol officers had responded to call from a member of the public to find two young women swimming to retrieve the net containing ten undersize barramundi.
Ms Stevenson said it was fortunate the women did not entangle themselves in the net in a lagoon that was potentially home to estuarine crocodiles.
Swim safe
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is urging people to swim safely this summer following sightings of a shark in the Noosa River.
DPI&F Shark Control manager Baden Lane said people should avoid swimming near river mouths, in canals, artificial lakes and waterways, particularly early in the morning, evening and at night.
Mr Lane said fatal attacks in Gold Coast canals in recent years highlighted the dangers of swimming in these areas and he encouraged bathers to use patrolled beaches as an alternative.
"Sharks do inhabit these areas and swimming at patrolled beaches is a safer option," he said.
Mr Lane said although swimming was a risk other activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing and kayaking were still safe.
"People need to exercise caution and think sensibly about their activities. For example, cleaning fish at the waters edge is not the most sensible thing to do," he said.
Reckon there are still a couple of good-sized crocs in the Prossie River too!
Mystery solved
The World Toilet Organization, having completed the 2004 World Toilet Summit in Beijing and now preparing for the 2005 World Toilet Expo and Forum in Shanghai, would like you to know that the Chinese invented toilet paper 3,395 years ago.
Unholy smoke
Health researchers in the Nederland's have issued a warning to Dutch churchgoers about inhaling secondary incense smoke
'Aphrodite' stolen
$5000 reward to the person that provides information leading to the recovery of the yacht 'Aphrodite' a 2003 Beneteau Oceanis 311 white in colour with a cream deck. Registration number 0Q915Q is displayed across the transom.
On 6th October, skipper Adam J Clarkson was hired to deliver the yacht to Port Douglas. The boat was to be delivered within 15 days. The yacht was last seen in Cairns November 4 says owner Paul McLachlan Mob: 0403 584 808.
Brampton light restored
Mariners are advised that the lighted beacon at Brampton Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 251, 824
Evil?
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing"
-- Albert Einstein
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
What people do in little and big boats
In 1986, Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurant and Frenchman Daniel Pradel sailed an 18-foot Hobie catamaran from Dakar, Senegal, the westernmost country on the African continent to the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean and became the first to sail across the Atlantic in a small catamaran.
Next week, Australian Greg Homann will set sail single-handed in his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a tiny catamaran, the type normally seen at beach club resorts.
Sailor Greg Homann, 41, will make the world record attempt on crossing the Atlantic from the Canaries and Guadeloupe in under 28.5 days on the 18-foot Catamaran.
The current single-handed record is held by Alessandro Di Benedetto from Italy who completed the journey in 28 days 11hours and 36 minutes.
The cat Greg will be sailing is a modified F18 18-feet/5.52m, incorporating an enclosed pod, reefable sails, water-tight compartments, wings/seat, mast float, safety gear including an Iridium sat phone, EPIRBS, VHF, and water-maker, freeze dried food and survival suit.
"If everything goes well and I enjoy the experience, I'd like to see a race happen in the next couple of years, a mini cat transatlantic, solo from the Canaries to Guadeloupe."
Have a nice sail!
Other yachts of note
Following the Waterfront column last week about the Gigayacht visiting Whitsunday, owned by Microsoft co-founder billionaire Paul Allan, here are some snippets of other yacht notables.
Budget: $200 million
Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.
Tough being Tiger
Tiger Woods and his new Swedish model wife were briefly held aboard their 155-foot private yacht by U.S. Coast Guard officers at San Juan's port because they failed to notify authorities of their arrival ahead of time, an official said.
Since July 1, new U.S. security regulations require many boats to submit an arrival notice at least four days in advance before entering a U.S. port, a Coast Guard spokesman said.
The 28-year-old golfer and Swedish model Elin Nordegren, 24, were married October 5 at a luxury resort in Barbados and later set out on Tiger's new yacht 'Privacy'.
So what's onboard Tiger's love boat? We can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour reported by yacht watchers.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes. "No haggling around."
Interior designer Carol Williamson said of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Privacy features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk.
There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.
The Honeymoon is not over yet. “We’re having so much fun on the honeymoon, I don’t know if I’ll be back or not,” Woods said.
Tiger Woods is taking a swing at a Vancouver yacht company, claiming it violated a confidentiality agreement by distributing photos of a boat that the newlywed golf star purchased.
Woods, is suing Christensen Shipyards for allegedly distributing photos of Woods's luxury 155-foot, $20 million yacht, "Privacy," and thus breaking an agreement to keep mum on the purchase.
Pretty hard to hide a 155-foot, $20 million yacht. On waterfront wag said maybe Woods was "more blonde than was previously thought".
Latest News
Isn't she a beauty? No, not the glamorous blonde. That's his wife Sarah O'Hare, this is about the boat. Lachlan Murdock has been swanning around Sydney Harbour on his 80 footer Ipix Una recently. Young Lachlan's Swan 80 worth about $4 million and built in Finland and moored at the CYC. Ipix Una visited Whitsuday earlier this year.
'Reformed' dictator
Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny deck at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."
The big 'O'
In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.
Strange vanishing client
Some years ago, yacht designer Donald Starkey was approached by a secretive overseas client to design what would have been the largest motoryacht in the world, some 150 meters or about 492 feet overall. Following measuring some discreet initial inquiries, Starkey determined that the client was credible, and therefore he set to work on the project.
Over the course of the following 18 months there were numerous phone calls, faxes, and e-mails. Designs, drawings, and specifications were prepared, forwarded to the client, reviewed, and approved.
However, there was never a face-to-face meeting with the client, who maintained that he was heavily engaged in business dealings and wanted Starkey to manage the entire project.
Finally, after a year and a half, the design was agreed upon, and contracts were to be signed. Starkey was to be given power of attorney to represent the owner in all dealings related to the project.
At last, they would meet to close the deal. The date was set, and the day before the meeting the client sent an e-mail confirming his plans and advising he would be calling for directions to Starkey's office. But he never called and never showed up, and that's the last time the client was ever heard from.
Strange.
Pest fish spread
Queenslanders are encouraged to join in the fight against exotic pest fish by reporting any catches or sightings.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says pest fish are being reported more regularly and public assistance is needed so early action can be taken to control their spread.
DPI&F policy officer Aimee Burton said pest fish were hard to control and difficult to eradicate once they had become established.
However, Ms Burton said if discovered early enough there was a chance the fish could be destroyed or contained.
"Pest fish compete with native fish for food and space and in some cases they are aggressive," she said.
DPI&F has produced an Exotic Pest Fish Reporting Form to assist people to compile the necessary information.
"The more information collected, the better picture we can build about where the pest fish populations are and what control strategies may work."
Ms Burton said if possible the fish should be caught and killed humanely in an ice slurry and then stored in a freezer.
Alternatively, a photo of the fish and a close up of its head can help with identification.
As a rule, native fish have two dorsal fins while many exotic fish only have one.
God save the queen
There is a movement in Britain to replace the term "British Isles" with "Islands of the North Atlantic" because "British Isles" is potentially offensive to the Irish.
Fitzalan Passage light altered
Mariners are advised that the light on the lighted Special Mark buoy in approximate position latitude 20°18.4223' S, longitude 148°55.3803' E in Fitzalan Passage has been altered to Q.Y. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824
"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention."
--Duguet
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
In 1986, Airlie Beach sailor Tony Laurant and Frenchman Daniel Pradel sailed an 18-foot Hobie catamaran from Dakar, Senegal, the westernmost country on the African continent to the island of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean and became the first to sail across the Atlantic in a small catamaran.
Next week, Australian Greg Homann will set sail single-handed in his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a tiny catamaran, the type normally seen at beach club resorts.
Sailor Greg Homann, 41, will make the world record attempt on crossing the Atlantic from the Canaries and Guadeloupe in under 28.5 days on the 18-foot Catamaran.
The current single-handed record is held by Alessandro Di Benedetto from Italy who completed the journey in 28 days 11hours and 36 minutes.
The cat Greg will be sailing is a modified F18 18-feet/5.52m, incorporating an enclosed pod, reefable sails, water-tight compartments, wings/seat, mast float, safety gear including an Iridium sat phone, EPIRBS, VHF, and water-maker, freeze dried food and survival suit.
"If everything goes well and I enjoy the experience, I'd like to see a race happen in the next couple of years, a mini cat transatlantic, solo from the Canaries to Guadeloupe."
Have a nice sail!
Other yachts of note
Following the Waterfront column last week about the Gigayacht visiting Whitsunday, owned by Microsoft co-founder billionaire Paul Allan, here are some snippets of other yacht notables.
Budget: $200 million
Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.
Tough being Tiger
Tiger Woods and his new Swedish model wife were briefly held aboard their 155-foot private yacht by U.S. Coast Guard officers at San Juan's port because they failed to notify authorities of their arrival ahead of time, an official said.
Since July 1, new U.S. security regulations require many boats to submit an arrival notice at least four days in advance before entering a U.S. port, a Coast Guard spokesman said.
The 28-year-old golfer and Swedish model Elin Nordegren, 24, were married October 5 at a luxury resort in Barbados and later set out on Tiger's new yacht 'Privacy'.
So what's onboard Tiger's love boat? We can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour reported by yacht watchers.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes. "No haggling around."
Interior designer Carol Williamson said of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Privacy features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk.
There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.
The Honeymoon is not over yet. “We’re having so much fun on the honeymoon, I don’t know if I’ll be back or not,” Woods said.
Tiger Woods is taking a swing at a Vancouver yacht company, claiming it violated a confidentiality agreement by distributing photos of a boat that the newlywed golf star purchased.
Woods, is suing Christensen Shipyards for allegedly distributing photos of Woods's luxury 155-foot, $20 million yacht, "Privacy," and thus breaking an agreement to keep mum on the purchase.
Pretty hard to hide a 155-foot, $20 million yacht. On waterfront wag said maybe Woods was "more blonde than was previously thought".
Latest News
Isn't she a beauty? No, not the glamorous blonde. That's his wife Sarah O'Hare, this is about the boat. Lachlan Murdock has been swanning around Sydney Harbour on his 80 footer Ipix Una recently. Young Lachlan's Swan 80 worth about $4 million and built in Finland and moored at the CYC. Ipix Una visited Whitsuday earlier this year.
'Reformed' dictator
Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny deck at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."
The big 'O'
In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.
Strange vanishing client
Some years ago, yacht designer Donald Starkey was approached by a secretive overseas client to design what would have been the largest motoryacht in the world, some 150 meters or about 492 feet overall. Following measuring some discreet initial inquiries, Starkey determined that the client was credible, and therefore he set to work on the project.
Over the course of the following 18 months there were numerous phone calls, faxes, and e-mails. Designs, drawings, and specifications were prepared, forwarded to the client, reviewed, and approved.
However, there was never a face-to-face meeting with the client, who maintained that he was heavily engaged in business dealings and wanted Starkey to manage the entire project.
Finally, after a year and a half, the design was agreed upon, and contracts were to be signed. Starkey was to be given power of attorney to represent the owner in all dealings related to the project.
At last, they would meet to close the deal. The date was set, and the day before the meeting the client sent an e-mail confirming his plans and advising he would be calling for directions to Starkey's office. But he never called and never showed up, and that's the last time the client was ever heard from.
Strange.
Pest fish spread
Queenslanders are encouraged to join in the fight against exotic pest fish by reporting any catches or sightings.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says pest fish are being reported more regularly and public assistance is needed so early action can be taken to control their spread.
DPI&F policy officer Aimee Burton said pest fish were hard to control and difficult to eradicate once they had become established.
However, Ms Burton said if discovered early enough there was a chance the fish could be destroyed or contained.
"Pest fish compete with native fish for food and space and in some cases they are aggressive," she said.
DPI&F has produced an Exotic Pest Fish Reporting Form to assist people to compile the necessary information.
"The more information collected, the better picture we can build about where the pest fish populations are and what control strategies may work."
Ms Burton said if possible the fish should be caught and killed humanely in an ice slurry and then stored in a freezer.
Alternatively, a photo of the fish and a close up of its head can help with identification.
As a rule, native fish have two dorsal fins while many exotic fish only have one.
God save the queen
There is a movement in Britain to replace the term "British Isles" with "Islands of the North Atlantic" because "British Isles" is potentially offensive to the Irish.
Fitzalan Passage light altered
Mariners are advised that the light on the lighted Special Mark buoy in approximate position latitude 20°18.4223' S, longitude 148°55.3803' E in Fitzalan Passage has been altered to Q.Y. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254, 824
"The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention."
--Duguet
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Giga yacht graces Whitsunday port
The sleek brilliantly white 199-foot motor yacht that graced Abel Point Marina at the weekend is not the largest vessel owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, merely the third largest.
Allen, called the "accidental zillionaire" in his unauthorized biography, also owns the world's largest private yacht the 414-foot (125 metre) Octopus and the 302-foot Tatoosh worth a rumoured price of $100 mil.
While the jet helicopter on Meduse' aft deck and the five communications domes are an indication of what's onboard the Giga-toy, that's not all.
There is extraordinary headroom, enough for seven-foot-plus-tall members of the Portland Trailblazers basketball team, which Allen owns. Should a vertically challenged individual be aboard and be unfortunate enough to sit behind one of the basketball players in the main-deck cinema, fear not: The rear settee can rise hydraulically. A Surround Sound system enhances the viewing experience.
Built by Feadship/De Vries Scheepsbouw, Holland, Meduse is powered by two 1,700-hp Caterpillar diesels.
Meduse has slowly slipped down the world size rankings to currently hold seventeenth spot. Her name means "jellyfish" in French.
So, what is number one?
Yacht-watchers worldwide have been catching a glimpse of the behemoth, Octopus the biggest private vessel in the world and owned by Paul Allen
At 414-feet, it has a permanent crew of 60 people, contains a theatre/cinema and a basketball court, two helicopters, an 18 metre landing craft and a private 10-person submarine and swimming pool.
There are more than enough diversions to keep him busy. Maybe he's rocking out in the onboard music studio, watching one of his favourite movies in the private theatre, or slam-dunking on the basketball court located on the main aft deck.
Allen and friends can explore the undersea world in the personal submarine Octopus houses in a specially designed garage. Talk about a feat of engineering: The submarine launches via an underwater hatch, and when the sub returns to the yacht and the hatch closes, the water drains from the garage.
Number 2 is . . .
Yacht number two in Paul Allen's fleet is Tatoosh at 302-feet. Given that Forbes magazine estimates his worth at $20 billion, what else is he to do with all of that cash?
Just like Octopus, Tatoosh has been keeping a busy itinerary. This five-decker spent time in Victoria, BC before moving on to Portland, Oregon, in October for a party honouring the Portland Trail Blazers, which Allen owns. Bora Bora and Moorea were next in February, and then it was the Mediterranean in May, this time to entertain celebs during the Cannes Film Festival.
After Panama, the yacht was docked in San Diego, causing quite a stir among the locals when a local paper reporting that a live lobster tank was among the yacht's features.
While that would indeed be an interesting feature, we think it's more notable that the yacht is capable of toting two helicopters, one on the top deck, the other on the deck directly below, a custom 40-foot powerboat, and a sailboat of about the same size. She is additionally equipped with a shaded swimming pool and a private cinema, just the normal accoutrements, really.
Allen's simply too busy figuring out where to send his globetrotting yachts next. Having spent the early part of the year travelling everywhere from Norway to Curaçao, Octopus cruised around the Med this summer, visiting Croatia before pulling into Greece in time for the Olympics. Add parties during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Some of his celebrity friends aboard, expect people like tennis great Monica Seles and of course, Bill and Melinda Gates will roam her decks.
Other yachts of note
Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.
Shhhhh...
We can't tell you the name of Tiger Woods' new motor yacht, only Hull 026, but we can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes without actually confirming her identity. "No haggling around."
Oregon-based interior designer Carol Williamson, who also wouldn't confirm or deny ownership of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Hull 026 features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk. There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.
'Reformed' dictator
Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny porch at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."
The big 'O'
In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.
Reef fish closure starts Saturday
The second annual spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish begins next Saturday (November 6) ending on November 14.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says that while coral reef fish are protected other fish species can still be taken.
DPI&F reef line manager Mark Elmer said there had been some confusion over what fish could and could not be taken during these spawning closures.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting, flathead and, for some of the period, barramundi.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
"The closure starts on and from Saturday, November 6. This means no reef fish can be taken from 12.01am on November 6," he said.
"It continues for nine complete days until midnight Sunday November 14. Fishing may restart on Monday, November 15."
The third and final reef fish spawning closure for 2004 is from 12.01am December 6 to midnight December 14.
"During these periods numbers of mature fish aggregate in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase," Mr Elmer said.
Knockin' on heaven's door
'A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.'
--Bob Dylan
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The sleek brilliantly white 199-foot motor yacht that graced Abel Point Marina at the weekend is not the largest vessel owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, merely the third largest.
Allen, called the "accidental zillionaire" in his unauthorized biography, also owns the world's largest private yacht the 414-foot (125 metre) Octopus and the 302-foot Tatoosh worth a rumoured price of $100 mil.
While the jet helicopter on Meduse' aft deck and the five communications domes are an indication of what's onboard the Giga-toy, that's not all.
There is extraordinary headroom, enough for seven-foot-plus-tall members of the Portland Trailblazers basketball team, which Allen owns. Should a vertically challenged individual be aboard and be unfortunate enough to sit behind one of the basketball players in the main-deck cinema, fear not: The rear settee can rise hydraulically. A Surround Sound system enhances the viewing experience.
Built by Feadship/De Vries Scheepsbouw, Holland, Meduse is powered by two 1,700-hp Caterpillar diesels.
Meduse has slowly slipped down the world size rankings to currently hold seventeenth spot. Her name means "jellyfish" in French.
So, what is number one?
Yacht-watchers worldwide have been catching a glimpse of the behemoth, Octopus the biggest private vessel in the world and owned by Paul Allen
At 414-feet, it has a permanent crew of 60 people, contains a theatre/cinema and a basketball court, two helicopters, an 18 metre landing craft and a private 10-person submarine and swimming pool.
There are more than enough diversions to keep him busy. Maybe he's rocking out in the onboard music studio, watching one of his favourite movies in the private theatre, or slam-dunking on the basketball court located on the main aft deck.
Allen and friends can explore the undersea world in the personal submarine Octopus houses in a specially designed garage. Talk about a feat of engineering: The submarine launches via an underwater hatch, and when the sub returns to the yacht and the hatch closes, the water drains from the garage.
Number 2 is . . .
Yacht number two in Paul Allen's fleet is Tatoosh at 302-feet. Given that Forbes magazine estimates his worth at $20 billion, what else is he to do with all of that cash?
Just like Octopus, Tatoosh has been keeping a busy itinerary. This five-decker spent time in Victoria, BC before moving on to Portland, Oregon, in October for a party honouring the Portland Trail Blazers, which Allen owns. Bora Bora and Moorea were next in February, and then it was the Mediterranean in May, this time to entertain celebs during the Cannes Film Festival.
After Panama, the yacht was docked in San Diego, causing quite a stir among the locals when a local paper reporting that a live lobster tank was among the yacht's features.
While that would indeed be an interesting feature, we think it's more notable that the yacht is capable of toting two helicopters, one on the top deck, the other on the deck directly below, a custom 40-foot powerboat, and a sailboat of about the same size. She is additionally equipped with a shaded swimming pool and a private cinema, just the normal accoutrements, really.
Allen's simply too busy figuring out where to send his globetrotting yachts next. Having spent the early part of the year travelling everywhere from Norway to Curaçao, Octopus cruised around the Med this summer, visiting Croatia before pulling into Greece in time for the Olympics. Add parties during the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Some of his celebrity friends aboard, expect people like tennis great Monica Seles and of course, Bill and Melinda Gates will roam her decks.
Other yachts of note
Rising Sun is a 393-footer (120-meter) built for the CEO of Oracle Corporation, Larry Ellison. Ellison couldn't resist discussing the yacht in his biography Softwar including the fact that the budget was $200 million.
Shhhhh...
We can't tell you the name of Tiger Woods' new motor yacht, only Hull 026, but we can give you plenty of juicy details from an insider's tour.
It has to be tough being Tiger Woods. Woods paid $20-million for the yacht, but he never once visited the yard before her delivery. Instead, his fiancée visited several times. "She's a quick decision-maker," the project manager notes without actually confirming her identity. "No haggling around."
Oregon-based interior designer Carol Williamson, who also wouldn't confirm or deny ownership of the yacht. "There was a desire to have very clean, simple, understated lines to the furniture. The idea was to contrast the modern against the traditional wood detailing."
To that end, Hull 026 features tone-on-tone beige marble where other yachts might have intricate mosaics; polished chrome and stainless steel where other owners might choose gold. The carpeting that runs throughout is soft white, and the walls in all the staterooms are covered in white silk. There is a concave ceiling treatment with multicolour fibre-optic lighting above the master suite's king-size bed.
'Reformed' dictator
Moammar Khadafy of Libya has a favourite vessel, a 131-foot luxury yacht created nearly a decade ago by designer Arthur De Fever. Sitting on a sunny porch at San Diego Yacht Club, De Fever grins wryly, "I guess it just wouldn't be appropriate to protest Yankee imperialists from your six-million dollar luxury yacht."
The big 'O'
In 1954, Aristotle Socrates Onassis created the greatest yacht of all at the time, Christina. Named after his beloved daughter, she was a sleek, 325-foot, shimmering-white masterpiece proudly displaying the Onassis signature, the yellow funnel.
Reef fish closure starts Saturday
The second annual spawning season closure for coral reef fin fish begins next Saturday (November 6) ending on November 14.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) says that while coral reef fish are protected other fish species can still be taken.
DPI&F reef line manager Mark Elmer said there had been some confusion over what fish could and could not be taken during these spawning closures.
Mr Elmer said coral reef species including cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfish, surgeonfish, sweetlip, tropical snappers and sea perch, and wrasses could not be taken.
However, other fish species such as all the mackerels, mangrove jack, snapper and pearl perch could be taken, along with estuary species such as salmons, bream, whiting, flathead and, for some of the period, barramundi.
"The closures apply to both commercial and recreational fishers and a full list of the coral reef fin fish species can be found either in the DPI&F Reef Fish Field Guide or online through the Reef Fish Web Guide," he said.
"The closure starts on and from Saturday, November 6. This means no reef fish can be taken from 12.01am on November 6," he said.
"It continues for nine complete days until midnight Sunday November 14. Fishing may restart on Monday, November 15."
The third and final reef fish spawning closure for 2004 is from 12.01am December 6 to midnight December 14.
"During these periods numbers of mature fish aggregate in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase," Mr Elmer said.
Knockin' on heaven's door
'A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.'
--Bob Dylan
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
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