One of the world's biggest moving objects to visit
One of the world's biggest moving objects, Star Princess arrived today in Sydney Harbour on the first of four cruises between Australia and New Zealand. The 18-storey, 109,000 tonne vessel cruises with 2,700 passengers and is the largest cruise liner to visit Australia. Star Princess is berthed near the Opera House for a firework display this evening.
Star Princess is the second largest vessel of any type ever to sail into Sydney Harbour after an 118,000-ton ore carrier visited in 1994.
More than a quarter of a kilometre long, twice the weight of Sydney Harbour Bridge's steel and bigger than the world's largest aircraft carrier.
Heavier than 280 jumbo jets, the giant $1 billion megaliner will operate a sell-out three-month season of cruises between Australia and New Zealand.
Star Princess will make visit seven Australian ports including Cid Harbour, Whitsunday Island on February 17 from 6am until 6pm.
"Just as the Concorde captured Australia's imagination in 1972 when it first visited here, we believe the massive Star Princess will make big waves as she sails around Australia this summer,' said P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith.
"Australia has seen nothing like Star Princess here before - a spectacular floating city that is an incredible 43 per cent larger than the previous biggest liner to visit Australia - P&O's 76,000-ton Aurora in 2001. Star Princess has set sales records, confirming the international cruise boom has well and truly arrived in Australia."
Sporting a Star Trek-like bridge, a glass-walled nightclub suspended above the ship and a promenade deck stretching all the way to the tip of the bow. 'Titanic-style', the luxurious Star Princess will introduce to Australians the trappings of big ship cruising, including nine restaurants and cafes, 12 bars, five pools, nine Jacuzzis, a wedding chapel, two-storey theatre, mini golf course, art gallery, casino and spa complex.
Launched in 2002, Star Princess is part of the fleet of the US-based Princess Cruises, a sister line to P&O Cruises.
Host named today
Today America's Cup Management will identify the name of the Host City for the 32nd America's Cup. The announcement will take place at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva in front of an impressive assembly of America's Cup personalities, past and future teams. The event can be followed live on the official America's Cup website.
Code cut
Australia's amateur radio operators will no longer have to be skilled in Morse code from next year.
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) announced that it would discontinue the requirement for amateur radio operators to be proficient in Morse code from 1 January 2004.
The decision follows an extensive review of the amateur radio service, which the ACA launched in August with the release of a discussion paper A Review of Amateur Service Regulation.
ACA Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the ACA had received more than 1400 written submissions commenting on the issues set out in the paper and from public meetings arranged for amateur operators throughout Australia.
"There was widespread support for the removal of the Morse code proficiency requirement at the meetings and throughout the submissions.
Collision 'report'
There is speculation about the report of a November 2001 collision in the Whitsunday Passage.
A board of inquiry report into the Sun Paradise-Pride of Airlie boat collision is said to have found a disturbing "culture of complacency" within the marine industry and a need for ongoing safety education.
Media reports say Queensland Transport Deputy director general Dan Hunt indicates the industry (and his department?) has a key role to play in creating a "safety culture" on the water.
"There has certainly been an attention call for industry in terms of how we work with government and how we all get a common interest in safety..." he is reported to have said.
If Queensland Transport was fair dinkum about wanting to do something about a "culture of complacency" they could start by developing a "culture of communication" and supply the report to interested writers on the subject.
Cloud gazers
Have you ever counted clouds? If you have you might be interested to know that there are 10 types: cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus, altocumulus, altostratus, nimbostratus, stratocumulus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulonimbus. Each of these clouds has a different shape and internal structure.
Hamilton marina light
Mariners are advised that a light Fl.G.3s has been established on the Starboard Lateral Mark No 3 beacon in approximate position latitude 20° 20.817 'S and longitude 148° 56.919' E (WGS84 datum) which is inside the entrance to the Hamilton Island Marina. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 254
Good advice
When Queen Elizabeth II considered having a second glass of wine with lunch shortly after her coronation, the Queen Mother admonished her, "Don't forget, my dear, you have to reign all afternoon."
All the best
"I always prefer to believe the best of everybody - it saves so much trouble."
Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Books,
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
First race for new island destination
The inaugural Keswick Island Yacht Race was sailed following a cruise from Mackay to the island. Participants enjoyed a barbeque and race briefing at the Keswick Island Land Sales Site Office that ended up being a great island style party.
"The race course was 'port to' around the island, with the start and finish in line with the site office in coral passage. Race participants navigated their way around the island on the lookout for wind to power their hulls through the water. Skippers were presented with a variety of conditions, some spots with good wind and at times the doldrums," reports Bernard O'Brien of Mackay Yacht Club.
Keswick Island supplied prize money and trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters. Race results: 1 Sensation; 2 Smokin Joe; 3 Sidewinder; 4 Rose Andy; 5 X ta sea; 6 Tigger; 7 Foot Loose.
"It was great to see such a good turn out of boaties for the inaugural Keswick Island Yacht Race and we look forward to seeing it bigger and better next year," Mr O'Brien told Waterfront.
Got that wrong . . .
In 1908, a writer within the automobile industry proved that the wealth of the United States was insufficient to support more than 200,000 new cars every year. 'Experts' don't always get it right.
Cruise ship causalities
Thirteen people died and 31 injured on Saturday when a dockside gangway to the world's biggest and most expensive cruise ship, the Queen Mary II, collapsed at Saint-Nazaire in western France. Fire services said that several children were among the dead.
The Queen Mary II has been undergoing sea-trials and is due to be handed over to the Cunard line next month, with an official launch attended by Queen Elizabeth in Southampton in the United Kingdom on January 8.
The ship is due to operate as a trans-Atlantic cruise liner, and will carry 2,600 passengers and 1,250 crew.
The 150,000-tonne vessel measures 345 metres in length and 62 metres high from above the waterline - the equivalent of a 23-storey building. It has a 1,000-seat theatre, a planetarium, five swimming pools and a ballroom.
The cruise liner is scheduled to make its first trip from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the United States on January 12, 2004.
Really?
A dentist, Alfred P. Southwick, who practiced in Buffalo, N.Y, invented the electric chair. Hardly a surprise, really.
Sports mad
During the 14th Raja Muda International Regatta 2003 currently being sailed in Malaysia, some of the Premier Cruising class yachts have the luxury of satellite television onboard. The boredom of sitting on the rail was replaced with the pleasure of watching the Aussie/NZ semi-final clash down in the plush interior of the owner's stateroom reports Capt Marty of Asian Yachting.
"To every bodies surprise the Aussie's did it again with Jon Wardill's Australian Maid snatching a big win over Peter Cremers Shahtoosh and demoralized the ex Kiwi rugby contingent on Ian Nicolson's well travelled Warwick 60 Intrigue of Stornoway who slowed down dramatically during the match"
New filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish
New recreational filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish will apply from December 13 this year.
The new rules from the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) are introduced to the Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery.
* Coral reef fish may be kept whole or gilled and gutted
* Whole fish must have a pectoral fin removed before being placed in cold storage
* Coral reef fish must not be brought live to shore
* Coral reef fish may only be filleted at sea if the fillet is 40cm or greater
* The skin or scales from a fish fillet must not be removed until is brought ashore
* Once the skin is removed from a fillet it must not be returned to the boat
* Fish must only be divided into portions in a way that allows the number of whole fish in possession to be easily counted; and
* Chinese footballer (blue-spot) trout must be retained whole.
QFS reef line manager Mark Elmer said the new filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish had a number of purposes including assisting to enforce size and take and possession limits and making fish identification easier.
"For example, a 40cm fish fillet ensures that the fish was the correct size when taken, but enables anglers to process at sea any large fish taken which would otherwise fill or overfill their icebox," Mr Elmer said.
"Retaining the skin and scales on the fillet allows inspectors to more easily identify the species and ensure that size and take and possession limits are being followed."
Mr Elmer said removing a pectoral fin from whole fish was aimed at preventing black market trading of reef fish.
"Removing a pectoral fin before bringing the fish ashore indicates that the fish has been taken recreationally and therefore shouldn't appear for sale in the marketplace," he said.
For more information about the new rules and regulations visit the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or phone the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Keep going!
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The inaugural Keswick Island Yacht Race was sailed following a cruise from Mackay to the island. Participants enjoyed a barbeque and race briefing at the Keswick Island Land Sales Site Office that ended up being a great island style party.
"The race course was 'port to' around the island, with the start and finish in line with the site office in coral passage. Race participants navigated their way around the island on the lookout for wind to power their hulls through the water. Skippers were presented with a variety of conditions, some spots with good wind and at times the doldrums," reports Bernard O'Brien of Mackay Yacht Club.
Keswick Island supplied prize money and trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters. Race results: 1 Sensation; 2 Smokin Joe; 3 Sidewinder; 4 Rose Andy; 5 X ta sea; 6 Tigger; 7 Foot Loose.
"It was great to see such a good turn out of boaties for the inaugural Keswick Island Yacht Race and we look forward to seeing it bigger and better next year," Mr O'Brien told Waterfront.
Got that wrong . . .
In 1908, a writer within the automobile industry proved that the wealth of the United States was insufficient to support more than 200,000 new cars every year. 'Experts' don't always get it right.
Cruise ship causalities
Thirteen people died and 31 injured on Saturday when a dockside gangway to the world's biggest and most expensive cruise ship, the Queen Mary II, collapsed at Saint-Nazaire in western France. Fire services said that several children were among the dead.
The Queen Mary II has been undergoing sea-trials and is due to be handed over to the Cunard line next month, with an official launch attended by Queen Elizabeth in Southampton in the United Kingdom on January 8.
The ship is due to operate as a trans-Atlantic cruise liner, and will carry 2,600 passengers and 1,250 crew.
The 150,000-tonne vessel measures 345 metres in length and 62 metres high from above the waterline - the equivalent of a 23-storey building. It has a 1,000-seat theatre, a planetarium, five swimming pools and a ballroom.
The cruise liner is scheduled to make its first trip from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the United States on January 12, 2004.
Really?
A dentist, Alfred P. Southwick, who practiced in Buffalo, N.Y, invented the electric chair. Hardly a surprise, really.
Sports mad
During the 14th Raja Muda International Regatta 2003 currently being sailed in Malaysia, some of the Premier Cruising class yachts have the luxury of satellite television onboard. The boredom of sitting on the rail was replaced with the pleasure of watching the Aussie/NZ semi-final clash down in the plush interior of the owner's stateroom reports Capt Marty of Asian Yachting.
"To every bodies surprise the Aussie's did it again with Jon Wardill's Australian Maid snatching a big win over Peter Cremers Shahtoosh and demoralized the ex Kiwi rugby contingent on Ian Nicolson's well travelled Warwick 60 Intrigue of Stornoway who slowed down dramatically during the match"
New filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish
New recreational filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish will apply from December 13 this year.
The new rules from the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) are introduced to the Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery.
* Coral reef fish may be kept whole or gilled and gutted
* Whole fish must have a pectoral fin removed before being placed in cold storage
* Coral reef fish must not be brought live to shore
* Coral reef fish may only be filleted at sea if the fillet is 40cm or greater
* The skin or scales from a fish fillet must not be removed until is brought ashore
* Once the skin is removed from a fillet it must not be returned to the boat
* Fish must only be divided into portions in a way that allows the number of whole fish in possession to be easily counted; and
* Chinese footballer (blue-spot) trout must be retained whole.
QFS reef line manager Mark Elmer said the new filleting and marking rules for coral reef fish had a number of purposes including assisting to enforce size and take and possession limits and making fish identification easier.
"For example, a 40cm fish fillet ensures that the fish was the correct size when taken, but enables anglers to process at sea any large fish taken which would otherwise fill or overfill their icebox," Mr Elmer said.
"Retaining the skin and scales on the fillet allows inspectors to more easily identify the species and ensure that size and take and possession limits are being followed."
Mr Elmer said removing a pectoral fin from whole fish was aimed at preventing black market trading of reef fish.
"Removing a pectoral fin before bringing the fish ashore indicates that the fish has been taken recreationally and therefore shouldn't appear for sale in the marketplace," he said.
For more information about the new rules and regulations visit the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or phone the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Keep going!
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, November 17, 2003
South Pole Christmas prize could be yours
Few people in the world have the opportunity to visit the seventh continent and experience its pristine wilderness. The Antarctic peninsular is one of the last places on earth where the teeming wildlife shows no fear to the lucky few humans who get there.
The dramatic back drops of sculptured icebergs and towering mountains where glaciers calve icebergs will be your playgrounds for over three weeks. This trip is unique in that you experience the wild and spectacular beauty of Antarctica in a small group of ten individuals for a maximum amount of Antarctic time and landings.
You may bid for this -- for the person who has everything -- at the Charity Auction for SAILABILITY-Freedom on the Water regardless of Ability.
The yacht, Spirit of Sydney is a 60ft aluminium Ben Lexcen design, launched for Ian Kiernan of 'Clean up Australia' fame to sail solo around the world in the 1986 B.O.C. race. She has been specifically refitted as an Antarctic expedition yacht and has worked in Antarctic waters for over ten years.
Many sailors dream of sailing around Cape Horn and making a southern ocean passage. The adventure departs from Ushuaia, Argentina at the head of the Beagle channel just a few hours from Cape Horn. Dependent on weather conditions we attempt to land on the island of Cape Horn and visit the memorial.
Our crossing of the Drake Passage normally takes 3 days and as we cross the Antarctic conversion zone we enter Antarctic waters and are greeted by penguins and curious seals.
We spend three weeks exploring the exciting cruising grounds of the Antarctic Peninsula, where sheltered waters teem with penguins, seals and whales, amid spectacular scenic backdrops.
This is an expedition and guests are required to take part and participate in the adventure, however sailing experience is not essential. For this reason guests must meet basic medical requirements and have a moderate level of fitness.
Due to the nature of the area we are visiting, our itinerary is weather dependent and at the discretion of the professional skipper.
Charity Auction for SAILABILITY-freedom on the Water regardless of Ability on 14th November at Sailability John Bertrand Lunch, South Port Yacht Club. Alternatively, open for tender until 21st November. Please phone Wyn Treasure 07 55920785, or email wyntreas@bigpond.net.au for details
Traditional ships invite
"Hi Dan, Did you see the bit in the Hamilton Island Race Week newsletter about having a classic division if they can get five or so boats to compete?
"Vessels coming up from down south could participate in both the Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy during the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show conducted by The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach next June AND Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed 21st-28th August 2004.
"Charter vessels at Hamilton will get good exposure as all the media are there and they will love to film, photograph and write about these boats."
Cheers, Kathy McKenzie, Editor Boating Oz
Note: A new group formed to steer a course for the boat show invites trad sailors to join (Free!) Traditional Ships with information on 4948 0980 or tradships@hotmail.com
Aussie Cracks 150 MPH
Australia's biggest and fastest offshore race boat, Maritimo has charged through the course to post a two way average speed of 242.89 km/h - or in language that go-fast boaters understand 150.92 mph.
With owner/throttleman, Bill Barry-Cotter and Peter McGrath (driver) on board, the Class 1 boat posted the new Australian offshore speed record at trials staged at Paynesville. The speed trials were organised by the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club, with the event sanctioned by the Australian Power Boat Association.
Maritimo is a 14-metre catamaran powered by two V8 Detroit diesel engines that produce around 1400hp each.
The diesel powered Maritimo boat that logged a new Australian offshore speed record will go on to contest the 2004 "Club Marine" Australian Series, with the first round slated for Geelong on 22nd February 2004.
Transport issues
Queensland Tourism Industry Council is currently engaged in a preliminary dialogue with Queensland Transport on the issues of passenger transport from a tourism perspective.
"We are very supportive of the Department considering our industry's needs in setting the priorities for the future. Queensland Transport has extensive responsibilities in regulating transport operators, providing infrastructure, planning, providing subsidies and more," says Liz Stewart of Tourism Whitsunday.
"I am keen to hear from you about the transport issues you consider crucial for the future of tourism in Queensland."
"To prepare a brief summary of the industry's position on transport issues we have solicited the support of Mr Noel Scott from the University of Queensland.
Please forward any issues you may have to Liz Stewart membership@whitsundaytourism.com who will forward this on to QTIC.
Bait Reef final
"Hi Gang, You may have heard me refer to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and their plan to close parts of the Great Barrier Reef, well it has come down to the final round. I haven't wanted to bore you with all the details over the past year but it is now the bottom of the ninth and we are behind on points.
"They are closing many of the reefs I fish but none so important as Bait Reef. This reef is my sole destination for day trips because of its location and distance from Airlie Beach."
I have talked to GBRMPA until I was blue in the face but they won't change their small minds. GBRMPA has tunnel vision and I am out numbered.
"It is rare for me to ask for your assistance but this is serious". Thanks, Capt Ken Bryant. 4946 5044 marlin@whitsunday.net.au
New fishing rules announced
New recreational and commercial fishing rules will come into force in Queensland from December 13 for coral reef fish as well as a range of other fish species.
Major changes to recreational fishing regulations, which come into effect from December 13, include:
· Seven fish including humphead Maori wrasse, barramundi cod, potato cod, Queensland groper, red bass, Chinaman fish, and paddletail are now no take species.
· A combined total take and possession limit of 20 coral reef fish is now in place. However, within this combined limit anglers must comply with individual take and possession limits for various fish species.
· Minimum and in some cases maximum size limits have been introduced for most coral reef species.
· Updated restrictions on fishing gear and on filleting fish at sea accompany the new size limits. All recreational and commercial fishers without a reef fish catch quota must mark their fish as not for sale by removing a section of the pectoral fin.
· The take and possession limit for Spanish mackerel has dropped from 10 to three.
For more information about the new fishing regulations, contact the local Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office or visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb
Yachting Queensland berths
Congratulations to Jenna Madden for winning the Yachting Queensland sponsored berth on board the Sail Training Vessel "South Passage".
Jenna is an active sailing member of Keppel Bay and will undertake a voyage from Brisbane to Sydney in January 2004 and then participate in the on water activities on Sydney Harbour for Australia Day.
Congratulations also to Jack Price of Oxley Sailing Club awarded a special Youth Encouragement Awarded sponsored by Whitsunday Marine Academy in Airlie Beach to undertake a 6-day and 6-night voyage.
Both youth sailors are active dinghy sailors and have had limited experience on board large vessels, so this is an exciting opportunity for both of them.
Hamilton Island light
Mariners are advised that a light Fl.G.3s has been established on the Starboard Lateral Mark beacon in approximate position latitude 20° 20.822 'S and longitude 148° 56.845' E (WGS84 datum) which is inside the entrance to the Hamilton Island Marina. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253
Your place in the sun
"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight" - Benjamin Franklin
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Few people in the world have the opportunity to visit the seventh continent and experience its pristine wilderness. The Antarctic peninsular is one of the last places on earth where the teeming wildlife shows no fear to the lucky few humans who get there.
The dramatic back drops of sculptured icebergs and towering mountains where glaciers calve icebergs will be your playgrounds for over three weeks. This trip is unique in that you experience the wild and spectacular beauty of Antarctica in a small group of ten individuals for a maximum amount of Antarctic time and landings.
You may bid for this -- for the person who has everything -- at the Charity Auction for SAILABILITY-Freedom on the Water regardless of Ability.
The yacht, Spirit of Sydney is a 60ft aluminium Ben Lexcen design, launched for Ian Kiernan of 'Clean up Australia' fame to sail solo around the world in the 1986 B.O.C. race. She has been specifically refitted as an Antarctic expedition yacht and has worked in Antarctic waters for over ten years.
Many sailors dream of sailing around Cape Horn and making a southern ocean passage. The adventure departs from Ushuaia, Argentina at the head of the Beagle channel just a few hours from Cape Horn. Dependent on weather conditions we attempt to land on the island of Cape Horn and visit the memorial.
Our crossing of the Drake Passage normally takes 3 days and as we cross the Antarctic conversion zone we enter Antarctic waters and are greeted by penguins and curious seals.
We spend three weeks exploring the exciting cruising grounds of the Antarctic Peninsula, where sheltered waters teem with penguins, seals and whales, amid spectacular scenic backdrops.
This is an expedition and guests are required to take part and participate in the adventure, however sailing experience is not essential. For this reason guests must meet basic medical requirements and have a moderate level of fitness.
Due to the nature of the area we are visiting, our itinerary is weather dependent and at the discretion of the professional skipper.
Charity Auction for SAILABILITY-freedom on the Water regardless of Ability on 14th November at Sailability John Bertrand Lunch, South Port Yacht Club. Alternatively, open for tender until 21st November. Please phone Wyn Treasure 07 55920785, or email wyntreas@bigpond.net.au for details
Traditional ships invite
"Hi Dan, Did you see the bit in the Hamilton Island Race Week newsletter about having a classic division if they can get five or so boats to compete?
"Vessels coming up from down south could participate in both the Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy during the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show conducted by The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach next June AND Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed 21st-28th August 2004.
"Charter vessels at Hamilton will get good exposure as all the media are there and they will love to film, photograph and write about these boats."
Cheers, Kathy McKenzie, Editor Boating Oz
Note: A new group formed to steer a course for the boat show invites trad sailors to join (Free!) Traditional Ships with information on 4948 0980 or tradships@hotmail.com
Aussie Cracks 150 MPH
Australia's biggest and fastest offshore race boat, Maritimo has charged through the course to post a two way average speed of 242.89 km/h - or in language that go-fast boaters understand 150.92 mph.
With owner/throttleman, Bill Barry-Cotter and Peter McGrath (driver) on board, the Class 1 boat posted the new Australian offshore speed record at trials staged at Paynesville. The speed trials were organised by the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club, with the event sanctioned by the Australian Power Boat Association.
Maritimo is a 14-metre catamaran powered by two V8 Detroit diesel engines that produce around 1400hp each.
The diesel powered Maritimo boat that logged a new Australian offshore speed record will go on to contest the 2004 "Club Marine" Australian Series, with the first round slated for Geelong on 22nd February 2004.
Transport issues
Queensland Tourism Industry Council is currently engaged in a preliminary dialogue with Queensland Transport on the issues of passenger transport from a tourism perspective.
"We are very supportive of the Department considering our industry's needs in setting the priorities for the future. Queensland Transport has extensive responsibilities in regulating transport operators, providing infrastructure, planning, providing subsidies and more," says Liz Stewart of Tourism Whitsunday.
"I am keen to hear from you about the transport issues you consider crucial for the future of tourism in Queensland."
"To prepare a brief summary of the industry's position on transport issues we have solicited the support of Mr Noel Scott from the University of Queensland.
Please forward any issues you may have to Liz Stewart membership@whitsundaytourism.com who will forward this on to QTIC.
Bait Reef final
"Hi Gang, You may have heard me refer to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and their plan to close parts of the Great Barrier Reef, well it has come down to the final round. I haven't wanted to bore you with all the details over the past year but it is now the bottom of the ninth and we are behind on points.
"They are closing many of the reefs I fish but none so important as Bait Reef. This reef is my sole destination for day trips because of its location and distance from Airlie Beach."
I have talked to GBRMPA until I was blue in the face but they won't change their small minds. GBRMPA has tunnel vision and I am out numbered.
"It is rare for me to ask for your assistance but this is serious". Thanks, Capt Ken Bryant. 4946 5044 marlin@whitsunday.net.au
New fishing rules announced
New recreational and commercial fishing rules will come into force in Queensland from December 13 for coral reef fish as well as a range of other fish species.
Major changes to recreational fishing regulations, which come into effect from December 13, include:
· Seven fish including humphead Maori wrasse, barramundi cod, potato cod, Queensland groper, red bass, Chinaman fish, and paddletail are now no take species.
· A combined total take and possession limit of 20 coral reef fish is now in place. However, within this combined limit anglers must comply with individual take and possession limits for various fish species.
· Minimum and in some cases maximum size limits have been introduced for most coral reef species.
· Updated restrictions on fishing gear and on filleting fish at sea accompany the new size limits. All recreational and commercial fishers without a reef fish catch quota must mark their fish as not for sale by removing a section of the pectoral fin.
· The take and possession limit for Spanish mackerel has dropped from 10 to three.
For more information about the new fishing regulations, contact the local Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol office or visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb
Yachting Queensland berths
Congratulations to Jenna Madden for winning the Yachting Queensland sponsored berth on board the Sail Training Vessel "South Passage".
Jenna is an active sailing member of Keppel Bay and will undertake a voyage from Brisbane to Sydney in January 2004 and then participate in the on water activities on Sydney Harbour for Australia Day.
Congratulations also to Jack Price of Oxley Sailing Club awarded a special Youth Encouragement Awarded sponsored by Whitsunday Marine Academy in Airlie Beach to undertake a 6-day and 6-night voyage.
Both youth sailors are active dinghy sailors and have had limited experience on board large vessels, so this is an exciting opportunity for both of them.
Hamilton Island light
Mariners are advised that a light Fl.G.3s has been established on the Starboard Lateral Mark beacon in approximate position latitude 20° 20.822 'S and longitude 148° 56.845' E (WGS84 datum) which is inside the entrance to the Hamilton Island Marina. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253
Your place in the sun
"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight" - Benjamin Franklin
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Thursday, November 13, 2003
South Pole Christmas prize could be yours
Few people in the world have the opportunity to visit the seventh continent and experience its pristine wilderness. The Antarctic peninsular is one of the last places on earth where the teeming wildlife shows no fear to the lucky few humans who get there.
The dramatic back drops of 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Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
French windsurfer pays tribute to Tahitian navigators
Sub title - How crazy can you get?
French windsurfer Raphaëla Le Gouvello ended her solo adventure from Peru to Tahiti on Sunday.
She had just spent 89 days covering 4,550 nautical miles (8,425 kilometres) unescorted aboard a specially built 7.8-meter (25-foot) long, 1.3-meter (4.3-foot) wide windsurf board.
Ms Le Gouvello received a warm welcome by an armada of small vessels as she arrived in Papeete Harbour, Tahiti on Sunday,
Having left Peru on August 5, she recalled how "I thought of you (the people of Tahiti) because my compass sometimes indicated nonsense. So I returned to the good old Polynesian methods-keep the sun behind your back in the morning, put the sun in front of your nose at night."
The 40-year-old windsurfer was obviously very moved by the welcome she received in Tahiti. She even compared her arrival with that of the first European navigators and explorers of the Pacific, whose events are contained in a book that she carried with her throughout her journey.
"The Polynesians' welcome is something dominating in those accounts," she said. "I'm in a daydream, well beyond my own expectations." And she recalled that when she was a little girl growing up in France, one of her souvenirs were the many memories of the accounts of the "Kon Tiki" balsa raft that Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl and four crewmembers sailed from South America to French Polynesia in 1947. She said that helped inspire her to follow the same, unescorted route across the Pacific.
After Veterinary School, she studied aquaculture. First she crossed the Mediterranean alone on a sailboard between Marseille and Tunisia and then crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboard - the first time by a woman alone.
The president of the French Republic, Jacques Chiral, addressed his "most cordial congratulations and most admiring" to the board sailor for her "superb exploit".
Cup sailors wanted
On the 26th September 1983, Australia made history in winning the America's Cup.
After over a century of American superiority, Australia II won the seventh race of a nerve-racking final series against "Liberty." The myth of the America's Cup was broken and after 132 years, Australia II brought the America's Cup home to Australia.
In 2003, twenty years later, the OzBoyz America's Cup Challenge has been established. This campaign is based on the talented Youth of Australia as they will be the major driving force behind the OzBoyz America's Cup Challenge. The significance of the concept and timing of the challenge launches Australian sailing into a new era.
Both male and female participants will be eligible for one of the eighty-three positions within the OzBoyz Challenge team.
The key selection criteria will be based on the foundation rule of the project, which is that 60% of the team must have been born in or after 1983.
The on-line recruitment program signalling the second phase of the OzBoyz Challenge - Australian Syndicate for the 2007 America's Cup commences Wednesday November 5 at www.ozboyzchallenge.com
Champions
'We started with a crew of champions and ended with a champion crew'.
Alan Bond
Stinger Seminar
Stinger expert Eric Mitran will be conducting marine stinger seminars every Wednesday in November at Shingley Beach Resort from 5:30-7:30pm.
You will receive a full hand book, answers to frequently asked questions, quick reference guide and a fact sheet For more information please contact Eric Mitran Phone: 07 4946 1747
Transport issues
Queensland Tourism Industry Council is currently engaged in a constructive, preliminary dialogue with Queensland Transport on the strategic issues of passenger transport from a tourism perspective.
"We are very supportive of the Department considering our industry's needs in setting the priorities for the future. Queensland Transport has extensive responsibilities in regulating transport operators, providing infrastructure, planning, providing subsidies and more" says Liz Stewart of Tourism Whitsunday.
"I am keen to hear from you about the transport issues you consider crucial for the future of tourism in Queensland."
"To prepare a brief summary of the industry's position on transport issues we have solicited the support of Mr Noel Scott from the University of Queensland.
Please forward any issues you may have to Liz Stewart membership@whitsundaytourism.com who will forward this on to QTIC.
Bait Reef row
"Hi Gang, You may have heard me refer to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and their plan to close parts of the Great Barrier Reef, well it has come down to the final round. I haven't wanted to bore you with all the details over the past year but it is now the bottom of the ninth and we are behind on points.
"They are closing many of the reefs I fish but none so important as Bait Reef. This reef is my sole destination for day trips because of its location and distance from Airlie Beach. So, what do I need from you? I need you to take 10 minutes of your time and write a letter or e/mail the Minister who has the final say on the closure of Bait Reef. I have talked to GBRMPA until I was blue in the face but they won't change their small minds. GBRMPA has tunnel vision and I am out numbered.
"It is rare for me to ask for your assistance but this is serious". Thanks Capt Ken Bryant. 4946 5044 marlin@whitsunday.net.au
Yachting Queensland berths
Congratulations to Jenna Madden of Keppel Bay Sailing Club for winning the Yachting Queensland sponsored berth on board the Sail Training Vessel "South Passage".
Jenna is an active sailing member of Keppel Bay and will undertake a voyage from Brisbane to Sydney in January 2004 and then participate in the on water activities on Sydney Harbour for Australia Day.
Congratulations also to Jack Price of Oxley Sailing Club who was awarded with a special Youth Encouragement Awarded sponsored by Whitsunday Marine Academy in Airlie Beach to undertake a 6-day and 6 night voyage.
Both youth sailors are active dinghy sailors and have had limited experience on board large vessels, so this is an exciting opportunity for both of them.
Upstart Bay buoy
Mariners are advised that a west cardinal buoy - Q(9)15s - has been established in approximate position latitude 19° 43.0712' S and longitude 147° 45.2250 E (WGS84 datum) south of Cape Upstart. The buoy marks a submerged rock. Chart affected: AUS 826
Thought for November 5 . . .
Who said "Guy Fawkes was the only man to enter parliament with honest intentions"?
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sub title - How crazy can you get?
French windsurfer Raphaëla Le Gouvello ended her solo adventure from Peru to Tahiti on Sunday.
She had just spent 89 days covering 4,550 nautical miles (8,425 kilometres) unescorted aboard a specially built 7.8-meter (25-foot) long, 1.3-meter (4.3-foot) wide windsurf board.
Ms Le Gouvello received a warm welcome by an armada of small vessels as she arrived in Papeete Harbour, Tahiti on Sunday,
Having left Peru on August 5, she recalled how "I thought of you (the people of Tahiti) because my compass sometimes indicated nonsense. So I returned to the good old Polynesian methods-keep the sun behind your back in the morning, put the sun in front of your nose at night."
The 40-year-old windsurfer was obviously very moved by the welcome she received in Tahiti. She even compared her arrival with that of the first European navigators and explorers of the Pacific, whose events are contained in a book that she carried with her throughout her journey.
"The Polynesians' welcome is something dominating in those accounts," she said. "I'm in a daydream, well beyond my own expectations." And she recalled that when she was a little girl growing up in France, one of her souvenirs were the many memories of the accounts of the "Kon Tiki" balsa raft that Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl and four crewmembers sailed from South America to French Polynesia in 1947. She said that helped inspire her to follow the same, unescorted route across the Pacific.
After Veterinary School, she studied aquaculture. First she crossed the Mediterranean alone on a sailboard between Marseille and Tunisia and then crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a sailboard - the first time by a woman alone.
The president of the French Republic, Jacques Chiral, addressed his "most cordial congratulations and most admiring" to the board sailor for her "superb exploit".
Cup sailors wanted
On the 26th September 1983, Australia made history in winning the America's Cup.
After over a century of American superiority, Australia II won the seventh race of a nerve-racking final series against "Liberty." The myth of the America's Cup was broken and after 132 years, Australia II brought the America's Cup home to Australia.
In 2003, twenty years later, the OzBoyz America's Cup Challenge has been established. This campaign is based on the talented Youth of Australia as they will be the major driving force behind the OzBoyz America's Cup Challenge. The significance of the concept and timing of the challenge launches Australian sailing into a new era.
Both male and female participants will be eligible for one of the eighty-three positions within the OzBoyz Challenge team.
The key selection criteria will be based on the foundation rule of the project, which is that 60% of the team must have been born in or after 1983.
The on-line recruitment program signalling the second phase of the OzBoyz Challenge - Australian Syndicate for the 2007 America's Cup commences Wednesday November 5 at www.ozboyzchallenge.com
Champions
'We started with a crew of champions and ended with a champion crew'.
Alan Bond
Stinger Seminar
Stinger expert Eric Mitran will be conducting marine stinger seminars every Wednesday in November at Shingley Beach Resort from 5:30-7:30pm.
You will receive a full hand book, answers to frequently asked questions, quick reference guide and a fact sheet For more information please contact Eric Mitran Phone: 07 4946 1747
Transport issues
Queensland Tourism Industry Council is currently engaged in a constructive, preliminary dialogue with Queensland Transport on the strategic issues of passenger transport from a tourism perspective.
"We are very supportive of the Department considering our industry's needs in setting the priorities for the future. Queensland Transport has extensive responsibilities in regulating transport operators, providing infrastructure, planning, providing subsidies and more" says Liz Stewart of Tourism Whitsunday.
"I am keen to hear from you about the transport issues you consider crucial for the future of tourism in Queensland."
"To prepare a brief summary of the industry's position on transport issues we have solicited the support of Mr Noel Scott from the University of Queensland.
Please forward any issues you may have to Liz Stewart membership@whitsundaytourism.com who will forward this on to QTIC.
Bait Reef row
"Hi Gang, You may have heard me refer to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and their plan to close parts of the Great Barrier Reef, well it has come down to the final round. I haven't wanted to bore you with all the details over the past year but it is now the bottom of the ninth and we are behind on points.
"They are closing many of the reefs I fish but none so important as Bait Reef. This reef is my sole destination for day trips because of its location and distance from Airlie Beach. So, what do I need from you? I need you to take 10 minutes of your time and write a letter or e/mail the Minister who has the final say on the closure of Bait Reef. I have talked to GBRMPA until I was blue in the face but they won't change their small minds. GBRMPA has tunnel vision and I am out numbered.
"It is rare for me to ask for your assistance but this is serious". Thanks Capt Ken Bryant. 4946 5044 marlin@whitsunday.net.au
Yachting Queensland berths
Congratulations to Jenna Madden of Keppel Bay Sailing Club for winning the Yachting Queensland sponsored berth on board the Sail Training Vessel "South Passage".
Jenna is an active sailing member of Keppel Bay and will undertake a voyage from Brisbane to Sydney in January 2004 and then participate in the on water activities on Sydney Harbour for Australia Day.
Congratulations also to Jack Price of Oxley Sailing Club who was awarded with a special Youth Encouragement Awarded sponsored by Whitsunday Marine Academy in Airlie Beach to undertake a 6-day and 6 night voyage.
Both youth sailors are active dinghy sailors and have had limited experience on board large vessels, so this is an exciting opportunity for both of them.
Upstart Bay buoy
Mariners are advised that a west cardinal buoy - Q(9)15s - has been established in approximate position latitude 19° 43.0712' S and longitude 147° 45.2250 E (WGS84 datum) south of Cape Upstart. The buoy marks a submerged rock. Chart affected: AUS 826
Thought for November 5 . . .
Who said "Guy Fawkes was the only man to enter parliament with honest intentions"?
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sunday, November 02, 2003
Boating billion$ brings jobs & safety
Queensland will play a major role in national marine affairs, with the appointment of boating identity, Barry Jenkins, as Vice President of the Australian Marine Industries Federation, the nation's peak marine industry body.
Mr Jenkins said the Australian marine industry made a significant contribution to the national economy, with an annual turnover of $8 billion, including $3 billion in exports.
"The Queensland boating industry plays a major role in this national effort and it's vital that we have a place at the table when national marine issues are discussed," Mr Jenkins said.
Mr Jenkins said AMIF's priorities included encouragement of consistent policy and regulations among various national and state jurisdictions; improvement of boating facilities throughout Australia; career training and development pathways within the industry; and the introduction of consistent environmental management standards and best practice methodologies.
"It is our intention to build on the sound level of success achieved over the last decade in both domestic and international trade and place a greater emphasis on boating safety and environmental management throughout the nation," Mr Jenkins said.
"As far as industry development is concerned, AMIF will work with superyacht, shipbuilding and marina bodies to pursue much closer relations with local, state and federal agencies."
Text to the rescue
Three men rescued from the hull of a capsized boat were saved after one of the sailors sent an electronic text message to his father using a pager.
Caught in what the British Coastguard described as rough seas and gusts up to 45 knots, the men used mobile phone, VHF radio and an EPIRB to call for help.
However, it wasn't until the Coastguard received a call from one man's father - calling from his home, near Southampton - that their position was confirmed.
His son had sent him a text message that he passed onto the Coastguard. A helicopter was dispatched and the men were plucked to safety.
A Coastguard officer said text messaging could often make it through when coverage is patchy. The Coastguard has been alerted to marine incidents a number of times by text messages.
Shark fears man infested waters
Someone in Hollywood is already contemplating a movie treatment 'Jaws Surrenders' about Captain Sigurdur Petursson, "known to locals as "the Iceman", he ran into the shallow water and grabbed a 660-pound shark by its tail, dragged it to dry land and killed it with his knife."
With his bare hands! For those not aware, a shark's skin has very sharp scales that can slice up a hand if slid the wrong way.
The skipper of the trawler 'Erik the Red' was on a beach in east Greenland, watching his crew processing a catch when he saw the shark swimming toward the fish blood and guts -- and his crew.
Is this Icelandic fishing captain tough enough to replace Arnold as the Terminator? Does he have a future in politics? He probably has a really cool accent too...
Meanwhile, Animal protection group Shark Friends is expected to mount a campaign against Captain Petursson for murder, deprivation of liberty, fishing with a knife, infringing Workplace Health and Safety laws.
A Boat out of Hell
Since Halloween is coming up at the end of this week, a few titbits caught me eye.
Sounds like a fair trade: blood for beer. United Blood Services of Durango, Colo., held an unusual blood drive this week.
Donors got a free pint of beer for a pint of blood. Four breweries took part in the promotion.
People from the blood bank got into the spirit of the season, by dressing in Halloween costumes including vampires
In the United States, 86 percent of Americans decorate their homes and about 8 percent of pet owners dress their pets in costumes for Halloween.
The early Celtic calendar began on November 1st each year, celebrated with the festival of Samain, when ghosts and demons roamed the earth. This was later instituted in 835 AD as All Saints' Day, or as we know it now, Halloween.
A Boat out of Hell. A scarily sexy evening of funky Frankensteins, demonic divas and terrifying tunes will happen aboard the Thames cruiser Royal Princess. While the Vancouver Aquarium Halloween Boat Cruise should warm the frozen Yanks.
EPIRB facts
The pilot of a de Havilland Beaver floatplane, registered VH-AQV, was conducting a charter positioning flight from Hamilton Island Marina to Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island. At approximately 1615 Eastern Standard Time (EST), the pilot was landing the aircraft towards the south, about 600 m off the beach, to avoid mechanical turbulence associated with terrain at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. He reported that the approach and flare were normal, however, as the aircraft touched down on the right float, the aircraft swung sharply right and then sharply left. The left wing contacted the water, and the aircraft overturned. The pilot exited the upturned aircraft through the left rear passenger door and activated a 121.5 MHz distress beacon.
The pilot cancelled SARWATCH prior to landing, as there was no Very High Frequency (VHF) radio coverage once the aircraft was on the water. After the aircraft had overturned, the pilot had no means of communication, other than the distress beacon. The passengers waiting on the beach had no means of communication with either the pilot or the company. When the company did not receive a departure radio report from the pilot, another company aircraft diverted to the area and located the overturned aircraft. The pilot was rescued from the aircraft by a company helicopter approximately 2 hours after the accident.
At 1637 EST, Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) identified an extremely poor quality distress beacon signal located 94 km south of Mackay (194 km south of Whitehaven Beach). The detected signal was of poor quality, most likely because of the position of the satellite relative to the beacon. Another satellite in a better position acquired a signal at 1753 EST, which was determined to originate from a position 31 km northwest of Mackay (74 km south of Whitehaven Beach). AusSAR reported that they did not have a high level of confidence in the location identified, because contact with the beacon signal was only maintained for approximately 100 seconds. AusSAR dispatched a search helicopter from Mackay however the helicopter was not able to detect the signal. AusSAR was not able to conclusively establish that the two distress beacon signals identified in the Mackay area were associated with the activated beacon at Whitehaven Beach.
Extract from an Australian Transport Safety Board Report issued this week.
Piracy soars
Piracy against the world's shipping surged in the first half of this year, with a record 234 attacks reported and violence against seafarers escalating, International Maritime Bureau reports. Again, waters off Indonesia were the most dangerous as the number of incidents in which firearms were used rose.
The IMB Report, Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships, showed a rising toll of dead and injured seamen A total of 16 seafarers were killed in piratical attacks during the period, 20 were reported missing, and 52 were injured. Numbers taken hostage more than doubled to 193.
IMB Director Captain Pottengal Mukundan said: "Levels of violence have increased significantly." He instanced as typical incidents the fatal shooting in the head of a ship's officer on board a tanker off Santos, and the abduction of crew for ransom off Nigeria where their vessel was run aground.
Pirate fired a hail of bullets from automatic weapons at a chemical tanker off Indonesia in an attempt to force it to stop. A ship's engineer was hit and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
The highest number of attacks was recorded off Indonesia, which accounted for more than one quarter of the world total with 64 incidents. These included 43 ships boarded, four hijacked and attempted attacks on a further 17 ships. The IMB said there are no signs of a reduction in attacks, and no improvement could be expected until Indonesia took serious steps to tackle piracy in its waters.
Among other piracy-prone areas, attacks doubled off Bangladesh where the number of attacks doubled to 23. Nigeria and India, with 18 attacks each, occupy third place in the table.
Weather talk
"Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it."Mark Twain
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Queensland will play a major role in national marine affairs, with the appointment of boating identity, Barry Jenkins, as Vice President of the Australian Marine Industries Federation, the nation's peak marine industry body.
Mr Jenkins said the Australian marine industry made a significant contribution to the national economy, with an annual turnover of $8 billion, including $3 billion in exports.
"The Queensland boating industry plays a major role in this national effort and it's vital that we have a place at the table when national marine issues are discussed," Mr Jenkins said.
Mr Jenkins said AMIF's priorities included encouragement of consistent policy and regulations among various national and state jurisdictions; improvement of boating facilities throughout Australia; career training and development pathways within the industry; and the introduction of consistent environmental management standards and best practice methodologies.
"It is our intention to build on the sound level of success achieved over the last decade in both domestic and international trade and place a greater emphasis on boating safety and environmental management throughout the nation," Mr Jenkins said.
"As far as industry development is concerned, AMIF will work with superyacht, shipbuilding and marina bodies to pursue much closer relations with local, state and federal agencies."
Text to the rescue
Three men rescued from the hull of a capsized boat were saved after one of the sailors sent an electronic text message to his father using a pager.
Caught in what the British Coastguard described as rough seas and gusts up to 45 knots, the men used mobile phone, VHF radio and an EPIRB to call for help.
However, it wasn't until the Coastguard received a call from one man's father - calling from his home, near Southampton - that their position was confirmed.
His son had sent him a text message that he passed onto the Coastguard. A helicopter was dispatched and the men were plucked to safety.
A Coastguard officer said text messaging could often make it through when coverage is patchy. The Coastguard has been alerted to marine incidents a number of times by text messages.
Shark fears man infested waters
Someone in Hollywood is already contemplating a movie treatment 'Jaws Surrenders' about Captain Sigurdur Petursson, "known to locals as "the Iceman", he ran into the shallow water and grabbed a 660-pound shark by its tail, dragged it to dry land and killed it with his knife."
With his bare hands! For those not aware, a shark's skin has very sharp scales that can slice up a hand if slid the wrong way.
The skipper of the trawler 'Erik the Red' was on a beach in east Greenland, watching his crew processing a catch when he saw the shark swimming toward the fish blood and guts -- and his crew.
Is this Icelandic fishing captain tough enough to replace Arnold as the Terminator? Does he have a future in politics? He probably has a really cool accent too...
Meanwhile, Animal protection group Shark Friends is expected to mount a campaign against Captain Petursson for murder, deprivation of liberty, fishing with a knife, infringing Workplace Health and Safety laws.
A Boat out of Hell
Since Halloween is coming up at the end of this week, a few titbits caught me eye.
Sounds like a fair trade: blood for beer. United Blood Services of Durango, Colo., held an unusual blood drive this week.
Donors got a free pint of beer for a pint of blood. Four breweries took part in the promotion.
People from the blood bank got into the spirit of the season, by dressing in Halloween costumes including vampires
In the United States, 86 percent of Americans decorate their homes and about 8 percent of pet owners dress their pets in costumes for Halloween.
The early Celtic calendar began on November 1st each year, celebrated with the festival of Samain, when ghosts and demons roamed the earth. This was later instituted in 835 AD as All Saints' Day, or as we know it now, Halloween.
A Boat out of Hell. A scarily sexy evening of funky Frankensteins, demonic divas and terrifying tunes will happen aboard the Thames cruiser Royal Princess. While the Vancouver Aquarium Halloween Boat Cruise should warm the frozen Yanks.
EPIRB facts
The pilot of a de Havilland Beaver floatplane, registered VH-AQV, was conducting a charter positioning flight from Hamilton Island Marina to Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island. At approximately 1615 Eastern Standard Time (EST), the pilot was landing the aircraft towards the south, about 600 m off the beach, to avoid mechanical turbulence associated with terrain at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. He reported that the approach and flare were normal, however, as the aircraft touched down on the right float, the aircraft swung sharply right and then sharply left. The left wing contacted the water, and the aircraft overturned. The pilot exited the upturned aircraft through the left rear passenger door and activated a 121.5 MHz distress beacon.
The pilot cancelled SARWATCH prior to landing, as there was no Very High Frequency (VHF) radio coverage once the aircraft was on the water. After the aircraft had overturned, the pilot had no means of communication, other than the distress beacon. The passengers waiting on the beach had no means of communication with either the pilot or the company. When the company did not receive a departure radio report from the pilot, another company aircraft diverted to the area and located the overturned aircraft. The pilot was rescued from the aircraft by a company helicopter approximately 2 hours after the accident.
At 1637 EST, Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) identified an extremely poor quality distress beacon signal located 94 km south of Mackay (194 km south of Whitehaven Beach). The detected signal was of poor quality, most likely because of the position of the satellite relative to the beacon. Another satellite in a better position acquired a signal at 1753 EST, which was determined to originate from a position 31 km northwest of Mackay (74 km south of Whitehaven Beach). AusSAR reported that they did not have a high level of confidence in the location identified, because contact with the beacon signal was only maintained for approximately 100 seconds. AusSAR dispatched a search helicopter from Mackay however the helicopter was not able to detect the signal. AusSAR was not able to conclusively establish that the two distress beacon signals identified in the Mackay area were associated with the activated beacon at Whitehaven Beach.
Extract from an Australian Transport Safety Board Report issued this week.
Piracy soars
Piracy against the world's shipping surged in the first half of this year, with a record 234 attacks reported and violence against seafarers escalating, International Maritime Bureau reports. Again, waters off Indonesia were the most dangerous as the number of incidents in which firearms were used rose.
The IMB Report, Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships, showed a rising toll of dead and injured seamen A total of 16 seafarers were killed in piratical attacks during the period, 20 were reported missing, and 52 were injured. Numbers taken hostage more than doubled to 193.
IMB Director Captain Pottengal Mukundan said: "Levels of violence have increased significantly." He instanced as typical incidents the fatal shooting in the head of a ship's officer on board a tanker off Santos, and the abduction of crew for ransom off Nigeria where their vessel was run aground.
Pirate fired a hail of bullets from automatic weapons at a chemical tanker off Indonesia in an attempt to force it to stop. A ship's engineer was hit and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
The highest number of attacks was recorded off Indonesia, which accounted for more than one quarter of the world total with 64 incidents. These included 43 ships boarded, four hijacked and attempted attacks on a further 17 ships. The IMB said there are no signs of a reduction in attacks, and no improvement could be expected until Indonesia took serious steps to tackle piracy in its waters.
Among other piracy-prone areas, attacks doubled off Bangladesh where the number of attacks doubled to 23. Nigeria and India, with 18 attacks each, occupy third place in the table.
Weather talk
"Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it."Mark Twain
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, October 27, 2003
Boating industry action on plastic bags
The Australian boating industry is doing its bit to remove plastic bags from the environment.
The peak national boating body, Australian Marine Industries Federation, this week moved to eliminate plastic bags at all its affiliated boat shows.
Meanwhile, the Boating Industry Association of Queensland has gone one step further to have members cease using plastic bags at retail outlets.
This would include boat and outboard showrooms, tackle outlets, chandleries, marinas and yacht brokerages.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said plastic bags were particularly damaging in the marine environment and the boating industry had decided to lead by example.
"The industry has welcomed biodegradable bait bags and we want to discourage use of plastic bags within the industry, apart from those that do break down in the environment," Mr Hibberd said.
Mr Hibberd said plastic was not only destructive to marine life, but also damaged marine engines when sucked into water intakes.
"This can be life threatening if it occurs when boats are negotiating tricky water, such as dangerous surf bar crossings," Mr Hibberd said.
Now if we could just make sure all the replacement bags were made of sugar cane by-product.
Important if true
Back in the nineteenth century, when news spread primarily by word of mouth and was often difficult to verify in a timely manner, newspapers used to print gossip and rumours under the heading "Important if true" -- because some of the stories might very well have been true, and if they were true, they were important news.
The same phenomenon now takes place in a slightly different form: Internet users receive all manner of obvious hoaxes and jokes but forward them along as if they were real news, because they might be true, and if they are true, they're important.
Lizard no go boom in Bangkok
Bangkok police searched the men's room of Thailand's Parliament after an anonymous phoned bomb threat. Officers found a box they thought to contain a bomb, but contented an abandoned monitor lizard.
"Monitor lizard fails to explode in MPs' toilet," the Bangkok Post reported in its front-page headline.
First 'Sparks'
The first maritime radio operator or 'sparks' was inventor Marconi himself. He was returning to England on the American Line SS St Paul, after a trip to New York.
He had attended an international yacht race, as a way of promoting his invention by transmitting the race results to the press, by radio.
Marconi set up a station on board the SS St Paul and was able to contact a land station at the Needles, on 15 November 1899, whilst still 66 miles out.
An amazing result at that time!
This led to the first formal installation of a `ships station' on the SS Lake Champlain in 1901, followed by others such as the Lucania and the SS Philadelphia.
The first Radio Officers were telegraphists, who added `radio' to their skills, but soon Marconi set up training schools.
Bond Deed cheap
On Sunday, Charles Leski Auctions sold the deed between America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd, Advance Australia America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd and Ben Lexcen for $850 to a telephone bidder.
Pirates cop euro fine
In England, new powers of arrest were introduced on the 18th of September in an attempt to combat pirate radio stations.
Police, working with Radiocommunication Agency investigators, will now be able to arrest a pirate broadcaster or anybody suspected of supporting or facilitating illegal broadcasting.
UK Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "These new powers will be an important weapon in the campaign against pirate broadcasters. By interfering with communications services which are vital for public safety, pirates can put lives at risk".
Pirates detained under these new powers could face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison. For other transmitting offences such as unlicensed use of business, marine, or amateur radio the maximum penalty is a 5000-euro fine and / or 6 months in prison plus forfeiture.
Light unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy Q(6)+LFl 15s in approximate position Latitude 21°00.6804' S and Longitude 149°11.0796' E (datum WGS84) which is approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts Affected: AUS 249, 823
Drum beat
"If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum."
Chinese Proverb
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Australian boating industry is doing its bit to remove plastic bags from the environment.
The peak national boating body, Australian Marine Industries Federation, this week moved to eliminate plastic bags at all its affiliated boat shows.
Meanwhile, the Boating Industry Association of Queensland has gone one step further to have members cease using plastic bags at retail outlets.
This would include boat and outboard showrooms, tackle outlets, chandleries, marinas and yacht brokerages.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said plastic bags were particularly damaging in the marine environment and the boating industry had decided to lead by example.
"The industry has welcomed biodegradable bait bags and we want to discourage use of plastic bags within the industry, apart from those that do break down in the environment," Mr Hibberd said.
Mr Hibberd said plastic was not only destructive to marine life, but also damaged marine engines when sucked into water intakes.
"This can be life threatening if it occurs when boats are negotiating tricky water, such as dangerous surf bar crossings," Mr Hibberd said.
Now if we could just make sure all the replacement bags were made of sugar cane by-product.
Important if true
Back in the nineteenth century, when news spread primarily by word of mouth and was often difficult to verify in a timely manner, newspapers used to print gossip and rumours under the heading "Important if true" -- because some of the stories might very well have been true, and if they were true, they were important news.
The same phenomenon now takes place in a slightly different form: Internet users receive all manner of obvious hoaxes and jokes but forward them along as if they were real news, because they might be true, and if they are true, they're important.
Lizard no go boom in Bangkok
Bangkok police searched the men's room of Thailand's Parliament after an anonymous phoned bomb threat. Officers found a box they thought to contain a bomb, but contented an abandoned monitor lizard.
"Monitor lizard fails to explode in MPs' toilet," the Bangkok Post reported in its front-page headline.
First 'Sparks'
The first maritime radio operator or 'sparks' was inventor Marconi himself. He was returning to England on the American Line SS St Paul, after a trip to New York.
He had attended an international yacht race, as a way of promoting his invention by transmitting the race results to the press, by radio.
Marconi set up a station on board the SS St Paul and was able to contact a land station at the Needles, on 15 November 1899, whilst still 66 miles out.
An amazing result at that time!
This led to the first formal installation of a `ships station' on the SS Lake Champlain in 1901, followed by others such as the Lucania and the SS Philadelphia.
The first Radio Officers were telegraphists, who added `radio' to their skills, but soon Marconi set up training schools.
Bond Deed cheap
On Sunday, Charles Leski Auctions sold the deed between America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd, Advance Australia America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd and Ben Lexcen for $850 to a telephone bidder.
Pirates cop euro fine
In England, new powers of arrest were introduced on the 18th of September in an attempt to combat pirate radio stations.
Police, working with Radiocommunication Agency investigators, will now be able to arrest a pirate broadcaster or anybody suspected of supporting or facilitating illegal broadcasting.
UK Communications Minister Stephen Timms said: "These new powers will be an important weapon in the campaign against pirate broadcasters. By interfering with communications services which are vital for public safety, pirates can put lives at risk".
Pirates detained under these new powers could face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison. For other transmitting offences such as unlicensed use of business, marine, or amateur radio the maximum penalty is a 5000-euro fine and / or 6 months in prison plus forfeiture.
Light unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark buoy Q(6)+LFl 15s in approximate position Latitude 21°00.6804' S and Longitude 149°11.0796' E (datum WGS84) which is approximately 1.5 nautical miles north-east of Eimeo Creek has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts Affected: AUS 249, 823
Drum beat
"If thine enemy wrong thee, buy each of his children a drum."
Chinese Proverb
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
National Champs to sail in Bowen
Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club is delighted to have been awarded the privilege of hosting the 40th National Sabot Championships commencing on the 28th December 2003 and running through until 7th January 2004.
The Sabot class sailing dinghy is the premier junior class in Australia. An Invitation is extended to all Sabot sailors and their families to attend this exciting event.
Bowen with its beautiful bays, unspoiled beaches and historical township will offer sailing as only the tropical north can.
The Port Denison Sailing Club was formed on 1st January, 1864, establishing it as the second oldest sailing club in Australia. Early fleets comprised all manner of vessels however by the early 1900's the 18 footers had become dominant soon to be followed by the Sixteens.
The need to encourage juniors into the sailing fleet brought about the introduction of the Sabot, with the first of the class hitting the water in June 1953 and the first recorded Sabot race taking place on the opening day of the 1953/54 sailing season.
The Port Denison Sailing Club has produced National Champions in both the senior and junior fleets. PDSC previously hosted the National Sabot Championships in 1985/86.
It's Official: Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show
The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach has renamed their successful June boat show. Oceanic have once again agreed to sponsor the 2004 show and it should be officially referred to as the 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show'.
The Fastest Monohull in The World
The Mari Cha IV team have sailed into the record books by capturing two of world sailing's most historic and prestigious records - the West to East transatlantic record and the 24-hour distance record.
At 10:32:20 UTC on Thursday 9th October, Mari Cha IV sailed past Lizard Point, Cornwall, to complete their 2,925 mile crossing in 6 days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds, beating the existing transatlantic record by over two days and making them the first monohull ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean in under seven days. The previous record, held by Switzerland's Bernard Stamm aboard Armor-Lux, stood at 8 days, 20 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds and was set in February 2001.
The Mari Cha team had already made sailing history during the transatlantic crossing when they smashed the 24 hour distance record on Tuesday 7th October, sailing 525.5 nautical miles in a 24 hour period *. They beat the previous record of 484 nautical miles set by John Kostecki's Illbruck in April 2002, becoming the first monohull to ever sail over 500 miles in a day.
I made it!
Early on the morning of October 9, Maud Fontenoy set foot on Spanish soil. The last time she touched land was 117 days ago in Canada on June 13. Maud is the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean West to East.
She has been drinking seawater, fought off sharks, and tumbled in 30 feet waves. Only a week ago she was caught up going in endless circles in the North Atlantic. Cargo ships brushed pass her like giant, frightening ghosts in the night.
The French rower set out from St. Pierre et Miquelon, a French island off Newfoundland, Canada on June 13 in an attempt to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic West to East.
That's BIG!
An officer aboard the US navy tanker USS Ramapo recorded one of the largest waves ever encountered on 7 February 1933 while on a voyage from Manila to San Diego. This wave was estimated to be 33.5 meters in height.
Bond's deed
A deed signed on November 30, 1981 between America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd (Alan Bond), Advance Australia America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd and Ben Lexcen is to be auctioned as Lot 430 by Charles Leski Auctions, Melbourne on Sunday. The 9-page document is expected to sell for $1000 - $2000. Three copies of the document were found by Chris Roberts, a carpenter, when demolishing a Melbourne kitchen. The owner of the house told him to throw them out as they belonged to the previous owner. Chris threw two copies out but kept one.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club is delighted to have been awarded the privilege of hosting the 40th National Sabot Championships commencing on the 28th December 2003 and running through until 7th January 2004.
The Sabot class sailing dinghy is the premier junior class in Australia. An Invitation is extended to all Sabot sailors and their families to attend this exciting event.
Bowen with its beautiful bays, unspoiled beaches and historical township will offer sailing as only the tropical north can.
The Port Denison Sailing Club was formed on 1st January, 1864, establishing it as the second oldest sailing club in Australia. Early fleets comprised all manner of vessels however by the early 1900's the 18 footers had become dominant soon to be followed by the Sixteens.
The need to encourage juniors into the sailing fleet brought about the introduction of the Sabot, with the first of the class hitting the water in June 1953 and the first recorded Sabot race taking place on the opening day of the 1953/54 sailing season.
The Port Denison Sailing Club has produced National Champions in both the senior and junior fleets. PDSC previously hosted the National Sabot Championships in 1985/86.
It's Official: Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show
The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach has renamed their successful June boat show. Oceanic have once again agreed to sponsor the 2004 show and it should be officially referred to as the 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show'.
The Fastest Monohull in The World
The Mari Cha IV team have sailed into the record books by capturing two of world sailing's most historic and prestigious records - the West to East transatlantic record and the 24-hour distance record.
At 10:32:20 UTC on Thursday 9th October, Mari Cha IV sailed past Lizard Point, Cornwall, to complete their 2,925 mile crossing in 6 days, 17 hours, 52 minutes and 39 seconds, beating the existing transatlantic record by over two days and making them the first monohull ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean in under seven days. The previous record, held by Switzerland's Bernard Stamm aboard Armor-Lux, stood at 8 days, 20 hours, 55 minutes and 35 seconds and was set in February 2001.
The Mari Cha team had already made sailing history during the transatlantic crossing when they smashed the 24 hour distance record on Tuesday 7th October, sailing 525.5 nautical miles in a 24 hour period *. They beat the previous record of 484 nautical miles set by John Kostecki's Illbruck in April 2002, becoming the first monohull to ever sail over 500 miles in a day.
I made it!
Early on the morning of October 9, Maud Fontenoy set foot on Spanish soil. The last time she touched land was 117 days ago in Canada on June 13. Maud is the first woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean West to East.
She has been drinking seawater, fought off sharks, and tumbled in 30 feet waves. Only a week ago she was caught up going in endless circles in the North Atlantic. Cargo ships brushed pass her like giant, frightening ghosts in the night.
The French rower set out from St. Pierre et Miquelon, a French island off Newfoundland, Canada on June 13 in an attempt to become the first woman to row across the Atlantic West to East.
That's BIG!
An officer aboard the US navy tanker USS Ramapo recorded one of the largest waves ever encountered on 7 February 1933 while on a voyage from Manila to San Diego. This wave was estimated to be 33.5 meters in height.
Bond's deed
A deed signed on November 30, 1981 between America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd (Alan Bond), Advance Australia America's Cup Challenge 1983 Ltd and Ben Lexcen is to be auctioned as Lot 430 by Charles Leski Auctions, Melbourne on Sunday. The 9-page document is expected to sell for $1000 - $2000. Three copies of the document were found by Chris Roberts, a carpenter, when demolishing a Melbourne kitchen. The owner of the house told him to throw them out as they belonged to the previous owner. Chris threw two copies out but kept one.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, October 13, 2003
Traditional sailors to steer for Rotary Boat Show
There are plans afoot to have traditional sailors and their beautiful sailing ships join in with Rotary at the annual Airlie Beach Boat Show next June.
The Whitsundays has many sailing ships that fit the bill with owners and crew happy to promote our sailing area. Visitors could enjoy a sail on a traditional ship as part of their boat show experience.
In July, a superb fleet of traditional boats sailed a course from Airlie around Langford Reef and return. We sailed in the finest trade wind conditions the Whitsundays can provide, the sun making up for the salt spray across the decks in the boisterous seas.
The Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy was awarded to the newest addition to the fleet of traditional sailing ships; the beautiful timber 1961 built Alden ketch 'Enid' and proud owner Leo Rodriguez.
Not a race, but a regatta, the gaffer fleet featured Providence V, Windjammer, Derwent Hunter, Atlanta, pearling lugger Ise Pearl and the Atkins design gaff cutter Pequot.
Southern Cross attended from Bowen and visitor Centurion peeled off at Stonehaven for a leisurely lunch.
Everyone agreed it was a fantastic day on the water. Over a couple of rums afterward, it was thought that this kind of traditional theme, timber, tallship and gaffer fleet should meet again, perhaps as part of the Rotary Boat Show. It would show visitors and sailors alike that there was life before plastic boats and that it still takes sailors of steel to sail timber ships with traditional rigs.
Other fine local ships include the century-old Solway Lass, Coral Trekker, and usual visitors such as Gypsy Pearl. A new group is being formed to steer a course for the boat show and all are invited to join Traditional Ships with information on 4948 0980 or tradships@hotmail.com
Boating boosted
A profile of the Queensland boating industry provided by the Boating Industry Association has some interesting aspects.
Small employers who employ five staff or fewer make up 52.5 per cent of the industry with bigger shows who employ over 50 at 6.1 per cent.
Turnover figures show 34.5 per cent have a turnover of $1million or less, 53.3 per cent have a turnover between $1million and $20 million and 4.5 per cent have a turnover of more than $20 million
Value of overseas exports is around $200 million in the past financial year (approximately 12 per cent of total turnover). This represents almost double the 2001 figure of $110 million. Interstate sales are around $370 million, up from $230 million two years ago.
Perceptions of how the 2002/3 financial year compared with 2001/2 say 70 per cent indicated increase in turnover; 60 per cent indicated increased profitability; 40 per cent increased staffing levels; 25 per cent indicated increased exports; 50 per cent indicated increased levels of investment; 66 per cent indicated increased numbers of customers and transactions.
Boat registrations in 1993 recorded 112,014 registered boats, compared with 175,659 in mid 2003, up 63,663 vessels or 56.8 per cent.
While over the same period the overall population of Queensland increased by more than 700,000 people to 3.8 million, up 23 per cent on the 1993 figure.
No dopes in boats
Cannabinoids such as hashish and marijuana are to become prohibited for all sailing events. In previous years, cannabinoids have only been banned for the Olympic Regatta.
Following the release of the World Anti-Doping Code - 2004 Prohibited List of Substances and Methods, due to become effective from January 1st 2004, the International Sailing Federation announced its relevance to the sport of sailing.
The addition of Cannabinoids to the Prohibited List has been on the initiative of several organisations, the IOC and some countries, including the USA and France.
All sailors must be aware that this substance will now be tested for and that they may face the possibility of being tested un-announced.
Cannabinoids are however, classed as a "specified substance", which means that it is considered to be less likely to be successfully abused as a doping agent intended to enhance sport performance.
Please keep up to date with the contents of the medical pages www.sailing.org/medical.
Believe anything?
"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible."
Playwright Oscar Wilde
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
There are plans afoot to have traditional sailors and their beautiful sailing ships join in with Rotary at the annual Airlie Beach Boat Show next June.
The Whitsundays has many sailing ships that fit the bill with owners and crew happy to promote our sailing area. Visitors could enjoy a sail on a traditional ship as part of their boat show experience.
In July, a superb fleet of traditional boats sailed a course from Airlie around Langford Reef and return. We sailed in the finest trade wind conditions the Whitsundays can provide, the sun making up for the salt spray across the decks in the boisterous seas.
The Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy was awarded to the newest addition to the fleet of traditional sailing ships; the beautiful timber 1961 built Alden ketch 'Enid' and proud owner Leo Rodriguez.
Not a race, but a regatta, the gaffer fleet featured Providence V, Windjammer, Derwent Hunter, Atlanta, pearling lugger Ise Pearl and the Atkins design gaff cutter Pequot.
Southern Cross attended from Bowen and visitor Centurion peeled off at Stonehaven for a leisurely lunch.
Everyone agreed it was a fantastic day on the water. Over a couple of rums afterward, it was thought that this kind of traditional theme, timber, tallship and gaffer fleet should meet again, perhaps as part of the Rotary Boat Show. It would show visitors and sailors alike that there was life before plastic boats and that it still takes sailors of steel to sail timber ships with traditional rigs.
Other fine local ships include the century-old Solway Lass, Coral Trekker, and usual visitors such as Gypsy Pearl. A new group is being formed to steer a course for the boat show and all are invited to join Traditional Ships with information on 4948 0980 or tradships@hotmail.com
Boating boosted
A profile of the Queensland boating industry provided by the Boating Industry Association has some interesting aspects.
Small employers who employ five staff or fewer make up 52.5 per cent of the industry with bigger shows who employ over 50 at 6.1 per cent.
Turnover figures show 34.5 per cent have a turnover of $1million or less, 53.3 per cent have a turnover between $1million and $20 million and 4.5 per cent have a turnover of more than $20 million
Value of overseas exports is around $200 million in the past financial year (approximately 12 per cent of total turnover). This represents almost double the 2001 figure of $110 million. Interstate sales are around $370 million, up from $230 million two years ago.
Perceptions of how the 2002/3 financial year compared with 2001/2 say 70 per cent indicated increase in turnover; 60 per cent indicated increased profitability; 40 per cent increased staffing levels; 25 per cent indicated increased exports; 50 per cent indicated increased levels of investment; 66 per cent indicated increased numbers of customers and transactions.
Boat registrations in 1993 recorded 112,014 registered boats, compared with 175,659 in mid 2003, up 63,663 vessels or 56.8 per cent.
While over the same period the overall population of Queensland increased by more than 700,000 people to 3.8 million, up 23 per cent on the 1993 figure.
No dopes in boats
Cannabinoids such as hashish and marijuana are to become prohibited for all sailing events. In previous years, cannabinoids have only been banned for the Olympic Regatta.
Following the release of the World Anti-Doping Code - 2004 Prohibited List of Substances and Methods, due to become effective from January 1st 2004, the International Sailing Federation announced its relevance to the sport of sailing.
The addition of Cannabinoids to the Prohibited List has been on the initiative of several organisations, the IOC and some countries, including the USA and France.
All sailors must be aware that this substance will now be tested for and that they may face the possibility of being tested un-announced.
Cannabinoids are however, classed as a "specified substance", which means that it is considered to be less likely to be successfully abused as a doping agent intended to enhance sport performance.
Please keep up to date with the contents of the medical pages www.sailing.org/medical.
Believe anything?
"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible."
Playwright Oscar Wilde
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Tropical race one mile longer than Sydney-Hobart
The 2004 AMOC Barrier Reef Series promises 631 miles of Tropical Sailing Fun sailing up the coast of Queensland.
The Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland invites entries to one of Australia's most exciting and innovative yachting events: The Barrier Reef Series is set to become the leading event in Australian yachting with an expanded course that will take the race from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.
In conjunction with the Australian Multihull Offshore Championship, a five race Trailable Multihull Regatta will be held with one race at each venue of the Series. The combined fleet will share the starting line and the first leg of each race before separating with the trailables completing a shortened course and transporting their boats to the next venue.
There will be festivities at each port of call culminating with a line honours trophy presentation at Airlie Beach.
The 2004 AMOC Barrier Reef Series will consist of five races starting in Brisbane and ending in Airlie Beach.
*Good Friday 9th April - Race 1 - Brisbane to Gladstone approx 315 nm
*Monday 12th - Race 2 - Gladstone to Keppel Bay approx 69 nm
*Tuesday 13th - Race 3 - Keppel Bay to Mackay approx 173 nm
*Thursday 15th - Lay Day
*Friday 16th - Race 4 Mackay to Hamilton Is approx 53 nm
*Saturday 17th - Race 5 Hamilton Is to Airlie Beach 21 nm
One race will be dropped in the final point score allowing entrants to join the race at Gladstone if they wish. Yachts may enter any number of races and are encouraged to join the fleet at any stage of the event.
All eligible Multihull yachts must comply with Queensland Safety Regulations and the provisions of the current MYCQ Sailors Handbook. Skippers and crews must abide by the International Collision Regulations.
Visit the MYCQ website at www.mycq.org.au for an entry form or for more information.
Boats booming: survey
A new survey of the Queensland boating industry has benchmarked dramatic expansion over the past two years.
The Department of State Development/Boating Industry Association of Queensland survey quantified expansion in areas of employment, turnover, interstate sales, exports and registration.
*Key measures in the survey say the industry employs 6,000/7,000 people (up 4.7 percent) - 70 percent of them full time (up 3.9 per cent)
*Total industry turnover is between $1.2 and $1.3 billion (up 10.5 percent)
*Interstate sales are $370 million (up 60.8 per cent)
*Overseas exports are $200 million (up 80.7 per cent)
*Mid 1993 to mid 2003 has shown an increase of 63,663 vessels registered in Queensland (up 56.8 per cent) to 175,659. Boat registrations are growing at more than twice the rate of state population growth.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said export was an outstanding indicator with overseas exports up 80.7 per cent and interstate "exports" up 60.8 per cent.
"Apart from being good for the local economy, it is an enormous pat on the back for Queensland manufacturers, and is recognition that the local product is well accepted on the national and international market and can compete with worldwide competition," Mr Hibberd said.
He said the report also indicated a positive industry attitude towards profitability, staffing, investment and transactions - all good signs for the future.
"The relationship between Queensland's population growth and boat registrations is interesting and very encouraging - with boat ownership (56.8 per cent) growing at more than twice the rate of population growth (23 per cent) over the past decade.
"If the interest in boating is maintained at its current rate, there will be a huge demand for marine products and services by the time the Queensland population hits the predicted five million mark in about 20 years' time," he said.
Fathom cubits?
Early systems of measurement used body parts to calculate length. A cubit ran from elbow to middle fingertip. The distance from fingertip to fingertip of outstretched arms was a fathom.
Benefit of education
"A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad."
Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, former U.S. president.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The 2004 AMOC Barrier Reef Series promises 631 miles of Tropical Sailing Fun sailing up the coast of Queensland.
The Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland invites entries to one of Australia's most exciting and innovative yachting events: The Barrier Reef Series is set to become the leading event in Australian yachting with an expanded course that will take the race from Brisbane to Airlie Beach.
In conjunction with the Australian Multihull Offshore Championship, a five race Trailable Multihull Regatta will be held with one race at each venue of the Series. The combined fleet will share the starting line and the first leg of each race before separating with the trailables completing a shortened course and transporting their boats to the next venue.
There will be festivities at each port of call culminating with a line honours trophy presentation at Airlie Beach.
The 2004 AMOC Barrier Reef Series will consist of five races starting in Brisbane and ending in Airlie Beach.
*Good Friday 9th April - Race 1 - Brisbane to Gladstone approx 315 nm
*Monday 12th - Race 2 - Gladstone to Keppel Bay approx 69 nm
*Tuesday 13th - Race 3 - Keppel Bay to Mackay approx 173 nm
*Thursday 15th - Lay Day
*Friday 16th - Race 4 Mackay to Hamilton Is approx 53 nm
*Saturday 17th - Race 5 Hamilton Is to Airlie Beach 21 nm
One race will be dropped in the final point score allowing entrants to join the race at Gladstone if they wish. Yachts may enter any number of races and are encouraged to join the fleet at any stage of the event.
All eligible Multihull yachts must comply with Queensland Safety Regulations and the provisions of the current MYCQ Sailors Handbook. Skippers and crews must abide by the International Collision Regulations.
Visit the MYCQ website at www.mycq.org.au for an entry form or for more information.
Boats booming: survey
A new survey of the Queensland boating industry has benchmarked dramatic expansion over the past two years.
The Department of State Development/Boating Industry Association of Queensland survey quantified expansion in areas of employment, turnover, interstate sales, exports and registration.
*Key measures in the survey say the industry employs 6,000/7,000 people (up 4.7 percent) - 70 percent of them full time (up 3.9 per cent)
*Total industry turnover is between $1.2 and $1.3 billion (up 10.5 percent)
*Interstate sales are $370 million (up 60.8 per cent)
*Overseas exports are $200 million (up 80.7 per cent)
*Mid 1993 to mid 2003 has shown an increase of 63,663 vessels registered in Queensland (up 56.8 per cent) to 175,659. Boat registrations are growing at more than twice the rate of state population growth.
BIAQ General Manager, Barry Hibberd, said export was an outstanding indicator with overseas exports up 80.7 per cent and interstate "exports" up 60.8 per cent.
"Apart from being good for the local economy, it is an enormous pat on the back for Queensland manufacturers, and is recognition that the local product is well accepted on the national and international market and can compete with worldwide competition," Mr Hibberd said.
He said the report also indicated a positive industry attitude towards profitability, staffing, investment and transactions - all good signs for the future.
"The relationship between Queensland's population growth and boat registrations is interesting and very encouraging - with boat ownership (56.8 per cent) growing at more than twice the rate of population growth (23 per cent) over the past decade.
"If the interest in boating is maintained at its current rate, there will be a huge demand for marine products and services by the time the Queensland population hits the predicted five million mark in about 20 years' time," he said.
Fathom cubits?
Early systems of measurement used body parts to calculate length. A cubit ran from elbow to middle fingertip. The distance from fingertip to fingertip of outstretched arms was a fathom.
Benefit of education
"A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad."
Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, former U.S. president.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
Aussies invited to come OnBoard for lifestyle, sport
Sailing is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle - there are few activities where age is no barrier and families and friends can participate socially or competitively in adventurous activity.
Yachting Australia has officially launched OnBoard, a program designed to increase the number of people participating in sailing throughout Australia, while enhancing the pathway and experiences for new participants.
The launch, highlighted the new initiative, which aims to achieve a growth of about 25,000 new sailors per year, in its first five years of operation.
As part of the Australian Sports Commission's Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program, The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp announced a $700,000 commitment to the OnBoard program over three years.
Yachting Australia will distribute 62% of the first years budget to participating State Yachting Associations and specifically for the appointment of State Development Officers, who will provide ongoing training and support to yacht clubs.
Yachting Australia has specified the following as some of the OnBoard goals:
*Increase the number of club members from over five years through OnBoard.
*Implement a range of sailing activities to bridge the current service gap between entry level/ training graduates and regular club participation and competition.
*Provide clubs with the tools and development training necessary to enhance best practice in member recruitment and retention.
*Improve recording and tracking of new sailors from participation to club level.
The President of Yachting Australia Graeme Ainley said, 'Yachting Australia believes the OnBoard program will enhance the pathway to participation and club membership and provide a benchmark for the delivery of sport participation programs.'
Austrian Coach Sunk in Athens
During the Pre-Olympic Saronikos Gulf regatta in Athens recently, the Austrian Tornado coach was tossed out of his boat in high waves while heading to the course area. He did not have the kill switch cord attached to him, so the boat kept running, directly at the 80 boat Mistral fleet.
With no one driving, and the boat a threat to the Mistral fleet, the Greek Coast Guard simply shot at the coach boat, putting what appears to be a 20mm cannon round through the motor...
The rescued Austrian coach is fine, but they have a used motor they would like to sell.
Word on the Greek waterfront is that the their Coast Guard want to include a new shooting sport in next year's Olympics. Hear it combines 20mm cannons and moving targets.
Memorial for mate
The Geoff Godby Memorial Cruise is held each year in memory of Geoff, who was a local Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour identity for many years.
The 2003 cruise is scheduled for this weekend leaving the Whitsunday Sailing Club around 11am on Saturday 27th heading for an overnight at Macona Inlet.
This is a social cruise, not a race and it is open to all boats. Obviously, suitability depends on the weather on the weekend and the experience of the crew. For visiting sailors wishing to join us, Macona Inlet is on the southern end of Hook Island and it is roughly 15 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Sailing Club to the inside of Macona.
A beach barbeque is planned with Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast available.
'Boy' gone sailing
'Boy' Messenger, one of the great characters of the Sydney waterfront and a Life Member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, has died in Sydney.
Messenger, who sailed aboard Horizon in the first Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 1945, would have turned 79 next month. His 20th and final race to Hobart was the 50th in 1994 when he and his sons, Paul, Christopher and Anthony sailed with him aboard his yacht La Tortuga. Boy was never aboard a winning boat, the best result being a third overall aboard Southerly in 1959.
CYCA Commodore John Messenger (a cousin) described 'Boy' Messenger as an "icon of the Club and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race". "Having competed in the inaugural Sydney Hobart as a 21-year-old, he was role model for young sailors," Commodore Messenger said. "Over the past 58 years he taught many people to sail, taken them on their first ocean race, giving happiness to so many."
Boy was a regular visitor to the Whitsunday Sailing Club where he enjoyed having a yarn with his many friends. Your Waterfront writer completed his Yachtmaster examination on board La Tortuga.
His working life revolved around Sydney Harbour, as a shipwright, coxswain, ferry driver, professional yachtsman, charter boat operator, even writing a weekly column "On the Waterfront" for the now defunct "Daily Mirror" newspaper.
"I think he has just gone sailing..." said his wife 'Brick'.
Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.
Sea bird
The albatross drinks seawater. It has a special desalinisation apparatus that strains out and excretes all excess salt.
"There's no substitute for preparation and training"
Yachtsman Ernesto Bertarelli after losing the Moet Cup
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sailing is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle - there are few activities where age is no barrier and families and friends can participate socially or competitively in adventurous activity.
Yachting Australia has officially launched OnBoard, a program designed to increase the number of people participating in sailing throughout Australia, while enhancing the pathway and experiences for new participants.
The launch, highlighted the new initiative, which aims to achieve a growth of about 25,000 new sailors per year, in its first five years of operation.
As part of the Australian Sports Commission's Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program, The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp announced a $700,000 commitment to the OnBoard program over three years.
Yachting Australia will distribute 62% of the first years budget to participating State Yachting Associations and specifically for the appointment of State Development Officers, who will provide ongoing training and support to yacht clubs.
Yachting Australia has specified the following as some of the OnBoard goals:
*Increase the number of club members from over five years through OnBoard.
*Implement a range of sailing activities to bridge the current service gap between entry level/ training graduates and regular club participation and competition.
*Provide clubs with the tools and development training necessary to enhance best practice in member recruitment and retention.
*Improve recording and tracking of new sailors from participation to club level.
The President of Yachting Australia Graeme Ainley said, 'Yachting Australia believes the OnBoard program will enhance the pathway to participation and club membership and provide a benchmark for the delivery of sport participation programs.'
Austrian Coach Sunk in Athens
During the Pre-Olympic Saronikos Gulf regatta in Athens recently, the Austrian Tornado coach was tossed out of his boat in high waves while heading to the course area. He did not have the kill switch cord attached to him, so the boat kept running, directly at the 80 boat Mistral fleet.
With no one driving, and the boat a threat to the Mistral fleet, the Greek Coast Guard simply shot at the coach boat, putting what appears to be a 20mm cannon round through the motor...
The rescued Austrian coach is fine, but they have a used motor they would like to sell.
Word on the Greek waterfront is that the their Coast Guard want to include a new shooting sport in next year's Olympics. Hear it combines 20mm cannons and moving targets.
Memorial for mate
The Geoff Godby Memorial Cruise is held each year in memory of Geoff, who was a local Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour identity for many years.
The 2003 cruise is scheduled for this weekend leaving the Whitsunday Sailing Club around 11am on Saturday 27th heading for an overnight at Macona Inlet.
This is a social cruise, not a race and it is open to all boats. Obviously, suitability depends on the weather on the weekend and the experience of the crew. For visiting sailors wishing to join us, Macona Inlet is on the southern end of Hook Island and it is roughly 15 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Sailing Club to the inside of Macona.
A beach barbeque is planned with Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast available.
'Boy' gone sailing
'Boy' Messenger, one of the great characters of the Sydney waterfront and a Life Member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, has died in Sydney.
Messenger, who sailed aboard Horizon in the first Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 1945, would have turned 79 next month. His 20th and final race to Hobart was the 50th in 1994 when he and his sons, Paul, Christopher and Anthony sailed with him aboard his yacht La Tortuga. Boy was never aboard a winning boat, the best result being a third overall aboard Southerly in 1959.
CYCA Commodore John Messenger (a cousin) described 'Boy' Messenger as an "icon of the Club and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race". "Having competed in the inaugural Sydney Hobart as a 21-year-old, he was role model for young sailors," Commodore Messenger said. "Over the past 58 years he taught many people to sail, taken them on their first ocean race, giving happiness to so many."
Boy was a regular visitor to the Whitsunday Sailing Club where he enjoyed having a yarn with his many friends. Your Waterfront writer completed his Yachtmaster examination on board La Tortuga.
His working life revolved around Sydney Harbour, as a shipwright, coxswain, ferry driver, professional yachtsman, charter boat operator, even writing a weekly column "On the Waterfront" for the now defunct "Daily Mirror" newspaper.
"I think he has just gone sailing..." said his wife 'Brick'.
Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.
Sea bird
The albatross drinks seawater. It has a special desalinisation apparatus that strains out and excretes all excess salt.
"There's no substitute for preparation and training"
Yachtsman Ernesto Bertarelli after losing the Moet Cup
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Brits love Aussie whale tale
The British press have seized upon the story of the Johnson family from Coventry who "are lucky to have survived" an encounter with a humpback whale when it crashed onto their holiday boat during a family holiday in the Whitsundays.
Headlined "Whale wrecks family's sailing trip" the story tells how the humpback whale - one of the world's largest mammals - crashed onto the boat's deck taking its mast and rigging with it and destroying a safety rail.
The Johnson family from Coventry on their "holiday of a lifetime" believe they are lucky to have survived when a 30-foot whale jumped out of the ocean and landed on their boat.
"The whale came onto the boat right above me and if I had put my head up at that moment it would have hit me." Mrs Johnson said:
"We were all absolutely panic-stricken because we didn't know whether the boat might sink."
Mrs Johnson described how the mast was ripped from the vessel as the beast returned to the water and the boat's radio was knocked out.
"It was shedding barnacles from its tummy and caught itself on the rigging. I was very, very shocked - it was very scary."
"I heard this almighty groan and bang and came up and the first thing I thought was how sunny it was because the mast had been blocking out the sunlight," said Mr Johnson, 61.
"This was literally a life-threatening situation. We were 10 miles out to sea and had no equipment to radio for help."
"It was just so lucky my son had his mobile telephone with him because we would have drifted onto an island and would have had to abandon ship" Mr Johnson told the BBC.
"We had a dinghy and could have got to a bay on the island but what we would have done then I don't know."
"We are so, so lucky."
Perhaps we should market exciting 'Reality' holidays in whale infested Whitsunday waters.
More British press
From The Times: A young girl, who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth, was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster.
A British coast-guard spokesman commented: 'This sort of thing is all too common these days.'
Kids in Boats
"We're trying something different these school holidays," says Whitsunday PCYC manager Sgt John Dickinson
"With the summer boating season bearing down on us we thought we might be able to get kids up to speed with marine safety. The concept of the course is this; if kids are out on a boat with their parents and the unfortunate happens would they really know what to do?"
The PCYC is introducing a Marine Safety Course called 'Kids in Boats' for children between the ages of 8yrs to 16 yrs. Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom will conduct these courses every Monday & Thursday morning from 9am - 11am during the school holidays for a low cost of $5.00 per session.
"Are your kids prepared for any boating emergency?" Sgt Dickinson asked.
Further information for school holiday activities, 'phone 4948 1144
Traditional day
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater Sydney, held its 136th Yachting Season Opening Day on September 13. A traditional ceremony was conducted, striking the club ensign and firing a replica cannon from the Barque Endeavour donated by member Marcus Blackmore.
Boom not bombs
Even Kabul is experiencing a property boom. Under the Taliban, real estate agents were considered satanic.
Sailors disciplined
Four British naval officers have been given reprimands or dismissed from their ship at a court marshal over their handling of HMS Nottingham off Lord Howe Island last year.
All four, including the captain, remain in the Royal Navy despite the costly and embarrassing error that caused the vessel to run aground.
The Nottingham was saved from sinking when she hit rocks just off Lord Howe Island, leaving a 30-metre rip in the hull.
Commander Richard Farrington, the captain of the destroyer, pleaded guilty to delegating conduct of the ship without insuring a sufficient navigational plan and has been reprimanded
The officer of the watch, Lieutenant James Denney, pleaded guilty to negligently causing Nottingham to be stranded off Lord Howe Island in Queensland on July 7, 2002. He has been dismissed.
Lieutenant Andrew Ingham, the navigating officer, and Lieutenant Commander John Lea, the executive officer, both pleaded guilty to negligently allowing the Nottingham to be stranded. Lieutenant Ingham has been reprimanded, while Lieutenant Lea has been dismissed.
A junior officer had accidentally left a navigational pointer on the chart that obscured dangerous rocks.
The incident has cost the British navy more than $90 million in repairs. The vessel was taken back to the United Kingdom aboard a transport ship for repairs.
Shark infested
The mechanical shark in the 1975 hit movie Jaws was named Bruce.
Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.
Bowen Fishing Classic is on this weekend with something for the whole family. See you there!
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The British press have seized upon the story of the Johnson family from Coventry who "are lucky to have survived" an encounter with a humpback whale when it crashed onto their holiday boat during a family holiday in the Whitsundays.
Headlined "Whale wrecks family's sailing trip" the story tells how the humpback whale - one of the world's largest mammals - crashed onto the boat's deck taking its mast and rigging with it and destroying a safety rail.
The Johnson family from Coventry on their "holiday of a lifetime" believe they are lucky to have survived when a 30-foot whale jumped out of the ocean and landed on their boat.
"The whale came onto the boat right above me and if I had put my head up at that moment it would have hit me." Mrs Johnson said:
"We were all absolutely panic-stricken because we didn't know whether the boat might sink."
Mrs Johnson described how the mast was ripped from the vessel as the beast returned to the water and the boat's radio was knocked out.
"It was shedding barnacles from its tummy and caught itself on the rigging. I was very, very shocked - it was very scary."
"I heard this almighty groan and bang and came up and the first thing I thought was how sunny it was because the mast had been blocking out the sunlight," said Mr Johnson, 61.
"This was literally a life-threatening situation. We were 10 miles out to sea and had no equipment to radio for help."
"It was just so lucky my son had his mobile telephone with him because we would have drifted onto an island and would have had to abandon ship" Mr Johnson told the BBC.
"We had a dinghy and could have got to a bay on the island but what we would have done then I don't know."
"We are so, so lucky."
Perhaps we should market exciting 'Reality' holidays in whale infested Whitsunday waters.
More British press
From The Times: A young girl, who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth, was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster.
A British coast-guard spokesman commented: 'This sort of thing is all too common these days.'
Kids in Boats
"We're trying something different these school holidays," says Whitsunday PCYC manager Sgt John Dickinson
"With the summer boating season bearing down on us we thought we might be able to get kids up to speed with marine safety. The concept of the course is this; if kids are out on a boat with their parents and the unfortunate happens would they really know what to do?"
The PCYC is introducing a Marine Safety Course called 'Kids in Boats' for children between the ages of 8yrs to 16 yrs. Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom will conduct these courses every Monday & Thursday morning from 9am - 11am during the school holidays for a low cost of $5.00 per session.
"Are your kids prepared for any boating emergency?" Sgt Dickinson asked.
Further information for school holiday activities, 'phone 4948 1144
Traditional day
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater Sydney, held its 136th Yachting Season Opening Day on September 13. A traditional ceremony was conducted, striking the club ensign and firing a replica cannon from the Barque Endeavour donated by member Marcus Blackmore.
Boom not bombs
Even Kabul is experiencing a property boom. Under the Taliban, real estate agents were considered satanic.
Sailors disciplined
Four British naval officers have been given reprimands or dismissed from their ship at a court marshal over their handling of HMS Nottingham off Lord Howe Island last year.
All four, including the captain, remain in the Royal Navy despite the costly and embarrassing error that caused the vessel to run aground.
The Nottingham was saved from sinking when she hit rocks just off Lord Howe Island, leaving a 30-metre rip in the hull.
Commander Richard Farrington, the captain of the destroyer, pleaded guilty to delegating conduct of the ship without insuring a sufficient navigational plan and has been reprimanded
The officer of the watch, Lieutenant James Denney, pleaded guilty to negligently causing Nottingham to be stranded off Lord Howe Island in Queensland on July 7, 2002. He has been dismissed.
Lieutenant Andrew Ingham, the navigating officer, and Lieutenant Commander John Lea, the executive officer, both pleaded guilty to negligently allowing the Nottingham to be stranded. Lieutenant Ingham has been reprimanded, while Lieutenant Lea has been dismissed.
A junior officer had accidentally left a navigational pointer on the chart that obscured dangerous rocks.
The incident has cost the British navy more than $90 million in repairs. The vessel was taken back to the United Kingdom aboard a transport ship for repairs.
Shark infested
The mechanical shark in the 1975 hit movie Jaws was named Bruce.
Cone shells kill
There are about 500 different kinds of cone shell snails around the world. All have a sharp, modified tooth that stabs prey with venom like a harpoon. Most cone snails hunt worms and other snails, but some eat fish. These are the ones most dangerous to people. The nerve toxin that stops a fish is powerful enough to also kill a human.
Bowen Fishing Classic is on this weekend with something for the whole family. See you there!
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Bowen Fishing Classic coming up
There will be some great prizes to be won at the twelfth annual Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend on September 19, 20 and 21.
While just being able to wet a line around beautiful Bowen should be enough for any fisher, you could also win a boat. Just taking a fish to the weigh-in could bag you a prize.
Held in the perfect spot at Bowen's Front beach, the whole family will enjoy what has become a local tradition within our region.
For those who don't fish (I hear there are some) there will be beach game activities starting Saturday on Front Beach before the cake-eating contest. Yum, yum!
The kids will be kept busy chasing the soldier crabs as they could win fifty dollars for the biggest specimen brought in to be measured.
There will be great music during the seafood and wine spectacular on Saturday night.
On Sunday, there will be a Teddy Bears & Cuddly Friends Picnic and sandcastle competition with the classic lolly drop. If that wasn't enough, don't miss the Pirate show and the magician, silliest fishing hat, dash for cash, crab races and Bikini Parade.
Some people will also be fishing!
Model Trans Atlantic
When a Transatlantic flight by a Model Plane kicked up the sand at Mannin Beach Ireland, the plane, "The Spirit of Butts Farm" was found to have used just less than one (1) gallon of fuel in its 38-hour 1900-mile epic.
The plane had a built in GPS transmitter which bounced messages off a constellation of satellites in order to keep the flight team up to date hourly.
The plane was contacted using on-site antennas and information such as speed, height, and distance were passed on to the "pilot" Dave Brown. Using this information Mr. Brown landed the model plane within 35 feet of the designated landing spot.
Two records have been submitted, One record for distance by a model plane and the other for duration of flight.
The model aircraft was launched at Cape Spear the most easterly point of North America just outside of St Johns Newfoundland.
The models weigh less than 5 kg (11 lbs), including fuel, to meet FAI requirements for an aeromodel. The wingspan is 1.83 meters (72 inches). The fuselage is 1.8 meters (71 inches) long.
"We are trying to honour the historic courage and accomplishments of Capt. John Alcock and Lt. Arthur Whitten Brown who made the first manned airplane flight from St. John's, Newfoundland to Roundstone Bog, Ireland on June 14-15, 1919" said an organiser of the flight.
Whale of a time
"I lived in the Whitsundays for 10 years in the 80s, sailing most weekends and did not see a whale. Recently, I saw whales from the ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, from the media boat during Hahn Premium Race Week, one swam beside the yacht I was sailing on in the last race and another flicked its tail when I was on the ferry back to Shute. Either the whales, like the yachties, have discovered the Whitsundays as the
best place to spend winter or the Save the Whale campaign is working," says former Whitsunday resident Kathy McKenzie.
Bushed walkers located
Some discussion amongst bushwalkers about the use of Personal Locator Beacons PLBs - often referred to as EPIRBS, the term used for marine beacons - and the likely action, or inaction that the Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC) takes.
To set the record straight, say RCC, all distress alerts received from the satellite system are treated as one of the 3% real distress situations until proven otherwise.
It is true that approximately 97% of alerts from distress beacons are non-distress alerts but this does not mean that alerts are not followed up.
"The actions taken depend on the frequency that the alert is received. If a 406 MHz alert is detected, we know that it is definitely a distress beacon because we receive the unique identifying code that can be decoded to provide ownership information.
"Once received, contact can be made with the owner or a nominated 24-hour contact to ascertain the situation. Hence, a false alert can usually be sorted out with a phone call and little or no fuss. Importantly, scarce SAR assets need not be deployed for a non-distress situation.
"On the other hand, an initial alert received on the 121.5 MHz frequency presents a more complex problem. A 121.5 MHz alert is anonymous and may even be caused by interferers and other extraneous system generated signals. Even if from an analogue beacon operating on 121.5 MHz, we have no way of knowing whose beacon it is or the exact position of the beacon.
Under no circumstances should people believe that no action is taken on an initial distress alert.
The answer is "Switch to 406". The newer technology being introduced means the price is coming down without detriment to accuracy or the other superior characteristics that the 406 MHz beacons have over the 121.5 MHz units.
Underwater obstruction
Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction has been reported in approximate position Latitude 20°09.29'S, Longitude 148°40.39'E off Grimston Point in Pioneer Bay.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected AUS 252
No city boy
Actor Steve McQueen once said, "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
There will be some great prizes to be won at the twelfth annual Bowen Family Fishing Classic and Wet Weekend on September 19, 20 and 21.
While just being able to wet a line around beautiful Bowen should be enough for any fisher, you could also win a boat. Just taking a fish to the weigh-in could bag you a prize.
Held in the perfect spot at Bowen's Front beach, the whole family will enjoy what has become a local tradition within our region.
For those who don't fish (I hear there are some) there will be beach game activities starting Saturday on Front Beach before the cake-eating contest. Yum, yum!
The kids will be kept busy chasing the soldier crabs as they could win fifty dollars for the biggest specimen brought in to be measured.
There will be great music during the seafood and wine spectacular on Saturday night.
On Sunday, there will be a Teddy Bears & Cuddly Friends Picnic and sandcastle competition with the classic lolly drop. If that wasn't enough, don't miss the Pirate show and the magician, silliest fishing hat, dash for cash, crab races and Bikini Parade.
Some people will also be fishing!
Model Trans Atlantic
When a Transatlantic flight by a Model Plane kicked up the sand at Mannin Beach Ireland, the plane, "The Spirit of Butts Farm" was found to have used just less than one (1) gallon of fuel in its 38-hour 1900-mile epic.
The plane had a built in GPS transmitter which bounced messages off a constellation of satellites in order to keep the flight team up to date hourly.
The plane was contacted using on-site antennas and information such as speed, height, and distance were passed on to the "pilot" Dave Brown. Using this information Mr. Brown landed the model plane within 35 feet of the designated landing spot.
Two records have been submitted, One record for distance by a model plane and the other for duration of flight.
The model aircraft was launched at Cape Spear the most easterly point of North America just outside of St Johns Newfoundland.
The models weigh less than 5 kg (11 lbs), including fuel, to meet FAI requirements for an aeromodel. The wingspan is 1.83 meters (72 inches). The fuselage is 1.8 meters (71 inches) long.
"We are trying to honour the historic courage and accomplishments of Capt. John Alcock and Lt. Arthur Whitten Brown who made the first manned airplane flight from St. John's, Newfoundland to Roundstone Bog, Ireland on June 14-15, 1919" said an organiser of the flight.
Whale of a time
"I lived in the Whitsundays for 10 years in the 80s, sailing most weekends and did not see a whale. Recently, I saw whales from the ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, from the media boat during Hahn Premium Race Week, one swam beside the yacht I was sailing on in the last race and another flicked its tail when I was on the ferry back to Shute. Either the whales, like the yachties, have discovered the Whitsundays as the
best place to spend winter or the Save the Whale campaign is working," says former Whitsunday resident Kathy McKenzie.
Bushed walkers located
Some discussion amongst bushwalkers about the use of Personal Locator Beacons PLBs - often referred to as EPIRBS, the term used for marine beacons - and the likely action, or inaction that the Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC) takes.
To set the record straight, say RCC, all distress alerts received from the satellite system are treated as one of the 3% real distress situations until proven otherwise.
It is true that approximately 97% of alerts from distress beacons are non-distress alerts but this does not mean that alerts are not followed up.
"The actions taken depend on the frequency that the alert is received. If a 406 MHz alert is detected, we know that it is definitely a distress beacon because we receive the unique identifying code that can be decoded to provide ownership information.
"Once received, contact can be made with the owner or a nominated 24-hour contact to ascertain the situation. Hence, a false alert can usually be sorted out with a phone call and little or no fuss. Importantly, scarce SAR assets need not be deployed for a non-distress situation.
"On the other hand, an initial alert received on the 121.5 MHz frequency presents a more complex problem. A 121.5 MHz alert is anonymous and may even be caused by interferers and other extraneous system generated signals. Even if from an analogue beacon operating on 121.5 MHz, we have no way of knowing whose beacon it is or the exact position of the beacon.
Under no circumstances should people believe that no action is taken on an initial distress alert.
The answer is "Switch to 406". The newer technology being introduced means the price is coming down without detriment to accuracy or the other superior characteristics that the 406 MHz beacons have over the 121.5 MHz units.
Underwater obstruction
Mariners are advised that an underwater obstruction has been reported in approximate position Latitude 20°09.29'S, Longitude 148°40.39'E off Grimston Point in Pioneer Bay.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected AUS 252
No city boy
Actor Steve McQueen once said, "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Smooth sailing for kids with DisABILITIES
It was all hands and wheels on deck when the world-record-breaking Australian crew set sail in Airlie Beach last week to give school children with disabilities a taste of life at sea.
The same crew, captained by David Pescud, recently broke the around-Australia record, sailing 6,500 nautical miles in just 37 days.
The Sailors With DisABILITIES crew will sail with more than 400 students from Queensland and northern NSW special schools over the next five weeks following the programme launch in Airlie Beach.
After enjoying Hamilton Island Race Week, the crew is heading south in the 54' NRMA sponsored yacht to encourage children with disabilities to pursue their goals.
"We've been able to overcome our disabilities to accomplish some tremendous physical and mental feats," Mr Pescud said.
"We've been spurred by our achievements to take on new challenges, and we think this a unique chance to show and share what we've learned with children living with disabilities.
"We want to encourage them to consider what they can do, not what they can't."
Queensland State Manager Daniel Musson said NRMA Insurance had a long heritage of helping people in the wake of a crisis, and valued the work of Sailors With DisABILITIES in helping children with disabilities get the most out of life.
"We encounter and help people every day who have to move on with life after dealing with difficult circumstances," he said.
"It's inspiring to be involved with a team which hasn't let adversity get in the way of their goals, and who are willing to share their experiences with young people who face unique challenges.
"It's a sad fact that about 40 per cent of spinal cord injuries in Australia are a result of road accidents. By supporting Sailors with DisABILITIES we can play a further role in helping accident victims live full and active lives."
Sailor with DisABILITIES will dock at six ports, from Airlie Beach to Coffs Harbour, dedicating three or more days in each port to sailing expeditions with children from special schools and their carers.
Ban jammers
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is to investigate the need for a ban on radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) jammers, including global positioning system (GPS) jammers.
ACA Chairman Tony Shaw has called for comment; closing date for written public submissions is 17 September 2003.
The investigation is being conducted because of the potential for these jammers to interfere with a wide range of services including aviation, transport and communications.
Copies of a consultation package, including the background paper and draft declaration can be obtained from `What's New' - August Releases from the ACA.
Trophy prized
Bernard Heimann on Maxi sloop Ragamuffin took the 'Cock of Pioneer Bay' prize by charging to the lead of a 94-yacht fleet representing Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia to win the Great Habitat Whitsunday yacht race at Airlie Beach on Saturday.
The most valueless prize, an empty Bundaberg Rum bottle mounted on a slab of rainforest cedar was awarded to skipper Heimann at the 27th annual race.
Whitsunday Sailing Club 2003 Great Habitat Whitsunday Yacht Race results.
Div 1B: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday) 1, British Defender (T Hudson, Whitsunday) 2, Boomerang (T Johnson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2: Pilgrim (A Goodwin, Sydney) 1, Sidewinder (C Gilbert, New Zealand) 2, B.Y.O. (D Turner, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2B: Jungle Juice (G Jiggins, Whitsunday) 1, Elyara (J Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Concubine (B Fleming, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3A: Out Of Africa (D Dellow, Whitsunday) 1, Bus Stop (V Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Erica (L Wilson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3B: Gumblossom (J Latchford, Whitsunday) 1, Wobbly Boot (C Piccinelli, Whitsunday) 2, Goofly (P Mitchell, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 4A: Adios (S Halter, Whitsunday) 1, Ocean Emu (J Cadwallader, Whitsunday) 2, Trident (C Henry, Lake Macquarie) 3.
Div 5: Struen Marie (K Pryor, Whitsunday) 1, Ileola (M Bocchini, Abel Pt) 2, Kalimna (A Hurley, Mackay) 3.
Overall Teams trophy: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday, Storm 2 (D Algie, Whitsunday) and Intrigue of Stornoway (Dr I Nicholson, Hong Kong).
Aussies grab Greek gold
Australia has taken gold in the Tornado and 49er classes at the Athens 2003 Regatta. Reigning world champion Tornado sailors Darren Bundock and John Forbes and three-time 49er World Champion Chris Nicholson and his crew Gary Boyd held onto the number one spot to finish on top of their classes.
Slade Island light
Mariners are advised that the VQ(3)5s light on the East Cardinal Mark buoy on the eastern side of Slade Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250
The sea and mistakes
"The tragedy shows the need for discipline. The sea does not pardon mistakes or inexactitude," Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking after the wreck of the K-159 submarine that left nine seamen dead, was located on the seabed at a depth of 238 metres.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
It was all hands and wheels on deck when the world-record-breaking Australian crew set sail in Airlie Beach last week to give school children with disabilities a taste of life at sea.
The same crew, captained by David Pescud, recently broke the around-Australia record, sailing 6,500 nautical miles in just 37 days.
The Sailors With DisABILITIES crew will sail with more than 400 students from Queensland and northern NSW special schools over the next five weeks following the programme launch in Airlie Beach.
After enjoying Hamilton Island Race Week, the crew is heading south in the 54' NRMA sponsored yacht to encourage children with disabilities to pursue their goals.
"We've been able to overcome our disabilities to accomplish some tremendous physical and mental feats," Mr Pescud said.
"We've been spurred by our achievements to take on new challenges, and we think this a unique chance to show and share what we've learned with children living with disabilities.
"We want to encourage them to consider what they can do, not what they can't."
Queensland State Manager Daniel Musson said NRMA Insurance had a long heritage of helping people in the wake of a crisis, and valued the work of Sailors With DisABILITIES in helping children with disabilities get the most out of life.
"We encounter and help people every day who have to move on with life after dealing with difficult circumstances," he said.
"It's inspiring to be involved with a team which hasn't let adversity get in the way of their goals, and who are willing to share their experiences with young people who face unique challenges.
"It's a sad fact that about 40 per cent of spinal cord injuries in Australia are a result of road accidents. By supporting Sailors with DisABILITIES we can play a further role in helping accident victims live full and active lives."
Sailor with DisABILITIES will dock at six ports, from Airlie Beach to Coffs Harbour, dedicating three or more days in each port to sailing expeditions with children from special schools and their carers.
Ban jammers
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is to investigate the need for a ban on radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) jammers, including global positioning system (GPS) jammers.
ACA Chairman Tony Shaw has called for comment; closing date for written public submissions is 17 September 2003.
The investigation is being conducted because of the potential for these jammers to interfere with a wide range of services including aviation, transport and communications.
Copies of a consultation package, including the background paper and draft declaration can be obtained from `What's New' - August Releases from the ACA.
Trophy prized
Bernard Heimann on Maxi sloop Ragamuffin took the 'Cock of Pioneer Bay' prize by charging to the lead of a 94-yacht fleet representing Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia to win the Great Habitat Whitsunday yacht race at Airlie Beach on Saturday.
The most valueless prize, an empty Bundaberg Rum bottle mounted on a slab of rainforest cedar was awarded to skipper Heimann at the 27th annual race.
Whitsunday Sailing Club 2003 Great Habitat Whitsunday Yacht Race results.
Div 1B: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday) 1, British Defender (T Hudson, Whitsunday) 2, Boomerang (T Johnson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2: Pilgrim (A Goodwin, Sydney) 1, Sidewinder (C Gilbert, New Zealand) 2, B.Y.O. (D Turner, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 2B: Jungle Juice (G Jiggins, Whitsunday) 1, Elyara (J Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Concubine (B Fleming, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3A: Out Of Africa (D Dellow, Whitsunday) 1, Bus Stop (V Brown, Whitsunday) 2, Erica (L Wilson, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 3B: Gumblossom (J Latchford, Whitsunday) 1, Wobbly Boot (C Piccinelli, Whitsunday) 2, Goofly (P Mitchell, Whitsunday) 3.
Div 4A: Adios (S Halter, Whitsunday) 1, Ocean Emu (J Cadwallader, Whitsunday) 2, Trident (C Henry, Lake Macquarie) 3.
Div 5: Struen Marie (K Pryor, Whitsunday) 1, Ileola (M Bocchini, Abel Pt) 2, Kalimna (A Hurley, Mackay) 3.
Overall Teams trophy: Ragamuffin (B Heimann, Whitsunday, Storm 2 (D Algie, Whitsunday) and Intrigue of Stornoway (Dr I Nicholson, Hong Kong).
Aussies grab Greek gold
Australia has taken gold in the Tornado and 49er classes at the Athens 2003 Regatta. Reigning world champion Tornado sailors Darren Bundock and John Forbes and three-time 49er World Champion Chris Nicholson and his crew Gary Boyd held onto the number one spot to finish on top of their classes.
Slade Island light
Mariners are advised that the VQ(3)5s light on the East Cardinal Mark buoy on the eastern side of Slade Island has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250
The sea and mistakes
"The tragedy shows the need for discipline. The sea does not pardon mistakes or inexactitude," Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking after the wreck of the K-159 submarine that left nine seamen dead, was located on the seabed at a depth of 238 metres.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Whitsunday Fun Race this weekend
Love it or hate it, Fun Race is on again this Saturday in Airlie Beach. While many people get on the water for, well, fun, the 'race' starts at 11 am for the serious division. There are two briefings that will stress safety and not throwing rubbish into the water of Pioneer Bay (Friday 7 pm & Saturday 9 am at the sailing club). And yes, there is an entry fee of $15.
The party starts as the sun goes down with the new Mr XXXX 6 pack competition a new feature along with the legendary Miss Figurehead supported by Rock Stars on Vacation and local muso's.
Crabs history
The Bowen Historical Museum Society is holding a garage sale this Saturday (August 30) at Gordon Street, Bowen, 8 am until 11 am.
One of the many items for sale is an old washing copper that would be very good for cooking mud crabs.
Your Waterfront writer suggested to Marie Bailey, President of the Bowen Historical Society that she should auction off that old copper as they could get a good price considering how good the muddies are around Bowen.
Hahn Hammo race week
Hamilton Island had something for everybody in the twentieth year with that favourite international competition Aussie Vs Kiwi: Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth raced on the New Zealand yacht Georgia and John Bertrand sailed on Another Duchess in the IRC division. After the Rugby on Saturday, racing between the two teams was followed by all the competitors as it became another Aussie vs. Kiwi contest reports correspondent Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie.
"General recalls became the norm in this class and Another Duchess won with the new Swan 45 Joe in second place".
"The competition for the Sydney 38s National Title was equally competitive with 6 of the 12 yachts winning a race. The Performance Handicap Class had only seven entries due to the popularity of the shorter courses and extra lay day for the cruising classes. The IRC Cruising Class was hotly contested with five Beneteau 47.7s competing and three taking the top places.
The biggest fleet was, once again, Cruising Class with 76 yachts. The keen racers were on the line for the start. The charter boats tended to hold back as they didn't want a damage bill and the cruisers started, in their own time, keeping well away from the rest of the fleet.
The weather was sunny with 12 - 14 knot winds on all days but one when the wind was light and fluky, causing some races to be shortened and others to be abandoned.
Winners: IRC - Another Duchess - Bob Oatley, Sydney. Sydney 38s - Rush - Cameron Miles, Sydney. Performance Handicap Class - Sandstone - Mike Davies, Busselton WA. IRC Cruising Class - Euphoria - Anthony Coleman, Sydney. Premier Cruising Class - Savoir-Faire - M Roe & S Dart, Sydney. Cruising Yachts 1. The Probe - Tim Lewis, Melbourne.
Fishers fined
A Mackay commercial fisherman forfeited an 84 metre net and was fined $4000 plus costs in the Proserpine Magistrates Court for using an additional net in a Zone B Dugong Protection Area.
Magistrate John Brennan recorded a conviction against the fisher who was intercepted on at Sinclair Bay north of Airlie Beach by Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers.
Prosecuting officer B J Tompkins said that commercial fishermen were restricted to using three set nets within a Dugong Protection Area to reduce the chances of accidental drowning of these endangered animals. The conviction included two counts of failing to mark the extra net.
Another Mackay district fisherman from Slade Point was fined and convicted $3000 plus $62.10 court costs for commercially fishing for live coral trout while not the holder of an assistant fishers licence.
QB&FP officers aboard the offshore Patrol vessel Edgecumbe located the fisherman at Line Reef 80km northeast of Airlie Beach on April 11 this year.
Mr Tompkins told the court that this was the third time the fisher had been breached for the same offence. Boarding officers found that his assistant fishers licence had been expired for some months.
Scallops sustained
A recently released report into saucer scallops indicates that scallop replenishment areas are helping to sustain Queensland stocks.
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) Long-Term Monitoring Program surveys have been carried out each year since 1997 in the major scallop grounds between Hervey Bay and Yeppoon.
QFS fisheries biologist Eddie Jebreen said the surveys gathered information on scallop stocks.
"The saucer scallop fishery is a significant part of Queensland's east coast trawl fishery," Mr Jebreen said.
"Therefore, it is important to determine whether the fisheries management practices in place are working to sustain scallop stocks."
"Scallop replenishment areas are large zones opened and closed to commercial trawling on a rotational basis," Mr Jebreen said.
"When closed, commercial trawl operators are excluded from the areas to help protect brood stock from fishing and allowing stocks to replenish.
"The survey results between 1997 and 2000 highlight that these areas had a high abundance of juvenile scallops which was a positive outcome for the industry."
East of Slade Island
Mariners are advised that the Lighted East Cardinal Mark buoy VQ(3)5s in approximate position Latitude 21°06.1'S, Longitude 149°15.45'E of the eastern side of Slade Island has been reported to be dim. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250
Old salts
It's hard to drown in the Dead Sea. It is 25 percent salt, which makes the water very heavy so you would float.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Love it or hate it, Fun Race is on again this Saturday in Airlie Beach. While many people get on the water for, well, fun, the 'race' starts at 11 am for the serious division. There are two briefings that will stress safety and not throwing rubbish into the water of Pioneer Bay (Friday 7 pm & Saturday 9 am at the sailing club). And yes, there is an entry fee of $15.
The party starts as the sun goes down with the new Mr XXXX 6 pack competition a new feature along with the legendary Miss Figurehead supported by Rock Stars on Vacation and local muso's.
Crabs history
The Bowen Historical Museum Society is holding a garage sale this Saturday (August 30) at Gordon Street, Bowen, 8 am until 11 am.
One of the many items for sale is an old washing copper that would be very good for cooking mud crabs.
Your Waterfront writer suggested to Marie Bailey, President of the Bowen Historical Society that she should auction off that old copper as they could get a good price considering how good the muddies are around Bowen.
Hahn Hammo race week
Hamilton Island had something for everybody in the twentieth year with that favourite international competition Aussie Vs Kiwi: Russell Coutts and Brad Butterworth raced on the New Zealand yacht Georgia and John Bertrand sailed on Another Duchess in the IRC division. After the Rugby on Saturday, racing between the two teams was followed by all the competitors as it became another Aussie vs. Kiwi contest reports correspondent Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie.
"General recalls became the norm in this class and Another Duchess won with the new Swan 45 Joe in second place".
"The competition for the Sydney 38s National Title was equally competitive with 6 of the 12 yachts winning a race. The Performance Handicap Class had only seven entries due to the popularity of the shorter courses and extra lay day for the cruising classes. The IRC Cruising Class was hotly contested with five Beneteau 47.7s competing and three taking the top places.
The biggest fleet was, once again, Cruising Class with 76 yachts. The keen racers were on the line for the start. The charter boats tended to hold back as they didn't want a damage bill and the cruisers started, in their own time, keeping well away from the rest of the fleet.
The weather was sunny with 12 - 14 knot winds on all days but one when the wind was light and fluky, causing some races to be shortened and others to be abandoned.
Winners: IRC - Another Duchess - Bob Oatley, Sydney. Sydney 38s - Rush - Cameron Miles, Sydney. Performance Handicap Class - Sandstone - Mike Davies, Busselton WA. IRC Cruising Class - Euphoria - Anthony Coleman, Sydney. Premier Cruising Class - Savoir-Faire - M Roe & S Dart, Sydney. Cruising Yachts 1. The Probe - Tim Lewis, Melbourne.
Fishers fined
A Mackay commercial fisherman forfeited an 84 metre net and was fined $4000 plus costs in the Proserpine Magistrates Court for using an additional net in a Zone B Dugong Protection Area.
Magistrate John Brennan recorded a conviction against the fisher who was intercepted on at Sinclair Bay north of Airlie Beach by Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers.
Prosecuting officer B J Tompkins said that commercial fishermen were restricted to using three set nets within a Dugong Protection Area to reduce the chances of accidental drowning of these endangered animals. The conviction included two counts of failing to mark the extra net.
Another Mackay district fisherman from Slade Point was fined and convicted $3000 plus $62.10 court costs for commercially fishing for live coral trout while not the holder of an assistant fishers licence.
QB&FP officers aboard the offshore Patrol vessel Edgecumbe located the fisherman at Line Reef 80km northeast of Airlie Beach on April 11 this year.
Mr Tompkins told the court that this was the third time the fisher had been breached for the same offence. Boarding officers found that his assistant fishers licence had been expired for some months.
Scallops sustained
A recently released report into saucer scallops indicates that scallop replenishment areas are helping to sustain Queensland stocks.
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) Long-Term Monitoring Program surveys have been carried out each year since 1997 in the major scallop grounds between Hervey Bay and Yeppoon.
QFS fisheries biologist Eddie Jebreen said the surveys gathered information on scallop stocks.
"The saucer scallop fishery is a significant part of Queensland's east coast trawl fishery," Mr Jebreen said.
"Therefore, it is important to determine whether the fisheries management practices in place are working to sustain scallop stocks."
"Scallop replenishment areas are large zones opened and closed to commercial trawling on a rotational basis," Mr Jebreen said.
"When closed, commercial trawl operators are excluded from the areas to help protect brood stock from fishing and allowing stocks to replenish.
"The survey results between 1997 and 2000 highlight that these areas had a high abundance of juvenile scallops which was a positive outcome for the industry."
East of Slade Island
Mariners are advised that the Lighted East Cardinal Mark buoy VQ(3)5s in approximate position Latitude 21°06.1'S, Longitude 149°15.45'E of the eastern side of Slade Island has been reported to be dim. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250
Old salts
It's hard to drown in the Dead Sea. It is 25 percent salt, which makes the water very heavy so you would float.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Tropical shirt regatta
Everyone had a great time during the Hog's Breath Tropical shirt regatta
including the last day that featured no wind. Pioneer Bay looked like a
mirror with nary a wisp of breeze to ruffle its surface. Enough racing had
been sailed to ensure results in all classes so Principal Race Officer Tony
Denham declared the regatta over, except for the last party.
Sailors from all around the globe enjoyed the event and business around the
area seemed to enjoy a surge with many proprietors reporting good takings.
Final placing prepared by Top Yacht Software.
IRC Division. 'Joe' skippered by Steven David took first place with 'Ticket
of Leave' Kevin Wood Sandringham YC second place and 'Ichi Ban', Matt Allen
CYCA third.
PHS1: 'Intrigue Of Stornoway' Dr Ian Nicolson Royal Hong Kong YC took the
first spot with 'StarFire' Don & Helen Cameron, Sandringham YC with
'Kerinda' Len Payne RMYC Port Hacking third.
PHS2: First place 'Sundowner' skippered by Bill Webb from Gold Coast Yacht
Club, second 'Deception' Murray Sanders Whitsunday Sailing Club, third
'Wobbly Boot' Craig Piccinelli also WSC.
Cruising PHS Spinnaker: First 'Aito' Simon Vincent NQCYC Bowen, second
'STRUTH' Vincent Bezzina LMYC, third 'Koomooloo' Donald Freebairn, RQYS.
Cruising PHS: First 'Risque' Paul Johnson of WSC, second 'Effarvescent'
Terry Balson, Southport Yacht Club. Third 'Earl Grey' Norm House, WSC.
Sports boats: First 'Vivace' Pierre Gal, CHYC. Second 'Excel' Steve & Yvonne
Battl, MOFSC. Third 'Guilty Pleasures' Leon Thomas, TCYC.
Sydney 38s: First 'Another Challenge' Lou Abrahams, Sandringham YC. Second
'Asylum' Wayne Kirkpatrick, HIYC / CYCA. Third 'Livewire' Terry Hall,
Sandringham YC.
20 years at Hamilton
The 20th Hahn Premium Race Week, Hamilton Island, including the Sydney 38
National Titles is being sailed this week and enjoying bright but not windy
weather.
The Cruising Class finished its 20 mile race which started around 11am at
about 4pm. No one wanted to start any earlier. Robbo Robertson's Eureka II
finished first in the Premier Cruising Class. One crew reported seeing
turtles, whales, dolphins and sea snakes. 'While going that slowly it an
opportunity to appreciate nature,' he said.
Remember Bondy?
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Australia II winning the America's Cup on
Friday, September 19 at the America's Cup Gala Ball in Perth. Expect to see
names like Bond, Bertrand, Conner, Hawke and other high profile members of
the community on the guest list. $250 per person. Royal Perth Yacht Club.
Full speed ahead
"Well the billfish season is full speed ahead," says Capt Ken Bryant. "After
a slow start the Marlin and Sailfish are now feeding in the grounds north of
Hayman Island and to the east of Hamilton Island. Bait schools are thick
from Net Reef to the Islands. We have just completed a charter to the shelf
and encountered Marlin to 300 lbs but were over run by Spanish mackerel"
"The Mackerel are taking almost any trolled bait or lure. Most of the fish
are only up to 12 kilo's but are thick. One recent trip to Evit shoal east
of Edward Island produced over 20 mackerel in four hours fishing. News from
Cairns is similar with large bait schools appearing and this would indicate
another big Black Marlin Season and perhaps an early bite."
Wooden Boats
The Port of Townsville Wooden Boat Festival is to be on the 13th and 14th
September at the Quarterdeck on the Marina.
Seen at Hamo
T- SHIRT from Melbourne. FRONT: Just because I slept with you last night
doesn't mean I'll sail with you today.
BACK: SUPERMODEL
Aussies love sport!
"We love sport so much our news readers can read the death toll from a
sailing race and still tell us who's winning. And we're the best in the
world at all the sports that count, like cricket, netball, rugby, AFL,
roo-shooting, two-up and horse racing" says a mate.
Sold at 75
At the ripe old age of 75, Ron of Argyll, a popular charter boat in the
Whitsundays, has reportedly been sold to a private owner in Brisbane.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Proserpine River ramp risk
Users of the Proserpine River boat ramp are incensed over the risk to vehicles and people and lack of access at the facility.
"It is always covered in mud because of the location of it. When the tide comes in it can dump mud over the ramp. Obviously, this poses a risk for vehicles and individuals using the facility" several ramp users have told Waterfront.
The ramp is owned by Queensland Transport while Whitsunday Shire Council have responsibility for maintaining it, but users have said that's not going to solve the problem. The council has attended the ramp numerous times but constant maintenance when the results can be wiped out overnight seems a waste say users.
Your Waterfront writer remembers attending several meetings about boat ramps around the shire some years ago. Queensland Transport and Council were represented as well as Sunfish. Ramps across the shire were looked at but your writer is unable to find any outcomes. Can any reader help?
One suggestion has been that the long-term solution is to build a new boat ramp along the Proserpine River. Do you have an opinion about this ramp? Contact Waterfront c/ The Guardian or ahoy@whitsunday.net.au
Fishing "better than ever"
Another week of windy weather with some days over 25 knots haven't put off local fishers reports Capt Ken on Marlin Blue.
"The sailfish have begun to turn up on the bait schools north of Hayman Island and to the east of Edward Island," says Capt Ken.
"Bait Reef even produced a sailfish for us the other day along with some more yellow fin tuna and small Spanish mackerel."
"The reef is fishing better than ever with some big trout and sweetlip bitting on almost anything. Deeper water is best with some trout over 10 pounds and full lippers"
The Yachtie Bible
The Yachtie Bible: How to Get Paid While Travelling in Style by Kimberly P Davis. "This book is full of information and contacts for anyone aspiring to crew on charter or private luxury boats around the world", says Boating Oz Editor Kathy McKenzie.
"Chapters include how to get started, crew responsibilities and qualifications, job hunting, health issues, sharing small spaces and potential problems. Directories include crew training facilities, culinary schools and boat builders and yards."
First out, last in
Can you imagine, racing without a course? Or, without a start and finish line? Where would our sport of sailing be without the club stalwarts who voluntarily man committee boats and safety vessels to conduct yacht racing around Australia?
Yes, it's the Volunteers who make it possible on the first boat out and the last boat in!
There are some great events coming up locally. If you want to be on first boat out, get in touch with the Whitsunday Sailing Club or Abel Point Yacht Club and get aboard. See you on the water.
How many leagues?
Those who enjoy adventure on the high seas stories and swashbuckling bodice rippers will have puzzled when a position was given as so many leagues away. Well, there are three miles in a league.
Beacon destroyed
Mariners are advised that the lighted Isolated Danger Mark beacon Fl(2)6s in approximate position Latitude 20°21.3'S, Longitude 149°01.6'E on Surprise Rock in the Whitsunday Group has been reported to be destroyed. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 370, 371, 824
Those stories
It seems that everyone who's spent any time on boats has at least one Funny Boat Story, which is define as a story that (1) involves a boat, (2) is funny, and most importantly, (3) was not funny at the time it happened.
When people hear one sails or goes boating a lot, they often tell you a story, often about their 'first time' (on a boat, on the water).
New acquaintance recently told me her Funny Boat Story about being stuck on a sandbar for six hours. Apparently the lighter side of her predicament came to her after the first bottle of champers.
A shop worker said, hi, how are you, and got a reply about boat trouble. She said just about everybody around here has a story like that, and paused. I asked her what hers was. She paused again, and said quietly, "Oh, ... I got lost." I nodded sympathetically and talked about something else. Obviously a touchy subject.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Users of the Proserpine River boat ramp are incensed over the risk to vehicles and people and lack of access at the facility.
"It is always covered in mud because of the location of it. When the tide comes in it can dump mud over the ramp. Obviously, this poses a risk for vehicles and individuals using the facility" several ramp users have told Waterfront.
The ramp is owned by Queensland Transport while Whitsunday Shire Council have responsibility for maintaining it, but users have said that's not going to solve the problem. The council has attended the ramp numerous times but constant maintenance when the results can be wiped out overnight seems a waste say users.
Your Waterfront writer remembers attending several meetings about boat ramps around the shire some years ago. Queensland Transport and Council were represented as well as Sunfish. Ramps across the shire were looked at but your writer is unable to find any outcomes. Can any reader help?
One suggestion has been that the long-term solution is to build a new boat ramp along the Proserpine River. Do you have an opinion about this ramp? Contact Waterfront c/ The Guardian or ahoy@whitsunday.net.au
Fishing "better than ever"
Another week of windy weather with some days over 25 knots haven't put off local fishers reports Capt Ken on Marlin Blue.
"The sailfish have begun to turn up on the bait schools north of Hayman Island and to the east of Edward Island," says Capt Ken.
"Bait Reef even produced a sailfish for us the other day along with some more yellow fin tuna and small Spanish mackerel."
"The reef is fishing better than ever with some big trout and sweetlip bitting on almost anything. Deeper water is best with some trout over 10 pounds and full lippers"
The Yachtie Bible
The Yachtie Bible: How to Get Paid While Travelling in Style by Kimberly P Davis. "This book is full of information and contacts for anyone aspiring to crew on charter or private luxury boats around the world", says Boating Oz Editor Kathy McKenzie.
"Chapters include how to get started, crew responsibilities and qualifications, job hunting, health issues, sharing small spaces and potential problems. Directories include crew training facilities, culinary schools and boat builders and yards."
First out, last in
Can you imagine, racing without a course? Or, without a start and finish line? Where would our sport of sailing be without the club stalwarts who voluntarily man committee boats and safety vessels to conduct yacht racing around Australia?
Yes, it's the Volunteers who make it possible on the first boat out and the last boat in!
There are some great events coming up locally. If you want to be on first boat out, get in touch with the Whitsunday Sailing Club or Abel Point Yacht Club and get aboard. See you on the water.
How many leagues?
Those who enjoy adventure on the high seas stories and swashbuckling bodice rippers will have puzzled when a position was given as so many leagues away. Well, there are three miles in a league.
Beacon destroyed
Mariners are advised that the lighted Isolated Danger Mark beacon Fl(2)6s in approximate position Latitude 20°21.3'S, Longitude 149°01.6'E on Surprise Rock in the Whitsunday Group has been reported to be destroyed. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 370, 371, 824
Those stories
It seems that everyone who's spent any time on boats has at least one Funny Boat Story, which is define as a story that (1) involves a boat, (2) is funny, and most importantly, (3) was not funny at the time it happened.
When people hear one sails or goes boating a lot, they often tell you a story, often about their 'first time' (on a boat, on the water).
New acquaintance recently told me her Funny Boat Story about being stuck on a sandbar for six hours. Apparently the lighter side of her predicament came to her after the first bottle of champers.
A shop worker said, hi, how are you, and got a reply about boat trouble. She said just about everybody around here has a story like that, and paused. I asked her what hers was. She paused again, and said quietly, "Oh, ... I got lost." I nodded sympathetically and talked about something else. Obviously a touchy subject.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
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