The 168th Australia Day Regatta.
Sydney turned on the biggest on-the-water Australia Day celebration since the 1988 bicentenary, with official estimates at 3000 vessels on the water and 200,000 spectators around the foreshores to watch events that included the colourful Ferry Race, an Australia Day Parade of craft of all shapes and sizes, the Tall Ships Race, and the 168th Australia Day Regatta.
In addition, an estimated 300 dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats competed in satellite Australia Day regattas on waterways in NSW.
Locally the Whitsunday Sailing Club fleet went to Monte's Reef Resort of the weekend.
Prevent tilapia spread
The Department of Primary Industries is urging the public to be on the look out for the noxious fish tilapia and help prevent the spread of this pest species.
The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is encouraging people to report any suspected findings of tilapia, a declared noxious fish species.
QFS fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said tilapia could threaten native fish populations and the environment and were able to dominate waterways due to their highly efficient reproductive strategies, simple food requirements and flexible habitat preferences.
Ms Burton said that although noxious fish such as tilapia had established populations in a number of river systems throughout Queensland there were still many catchments that were tilapia free.
In North Queensland, the Johnstone, Barron, Mulgrave-Russell and Black catchments are infested with tilapia while catchments such as the Tully and Murray are thought to be tilapia free.
Ms Burton said it was vital tilapia were not introduced into these catchments as eradicating established populations was unlikely.
"People need to act responsibly to prevent tilapia spreading further throughout Queensland waterways," she said.
"More often than not members of the public introduce the fish to waterways not realising the environmental damage they can cause.
"For example, some people use tilapia as bait which even when dead have the potential to spread."
Ms Burton said the danger was some species such as Mozambique mouthbrooders hatched their eggs inside their mouths with the eggs and fry able to remain alive for a period of time.
"Even when the fish is dead the eggs and fry remain alive and can escape when the fish is disposed of," she said.
Ms Burton said to help prevent the spread of tilapia; any fish caught should be disposed of away from the waterway.
If they need to be identified, they should be humanely killed by being placed in ice slurry and frozen.
She said Mozambique mouthbrooders were pale olive to silver grey with two to five dark blotches on their sides.
They could grow to more than 40cm and breeding males became almost black with red edging on their fins.
Fines of up to $150,000 apply to people in possession of tilapia or using them as bait, live or dead.
Anyone who thinks they may have found a tilapia should contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Too serious
I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be
left to the politicians. -- Charles De Gaulle
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Marine radio licences for small boat operators
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
St Bees light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Marker on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887'S Longitude 149° 25.9716'E has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 823
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
St Bees light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Marker on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887'S Longitude 149° 25.9716'E has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 823
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Friday, January 16, 2004
Outriggers come of age at Whitsunday destination
Hamilton Island hosts Australia's oldest, largest and richest outrigger canoe race and will commemorate a coming of age with its 21st staging in June 2004.
More than 2000 paddlers from all over the world are attracted to The Coca Cola Hamilton Island Cup for a four-day event (4 - 8 June) that includes a combination of sprint and marathon canoe paddling.
Sprint races take place over a 500m course off Catseye Beach followed by short marathons of 16km around the island. The flagship event is a gruelling 53-kilometre marathon that circumnavigates six Whitsunday Islands and draws the best teams from around the world.
After the final event of the last day is complete, a huge closing celebration happens in the Marina Village.
Another outstanding event in our Whitsunday wonderland!
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
* Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
* Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known (by scientists) on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Hamilton Island hosts Australia's oldest, largest and richest outrigger canoe race and will commemorate a coming of age with its 21st staging in June 2004.
More than 2000 paddlers from all over the world are attracted to The Coca Cola Hamilton Island Cup for a four-day event (4 - 8 June) that includes a combination of sprint and marathon canoe paddling.
Sprint races take place over a 500m course off Catseye Beach followed by short marathons of 16km around the island. The flagship event is a gruelling 53-kilometre marathon that circumnavigates six Whitsunday Islands and draws the best teams from around the world.
After the final event of the last day is complete, a huge closing celebration happens in the Marina Village.
Another outstanding event in our Whitsunday wonderland!
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
* Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
* Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known (by scientists) on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Coming up: Big year on the water for sailors
The Whitsunday Islands are the focus for a fabulous year ahead as our excellent events draw the best Aussie and overseas sailors to our shores.
This year will see the 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week kick off on Friday, August 13.
It is amazing to your Waterfront writer that it is 15 years since Boss Hog Don Algie said he wanted to start a race week that would "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
The Hog's Week includes the famous Beach Party on the Monday and following the presentation crews will sail to Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed from 20 - 29 August.
There are few places in the world that can offer such a great yachting facility, regatta management and good-hearted wholesome fun to match the healthy feeling that exists at Hamilton Island Race Week.
This year is the 21st anniversary of 'Race Week'. Last year around 170 yachts competed in the week-long regatta with more than half of the entries escaping the cold winter of Sydney and Melbourne.
Apart from the exciting week of racing last year, the event featured a magnificent Moet and Chandon lunch and the Hahn Beer Dinner. The 'Whitehaven Beach Party' attracted around 3,500 people to the pristine shores of Whitehaven Beach to play touch football and beach cricket with members of the Australian cricket team.
The event constantly attracts the world's best sailors including an array of America's Cup, Admiral Cup, Olympic and World Champions mixing with sailing enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world.
In the lead-up to these events will be the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show' on the 12-13 June Queen's birthday weekend and the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday/Pentecost Sunday May 30.
But wait, there's still more! Waterfront will keep you posted during this fabulous year.
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
"However, legislation allowing individual yachtsmen to opt for the Euro Ensign on a voluntary basis could well be acceptable, and we would welcome consultation on that basis."
Parliament's Transport and Regional Affairs Committee have voted by 27 votes to 22 in favour of the legislation.
The Ensign is the national maritime flag and denotes a vessel's country of registration. Generally, but not always, this will follow the nationality of the owner.
In the UK, the statutory regulations regarding the wearing of Ensigns are the Merchant Shipping Acts and Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Rubbish!
More than 45,000 pieces of plastic debris float on every square mile of ocean a report says.
Marine radio concerns
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Whitsunday Islands are the focus for a fabulous year ahead as our excellent events draw the best Aussie and overseas sailors to our shores.
This year will see the 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week kick off on Friday, August 13.
It is amazing to your Waterfront writer that it is 15 years since Boss Hog Don Algie said he wanted to start a race week that would "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
The Hog's Week includes the famous Beach Party on the Monday and following the presentation crews will sail to Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed from 20 - 29 August.
There are few places in the world that can offer such a great yachting facility, regatta management and good-hearted wholesome fun to match the healthy feeling that exists at Hamilton Island Race Week.
This year is the 21st anniversary of 'Race Week'. Last year around 170 yachts competed in the week-long regatta with more than half of the entries escaping the cold winter of Sydney and Melbourne.
Apart from the exciting week of racing last year, the event featured a magnificent Moet and Chandon lunch and the Hahn Beer Dinner. The 'Whitehaven Beach Party' attracted around 3,500 people to the pristine shores of Whitehaven Beach to play touch football and beach cricket with members of the Australian cricket team.
The event constantly attracts the world's best sailors including an array of America's Cup, Admiral Cup, Olympic and World Champions mixing with sailing enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world.
In the lead-up to these events will be the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show' on the 12-13 June Queen's birthday weekend and the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday/Pentecost Sunday May 30.
But wait, there's still more! Waterfront will keep you posted during this fabulous year.
Breakdown calls
In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report
Fishing studies
CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.
Brits see red over Ensign
In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
"However, legislation allowing individual yachtsmen to opt for the Euro Ensign on a voluntary basis could well be acceptable, and we would welcome consultation on that basis."
Parliament's Transport and Regional Affairs Committee have voted by 27 votes to 22 in favour of the legislation.
The Ensign is the national maritime flag and denotes a vessel's country of registration. Generally, but not always, this will follow the nationality of the owner.
In the UK, the statutory regulations regarding the wearing of Ensigns are the Merchant Shipping Acts and Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.
Rubbish!
More than 45,000 pieces of plastic debris float on every square mile of ocean a report says.
Marine radio concerns
The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
TV amp interference
Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.
Not a failure
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
Inventor Thomas Alva Edison
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, December 29, 2003
Birth Notice: Top yachts spawn little sailors
The Mackay Yacht Club is proud to announce the birth of three little Sabot sailing boats, which have been "fathered" by the top racing boats Nicorette and Ichi Ban and the cruising vessel Hi Fidelity.
The three "big boats" took out $1,000 cash prizes in the inaugural Southport to Mackay Yacht Race in August this year (2003). The money had been raised by local businesses to promote the race, but all three skippers decided to donate the money back to the Club to help develop Junior Sailing.
The three Sabots have recently emerged from their moulds in Mackay and are awaiting masts and sails. They will be 'baptised' as Little Nicorette, Little Ichi Ban and Little Hi Fidelity in the New Year.
Matt Allan, skipper of Ichi Ban chairs the Youth Yachting Committee at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. He said, "While we all appreciate the sentiments of the Mackay Yacht Club and the camaraderie and competition of ocean racing, it is also important to develop the potential of younger sailors. By encouraging junior sailors in Mackay, we are also encouraging future crew members, skippers, and who knows, maybe an Olympic champion."
Dale Robinson, Commodore of the Mackay Yacht Club says, "Planning is well underway for the 2004 Southport to Mackay Yacht Race. We will be looking forward to the skippers of Nicorette, Ichi Ban and Hi Fidelity returning to visit their 'offspring'. We also hope many more ocean racing boats will also enter the race. It can only help our local kids when top racing sailors visit Mackay."
The 530 nm Southport to Mackay Blue Water Classic is the longest northerly passage Race on the East Coast of Australia. Next race will begin on Friday August 6, 2004.
Resolute!
In relation to my previous New Years Resolutions, I tried to be good (honest!), but the dining table is near my computer and it often looks like an office. I had the table clean on at least two occasions that even Mrs Cap'n Dan would verify. I, of course, would never try to shift the blame, but other people put things on the table too.
I will eat less fat and more sugar. I will slip, slop and slap. Early to bed and . . . Well, you get the picture. I will try to clean off the dining room table for Mrs Cap'n Dan. (Weather permitting, in due course, considering schedules, with due regard to the Santa clause, if possible with regard to extent circumstances and special conditions at the time, Act of God, force majeure, et cetera . . . )
Toadfish tango
The underwater mating song of the toadfish is said to be so loud that sometimes humans on the shore can hear it.
The year that was
The year 2003 saw our visitor numbers grow from 554,000 in June 2002 to 635,000 in 2003. The majority of Tourism Whitsunday members have experienced one of the best years for some time. The region has performed strongly especially our domestic market. The latest figures show Domestic 67%, International 33%. TW Sea News.
Miracles
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Albert Einstein
Best wishes for the New Year and
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Mackay Yacht Club is proud to announce the birth of three little Sabot sailing boats, which have been "fathered" by the top racing boats Nicorette and Ichi Ban and the cruising vessel Hi Fidelity.
The three "big boats" took out $1,000 cash prizes in the inaugural Southport to Mackay Yacht Race in August this year (2003). The money had been raised by local businesses to promote the race, but all three skippers decided to donate the money back to the Club to help develop Junior Sailing.
The three Sabots have recently emerged from their moulds in Mackay and are awaiting masts and sails. They will be 'baptised' as Little Nicorette, Little Ichi Ban and Little Hi Fidelity in the New Year.
Matt Allan, skipper of Ichi Ban chairs the Youth Yachting Committee at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. He said, "While we all appreciate the sentiments of the Mackay Yacht Club and the camaraderie and competition of ocean racing, it is also important to develop the potential of younger sailors. By encouraging junior sailors in Mackay, we are also encouraging future crew members, skippers, and who knows, maybe an Olympic champion."
Dale Robinson, Commodore of the Mackay Yacht Club says, "Planning is well underway for the 2004 Southport to Mackay Yacht Race. We will be looking forward to the skippers of Nicorette, Ichi Ban and Hi Fidelity returning to visit their 'offspring'. We also hope many more ocean racing boats will also enter the race. It can only help our local kids when top racing sailors visit Mackay."
The 530 nm Southport to Mackay Blue Water Classic is the longest northerly passage Race on the East Coast of Australia. Next race will begin on Friday August 6, 2004.
Resolute!
In relation to my previous New Years Resolutions, I tried to be good (honest!), but the dining table is near my computer and it often looks like an office. I had the table clean on at least two occasions that even Mrs Cap'n Dan would verify. I, of course, would never try to shift the blame, but other people put things on the table too.
I will eat less fat and more sugar. I will slip, slop and slap. Early to bed and . . . Well, you get the picture. I will try to clean off the dining room table for Mrs Cap'n Dan. (Weather permitting, in due course, considering schedules, with due regard to the Santa clause, if possible with regard to extent circumstances and special conditions at the time, Act of God, force majeure, et cetera . . . )
Toadfish tango
The underwater mating song of the toadfish is said to be so loud that sometimes humans on the shore can hear it.
The year that was
The year 2003 saw our visitor numbers grow from 554,000 in June 2002 to 635,000 in 2003. The majority of Tourism Whitsunday members have experienced one of the best years for some time. The region has performed strongly especially our domestic market. The latest figures show Domestic 67%, International 33%. TW Sea News.
Miracles
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Albert Einstein
Best wishes for the New Year and
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Check weather for safe summer boating
Keeping your 'weather eye' open is a key element of good seamanship. You don't have to know everything about weather forecasting, but getting the right information is vital to safe boating.
Getting a good, reliable marine weather forecast is easy when you know the right sources. Here is a rundown for summer boating weather safety.
Newspapers, local radio and the Bureau of Meteorology website provide coverage, but your marine radio has a range of broadcasts for you.
Airlie Comstat provides a Whitsunday local service each day at 0803, 1203 and 1603 on VHF repeater channels 81, 82 and 22.
A good service for the early morning starters is the Telstra VHF Seaphone service that broadcasts weather forecasts at 0633 and 1633 each day. Whitsunday weather channels are VHF 28 and 86 from Whitsunday Island and Channel 66 Shute Harbour.
The Bureau of Meteorology broadcasts weather information for our waters from VMC Weather Australia located at Charleville in Queensland on the High Frequencies working frequencies: 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176, 12365 and 16537 KHz.
Some vessels, depending on the age of their HF transceivers, may need to install new frequencies in order to receive the Bureau of Meteorology weather information.
Get the forecast and enjoy safe boating in the Whitsundays.
Port Denison Pier
Mariners are advised that a fireworks display will be carried out in approximate position latitude 20°01.3'S and longitude 148°15.1'E on Port Denison Pier, Bowen, between 2400 hours on Wednesday, 31 December, 2003 and 0015 hours on Thursday, 1 January, 2004. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825, 826
Young Einstein
One story Einstein liked to tell about his childhood was of a "wonder" he saw when he was four or five years old: a magnetic compass. The needle's invariable northward swing, guided by an invisible force, profoundly impressed the child. The compass convinced him that there had to be "something behind things, something deeply hidden."
Ad scam warning
Here's a warning to businesses to be wary of an advertising scam by unscrupulous con-merchants, claiming to represent the emergency services.
Businesses are being rung and harassed by a man who speaks with an American accent, and claims to be selling advertising space in a bogus publication called 'SES Volunteer Air and Sea Rescue Magazine'.
The ONLY official publication of the SES is a monthly newsletter for the State's volunteers, which carries no advertising whatsoever.
If your approached, immediately lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading on 1300 658 030.
Christmas all year
"A good conscience is a continual Christmas."
Benjamin Franklin; Statesman, Printer, Inventor, Philosopher
Best wishes of the Season and
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Keeping your 'weather eye' open is a key element of good seamanship. You don't have to know everything about weather forecasting, but getting the right information is vital to safe boating.
Getting a good, reliable marine weather forecast is easy when you know the right sources. Here is a rundown for summer boating weather safety.
Newspapers, local radio and the Bureau of Meteorology website provide coverage, but your marine radio has a range of broadcasts for you.
Airlie Comstat provides a Whitsunday local service each day at 0803, 1203 and 1603 on VHF repeater channels 81, 82 and 22.
A good service for the early morning starters is the Telstra VHF Seaphone service that broadcasts weather forecasts at 0633 and 1633 each day. Whitsunday weather channels are VHF 28 and 86 from Whitsunday Island and Channel 66 Shute Harbour.
The Bureau of Meteorology broadcasts weather information for our waters from VMC Weather Australia located at Charleville in Queensland on the High Frequencies working frequencies: 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176, 12365 and 16537 KHz.
Some vessels, depending on the age of their HF transceivers, may need to install new frequencies in order to receive the Bureau of Meteorology weather information.
Get the forecast and enjoy safe boating in the Whitsundays.
Port Denison Pier
Mariners are advised that a fireworks display will be carried out in approximate position latitude 20°01.3'S and longitude 148°15.1'E on Port Denison Pier, Bowen, between 2400 hours on Wednesday, 31 December, 2003 and 0015 hours on Thursday, 1 January, 2004. Charts affected: AUS 268, 825, 826
Young Einstein
One story Einstein liked to tell about his childhood was of a "wonder" he saw when he was four or five years old: a magnetic compass. The needle's invariable northward swing, guided by an invisible force, profoundly impressed the child. The compass convinced him that there had to be "something behind things, something deeply hidden."
Ad scam warning
Here's a warning to businesses to be wary of an advertising scam by unscrupulous con-merchants, claiming to represent the emergency services.
Businesses are being rung and harassed by a man who speaks with an American accent, and claims to be selling advertising space in a bogus publication called 'SES Volunteer Air and Sea Rescue Magazine'.
The ONLY official publication of the SES is a monthly newsletter for the State's volunteers, which carries no advertising whatsoever.
If your approached, immediately lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading on 1300 658 030.
Christmas all year
"A good conscience is a continual Christmas."
Benjamin Franklin; Statesman, Printer, Inventor, Philosopher
Best wishes of the Season and
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Irukandji Research Foundation launched in Whitsunday
Irukandji jellyfish research took a positive turn with the launch in Airlie Beach this week of a tax-free research foundation to attract and encourage donations.
The first donations were received on Tuesday night. Proserpine Rotary President Harry Black presented $5000 to Foundation Trustee Ray Braithwaite who also accepted fifty dollars from a member of the public.
Mr Black issued a challenge to other service clubs in the region to back the research foundation.
Former Federal member Mr Braithwaite told the well attended meeting at the sailing club that Federal member De-Anne Kelly had suggested the formation of a tax deductible foundation and it had taken almost two years to set up the foundation.
"The Trustees will be applying for any available Government grants and are also seeking contributions and assistance from Mackay Whitsunday businesses, service clubs and the community to ensure that the research will continue and make the region a safer place for tourists." Mr Braithwaite said.
Organiser and Foundation trustee Wayne Bailey, a marine tourism operator, said the research was needed to ensure the safety of both tourist customers and staff.
"We need to press ahead with the research and find solutions. Tourism is adversely impacted with each Irukandji sting, so we need the entire industry and every tourist operation to get right behind the foundation" Mr Bailey said.
Leading world authority on marine stingers Dr Peter Fenner told the meeting each time an Irukandji sting occurred, the tourism industry suffered. An area such as Whitsunday could be very badly affected by adverse publicity.
"We need to ensure that research results in ways to prevent incidents. Education is an important aspect of this, but we still need to know more. It is important to realise that the jellyfish do not 'attack' people, humans are not its food source."
Dr Fenner is National Medical Officer for Surf Life Saving Club and an Associate Professor at James Cook University. He is also an advisor to the World Health Organisation and the Australian Medical Association on marine envenomation.
"It has been found in the past that most research funds available for Irukandji research from Governments were going further north, while the main effect of these marine stingers has been felt around the Whitsundays. Volunteer researcher Dr Eric Mitran in Airlie Beach was conducting the most fruitful research. That is why our research funding will target the Whitsunday area," Dr Fenner added.
Marine biologist, Dr Eric Mitran has been conducting research in the Whitsundays. He had formerly worked on the islands of Madagascar and Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa where he originally encountered Irukandji like stingers, and discovered a possible repellent.
Eric told The Guardian that his young daughter helped in the discovery.
"Papa, Why do the women put sun cream on the bottom of their feet?"
So, Eric asked them and found that the fisherwomen were putting on an essential oil as a repellent against the jellyfish.
"The reproduction of the jellyfish may be tied to climate stress triggered by conditions that cause the mass spawning leading to an outbreak or raising of the number of encounters," Dr Mitran said.
"More research is needed to find the real reasons, but with the increase in funding we can expect further results to this problem"
Medical practitioner Dr Paul Joice of Proserpine is a trustee of the foundation and Rotary member who invited Dr Fenner to Proserpine a while back to give a presentation to the club.
"Rotary takes up issues, in this case a life saving issue, as part of our service to the community," Dr Joice said.
The sensational approach by some sections of the media was noted as having almost as adverse an affect as the jellyfish themselves.
Every time a newspaper headline trumpets a jellyfish sting, the tourism industry suffers. It's like the 'shark infested waters' line that has been done to death by the media.
Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association organised the meeting at the sailing club. Any reader who wishes to make a donation may contact the Foundation C/ The Guardian.
Watery grave for infamous yacht
The infamous yacht Lonebird, linked to New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope and a major drug-smuggling operation, was scuttled near Gisborne this week.
After mysteriously sinking in its Gisborne harbour mooring three years ago, the 20m yacht was sent to its final resting place at Young Nicks Head, as an artificial reef for divers.
Its history is steeped in drugs, murder and mystery. In 1997, Lonebird was rumoured to have been the ketch originally sought after the deaths of Ben Smart, 21, and Olivia Hope, 17. It matched the mystery ketch police were looking for.
In early 2000, Lonebird reportedly transferred drugs from off the coast of New Zealand to Australia.
Sir Thomas Graham Fry, who owned Lonebird then, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in bringing 500kg of cocaine into Australia, the country's largest cocaine seizure at the time. Then in September 2000, it sank in Gisborne harbour during a storm in unknown circumstances.
Australian authorities who seized the boat have accepted ownership and will pay the $100,000 salvage bill.
Rob Campbell, of Bay Underwater Services, thinks Lonebird could be seaworthy again. He says its hull is "very sound."
Windsurfer record
Maries de la Mer, France: Big Wednesday turned out to be a record setting day as the run of 46.24 knots by Finian Maynard sets a new windsurfing speed record that comes agonizingly close to the outright world record of 46.54 knots. David Garrel of France set a new French record with a time of 45.51 knots. Martin van Meurs set a new Dutch record with a time of 40.8 knots.
New boat marking rules
Queensland's commercial fishing fleet will be more easily identified in the water with new rules for the marking commercial fishing boats to come into force this week.
The regulations are part of a range of new legislation recently introduced affecting commercial operators, recreational anglers and the charter boat industry.
Under the new law, boat markings must be larger and clearly visible both from above and the side of the vessel.
The new rules include:
* For boats under 10 metres, markings must be at least 20cm high and between 2cm and 2.5cm wide
* For boats between 10m and 25m, markings must be at least 30cm high and between 3.5cm and 4cm wide; and
* For boats greater than 25m, markings must be at least 45cm high and between 6cm and 6.5cm wide.
Under cover
"A doctor can bury his mistakes but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines."
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Irukandji jellyfish research took a positive turn with the launch in Airlie Beach this week of a tax-free research foundation to attract and encourage donations.
The first donations were received on Tuesday night. Proserpine Rotary President Harry Black presented $5000 to Foundation Trustee Ray Braithwaite who also accepted fifty dollars from a member of the public.
Mr Black issued a challenge to other service clubs in the region to back the research foundation.
Former Federal member Mr Braithwaite told the well attended meeting at the sailing club that Federal member De-Anne Kelly had suggested the formation of a tax deductible foundation and it had taken almost two years to set up the foundation.
"The Trustees will be applying for any available Government grants and are also seeking contributions and assistance from Mackay Whitsunday businesses, service clubs and the community to ensure that the research will continue and make the region a safer place for tourists." Mr Braithwaite said.
Organiser and Foundation trustee Wayne Bailey, a marine tourism operator, said the research was needed to ensure the safety of both tourist customers and staff.
"We need to press ahead with the research and find solutions. Tourism is adversely impacted with each Irukandji sting, so we need the entire industry and every tourist operation to get right behind the foundation" Mr Bailey said.
Leading world authority on marine stingers Dr Peter Fenner told the meeting each time an Irukandji sting occurred, the tourism industry suffered. An area such as Whitsunday could be very badly affected by adverse publicity.
"We need to ensure that research results in ways to prevent incidents. Education is an important aspect of this, but we still need to know more. It is important to realise that the jellyfish do not 'attack' people, humans are not its food source."
Dr Fenner is National Medical Officer for Surf Life Saving Club and an Associate Professor at James Cook University. He is also an advisor to the World Health Organisation and the Australian Medical Association on marine envenomation.
"It has been found in the past that most research funds available for Irukandji research from Governments were going further north, while the main effect of these marine stingers has been felt around the Whitsundays. Volunteer researcher Dr Eric Mitran in Airlie Beach was conducting the most fruitful research. That is why our research funding will target the Whitsunday area," Dr Fenner added.
Marine biologist, Dr Eric Mitran has been conducting research in the Whitsundays. He had formerly worked on the islands of Madagascar and Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa where he originally encountered Irukandji like stingers, and discovered a possible repellent.
Eric told The Guardian that his young daughter helped in the discovery.
"Papa, Why do the women put sun cream on the bottom of their feet?"
So, Eric asked them and found that the fisherwomen were putting on an essential oil as a repellent against the jellyfish.
"The reproduction of the jellyfish may be tied to climate stress triggered by conditions that cause the mass spawning leading to an outbreak or raising of the number of encounters," Dr Mitran said.
"More research is needed to find the real reasons, but with the increase in funding we can expect further results to this problem"
Medical practitioner Dr Paul Joice of Proserpine is a trustee of the foundation and Rotary member who invited Dr Fenner to Proserpine a while back to give a presentation to the club.
"Rotary takes up issues, in this case a life saving issue, as part of our service to the community," Dr Joice said.
The sensational approach by some sections of the media was noted as having almost as adverse an affect as the jellyfish themselves.
Every time a newspaper headline trumpets a jellyfish sting, the tourism industry suffers. It's like the 'shark infested waters' line that has been done to death by the media.
Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association organised the meeting at the sailing club. Any reader who wishes to make a donation may contact the Foundation C/ The Guardian.
Watery grave for infamous yacht
The infamous yacht Lonebird, linked to New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds murders of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope and a major drug-smuggling operation, was scuttled near Gisborne this week.
After mysteriously sinking in its Gisborne harbour mooring three years ago, the 20m yacht was sent to its final resting place at Young Nicks Head, as an artificial reef for divers.
Its history is steeped in drugs, murder and mystery. In 1997, Lonebird was rumoured to have been the ketch originally sought after the deaths of Ben Smart, 21, and Olivia Hope, 17. It matched the mystery ketch police were looking for.
In early 2000, Lonebird reportedly transferred drugs from off the coast of New Zealand to Australia.
Sir Thomas Graham Fry, who owned Lonebird then, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in bringing 500kg of cocaine into Australia, the country's largest cocaine seizure at the time. Then in September 2000, it sank in Gisborne harbour during a storm in unknown circumstances.
Australian authorities who seized the boat have accepted ownership and will pay the $100,000 salvage bill.
Rob Campbell, of Bay Underwater Services, thinks Lonebird could be seaworthy again. He says its hull is "very sound."
Windsurfer record
Maries de la Mer, France: Big Wednesday turned out to be a record setting day as the run of 46.24 knots by Finian Maynard sets a new windsurfing speed record that comes agonizingly close to the outright world record of 46.54 knots. David Garrel of France set a new French record with a time of 45.51 knots. Martin van Meurs set a new Dutch record with a time of 40.8 knots.
New boat marking rules
Queensland's commercial fishing fleet will be more easily identified in the water with new rules for the marking commercial fishing boats to come into force this week.
The regulations are part of a range of new legislation recently introduced affecting commercial operators, recreational anglers and the charter boat industry.
Under the new law, boat markings must be larger and clearly visible both from above and the side of the vessel.
The new rules include:
* For boats under 10 metres, markings must be at least 20cm high and between 2cm and 2.5cm wide
* For boats between 10m and 25m, markings must be at least 30cm high and between 3.5cm and 4cm wide; and
* For boats greater than 25m, markings must be at least 45cm high and between 6cm and 6.5cm wide.
Under cover
"A doctor can bury his mistakes but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines."
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Friday, December 12, 2003
Ex Whitsunday yacht for Mawson's Hut New Year
Solo, around-the-world sailor Tony Mowbray is embarking on a new challenge - a voyage to Antarctica with a crew consisting of a stand-up comedian, ambulance officer, cleaning contractor and electrical engineer.
"This is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things," said Mowbray, who is looking forward to joining in "the most southern New Year's Party" at Mawson's Hut.
The group will sail out of Sydney on December 7 in Solo Globe Challenger, the 43ft yacht, which Mowbray sailed single-handed around the world in 2000, and which was nearly lost in the disastrous 1998 Sydney-Hobart Race.
The yacht, a Cole 43 charter yacht sailed for years in the Whitsundays as Rangatira.
Mowbray said he was looking forward to seeing Mawson's Hut, at Commonwealth Bay, the great adventurer's home from 1911 to 1913.
"It is the last remaining symbol down there to our great Antarctic pioneers," he said.
"The thought of being in the beautiful, unspoilt Antarctic on News Years Eve is just incredible.
"In contrast, we'll spend Christmas day in the "Screaming 60s" of The Great Southern Ocean where there is no law... you are on your own.
"We have prepared well for icebergs, pack ice and the expected 200 km/h winds. We are ready for the challenge. Bring it on"
Aussie boat washed up
A catamaran that sank off the New South Wales coast in May has washed up seven months later on a New Zealand beach 3000 kilometres away, police said.
Police were trying to track down the owner after the eight metre craft, with its two huge outboard engines still attached, drifted ashore on Ninety Mile Beach, at the northern tip of New Zealand.
'It was amazing it stayed afloat with those two heavy engines on it,' Constable Chris Yarnton said. 'They weigh a quarter of a tonne each.'
The catamaran had overturned off Bermagui, 375 kilometres south of Sydney, on May 24 and its crew of four or five were rescued.
A search by water police at the time found no trace of the boat, which was presumed sunk.
New Zealand police traced the boat's motors to a marine engine dealer in Melbourne and Melbourne police filled in its history.
Boom not bombs
Did you know that even Kabul is experiencing a property boom? Under the Taliban, real estate agents were considered satanic.
Reef Report
Fishing has been on the improve lately with some good reef fish taken. Sailfish and Marlin have been about in small numbers at the north of Hayman Island but are not as thick as previous years. A recent three day trip to the continental shelf produced Mackerel, Dogtooth Tuna, some reds and a 500 lb Blue Marlin.
Dates have been set for a trip to Marion Reef in 2004 when twelve lucky anglers, a mother ship and two game boats make the trip 200 miles into the coral sea to Marion Reef. The 'Tour of Duty' will be a case of first in best dressed. Seven days at this majestic reef will be a real fishing experience.
Not so good news on the Green Zones closures of the reef with the Plan now in Parliament and most of the reefs off the Whitsundays to be closed. More to come on this one. Tight Lines. Capt Ken Bryant
Bikini bust up
The US Coast Guard rescued a bikini-clad Connecticut woman after she spent a chilly night stranded in a dinghy.
Michelle Zaklukiewicz, 35, allegedly had an argument with her boyfriend and rowed off to sea in her 8-foot inflatable boat, Coast Guard Petty Officer Jason Boop said.
Zaklukiewicz's boyfriend, Bill Lopes, called police at 1 a.m. Wednesday and told them the wind caught her boat, he was unable to reach her, and he then lost sight of her.
The Coast Guard rescued Zaklukiewicz about 6:30 a.m. almost two miles away, Boop said.
Not surprisingly, she was treated for hypothermia.
Windsurfer record
Maries de la Mer, France: Big Wednesday turned out to be a record setting day as the run of 46.24 knots by Finian Maynard sets a new windsurfing speed record that comes agonizingly close to the outright world record of 46.54 knots. David Garrel of France set a new French record with a time of 45.51 knots. Martin van Meurs set a new Dutch record with a time of 40.8 knots.
New boat marking rules
Queensland's commercial fishing fleet will be more easily identified in the water with new rules for the marking commercial fishing boats to come into force this week.
The regulations are part of a range of new legislation recently introduced affecting commercial operators, recreational anglers and the charter boat industry.
Under the new law, boat markings must be larger and clearly visible both from above and the side of the vessel.
The new rules include:
* For boats under 10 metres, markings must be at least 20cm high and between 2cm and 2.5cm wide
* For boats between 10m and 25m, markings must be at least 30cm high and between 3.5cm and 4cm wide; and
* For boats greater than 25m, markings must be at least 45cm high and between 6cm and 6.5cm wide.
Mackay Harbour lights
Mariners are advised that due to the construction of the No 3 Berth at Mackay Harbour, the lead lights (bearing 261°40') have been repositioned as follows: -
Front Lead - fixed white light by day, fixed blue light by night Approximate position Latitude 21°06.3858'S Longitude 149°13.5491'E
Rear Lead - fixed white light by day, fixed blue light by night Approximate position Latitude 21°06.4016'S Longitude 149°13.4348'E
The leads are 200 metres apart and line up on a calculated bearing of 261°38' T
Charts Affected: AUS 249, 250
Eternity
... L'eternité. C'est la mer mêlée Au soleil.
(Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun.)
Author Arthur Rimbaud
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Solo, around-the-world sailor Tony Mowbray is embarking on a new challenge - a voyage to Antarctica with a crew consisting of a stand-up comedian, ambulance officer, cleaning contractor and electrical engineer.
"This is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things," said Mowbray, who is looking forward to joining in "the most southern New Year's Party" at Mawson's Hut.
The group will sail out of Sydney on December 7 in Solo Globe Challenger, the 43ft yacht, which Mowbray sailed single-handed around the world in 2000, and which was nearly lost in the disastrous 1998 Sydney-Hobart Race.
The yacht, a Cole 43 charter yacht sailed for years in the Whitsundays as Rangatira.
Mowbray said he was looking forward to seeing Mawson's Hut, at Commonwealth Bay, the great adventurer's home from 1911 to 1913.
"It is the last remaining symbol down there to our great Antarctic pioneers," he said.
"The thought of being in the beautiful, unspoilt Antarctic on News Years Eve is just incredible.
"In contrast, we'll spend Christmas day in the "Screaming 60s" of The Great Southern Ocean where there is no law... you are on your own.
"We have prepared well for icebergs, pack ice and the expected 200 km/h winds. We are ready for the challenge. Bring it on"
Aussie boat washed up
A catamaran that sank off the New South Wales coast in May has washed up seven months later on a New Zealand beach 3000 kilometres away, police said.
Police were trying to track down the owner after the eight metre craft, with its two huge outboard engines still attached, drifted ashore on Ninety Mile Beach, at the northern tip of New Zealand.
'It was amazing it stayed afloat with those two heavy engines on it,' Constable Chris Yarnton said. 'They weigh a quarter of a tonne each.'
The catamaran had overturned off Bermagui, 375 kilometres south of Sydney, on May 24 and its crew of four or five were rescued.
A search by water police at the time found no trace of the boat, which was presumed sunk.
New Zealand police traced the boat's motors to a marine engine dealer in Melbourne and Melbourne police filled in its history.
Boom not bombs
Did you know that even Kabul is experiencing a property boom? Under the Taliban, real estate agents were considered satanic.
Reef Report
Fishing has been on the improve lately with some good reef fish taken. Sailfish and Marlin have been about in small numbers at the north of Hayman Island but are not as thick as previous years. A recent three day trip to the continental shelf produced Mackerel, Dogtooth Tuna, some reds and a 500 lb Blue Marlin.
Dates have been set for a trip to Marion Reef in 2004 when twelve lucky anglers, a mother ship and two game boats make the trip 200 miles into the coral sea to Marion Reef. The 'Tour of Duty' will be a case of first in best dressed. Seven days at this majestic reef will be a real fishing experience.
Not so good news on the Green Zones closures of the reef with the Plan now in Parliament and most of the reefs off the Whitsundays to be closed. More to come on this one. Tight Lines. Capt Ken Bryant
Bikini bust up
The US Coast Guard rescued a bikini-clad Connecticut woman after she spent a chilly night stranded in a dinghy.
Michelle Zaklukiewicz, 35, allegedly had an argument with her boyfriend and rowed off to sea in her 8-foot inflatable boat, Coast Guard Petty Officer Jason Boop said.
Zaklukiewicz's boyfriend, Bill Lopes, called police at 1 a.m. Wednesday and told them the wind caught her boat, he was unable to reach her, and he then lost sight of her.
The Coast Guard rescued Zaklukiewicz about 6:30 a.m. almost two miles away, Boop said.
Not surprisingly, she was treated for hypothermia.
Windsurfer record
Maries de la Mer, France: Big Wednesday turned out to be a record setting day as the run of 46.24 knots by Finian Maynard sets a new windsurfing speed record that comes agonizingly close to the outright world record of 46.54 knots. David Garrel of France set a new French record with a time of 45.51 knots. Martin van Meurs set a new Dutch record with a time of 40.8 knots.
New boat marking rules
Queensland's commercial fishing fleet will be more easily identified in the water with new rules for the marking commercial fishing boats to come into force this week.
The regulations are part of a range of new legislation recently introduced affecting commercial operators, recreational anglers and the charter boat industry.
Under the new law, boat markings must be larger and clearly visible both from above and the side of the vessel.
The new rules include:
* For boats under 10 metres, markings must be at least 20cm high and between 2cm and 2.5cm wide
* For boats between 10m and 25m, markings must be at least 30cm high and between 3.5cm and 4cm wide; and
* For boats greater than 25m, markings must be at least 45cm high and between 6cm and 6.5cm wide.
Mackay Harbour lights
Mariners are advised that due to the construction of the No 3 Berth at Mackay Harbour, the lead lights (bearing 261°40') have been repositioned as follows: -
Front Lead - fixed white light by day, fixed blue light by night Approximate position Latitude 21°06.3858'S Longitude 149°13.5491'E
Rear Lead - fixed white light by day, fixed blue light by night Approximate position Latitude 21°06.4016'S Longitude 149°13.4348'E
The leads are 200 metres apart and line up on a calculated bearing of 261°38' T
Charts Affected: AUS 249, 250
Eternity
... L'eternité. C'est la mer mêlée Au soleil.
(Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun.)
Author Arthur Rimbaud
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Leisure extra dimension for annual boat show
The big news for next year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show is the new title and logo, plus the move into Leisure and Camping. After much discussion and research into what Exhibitors want, organisers are pleased to incorporate this extra dimension to the already successful Boat Show. Here in the Whitsundays, our outdoor lifestyle invites us to take full advantage of boating and camping activities for twelve months of the year.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and sponsored by Oceanic Insurance Brokers, the 2004 Show will again be held on the popular Queen's birthday long weekend, June 12th & 13th.
Plans for 2004 are underway with the show to be 'Bigger and Better'. Two high quality temporary Hoecker buildings at Abel Point Marina will house up to 120 static displays. Close by are the on-the-water displays and activities.
Organisers are expecting over 8000 visitors. With the extensive print, radio and TV campaigns planned, complete with website and Boat Show program, attracting the many boating, sailing and fishing enthusiasts from the coastal and hinterland regions of North and Central Queensland, to this boating paradise.
Visitors can expect a wide and exciting range of sail and power craft to view and inspect. In addition, a major on-water display of mono and multihull yachts and power cruises from the many Whitsunday Bareboat Charter operators. Together with a full line-up of nautical products and services, non-stop demonstrations, parades, entertainment and fabulous door prizes. You might even have the chance to walk the deck of a tallship!
Airlie Beach - What a great place for a BOAT SHOW
Secret overheard
Heard on the loudspeaker at a local supermart.
"Customers, Snappy Tom cans are now on special. Just the thing to bait up those crab pots." The cat's out of the bag now!
Marina appointment
Steve Sammes has been appointed General Manager of Mackay Marina
Shipyard. He is 'looking forward to taking on a new challenge and establishing the shipyard as a major facility on the Eastern Seaboard'. Steve is a Director of the Marina Association of Australia.
New rig on Maxi
Maxi yacht Matador, complete with a new rig, new sails, state of the art electronics and a refurbishment of the interior, returns to chartering in the Whitsundays following a $500,000 refit. Launched in 1990 for Bill Koch USA, the 85ft maxi yacht was victorious in major regattas, including the World Maxi Champion in 1990 and 1991. Matador joined the Prosail fleet in 1997 and will resume 3-day, 2-night liveaboard charters on December 14.
Biggest mast
The world's biggest single masted yacht was launched by VT Shipbuilding,
Southampton UK on Wednesday. The 75m (247ft) Mirabella V, owned by US
businessman Joe Vittoria, is also the biggest composite ship ever built and
will be fitted with a 90m mast capable of supporting 3,000sqm of sail.
Designed by Ron Holland, she will carry up to 12 passengers with facilities
on board including a 600-bottle wine cellar and an outdoor cinema. Small
yachts, remote controlled replicas of the Mirabella V, jet skis and a 29ft
motor launch are all parked in a garage at the stern of the vessel. Mirabella V
will be used as a charter vessel in the Mediterranean and Caribbean costing
$250,000 a week.
Then there was an Advert
The first advertisement printed in English in 1477 offered a prayer book. William Caxton published the ad on his press in Westminster Abbey. No price was mentioned, only that the book was "good chepe."
Net spreads wider for marine fuel spills
A ship's chief engineer was fined in the first use of expanded State Government powers to prosecute individual crewmembers over marine oil spills.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said the $1000 fine imposed on the chief engineer of the Cementco-owned Warden Point should be a warning to all crew members about their personal liability when an oil spill occurs from their vessel.
"The Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act has been amended so prosecution is no longer a case of charging only the owner and master of a ship," Mr Bredhauer said.
"No longer can any crew member who bears some individual responsibility for a marine oil spill incident hide behind the skipper and the owner of their ship.
"The law has been expanded to enable Maritime Safety Queensland to cast a wider net and catch individuals whose actions or inactions contribute to an incident.
"Maritime Safety Queensland will continue to prosecute offenders as part of its charter to protect the marine environment from vessel-sourced pollution," he said.
"Vessel operators have to be careful not to spill fuel or oil in Queensland waters. The laws are there to prevent marine pollution and this case shows there are hefty penalties for breaking those laws."
Under Queensland's Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act, individual offenders are liable to incur maximum fines of $75,000, and corporations more than $260,000 when prosecuted in a Magistrates Court.
The pain in Spain
Love it or hate it, the America's Cup will be sailed in Valencia Spain in 2007.
Geneva, Switzerland: America's Cup Management, along with the current Trustee of the America's Cup, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), has announced the Host City and the principal partner for the 32nd America's Cup.
Louis Vuitton will be the principal partner, continuing its 20-year association with sailing's biggest prize.
Miles of smiles
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."
Mark Twain, author
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The big news for next year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show is the new title and logo, plus the move into Leisure and Camping. After much discussion and research into what Exhibitors want, organisers are pleased to incorporate this extra dimension to the already successful Boat Show. Here in the Whitsundays, our outdoor lifestyle invites us to take full advantage of boating and camping activities for twelve months of the year.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and sponsored by Oceanic Insurance Brokers, the 2004 Show will again be held on the popular Queen's birthday long weekend, June 12th & 13th.
Plans for 2004 are underway with the show to be 'Bigger and Better'. Two high quality temporary Hoecker buildings at Abel Point Marina will house up to 120 static displays. Close by are the on-the-water displays and activities.
Organisers are expecting over 8000 visitors. With the extensive print, radio and TV campaigns planned, complete with website and Boat Show program, attracting the many boating, sailing and fishing enthusiasts from the coastal and hinterland regions of North and Central Queensland, to this boating paradise.
Visitors can expect a wide and exciting range of sail and power craft to view and inspect. In addition, a major on-water display of mono and multihull yachts and power cruises from the many Whitsunday Bareboat Charter operators. Together with a full line-up of nautical products and services, non-stop demonstrations, parades, entertainment and fabulous door prizes. You might even have the chance to walk the deck of a tallship!
Airlie Beach - What a great place for a BOAT SHOW
Secret overheard
Heard on the loudspeaker at a local supermart.
"Customers, Snappy Tom cans are now on special. Just the thing to bait up those crab pots." The cat's out of the bag now!
Marina appointment
Steve Sammes has been appointed General Manager of Mackay Marina
Shipyard. He is 'looking forward to taking on a new challenge and establishing the shipyard as a major facility on the Eastern Seaboard'. Steve is a Director of the Marina Association of Australia.
New rig on Maxi
Maxi yacht Matador, complete with a new rig, new sails, state of the art electronics and a refurbishment of the interior, returns to chartering in the Whitsundays following a $500,000 refit. Launched in 1990 for Bill Koch USA, the 85ft maxi yacht was victorious in major regattas, including the World Maxi Champion in 1990 and 1991. Matador joined the Prosail fleet in 1997 and will resume 3-day, 2-night liveaboard charters on December 14.
Biggest mast
The world's biggest single masted yacht was launched by VT Shipbuilding,
Southampton UK on Wednesday. The 75m (247ft) Mirabella V, owned by US
businessman Joe Vittoria, is also the biggest composite ship ever built and
will be fitted with a 90m mast capable of supporting 3,000sqm of sail.
Designed by Ron Holland, she will carry up to 12 passengers with facilities
on board including a 600-bottle wine cellar and an outdoor cinema. Small
yachts, remote controlled replicas of the Mirabella V, jet skis and a 29ft
motor launch are all parked in a garage at the stern of the vessel. Mirabella V
will be used as a charter vessel in the Mediterranean and Caribbean costing
$250,000 a week.
Then there was an Advert
The first advertisement printed in English in 1477 offered a prayer book. William Caxton published the ad on his press in Westminster Abbey. No price was mentioned, only that the book was "good chepe."
Net spreads wider for marine fuel spills
A ship's chief engineer was fined in the first use of expanded State Government powers to prosecute individual crewmembers over marine oil spills.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said the $1000 fine imposed on the chief engineer of the Cementco-owned Warden Point should be a warning to all crew members about their personal liability when an oil spill occurs from their vessel.
"The Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act has been amended so prosecution is no longer a case of charging only the owner and master of a ship," Mr Bredhauer said.
"No longer can any crew member who bears some individual responsibility for a marine oil spill incident hide behind the skipper and the owner of their ship.
"The law has been expanded to enable Maritime Safety Queensland to cast a wider net and catch individuals whose actions or inactions contribute to an incident.
"Maritime Safety Queensland will continue to prosecute offenders as part of its charter to protect the marine environment from vessel-sourced pollution," he said.
"Vessel operators have to be careful not to spill fuel or oil in Queensland waters. The laws are there to prevent marine pollution and this case shows there are hefty penalties for breaking those laws."
Under Queensland's Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act, individual offenders are liable to incur maximum fines of $75,000, and corporations more than $260,000 when prosecuted in a Magistrates Court.
The pain in Spain
Love it or hate it, the America's Cup will be sailed in Valencia Spain in 2007.
Geneva, Switzerland: America's Cup Management, along with the current Trustee of the America's Cup, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), has announced the Host City and the principal partner for the 32nd America's Cup.
Louis Vuitton will be the principal partner, continuing its 20-year association with sailing's biggest prize.
Miles of smiles
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."
Mark Twain, author
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Thursday, November 27, 2003
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
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
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 sculptured����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������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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
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