Giant Geronimo conquers Australian continent
It was a momentous occasion as the giant ocean-racing trimaran 'Geronimo' returned to Sydney Harbour having sailed around the Australian continent in 17 days, 13 hours, 32 minutes, 39 seconds since she crossed the start line off Sydney Opera House before.
A jubilant French skipper Olivier de Kersauson and his crew were greeted by a welcoming flotilla and the celebrations continued dockside at the Foxtel wharf on the evening of July 9.
The last 24 hours of the journey were testing with the boat crossing Bass Strait, known to be a difficult area of water to cross, in an eight knot south sou' east breeze. After reaching Gabo Island the breeze increased in strength which allowed the Capgemini and Schneider Electric trimaran to increase speed as she travelled up the south coast of New South Wales overnight.
Hours before reaching Sydney, the boat sailed into the path of weather cell that had 70 knot breezes along with a mini tornado which picked up the boat and drove them backwards at 20 knots. During this encounter, the boat sustained damage to the steering causing the boat to drift towards land at 10 knots. The crew quickly repaired the damage to the steering system after taking the sails down and Geronimo then continued on her way to Sydney.
'This has been a wonderful trip but very challenging. So beautiful but so brutal at the same time. We are used to sailing in this area in the summer, this is the first time in the winter. I have been amazed at how well the Australian crew members adapted to the boat and the French team who have known each other for years,' commented de Kersauson dockside, after sharing a magnum of Taittinger champagne with Geronimo crew.
Stargazers to meet
For those interested in the heavens above and matters astronomical a new club, Tropical Stargazers have formed and meet at the Police Citizens Youth Club this Saturday July 16 at 4:30 pm with actual stargazing to follow (weather permitting!) as the sun sets.
Seventeen attended the inaugural meeting and some wonderful equipment will be available to view the sky.
Record confirmed
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of the new World record for the transatlantic single-handed outright record by Francis Joyon on the yacht 'Idec' set on 30th June to 6th July 2005 with an elapsed time: 6 days 4 hours 1 minute 37 seconds for an average speed: 17.41 knots
Just a few hours after breaking the outright single-handed transatlantic record Francis Joyon was involved in a collision which destroyed his 90ft trimaran IDEC.
Having crossed the finish line off the Lizard, Joyon - still unaccompanied - did a quick turn to head back to his home port in La Trinite, France but fell asleep and hit the rocks at Pte de Marc'h at 0100 that morning.
Information sought
When the Japanese threatened Australia through New Guinea in 1942, a call was put out to all ship owners for assistance in the defence of the north. The response was a huge number of trawlers, schooners, tug boats, ferry boats and even an old paddle wheeler.
Many of these ships were attached to the US Army Small Ships Section taking part in operations in New Guinea. Many of the men who served on them were ineligible for military service because they were too young or too old, discharged veterans or disabled. However, they played a very important role in the assistance to the Allied shipping of men and supplies.
Waterfront wishes to research the history of the role played by those ships and men, and would like to talk to or access records, memories and memorabilia, letters, documents, diaries, ships' logs, scrapbooks and photographs, with a view to them being published.
Please contact Waterfront via The Guardian.
Laguna Whitsunday
Mariners are advised that dredging operations that were being carried out in the entrance to Laguna Quays have been suspended until further notice. Charts: AUS 252, 824
The Laguna Quays Marina office should be contacted on channel 16 VHF or phone on 49477844. Marina staff will advise on depths in the entrance to suit your requirements.
Become great
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great" -- Mark Twain
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, July 18, 2005
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Nelson, UK Drumhead Ceremony, Remember the fallen...
Maritime veterans from the UK and abroad took part in a special international ceremony last week to commemorate those who have fallen in conflict.
Trafalgar 200 focused on the life and death of Admiral Lord Nelson, unquestionably Britain's greatest naval hero.
However, say organisers, we cannot forget the thousands of other men and women from around the world who have laid down their lives in maritime conflict.
The Drumhead ceremony gave maritime veterans of all conflicts, including those who were never involved in battle, the opportunity to come together and remember the fallen.
The event took place on Southsea Common in Portsmouth, England. A further commemoration will take place in London on Sunday officially marking the 60th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day.
What is a 'Drumhead Ceremony'?
In past centuries, religious worship on the battlefield often took place as a 'Drumhead Ceremony'. Soldiers would parade on three sides of a hollow square. On the fourth side, drummers would pile their drums in the shape of a pyramid to make an Altar and drape it with regimental colours.
This form of ceremony is often used now to commemorate those who have fallen in conflict.
HMAS Anzac represented the Australian people at Trafalgar 200. She is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of a legend. The legend was born in the trenches and gullies of the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915.
With appalling loss of life and an impossible struggle, the ANZACs (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) were renowned for their fighting spirit, humour and selfless 'mate-ship'. These qualities underpin HMAS Anzac's motto 'United We Stand'.
Lest we forget.
Geronimo Challenge
Thirteen days after crossing the start line of The Challenge, off the Sydney Opera House, trimaran Geronimo has covered more the three quarters of her 6500 journey around Australia.
She is now into the challenging waters of the southern ocean with large seas, very strong winds and freezing air temperatures on a weather front that will make their trip from Cape Leeuwin to the southern tip of Tasmania a fast one.
The current position is near 700 nautical miles ESE of Cape Leeuwin half way across the Great Australian Bight having made good a distance of over 5,000 nautical miles Geronimo has 1,461 nm to run.
Estimated time of Arrival (ETA) in Sydney Harbour is still this Saturday. Weather permitting, of course.
Cruise cancelled
P&O Australia's eight night South Pacific cruise scheduled to depart from Sydney on June 25 was cancelled because repairs of the ship are still not completed.
The ship has been at a Brisbane dry-dock for the past 3 months to repair the ship's starboard gearbox.
P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith said: "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and apologise to them.
"Unfortunately the repairs to the gearbox have not been completed in time to be able to fulfil the itinerary as proposed. We have therefore decided to cancel the cruise.
"When we commenced the repairs in March we emphasised that we would only return to sea when the problems with the gearbox were put behind us once and for all, and this remains our objective. We share our passengers' disappointment that this cruise has had to be cancelled and hope they will understand the need to complete a thorough repair of the gearbox before returning the ship to service."
Passengers will receive a full refund and a 25% Future Cruise Credit which can be used on any cruise booked before June 30, 2006 on any of P&O Cruises Australia's three ships: Pacific Sun, Pacific Sky or Pacific Star.
Good tides, strong winds
"Good tides have improved the fishing this past week but the strong winds have kept everyone to the Islands or Shute Harbour" says Capt Ken Bryant.
"During recent trips near Hayman Island we have seen large schools of Bait fish including massive schools of flying fish.
"This is a good indication that the sailfish and small black marlin will again turn it on this year as they did in 2004. No one has been chasing the billfish but there season starts in August with September and October the prime time or ' hot billfish bite.'
Mariner notices
Hayman Passage. Mariners are advised that the damaged lighted starboard lateral mark beacon in Hayman Passage has been permanently replaced by a lighted starboard lateral mark buoy Fl.G.6s in approximate position latitude 20° 03.8606' S, longitude 148° 54.2269' E. Charts: AUS 252, 254, 825
Schooner Rock. Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Mark beacon Q. Fl located on Schooner Rock on the northern end of St Bees Island has been restored to normal. Chart: AUS 251, 824
Proserpine River. Mariners are advised that the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.3s at the entrance to the Proserpine River has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 824
Q & A
"Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn't the world a better place?' It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that there is an answer." -Leo Buscagli
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Maritime veterans from the UK and abroad took part in a special international ceremony last week to commemorate those who have fallen in conflict.
Trafalgar 200 focused on the life and death of Admiral Lord Nelson, unquestionably Britain's greatest naval hero.
However, say organisers, we cannot forget the thousands of other men and women from around the world who have laid down their lives in maritime conflict.
The Drumhead ceremony gave maritime veterans of all conflicts, including those who were never involved in battle, the opportunity to come together and remember the fallen.
The event took place on Southsea Common in Portsmouth, England. A further commemoration will take place in London on Sunday officially marking the 60th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day.
What is a 'Drumhead Ceremony'?
In past centuries, religious worship on the battlefield often took place as a 'Drumhead Ceremony'. Soldiers would parade on three sides of a hollow square. On the fourth side, drummers would pile their drums in the shape of a pyramid to make an Altar and drape it with regimental colours.
This form of ceremony is often used now to commemorate those who have fallen in conflict.
HMAS Anzac represented the Australian people at Trafalgar 200. She is the third Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name of a legend. The legend was born in the trenches and gullies of the Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915.
With appalling loss of life and an impossible struggle, the ANZACs (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) were renowned for their fighting spirit, humour and selfless 'mate-ship'. These qualities underpin HMAS Anzac's motto 'United We Stand'.
Lest we forget.
Geronimo Challenge
Thirteen days after crossing the start line of The Challenge, off the Sydney Opera House, trimaran Geronimo has covered more the three quarters of her 6500 journey around Australia.
She is now into the challenging waters of the southern ocean with large seas, very strong winds and freezing air temperatures on a weather front that will make their trip from Cape Leeuwin to the southern tip of Tasmania a fast one.
The current position is near 700 nautical miles ESE of Cape Leeuwin half way across the Great Australian Bight having made good a distance of over 5,000 nautical miles Geronimo has 1,461 nm to run.
Estimated time of Arrival (ETA) in Sydney Harbour is still this Saturday. Weather permitting, of course.
Cruise cancelled
P&O Australia's eight night South Pacific cruise scheduled to depart from Sydney on June 25 was cancelled because repairs of the ship are still not completed.
The ship has been at a Brisbane dry-dock for the past 3 months to repair the ship's starboard gearbox.
P&O Cruises Managing Director Gavin Smith said: "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and apologise to them.
"Unfortunately the repairs to the gearbox have not been completed in time to be able to fulfil the itinerary as proposed. We have therefore decided to cancel the cruise.
"When we commenced the repairs in March we emphasised that we would only return to sea when the problems with the gearbox were put behind us once and for all, and this remains our objective. We share our passengers' disappointment that this cruise has had to be cancelled and hope they will understand the need to complete a thorough repair of the gearbox before returning the ship to service."
Passengers will receive a full refund and a 25% Future Cruise Credit which can be used on any cruise booked before June 30, 2006 on any of P&O Cruises Australia's three ships: Pacific Sun, Pacific Sky or Pacific Star.
Good tides, strong winds
"Good tides have improved the fishing this past week but the strong winds have kept everyone to the Islands or Shute Harbour" says Capt Ken Bryant.
"During recent trips near Hayman Island we have seen large schools of Bait fish including massive schools of flying fish.
"This is a good indication that the sailfish and small black marlin will again turn it on this year as they did in 2004. No one has been chasing the billfish but there season starts in August with September and October the prime time or ' hot billfish bite.'
Mariner notices
Hayman Passage. Mariners are advised that the damaged lighted starboard lateral mark beacon in Hayman Passage has been permanently replaced by a lighted starboard lateral mark buoy Fl.G.6s in approximate position latitude 20° 03.8606' S, longitude 148° 54.2269' E. Charts: AUS 252, 254, 825
Schooner Rock. Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Mark beacon Q. Fl located on Schooner Rock on the northern end of St Bees Island has been restored to normal. Chart: AUS 251, 824
Proserpine River. Mariners are advised that the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.3s at the entrance to the Proserpine River has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 824
Q & A
"Don't spend your precious time asking 'Why isn't the world a better place?' It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is 'How can I make it better?' To that there is an answer." -Leo Buscagli
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Sailing season looms on our horizon
The list of yachts entered in the 16th annual Hog's Breath Race Week is looking impressive, very much like a "Who's Who" of yachting.
Sailing from 11-18 August, the social aspect of Hog's Breath Race Week has always been an attraction. The introduction of a Competitors Marquee at Abel Point Marina, allowing yachties an hour or two of after race "lie-telling" over cool refreshment, before hitting Airlie for dinner has proved a great success.
While Hog's has developed into a world class event on the water, is remains a wonderful social event on shore reflecting the founder and patron of the event, Don Algie when he states the philosophy, "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
Then to Hammo . . .
From a shaky start back in April 1984 - a wet and windy affair unkindly dubbed by the sailing media as "Hamilton Island Rain Week", despite the weather that first year it was an immediate success and the event has been a "must do" for keelboat sailors ever since.
Sailed from August 20-27 the Hahn Premium Race Week 2005 entry list proves the claim by organisers that 'Hammo' is the prestige sailing event in Australia.
The famous and infamous line up at the start line and at the yacht club bar each year to create history and enjoy our sailing Mecca.
Geronimo around Australia
Maxi trimaran "Geronimo" is a howling sailboat. If you need proof, she left Sydney last Wednesday morning and a week later, she is north of Broome, West Australia!
When your Waterfront writer checked on her (rapid!) progress, Geronimo was sailing at 22.7 knots in 15 knots of wind.
No wonder she went "over the top" of Australia after 2600 nautical miles and six days after leaving Sydney Harbour, well on her way around the country in her circumnavigation record attempt of Australia
In the first days, she sailed up the New South Wales and Queensland coast and through the challenging Torres Straits.
'It was difficult and tortuous. The night was black and we were shooting through at over 20 knots between invisible reefs. It was nerve-racking' said French skipper Olivier de Kersauson about his passage through the Torres Strait.
'We admire the courage of our Australian crew on board; they have an amazing capacity of adaptation.
"An unknown boat, unknown speeds and stress, unknown crew, unknown language, and they did not have any time to discover or learn. They just jumped directly in the most difficult and demanding sailing experience" de Kersauson added.
'The problem with big multihulls is that every manoeuvre has to be anticipated in a very specific way. And you need to forget most of your habits from big monohulls or small multihulls...And to explain this in English with the Australian accent is a long job for me, I admire their patience'.
Reaching top speeds of approximately 30 knots, Geronimo is on her way to setting a record for The Challenge that will entice other yachts to try to break in the future.
At Guardian press time, Geronimo is closing on the Buccaneer Archipelago North of Broome with 2880 nautical miles made good and 3600 nm to go - Sydney Harbour on July 9 is the pick.
Mackerel
"Last weeks fishing was very average," reports Capt Ken Bryant.
"The full moon on Wednesday upset fishing with big 4 meter tides and the fish went off the bite. Some say that the full moon causes it to be brighter at night so the fish can feed all the time and hence less on the chew during the day.
"Last Thursday saw our slowest days fishing in a long time with only a handful of reef fish and one small mackerel.
"But with the bad news comes good news and the small tides next week should see the Spanish Mackerel come back to the party 'BIG TIME'.
"Due to popular demand I have had to extend my Cairns Giant Black Marlin season to early September and later than I normally stay until mid November with a few days available including the Lizard island Classic Tournament.
Proserpine River light
Mariners are advised that the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.3s in approximate position latitude 20° 29.8990' S, longitude 148° 43.5175' E, at the entrance to the Proserpine River has been reported unlit. Charts: AUS 252, 824
Schooner Rock light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Mark beacon Q.Fl located on Schooner Rock on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887' S, Longitude 149° 25.9716' E, has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts: AUS 251, 824
Today's gift
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery. Today is a gift; that's why they call it 'the present." -Unknown
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The list of yachts entered in the 16th annual Hog's Breath Race Week is looking impressive, very much like a "Who's Who" of yachting.
Sailing from 11-18 August, the social aspect of Hog's Breath Race Week has always been an attraction. The introduction of a Competitors Marquee at Abel Point Marina, allowing yachties an hour or two of after race "lie-telling" over cool refreshment, before hitting Airlie for dinner has proved a great success.
While Hog's has developed into a world class event on the water, is remains a wonderful social event on shore reflecting the founder and patron of the event, Don Algie when he states the philosophy, "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
Then to Hammo . . .
From a shaky start back in April 1984 - a wet and windy affair unkindly dubbed by the sailing media as "Hamilton Island Rain Week", despite the weather that first year it was an immediate success and the event has been a "must do" for keelboat sailors ever since.
Sailed from August 20-27 the Hahn Premium Race Week 2005 entry list proves the claim by organisers that 'Hammo' is the prestige sailing event in Australia.
The famous and infamous line up at the start line and at the yacht club bar each year to create history and enjoy our sailing Mecca.
Geronimo around Australia
Maxi trimaran "Geronimo" is a howling sailboat. If you need proof, she left Sydney last Wednesday morning and a week later, she is north of Broome, West Australia!
When your Waterfront writer checked on her (rapid!) progress, Geronimo was sailing at 22.7 knots in 15 knots of wind.
No wonder she went "over the top" of Australia after 2600 nautical miles and six days after leaving Sydney Harbour, well on her way around the country in her circumnavigation record attempt of Australia
In the first days, she sailed up the New South Wales and Queensland coast and through the challenging Torres Straits.
'It was difficult and tortuous. The night was black and we were shooting through at over 20 knots between invisible reefs. It was nerve-racking' said French skipper Olivier de Kersauson about his passage through the Torres Strait.
'We admire the courage of our Australian crew on board; they have an amazing capacity of adaptation.
"An unknown boat, unknown speeds and stress, unknown crew, unknown language, and they did not have any time to discover or learn. They just jumped directly in the most difficult and demanding sailing experience" de Kersauson added.
'The problem with big multihulls is that every manoeuvre has to be anticipated in a very specific way. And you need to forget most of your habits from big monohulls or small multihulls...And to explain this in English with the Australian accent is a long job for me, I admire their patience'.
Reaching top speeds of approximately 30 knots, Geronimo is on her way to setting a record for The Challenge that will entice other yachts to try to break in the future.
At Guardian press time, Geronimo is closing on the Buccaneer Archipelago North of Broome with 2880 nautical miles made good and 3600 nm to go - Sydney Harbour on July 9 is the pick.
Mackerel
"Last weeks fishing was very average," reports Capt Ken Bryant.
"The full moon on Wednesday upset fishing with big 4 meter tides and the fish went off the bite. Some say that the full moon causes it to be brighter at night so the fish can feed all the time and hence less on the chew during the day.
"Last Thursday saw our slowest days fishing in a long time with only a handful of reef fish and one small mackerel.
"But with the bad news comes good news and the small tides next week should see the Spanish Mackerel come back to the party 'BIG TIME'.
"Due to popular demand I have had to extend my Cairns Giant Black Marlin season to early September and later than I normally stay until mid November with a few days available including the Lizard island Classic Tournament.
Proserpine River light
Mariners are advised that the lighted Starboard Lateral Mark beacon Fl.G.3s in approximate position latitude 20° 29.8990' S, longitude 148° 43.5175' E, at the entrance to the Proserpine River has been reported unlit. Charts: AUS 252, 824
Schooner Rock light
Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Mark beacon Q.Fl located on Schooner Rock on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887' S, Longitude 149° 25.9716' E, has been reported unlit.
Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts: AUS 251, 824
Today's gift
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery. Today is a gift; that's why they call it 'the present." -Unknown
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Sun shines for 6,000 at boat show
Two perfect sunny Whitsunday days saw more than 6000 people attend the 4th annual Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show at Abel Point Marina on the weekend.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach, the show turned the picturesque seaside resort into a busy scene of tourist activity.
Very popular with visitors was a Super Fish Tank filled with barramundi complete with casting demonstrations.
Over sixty fishing and family recreational trailer rigs were on display, Whitsunday's best bareboats were alongside as floating displays and seventy undercover stands showed off marine electronics, engines and boating accessories.
Your Waterfront writer demonstrated safety equipment and had fun inflating liferafts, including a big 25-person unit supplied by Whitsunday Ocean Services.
The work done by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach through the boat show and the phone book project was demonstrated by the presentation of $75,000 to Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday, to help with the purchase of a new Kevlacat 9.8m marine rescue vessel to patrol the popular Whitsunday waters.
Hook moorings
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is giving the Whitsunday community the chance to have its say on a proposal for new moorings off Hook Island.
Laguna Island Adventures Pty Ltd has submitted an application to the GBRMPA for permission to install and operate eight moorings in waters adjacent to the Underwater Observatory and the Wilderness Resort at Hook Island. The moorings will be operated in conjunction with the Resort.
Peter McGinnity, GBRMPA's Director of Program Delivery said that public consultation and input was a significant part of the assessment process.
"It is important that we have a good understanding of the existing uses of the area to enable us to appropriately assess the proposal.
"So, we are inviting interested members of the public to provide comment back to us on the proposal, " Mr McGinnity said.
The period for public comment will close on 3 July 2005.
Triumphant return for Dunkirk Little Ships
Fifty-one Little Ships completed their quinquennial return to the beaches off Dunkirk. The boats, which saw service in the original Allied evacuation of 1940, set out from Ramsgate early on May 26.
A ceremony was held on the beach at Dunkirk, attended by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, the town's mayor, and sailors from the British and French navies. War veterans laid wreaths for the deceased.
The tug Challenge, skippered by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, was one of the highlights of the fleet this year.
The boats came back to a hero's welcome May 30, with Ramsgate's harbour walls lined with cheering, waving supporters. Conditions for the outward voyage were quite choppy, but on the return were much closer to the flat calm that assisted the operation in 1940.
All involved are looking forward to the next return in 2010 reports Steffan Meyric Hughes of Classic Boat.
Report on vessel grounding
Over reliance on the accuracy of Global Positioning System (GPS) derived positions by a watchkeeper contributed to the grounding of the 35 m adventure cruise vessel True North at about 2300 on 7 August 2004, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report released today.
The ATSB report into the grounding of True North in the approach passage to St. George Basin, in Western Australia's Kimberley region, states that the vessel grounded on or near Strong Tide Point after a voyage from Prince Frederick Harbour. On board at the time of the grounding were 26 passengers and 12 crew. No pollution resulted from the grounding.
The report concludes that the vessel grounded while being navigated by an auto helm unit and an Electronic Chart System (ECS) receiving position information from GPS satellites. The GPS derived positions plotted on the ECS differed from the vessel's true position by about 300 m. This error was possibly caused by a combination of factors, including GPS system inaccuracy, geodetic datum ambiguity, and a possible recent change in the ECS operating system's computer or GPS receiver parameters.
The report finds that the vessel's master, who was alone in True North's wheelhouse at the time of the grounding, was probably suffering from some effects of fatigue because of his work routine. The master did not adequately cross check the GPS positions on the ECS by other navigational means, nor did he maintain an adequate visual or radar check to ensure the vessel remained in safe water.
Blue Pearl Bay
Mariners are advised that pile driving and diving operations will commence on Monday 13 June in approximate position Latitude 20° 02.5911' S, Longitude 148° 52.9005' E. Work is being conducted daily from 0700 hours to 1800 hours.
Work is being carried out by a non-motorised barge secured in position by anchor points and cables, marked by floats. The dredge will exhibit appropriate signals and shapes. An aluminium dinghy will also attend during the works. Mariners should use caution when navigating near the works. Chart 252.
In the news
"If you don't like the news, go out and make some."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Two perfect sunny Whitsunday days saw more than 6000 people attend the 4th annual Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show at Abel Point Marina on the weekend.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach, the show turned the picturesque seaside resort into a busy scene of tourist activity.
Very popular with visitors was a Super Fish Tank filled with barramundi complete with casting demonstrations.
Over sixty fishing and family recreational trailer rigs were on display, Whitsunday's best bareboats were alongside as floating displays and seventy undercover stands showed off marine electronics, engines and boating accessories.
Your Waterfront writer demonstrated safety equipment and had fun inflating liferafts, including a big 25-person unit supplied by Whitsunday Ocean Services.
The work done by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach through the boat show and the phone book project was demonstrated by the presentation of $75,000 to Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday, to help with the purchase of a new Kevlacat 9.8m marine rescue vessel to patrol the popular Whitsunday waters.
Hook moorings
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is giving the Whitsunday community the chance to have its say on a proposal for new moorings off Hook Island.
Laguna Island Adventures Pty Ltd has submitted an application to the GBRMPA for permission to install and operate eight moorings in waters adjacent to the Underwater Observatory and the Wilderness Resort at Hook Island. The moorings will be operated in conjunction with the Resort.
Peter McGinnity, GBRMPA's Director of Program Delivery said that public consultation and input was a significant part of the assessment process.
"It is important that we have a good understanding of the existing uses of the area to enable us to appropriately assess the proposal.
"So, we are inviting interested members of the public to provide comment back to us on the proposal, " Mr McGinnity said.
The period for public comment will close on 3 July 2005.
Triumphant return for Dunkirk Little Ships
Fifty-one Little Ships completed their quinquennial return to the beaches off Dunkirk. The boats, which saw service in the original Allied evacuation of 1940, set out from Ramsgate early on May 26.
A ceremony was held on the beach at Dunkirk, attended by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, the town's mayor, and sailors from the British and French navies. War veterans laid wreaths for the deceased.
The tug Challenge, skippered by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, was one of the highlights of the fleet this year.
The boats came back to a hero's welcome May 30, with Ramsgate's harbour walls lined with cheering, waving supporters. Conditions for the outward voyage were quite choppy, but on the return were much closer to the flat calm that assisted the operation in 1940.
All involved are looking forward to the next return in 2010 reports Steffan Meyric Hughes of Classic Boat.
Report on vessel grounding
Over reliance on the accuracy of Global Positioning System (GPS) derived positions by a watchkeeper contributed to the grounding of the 35 m adventure cruise vessel True North at about 2300 on 7 August 2004, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report released today.
The ATSB report into the grounding of True North in the approach passage to St. George Basin, in Western Australia's Kimberley region, states that the vessel grounded on or near Strong Tide Point after a voyage from Prince Frederick Harbour. On board at the time of the grounding were 26 passengers and 12 crew. No pollution resulted from the grounding.
The report concludes that the vessel grounded while being navigated by an auto helm unit and an Electronic Chart System (ECS) receiving position information from GPS satellites. The GPS derived positions plotted on the ECS differed from the vessel's true position by about 300 m. This error was possibly caused by a combination of factors, including GPS system inaccuracy, geodetic datum ambiguity, and a possible recent change in the ECS operating system's computer or GPS receiver parameters.
The report finds that the vessel's master, who was alone in True North's wheelhouse at the time of the grounding, was probably suffering from some effects of fatigue because of his work routine. The master did not adequately cross check the GPS positions on the ECS by other navigational means, nor did he maintain an adequate visual or radar check to ensure the vessel remained in safe water.
Blue Pearl Bay
Mariners are advised that pile driving and diving operations will commence on Monday 13 June in approximate position Latitude 20° 02.5911' S, Longitude 148° 52.9005' E. Work is being conducted daily from 0700 hours to 1800 hours.
Work is being carried out by a non-motorised barge secured in position by anchor points and cables, marked by floats. The dredge will exhibit appropriate signals and shapes. An aluminium dinghy will also attend during the works. Mariners should use caution when navigating near the works. Chart 252.
In the news
"If you don't like the news, go out and make some."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, June 13, 2005
Big weekend for Whitsunday Boat Show and WhitFunday
Queensland Senator Santo Santoro will officially open the 2005 Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show on Friday June 10 at 7.15pm, at the Abel Point Marina administrative office.
Winners of the $6,000 art prizes, provided by the sponsor Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine by Design' will follow.
On Saturday at the Show, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach will present $75,000 to Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday to help facilitate the much-needed purchase of a new state-of-the-art 9.8m marine rescue vessel, for use in local waters.
Attendees to the Show will see millions of dollars worth of floating and static displays of boats for sale. Something for everybody, from luxurious sports cruisers, fly bridge fishing cruisers, high performance offshore powerboats, to sleek mono hull yachts, Australian made sail catamarans, and dinghies and kayaks.
A range of over 60 fishing, family recreational and performance trailer boats rigs will be on display, offering the best boat and trailer deals of the year.
There will be an undercover display of 73 stands in the main entry building, featuring marine electronics, engines and batteries, fishing tackle, dive tank demonstrations, GBRMPA and all kinds of boating and sailing accessories. In addition, a huge eight stand display from local chandler Whitsunday Hardware & Marine.
Great all day entertainment with fashion parades, live music, school bands, marine demonstrations, cooking displays and a jumping castle for the kids.
The Super Fish Tank holding 14,000 litres of water will enable fishing experts to demonstrate the art of lure casting and the latest fishing techniques with live barramundi.
Every paying visitor goes into the competition to win one of two fabulous lucky door prizes. Eight $100 instant cash prizes, courtesy of Burnups Furniture Court, will be drawn and announced at the Show, over the two days.
Plenty of fine food choices from three top local operators - Boltz Cafe, Glorias on the Water and Martini's Restaurant - whether you want pizzas, pies and hot chips or baguettes, salads and delicious coffee - it's all there and all undercover seating. A large bar area with icy cold beers, fine wines from Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine By Design' and mixers for all tastes.
Paintings and photographs from the second 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show Art Competition', proudly sponsored by Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine by Design', will be on display at the new Marina offices.
Parking is not available at the Show - walk or park down at the Primary School special car park and catch a shuttle bus for only $2.
Every dollar of profit made from the Show, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach puts back into needy and worthy local community groups, clubs, schools and appeals.
History rewrite
Need an example of editing history to avoid giving offence? A British Royal Navy anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar will not be offered as a battle between Britain and France, but instead "Red" against "Blue," in order to avoid offending their (then) French and Spanish adversaries.
This is being done to avoid the embarrassment of assembled French dignitaries at the event feeling humiliated by watching their nation routed again, British newspaper The Sunday Times said.
Admiral Horatio Nelson may have guided the British naval fleet to a famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, but he faces a far tougher foe during celebrations to mark its 200th anniversary -- the massed forces of political correctness.
Dingo Beach light
Mariners operating near Cape Gloucester are advised that the west cardinal light marking exposed rocks located in the vicinity of Dingo Beach, Latitude 20° 04.8' S, Longitude 148° 30.3' E, has been restored to normal. Chart: AUS 825
Torpedo
"The one who torpedoes the ship should not expect to collect salvage."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Queensland Senator Santo Santoro will officially open the 2005 Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show on Friday June 10 at 7.15pm, at the Abel Point Marina administrative office.
Winners of the $6,000 art prizes, provided by the sponsor Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine by Design' will follow.
On Saturday at the Show, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach will present $75,000 to Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday to help facilitate the much-needed purchase of a new state-of-the-art 9.8m marine rescue vessel, for use in local waters.
Attendees to the Show will see millions of dollars worth of floating and static displays of boats for sale. Something for everybody, from luxurious sports cruisers, fly bridge fishing cruisers, high performance offshore powerboats, to sleek mono hull yachts, Australian made sail catamarans, and dinghies and kayaks.
A range of over 60 fishing, family recreational and performance trailer boats rigs will be on display, offering the best boat and trailer deals of the year.
There will be an undercover display of 73 stands in the main entry building, featuring marine electronics, engines and batteries, fishing tackle, dive tank demonstrations, GBRMPA and all kinds of boating and sailing accessories. In addition, a huge eight stand display from local chandler Whitsunday Hardware & Marine.
Great all day entertainment with fashion parades, live music, school bands, marine demonstrations, cooking displays and a jumping castle for the kids.
The Super Fish Tank holding 14,000 litres of water will enable fishing experts to demonstrate the art of lure casting and the latest fishing techniques with live barramundi.
Every paying visitor goes into the competition to win one of two fabulous lucky door prizes. Eight $100 instant cash prizes, courtesy of Burnups Furniture Court, will be drawn and announced at the Show, over the two days.
Plenty of fine food choices from three top local operators - Boltz Cafe, Glorias on the Water and Martini's Restaurant - whether you want pizzas, pies and hot chips or baguettes, salads and delicious coffee - it's all there and all undercover seating. A large bar area with icy cold beers, fine wines from Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine By Design' and mixers for all tastes.
Paintings and photographs from the second 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show Art Competition', proudly sponsored by Private Reserve Whitsunday 'Wine by Design', will be on display at the new Marina offices.
Parking is not available at the Show - walk or park down at the Primary School special car park and catch a shuttle bus for only $2.
Every dollar of profit made from the Show, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach puts back into needy and worthy local community groups, clubs, schools and appeals.
History rewrite
Need an example of editing history to avoid giving offence? A British Royal Navy anniversary re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar will not be offered as a battle between Britain and France, but instead "Red" against "Blue," in order to avoid offending their (then) French and Spanish adversaries.
This is being done to avoid the embarrassment of assembled French dignitaries at the event feeling humiliated by watching their nation routed again, British newspaper The Sunday Times said.
Admiral Horatio Nelson may have guided the British naval fleet to a famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, but he faces a far tougher foe during celebrations to mark its 200th anniversary -- the massed forces of political correctness.
Dingo Beach light
Mariners operating near Cape Gloucester are advised that the west cardinal light marking exposed rocks located in the vicinity of Dingo Beach, Latitude 20° 04.8' S, Longitude 148° 30.3' E, has been restored to normal. Chart: AUS 825
Torpedo
"The one who torpedoes the ship should not expect to collect salvage."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Marine Rescue volunteers discuss change
The Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Qld State Council (VMRAQ) met in Whitsunday at the weekend hosted by our local VMR group.
"The theme of the meeting was change", says Whitsunday representative Michaela Moss.
"The State Council has commenced a couple of new projects, to develop a marketing strategy for VMRAQ and to progress training.
"VMRAQ will commence a project to review and increase funding for the future. This funding will be related to the State Council program that supports rescue vessel replacement."
"Over the years the cost of replacement vessels has increased dramatically and will continue to do so in the future", Mrs Moss told Waterfront this week.
"The VMR state training program is progressing. VMR crew will be able to achieve a Coxswain license restricted to VMR vessels. This training program and records including crew sea time and operational statistics is web based. Trainer Horrie Hunt will be travelling across the state to educate each squad on this program and electronic data management.
The next State Council meeting will be held at Stradbroke Island in August.
VMR Whitsunday Publicity Officer Malcolm Priday advises that this Friday there will be a search and rescue exercise at Cid Harbour.
"The exercise will involve a Rescue Helicopter from Hamilton Island and VMR1. It should be quite spectacular with orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers and liferafts being dropped and hoisting operations from the helicopter. VMR1 will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment and secure surface operations and communications."
Blind Aussies win match
In Italy, Paul Borg and Don Scott (AUS) have won the International Match Racing Championships for the Blind and the Borsolino Trophy with a perfect score card of eight wins from eight matches.
Italian teams placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Despite the reticent breeze and the additional logistics of managing an event for blind competitors, the organisation of the event was first class. Host Circolo Velico Imperiese were strongly supported by the local Lions Club International who assisted with generous Italian style hospitality for competitors and officials.
Entries from Australia, Canada, Israel and Switzerland, along with five Italian teams, competed over 4 days in matched 6 metre Meteor keelboats sailed by a two person crew with a sighted umpire aboard.
Sailors competing in this event were IBSA classified B1 or B2 - effectively totally blind. The championships were sailed using the Homerus System where three "beeping buoys", each with a unique signal, define the course and each boat has a sound signal that changes when on port or starboard tack.
The teams of international umpires also found the event a challenge as they tried to provide autonomy and close racing for the blind sailors while maintaining safety and ensuring collisions were avoided.
The championships were conducted under the new ISAF RRS Appendix CX for Blind Match Racing. Regular meetings between the umpires, coaches and competitors helped to provide feedback on the new appendix and refine the on-water procedures.
Accepting the Borsolino Trophy for first place, Australian helmsman Paul Borg commented, "At these championship we are all winners. This event has given us the chance to demonstrate our abilities to our sighted friends in sailing and is an example to blind people everywhere of what can be achieved".
Sensitive sailors
Just before their first long deployment, two Navy friends were talking about the stress of leaving their families.
A senior officer, a veteran of many deployments, overheard the conversation and offered the following advice:
"You must be sensitive to your wives' emotional needs," he said.
"Never, ever, ever, whistle while you pack!"
Black the New Pink!
Reef fishing has been excellent the past week with small tides and medium to light winds. The occasional Sailfish has been appearing with the schools of Spanish mackerel. Most of the reef fish caught have been in the deeper water of 30 meters or more, says Captain Ken Bryant.
"They say that fish are colour blind however the mackerel each year seam to have a favourite colour. Last year it was pink and the year before green and now in 2005 it is black. I say this because on Marlin Blue, we troll mackerel baits with different coloured skirts and the one colour gets hit more than any else.
"Whitsunday Marlin and Sailfish on the other hand appear to favour pink at all times with fluro green in close second place. Why? You tell me!" Ken asked.
Search and Rescue exercise
Mariners are advised that a search and rescue exercise involving liferaft dropping and hoisting operations from a helicopter will be carried out in the vicinity of Cid Harbour in approximate position latitude 20° 14.30' S, longitude 148° 56.00' E, between 1000 hours and 1400 hours on Friday 3rd June 2005.
A safety vessel will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment. Orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers will also be dropped. Charts: AUS 252, 253
Don't give up
"Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."
--Marilyn vos Savant
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Qld State Council (VMRAQ) met in Whitsunday at the weekend hosted by our local VMR group.
"The theme of the meeting was change", says Whitsunday representative Michaela Moss.
"The State Council has commenced a couple of new projects, to develop a marketing strategy for VMRAQ and to progress training.
"VMRAQ will commence a project to review and increase funding for the future. This funding will be related to the State Council program that supports rescue vessel replacement."
"Over the years the cost of replacement vessels has increased dramatically and will continue to do so in the future", Mrs Moss told Waterfront this week.
"The VMR state training program is progressing. VMR crew will be able to achieve a Coxswain license restricted to VMR vessels. This training program and records including crew sea time and operational statistics is web based. Trainer Horrie Hunt will be travelling across the state to educate each squad on this program and electronic data management.
The next State Council meeting will be held at Stradbroke Island in August.
VMR Whitsunday Publicity Officer Malcolm Priday advises that this Friday there will be a search and rescue exercise at Cid Harbour.
"The exercise will involve a Rescue Helicopter from Hamilton Island and VMR1. It should be quite spectacular with orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers and liferafts being dropped and hoisting operations from the helicopter. VMR1 will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment and secure surface operations and communications."
Blind Aussies win match
In Italy, Paul Borg and Don Scott (AUS) have won the International Match Racing Championships for the Blind and the Borsolino Trophy with a perfect score card of eight wins from eight matches.
Italian teams placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Despite the reticent breeze and the additional logistics of managing an event for blind competitors, the organisation of the event was first class. Host Circolo Velico Imperiese were strongly supported by the local Lions Club International who assisted with generous Italian style hospitality for competitors and officials.
Entries from Australia, Canada, Israel and Switzerland, along with five Italian teams, competed over 4 days in matched 6 metre Meteor keelboats sailed by a two person crew with a sighted umpire aboard.
Sailors competing in this event were IBSA classified B1 or B2 - effectively totally blind. The championships were sailed using the Homerus System where three "beeping buoys", each with a unique signal, define the course and each boat has a sound signal that changes when on port or starboard tack.
The teams of international umpires also found the event a challenge as they tried to provide autonomy and close racing for the blind sailors while maintaining safety and ensuring collisions were avoided.
The championships were conducted under the new ISAF RRS Appendix CX for Blind Match Racing. Regular meetings between the umpires, coaches and competitors helped to provide feedback on the new appendix and refine the on-water procedures.
Accepting the Borsolino Trophy for first place, Australian helmsman Paul Borg commented, "At these championship we are all winners. This event has given us the chance to demonstrate our abilities to our sighted friends in sailing and is an example to blind people everywhere of what can be achieved".
Sensitive sailors
Just before their first long deployment, two Navy friends were talking about the stress of leaving their families.
A senior officer, a veteran of many deployments, overheard the conversation and offered the following advice:
"You must be sensitive to your wives' emotional needs," he said.
"Never, ever, ever, whistle while you pack!"
Black the New Pink!
Reef fishing has been excellent the past week with small tides and medium to light winds. The occasional Sailfish has been appearing with the schools of Spanish mackerel. Most of the reef fish caught have been in the deeper water of 30 meters or more, says Captain Ken Bryant.
"They say that fish are colour blind however the mackerel each year seam to have a favourite colour. Last year it was pink and the year before green and now in 2005 it is black. I say this because on Marlin Blue, we troll mackerel baits with different coloured skirts and the one colour gets hit more than any else.
"Whitsunday Marlin and Sailfish on the other hand appear to favour pink at all times with fluro green in close second place. Why? You tell me!" Ken asked.
Search and Rescue exercise
Mariners are advised that a search and rescue exercise involving liferaft dropping and hoisting operations from a helicopter will be carried out in the vicinity of Cid Harbour in approximate position latitude 20° 14.30' S, longitude 148° 56.00' E, between 1000 hours and 1400 hours on Friday 3rd June 2005.
A safety vessel will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment. Orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers will also be dropped. Charts: AUS 252, 253
Don't give up
"Being defeated is often only a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."
--Marilyn vos Savant
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, May 30, 2005
Whitsunday hosts State Marine Rescue Council meeting
Whitsunday will host the State Council meeting of Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland this weekend.
"The Council meets every three months for a weekend and is responsible for the Management of VMR State wide," says Whitsunday representative Michaela Moss.
"The meetings are moved around the State to the various VMR units, so this is an important event for VMR Whitsunday" Mrs Moss told Waterfront this week.
"The regions include the Southern, Moreton Bay, Central, Northern and Gulf of Carpentaria Zones."
There are ten volunteer Councillors and the Vice President, President and Secretary Manager of the State Association. The Vice President and President from each region are represented on the Council
Our regional representatives are Dave Hodge from Mackay and Michaela Moss from Whitsunday.
The meeting is at the VMR base in Altmann Ave all day Saturday and Sunday morning.
VMR Whitsunday is providing a barbeque lunch catered by the Lions Club of Airlie Beach for the Councillors, members and observers
VMR Whitsunday Publicity Officer Malcolm Priday advises that on Friday June 3 there will be a search and rescue exercise at Cid Harbour.
"The exercise will involve a Rescue Helicopter from Hamilton Island and VMR1. It should be quite spectacular with orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers and liferafts being dropped and hoisting operations from the helicopter. VMR1 will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment and secure surface operations and communications."
Mackay crabbers do the right thing
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers at Mackay have undertaken a series of surveillance operations in response to numerous complaints about unauthorised people interfering with and stealing from set crab pots.
DPI&F district officer Dan Stampa said that during the past two months, known hotspots where crab pot "share farming" had been rife during the summer season had been monitored over a number of tides.
"The good news is that no persons have been apprehended doing the wrong thing," Mr Stampa said.
"Our patrol officers set up discreet surveillance operations in the Seaforth area and targeted problem areas around Plane Creek and the Sarina inlet, Rocky Dam Creek and Boundary Creek in the Armstrong Beach district."
Mr Stampa said the peak mudcrabbing season from the New Year though to May was ending.
He said that while it was acknowledged that mudcrabs were less active during the winter months, the patrol's surveillance activities would be on-going.
Mr Stampa said the Fisheries Act rules were very clear regarding interference with commercial or recreational crab pots. The offence carried a maximum fine of $75,000.
Slade Rock buoy
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21°05.1245' S, longitude 149°14.2808' E has been replaced in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Mackerel, trout and Mighty Maroons
The water temperature decrease has not only brought the Mackerel on the chew but the reef fishing during the past weeks has been excellent reports Captain Ken Bryant.
"Coral Trout has been on the reef menu along with Sweet-lip and the odd Red Emperor. The trout are prime table fish and you can pay up to $40 per kilo in most fish shops and more in NSW (The state that do not know how to play football.)
"The Boat Show at the Gold Coast was excellent and the next show is at Airlie Beach in June and then in Sydney. C U there. Go the MIGHTY MAROON'S. Cheers, Ken.
Dingo Beach light out
Mariners are advised that the west cardinal light marking exposed rocks located in the vicinity of Dingo Beach, Latitude 20° 04.8' Longitude 148° 30.3' E, is not operational until further notice. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution when navigating in this vicinity. Chart: AUS 825
Miracles
"There are 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
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Whitsunday will host the State Council meeting of Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland this weekend.
"The Council meets every three months for a weekend and is responsible for the Management of VMR State wide," says Whitsunday representative Michaela Moss.
"The meetings are moved around the State to the various VMR units, so this is an important event for VMR Whitsunday" Mrs Moss told Waterfront this week.
"The regions include the Southern, Moreton Bay, Central, Northern and Gulf of Carpentaria Zones."
There are ten volunteer Councillors and the Vice President, President and Secretary Manager of the State Association. The Vice President and President from each region are represented on the Council
Our regional representatives are Dave Hodge from Mackay and Michaela Moss from Whitsunday.
The meeting is at the VMR base in Altmann Ave all day Saturday and Sunday morning.
VMR Whitsunday is providing a barbeque lunch catered by the Lions Club of Airlie Beach for the Councillors, members and observers
VMR Whitsunday Publicity Officer Malcolm Priday advises that on Friday June 3 there will be a search and rescue exercise at Cid Harbour.
"The exercise will involve a Rescue Helicopter from Hamilton Island and VMR1. It should be quite spectacular with orange and white pyrotechnic smoke markers and liferafts being dropped and hoisting operations from the helicopter. VMR1 will assist with the recovery of dropped equipment and secure surface operations and communications."
Mackay crabbers do the right thing
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers at Mackay have undertaken a series of surveillance operations in response to numerous complaints about unauthorised people interfering with and stealing from set crab pots.
DPI&F district officer Dan Stampa said that during the past two months, known hotspots where crab pot "share farming" had been rife during the summer season had been monitored over a number of tides.
"The good news is that no persons have been apprehended doing the wrong thing," Mr Stampa said.
"Our patrol officers set up discreet surveillance operations in the Seaforth area and targeted problem areas around Plane Creek and the Sarina inlet, Rocky Dam Creek and Boundary Creek in the Armstrong Beach district."
Mr Stampa said the peak mudcrabbing season from the New Year though to May was ending.
He said that while it was acknowledged that mudcrabs were less active during the winter months, the patrol's surveillance activities would be on-going.
Mr Stampa said the Fisheries Act rules were very clear regarding interference with commercial or recreational crab pots. The offence carried a maximum fine of $75,000.
Slade Rock buoy
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21°05.1245' S, longitude 149°14.2808' E has been replaced in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Mackerel, trout and Mighty Maroons
The water temperature decrease has not only brought the Mackerel on the chew but the reef fishing during the past weeks has been excellent reports Captain Ken Bryant.
"Coral Trout has been on the reef menu along with Sweet-lip and the odd Red Emperor. The trout are prime table fish and you can pay up to $40 per kilo in most fish shops and more in NSW (The state that do not know how to play football.)
"The Boat Show at the Gold Coast was excellent and the next show is at Airlie Beach in June and then in Sydney. C U there. Go the MIGHTY MAROON'S. Cheers, Ken.
Dingo Beach light out
Mariners are advised that the west cardinal light marking exposed rocks located in the vicinity of Dingo Beach, Latitude 20° 04.8' Longitude 148° 30.3' E, is not operational until further notice. Mariners are advised to proceed with caution when navigating in this vicinity. Chart: AUS 825
Miracles
"There are 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
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Learn about life along the water's edge
Life is on the Edge right on our doorstep. Organisers say you will encounter an environment that is as strange as it is complex during an activity planned for Airlie Beach.
"It is at the land/sea interface that you will find plants and animals that are equally at home above and below the water," say Order of Underwater Coral Heroes volunteers.
OUCH have issued an invitation to join them "for a day of enlightenment and (to) discover for yourself the complexities and mysteries of life along the water's edge."
"The focus of the day is to raise awareness regarding the importance of mangroves and seagrass and to highlight the vulnerability of the dugong and sea turtles, says OUCH Secretary Tony Fontes.
"The day will particularly benefit those who work in the area as they will gain important knowledge that can be integrated into their interpretive programs."
Guest speakers will be presenting topics ranging through mangroves, seagrass, dugongs, and sea turtles.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a guided Pioneer Bay Excursion to see first hand the complexities of this intertidal environment. You might even get lucky and spot a dugong or turtle.
The Mangrove Walk sounds interesting, what can be more fun than a bit of mud and a few bugs while joining an guided interpretive walk through the mangroves.
Where: Shingly Beach Resort from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2005
What to bring: An unquenchable thirst for knowledge and some bug spray.
Sponsored by O.U.C.H Volunteers and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Information at info@ouchvolunteers.com
"The day will be educational, entertaining and just plain fun," promises Mr Fontes.
Whale cruises
A 20-metre whale was found impaled on the bow of the 90,090-ton cruise ship Jewel of the Seas when it arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick, on the Bay of Fundy in Eastern Canada.
The ship's crew spotted the finback whale about the same time as officers in a small utility boat who had been dispatched to help tie up the 961 Foot ship, said Bruce Fiander of the coast guard's traffic operations centre.
Tides in the Bay of Fundy are the highest recorded in the world 16m (53 ft). Imagine bobbing in a small boat on water that is deeper than a five-story building and in exactly the same place in less than six hours . . . you can walk on the ocean floor.
Jet Ski rules
Following a recent Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include:
* A new class of licence specifically for jet skiers:
* Exclusion and restricted-use zones
* Increased "distance off" zones.
* Increased education and enforcement activities.
* Increase the minimum size of registration numbers.
Mr Lucas said the Jet Ski Management Plan was developed following a 12-month extensive review that received 237 submissions.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," Mr Beattie said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."
Sensitive sailors
Just before their first long deployment, two Navy buddies were talking about the stress of leaving their families.
A senior officer, a veteran of many deployments, overheard the conversation and offered the following advice:
"You must be sensitive to your wives' emotional needs," he said.
"Never, ever, ever, whistle while you pack!"
Mackay crabbers do the right thing
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers at Mackay have undertaken a series of surveillance operations in response to numerous complaints about unauthorised people interfering with and stealing from set crab pots.
DPI&F district officer Dan Stampa said that during the past two months, known hotspots where crab pot "share farming" had been rife during the summer season had been monitored over a number of tides.
"The good news is that no persons have been apprehended doing the wrong thing," Mr Stampa said.
"Our patrol officers set up discreet surveillance operations in the Seaforth area and targeted problem areas around Plane Creek and the Sarina inlet, Rocky Dam Creek and Boundary Creek in the Armstrong Beach district."
Mr Stampa said the peak mudcrabbing season from the New Year though to May was coming to a close.
He said that while it was acknowledged that mudcrabs were less active during the winter months, the patrol's surveillance activities would be on-going.
Mr Stampa said the Fisheries Act rules were very clear regarding interference with commercial or recreational crab pots. The offence carried a maximum fine of $75,000.
Slade Rock buoy
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21°05.1245' S, longitude 149°14.2808' E has been replaced in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Pretty as . . .
"It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear."
Author Douglas Adams
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Life is on the Edge right on our doorstep. Organisers say you will encounter an environment that is as strange as it is complex during an activity planned for Airlie Beach.
"It is at the land/sea interface that you will find plants and animals that are equally at home above and below the water," say Order of Underwater Coral Heroes volunteers.
OUCH have issued an invitation to join them "for a day of enlightenment and (to) discover for yourself the complexities and mysteries of life along the water's edge."
"The focus of the day is to raise awareness regarding the importance of mangroves and seagrass and to highlight the vulnerability of the dugong and sea turtles, says OUCH Secretary Tony Fontes.
"The day will particularly benefit those who work in the area as they will gain important knowledge that can be integrated into their interpretive programs."
Guest speakers will be presenting topics ranging through mangroves, seagrass, dugongs, and sea turtles.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a guided Pioneer Bay Excursion to see first hand the complexities of this intertidal environment. You might even get lucky and spot a dugong or turtle.
The Mangrove Walk sounds interesting, what can be more fun than a bit of mud and a few bugs while joining an guided interpretive walk through the mangroves.
Where: Shingly Beach Resort from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2005
What to bring: An unquenchable thirst for knowledge and some bug spray.
Sponsored by O.U.C.H Volunteers and the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Information at info@ouchvolunteers.com
"The day will be educational, entertaining and just plain fun," promises Mr Fontes.
Whale cruises
A 20-metre whale was found impaled on the bow of the 90,090-ton cruise ship Jewel of the Seas when it arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick, on the Bay of Fundy in Eastern Canada.
The ship's crew spotted the finback whale about the same time as officers in a small utility boat who had been dispatched to help tie up the 961 Foot ship, said Bruce Fiander of the coast guard's traffic operations centre.
Tides in the Bay of Fundy are the highest recorded in the world 16m (53 ft). Imagine bobbing in a small boat on water that is deeper than a five-story building and in exactly the same place in less than six hours . . . you can walk on the ocean floor.
Jet Ski rules
Following a recent Community Cabinet meeting in Caboolture, Premier Peter Beattie and Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced Cabinet had approved a Jet Ski Management Plan for Queensland.
"There are 7291 jet skis currently registered in Queensland," Mr Beattie said.
"Ownership has exploded by an average 30% each year for the past four years.
"Such a rise in popularity has caused some 'growing pains' for the broader community and complaints about amenity, noise and safety have escalated.
Mr Lucas said the government plan promoted increased safety for jet skiers, by improving skills and knowledge.
"Although jet skis make up only 4% of registered recreational boats, since 2001 jet skis have accounted for up to 7.6% of all reported recreational marine incidents and 10% of accidents causing serious injury," he said.
"In the first six months of this year, four of the 13 serious or fatal recreational boating incidents in Queensland involved jet skis."
Proposed new measures in the Jet Ski Management Plan include:
* A new class of licence specifically for jet skiers:
* Exclusion and restricted-use zones
* Increased "distance off" zones.
* Increased education and enforcement activities.
* Increase the minimum size of registration numbers.
Mr Lucas said the Jet Ski Management Plan was developed following a 12-month extensive review that received 237 submissions.
For the year ended September 30, there were 14 boating fatalities and 31 serious injuries. Of the five reported serious boating injuries to children, three involved jet skis.
"The vast majority of jet skiers are responsible people - and no wants to cramp their reasonable recreational pursuits," Mr Beattie said.
"However, we have a responsibility to ensure liveability, safety and sustainability of our waterways for everyone who uses or lives near them."
Sensitive sailors
Just before their first long deployment, two Navy buddies were talking about the stress of leaving their families.
A senior officer, a veteran of many deployments, overheard the conversation and offered the following advice:
"You must be sensitive to your wives' emotional needs," he said.
"Never, ever, ever, whistle while you pack!"
Mackay crabbers do the right thing
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers at Mackay have undertaken a series of surveillance operations in response to numerous complaints about unauthorised people interfering with and stealing from set crab pots.
DPI&F district officer Dan Stampa said that during the past two months, known hotspots where crab pot "share farming" had been rife during the summer season had been monitored over a number of tides.
"The good news is that no persons have been apprehended doing the wrong thing," Mr Stampa said.
"Our patrol officers set up discreet surveillance operations in the Seaforth area and targeted problem areas around Plane Creek and the Sarina inlet, Rocky Dam Creek and Boundary Creek in the Armstrong Beach district."
Mr Stampa said the peak mudcrabbing season from the New Year though to May was coming to a close.
He said that while it was acknowledged that mudcrabs were less active during the winter months, the patrol's surveillance activities would be on-going.
Mr Stampa said the Fisheries Act rules were very clear regarding interference with commercial or recreational crab pots. The offence carried a maximum fine of $75,000.
Slade Rock buoy
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21°05.1245' S, longitude 149°14.2808' E has been replaced in position. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Pretty as . . .
"It is no coincidence that in no known language does the phrase 'As pretty as an Airport' appear."
Author Douglas Adams
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Join the Blessing of the Fleet Airlie Beach this Whitsun Day
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is held each Whitsun Day or Pentecost Sunday with the sail past blessing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club this Sunday May 15 at 11 am until 11:30.
All vessel owners are invited on the water and on shore people will hear the service by minister Terry Ayling and see the ships close up.
Following the Blessing, the Traditional Ships will sail down the bay to return at about 3 pm for a get together at the sailing club.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the sixteenth Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us." Says your Waterfront writer and event co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show.
Event details: Onshore at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, music and getting together from 10 AM with the Blessing of the Fleet conducted from 11 AM til 11:30 by Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church.
On the Water, VMR Rescue One will lead the Fleet past the Blessing viewing point at 11 AM. Vessels motoring will leave the club to starboard. Sailing ships should note that low tide is at 11:22 with 1.24 metres.
Following the Blessing, at 11:30 Traditional Rig ships will congregate outside the mooring area north of the sailing club. At about 11:45 ships will sail in company on a close reaching course enjoying the day, the camaraderie and photo opportunities. At about 13:00 - 13:30, a call will be made on VHF channel 77 to come about on a reciprocal course to broad reach back to Airlie, again in company to provide a spectacle for those on shore.
A get together will be held afterwards, say from 16:00 on the lawns of the sailing club. The downstairs bar will be open and a basic BBQ will be set up.
Further information: Cap'n Dan on 4948 0980
Muddies fine
A man copped a fine of $6000 this month for unlawfully taking and selling mud crabs without a licence and falsely representing to be the holder of a commercial fishing licence.
Two other people who unlawfully bought the black market mud crabs from the unlicensed fisherman were each fined $4000 and $750 respectively.
The convictions were the result of investigations by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) officers who were targeting black market fishing operations involving mud crabs.
DPI&F officer Nicholas Dennis said fraudulent activity of this type seriously undermined the legitimate commercial and recreational fishery and threatened the sustainability of Queensland's fishery resources.
"You have to be authorised to operate any kind of commercial fishing business in Queensland, this includes any fishing for profit or buying and selling fish by wholesale.
Mackerel moon
The New Moon this week sees the official start of the Mackerel Season.
"This Friday the 13th will see Spanish to 10 kilo frequent their usual haunts of Dolphin Point, 17 Fathom patch, Lepper Shoal, Evit Shoal and out at the Great Barrier Reef," says Captain Ken Bryant of Marlin Blue.
"The water temp has dropped a little to 26 degrees but will come down ever further to 21 degrees over the next few months."
"High winds have all but cancelled fishing over the past month, however with winter about to set in the weather should improve a little. I have only two small spots available for the Giant Black Marlin Season in Cairns this year."
Cheers, Captain Ken.
Teenagers Adrift
While it was good news to hear of the rescue near Cape Fear of teenagers Josh Long, 17, and Troy Driscoll, 15, after six days adrift, their lack of preparation proves they were just lucky.
One can only imagine the torment their families went through thinking perhaps the worst while they were missing at sea, you can't help but feel thankful for the boys and their families and friends.
Having said that, on a safety scale of 1-10, the two were approaching negative numbers when they set out to go fishing.
They had no PFDs, no water, no snack, no mirror, no whistle, no sail and one oar when a rip tide carried them far offshore.
Overall, they are incredibly lucky to be speaking about their ordeal. Let us hope that in addition to talk of luck and faith, some small emphasis is placed on the role a near-total lack of safety played in this story.
The Blessing of the Fleet is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'All sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The annual Blessing of the Fleet is held each Whitsun Day or Pentecost Sunday with the sail past blessing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club this Sunday May 15 at 11 am until 11:30.
All vessel owners are invited on the water and on shore people will hear the service by minister Terry Ayling and see the ships close up.
Following the Blessing, the Traditional Ships will sail down the bay to return at about 3 pm for a get together at the sailing club.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we celebrate Whitsun Day and the naming of our area by James Cook in 1770.
Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday is on different dates each year as is Easter. Cook and his crew sailed through the magnificent passage he named Whitsunday on his voyage of adventure and discovery. In addition, Cook named Pentecost Island for the religious occasion.
If you saw the movie "The Perfect Storm," then you know how dangerous it can be to fish for a living or work on the sea.
Indeed, traditional services of songs, prayers and scriptures focus on the reality reflected in the ancient Breton fisherman's prayer "O Lord, the sea is so wide and my boat is so small. Protect me."
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, and the Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the sixteenth Blessing of the Fleet on Whitsun Day my thoughts turn to Father Keith who in his retirement is no doubt also thinking of us." Says your Waterfront writer and event co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
"Father Keith gave me 'the call' so we formed the Blessing committee of two," Cap'n Dan recalls. "We knew the committee was too big, but it was a nice number to get together over a couple of beers and plan the Blessing."
Rev John Williams also contributed as an organiser and a sailor. In 2003, Rev Father Don Fernance of the Mission to Seafarers in Townsville conducted our service when Whitsun coincided with the Airlie Beach Rotary Boat Show.
Event details: Onshore at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, music and getting together from 10 AM with the Blessing of the Fleet conducted from 11 AM til 11:30 by Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church.
On the Water, VMR Rescue One will lead the Fleet past the Blessing viewing point at 11 AM. Vessels motoring will leave the club to starboard. Sailing ships should note that low tide is at 11:22 with 1.24 metres.
Following the Blessing, at 11:30 Traditional Rig ships will congregate outside the mooring area north of the sailing club. At about 11:45 ships will sail in company on a close reaching course enjoying the day, the camaraderie and photo opportunities. At about 13:00 - 13:30, a call will be made on VHF channel 77 to come about on a reciprocal course to broad reach back to Airlie, again in company to provide a spectacle for those on shore.
A get together will be held afterwards, say from 16:00 on the lawns of the sailing club. The downstairs bar will be open and a basic BBQ will be set up.
Further information: Cap'n Dan on 4948 0980
Muddies fine
A man copped a fine of $6000 this month for unlawfully taking and selling mud crabs without a licence and falsely representing to be the holder of a commercial fishing licence.
Two other people who unlawfully bought the black market mud crabs from the unlicensed fisherman were each fined $4000 and $750 respectively.
The convictions were the result of investigations by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) officers who were targeting black market fishing operations involving mud crabs.
DPI&F officer Nicholas Dennis said fraudulent activity of this type seriously undermined the legitimate commercial and recreational fishery and threatened the sustainability of Queensland's fishery resources.
"You have to be authorised to operate any kind of commercial fishing business in Queensland, this includes any fishing for profit or buying and selling fish by wholesale.
Mackerel moon
The New Moon this week sees the official start of the Mackerel Season.
"This Friday the 13th will see Spanish to 10 kilo frequent their usual haunts of Dolphin Point, 17 Fathom patch, Lepper Shoal, Evit Shoal and out at the Great Barrier Reef," says Captain Ken Bryant of Marlin Blue.
"The water temp has dropped a little to 26 degrees but will come down ever further to 21 degrees over the next few months."
"High winds have all but cancelled fishing over the past month, however with winter about to set in the weather should improve a little. I have only two small spots available for the Giant Black Marlin Season in Cairns this year."
Cheers, Captain Ken.
Teenagers Adrift
While it was good news to hear of the rescue near Cape Fear of teenagers Josh Long, 17, and Troy Driscoll, 15, after six days adrift, their lack of preparation proves they were just lucky.
One can only imagine the torment their families went through thinking perhaps the worst while they were missing at sea, you can't help but feel thankful for the boys and their families and friends.
Having said that, on a safety scale of 1-10, the two were approaching negative numbers when they set out to go fishing.
They had no PFDs, no water, no snack, no mirror, no whistle, no sail and one oar when a rip tide carried them far offshore.
Overall, they are incredibly lucky to be speaking about their ordeal. Let us hope that in addition to talk of luck and faith, some small emphasis is placed on the role a near-total lack of safety played in this story.
The Blessing of the Fleet is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'All sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
International yacht training in Whitsunday
International Yachtmaster Training (IYT), through their locally accredited centre, the Whitsunday Marine Academy, last week completed the first IYT Yachtmaster Offshore / STCW95 course in the region.
Recognised by the MCA [Maritime Coast Guard Agency] these courses are acknowledged worldwide and are a highly sought after qualification in the "White Boat" top end yachting industry.
Local resources used included the state of the art Sydney to Hobart yacht "Eureka II" for advanced vessel handling, Uplan Pty Ltd for First Aid training. Cannonvale Fire Service supplied fire fighting equipment training with local Fire and Emergency services staff that delivered nationally accredited training on self-contained breathing apparatus and advanced fire fighting techniques.
"The course has set new standards for marine training excellence in the region" says Malcolm Robertson of Whitsunday Marine Academy.
"One of the reasons for the respect world wide for the IYT courses and what sets them apart from their competitors are the high standards they set in quality."
"The IYT program requires outside final examination of the course participants by a professional Master Mariner." Said Mr Robertson
" In this case respected sailor and Master 1 Reef Pilot Wel Gamble put the eight course participants through their paces in a two day, one night examination which followed three weeks of intensive theory and practical training.
Slade Rock light
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21° 05.1245' S, longitude 149° 14.2808' E has been reported to be off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
International Yachtmaster Training (IYT), through their locally accredited centre, the Whitsunday Marine Academy, last week completed the first IYT Yachtmaster Offshore / STCW95 course in the region.
Recognised by the MCA [Maritime Coast Guard Agency] these courses are acknowledged worldwide and are a highly sought after qualification in the "White Boat" top end yachting industry.
Local resources used included the state of the art Sydney to Hobart yacht "Eureka II" for advanced vessel handling, Uplan Pty Ltd for First Aid training. Cannonvale Fire Service supplied fire fighting equipment training with local Fire and Emergency services staff that delivered nationally accredited training on self-contained breathing apparatus and advanced fire fighting techniques.
"The course has set new standards for marine training excellence in the region" says Malcolm Robertson of Whitsunday Marine Academy.
"One of the reasons for the respect world wide for the IYT courses and what sets them apart from their competitors are the high standards they set in quality."
"The IYT program requires outside final examination of the course participants by a professional Master Mariner." Said Mr Robertson
" In this case respected sailor and Master 1 Reef Pilot Wel Gamble put the eight course participants through their paces in a two day, one night examination which followed three weeks of intensive theory and practical training.
Slade Rock light
Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.2.5s adjacent to Slade Rock in approximate position latitude 21° 05.1245' S, longitude 149° 14.2808' E has been reported to be off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts: AUS 249, 250
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Northwest passage
Explorer yacht Pelagic Australis can take up to ten passengers and two crew in comparatively greater comfort and speed. You need it considering where they sail.
In the northern summer of 2005 Pelagic Australis has been contracted by an Italian expedition to attempt the Northwest Passage over the top of Canada during August.
The expedition yacht will now also sail to the West Coast of Greenland, Nuuk to Aasiaat in June and July, then to the Disco Island area of Greenland.
The yacht will then sail from either Alaska or Newfoundland to southern South America depending on success or not on the Northwest Passage voyage.
Then destinations during the austral season include South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.
Quite an itinerary, hey?
Outright World Sailing Speed Records
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of the following two new World Records:
The Outright World Sailing Speed Record and the 10 sqm Class Record sailed by: Finian Maynard BVI, at St Maries de la Mer. France, 10th April 2005 on a Windsurfer F2/Naish at a speed of 48.7 knots.
Finian Maynard held the previous record of 46.82 knots set in 2004.
The Outright World Women's Sailing Speed Record and the Women's 10 sqm Class Record was sailed by Karin Yaggi at St Maries de la Mer. France, 10th April 2005 at a speed of 41.25 knots
Previous record: Babethe Coquelle F. 40.05 knots in 1993.
ANZAC day
In World War 1, the first person killed was a merchant seaman, when his ship, a brigantine, was sunk by gunfire from a German submarine in the North Atlantic.
We in Australia and New Zealand commemorate a day called ANZAC Day, a day that is set aside to remember and to pay homage to our fallen comrades. This day was born out of the Gallipoli campaign, but I wonder how many people are aware of the involvement of the Merchant Navy in that campaign. The merchant ships took all of our troops to Gallipoli, and in many cases landed our troops on the beach at ANZAC Cove in the ships' lifeboats -- manned by merchant seamen, who also came under the deadly fire from the Turkish guns.
In Memoriam
Merchant Navy 1939-1945
No cross marks the place where now we lie
What happened is known but to us
You asked, and we gave our lives to protect
Our land from the enemy curse
No Flanders Field where poppies blow;
No Gleaming Crosses, row on row;
No Unnamed Tomb for all to see
And pause -- and wonder who we might be
The Sailors' Valhalla is where we lie
On the ocean bed, watching ships pass by
Sailing in safety now thru' the waves
Often right over our sea-locked graves
We ask you just to remember us.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Explorer yacht Pelagic Australis can take up to ten passengers and two crew in comparatively greater comfort and speed. You need it considering where they sail.
In the northern summer of 2005 Pelagic Australis has been contracted by an Italian expedition to attempt the Northwest Passage over the top of Canada during August.
The expedition yacht will now also sail to the West Coast of Greenland, Nuuk to Aasiaat in June and July, then to the Disco Island area of Greenland.
The yacht will then sail from either Alaska or Newfoundland to southern South America depending on success or not on the Northwest Passage voyage.
Then destinations during the austral season include South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.
Quite an itinerary, hey?
Outright World Sailing Speed Records
The World Sailing Speed Record Council announced the ratification of the following two new World Records:
The Outright World Sailing Speed Record and the 10 sqm Class Record sailed by: Finian Maynard BVI, at St Maries de la Mer. France, 10th April 2005 on a Windsurfer F2/Naish at a speed of 48.7 knots.
Finian Maynard held the previous record of 46.82 knots set in 2004.
The Outright World Women's Sailing Speed Record and the Women's 10 sqm Class Record was sailed by Karin Yaggi at St Maries de la Mer. France, 10th April 2005 at a speed of 41.25 knots
Previous record: Babethe Coquelle F. 40.05 knots in 1993.
ANZAC day
In World War 1, the first person killed was a merchant seaman, when his ship, a brigantine, was sunk by gunfire from a German submarine in the North Atlantic.
We in Australia and New Zealand commemorate a day called ANZAC Day, a day that is set aside to remember and to pay homage to our fallen comrades. This day was born out of the Gallipoli campaign, but I wonder how many people are aware of the involvement of the Merchant Navy in that campaign. The merchant ships took all of our troops to Gallipoli, and in many cases landed our troops on the beach at ANZAC Cove in the ships' lifeboats -- manned by merchant seamen, who also came under the deadly fire from the Turkish guns.
In Memoriam
Merchant Navy 1939-1945
No cross marks the place where now we lie
What happened is known but to us
You asked, and we gave our lives to protect
Our land from the enemy curse
No Flanders Field where poppies blow;
No Gleaming Crosses, row on row;
No Unnamed Tomb for all to see
And pause -- and wonder who we might be
The Sailors' Valhalla is where we lie
On the ocean bed, watching ships pass by
Sailing in safety now thru' the waves
Often right over our sea-locked graves
We ask you just to remember us.
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Art prize draw for Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show
From Port Douglas in the far north to Gladstone in the south, Queensland artists and photographers will be able to compete for $6,000 in prize money, at this year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show.
The organisers of this annual event, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach, have again added an Art Exhibition based on marine themes, to their highly popular and well attended two-day boating and leisure show, held at Abel Point Marina, June 11 & 12.
The curator of the exhibition, Mr Tony Fossey, said, "After the great success of last year's exhibition we just had to put it on once again. Anyone within a 500 km radius of Airlie Beach may enter the Exhibition, with marine themes again the subject to portray."
"The majority of visual artists and photographers in far north Queensland should find that no problem, with so many beautiful marine subjects here to portray. We are defining marine as being ' Of, from, beside and for use on - the sea."
"The art exhibition's major sponsor is the PRIVATE RESERVE "Wine by Design" company, a maker of fine wines who specialise in producing personal labels. The mix of marine art and fine wine against a fabulous marina setting should prove to be a highlight of the Show."
Artists from Port Douglas to Gladstone will have a choice of entering into three divisions of the exhibition. An 'Open' class for any age and any medium, an 'Open Miniature' section for any age and any medium, and Photographic.
Entries will be on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show, from early Saturday morning on 11 June until the following Sunday afternoon.
Endeavour sails home
Craft of all shapes and sizes will join a big parade up Sydney Harbour on Sunday 17 April to welcome home HM Bark Endeavour.
The magnificent Australian-built replica of Captain Cook's 18th century sailing ship will be completing an epic 5-month sea voyage back from the UK.
Heading the Sunday afternoon parade, she will make her way slowly from Watsons Bay to her home port at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
James Cook secured a place in history for the original Endeavour in 1768-1771 when he sailed the former collier from England to observe the transit of Venus across the sun near Tahiti, continued on to circumnavigate New Zealand, and explore the east coast of Australia naming the Whitsunday Passage on Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday, 1770.
The 109-foot (33.3 m) replica, its hull built from Jarrah and Oregon, was constructed in Fremantle WA and launched in 1993.
The replica sailed from Hobart in February 2002 and arrived in Whitby, Cook's hometown on the north-east coast of England, in June that year. Her home-coming will mark the end of that voyage.
The parade will pass Bradley's Head and Fort Denison will fire a 3-cannon welcoming salute, and Endeavour will reply with a 3-cannon salute.
The parade will then pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge at about 2.30 pm. Endeavour will fire a further 3-gun salute between Dawes Point and Blues Point.
Visitors will be welcome at the Maritime Museum to watch Endeavour arrive and berth at 3 pm.
Vessel monitoring confusion
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has launched a campaign to reduce confusion about the use of its Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for marine safety within the commercial fishing industry.
DPI&F Vessel and Quota Monitoring Services Manager Bev Tyrer said a recent coronial enquiry into the sinking of a trawler off north Queensland highlighted the misconceptions about VMS and the role of DPI&F in emergencies at sea.
"The DPI&F acknowledges that the fishing industry has been hit by some recent tragic incidents that have highlighted how dangerous trawling can be. These tragedies have also highlighted the need for appropriate contingency plans and the proper equipment to be in place to deal with such emergencies at sea," Ms Tyrer said.
"As with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is not a marine safety agency. VMS was introduced into Queensland commercial fisheries for management and compliance purposes.
"While VMS information can be extremely useful to assist in marine emergency situations, it is doubtful if any agency could practically use VMS data alone as an indicator that a vessel was in distress.
"VMS data receipt and processing is largely automated and the system is often unattended. Consequently, it is impractical for DPI&F to have any direct role in monitoring vessels for safety purposes."
Ms Tyrer said some VMS units currently being used in the fishery did have an additional safety feature.
"The safety feature on VMS is limited as it must be correctly activated by an operator. If used correctly, an alert should be received by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
"The correct use, activation and maintenance of this safety feature is the responsibility of individual fishers and their suppliers. In the event that an operator activates their VMS alert function correctly, DPI&F may then be contacted at any time to assist AMSA with an emergency situation."
Hamilton Island Race Week
Entries are flowing in for one of the world's most prestigious sailing regattas, the Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week.
The Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week, which will be held between 20 and 28 August, is an absolute 'must-do' on the Australian yachting calendar.
Each year the event attracts around 170 yachts and in recent years, event organizers have welcomed entries from all over the globe. Earlier this year, the Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week was named as Australia's best significant event at the Australian Tourism Awards.
Regatta Director Warwick Hoban says that sailors are attracted to the event because it offers one of the most competitive racing forums in the southern hemisphere.
"Yachts race in a number of divisions on different courses each day. The conditions in the Whitsundays are warm and pleasant, yet the racing is fierce," said Warwick.
"The short format of racing means that if a yacht has had a bad race that this does not mean their regatta is over. After a bad day of racing, they can just regroup and recover secure in the knowledge that tomorrow is a new day with new points to earn."
The event schedule also features an array of social activities to best allow sailors to enjoy the beauty and relaxed nature of the Whitsundays. This is certainly one sailing regatta where partners are enthusiastic to join-in.
A new-look website has been established at www.hiyc.org.au for online entries. Hahn Premium Race Week 2005 entries close on August 5.
Zonta bootie!
Check out the Zonta car boot sale at the waterfront car park near the Airlie Beach Pub this Sunday morning. Buy and sell yer bootie! Aargh!
Cast a line
"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot"
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
From Port Douglas in the far north to Gladstone in the south, Queensland artists and photographers will be able to compete for $6,000 in prize money, at this year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show.
The organisers of this annual event, the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach, have again added an Art Exhibition based on marine themes, to their highly popular and well attended two-day boating and leisure show, held at Abel Point Marina, June 11 & 12.
The curator of the exhibition, Mr Tony Fossey, said, "After the great success of last year's exhibition we just had to put it on once again. Anyone within a 500 km radius of Airlie Beach may enter the Exhibition, with marine themes again the subject to portray."
"The majority of visual artists and photographers in far north Queensland should find that no problem, with so many beautiful marine subjects here to portray. We are defining marine as being ' Of, from, beside and for use on - the sea."
"The art exhibition's major sponsor is the PRIVATE RESERVE "Wine by Design" company, a maker of fine wines who specialise in producing personal labels. The mix of marine art and fine wine against a fabulous marina setting should prove to be a highlight of the Show."
Artists from Port Douglas to Gladstone will have a choice of entering into three divisions of the exhibition. An 'Open' class for any age and any medium, an 'Open Miniature' section for any age and any medium, and Photographic.
Entries will be on display at the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show, from early Saturday morning on 11 June until the following Sunday afternoon.
Endeavour sails home
Craft of all shapes and sizes will join a big parade up Sydney Harbour on Sunday 17 April to welcome home HM Bark Endeavour.
The magnificent Australian-built replica of Captain Cook's 18th century sailing ship will be completing an epic 5-month sea voyage back from the UK.
Heading the Sunday afternoon parade, she will make her way slowly from Watsons Bay to her home port at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour.
James Cook secured a place in history for the original Endeavour in 1768-1771 when he sailed the former collier from England to observe the transit of Venus across the sun near Tahiti, continued on to circumnavigate New Zealand, and explore the east coast of Australia naming the Whitsunday Passage on Whitsun or Pentecost Sunday, 1770.
The 109-foot (33.3 m) replica, its hull built from Jarrah and Oregon, was constructed in Fremantle WA and launched in 1993.
The replica sailed from Hobart in February 2002 and arrived in Whitby, Cook's hometown on the north-east coast of England, in June that year. Her home-coming will mark the end of that voyage.
The parade will pass Bradley's Head and Fort Denison will fire a 3-cannon welcoming salute, and Endeavour will reply with a 3-cannon salute.
The parade will then pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge at about 2.30 pm. Endeavour will fire a further 3-gun salute between Dawes Point and Blues Point.
Visitors will be welcome at the Maritime Museum to watch Endeavour arrive and berth at 3 pm.
Vessel monitoring confusion
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has launched a campaign to reduce confusion about the use of its Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for marine safety within the commercial fishing industry.
DPI&F Vessel and Quota Monitoring Services Manager Bev Tyrer said a recent coronial enquiry into the sinking of a trawler off north Queensland highlighted the misconceptions about VMS and the role of DPI&F in emergencies at sea.
"The DPI&F acknowledges that the fishing industry has been hit by some recent tragic incidents that have highlighted how dangerous trawling can be. These tragedies have also highlighted the need for appropriate contingency plans and the proper equipment to be in place to deal with such emergencies at sea," Ms Tyrer said.
"As with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is not a marine safety agency. VMS was introduced into Queensland commercial fisheries for management and compliance purposes.
"While VMS information can be extremely useful to assist in marine emergency situations, it is doubtful if any agency could practically use VMS data alone as an indicator that a vessel was in distress.
"VMS data receipt and processing is largely automated and the system is often unattended. Consequently, it is impractical for DPI&F to have any direct role in monitoring vessels for safety purposes."
Ms Tyrer said some VMS units currently being used in the fishery did have an additional safety feature.
"The safety feature on VMS is limited as it must be correctly activated by an operator. If used correctly, an alert should be received by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
"The correct use, activation and maintenance of this safety feature is the responsibility of individual fishers and their suppliers. In the event that an operator activates their VMS alert function correctly, DPI&F may then be contacted at any time to assist AMSA with an emergency situation."
Hamilton Island Race Week
Entries are flowing in for one of the world's most prestigious sailing regattas, the Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week.
The Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week, which will be held between 20 and 28 August, is an absolute 'must-do' on the Australian yachting calendar.
Each year the event attracts around 170 yachts and in recent years, event organizers have welcomed entries from all over the globe. Earlier this year, the Hamilton Island Hahn Premium Race Week was named as Australia's best significant event at the Australian Tourism Awards.
Regatta Director Warwick Hoban says that sailors are attracted to the event because it offers one of the most competitive racing forums in the southern hemisphere.
"Yachts race in a number of divisions on different courses each day. The conditions in the Whitsundays are warm and pleasant, yet the racing is fierce," said Warwick.
"The short format of racing means that if a yacht has had a bad race that this does not mean their regatta is over. After a bad day of racing, they can just regroup and recover secure in the knowledge that tomorrow is a new day with new points to earn."
The event schedule also features an array of social activities to best allow sailors to enjoy the beauty and relaxed nature of the Whitsundays. This is certainly one sailing regatta where partners are enthusiastic to join-in.
A new-look website has been established at www.hiyc.org.au for online entries. Hahn Premium Race Week 2005 entries close on August 5.
Zonta bootie!
Check out the Zonta car boot sale at the waterfront car park near the Airlie Beach Pub this Sunday morning. Buy and sell yer bootie! Aargh!
Cast a line
"There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot"
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Volunteers save thousands in boating mishaps
Marine Rescue volunteers spend thousands of hours rescuing people who haven't taken basic precautions before leaving shore.
Premier Peter Beattie is imploring boaties to use their heads and spare a thought for volunteer rescuers, as new figures show most boating mishaps are preventable.
"New reports from Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard show the bulk of their rescues are sparked by preventable causes such as flat batteries and mechanical problems," Mr Beattie said.
"In the second half of last year alone, volunteers were activated for 1,950 jobs in Queensland, for things such as tow tasks, flat batteries, running aground, and mechanical failures.
"That compares to a total of 2,414 tasks in the second half of 2004.
"These volunteers spend thousands of hours rescuing and advising people who haven't taken basic precautions before leaving shore.
"Boaties must make sure they have enough fuel, radio communications, fresh water, and - for goodness sake - have the appropriate safety equipment on board," Mr Beattie said.
Speed Bumps on Rivers
An innovative scheme being trialled on the River Hamble, UK, could see an end to speeding on rivers. A series of pumps and air jets installed beneath the river to create static waves will force boat skippers to stick to speed limits.
Speed cameras along the bank will trigger the pumps, which feed compressed air into pipes on the riverbed. A row of holes in the pipe allows the compressed air to escape upwards, forming a standing wave across the river.
The Hampshire County Council website has fielded the following questions from river users.
Q: I'm worried I may have insufficient power to crest the wave in certain conditions. Can I call to have it reduced? A: No
Q: Does the system work at night? A: Only during a full moon.
Q: Can canoeists use the wave for skills training? A: Only with an instructor and full safety equipment. Contact should be made with the Harbour Office on Channel 68.
Q: I have a Yamaha Jet ski - can a portion of the wave be set aside for me to jump over? A: Yes, call the Harbour Office on Channel 68
Q: What about the affect on the fish? A: We are expecting an increase in Salmon
Former Airlie Beach resident and Boating Oz Editor Kathy McKenzie writes, "This was my favourite April Fool's story"
Around World record
The WSSRC has officially ratified multihull Orange II's round the world record. The official around the world, non-stop, crewed record now stands at 50 days, 16 hours, 20 minutes and 4 seconds.
New rules for Spanish mackerel catches
New regulations for recreational fishers designed to stop the illegal sale of Spanish mackerel came into effect last Friday.
Under the new regulation which has been introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), recreational fishers must now remove the pectoral fin of any Spanish mackerel in their possession.
DPI&F Fisheries Resources Manager Mark Elmer said the legislation applied to all recreational fishers including people conducting commercial fishing tours and crew members of those tours.
"Recreational fishers must not possess, on board a boat, a dead Spanish mackerel unless a pectoral fin has been removed," Mr Elmer said.
"This provision is intended to make it easier for recreational and commercial catches to be identified."
Mr Elmer said the legislation was brought in following the introduction of new management arrangements in the Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel fishery during the past two years.
"These changes raised concerns about the potential for black-market trade in recreationally caught fish which could compromise the integrity of the commercial quota.
"The new legislation, which takes effect from today, was passed in August 2004 requiring recreationally caught Spanish mackerel be fin-clipped to deter black-marketing of these fish. The legislation continues to allow recreational fishers to fillet Spanish mackerel at sea."
Moon & mystery
"Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand."
Astronaut Neil Armstrong
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Marine Rescue volunteers spend thousands of hours rescuing people who haven't taken basic precautions before leaving shore.
Premier Peter Beattie is imploring boaties to use their heads and spare a thought for volunteer rescuers, as new figures show most boating mishaps are preventable.
"New reports from Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard show the bulk of their rescues are sparked by preventable causes such as flat batteries and mechanical problems," Mr Beattie said.
"In the second half of last year alone, volunteers were activated for 1,950 jobs in Queensland, for things such as tow tasks, flat batteries, running aground, and mechanical failures.
"That compares to a total of 2,414 tasks in the second half of 2004.
"These volunteers spend thousands of hours rescuing and advising people who haven't taken basic precautions before leaving shore.
"Boaties must make sure they have enough fuel, radio communications, fresh water, and - for goodness sake - have the appropriate safety equipment on board," Mr Beattie said.
Speed Bumps on Rivers
An innovative scheme being trialled on the River Hamble, UK, could see an end to speeding on rivers. A series of pumps and air jets installed beneath the river to create static waves will force boat skippers to stick to speed limits.
Speed cameras along the bank will trigger the pumps, which feed compressed air into pipes on the riverbed. A row of holes in the pipe allows the compressed air to escape upwards, forming a standing wave across the river.
The Hampshire County Council website has fielded the following questions from river users.
Q: I'm worried I may have insufficient power to crest the wave in certain conditions. Can I call to have it reduced? A: No
Q: Does the system work at night? A: Only during a full moon.
Q: Can canoeists use the wave for skills training? A: Only with an instructor and full safety equipment. Contact should be made with the Harbour Office on Channel 68.
Q: I have a Yamaha Jet ski - can a portion of the wave be set aside for me to jump over? A: Yes, call the Harbour Office on Channel 68
Q: What about the affect on the fish? A: We are expecting an increase in Salmon
Former Airlie Beach resident and Boating Oz Editor Kathy McKenzie writes, "This was my favourite April Fool's story"
Around World record
The WSSRC has officially ratified multihull Orange II's round the world record. The official around the world, non-stop, crewed record now stands at 50 days, 16 hours, 20 minutes and 4 seconds.
New rules for Spanish mackerel catches
New regulations for recreational fishers designed to stop the illegal sale of Spanish mackerel came into effect last Friday.
Under the new regulation which has been introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), recreational fishers must now remove the pectoral fin of any Spanish mackerel in their possession.
DPI&F Fisheries Resources Manager Mark Elmer said the legislation applied to all recreational fishers including people conducting commercial fishing tours and crew members of those tours.
"Recreational fishers must not possess, on board a boat, a dead Spanish mackerel unless a pectoral fin has been removed," Mr Elmer said.
"This provision is intended to make it easier for recreational and commercial catches to be identified."
Mr Elmer said the legislation was brought in following the introduction of new management arrangements in the Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel fishery during the past two years.
"These changes raised concerns about the potential for black-market trade in recreationally caught fish which could compromise the integrity of the commercial quota.
"The new legislation, which takes effect from today, was passed in August 2004 requiring recreationally caught Spanish mackerel be fin-clipped to deter black-marketing of these fish. The legislation continues to allow recreational fishers to fillet Spanish mackerel at sea."
Moon & mystery
"Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand."
Astronaut Neil Armstrong
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Queensland cruise record boosts Whitsunday visits
Cruise ship calls to Queensland ports would top the 300 mark in 2005 for the first time, says Premier Peter Beattie.
Mr Beattie said Queensland's popularity as a cruising destination continued to surge.
"It is estimated the cruise industry will inject up to $100 million into the Queensland economy this year - up from $14 million just two years ago.
"We went from around 205 calls to Queensland ports a year in 2001, 2002 and 2003, before 240 cruise ships calls in 2004," said Tourism Minister Keech.
"This year that number has grown to 307 calls - with massive benefits to the state."
P&O Cruises had given the Queensland industry a massive vote of confidence with the announcement it would base the 1400-berth Pacific Star in Brisbane from December.
"The Pacific Star replaces the Pacific Sky as Brisbane's 'own' cruise ship and there is little doubt it is better suited to cruise from Brisbane," she said.
"Pacific Star's manoeuvring capabilities will enable it to berth at Cairns on north Queensland cruises, allowing a longer stay for passengers.
"She will join the Pacific Star and Pacific Sun in P&O's Aussie fleet and boost capacity in the market by 40 per cent," Mrs Keech said.
"P&O says the decision to base the Pacific Star in Brisbane demonstrates the success of the move last year to develop a home port in Queensland.
"The really encouraging news is P&O say they are looking forward to developing the Queensland market further."
Mrs Keech said cruise ship bookings scheduled for 2005 had considerably increased for all destinations due to the positioning of the P&O ships in Queensland for a significant part of the year.
Whitsunday is scheduled to welcome thirty-six cruise ship calls this year.
Designer flares
Mate hadn't had the boat out for a while and bought new distress flares for the weekend. Mum and daughters didn't like the colour selected. The red and orange ones didn't 'go with' the colour of their boat.
Seatime to Dunk
Marine students interested in gaining open sea time or people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat now have a chance.
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. The 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
One year to the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London last week, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Good shot!
On March 8, two sailing yachts, Mahdi & Gandalf, were moving SW 30 miles off the coast of Yemen proceeding to the port of Aden from Salalah, Oman.
Two outboard powered boats passed off our stern moving south at about 25 knots. These boats were obviously not engaged in a normal activity such as fishing, etc. The area around Al Mukalla is well documented as being a piracy problem area and we started watching carefully for anything out of the ordinary.
Later two different boats approaching us head on from the SW. These boats were 25-30 feet long, had higher freeboard and diesel powered. They were coming very fast directly at us. There were four men in each boat. The boats separated at about 200 yards, one boat ahead of the other, coming down Mahdi's port side and firing into the cockpit. The other boat was firing an automatic weapon at both Gandalf and Mahdi from ahead, more at Gandalf. These guys were shooting directly at the cockpits, and obviously intended to kill us. The first boat swung around behind Mahdi's stern to come up and board us.
At that point aboard Mahdi, I was armed with a 12 gage shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot and started shooting into their boat. I forced them to keep their heads down. I could see the driver of the boat crouched down behind a steering console. After firing three shots at them, their engine started to smoke and I swung around to shoot at the boat ahead. At that point, I saw Jay Barry on Gandalf ram that boat amidships almost cutting it in two and turning it almost completely over.
I turned back around to shoot again at the boat behind Mahdi and that is when they turned away from us and headed toward the stern of Gandalf, about 100 feet away.
The bow of the pirate's boat came right up against Gandalf's stern and two men stood up on the bow to board Gandalf. That was a serious and probably fatal error on their part. I shot both of them. That boat then veered away and I shot the driver.
Both yachts kept going at full speed to put as much distance between the pirates and us as possible. As soon as we were out of rifle range, we looked back and both boats were drifting and appeared to be disabled.
If Jay on Gandalf had not had the presence of mind to veer over into one boat and ram it, the outcome of this attack would have been very different. All they needed to do was stand off a ways and shoot us to pieces with automatic weapons. We were extremely lucky.
The pirates were well organized and well armed. Good thing we were armed as well. Report: Rodney J. Nowlin, USN Retired, Master S/V Mahdi
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Hook pass light fixed
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark Q(6) + L.Fl.15s off Hook Island in the Whitsunday Group has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 824, 825
Bird Island light
Mariners are advised that the Fl.W.R sector light in approximate position Latitude 20°05.4'S, Longitude 148°52.21'E on Bird Island in the Whitsunday Group has been replaced by a West Cardinal Mark Q(9)15s light. Charts: AUS 252, 254, 825
Bait Reef beacon
Mariners are advised that a Starboard Lateral Mark No.1 beacon has been established in the position of (Chart Datum WGS 84) Latitude 19°48.5613'S, Longitude 149°03.7779'E to mark the entrance into the lagoon at Bait Reef. Charts: AUS 254, 825
Live it up
"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying"
Woody Allen
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Cruise ship calls to Queensland ports would top the 300 mark in 2005 for the first time, says Premier Peter Beattie.
Mr Beattie said Queensland's popularity as a cruising destination continued to surge.
"It is estimated the cruise industry will inject up to $100 million into the Queensland economy this year - up from $14 million just two years ago.
"We went from around 205 calls to Queensland ports a year in 2001, 2002 and 2003, before 240 cruise ships calls in 2004," said Tourism Minister Keech.
"This year that number has grown to 307 calls - with massive benefits to the state."
P&O Cruises had given the Queensland industry a massive vote of confidence with the announcement it would base the 1400-berth Pacific Star in Brisbane from December.
"The Pacific Star replaces the Pacific Sky as Brisbane's 'own' cruise ship and there is little doubt it is better suited to cruise from Brisbane," she said.
"Pacific Star's manoeuvring capabilities will enable it to berth at Cairns on north Queensland cruises, allowing a longer stay for passengers.
"She will join the Pacific Star and Pacific Sun in P&O's Aussie fleet and boost capacity in the market by 40 per cent," Mrs Keech said.
"P&O says the decision to base the Pacific Star in Brisbane demonstrates the success of the move last year to develop a home port in Queensland.
"The really encouraging news is P&O say they are looking forward to developing the Queensland market further."
Mrs Keech said cruise ship bookings scheduled for 2005 had considerably increased for all destinations due to the positioning of the P&O ships in Queensland for a significant part of the year.
Whitsunday is scheduled to welcome thirty-six cruise ship calls this year.
Designer flares
Mate hadn't had the boat out for a while and bought new distress flares for the weekend. Mum and daughters didn't like the colour selected. The red and orange ones didn't 'go with' the colour of their boat.
Seatime to Dunk
Marine students interested in gaining open sea time or people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat now have a chance.
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. The 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
One year to the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London last week, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Good shot!
On March 8, two sailing yachts, Mahdi & Gandalf, were moving SW 30 miles off the coast of Yemen proceeding to the port of Aden from Salalah, Oman.
Two outboard powered boats passed off our stern moving south at about 25 knots. These boats were obviously not engaged in a normal activity such as fishing, etc. The area around Al Mukalla is well documented as being a piracy problem area and we started watching carefully for anything out of the ordinary.
Later two different boats approaching us head on from the SW. These boats were 25-30 feet long, had higher freeboard and diesel powered. They were coming very fast directly at us. There were four men in each boat. The boats separated at about 200 yards, one boat ahead of the other, coming down Mahdi's port side and firing into the cockpit. The other boat was firing an automatic weapon at both Gandalf and Mahdi from ahead, more at Gandalf. These guys were shooting directly at the cockpits, and obviously intended to kill us. The first boat swung around behind Mahdi's stern to come up and board us.
At that point aboard Mahdi, I was armed with a 12 gage shotgun loaded with 00 buckshot and started shooting into their boat. I forced them to keep their heads down. I could see the driver of the boat crouched down behind a steering console. After firing three shots at them, their engine started to smoke and I swung around to shoot at the boat ahead. At that point, I saw Jay Barry on Gandalf ram that boat amidships almost cutting it in two and turning it almost completely over.
I turned back around to shoot again at the boat behind Mahdi and that is when they turned away from us and headed toward the stern of Gandalf, about 100 feet away.
The bow of the pirate's boat came right up against Gandalf's stern and two men stood up on the bow to board Gandalf. That was a serious and probably fatal error on their part. I shot both of them. That boat then veered away and I shot the driver.
Both yachts kept going at full speed to put as much distance between the pirates and us as possible. As soon as we were out of rifle range, we looked back and both boats were drifting and appeared to be disabled.
If Jay on Gandalf had not had the presence of mind to veer over into one boat and ram it, the outcome of this attack would have been very different. All they needed to do was stand off a ways and shoot us to pieces with automatic weapons. We were extremely lucky.
The pirates were well organized and well armed. Good thing we were armed as well. Report: Rodney J. Nowlin, USN Retired, Master S/V Mahdi
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Hook pass light fixed
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark Q(6) + L.Fl.15s off Hook Island in the Whitsunday Group has been restored to normal. Charts: AUS 252, 824, 825
Bird Island light
Mariners are advised that the Fl.W.R sector light in approximate position Latitude 20°05.4'S, Longitude 148°52.21'E on Bird Island in the Whitsunday Group has been replaced by a West Cardinal Mark Q(9)15s light. Charts: AUS 252, 254, 825
Bait Reef beacon
Mariners are advised that a Starboard Lateral Mark No.1 beacon has been established in the position of (Chart Datum WGS 84) Latitude 19°48.5613'S, Longitude 149°03.7779'E to mark the entrance into the lagoon at Bait Reef. Charts: AUS 254, 825
Live it up
"I don't want to achieve immortality through my work... I want to achieve it through not dying"
Woody Allen
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, March 28, 2005
Super fish tank to feature in annual show
For this year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show, organisers Rotary Club of Airlie Beach have added another sure-fire crowd pulling attraction, in the form of the Super Fish Tank.
And it's not your average fish tank. This 13 metre long x three metre high Perspex fish tank holds 14000 litres of fresh water! This enables fishing experts to clearly demonstrate the art of lure casting and latest fishing techniques to the keen fishing public.
Demonstrations will be on throughout the Show over the Queens Birthday long weekend on June 11 and 12 with the Super Tank situated near the new Abel Point Marina office. For more information, see www.rotaryairliebeach.com
Seatime to Dunk
Marine students interested in gaining open sea time or people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat now have a chance.
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. The 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
One year away to the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London last week, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Use the right bait
Anglers are being asked to be mindful of the bait they use in Queensland's inland waters because they could be putting the environment at risk and breaking the law.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is reminding all anglers of the types of bait that can be used in Queensland's inland waters.
DPI&F officer Gary Muhling said anglers can use live bait caught from the area they are fishing or other commercially produced bait such as sea-caught prawns, worms or common freshwater shrimp.
"However, anglers cannot use any other live or frozen aquaculture product for bait"," he said.
He said fishers might not be aware of the potential risk of spreading disease if live or frozen aquaculture product was used as bait.
Mr Muhling said that during inspections of fishers on the Cooper channels in western Queensland he noticed some anglers from interstate using blue claw crayfish from an interstate aquaculture facility for bait.
"For example, an angler buys bait from an aquaculture farm in New South Wales, where it's legal to use aquaculture bait in inland waterways in that state, but does not realise that it's illegal here," he said.
Mr Muhling also reminded anglers to be careful about collecting live bait from one waterway and taking it to another.
"Anglers might transport live bait and other organisms in buckets of water taken from one collection point and then use the bait in a different catchment. After they've finished fishing, they might dump the remaining contents of the bucket into the waterway.
"This means they could inadvertently spread fish eggs, fingerlings, plants or other organisms from one waterway to another, and risk contaminating the new area," Mr Muhling said.
"For the sake of our waterways, we strongly recommend that anglers use only live bait that has been collected from the waterway they are currently fishing in."
Fishers caught using aquaculture product as bait or translocating fish between catchments may be liable to a maximum fine of $150,000.
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Bass Strait in a Laser
Last week, Olympic Bronze Medallist Dr Michael Blackburn who has sailed at Airlie Beach, sailed from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River near Wilson's Promontory, Victoria in a 4.2m Laser. The distance of 117 nautical miles took 13 hours and one minute at an average speed of 8.6 knots and top speed of 19.7 knots.
Red claw funnel traps in freshwater
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers recently seized numerous illegal funnel traps from various freshwater locations.
DPI&F Officer Gary Muhling said the traps were seized because they were not marked with the owner's name and address, and they did not have a rigid ring of no more than 100mm in diameter holding the entrance of the trap open.
Mr Muhling said a funnel trap had to have a rigid ring (of no more than 100 mm in diameter) fitted to the entrance. This ring prevented the trapping of turtles, platypus, fish and birds.
"Nine of the seized traps contained a number of turtle shells," Mr Muhling said.
"This highlights how harmful these traps can be to other freshwater species when the rings are not fitted.
"Without the rigid ring holding the entrance open, air breathing animals such as turtles, platypus and birds are not given the opportunity to find their way back out of the trap," he said.
"If the trap is not fixed to something stationary above the waterline, it must have a light coloured float of at least 15cm in each of its dimensions clearly featuring the owner's first name and surname. The trap itself must also have a tag attached with the owner's name and address clearly marked on it," he said.
DPI&F regularly conducts inspections with fishers on the correct use of these devices and offenders can be fined a maximum penalty of $22,500.
The correct method of using funnel traps and other freshwater equipment is available in the booklet Guide to Recreational Boating and Fishing in Queensland or online at www.dpi.qld.gov.au\fishweb.
Cat for games
Hobie Cat Europe has announced that the F-18 Hobie Tiger has been chosen as the open multihull at the ISAF World Sailing Games that will take place in May 2006 in Austria where the top catamaran sailors of the world will race on 29 brand new Hobie Tigers.
Finn dits
Not sure if you want to know that the Finnish tongue-twister "vesihiisi sihisi hississa" ("a water devil hissed in the elevator") contains 56 dits in a row in Morse code.
Hook Pass light unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark Q(6) + L.Fl.15s in approximate position latitude 20° 10.826' S, longitude 148° 56.017' E off Hook Island in the Whitsunday Group has been reported unlit. Charts: AUS 252, 824, 825
Meet Thy maker
"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter"
Sir Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
For this year's Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show, organisers Rotary Club of Airlie Beach have added another sure-fire crowd pulling attraction, in the form of the Super Fish Tank.
And it's not your average fish tank. This 13 metre long x three metre high Perspex fish tank holds 14000 litres of fresh water! This enables fishing experts to clearly demonstrate the art of lure casting and latest fishing techniques to the keen fishing public.
Demonstrations will be on throughout the Show over the Queens Birthday long weekend on June 11 and 12 with the Super Tank situated near the new Abel Point Marina office. For more information, see www.rotaryairliebeach.com
Seatime to Dunk
Marine students interested in gaining open sea time or people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat now have a chance.
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. The 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
One year away to the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London last week, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Use the right bait
Anglers are being asked to be mindful of the bait they use in Queensland's inland waters because they could be putting the environment at risk and breaking the law.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is reminding all anglers of the types of bait that can be used in Queensland's inland waters.
DPI&F officer Gary Muhling said anglers can use live bait caught from the area they are fishing or other commercially produced bait such as sea-caught prawns, worms or common freshwater shrimp.
"However, anglers cannot use any other live or frozen aquaculture product for bait"," he said.
He said fishers might not be aware of the potential risk of spreading disease if live or frozen aquaculture product was used as bait.
Mr Muhling said that during inspections of fishers on the Cooper channels in western Queensland he noticed some anglers from interstate using blue claw crayfish from an interstate aquaculture facility for bait.
"For example, an angler buys bait from an aquaculture farm in New South Wales, where it's legal to use aquaculture bait in inland waterways in that state, but does not realise that it's illegal here," he said.
Mr Muhling also reminded anglers to be careful about collecting live bait from one waterway and taking it to another.
"Anglers might transport live bait and other organisms in buckets of water taken from one collection point and then use the bait in a different catchment. After they've finished fishing, they might dump the remaining contents of the bucket into the waterway.
"This means they could inadvertently spread fish eggs, fingerlings, plants or other organisms from one waterway to another, and risk contaminating the new area," Mr Muhling said.
"For the sake of our waterways, we strongly recommend that anglers use only live bait that has been collected from the waterway they are currently fishing in."
Fishers caught using aquaculture product as bait or translocating fish between catchments may be liable to a maximum fine of $150,000.
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Bass Strait in a Laser
Last week, Olympic Bronze Medallist Dr Michael Blackburn who has sailed at Airlie Beach, sailed from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River near Wilson's Promontory, Victoria in a 4.2m Laser. The distance of 117 nautical miles took 13 hours and one minute at an average speed of 8.6 knots and top speed of 19.7 knots.
Red claw funnel traps in freshwater
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers recently seized numerous illegal funnel traps from various freshwater locations.
DPI&F Officer Gary Muhling said the traps were seized because they were not marked with the owner's name and address, and they did not have a rigid ring of no more than 100mm in diameter holding the entrance of the trap open.
Mr Muhling said a funnel trap had to have a rigid ring (of no more than 100 mm in diameter) fitted to the entrance. This ring prevented the trapping of turtles, platypus, fish and birds.
"Nine of the seized traps contained a number of turtle shells," Mr Muhling said.
"This highlights how harmful these traps can be to other freshwater species when the rings are not fitted.
"Without the rigid ring holding the entrance open, air breathing animals such as turtles, platypus and birds are not given the opportunity to find their way back out of the trap," he said.
"If the trap is not fixed to something stationary above the waterline, it must have a light coloured float of at least 15cm in each of its dimensions clearly featuring the owner's first name and surname. The trap itself must also have a tag attached with the owner's name and address clearly marked on it," he said.
DPI&F regularly conducts inspections with fishers on the correct use of these devices and offenders can be fined a maximum penalty of $22,500.
The correct method of using funnel traps and other freshwater equipment is available in the booklet Guide to Recreational Boating and Fishing in Queensland or online at www.dpi.qld.gov.au\fishweb.
Cat for games
Hobie Cat Europe has announced that the F-18 Hobie Tiger has been chosen as the open multihull at the ISAF World Sailing Games that will take place in May 2006 in Austria where the top catamaran sailors of the world will race on 29 brand new Hobie Tigers.
Finn dits
Not sure if you want to know that the Finnish tongue-twister "vesihiisi sihisi hississa" ("a water devil hissed in the elevator") contains 56 dits in a row in Morse code.
Hook Pass light unlit
Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark Q(6) + L.Fl.15s in approximate position latitude 20° 10.826' S, longitude 148° 56.017' E off Hook Island in the Whitsunday Group has been reported unlit. Charts: AUS 252, 824, 825
Meet Thy maker
"I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter"
Sir Winston Churchill
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, March 21, 2005
Another year of fun in the sun
Only five months until the start of Hog's Breath Race Week 2005 to be sailed August 11-18 at Airlie Beach on the waters of Pioneer Bay and surrounding Islands of the Whitsunday Passage.
This will be the 16th year of Hog's Breath Race Week that has enjoyed a growth in popularity and patronage due to many factors but not the least is the casual relaxed Tropical Shirt fun atmosphere with serious racing.
The 2005 Race Week will see the same classes and divisions as past years plus the International Formula 18 Australian Championships to be staged from the Whitsunday Sailing Club precinct. The Formula 18's will sail inshore from the Race Week Regatta yachts from August 12 to 18.
Event founder and Patron Don Algie always wanted the social side to bring sailors together so the Wolverines will be entertaining and Mucka's Coconut Lotto will be drawn after racing each day featuring awards and prizes such as Mt. Gay and slabs of Tooheys.
Hog's is supported by the Queensland Government Queensland Events Regional Development Program, Lion Nathan, brewers of Tooheys New and XXXX Gold and Whitsunday Shire Council.
Seatime to Dunk
Are you a marine student interested in gaining open sea time or furthering your training in an offshore race or cruise environment? Do you know people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat?
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. A 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
Exactly one year, the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London yesterday, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Use the right bait
Anglers are being asked to be mindful of the bait they use in Queensland's inland waters because they could be putting the environment at risk and breaking the law.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is reminding all anglers of the types of bait that can be used in Queensland's inland waters.
DPI&F officer Gary Muhling said anglers can use live bait caught from the area they are fishing or other commercially produced bait such as sea-caught prawns, worms or common freshwater shrimp.
"However, anglers cannot use any other live or frozen aquaculture product for bait"," he said.
He said fishers might not be aware of the potential risk of spreading disease if live or frozen aquaculture product was used as bait.
Mr Muhling said that during inspections of fishers on the Cooper channels in western Queensland he noticed some anglers from interstate using blue claw crayfish from an interstate aquaculture facility for bait.
"For example, an angler buys bait from an aquaculture farm in New South Wales, where it's legal to use aquaculture bait in inland waterways in that state, but does not realise that it's illegal here," he said.
Mr Muhling also reminded anglers to be careful about collecting live bait from one waterway and taking it to another.
"Anglers might transport live bait and other organisms in buckets of water taken from one collection point and then use the bait in a different catchment. After they've finished fishing, they might dump the remaining contents of the bucket into the waterway.
"This means they could inadvertently spread fish eggs, fingerlings, plants or other organisms from one waterway to another, and risk contaminating the new area," Mr Muhling said.
"For the sake of our waterways, we strongly recommend that anglers use only live bait that has been collected from the waterway they are currently fishing in."
Fishers caught using aquaculture product as bait or translocating fish between catchments may be liable to a maximum fine of $150,000.
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay last weekend landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Bass Strait in a Laser
Last week, Olympic Bronze Medallist Dr Michael Blackburn sailed from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River near Wilson's Promontory, Victoria in a 4.2m Laser. The distance of 117 nautical miles took 13 hours and one minute at an average speed of 8.6 knots and top speed of 19.7 knots.
Red claw funnel traps in freshwater
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers recently seized numerous illegal funnel traps from various freshwater locations.
DPI&F Officer Gary Muhling said the traps were seized because they were not marked with the owner's name and address, and they did not have a rigid ring of no more than 100mm in diameter holding the entrance of the trap open.
Mr Muhling said a funnel trap had to have a rigid ring (of no more than 100 mm in diameter) fitted to the entrance. This ring prevented the trapping of turtles, platypus, fish and birds.
"Nine of the seized traps contained a number of turtle shells," Mr Muhling said.
"This highlights how harmful these traps can be to other freshwater species when the rings are not fitted.
"Without the rigid ring holding the entrance open, air breathing animals such as turtles, platypus and birds are not given the opportunity to find their way back out of the trap," he said.
"If the trap is not fixed to something stationary above the waterline, it must have a light coloured float of at least 15cm in each of its dimensions clearly featuring the owner's first name and surname. The trap itself must also have a tag attached with the owner's name and address clearly marked on it," he said.
DPI&F regularly conducts inspections with fishers on the correct use of these devices and offenders can be fined a maximum penalty of $22,500.
The correct method of using funnel traps and other freshwater equipment is available in the booklet Guide to Recreational Boating and Fishing in Queensland or online at www.dpi.qld.gov.au\fishweb.
Cat for games
Hobie Cat Europe has announced that the F-18 Hobie Tiger has been chosen as the open multihull at the ISAF World Sailing Games that will take place in May 2006 in Austria where the top catamaran sailors of the world will race on 29 brand new Hobie Tigers.
Finn dits
Not sure if you want to know that the Finnish tongue-twister "vesihiisi sihisi hississa" ("a water devil hissed in the elevator") contains 56 dits in a row in Morse code.
Today: National Common Courtesy Day
Today, Wednesday March 16 is National Common Courtesy Day following Ides of March and True Confessions Day on Tuesday. Don't tell anyone but today is also Freedom of Information Day.
If you care, tomorrow is Companies That Care Day followed by Awkward Moments Day and National Quilting Day on March 19.
March 21 is National Dance Day nicely followed by As Young As You Feel Day. There is something odd about Make Up Your Own Holiday Day on the twenty-sixth before Kite Flying Day on the 27th.
Perfect for a month that started with Beer Day on March 1 and includes St Patrick's Day on the 17.
Newspaper in Education Week coincides with National Procrastination Week. Last week was Universal Women's Week and next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week followed by National Massage Safety Week.
If you are planning a vacation to the USA, remember that the final two days of National Be Nice to New Jersey Week, July 9 and 10 will coincide with the first two days of National Nude Recreation Week.
Give me a sign
"If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank"
Comedian Woody Allen
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Only five months until the start of Hog's Breath Race Week 2005 to be sailed August 11-18 at Airlie Beach on the waters of Pioneer Bay and surrounding Islands of the Whitsunday Passage.
This will be the 16th year of Hog's Breath Race Week that has enjoyed a growth in popularity and patronage due to many factors but not the least is the casual relaxed Tropical Shirt fun atmosphere with serious racing.
The 2005 Race Week will see the same classes and divisions as past years plus the International Formula 18 Australian Championships to be staged from the Whitsunday Sailing Club precinct. The Formula 18's will sail inshore from the Race Week Regatta yachts from August 12 to 18.
Event founder and Patron Don Algie always wanted the social side to bring sailors together so the Wolverines will be entertaining and Mucka's Coconut Lotto will be drawn after racing each day featuring awards and prizes such as Mt. Gay and slabs of Tooheys.
Hog's is supported by the Queensland Government Queensland Events Regional Development Program, Lion Nathan, brewers of Tooheys New and XXXX Gold and Whitsunday Shire Council.
Seatime to Dunk
Are you a marine student interested in gaining open sea time or furthering your training in an offshore race or cruise environment? Do you know people who would love the opportunity to experience an offshore race on a classic Australian boat?
Airlie Beach charter boat operator OzSail have announced the entry of the beautiful "Enid" in the upcoming 2005 Dent to Dunk Race. A 72-foot John G Alden ketch, Enid was built in 1961 and has competed in four Sydney to Hobart races, 15 Brisbane to Gladstone and won line honours in the first Sydney to Mooloolaba race. She was restored in 2002/2003 and now conducts charters in the Whitsundays. She is a fantastic yacht with an excellent chance of winning the classic yacht division.
OzSail have 12 spots available for students and guests to sail in this unique race.
One year to go!
Exactly one year, the Opening Ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will kick-start the XVIII Commonwealth Games.
In London yesterday, the Queen's Baton began its epic journey to the Games. The Queen handed the baton to the first of many thousands of relay runners that will have the honour of carrying it to the Opening Ceremony, supermodel, mother, entrepreneur and Australian icon Elle McPherson.
Use the right bait
Anglers are being asked to be mindful of the bait they use in Queensland's inland waters because they could be putting the environment at risk and breaking the law.
The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is reminding all anglers of the types of bait that can be used in Queensland's inland waters.
DPI&F officer Gary Muhling said anglers can use live bait caught from the area they are fishing or other commercially produced bait such as sea-caught prawns, worms or common freshwater shrimp.
"However, anglers cannot use any other live or frozen aquaculture product for bait"," he said.
He said fishers might not be aware of the potential risk of spreading disease if live or frozen aquaculture product was used as bait.
Mr Muhling said that during inspections of fishers on the Cooper channels in western Queensland he noticed some anglers from interstate using blue claw crayfish from an interstate aquaculture facility for bait.
"For example, an angler buys bait from an aquaculture farm in New South Wales, where it's legal to use aquaculture bait in inland waterways in that state, but does not realise that it's illegal here," he said.
Mr Muhling also reminded anglers to be careful about collecting live bait from one waterway and taking it to another.
"Anglers might transport live bait and other organisms in buckets of water taken from one collection point and then use the bait in a different catchment. After they've finished fishing, they might dump the remaining contents of the bucket into the waterway.
"This means they could inadvertently spread fish eggs, fingerlings, plants or other organisms from one waterway to another, and risk contaminating the new area," Mr Muhling said.
"For the sake of our waterways, we strongly recommend that anglers use only live bait that has been collected from the waterway they are currently fishing in."
Fishers caught using aquaculture product as bait or translocating fish between catchments may be liable to a maximum fine of $150,000.
Flying fish?
The crew on board Southern Cross Yachting's Jeanneau 40 in Morton Bay last weekend landed a fish without tackle or even being on deck! The crew reported a loud thud on the deck while anchored off the beach at Horseshoe Bay, and upon investigation found a decent size mackerel on the deck. Not sure if it fell from the sky, but they certainly enjoyed the fresh fish for lunch the following day. Report: Southern Cross Yachting's newsletter.
Bass Strait in a Laser
Last week, Olympic Bronze Medallist Dr Michael Blackburn sailed from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River near Wilson's Promontory, Victoria in a 4.2m Laser. The distance of 117 nautical miles took 13 hours and one minute at an average speed of 8.6 knots and top speed of 19.7 knots.
Red claw funnel traps in freshwater
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers recently seized numerous illegal funnel traps from various freshwater locations.
DPI&F Officer Gary Muhling said the traps were seized because they were not marked with the owner's name and address, and they did not have a rigid ring of no more than 100mm in diameter holding the entrance of the trap open.
Mr Muhling said a funnel trap had to have a rigid ring (of no more than 100 mm in diameter) fitted to the entrance. This ring prevented the trapping of turtles, platypus, fish and birds.
"Nine of the seized traps contained a number of turtle shells," Mr Muhling said.
"This highlights how harmful these traps can be to other freshwater species when the rings are not fitted.
"Without the rigid ring holding the entrance open, air breathing animals such as turtles, platypus and birds are not given the opportunity to find their way back out of the trap," he said.
"If the trap is not fixed to something stationary above the waterline, it must have a light coloured float of at least 15cm in each of its dimensions clearly featuring the owner's first name and surname. The trap itself must also have a tag attached with the owner's name and address clearly marked on it," he said.
DPI&F regularly conducts inspections with fishers on the correct use of these devices and offenders can be fined a maximum penalty of $22,500.
The correct method of using funnel traps and other freshwater equipment is available in the booklet Guide to Recreational Boating and Fishing in Queensland or online at www.dpi.qld.gov.au\fishweb.
Cat for games
Hobie Cat Europe has announced that the F-18 Hobie Tiger has been chosen as the open multihull at the ISAF World Sailing Games that will take place in May 2006 in Austria where the top catamaran sailors of the world will race on 29 brand new Hobie Tigers.
Finn dits
Not sure if you want to know that the Finnish tongue-twister "vesihiisi sihisi hississa" ("a water devil hissed in the elevator") contains 56 dits in a row in Morse code.
Today: National Common Courtesy Day
Today, Wednesday March 16 is National Common Courtesy Day following Ides of March and True Confessions Day on Tuesday. Don't tell anyone but today is also Freedom of Information Day.
If you care, tomorrow is Companies That Care Day followed by Awkward Moments Day and National Quilting Day on March 19.
March 21 is National Dance Day nicely followed by As Young As You Feel Day. There is something odd about Make Up Your Own Holiday Day on the twenty-sixth before Kite Flying Day on the 27th.
Perfect for a month that started with Beer Day on March 1 and includes St Patrick's Day on the 17.
Newspaper in Education Week coincides with National Procrastination Week. Last week was Universal Women's Week and next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week followed by National Massage Safety Week.
If you are planning a vacation to the USA, remember that the final two days of National Be Nice to New Jersey Week, July 9 and 10 will coincide with the first two days of National Nude Recreation Week.
Give me a sign
"If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank"
Comedian Woody Allen
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
State fish no clown as Nemo embraced by State
The Great Barrier Reef Anemonefish official position as the State's Aquatic Emblem was fitting and something to be embraced by all Queenslanders, Premier Peter Beattie has told State Parliament.
"This is especially rewarding knowing that what Parliament approved was in response to more than 19,202 public submissions on the emblem," he said after the Emblems of Queensland Bill 2004 was passed.
The Bill modernises the Badge, Arms, Floral and Other Emblems of Queensland Act 1959.
"I am very pleased about this. For a State with such a close connection with the coastline and the water, it's only fitting that we've chosen an emblem that symbolises this connection.
The Anemonefish, also called a Clownfish now joins the koala, Cooktown orchid, brolga and sapphire as State emblems.
"The idea to identify an Aquatic Emblem originated from the Australian Underwater Federation. A panel of experts, chaired by the Queensland Museum, recommended a shortlist of aquatic species.
Bass straight on Laser
Since last week, Olympic Medallist Michael Blackburn has been on stand-by for his attempt to sail a Laser dinghy across Australia's Bass Strait. He was to depart Sunday morning but is waiting for the weather to improve.
The Laser is the world's most popular adult sailboat. However, Lasers are only 4.2m long with a single sail and no substantial cockpit, no lifelines, no engine, sailed with one crew and, of course, not designed for such a feat.
The audacity to challenge a dangerous stretch of open water, in such a tiny and seemingly insufficient vessel, must seem insane to an outsider.
It is 115 nautical miles (nm) (207km) from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River in Victoria. In between is a waterway with one of the fiercest reputations on the planet. A support ship will follow Michael all the way.
Renowned Australian meteorologist Roger 'Clouds' Badham has been engaged to give the green light. The plan is to wait for a SW-S front to pass through then take off once the breeze is settled.
"I need the wind to blow from the SW to SSE at 14-25 knots to make for a fast crossing. The aim is to sail downwind only. Even with the most favourable conditions, the crossing will take 14 hours. So, depending on the conditions, I expect to depart Stanley in the middle of the night," Blackburn says.
GPS data from sailing a Laser downwind in strong winds suggests that Michael will be able to maintain speeds of 8-12 knots over a long period. Therefore, the trip will take approximately 14-18 hours non-stop.
"The first few hours before dawn will be quite hazardous - cold and windy. I won't be able to see the waves and will have to sail very conservatively to keep upright and dry. I will be using a hand-held GPS and analogue compass to navigate. Other equipment I'll carry includes an inflatable PFD (life jacket), strobe light, flares, satellite phone, EPIRBs, food and drink, VHF radio and light sticks. The latter two items will help me keep in touch with the support boat."
A Night of Pearls and Plonk with Conner and Bondy
In Sydney on May 17, two of the world's great yachting rivals, Dennis Conner and Alan Bond will spearhead a $295 per plate black tie dinner to raise money to restore some of the Sydney Heritage Fleet's grand old dames of the sea.
With these two on board, no doubt the tales will be taller than the ships!
All proceeds raised are going to the Sydney Heritage Fleet's restoration projects that receive no government funding. It is the enthusiasts and business community with a passion for heritage that keeps the Sydney Heritage Fleet afloat.
Last year over 600 volunteers gave a combined total of 100,000 hours of work in crewing and maintaining the marvellous collection of significant heritage vessels that continue to grace the harbour.
The fleet includes the 1874 square-rigger James Craig, the 1902 steam tug Waratah, and the 1902 steam launch Lady Hopetoun. The 1903 gentleman's schooner Boomerang and several other significant vessels the Museum need restoration as does the 1927 steam-driven buoy tender John Oxley and the preservative slipping of the 1912 inner harbour ferry Kanangra.
As part of this special event, the beautiful and faithfully restored 1874 square-rigger, The James Craig will be in port.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The three men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine bought the rights to the story.
Dane's host Disabled
Denmark's Sønderborg Yacht-Club has the pleasure of inviting yachtsmen to the 2005 Disabled Sailing World Championship to be sailed in late August.
The Championship will be held under the protection of HRH Princess Benedikte.
The World Championship is organized under the auspices of The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and The Danish Sailing Association.
The organizing authorities are The Committee for Disabled Sailing under the Danish Sailing Association and The Regatta Committee at Sønderborg Yacht Club.
The venue will be Sønderborg Yacht-Club. Races will take place on the magnificent Sønderborg Bay within a distance of two nautical miles from the Sønderborg Yacht-Club.
Danish pasting
Princess Mary won the Royal Match Race on Sydney Harbour defeating Prince Frederik 2-1 in a series of 20-minute races. Princess Mary sailed with Chris Meehan on his Farr 40 Belle Property and Prince Frederik skippered his Farr 40 Nanoq.
Boom! Boom!
A sailor gets drunk. He falls overboard and is washed up on shore. When he becomes conscious he finds he's on a beach. The sand is dark red. He can't believe it. The sky is dark red.
(Actually, A brownish or dull purplish red, A chestnut colour, esp. of a scarlet cast rather than approaching crimson or purple. [1913 Webster])
He walks around a bit and sees there is dark red grass, dark red birds and dark red leaves on the dark red trees.
He is shocked when he finds that his skin is taking on the purplish dark red too. "Oh no!" he says. "I think I've been marooned!"
Hamilton Island dredging
Mariners are advised that the dredging operations that were being carried out in Hamilton Island Harbour have now been completed. Charts: AUS 252, 253, 254
Credit competition
"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition"
Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The Great Barrier Reef Anemonefish official position as the State's Aquatic Emblem was fitting and something to be embraced by all Queenslanders, Premier Peter Beattie has told State Parliament.
"This is especially rewarding knowing that what Parliament approved was in response to more than 19,202 public submissions on the emblem," he said after the Emblems of Queensland Bill 2004 was passed.
The Bill modernises the Badge, Arms, Floral and Other Emblems of Queensland Act 1959.
"I am very pleased about this. For a State with such a close connection with the coastline and the water, it's only fitting that we've chosen an emblem that symbolises this connection.
The Anemonefish, also called a Clownfish now joins the koala, Cooktown orchid, brolga and sapphire as State emblems.
"The idea to identify an Aquatic Emblem originated from the Australian Underwater Federation. A panel of experts, chaired by the Queensland Museum, recommended a shortlist of aquatic species.
Bass straight on Laser
Since last week, Olympic Medallist Michael Blackburn has been on stand-by for his attempt to sail a Laser dinghy across Australia's Bass Strait. He was to depart Sunday morning but is waiting for the weather to improve.
The Laser is the world's most popular adult sailboat. However, Lasers are only 4.2m long with a single sail and no substantial cockpit, no lifelines, no engine, sailed with one crew and, of course, not designed for such a feat.
The audacity to challenge a dangerous stretch of open water, in such a tiny and seemingly insufficient vessel, must seem insane to an outsider.
It is 115 nautical miles (nm) (207km) from Stanley in Tasmania to Tidal River in Victoria. In between is a waterway with one of the fiercest reputations on the planet. A support ship will follow Michael all the way.
Renowned Australian meteorologist Roger 'Clouds' Badham has been engaged to give the green light. The plan is to wait for a SW-S front to pass through then take off once the breeze is settled.
"I need the wind to blow from the SW to SSE at 14-25 knots to make for a fast crossing. The aim is to sail downwind only. Even with the most favourable conditions, the crossing will take 14 hours. So, depending on the conditions, I expect to depart Stanley in the middle of the night," Blackburn says.
GPS data from sailing a Laser downwind in strong winds suggests that Michael will be able to maintain speeds of 8-12 knots over a long period. Therefore, the trip will take approximately 14-18 hours non-stop.
"The first few hours before dawn will be quite hazardous - cold and windy. I won't be able to see the waves and will have to sail very conservatively to keep upright and dry. I will be using a hand-held GPS and analogue compass to navigate. Other equipment I'll carry includes an inflatable PFD (life jacket), strobe light, flares, satellite phone, EPIRBs, food and drink, VHF radio and light sticks. The latter two items will help me keep in touch with the support boat."
A Night of Pearls and Plonk with Conner and Bondy
In Sydney on May 17, two of the world's great yachting rivals, Dennis Conner and Alan Bond will spearhead a $295 per plate black tie dinner to raise money to restore some of the Sydney Heritage Fleet's grand old dames of the sea.
With these two on board, no doubt the tales will be taller than the ships!
All proceeds raised are going to the Sydney Heritage Fleet's restoration projects that receive no government funding. It is the enthusiasts and business community with a passion for heritage that keeps the Sydney Heritage Fleet afloat.
Last year over 600 volunteers gave a combined total of 100,000 hours of work in crewing and maintaining the marvellous collection of significant heritage vessels that continue to grace the harbour.
The fleet includes the 1874 square-rigger James Craig, the 1902 steam tug Waratah, and the 1902 steam launch Lady Hopetoun. The 1903 gentleman's schooner Boomerang and several other significant vessels the Museum need restoration as does the 1927 steam-driven buoy tender John Oxley and the preservative slipping of the 1912 inner harbour ferry Kanangra.
As part of this special event, the beautiful and faithfully restored 1874 square-rigger, The James Craig will be in port.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The three men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine bought the rights to the story.
Dane's host Disabled
Denmark's Sønderborg Yacht-Club has the pleasure of inviting yachtsmen to the 2005 Disabled Sailing World Championship to be sailed in late August.
The Championship will be held under the protection of HRH Princess Benedikte.
The World Championship is organized under the auspices of The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and The Danish Sailing Association.
The organizing authorities are The Committee for Disabled Sailing under the Danish Sailing Association and The Regatta Committee at Sønderborg Yacht Club.
The venue will be Sønderborg Yacht-Club. Races will take place on the magnificent Sønderborg Bay within a distance of two nautical miles from the Sønderborg Yacht-Club.
Danish pasting
Princess Mary won the Royal Match Race on Sydney Harbour defeating Prince Frederik 2-1 in a series of 20-minute races. Princess Mary sailed with Chris Meehan on his Farr 40 Belle Property and Prince Frederik skippered his Farr 40 Nanoq.
Boom! Boom!
A sailor gets drunk. He falls overboard and is washed up on shore. When he becomes conscious he finds he's on a beach. The sand is dark red. He can't believe it. The sky is dark red.
(Actually, A brownish or dull purplish red, A chestnut colour, esp. of a scarlet cast rather than approaching crimson or purple. [1913 Webster])
He walks around a bit and sees there is dark red grass, dark red birds and dark red leaves on the dark red trees.
He is shocked when he finds that his skin is taking on the purplish dark red too. "Oh no!" he says. "I think I've been marooned!"
Hamilton Island dredging
Mariners are advised that the dredging operations that were being carried out in Hamilton Island Harbour have now been completed. Charts: AUS 252, 253, 254
Credit competition
"My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition"
Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
Monday, March 07, 2005
Blessing of Fleet looms on horizon
The 16th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday May 15, which is known as Whitsun Day, or Pentecost Sunday, and marks the day Lieutenant James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
A sail past and blessing of traditional ships at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be a high point of the day that is expected to include yachts and commercial vessels with VMR Rescue One in the leading position.
For many years, Father Keith Felgate conducted the service with 'Minister for Tourism' Terry Ayling taking over last year.
Community organisations will get together on the beautiful front lawns of the sailing club for the service. Groups are asked to contact the Kylie at the sailing club if they would like to take part, this is your invitation. All are welcome to show off their activities and join in the spirit of the day.
Historically, Whitsun commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the disciples (Apostles), as recorded in the New Testament. It is often called Pentecost because when the disciples received the Holy Spirit and began to go out and preach about Jesus it was the Jewish festival of Pentecost.
Because it marked the first preaching about Jesus, it is called the birthday of the Christian Church and is a favourite day for baptism so has a good connection with water.
The word itself is said to come from the old English and includes the use of words such as Whitsuntide and White Sunday from the white ceremonial baptism robes worn on this day.
A great idea worth considering on Whitsun comes from the wonderfully named Carrickfergus Sailing Club, Rodger's Quay, County Antrim, Ireland where they conduct the Irish Boat Jumble, a car boot type of market for marine gear.
"If you do it in, on or under water there is bound to be something to get your oar into. The jumble casts off at 10am with a flood of new and used bargains" say organisers.
Perhaps a Whitsun Jumble with the guarantee of blessed goods could be a winner for the sailing club.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive while adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine bought the rights to the story.
Dane's host Disabled
Denmark's Sønderborg Yacht-Club has the pleasure of inviting yachtsmen to the 2005 Disabled Sailing World Championship to be sailed in late August.
The Championship will be held under the protection of HRH Princess Benedikte.
The World Championship is organized under the auspices of The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and The Danish Sailing Association.
The organizing authorities are The Committee for Disabled Sailing under the Danish Sailing Association and The Regatta Committee at Sønderborg Yacht Club.
The venue will be Sønderborg Yacht-Club. Races will take place on the magnificent Sønderborg Bay within a distance of two nautical miles from the Sønderborg Yacht-Club.
Danish pasting
Princess Mary won the Royal Match Race on Sydney Harbour this week defeating Prince Frederik 2-1 in a series of 20-minute races. Princess Mary sailed with Chris Meehan on his Farr 40 Belle Property and Prince Frederik skippered his Farr 40 Nanoq.
Spanish mackerel catches
New regulations for recreational fishers designed to stop the illegal sale of Spanish mackerel come into effect this week.
Under the new regulation, introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), recreational fishers must now remove the pectoral fin of any Spanish mackerel in their possession.
DPI&F Fisheries Resources Manager Mark Elmer said the legislation applied to all recreational fishers including people conducting commercial fishing tours and crew members of those tours.
"Recreational fishers must not possess, on board a boat, a dead Spanish mackerel unless a pectoral fin has been removed," Mr Elmer said.
"This provision is intended to make it easier for recreational and commercial catches to be identified."
Mr Elmer said the introduction of legislation followed the new management arrangements in the Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel fishery during the past two years.
"In December 2003, new arrangements that were introduced included limiting the number of commercial fishing licences able to access the Spanish mackerel fishery and a reduction in the recreational possession limit for Spanish mackerel from 10 fish to three," Mr Elmer said.
"Last year, a total allowable commercial catch came into effect in the commercial fishery and individual transferable quotas were allocated to licence holders based on past history in the fishery.
"These changes raised concerns about the potential for black-market trade in recreationally caught fish which could compromise the integrity of the commercial quota.
"The new legislation was passed in August 2004 requiring recreationally caught Spanish mackerel be fin-clipped to deter black-marketing of these fish. The legislation continues to allow recreational fishers to fillet Spanish mackerel at sea."
Handy invention
"Probably the earliest fly swatters were nothing more than some sort of striking surface attached to the end of a long stick"
Says inventor Jack Handy
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
The 16th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Sunday May 15, which is known as Whitsun Day, or Pentecost Sunday, and marks the day Lieutenant James Cook sailed through and named the Whitsunday Passage.
A sail past and blessing of traditional ships at the Whitsunday Sailing Club will be a high point of the day that is expected to include yachts and commercial vessels with VMR Rescue One in the leading position.
For many years, Father Keith Felgate conducted the service with 'Minister for Tourism' Terry Ayling taking over last year.
Community organisations will get together on the beautiful front lawns of the sailing club for the service. Groups are asked to contact the Kylie at the sailing club if they would like to take part, this is your invitation. All are welcome to show off their activities and join in the spirit of the day.
Historically, Whitsun commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames to the disciples (Apostles), as recorded in the New Testament. It is often called Pentecost because when the disciples received the Holy Spirit and began to go out and preach about Jesus it was the Jewish festival of Pentecost.
Because it marked the first preaching about Jesus, it is called the birthday of the Christian Church and is a favourite day for baptism so has a good connection with water.
The word itself is said to come from the old English and includes the use of words such as Whitsuntide and White Sunday from the white ceremonial baptism robes worn on this day.
A great idea worth considering on Whitsun comes from the wonderfully named Carrickfergus Sailing Club, Rodger's Quay, County Antrim, Ireland where they conduct the Irish Boat Jumble, a car boot type of market for marine gear.
"If you do it in, on or under water there is bound to be something to get your oar into. The jumble casts off at 10am with a flood of new and used bargains" say organisers.
Perhaps a Whitsun Jumble with the guarantee of blessed goods could be a winner for the sailing club.
Aussie found lost at sea
Eating fish and drinking sharks' blood kept an Aussie man and two mates alive while adrift at sea for six weeks.
Butcher Benjamin Tooki, 22, his uncle and a friend were rescued after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, while patrolling cyclone-battered Samoa, last Thursday.
The three were suffering from severe dehydration and exposure when picked up by a fishing boat.
The men had not been seen since setting off from Maiana, a tiny member of the Kiribati island group, on January 2.
They were pushed off course during their planned 35-kilometre journey to neighbouring Tarawa by a tropical storm.
No further details are available because Channel Nine bought the rights to the story.
Dane's host Disabled
Denmark's Sønderborg Yacht-Club has the pleasure of inviting yachtsmen to the 2005 Disabled Sailing World Championship to be sailed in late August.
The Championship will be held under the protection of HRH Princess Benedikte.
The World Championship is organized under the auspices of The International Foundation for Disabled Sailing and The Danish Sailing Association.
The organizing authorities are The Committee for Disabled Sailing under the Danish Sailing Association and The Regatta Committee at Sønderborg Yacht Club.
The venue will be Sønderborg Yacht-Club. Races will take place on the magnificent Sønderborg Bay within a distance of two nautical miles from the Sønderborg Yacht-Club.
Danish pasting
Princess Mary won the Royal Match Race on Sydney Harbour this week defeating Prince Frederik 2-1 in a series of 20-minute races. Princess Mary sailed with Chris Meehan on his Farr 40 Belle Property and Prince Frederik skippered his Farr 40 Nanoq.
Spanish mackerel catches
New regulations for recreational fishers designed to stop the illegal sale of Spanish mackerel come into effect this week.
Under the new regulation, introduced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F), recreational fishers must now remove the pectoral fin of any Spanish mackerel in their possession.
DPI&F Fisheries Resources Manager Mark Elmer said the legislation applied to all recreational fishers including people conducting commercial fishing tours and crew members of those tours.
"Recreational fishers must not possess, on board a boat, a dead Spanish mackerel unless a pectoral fin has been removed," Mr Elmer said.
"This provision is intended to make it easier for recreational and commercial catches to be identified."
Mr Elmer said the introduction of legislation followed the new management arrangements in the Queensland East Coast Spanish Mackerel fishery during the past two years.
"In December 2003, new arrangements that were introduced included limiting the number of commercial fishing licences able to access the Spanish mackerel fishery and a reduction in the recreational possession limit for Spanish mackerel from 10 fish to three," Mr Elmer said.
"Last year, a total allowable commercial catch came into effect in the commercial fishery and individual transferable quotas were allocated to licence holders based on past history in the fishery.
"These changes raised concerns about the potential for black-market trade in recreationally caught fish which could compromise the integrity of the commercial quota.
"The new legislation was passed in August 2004 requiring recreationally caught Spanish mackerel be fin-clipped to deter black-marketing of these fish. The legislation continues to allow recreational fishers to fillet Spanish mackerel at sea."
Handy invention
"Probably the earliest fly swatters were nothing more than some sort of striking surface attached to the end of a long stick"
Says inventor Jack Handy
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
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