On the Whitsunday Waterfront

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen

2009-11-03T06:12:00.001+10:00

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen this weekend

Off beach sailors will converge on Bowen this weekend with junior class to the fore and some assistance from others would be appreciated.

Event organiser Jeremy Cooper told The Guardian "We hope to attract boats other than Sabots to this regatta, and look forward particularly to meeting sailors from the Open BIC, and other fleets."

"For Sabot families, the event will incorporate the AGM of NQ Sabot Association, and selection trials for the 2009-2010 National competition to be held in Gosford over the Christmas-New Year holiday.

Queensland's first Sabot sailor David Steen will be on hand to present the trophies.

"We look forward to seeing as many junior sailors as possible. Registration will open and close on October 31; however, an early indication of numbers would be appreciated, so that division prizes may be obtained. Further information 0429315939 or the Sabot website at http://sites.google.com/site/nqsabot/

Ambassadors meet and greet

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday - four ships in four days scheduled for early December - our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.

The Volunteer Ambassador Program has been meeting and greeting for some years now with Judi Dunn at the helm and they need some help.

Judi just sent an updated program that shows visits by new ships such as the Holland America Line MS Volendam whose first visit is on December 3.

MS Volendam will cruise around Australia and New Zealand before returning to cruise Alaska's Inside Passage with Ports of Call at Hong Kong, Shanghai returning to Vancouver for the northern summer season.

The most exciting, the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built; Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is due here on Sunday February 28 on a two-month cruise from New York with about 3000 passengers. She will be a sight to see and it would be good if a charter operator took sightseers out for a turn or two around her.

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas will visit six times with 2435 passengers.

So add those new visitors to the usual Princesses, Suns, Dawns and Jewels and you can see that our volunteers could really use some friendly help. If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

Hugh Williams Day

On December 5, 1664, a ship sank in the Menai Strait off the coast of Wales. Of its 81 passengers, the sole survivor was a lucky fellow named Hugh Williams.

On December 5, 1785, 121 years later, another ship sank in the Menai Strait. All 60 souls aboard perished except one. His name was Hugh Williams.

On December August 5, 1820, 35 years later, yet another ship, a small 25-passenger vessel, sank in the Menai Strait. Once again, there was only one survivor. Once again, his name was Hugh Williams.

"So if you're ever going sailing in Wales on December 5, I won't be offended if you forget to invite me," says the modern day Hugh Williams who stays away from the sea.

"There are many versions of this story in circulation that have all three events taking place on December 5; I only recently found the source material that dates the third event in August, not December" Mr Williams added.

Let's dance!

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain"

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

2009-10-23T06:12:00.001+10:00

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday - four ships in four days scheduled for early December - our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.
The Volunteer Ambassador Program has been meeting and greeting for some years now with Judi Dunn at the helm and they need some help.
Judi just sent an updated program that shows visits by new ships such as the Holland America Line MS Volendam whose first visit is on December 3.
MS Volendam will cruise around Australia and New Zealand before returning to cruise Alaska's Inside Passage with Ports of Call at Hong Kong, Shanghai returning to Vancouver for the northern summer season.
The most exciting, the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built; Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is due here on Sunday February 28 on a two-month cruise from New York with about 3000 passengers. She will be a sight to see and it would be good if a charter operator took sightseers out for a turn or two around her.
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas will visit six times with 2435 passengers.
So add those new visitors to the usual Princesses, Suns, Dawns and Jewels and you can see that our volunteers could really use some friendly help. If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

Wind surfin'

There has been a bit of wind this week so why not take advantage of it.
The crew of Cruise Whitsundays ferry 'Orca' spotted a speeding sailboard well past Pioneer Point and heading northeast, the surfer clearly enjoying the stiff breeze in the Molle Passage.
On the vessel's bridge, we speculated about the swift surfer's destination with guess-ta-mates ranging from Hayman to Fiji and included Düsseldorf in Germany.

VMR Service charge

VMR Whitsunday is a volunteer, not for profit organisation, but some people seem to be under the impression that we are fully funded by government and run as a public service.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
We receive from government a capital grant of $10,000 per annum, which goes partly towards the cost of replacing our boat. The current boat cost $350,000, and will be due for replacement in six or seven years at a cost of around $500,000. We run and maintain the vessel and pay all running costs by way of membership subscriptions at $55 each, by fund raising, and through generous and essential donations.
We have no alternative but to charge for our services to make up the shortfall, otherwise we would run at a loss, could not afford to replace our rescue boat, and clearly, we would not be here. Therefore, we make no apology for charging for our services.
We have about 20 active members, who share the tasks of staffing the boat, maintaining the boat, staffing the emergency phone, fundraising, and running the radio base on the weekends. No one in VMR Whitsunday is paid for the, often considerable, time that we put in to maintain essential rescue services in the Whitsundays; in fact, we have to pay to be a member so we can volunteer our services! You can help by becoming a member, and we are always on the lookout for more active members to help us to help you.
Information supplied by Malcolm Priday, VMR Media and Public Relations Officer

2011 Around Australia

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. The Race and Rally events were launched late June 2009. As at 25 September 2009, 164 yachts have taken up Race or Rally (Race 54, Rally 110).
"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said
The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24hours at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.
The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.
Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

Marine notice

Nares Rock light reported to be unlit. Mariners are advised that the isolated danger mark Fl (2) 5s located on Nares Rock, in position latitude 19° 46.2777' S, longitude 148° 21.5115' E, has been reported unlit. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution whilst operating in this area. Charts AUS 371, 825 & 826.

Learning best

"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm"
Willa Cather 1873 - 1947, The Song of the Lark, 1915

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

2009-10-20T07:15:00.000+10:00

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

Coral reef fish species will be off limits this week October 15-19 as the first 2009 spawning closure comes into effect.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the closures were in place to protect fish during peak periods of spawning.

"Coral reef fin fish in particular coral trout are vulnerable at this time in their life cycle as the fish aggregate to spawn around the new moon," the Minister said.

"The closures span the new moon in the key spawning months October and November.

"Historically, three nine-day closures were in place to protect the stocks. However, the latest research tells us that the fish stocks are healthy allowing for the closures to be dropped down to two five-day periods."

"We hope by setting these dates in advance, tourism operators and commercial fishers can benefit from being able to plan ahead in their businesses."

The next closure is November 14 to 18 with dates until 2013 posted on the DPI web site.

NQ Junior Championship Regatta

The NQ Junior Championship Regatta will be he sailed in Bowen on the weekend of October 31 / November 1.

Event organiser Jeremy Cooper told The Guardian "We hope to attract boats other than Sabots to this regatta, and look forward particularly to meeting sailors from the Open BIC, and other fleets."

"For Sabot families, the event will incorporate the AGM of NQ Sabot Association, and selection trials for the 2009-2010 National competition to be held in Gosford over the Christmas-New Year holiday.

VMR Service charge

VMR Whitsunday is a volunteer, not for profit organisation, but some people seem to be under the impression that we are fully funded by government and run as a public service.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

We receive from government a capital grant of $10,000 per annum, which goes partly towards the cost of replacing our boat. The present boat cost $350,000, and will be due for replacement in six or seven years at a cost of around $500,000. We run and maintain the vessel and pay all running costs by way of membership subscriptions at $55 each, by fund raising, and through generous and essential donations.

We have no alternative but to charge for our services to make up the shortfall, otherwise we would run at a loss, could not afford to replace our rescue boat, and clearly, we would not be here. Therefore, we make no apology for charging for our services.

We have about 20 active members, who share the tasks of staffing the boat, maintaining the boat, staffing the emergency phone, fundraising, and running the radio base on the weekends. No one in VMR Whitsunday is paid for the, often considerable, time that we put in to maintain essential rescue services in the Whitsundays; in fact, we have to pay to be a member so we can volunteer our services! You can help by becoming a member, and we are always on the lookout for more active members to help us to help you.

Information supplied by Malcolm Priday, VMR Media and Public Relations Officer

Island camping holidays

Most of the Whitsunday islands are national parks and are great places for a camping holiday. From small, secluded sites to large areas suitable for groups, most campgrounds are in bush settings with limited facilities. Camping permits may be purchased online at www.qld.gov.au/camping and from the Whitsunday Tourist Information Centre on the Bruce Highway.

Mariner Notice

Mariners are advised that the Fl.G.2.5s light on the starboard lateral mark beacon off the northeast corner of Dent Island has been restored to normal.

Charts AUS 253 & 254

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over" Aesop

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Ports partners protect Reef Park

2009-10-12T18:38:00.001+10:00

Ports partners protect Reef Park

The Queensland Ports Association and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strategically improve coordination associated with port activity adjacent to and in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
GBRMPA Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said the MOU would be used as a vehicle for cooperation between the two organisations.
"The MOU addresses key areas of strategic planning, research and monitoring, management of port activities, consultation, and strategic discussion on some of the significant issues facing both organisations including climate change, introduction of marine pests and dredging," he said.
Queensland Ports Association Chairman Mr Clive Skarott said the Queensland Ports Association and the GBRMPA have common interests and a commitment to common outcomes.
"Queensland Ports Association is pleased to reach an agreement with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and recognise the value of working together on policy, strategic planning developments, ports, port operations, shipping routes, anchorages and dredging."

Oh, no 000!

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) advises that although previously referred to as Triple O the emergency quick dial is now to be called Triple Zero. The previous term will no longer used due to a concern that it may cause confusion for users of alphanumeric keypads who may dial the letter 'O' rather than zero. This also brings the procedure in line with radio operator best practice.

Marine radio call

Responding to concerns about declining standards in the use of VHF marine radio and compliance with the requirement to hold an operators' certificate of proficiency, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion paper about regulatory arrangements for VHF marine radios used by recreational boat operators.
The discussion paper invites comment from marine radio users about safety and the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters and follows concerns expressed by the National Marine Safety Committee and representatives of the maritime community.
The ACMA is interested in hearing all views across the spectrum of interested parties - from individuals who operate marine radio on a recreational basis, to marine industry representatives and regulatory bodies throughout Australia.
The close of submissions for this paper is Friday, December 18.

Live . . .

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air" Ralph Waldo Emerson, American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803-1882

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

2009-10-05T13:25:00.001+10:00

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

The first Great Northern Clean Up will be taking place for the first time this weekend. This additional Clean Up day will enable North Australia to join, and be a part of, the Clean Up experience at a time when the elements are more favourable.
The Great Northern Clean Up will be fun, easy and everyone can get involved. Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday's Reef Guardian Council, individuals and local groups are helping and you may register at Rotary Park next to Whitsunday Sailing Club Airlie Beach on Sunday mooring from 0800.
Rotary Site Coordinator is Robert Snowsill 0417717588 eliterex@bigpond.net.au

Jessica Remains on Track

Jessica Watson and her team wish to advise all of her supporters that she remains on track to achieve her goal of being the youngest to sail solo around the world.
Further to media reports, Jessica's parents Roger and Julie confirmed receipt of an official letter prepared by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) in regards to the incident with Ella's Pink Lady and the bulk carrier Silver Yang.
The MSQ letter was confidential and made some recommendations that have been followed, despite the alligation that the incident occurred outside MSQ's jurisdiction.
Jessica's team is disappointed that the MSQ letter was leaked to the media. However, even a sixteen year old should learn about media manipulation by the government.
Jessica and her support team advise that they respect all of the maritime authorities and the important role they play in ensuring safety on the sea. Jessica's team will continue to treat the MSQ letter as confidential and, as such, will not be making any comment on the contents.
MSQ last week conducted inspections of the recent repairs to Ella's Pink Lady and are satisfied with the safety of the vessel.
With Jessica now planning to sail to Sydney Jessica's father Roger said, 'Worried, of course we're worried, who wouldn't be,' he told me. 'But we're equally confident in her ability.
'I may have to draw the line somewhere, though, she's spoken about getting a motorcycle when she returns and having been the victim of a couple of spills I think I'll be doing what ever it takes to discourage that,' he added.
In addition, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre - the man who made it all possible by donating Jessica's yacht, Ella's Pink Lady - is standing by the teenager.
"I'm still confident she has what it takes to do the voyage," he said.

Bounty Mutiny sail

Australian adventurer and solo round the world sailor Don McIntyre has signed Mike Perham as Second-in-command for the 2010 Bounty Boat Expedition. This is a 4000 mile re-enactment 221 years after Capt William Bligh and his crew were forced into an open whale-boat by the mutineering crew on HMS Bounty and successfully sailed from Tonga to Timor in the Pacific.
McIntyre and Perham will face the same deprivations, with little food, no charts and only the limited navigation implements that were available to Bligh.
The search begins for two extra crew to join this expedition, which has a serious scientific purpose, as well as raise money for MND research.

Survival mode

Three Texas fishermen spent eight days stranded in the Gulf of Mexico atop their capsized boat endured hunger, blistering heat, scares from sharks and hallucinations, but they never gave up hope they'd be rescued.
"The power of prayer had us feeling safe as far as knowing that we were going to make it out of it, but didn't know how long that we were going to have to endure this."
The three were awakened by water coming into their 7-metre catamaran, it flipped over in one minute," a survivor said. "Then us country boys went into survival mode. That's all we could do."'

The good and the bad

"Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment"
-- Barry LePatner

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Surf's Up for Whitsunday's new nippers

2009-09-28T12:10:00.001+10:00

Surf's Up for Whitsunday's new nippers

A new school holiday activity got underway this week at the Airlie Beach Lagoon with the Surf Life Saving Queensland Whitsunday Junior Activities Program.
The program, the first conducted here, features safe fun water based activities led by highly trained Surf Life Saving instructors
Airlie Lagoon Head Lifeguard Stacey Allard told Waterfront "We got off to a great start with about 50 local kids enjoying the activities"
"It is a good start for this new kid's activity that combines learning and having a good time."
The Surf Life Saving Queensland Community Awareness Team spends time year round educating members of the community about the importance of Surf, beach and all areas of aquatic safety. The program runs for four mornings this week.
Surf Life Saving Queensland currently has lifeguard contracts at 48 beaches/lagoons including Airlie Beach.

Take a number

Waterfront got a call from sailor Alan Southwood who saw a problem and has thought of a good solution.
On a recent weekend a small boat was taking water at Shute Harbour and was in danger of sinking.
Alan tried to contact the owner but could not find a name or phone number. The authorities could not help, as it was the weekend.
Alan's suggestion is that boat owners who leave their craft at anchor or on a mooring leave a phone number in an obvious place near the helm or engine panel so it's handy if needed. Another idea is to put a phone number on the hull near the rego sticker. If your boat has a problem, you will know . . . quickly and you can get it sorted. Much easier and cheaper than having to refloat your pride and joy.

Junior sailors

The Whitsunday Sailing Club now has three sessions a week of junior coaching and training. Sunday Mornings are going strong with a dozen in the Learn To Sail Level, and seven in the intermediate group.
The Sabot Squad is kicking off again on Tuesday afternoon; this is a great chance for the Sabot Squad to hone their skills in time for the Spring Regatta and the Nationals in Gosford over Christmas. There is a limited opportunity for young sailors to join the squad for the next few weeks as crew to learn all about the Sabot.

Killer sharks for GBR

South Australian Great White sharks will be cast in new film that will showcase nature gone amok on the Great Barrier Reef.
"Horrific" will best describe The Reef, the latest from Andrew Traucki, who co-wrote and co-directed with David Nerlich the killer-crocodile flick Black Water.
Underbelly star Damian Walshe-Howling will lead the cast of The Reef, says the film's director, Andrew Traucki.
Walshe-Howling will play the lead character of Luke with Zoe Naylor TVs "McLeod's Daughters, Gyton Grantley Balibo, Adrienne Pickering Knowing, and Kieran Darcy Smith The Square also in the cast.
The story is about a group of friends whose boat capsizes on a jaunt to the Great Barrier Reef. Deciding to attempt a swim to the distant shore, they find themselves stalked by a Great White shark intent on making meals out of them.
Wow! That should boost tourism to the GBR. Not!
The $3.5 million Ozploitation film is set to begin a five-week shoot on October 12 in Hervey Bay; live shark footage will be captured in South Australia.
Comments by critics so far include;
"Wow sounds like a bigger budgeted version of Open Water...i think i will pass on this . . ."
"A movie about a great white shark that terrorizes people? I just KNEW there was some originality left in Hollywood!"

Mariner notice

Mariners are advised that the starboard lateral mark located on Dent Island, approximate position latitude 20° 20.33' S, longitude 148° 56.17' E has been reported unlit. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity.
Charts AUS 252 & 254.

Passion

"On life's vast ocean diversely we sail,
Reason the card, but passion is the gale"
- Alexander Pope, Essay on Man

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

LEGO conference for Airlie Beach

2009-09-21T15:46:00.001+10:00

LEGO conference for Airlie Beach

OK, it's not about little colourful interlocking plastic bricks that kids play with, although it is about building for the future and includes, as it does, the bricks and mortar of marine studies education.
LEGO in this case is 'Linking Estuaries of the Great Barrier Reef and Oceans' the annual conference of the Marine Teachers Association of Queensland beginning Sunday in Airlie Beach.
Marine Teachers Association of Queensland (MTAQ) is a professional association of 400 teachers of Marine Studies in Queensland primary, secondary and tertiary levels. MTAQ is a non-profit organisation, which coordinates activities to support marine education, teachers of Marine Studies and students.
"Generally what teachers look for at conferences is some interesting information about anything marine, ideas they can take back to their classroom, and also to have a good time" spokesperson Dedan Daniel said.
Jan Jarratt MP Member for Whitsunday a former teacher will open the conference on Sunday.

Talk like a Pirate Day

International Talk like a Pirate Day in Airlie Beach is this Saturday September 19. Everyone likes to talk like a pirate so in a town like Airlie you can also dress up like a pirate and have some fun.
The Pirates of the Whitsundays are the polite pirates who use their manners and say please and thank you, and ensure that visitors always come first.
Airlie Pirates get about Saturday afternoon and may land at a bar with picnic tables in mid Airlie or another choice establishment at the beach. Probably get to the Rum Bar later. http://piratesofwhitsunday.blogspot.com/

Hook and Hayman area

Mariners are advised that the starboard lateral mark buoy off the southeastern corner of the Langford Island and Bird Island reef in the South Channel has been permanently withdrawn.
The starboard lateral mark buoy off the eastern side of the Black Island reef in the South Channel has also been permanently withdrawn.
Mariners are further advised that a port lateral mark buoy has been established between Cockatoo Point and Stanley Point in The Narrows, between Hook and Hayman Island. A special mark buoy is also established close to Ian Point in Stonehaven Anchorage, AUS Charts Affected: 254

The Storm

"Remember, the storm is a good opportunity for the pine and the cypress to show their strength and their stability" Ho Chi Minh

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Fun Race sails yet again this Saturday

2009-09-14T14:41:00.001+10:00

Fun Race sails yet again this Saturday

Famous or infamous, after more than 30 years the Great Whitsunday Fun Race is on for this Saturday with all the usual entertainment both on and off the water.

Presentations are at the evening party for first, second and third in each division as well as prizes for Best Theme Boat, Best Dressed Yacht, Best Dressed Crew and Yacht from Furthest Away.

Registration is $10 with a briefing Friday night and Saturday morning; Division 1 warning signal goes off at high noon.

Sail for cause

L J Hooker Whitsunday is hosting the great strides walk to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, and sailors are invited to sail the course instead of walk or run this Sunday.

The event starts at 9.00am outside L J Hookers Office on the foreshore park. Then a walk or sail to the end of the boardwalk near the VMR and back, approximately 5kms. There will also be a BBQ afterwards at the sailing club to raise money for this event.

Junior sailors

The Whitsunday Sailing Club now has three sessions a week of junior coaching and training.

Sunday Mornings are going strong with a dozen in the Learn To Sail Level, and seven in the intermediate group.

The Sabot Squad is kicking off again on Tuesday afternoon; this is a great chance for the Sabot Squad to hone their skills in time for the Spring Regatta and the Nationals in Gosford over Christmas. There is a limited opportunity for young sailors to join the squad for the next few weeks as crew to learn all about the Sabot.

VMR helps

"VMR Whitsunday responded to a call for assistance relayed by a commercial vessel. The vessel requiring assistance was reportedly south of Border Island with no means of power, no GPS, no charts, no mobile phone coverage and apparently little or no experience with VHF radio operation.

"VMR1 was activated but was turned around when we were advised that the vessel in distress had managed to restart their engine, but then asked us for the best route back to Hamilton Island!

Obviously, without an accurate start point there is no way that we can help guide a vessel apart from very general directions. Luckily, they managed to find their way back without further incident as darkness was approaching.

"All skippers must be aware of their responsibilities in regard to knowing their vessel, its safety and communications equipment, and how to navigate safely within the limits of their own capabilities.

Sail away

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

-- Mark Twain

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Whitsunday has a Clean and Pristine future

2009-09-07T18:06:00.001+10:00

Whitsunday has a Clean and Pristine future

Marine Clean, a new environmental clean up organised by the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA) will pick up any rubbish from the weekend of September 12/13 for a week.
The event has received support from the Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee and EcoKids Reef Guardian Club. Charter boats, their guests and volunteers will complete questionnaires detailing rubbish collected.
Meanwhile the ever-busy Rotary Club of Airlie Beach in conjunction with Clean Up Australia and Whitsunday Council has announced its first Northern Clean Up Australia Day on the weekend of October 3&4.
In the northern region, there has been strong community desire for some years to include a second Clean Up Day event, during a season more suitable here in the tropics. Discussions with councils across the region identified early October as the perfect time to conduct the event - pre cyclone season.
In the generally cooler and drier month of October, it will be a fun and rewarding way to clear up all that accumulated rubbish that creates so many new issues when it is caught up in waterways during the cyclone season.
Marine Clean Details from wcbia@wcbia.com Rotary Club of Airlie Beach Clean Up organiser Rex Snowsill, eliterex@bigpond.net.au

Help PNG call

Waterfront has received a request from Keith Jackson AM, through the OceansWatch network asking for any yacht owners who might be sailing from Australia to Papua New Guinea with some room onboard.
"Dr Alan Lawford, who practices in the Sydney suburb of Arncliffe, has assembled six computers and peripheral equipment but has no means of delivery to Kavieng Hospital on New Ireland".
"This Papua New Guinea hospital is seriously short of IT capacity, so if anyone is sailing over and have some space aboard they can make contact." Keith at kjackson@jacksonwells.com.au

White whale

John Dyson, master of Fantasea Adventure Cruising vessel 'Wonder', sighted the albino humpback whale Migaloo, on the return voyage to Shute Harbour from Hardy Reef, east of the Whitsunday Islands one afternoon last week.
'Wonder' with 113 guests on board spent half an hour observing Migaloo.
"This was a very rare sighting and is believed to be the first sighting of Migaloo in the Whitsunday waters this season."

What's in a name?

Item last week about names on racing yachts worth a giggle and Terry Archer's Whitsunday Sailing Club yacht 'Africa' or Another Flaming Regatta I Cannot Afford; we have chosen some more names.
Names start nicely with Sunrise, owned by Helen and Jeff Shipsey. Then 'Sunflower' Tulip, Bliss and Seduction leading to Living Doll, Cracklin Rosie and True Love.
Russell McCart's Night Nurse or Leon Thomas with Guilty Pleasures but, hey, don't hold back; Outrage from Fallen Angels (Damien Suckling) Primal Scream, Supertramp, and Dan White on Riff Raff.
Local sailmaker Charles Wallis sails Reignition with another local Craig Piccinelli sailing Wobbly Boot. There is Ropabull and Rock N Roll, Airlie Retreat, Ocean Affinity and China Blues,
All these names would make anyone say Holy Cow!

VMR thanks sailors

VMR Whitsunday has thanked the Whitsunday Sailing Club for organizing donations at the End of Race Week Party.
VMR benefited by almost $700 through the generosity and support of the race week participants.

Reef Reflections

Your Waterfront writer is looking to interview recreational and commercial fishers about experiences and fishing on the Great Barrier Reef over the years.
The interviews take the form of oral history and are a spoken interview to get an idea of what fishers think has changed, good or bad during their time.
Reef Catchments commissioned the work and the resultant Reef Reflections history will extend the body of knowledge of the GBR. If you care to be involved, drop an email to ahoy@whitsunday.net.au or C/ Guardian.

Sailing season ends soon

Fun Race on Saturday September 12 and International Talk like a Pirate Day in Airlie Beach on Saturday September 19 mark the end of another great 'winter' sailing season.
Details from Whitsunday Sailing Club and http://piratesofwhitsunday.blogspot.com/

"Talking the talk, fishing the fish"

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

First seconds ahead in close yacht racing

2009-09-01T05:04:00.000+10:00

First seconds ahead in close yacht racing

Melbourne sailor Michael Hiatt's Farr 55 Living Doll won the 20th annual Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week by a mere 40 seconds on handicap.

Tied with Ray Roberts Evolution Racing on points; each having scored three wins, two seconds and a third, Hiatt took the title on the count back.

The 100-yacht fleet enjoyed the winter weather with wind from zero to 30 knots over the week.

Next year will be a big 21^st birthday party for the regatta.

Boat names

There are some great names on racing yachts often worth a giggle.

Local Whitsunday yacht Africa that won the cruising division has a story.

Owner Terry Archer of Whitsunday Sailing Club says Africa is the abbreviation of Another Flaming Regatta I Cannot Afford.

Migaloo sighted

Possibly the most famous humpback whale, the white whale Migaloo was sighted recently for the first time in two years.

Migaloo is an aboriginal name that means "white fella."

Researchers from Pacific Whale Foundation located Migaloo close to Snapper Island, near the Daintree River.

The researchers say Migaloo appears to have developed a lump on the side of his head, which might be a tumour.

"P" for power

Urine-powered cars, boats, homes and personal electronic devices could be available next year with new technology developed by scientists from Ohio University.

Using a nickel-based electrode, the scientists can create large amounts of cheap hydrogen from urine that could then be burned or used in fuel cells.

"One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses," said Gerardine Botte, a professor at Ohio University developing the technology.

"Soldiers in the field could carry their own fuel."

One molecule of urea, a major component of urine, contains four atoms of hydrogen bonded to two atoms of nitrogen. Stick a special nickel electrode into a pool of urine, apply an electrical current, and hydrogen gas is released.

Consumer products will no doubt follow in the near future if the idea catches on.

Ship for World Youth

The Ship for World Youth (SWY) is a unique international cultural exchange program organised by the Government of Japan. The most prestigious program of its kind, SWY brings together over 250 youth from around the world to learn about international cooperation and understanding.

Over a two-month period, participants are involved in a wide range of activities aimed at fostering cultural sensitivity, understanding and friendship. Most of the program is conducted onboard the cruise liner Nippon Maru, with some activities scheduled in Japan, and others in a number of seaports that are visited in the course of the voyage.

Since 1989, the program has run on an annual basis. Each year a different mix of nations is invited to participate and a different ports of call are incorporated into the itinerary. www.swyaustralia.org/

Pretty Boy; Pretty lucky

A pet budgie was reunited with its owner after being rescued a half mile from land in the English Channel near Devon.

A scuba diver in a boat spotted the struggling bird on the waters' surface.

Taken aboard, the blue budgie earned the nickname 'Captain'

The near exhausted budgie "was like a floppy wet rag, but I washed off the salt water which was stinging his eyes and wrapped him up warm in a dark, ventilated box to calm him down," rescuer Cathy Jackman said.

Live firing off

Mariners are advised that the live firing activities exercise - planned for the marine component of Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area until September 4 - be cancelled.

"Nothing is impossible. Some things are just less likely than others"

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Clean Marine - Keep Whitsunday pristine!

2009-08-25T06:05:00.001+10:00

Clean Marine - Keep Whitsunday pristine!

Next month will see volunteers and boat crews engage in Marine Clean, a new environmental clean up organised by the Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA)
Clean Up Australia has had a tremendous impact over the years, indeed March 7, 2010 will mark twenty years. However, March hereabouts is hot and often steamy with humidity.
Planned to be an annual event, the idea was conceived by the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee of WCBIA.
The broader community is invited to get involved while charter boat crews will focus on island beaches. The award winning EcoKids Reef Guardian Club will support the clean up.
It was felt that besides doing a job that needs doing, guests on charter boats would see environmental action and might get involved themselves.
Marine Clean will pick up from the weekend of September 12/13 until the next weekend. Charter boats and volunteers will complete questionnaires detailing rubbish collected. Details from wcbia@wcbia.com

Perfect clean up

Meanwhile, award winning Eco Barge did a clean up at Double Cone Island and Double Bay on Saturday.
"The weather was perfect," reports Eco Barge captain Libby Edge.
"Volunteers collected seven bags and lots of rope, fishing line and nets which has caught up in the mangroves."
"Seven bags is not a lot of bags, BUT we were picking up a lot of marine debris that was smaller than a ten cent piece so to fill these bags was a mission in itself.
"After Double Cone Island we headed to Double Bay hut where we had collected the rubbish and glass from our previous trip sponsored by Reef Catchments and the Island Task Force and enjoyed our BBQ lunch funded by Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.
"It is a great feeling knowing we have removed this amount of rubbish from our islands and I am now looking forward to our next trip to Long Island at Pandanus Bay sponsored by the Island Task Force project from Reef Catchments" Libby added.

Sabot training

Townsville Sailing Club has kindly agreed to host a training weekend for Sabot sailors August 22/23. Ben Callard will do the coaching.
North Queensland Sabot Assoc (NQSA) President Jeremy Cooper suggests NQSA can attract some of the more senior Sabot sailors and ex-Sabot sailors, and club coaches and/or would-be coaches.
A meeting of Sabot parents on the Saturday morning will address enlarging the NQSA committee and discussing the future of the class in our zone.
Indecently, our Olympic guest and coach at the National Titles in Airlie Beach this year, Nathan Outteridge and crew Iain Jensen have won the 2009 49er World Championships in Riva del Garda, Italy. Congratulations.

Life's a beach

Beach cleaners recently found an Esky complete with beer, although the beer wasn't cold.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Tropical Shirt Meridien Race Week welcome

2009-08-17T12:09:00.001+10:00

Tropical Shirt Meridien Race Week welcome

Welcome aboard! It's time to shake off the cold weather of the southern climes, turn out the wardrobe for you loudest, brightest tropical shirt and get ready for some great times in the warm Whitsunday 'winter' trade winds. The Tropical Shirt Regatta is on and racing starts this Friday, August 14 and goes through to Thursday week.
Race Week starts with a welcome party and after each race; there is a party at Meridien Abel Point. On Saturday, there is the annual Parrot Head Party on the Esplanade. On Monday, there is the annual Tropical Shirt Party. On Thursday the 20th, there are the presentations and a party with music by the 'Wolverines'.
Of course, an event of this size needs a dedicated band of volunteers to make it happen and Whitsunday Sailing Club members always rise to the occasion. If you have some free time and want to have fun and help run the event simply contact the WSC.
Volunteer as crew, jump on a spectator boat, or just enjoy the atmosphere at Meridien Marina's Airlie Beach Race Week.

Crew Available

The official web site for Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week includes an online free listing for crew wishing to take part in the sailing action during the week. If you are looking for a spot on a yacht go to airliebeachraceweek.com.au and put in your details and experience. Who knows? You could take your sailing to a completely new level of fun.

Lighthouse celebration

Entries in the 2009 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend have reached 355 with time to spare before the start time on August 15, well on schedule to equal or better last years total of 406 who entered.
Australia leads the list with forty-six entries followed by Germany with forty-two. Some of the more exotic entries are Egypt, Panama, Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Sardinia, Iceland and Namibia.
This event is one of the most popular international events on the Amateur 'Ham' radio calendar and involves the International Association of Lighthouse Keepers.
The eighth International Lighthouse Weekend intends to raise the profile of lighthouses, light vessels and other navigational aids, promoting our maritime heritage.
Many lighthouses and places of associated interest will be open to the public, and there will be special events at lighthouses and light vessels both at home and abroad.
Also on this weekend, amateur radio operators around the world will be transmitting from lighthouses with the objective of fostering international relations.
In our region, the Townsville Amateur Radio Club will be activating the Cape Cleveland Light.

Permit changes

In response to the outcomes of a feasibility study of all-tide access to Tongue Point, Whitsunday Island, new permit conditions will be implemented to improve access to the site. Operators with permission to access the Tongue Point walking tracks are now able to transit the Hill Inlet Setting 5 area and use, via ancillary vessels only, the intertidal area of Betty's Beach to either load or unload passengers.
When accessing a permitted intertidal area with a vessel larger than 14m, vessels may remain in the intertidal area no longer than necessary to either load or unload passengers (unless otherwise permitted).
The conditions will apply to new permissions for vessel tourist programs and to existing permissions as they are 'renewed'. In accordance with s.26 of the Marine Parks Regulation 2006, existing operators wishing to include one or both for the new conditions on their existing permission prior to its 'renewal' must submit a written application for an amendment.
Vessels are not permitted to "operate" within a Setting 4 area, near Tongue Point for example, unless otherwise endorsed or carrying 15 or fewer. Vessels are not permitted to "operate" in Setting 5 areas unless otherwise endorsed. This includes all forms of passenger drop-off and pick-up.
For more information please refer to the Whitsunday Plan Of Management.

"Life's a reach, then you gybe"

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

·´¯`·. .><((((º>

Airlie Beach Race Week celebrates twenty years

2009-08-11T05:15:00.001+10:00

Airlie Beach Race Week celebrates twenty years

Is it twenty years . . . already? Yup, sure is. Sailors of a certain age keep coming back and more join in the trek north for the Tropical Shirt Regatta.
The 20th annual Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week, is just over a week away with a record or near record fleet.
Away with Ye, cold vile southern climes, Whitsunday beckons with fair winds, sun and fun. Where would you want to be? Put doom, gloom behind Ye, and get a Tropical shirt on yer back.
Regatta Director Denis Thompson expects the overall fleet numbers to be similar to those of 2007 with a top class Grand Prix fleet and a record Sports Boat fleet, and with an impressive number of Performance Racers, IRC Cruisers and Cruising entrants.
The list of sports boats is growing with these exciting boats tipped to enjoy the biggest Sports Boat fleet in Australia.
Race Week activities will start on Thursday August 13 and sail until Thursday August 20.
Hosted at Meriden Marinas Abel Point marina, entries close this Friday afternoon.
The southern fleets are heading north, more of these yachts are expected to complete their paperwork this week, along with more Whitsunday locals who are usually (notoriously?) late with the paperwork.

Whatever suits

Never far from controversy, swimming legend Laurie Lawrence says swimmers should go back to the original Olympic Games and wear no swimsuits at all.
Says Laurie, "They'd have to build bigger swimming stadiums" as the sport of swimming would be even more popular and fair.

Hay Point tour

The Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee joined with members of the Mackay LMAC and people from Marine Teachers Association of Qld, Mackay Conservation Group, Eco Barge Volunteers, DPI Fisheries, GBRMPA and Maritime Safety Queensland last week.
The group first toured the Hay Point coal loading terminal and REEFVTS Vessel Tracking System control centre south of Mackay.
There were forty-eight ships in the queue and port operators are looking forward to a bumper month in September. Operators are expecting to ship 88 million tonnes this year, an increase of over ten million tonnes over the past couple of years.
The ships get loaded quickly and the port is very well organised. The VTS Vessel Tracking System can tell if the ship is ten metres off course in the channels - pretty good for a ship with over 30 meter beam (wide). The VTS is in two parts - the port including Dalrymple Bay facility and then other sections of the reef.
An erroneous report said this facility would close and moved to Townsville - only the section that monitors the northern reef areas will move. The Hay Point / Dally Bay section stays.
Then back to MSQ workshops in Mackay where Senior Maritime officer Ashley Titmarsh gave the group a very through presentation of pollution control equipment.
Then regional Harbour Master Captain John Ellyet gave a presentation regarding the operation of the pollution incident room and the high level of preparedness of the marine authorities for a pollution incident.
We are indebted to committee member Phil McDonald (MSQ) for organising the day and driving the bus.

Hesket Rock light

Mariners are advised that the lighted South Cardinal Mark beacon Q(6) + LFl.15s which marks Hesket Rock east of St Bees Island has been re-established in the charted position. AUS charts 251, 823, & 824.

Storms of life

"'Tis the set of the sail that decides the goal, and not the storm of life"
Ella Wheeler Wilcox American poet and writer 1850-1919

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

San Francisco here they come!

2009-07-27T06:39:00.001+10:00

Local support for our World sailing reps

San Francisco here they come!

Whitsunday sailors Paul and Dale Mitchell are already entered in the 505 World Championships to be sailed at San Francisco in August and local off beach sailors are ready for a fun weekend in Airlie Beach to support them.

Regatta organisers Tim or Maze Osbourne say, "We're on a mission to help send two of our local boys - Paul and Dale Mitchell - off to the 505 World Championships in San Francisco, and to have a bunch of fun in the process."

This weekend sailors from around the region will enjoy an offshore vs. off-beach "FundRace," with the opportunity for novices to get a ride aboard a yacht or find out how to become a sailor at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Sunday morning from 9 a coaching clinic for junior sailors, conducted by Paul and Dale Mitchell, along with some of their friends followed by some short sprint races with on-water support from Paul and Dale.

For more information Contact Tim or Maze Osbourne on 0408 544 202.

Dive shipwreck

Not strictly, a wreck perhaps, but the intentional sinking of decommissioned Aussie warship HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal an hour's drive north of Sydney will be an enormous gain for scuba divers in NSW.

The 138 metre, 4100 tonne guided missile frigate will be sunk on a sand bank 1-km from shore at a maximum depth of about 35 metres.

Central Coast dive clubs had been working for over 10 years to secure an ex-naval vessel as a dive site.

Local Sue Dengate, whose son served on the HMAS Adelaide, said divers would continue to appreciate its history.

"When a diver goes on this wreck when it's sunk, they will want to know more about its history and that ... gets people involved more in the services and the contribution they make."

HMAS Adelaide was built in the United States and commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy on 15 November 1980 and is the second ship to carry this name. The first was a light cruiser that served from 1922 to 1945.

Whitsunday divers will follow the progress closely as a wreck dive site in our area would benefit our local dive tourism industry.

Proposed date for sinking the ex HMAS Adelaide is April 2010.

Whitehaven Beach amenities

The construction of new amenities at South Whitehaven Beach will continue through July 2009. Commercial operators are advised to use the sheltered picnic area during this time, and remind visitors to follow on-site signs and direction to alternative toilets. New camping nodes at the southern end of the beach will remain open.

So the story goes . . .

A Navy Admiral (*which Navy will go unspecified) was court-martialled for an incident where he was found chasing a young woman through the hallways of the hotel in which they were both staying.

Allegedly, neither of them was wearing anything. One of the charges was that of "being out of uniform."

The Admiral's lawyer argued that the officer was not out of uniform, as the regulations read:

"A Naval officer must be at all times be appropriately attired for the activity in which he is engaged."

The Admiral was acquitted.

Black Island beacon destroyed.

Special light beacon marking the reef at Black Island has been destroyed; a special light buoy, Fl.Y.2 5s, exists in situ. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution. AUS252

Life of learning

" It takes several years for anyone to learn to handle a yacht reasonably well, and a lifetime to admit how much there is to learn." Maurice Griffiths, Journalist, Author and Yacht Designer, 1902-1997.

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Coral Sea Conservation Zone examined

2009-07-20T18:15:00.001+10:00

Coral Sea Conservation Zone examined

The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) has welcomed the establishment of a Coral Sea Conservation Zone by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett.
"Coral Sea issues can now be examined rationally," says Queensland Seafood Industry Association Chief Executive Officer Winston Harris.
"This appeared to be a "holding action" that would allow issues surrounding long-term protection of the environment of the Coral Sea to be discussed rationally, with proper input from all stakeholders."
"The Queensland seafood industry will certainly welcome the Federal Government's refusal to be rushed into any rash decisions by the current lobbying campaign by US-based environmentalists to shut the entire region to all forms of fishing," Mr Harris said.
Mr Harris said the Coral Sea Conservation Park was part of a broader planning process for the East Marine Region, which stretched from the Torres Strait to southern New South Wales and as far east as Norfolk Island and was expected to be completed by the end of next year.
"The QSIA looks forward to playing an active role in helping the Australian Government protect the marine environment in this region, while at the same time providing for sustainable harvesting of seafood." Mr Harris said.

Special regatta planned

The Whitsunday Sailing Club off beach is holding a special regatta on July 25 and 26 to raise money to help send Dale and Paul Mitchell to the 505 World Championships in San Francisco.
These guys started sailing here at the club in Sabots. Now they sail on 18-foot skiffs, 505s and are flown around the country to crew on racing yachts during major events.
Besides a weekend of sailing, the event includes some coaching with Dale and Paul, a camp over at the club and a movie on the big screen, with pop corn of course!
So check out the flyer I have attached or go to the clubs website for more information. We would love to see you all there.
Let the offbeach crew know if you can make it or if Mum or Dad could help out with the Food Bar or Safety Boats.

Island park news

Visitors to Dugong and Sawmill Beach on Whitsunday Island in July can expect minor disruption during the operation of plant and equipment used in the construction of the Whitsunday Peak walking track and upgrades to camping and day-use areas.

Rare and threatened species

Did you know the Whitsunday region is home to 98 species of rare and threatened plants and animals including the Beach-stone curlew and Coastal Sheathtail bat? For a complete species list or to find out more contact QPWS Whitsunday.

Free navigation book

Nathaniel Bowditch was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. Often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is a shipping industry standard that is still carried onboard every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel.
Bowditch is the definitive work on navigation. Prepared by the United States National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Bowditch Includes the latest advances in electronic navigation and digital charting technology. It also covers traditional navigation such as celestial, plotting and dead reckoning.
Armchair navigators will love this and can get a complete and free copy online at http://www.irbs.com/bowditch

Hydrographic survey

Mariners are advised that hydrographic survey operations will be carried out in Abel Point Marina, from the seaward entrance of the entrance channel into the marina to the public boat ramp, on Wednesday, 15 July 2009.
Operations will be carried out by the hydrographic survey vessel 'QG Norfolk' that can be contacted on VHF radio channel 16. Mariners should use caution near the vessel. AUS charts 252, 253 & 268

Black Island light out

Mariners are advised that the lighted special mark beacon Fl.Y.2.5s in approximate position latitude 20° 04.56' S, longitude 148° 53.58' E in Hayman Channel off the northern end of Black Island reef has been destroyed. Mariners should use caution when in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 & 254

Worrying about squalls

"It takes a real storm in the average person's life to make one realize how much worrying was done over the squalls"

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Boating should be a pastime that everybody can enjoy safely

2009-07-12T06:35:00.001+10:00

Boating should be a pastime that everybody can enjoy safely

When opening the National Marine Safety Committee 'Summit Down Under', NMSC's CEO Margie O'Tarpey emphasised that the Committee has always valued its collaboration with the private sector with the shared aim that "boating should be a pastime that everybody can enjoy safely".
According to keynote speaker Peter Chennell, Safety Manager for the UK's Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), your brain is your most important piece of safety equipment.
"It's about attitude, we need to find out how we get people to change their behaviour and use their safety equipment," Mr Chennell said.
To this end, the RNLI, the charity that provides the Lifeboat and Lifeguard service around the shores of the UK and Ireland, is commissioning research into the psychology of behavioural change.

Mackerel muster rigged

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is rigging up for the annual Mackerel Muster Competition with some great prizes.
A rigging demonstration and briefing on Friday evening July 17 at the Cannonvale clubhouse followed by a weekend of fishing in paradise.
The Club also has their presentation night and AGM coming up.

Reel win for seafood

Seafood-loving Queenslanders and the State's seafood industry are winners with the introduction of a new seafood safety scheme says Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) CEO Winston Harris.
"Our industry is world class in the product it harvests. Queensland seafood continues to be recognised as a premium clean and safe product and we need to capitalise on this reputation."
"We have been working on this scheme with Safe Food Production Queensland (SFPQ) for a number of years now. We are delighted to see it is finally being implemented. Our members are proud of the seafood they produce and look forward to working with SFPQ in ensuring the continued safety and quality of seafood product."
The Queensland seafood scheme was developed with support from industry and the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association, Mr Harris added.
QSMA Secretary Martin Perkins agrees. "Queensland produces some of the best seafood in the world. It is a big part of the Queensland lifestyle and Queensland experience."
"Seafood consumers have told us time and time again that they want to buy Queensland seafood that is safe and of high quality. The introduction of this scheme will help enhance this reputation."

Park planning

The management plan for Holbourne Island National Park is to be reviewed. Landholders, local governments, interested groups and members of the public are invited to make written submissions suggesting how the area should be managed. For further information visit www.epa.qld.gov.au/parkplans.

VMR calls

VMR1 has been quite busy as more boaties are heading out in the beautiful weather, with a number of multiple activations.
These include towing broken down boats, night medivacs with a paramedic when the Mackay and Townsville Rescue helicopters were grounded by fog, flare sightings and the usual boats out of fuel.
VMR 1 and crew also attended the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat Leisure Show.

Dent pipeline

Boaties are advised that subject to weather conditions, pipeline laying operations will take place between Hamilton Island airport and Dent Island between July 14 and July 17. If the pipeline cannot be laid in one day, it will be lit at night. Mariners need to navigate with caution in this area.

Port Newry

Mariners are advised that a lighted starboard lateral mark buoy Fl.G.2.5s has been permanently established in the position of latitude 20°51.8010'S, longitude 148°56.0480'E off the south-eastern side of Acacia Island in Port Newry. AUS charts 251, 824

Lights out at Laguna

Mariners are advised that the starboard lateral marks No.5 and No.9 beacons Q.G, which marks the entrance channel into Laguna Quays marina is reported to be unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 & 824

Think safety

"Your brain is your most important piece of safety equipment" Peter Chennell UK's Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Favourite fresh coral reef fish on plates this Christmas

2009-07-06T18:25:00.000+10:00

Favourite fresh coral reef fish on plates this Christmas

Coral reef fish will be protected and fishers will have fresh-caught local seafood on their plates at Christmas following the announcement of new spawning closures for coral reef fin fish.
"Recreational anglers will be pleased because it means there will be no closures over the Christmas holidays while previously there have been December bans," said Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Tim Mulherin when announcing new dates covering the next five years.
"It's also great news for commercial fishers and charter boat operators who have been in favour of changes for some time now because of economic impacts."
The overhaul means fewer closures for shorter periods and no more December closures. There will now be two 5-day closures a year instead of three 9-day closures.
The closure dates for this year are October 15 to 19, and November 14 to 18.
"This new regime gives everyone certainty and allows for long term planning," Mr Mulherin said
"Importantly, fishing under these changes will still be sustainable.
"Coral trout and other coral reef fin fish will still get some breathing space when they're spawning.
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Resource Manager Brigid Kerrigan said the closures would apply to waters on Queensland's east coast between Cape York and Fraser Island, extending to the eastern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
"The closure dates are based on the new moon phases, which is when coral trout and many other reef species aggregate to spawn, and are therefore more susceptible to fishing at those times," Dr Kerrigan said.
"Anglers are reminded that the closures only apply to those who are fishing for coral reef fin fish, which includes coral trout, cods and gropers, emperors, parrotfish, sweetlips, tropical snappers and sea perches."

Construction starts

In coming months, visitors to Dugong and Sawmill Beach, Cid Harbour, can expect minor disruption during the operation of plant and equipment used in the construction of the Whitsunday Peak walking track.

GPS jamming

Britain's Ministry of Defence is conducting tests on military systems that may jam or seriously degrade Global Positioning Systems.
Yes, jamming the GPS signal is illegal, except when done by government.
The Ministry of Defence conducts occasional tests that may result in some loss of service to civilian users of the Global Positioning System. This includes such equipment as in-car navigation devices and other networks that rely on GPS signals.

Unsafe Passage

Mariners are advised that the Unsafe Passage Rear Lead, F Bu (F day) located on Daydream Island has been restored to normal. AUS chart 252

Sailing south?

Mariners are advised that live firing activities will be conducted in the marine component of Shoalwater Bay Training Area during July 12 to July 16.
The Defence Practice Area has been expanded and may be inconsistent with the area currently represented on some available marine charts and land maps.
If you are sailing the inshore route, you could potentially sail into the area and should to check the chart accompanying this notice, available on the MSQ website.
A line due south from High Peak Island through Cheviot Island to Port Clinton transects the Marine Danger Area that will be closed. All waters, creeks, beaches and other areas within the declared marine danger area are not available for access.
Pursuant to section 53 and 54 of the Defence Force Regulations, Any person or vessel found within the Marine Danger Area of the Gazetted Defence Practice Area commits an offence subject to 5 penalty units or imprisonment for 3 months, or both [and] such persons or vessels maybe removed by Australian Defence Force personnel or by the Queensland Police. Defence Support Central Queensland Duty Officer: 0408 023 400. AUS charts 260, 367, and 822.

Nice breeze

"The really nice breezes blow through my body and into my soul" ~Astrid Alauda

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Clean beach award based on hard work

2009-06-30T05:26:00.001+10:00

Clean beach award based on hard work

Our beautiful Whitehaven Beach, recognised recently at the National Clean Beach Challenge Keep Australia Beautiful awards, won the 'Resource recovery' award.
The beach received national recognition; however, it takes ongoing hard work and commitment by vessel staff, rangers and volunteers to manage our popular beach. Every day, efforts are made to reduce visitor impacts on the beach through education, regulation and improved awareness contributed to the successful nomination.
Special recognition must go to marine tourism operators and their pro-active crews who take ownership of all areas of the park.
Sponsor of the Resource Recovery award, Remondis Waste Solutions CEO Luke Agati says he was delighted by the commitment displayed by local communities.
"Volunteers across the country have dedicated thousands of hours to managing our beaches and their commitment is an outstanding contribution to protecting Australia's coastline.
"Whitehaven Beach has three camping grounds and a quarter of a million visitors each year, yet with strong community education, most litter is removed with each visit, leaving the beach pristine.
"It is wonderful that resource recovery has been embraced so wholeheartedly and the community sees natural resource management, waste reduction and recycling as a feel-good activity with clear benefits."

Sproutgate winds Royal Navy

News that a captain in Britain's Royal Navy has banned Brussels sprouts from his warship because he hates them has sparked considerable media wind around the world.
Commanding Officer of HMS Bulwark, Captain Wayne Keble OBE, said Brussels sprouts are banned from his ship.
"They are the devil's vegetable and it is the only thing I do not like, and the only thing I hate"
The Ministry of Defence quickly stepped forward to pour cold water on the story.
"It seems it was a light-hearted remark mentioned in the context of healthy eating," the MoD spokesman added, claiming the captain had been "misquoted."
Sulphur compounds, released when cooked, cause the unpleasant smell of sprouts.
A 2002 survey found Brussels sprouts are the most hated vegetable in Britain.

Islands burn

Park Rangers will be conducting hazard-reduction burning operations on the Whitsunday national park islands between July and October. These burns are undertaken for asset protection, weed control and conservation purposes. Roads, walking tracks, resorts, townships and anchorages may be affected by smoke at times.

No Butts

Cigarette debris and plastic refuse make up more than half of all marine garbage in some parts of the world, posing threats to sea birds and mammals, the United Nations Environment Program says.
About 40 percent of the litter in the Mediterranean Sea is smoking-related from butts and wrapping.
"Marine litter is a large problem that doesn't seem to be getting any better," Sue Kinsey, pollution program manager at the Marine Conservation Society
The litter is most severe in the East Asian seas region, which includes countries such as China with a population 1.3 billion people and where, according to UN figures, almost 60 percent of men smoke.
Plastic waste breaks up into smaller pieces that are then consumed by animals, polluting the food chain.

Shute Harbour lights restored

Mariners are advised that the lighted Port Lateral Mark No.2 Beacon QR, which is located at the northern end of Shute Island, has been restored to normal.
Also that the lighted Port Lateral Mark No.8 Buoy Fl.R.3s, which is located at the entrance channel into Shute Harbour has been restored to normal.
Additionally, that the lighted starboard lateral No.3 buoy Fl.G 2.5s, which is in the Shute Harbour Rooper Inlet south entrance channel, has been re-established in position. AUS charts 252, 253 and 824

Enjoy the sunshine

"If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine"
Author Morris West

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

The Beauty of Barrier Reef island bay

2009-06-23T06:45:00.001+10:00

The Beauty of Barrier Reef island bay

Manta Ray Bay, at the northeast of Hook Island, has a fascinating array of underwater coral valleys, caves, and swim-throughs leading to the seafloor 25 metres below. Considered one of the best dive and snorkel sites in the Whitsunday Barrier Reef islands, Manta Ray Bay has a good coverage of hard and soft corals and abundant marine life.
At these cooler times of the year, it is quite possible to see the sudden silver-white flash of large Manta Rays gliding across their namesake bay.
Often described as the best snorkelling and dive site in the Whitsundays and the worst overnight anchorage, changes to Manta Ray Bay anchoring in the Whitsunday Plan of Management by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority needs a mention.
The recently extended no anchoring zone now lines up with the easterly point of the bay to stop anchoring and reef damage to the coral near the point. The Whitsunday Local Marine Advisory Committee and local marine tourism supporters pursued this widely supported change.
Manta Ray Bay (and eastern Luncheon Bay) is a special management area (one of the first) because it provides for some of the best underwater coral scenery.
Manta Ray Bay is a popular daytime spot with access by public moorings only, so if the moorings are being used you will have to move on.
The bottom of most of the inner bay is reasonably shallow at low tide and blanketed with coral of all types and abounds with many fish types, some quite inquisitive as it has been a no fishing zone for many years.
Also a caution that some moorings are for dinghies only and are in shallow water.

That's a yacht!

Let's face it, when 'The Wall Street Journal' has an article about a yacht it's not going to be a little yacht.
Aptly named 'Eclipse' and easily eclipsing all other yachts at 557-feet (170-metres) she was just launched for Roman Abramovich, a Russian who is also owner of English Premier League Chelsea Football Club, and other yachts and boy's toys.
Not bad for a Jewish boy who got his start in black-market goods such as perfume, deodorants, tights and toothpaste in Moscow in the late 1980s, later launching his business career selling plastic ducks.
While business has been tough, he currently is worth 8.5 billion and employs a private security army of about forty and a veritable navy including four other yachts. Eclipse also boasts a mini submarine that doubles as an escape pod.
Eclipse easily tops the world's previous record holder, a 525-footer owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai.

The Pirate Party

I don't quite know what my Swedish grandmother would say, but news that Sweden's Pirate Party has swept possibly two pirates into the European parliament has surprised more than a few.
Part of the Pirate Party's platform is to increase people's privacy on the web, and to protect freedom of speech, says party leader Rickard Falkvinge. It also wants to reform the copyright laws and patent system, demand transparency of state administration and has chosen to be independent on the traditional, but irrational left-right scale.
These ideas could well attract support elsewhere when government appears to have little interest in protecting people's privacy.
The Swedish Pirate Party now has over 48,000 registered members. Young Pirate (Swedish: Ung Pirat), is now the largest political youth organization in Sweden.

Shute lights unlit

1/ Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No.2 Beacon QR that is located at the northern end of Shute Island has been reported unlit.
2/ Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral mark No.8 Buoy Fl R 3s that is located at the entrance channel into Shute Harbour has been reported unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 and 253.

Boats are quite tricky

"There isn't no call to go talking of pushing and pulling. Boats are quite tricky enough for those that sit still without looking further for the cause of trouble." - Sam Gamgee, J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Dent to Dunk Rally

2009-06-16T03:10:00.000+10:00

Yachts bound for glory cruise the coast

Abel Point Yacht Club Inc, invite entries from suitably found yachts & motor vessels, not less than 7.5m overall, to take part in the DENT TO DUNK RALLY, a distance of approximately 240 nautical miles, from Airlie Beach to Port Hinchinbrook, Cardwell, starting on Saturday June 13 at 1030.
The spirit of this Rally is to foster fun, good fellowship and enjoyment of sailing and to introduce sailors, who have not cruised these parts before, to this beautiful region. They will become familiar with the islands and anchorages, in company with other cruisers who know the area.
The proposed format for the Dent to Dunk Rally is Saturday 13th, start at 1030 and cruise in company, through Gloucester Passage, for an overnight stop at the Gloucester Eco Resort and a Pirates or Blues Bros theme night & BBQ at the resort.
Sunday 14th cruise to Cape Upstart. Next day, a cruise to Cape Bowling Green, or anchor behind Cape Cleveland if the weather is unfavourable. Then Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island, cruise on again in company to anchor at Orpheus Is. for a quiet night if you wish and rest up for the fun at Port Hinchinbrook.
Friday 19th a short leg to anchor behind Cape Richards off Port Hinchinbrook Eco Resort, maybe visiting Zoë Bay & the waterfalls enroute if the weather allows.
Saturday 20th an 18-mile leg to Dunk Island & a Hawaii theme night. Sunday 21st is the final 22-nautical mile leg to Port Hinchinbrook. Tuesday 23rd is the presentation of prizes about midday.
The programme may be subject to variation as required due to unexpected happenings. Details - www.apyc.yachting.org.au

Liferaft launch

Launched during the Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show at the weekend, a ten-person RFD liferaft supplied by Whitsunday Ocean Services took 34 seconds to inflate.

Free navigation book

Nathaniel Bowditch (died 1838) was an early American mathematician remembered for his work on ocean navigation. Often credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation; his book The New American Practical Navigator, first published in 1802, is a shipping industry standard that is still carried onboard every commissioned U.S. Naval vessel.
Bowditch is the definitive work on navigation. Prepared by the United States National Imagery and Mapping Agency, Bowditch Includes the latest advances in electronic navigation and digital charting technology. It also covers traditional navigation such as celestial, plotting and dead reckoning. Bowditch is carried on the bridge of every U.S. Navy ship and should be the mainstay of any serious navigator's library. Armchair navigators will love this and you can get a complete and free copy online at http://www.irbs.com/bowditch

Spies remembered

The U.S. government has arrested a 70-something couple for spying on US Naval secrets for the island nation of Cuba. At their age, keeping secrets wasn't a problem but remembering them was.

In the Pink?

Pop punk Pink suffers from seasickness - and was once so ill she tried to kill herself by jumping off a yacht in the middle of an ocean.
The 'So What' singer currently touring in Australia, hoped the vessel's captain would dock the boat at night - but when he refused, she considered throwing herself overboard.
However, as she teetered on deck with a bottle of wine in her hand, husband Carey Hart talked her out of a suicide bid.
Pink says, "I once chartered a yacht through the Mediterranean. In the end, I tried to jump off the boat and kill myself because I wasn't getting along with the captain.
"The idea was we'd go to port every night so we wouldn't be rocking like The Perfect Storm, but he had other ideas. We were out in the ocean riding the waves. I got sick and couldn't take it.
"I got my favourite dress in one hand, a bottle of wine in the other hand and I was ready to jump in the ocean and die. Luckily Carey talked me down."

Tourism acclimatises

Whitsunday reef tourism operators can learn how to tackle climate change head on with a two-day workshop to be held this week in Airlie Beach.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority General Manager Andrew Skeat said the workshop would answer some vital questions for tourism businesses about climate change and just what it means for businesses in the future.
"This workshop provides a timely opportunity for tourism operators to learn about the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef and what it means for their business.
"Topics will include how operators can become Climate Action Certified, how to calculate their carbon footprint and reduce their emissions, and important information about carbon offsetting." Mr Skeat added.
The workshops will be delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in partnership with the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators and will include a presentation by Ecotourism Australia on their recently released Climate Change Action Certification program.
"It is important that we all act now and work together to ensure a sustainable Reef and a sustainable tourism industry." Mr Skeat concluded.

Follow the sun

"There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun" -- Pablo Picasso

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show

2009-06-09T04:18:00.001+10:00

New 'Kids Cove' boat show fun for kids

Award winning youth environmental group EcoKids Reef Guardian Club is joining forces with Rotary Club of Airlie Beach to have a new 'Kids Cove' full of fun and educational activities for kids at the family friendly Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show this weekend.
Parents can bring their camera and picture the kids enjoying the 'Under the Sea" mural or aboard a fully rigged kid sized Optimist sailing boat. Kids under 12 years are free to attend the show.
EcoKids are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian program developed in schools throughout Queensland.
A fun game for kids to try is the brand new GBRMPA Climate Change Game that guarantees plenty of action.
There will be marine animal facemasks, colourful bandanas to make, and badges to design in a cool safe environment with parents relaxing nearby.
Kids can join EcoKids at the show and you could win a great prize.
Highlighting our environment, 'Kids Cove' will feature displays and activities from Whitsunday Catchment Landcare, Eco Barge, Marine Parks Rangers from Department of Environment and Resource Management, Optimist sailing and more.
Aargh! Might even have some Pirates aboard.

Champions sail

The Queensland State Sabot Championships will sail at the Kepple Bay Sailing Club Yeppoon this weekend.
The North Queensland team including a good number of local sailors from the Whitsunday Sailing Club will attend and receive coaching from Ben Callard.
A feature of the Championships is the South Queensland V North Queensland Team Challenge.
North Queensland organiser Jeremy Cooper reports that, "So far, the NQ team comprises one 2-up boat from Townsville, three 2-ups boats and four or five 1-ups from Whitsunday, and, hopefully, some boats from Mackay."
"This may turn out to be the best NQ showing for some time. It is always a great regatta, and I am sure all the kids will get a lot out of it. For parents, the bar provides great viewing!"
"We look forward to catching up with all the NQ Sabot sailors, to keep the team shield for 2-ups, and maybe gain the 1-up team shield." Mr Cooper added.

Survivor dies

Millvina Dean, the last remaining survivor of the sinking of the Titanic, died in England on Sunday May 31, the 98th anniversary of the Titanic's launch. She was 97.
Born on February 2, 1912, when the RMS Titanic sank on April 15, Millvina was the youngest passenger on board at nine weeks of age.
Dean's parents decided to leave England and emigrate to America to start a new life.
The Deans were not supposed to be aboard the Titanic, but owing to a coal strike, they were transferred to the ship and boarded as third-class passengers at Southampton, England.
Her father felt the ship's collision with the iceberg on the night of 14 April 1912, and after investigating, returned to his cabin telling his wife to dress the children and go up on deck.
Dean, her mother, and brother were placed in Lifeboat 10 and were among the first steerage passengers to escape the sinking liner.
Dean's brother, Bertram, died, aged 81, on 15 April 1992; 80 years to the day after the Titanic struck the iceberg.

Anchor Lights

Volunteer Marine Rescue has activated several times recently for tows and including two medivacs.
"Vessel owners are once again reminded of their obligations to display anchor lights after dusk if their vessel is at anchor," reports VMR member Mal Priday.
"VMR1 goes out in all conditions and it is disappointing that so many vessels are unlit at night. In a worst case scenario, the owner of an unlit vessel may be held liable in the event of a collision."
Please show approved anchor lights!

Light on sunken vessel

Mariners are advised that the sunken vessel, which is approximately 400 metres in a north-westerly direction from Abel Point Marina entrance, has been marked with a lighted special mark buoy. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity.
AUS charts affected 252, 253, 268 & 824

Buoy off station

Mariners are advised that the lighted port lateral No. 8 buoy Fl.R.2.5s in the Shute Harbour South Channel, be off station. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts affected 252, 253 & 824

Short shortcomings

"Whenever I dwell for any length of time on my own shortcomings, they gradually begin to seem mild, harmless, rather engaging little things, not at all like the staring defects in other people's characters" -- Margaret Halsey

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Blessing of the Fleet celebrates twenty years

2009-06-02T05:14:00.001+10:00

Blessing of the Fleet celebrates twenty years

All boating people and landlubbers are invited this Sunday to attend the twenty-year celebration of our Blessing of the Fleet.
A Blessing of the Fleet is part of the activities of many seaside and fishing communities around the world. Here in Whitsunday, we also 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.
For the twenty-year celebration the Anglican Bishop of North Queensland, Bishop Bill Ray will conduct the blessing from the rock wall at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from 11 am Sunday.
A colourful flag parade will take place from the Airlie Lagoon to the sailing club from about 10.30 followed by the service from 10.45.
Special thanks, recognition and prayers are given to those who serve on the sea, those of the Navy, merchant service, Water Police and rescue services who do a dangerous job to benefit all.
Now retired, Father Keith Felgate was inspired to conduct an annual blessing of the fleet here at Whitsunday in 1989.
"As we conduct the 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 co-founder Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom
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.
In recent years, Terry Ayling, minister of the Uniting Church, has conducted the Blessing.
The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday is for those who go down to the sea in ships as, 'sailors are atheists, except when in a storm at sea.'
Community groups and musicians are invited to participate in the Blessing on the seafront lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Live firing feral control

Mariners are advised that a control program requiring the use of live firing of weapons will take place on St Bees Island, Wild Duck Island, South Percy Island, High Peak Island and Turn Island in the Mackay/Capricorn National Parks Management Area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
These control operations will continue until approximately 1800 hours Thursday May 28.
Exclusion zones have been placed around St Bee's Island, South Percy Island, High Peak Island, Wild Duck Island and Turn Island between these dates. These exclusion zones extend seaward of the High Water mark by 500 metres.
All vessels are to remain clear of exclusion zones during the above detailed times. Marine VHF security calls will be made at 0800, 1200 and 1600 hours on channel 16 by Queensland Parks & Wildlife vessel 'Tamoya'.
AUS charts affected 251, 426 & 823

Who's your pilot

"You learn to know a pilot in a storm" - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
.·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>

Crewless Kiwi yacht drifts to Qld Coast

2009-06-02T05:12:00.001+10:00

Crewless Kiwi yacht drifts to Qld Coast

A 7.9m yacht abandoned last year near the north coast of New Zealand was towed into Bowen this week by local fisherman.
The yacht, 'Air Apparent', was abandoned when its inexperienced crew defied the yachtmaster/owner and called New Zealand rescue services despite assurances by the yachtmaster that the yacht would not sink.
Air Apparent had a leisurely drift across the Tasman while being tracked by air patrols. Halfway across the ditch, the yacht was discovered south of Norfolk Island by French Navy patrol ship La Moqueuse, whose captain, Lieutenant Laurent Saunois, said the yacht was like a 'ghost ship'.
Yacht owner Bill Heritage told his insurer "It is remarkable that she is still afloat after more than 13 months adrift,"
On March 25 last year, Air Apparent was travelling from Auckland to Nelson, when it encountered 3-metre waves and 25 to 30-knot winds. The captain, Bill Heritage, did not consider these conditions life threatening but his three crew disagreed and set off the emergency locator beacon.
"I was sleeping when they woke me up and told me they were going to set off the beacon. I didn't know what they were talking about,' Mr Heritage said.
A helicopter responded to the beacon and Mr Heritage said he had no option but to abandon the boat with the three crewmen.
The insurer is discussing salvage costs with the fishermen. Coincidentally the yacht shares the name with a well-known racing yacht based in Bowen.

Cruise in safety

The Louisiades Yacht Rally will sail again in September. After a very successful inaugural Rally last year both the yachties and locals are getting ready for this years event.
The rally departs Cairns in September, taking four or five days to make the crossing to these remote islands at the tail of New Guinea.
Cruise in safety with accompanying yachts, meet welcoming local people and learn about their island lifestyle and culture.
The Louisiades are close to Australia and are a real jewel of the Pacific. The people are very friendly, the Melanesian and Pacific Island culture is abundant and the landscape both above and below the water are fertile with flora, fauna and sea life.
The rally takes in an exciting program of events including sailing canoe racing, feasts, sing sings, skull cave visit, traditional dancing, a remote river trip, school and hospital visits and much more. The program also allows plenty of time for independent exploration to the islands and their friendly communities.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority and the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club support the Rally. Yachts muster at Yorkeys by September 6 and depart 12 September, yachts return to Australia mid October to mid November. Power and sail boats are welcome! Visit www.louisiadesrally.com
So what are you waiting for? Life isn't a dress rehearsal. You can make it happen, watch it happen or wonder what happened.

Barrier Reef Parks News

The construction of new amenities at South Whitehaven Beach will be underway for approximately twelve weeks. Access to the Southern toilet block, day-use area and group campsite will be restricted.

Commercial operators are advised to use the sheltered picnic area during this time, and remind visitors of the location of alternative toilets at the northern end of the day-use area. New camping nodes at the southern end of the beach will remain open. Please follow on-site signs and direction and not enter the construction area.

New Great Walk construction is underway on Whitsunday Island. Visitors to Dugong and Sawmill Beach in coming months can expect minor disruption during the operation of plant and equipment used in the construction of the Whitsunday Peak walking track, part of the new Ngaro Sea Trail walking track.

Good News

"I am not an economist, and we all know economists were created to make weather forecasters look good," Rupert Murdock said last week, "But it is increasingly clear that the worst is over."

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Now is your chance to get into sailing

2009-06-02T05:06:00.000+10:00

Now is your chance to get into sailing

Many sailors swear that the only way to learn to sail is in a small boat.
It's not that hard either, just turn up at nine on Sunday mornings at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and 'Get into small boat sailing'
'Get into small boat sailing' is the descriptive name of the practical course taught by qualified instructors and endorsed by Yachting Australia.
You don't have to desire to sail around the world or go to the Olympics, but if you wanted too this would be the best starting point.
However, first things first and learning the safe way to sail around the bay taught by qualified coaches and with the support of a safety boat is a good start.
Basic Sailing Skills 101 provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to 'learn the ropes" of small boat sailing for novices. The course includes an introduction to fundamental boat handling skills and essential safety knowledge that will allow participants the freedom of sailing small boats with guidance from the instructor or coach.
Lead by chief instructor Roger Stewart, you can learn with several types of boats including the sporty new X3 training dinghies.
Roger says novices of all ages, "from 8 to 80 years old" are regularly on the water training and you can fulfil your dream too. Call Roger Stewart on 0433 370752 or araldite@iprimus.com.au
It is the best way to learn to sail, so see you at the Whitsunday Sailing Club on Sunday mornings from this weekend.

Petrol danger

A suspected petrol explosion on a people smuggling boat has put the explosive danger of this common fuel on front pages across the country.
Many of us have some petrol around to operate lawnmowers, outboards and so on. However, if stored improperly, a fire and/or explosion could result, destroying the house or boat and causing injury or death.
Petrol is a highly volatile liquid, and a spark, flame or other hot object can ignite its vapours easily. When mixed with air in the right proportions, the vapour of one cup of petrol has the explosive power of a couple of kilos dynamite, enough destructive force to destroy any house or car or boat.
In spite of the routine use of petrol, many people are unaware of or unappreciative of the dangers of gasoline.
Petrol burns at close to room temperature when near a spark, flame, or even static electricity. It can float on water and may spread long distances, making ignition and flash back possible. Petrol vapour is highly explosive and may ignite as a "fireball" with a temperature of 8,000 degrees C.

Blessing reaches 20

The annual Blessing of the Fleet turns 20 this year on Sunday May 21. The Whitsunday celebration will be at the sailing club marking James Cook's naming the Whitsunday Passage on Pentecost Sunday in 1770. All the blessed news at blessingofthefleet.blogspot.com/

Modern pirate facts

In 2008, there were 293 incidents of piracy against ships worldwide, up 11 per cent up on the year before. Attacks off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden almost trebled. Nearly 20,000 ships pass through the Gulf of Aden each year, heading to and from the Suez Canal.

Square Reef pontoon

Mariners are advised that the helicopter pontoon located on Square Reef has been re-established in its original position following its disappearance during cyclone Hamish. AUS chart 821

Storm or sunshine?

"If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine" Author Morris West

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Easter Regatta as predicted - wet and windy

2009-05-11T07:06:00.000+10:00

Easter Regatta as predicted wet and windy

Sailors were not surprised that another Easter Regatta was wet and windy on Pioneer Bay at the weekend. However, it didn't dampen the spirits of the large fleet of competitors.

"With over sixty entries and a great variety of boats including Sharpies, 505's, Lasers, Tasars, Sabots, X3s, multihulls and a couple of Experimental Moths a great time was had by all," reports Off Beach Rear Commodore Terry Archer.
The organisation was excellent with Principal Race Officer Tim Parker saying that the event was not only successful but also fun for all involved.

Sailors attended from Keppel Bay in the south to Cairns and Tinnaroo in the north of the state.

Your Waterfront writer was starter for the youth classes of Sabots and X3s and can state that the conditions included wet squally 40 knots and sunny mild conditions, all within an hour or so.

Whitsunday Sailing Club president Mick Phillips thanked the many volunteers for their sterling effort without which there is no event.