Tuesday, December 31, 2002

Marine pest pathway pursued

Yachties will be targeted in a research project aimed at limiting the spread of marine pests within Australia.
The Bureau of Rural Sciences is mapping the movements of human 'agents' that may inadvertently translocate pest species. Researchers will assess and characterise yacht movement patterns, where they go, at what time of the year as well as obtain information on their encounters with one pest species in particular - the North Pacific Seastar (NPS).
An on-line survey has been developed relating to recent boat trips and sightings of the NPS, it can be found here. Phone (02) 6272 4163 or e-mail martine.kinloch@brs.gov.au to take part in the survey.

Knot enough!

An Australian crew looking to better their world sailing speed record exceeded 47 knots ... though not for long enough. Macquarie Innovation wound up their outright speed project with skipper Simon McKeon reporting to the Australian Yachting Federation that they briefly enjoyed "almost ideal" conditions.
On one run, although the foils were not at the optimum setting, they "exceeded 47 knots", but not for 500 metres. A wind changed robbed them of the record. That, for the metric-minded, is 87kmh!

Fishing permits online

Local and interstate anglers are able to purchase and print their freshwater fishing permits online, allowing eager fishers to buy their permits anytime of the day or night, all year round.
The permits will be available from the Department of Primary Industries web site, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
The new online permits would allow local and interstate freshwater fishing enthusiasts to buy the permits when it was convenient for them, saving time and making their fishing expedition even more enjoyable.
"Many freshwater anglers travel long distances within Queensland and interstate to fish in stocked dams but sometimes in more remote spots the facilities are not as accessible as other areas," Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said.
She said money raised through the Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) scheme provided funds to community stocking groups to purchase fish and other activities aimed at enhancing their local fisheries.
"Stocking groups have already benefited from more than $612,000 raised since the scheme was introduced in July 2000," Ms Hollaway said.
Ms Hollaway also reminded anglers to carry their permits with them when fishing.
Stocked Impoundment Permits cost $35 a year or $7 for a week. The permits can be purchased online at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/shop or at bait shops near the dams as well as selected Australia Post offices.

Marine radio survey

A survey of recreational users of the Bureau of Meteorology marine HF radio services is being conducted.
The objective of the survey is to evaluate the usage patterns of the services, broadcast reception, impact of the change to the new services which were introduced on 1 July 2002, and the effectiveness of the public education campaign which was undertaken in association with their implementation.
The survey is conducted by phone via a professional marketing research organisation. Your details will remain confidential for the purposes of the survey and will not be given out to any other group or for any other purpose. Contact Phil Parker National Program Manager, Marine Weather and Oceanographic Services, P.Parker@bom.gov.au

Lifejackets studied

The National Marine Safety Committee has launched a review of applicable standards for Personal Flotation Devices - that's lifejackets - for recreational vessels in Australia.
Chairman Colin Finch said the NMSC had released an issues paper that would be available for public comment until the end of February.
"Marine agencies around Australia require recreational vessels to carry personal flotation devices for each person on board the boat as part of their mandatory safety equipment," Mr Finch said.
"Most States specify that these PFDs must comply with the relevant Australian Standards. The issue for consideration by NMSC is that retailers wish to sell PFDs including inflatable jackets that meet international standards but have not been accredited to Australian Standards. These PFDS are generally not accepted as part of vessel safety equipment in Australia. "
The Issues Paper reports that, "on review of the internationally recognised standards for PFDs currently in worldwide use, such as EN 396 and UL 1180, there is no question that these standards have more comprehensive construction and performance requirements than the current Australian Standards" However, there are issues involved in product certification and servicing of inflatable jackets.
More at www.nmsc.gov.au (go to Have Your Say/Documents for Comment) or by contacting the NMSC on (02) 9555 2879.

Decorative lights at Mackay

Mariners are advised that a light with a flash sequence of (6 seconds on, 27 seconds off, 60 seconds on, 27 seconds off) with visibility 21 miles, will be temporarily established on the Pine Islet Lighthouse which has been relocated to Mackay Harbour in approximate position Latitude 21°06.63'S, Longitude 149°13.49'E. The light will be exhibited on Saturday, 28 December 2002 from 1800 hours to 2200 hours and on Tuesday, 31 December 2002 from 2300 hours to 0100 hours Wednesday, 01 January 2003.
Mariners should use caution not to confuse the light with Aids to Navigation. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250

'Tis another year gone
God Bless you an' yours
May 'ee grant you
FAIR WINDS
As you bend at d'oars.

Newfoundland fisherman's saying.

Best wishes of the Season and
Long may your big jib draw!
Cap'n Dan


News Year resolution

The buzzword for New Year’s is resolution. Think of something you want to do or don't want to do and ruin it by making a resolution. All the usual things are suggested.

Guess what? I haven't been all that good at keeping any of them.

"I don't think you could be any worse at keeping them, you don't even try." Says Mrs Cap'n Dan supportively. For the last couple of years she has offered some suggestions like keeping the dining table clear or losing weight.

My resolution for 2003 is to have more fun, encourage world peace……and clean off the table.

Fair Winds,

Cap’n Dan

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

Check weather for safe summer boating

Keeping your 'weather eye' open is a key element of good seamanship. You don't have to know everything about weather forecasting, but getting the right information is vital to safe boating.
Getting a good, reliable marine weather forecast is easy when you know the right sources. Here is a rundown for summer boating weather safety.
Newspapers, local radio and the Bureau of Meteorology website provide coverage, but your marine radio has a range of broadcasts for you.
Airlie Comstat provides a Whitsunday local service each day at 0803, 1203 and 1603 on VHF repeater channels 81, 82 and 22.
A good service for the early morning starters is the Telstra VHF Seaphone service that broadcasts weather forecasts at 0633 and 1633 each day. Whitsunday weather channels are VHF 28 and 86 from Whitsunday Island and Channel 66 Shute Harbour.
The Bureau of Meteorology broadcasts weather information for our waters from VMC Weather Australia located at Charleville in Queensland on the High Frequencies working frequencies: 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176, 12365 and 16537 KHz.
Some vessels, depending on the age of their HF transceivers, may need to install new frequencies in order to receive the Bureau of Meteorology weather information.
Get the forecast and enjoy safe boating in the Whitsundays.

Barra rules

A range of new fishing regulations for freshwater barramundi means more practical rules for stocked dams as well as protection for wild stocks.
The new rules will allow fishing for barramundi in the closed season in 18 stocked dams in Queensland.
In these dams, a take and possession limit of only one barramundi applies during the closed season. This fish can also be greater than the previous 120cm size limit.
Outside the closed season, a take and possession limit of five barramundi will apply in these dams and one of these fish may also be greater than 120cm.
Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) senior policy officer Michelle Hollaway said the closed season and maximum size limit exemptions made practical sense in stocked dams.
"Maximum size limits are in place to protect female fish and closed seasons are introduced to protect spawning fish," Ms Hollaway said.
"However, these protections are not really necessary in stocked dams because we don't rely on breeding females to maintain the fish population."
Ms Hollaway said the take and possession limit regulations were aimed at balancing the right of anglers to fish for barramundi in stocked dams and protection of wild barramundi stocks.
"There is no practical way to identify a stocked dam barramundi from a wild fish so the new take and possession limit is a compromise," she said.
"This way anglers can have a large barramundi as part of their total take and possession limit outside the closed season and during the closed season they can also fish for and keep one barramundi.
"Anglers are allowed to continue to fish in these 18 dams while possessing their limit of one barramundi during the closed season but are not allowed to fish anywhere else which helps to protect wild stocks."
Ms Hollaway said these arrangements would assist in ensuring that barramundi were not unlawfully taken during the closed season and minimise the potential risk to the sustainability of wild barramundi populations.
The new dam rules apply locally to Eungella, Kinchant, Peter Faust and Burdekin Falls.
On the east coast the closed season for barramundi runs from 1 November to 1 February but changes annually in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
For information about the new recreational fishing rules visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.a/fishweb or contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

Turtle lookout

The washed up remains of a green sea turtle on the Strand in Townsville this week prompted the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to remind boaters to be on the look out for threatened species.
The dead adult female was discovered on the beach with large propeller gashes in her shell and according to GBRMPA Executive Director, John Tanzer, the loss was especially tragic, as she appeared to be mature enough to breed.
"These turtles don't breed until they are between 40 and 50 years old. This most probably was an accident but boaters really need to be more careful out there," Mr Tanzer said.
Less than 1 per cent of turtles reach maturity making this death very important to the loss of breeding stock.
Anyone who discovers a sick or injured marine animal should phone the Marine Animal Hotline on 1300 360 898.

Boat salvaged
Mariners are advised that the sunken vessel mentioned in notice 519T in Airlie Bay has been salvaged and the Lighted Special Mark buoy has been removed. Mariners are advised Notice No. 519T of 2002 is cancelled. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 370, 824

Santa full of spirits

It's the time of the year when Santas seem to arrive at events from all angles. Skydiving Santa, water skiing Santa, motorcycle Santa and boating Santa, surfing Santa, commercial Santa, and my favourite, the Fire Truck Santa.
Having worked out on the Great Barrier Reef I've seen a few SCUBA Santas over the years.
One of the best entrances was a sailing club Santa who arrived in a speedboat to the delight of the kiddies. It soon became clear that Santa had been getting into the Christmas spirits and was feeling quite jolly. The kids enjoyed Santa's visit in spite of him being fairly soggy from his fall out of the boat!

Best wishes of the Season and
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, December 18, 2002


Holiday boating safety: Check your flares


Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers will be paying particular attention to flares during safety equipment inspections. Officers will be inspecting boats both on the water and at boat ramps.
QBFP District Officer, Carl Shurey, said failure to carry current, unexpired flares will attract a $150 on-the-spot fine.
"Two red hand-held flares, two orange smoke flares and a V-sheet are part of the compulsory safety equipment for boats used in partially smooth waters and beyond. They are used to alert other boats or planes in the area if assistance is required." Mr Shurey said.
He said flares should always be stored in a waterproof container and placed where they are easily accessible and protected from the elements.
Flares have a limited lifespan and do carry expiry dates. As flares approach their expiry date, boat operators should make sure they are replaced with an in-date pack. Flares have a life of three years from the date of manufacture before they must be replaced.

Work or play?

Boating industry members now will be able to operate unregistered boats flying Restricted Use Flags, without needing a Coxswain's Ticket.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland sought clarification of the issue from Queensland Transport after a member holding a Recreational Ship Master's licence received a Marine Infringement Notice, while flying a Restricted Use Flag on an unregistered vessel.
Captain John Watkinson, General Manager Maritime Safety Queensland, said the government recognised that there was a range of activities associated with the manufacture, sale and promotion of boats that required vessels to be operated before registration.
He said the problem was not with the RUF itself, but, with the assumption that, because promotions and sales are commercial in nature, the use of the boat also is commercial.
Maritime Safety Queensland has resolved the ambiguity by requiring boats intended for private recreational use to have recreational registration only.
A new RUF condition will state that the appropriate licence to operate the boat is a Recreational Ship's Masters licence or a licence to operate a commercial or fishing vessel.
Captain Watkinson said these measures were being implemented and that industry members should make sure the appropriate licence condition is included in the issuing of any RUF.
"That way, the boat operator will be able to demonstrate compliance with the law when checked by an enforcement officer," he said.

Island paridise?

Finland has the greatest number of islands in the world - 179,584.

Boat builder wins Award

The small Dandenong based Access Dinghy company achieved "rags to riches" dream, by winning the 2002 National Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Community and Business Partnerships in the Small Business Category.
At a special Prime Ministers lunch at Parliament House Canberra attended by over 400 people, Mr John Howard announced Access Dinghy as the winner of his award, which recognises the work a small business does with a community organisation to help make a real difference to peoples lives.
Access Dinghy's MD, Chris Mitchell was almost speechless when his win was announced, "This win will open a lot of doors for us world wide for our little sailboat. I'm so proud and very honoured to be part of a team to receive the $10,000 award from the Prime Minister to expand and grow the Sailability program."
Access Dinghy makes and exports tiny 2.3 metre unsinkable-untippable sailboats designed for people with disabilities, has been part of a team which in the last year through 40 national groups has successfully introduced over 20,000 Australians, many who have disabilities, to the joys of sailing.
The dinghy is exported to Sailability programs in the USA, NZ, Canada, Japan, UK, Ireland, France, Singapore, Finland and Portugal.

Waterfront identity

The years had taken their toll on the old sea captain. All those years of hard drinking and life at sea left the old salt with a potbelly, sagging bits and a double chin.
Concerned about retirement, which was imminent, and wanting to 'swallow the anchor' and settle down with a pretty wife on land, the sea captain decided to embark on a self-improvement program. He went on a diet, exercised and gave up drinking. He lost his gut, firmed up his body and even purchased a toupee; he looked 20 years younger.
During his final voyage, his ship came up against a storm and the captain was lost overboard. While the captain was floating in the middle of the ocean he raised his voice to heaven, "God, how could you do this to me on the eve of my retirement? "
God answered, " To tell you the truth captain, I didn't recognize you!"


Call 000


According to the Australian Communications Authority there were 2,360,351 calls made to the 000 emergency number.

Sunken vessel

Mariners are advised that a 7.5 metre vessel has sunk in approximate position Latitude 20°15.909'S, Longitude 148°43.206'E in Airlie Bay. The vessel is only visible at low water and has been marked with a Lighted Special Mark buoy Fl.Y.2.5s.
Mariners should use caution when transiting the area. Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 370, 824

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.
- Publilius Syrus ~100 BC

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Marine mysteries revealed

Readers and students with an interest in marine life can now visit a virtual fish nursery with the launch of a new Queensland Government on-line educational website, Nature's Nautical Nurseries, by Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk.
Mr Palaszczuk said scientists from the DPI's Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) scientists have ventured from their traditional watery world to the virtual, designing a new module to entertain and educate upper primary school students about marine fish habitats, fish, crabs and other aquatic animal and plant life cycles.
Interesting fact sheets on the State's coastal flora and fauna support fun student activities.
Mr Palaszczuk said the website was an important educational tool, teaching students about fish habitat and its ecological value.
He said activities were designed to develop knowledge and encourage students to take a personal interest in caring for Queensland's coasts.
"There is no better time to teach people about the importance of our fish habitats than when they are young and eager to learn," Mr Palaszczuk said.
"This web site is a fun and interactive way to get students involved in marine science as well as give people a general understanding of the environmental and conservation issues that surround marine habitats."
"The site is easy to navigate and includes a glossary and teacher's resources. Teachers will find this an extremely valuable resource," he said.
For more information about Nature's Nautical Nurseries take a tour through the website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/extra/nnn/

Long distance SOS saves crew

A British yachtsman whose 38ft vessel sank off Malaysia was rescued from a life raft after he alerted coastguards in Falmouth, Cornwall in November.
Thomas Jordan, 28, of Southampton, and David Rauch, a Frenchman, received no response to mayday calls says a report in The Telegraph, so Mr Jordan contacted the coastguard using the pre-programmed number on his satellite telephone and Malaysian authorities sent a boat to rescue them.

Fuelling around

What about the marine engine driver students who were enjoying the windward performance of their trusty Falcon on the Bruce highway? On the return trip from their studies at the Bowen TAFE workshop, they ran out of fuel.

Can You Float a Loan?

A woman was having a medical problem - her husband was snoring very loudly every night! So she called the doctor one morning, and asked him if there was anything he could do to relieve her "suffering."
"Well, there is one operation I can perform that will cure your husband" said the doctor, "but it is really rather expensive. It will cost you $10,000 down, and payments of $1000 for 36 months, plus payments for extras of course.
"My goodness!" the woman exclaimed, "that sounds like I'm buying a yacht!"
"Humm," the doctor murmured, "too obvious, huh?"

Dot you 'i's

Did you know that the dot on the top of the letter 'i' is called a 'tittle' which is Latin for "something very small."


"Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats"
- Woody Allen


Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, December 04, 2002

Tour operators told to reform safety systems

The findings of an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission may have serious repercussions for companies marketing a wide range of tours or booking tours for other operators. It could affect any operator of 'adventure holidays' or those providing exciting or extreme sports.
Twenty-one people including 14 Australians were swept to their deaths on a whitewater rafting tour conducted by Swiss company, Adventure World.
An investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has found the Australian company that promoted the tour had not properly investigated safety of the company's activities. It should have investigated the nature of the tour and the risks should have been assessed.
ACCC chairman Allan Fels says it sends a message to all tour companies.
"Where people are going on these adventure-type tours they need to thoroughly and adequately ensure they are safe," he said.
The Australian tour company will reform its quality assurance systems in response to the 1999 Swiss canyoning disaster. However, the company has not admitted liability.

Bummer!

A fisherman lost part of his buttocks this week when he was hit by a boat propeller up the coast at Kelso Reef.

Satellite detects illegal fishing

The hi-tech Vessel Management System (VMS) satellite system has proved the key to the successful detection and apprehension of a prawn trawl operator illegally fishing in closed waters.
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) used the system to track the trawler, which was illegally fishing within the Amity Bight closure.
The master of the "Baltic Amber" pleaded guilty and was subsequently fined $3,000 with no conviction recorded in the Cleveland Magistrates Court
QBFP field officer Graham Shield said the VMS system remained an important tool in detecting illegal fishing operations. Mr Shield said by law, all T1 license holders who were those fishing on Queensland's east coast, must be fitted with a VMS system.
"Boats equipped with the VMS technology can be tracked via satellite up and down the coast and their positions are polled by satellite on a regular basis," he said.
"When fishing vessels enter a closed zone the information is relayed to a patrol office through a computer system and informs fisheries officers of the vessel's location.
Mr Shield said fishing zones closed to prawn trawling played an important role in maintaining the sustainability of prawn stocks in Queensland waters.
"These zones act as a nursery for juvenile prawns, which if left untouched, allow prawn stocks to mature and then move into areas where they can be legally caught," he said.
Mr Shield said fishing in a closed zone was a serious fisheries offence and fines of up to $75,000 could apply. Offenders could also have their licenses suspended or cancelled if caught in a closed zone.
Any suspected illegal fishing activities can be reported to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 117 116.

EPIRBs for hire

Offshore sailors who are deterred by the purchase price of emergency beacons now have a hiring alternative - EPIRBhire.com.au handle all types of distress beacons for vessels and personal use.
Hire rates for a 406mHz EPIRB start from $495 (inc GST) for major offshore races. A 121.5mHz Personal Locator Beacon is about $65 per race.
Locally Phil Pleydel at Whitsunday Marine Electronics is selling 121.5 MHz Mini Sats for $289 and a Pains Wessex Rescue Personal Fastfind 406 Mhz at $1595 incl GST.
Readers are still questioning why there is GST on this essential safety equipment.

Nautical time

A boat painter got the job of painting a small sail boat and when he was asked by the owner how long it would take him to finish the job, he said "Two weeks".
Three weeks went by and the owner, concerned by the delay, confronted the painter. "Hey Paul", said the owner, "You told me that it would take you two weeks to paint my boat and it's been three weeks....What's up with that?"
The painter put his paintbrush down, looked the owner square in the eye and said, "That was two NAUTICAL weeks, like a nautical mile, they're a little longer".

Bombing till Friday 13th

Mariners are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be carried out in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area from Monday, 2 December until 2359 hours on Friday, 13 December 2002.
The danger area is all waters in Shoalwater Bay south of a line from Sabina Point across to Old Kiever. Mooly Creek, Raspberry Creek, Oyster Creek, Shoalwater Creek, Georges Creek, Head (Boundary) Creek and East Creek are within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822


"Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."


Henry David Thoreau

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, November 27, 2002


Sailor's skill shows in short-handed series

This weekend will see the local fleet tackle the waters of the Whitsundays in a race with a difference. The big yachts will have small crews in the Magee's Two-handed series.
Whitsunday Sailing Club Commodore George Canfield told On the Waterfront sailors look forward to this test of skill.
"With only two sailors on each yacht, regardless of size, it is a real test of ability for the competitors. They can use any gear and sails they have on board, they just have less hands to do it all with." Commodore Canfield said.
"The two-handed series sponsor Magee's, many who are sailors themselves recognise the skill that is required to sail a powerful yacht around the two courses short-handed."
"The Saturday race will sail to Langford Reef, then Double Cones island and return to the finish in Pioneer Bay" says club rear-commodore offshore Kevin Fogarty
"On Sunday the fleet will start in the bay then leave Daydream Island to starboard, around White Rock, Daydream to port and then to the finish at Airlie Beach. Presentations will follow at the club," Mr Fogarty said.
The cruising fleet had a sail up to Earlando's at the weekend.
"A good time was had by sailors in the nine boat fleet," said club rear commodore Kevin Fogarty "The Earlando's staff really looked after us".
"Our thanks to Ron Earl who is getting ready to close the resort and operate it as a cattle property."
Yachts included multihulls Toyroom and Thrillneck. Monohull first place went to Margaret C, Keith Wallwork with second to Shearwater skippered by Mick Phillips and third to a new boat in the fleet with the likely name of Tequila Two helmed by Wayne Maxwell.
Also sailing were Idle Time, Skytrim and Janner II skippered by Bob Borer.
The annual Christmas cruise will be sailed on Saturday December 7 to Macona Inlet Mr Fogarty added.


Snakes alive!

Hong Kong police were pelted with crates containing live cobras as snake smugglers tried to escape during a high-speed boat chase.
Chinese restaurant clients will miss the 15 crates of snakes containing about 600 cobras found by police who apprehended the speedboat snake smugglers.


Fishers caught


Innovative methods by Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol lead to the conviction of two fishermen at Bowen.
Two fishermen were fined $10,000 and $7500 respectively, at Bowen Magistrates Court last week, for fishing in green zones at Lath Reef north east of Airlie Beach, after QBFP officers in a seaplane swooped down on them on January 17 this year.
The use of the seaplane, chartered by the QBFP was instrumental in the officer's ability to get to the location quickly and catch some of the fishers in the act.

Vale - Sailing adventurer
Sailing adventurer David Lewis has died at age 85 at Tin Can Bay in Queensland. His achievements include the first world circumnavigation by multihull, making known the traditional navigation used by Pacific Islanders in We the Navigators and leading the way for private expeditions to the Antarctic. He wrote Icebird, the story of his first solo return voyage from Sydney to the Antarctic Peninsula in 1972/3 on his 32 foot steel sloop. Shapes in the Wind, the story of his extraordinary life, will be republished in December reports Kathy McKenzie, telling how he returned to Australia after the loss of Taniwha which broke her foremast on her maiden voyage and sank.

Band proposed
International maritime distress and calling ceased at the end of 1997 on the long-time frequency 500kHz and the band has not been reassigned.
The Radio Society of Great Britain is proposing a new amateur band, 495 - 505 kHz, at the bottom end of the AM broadcast band.
The allocation of spectrum around 500kHz would enable amateurs to revisit sky wave propagation experimentation that ceased during the 1920's when that frequency was allocated to Maritime communications which used ground wave propagation.
There might be some great ex-Marconi gear lying around.

Heading South?

Mariners are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be carried out in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area from Thursday, 28 November until 2359 hours on Friday, 13 December 2002. The danger area extends to all waters contained within the following co-ordinates: Old Kiever to Pinetrees Point including Strong Tide Passage, Canoe Pass, Townshend Island, Triangular Island, Ripple Island and Harrison Island are within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822


Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Thursday, November 21, 2002

Pirate gang blamed for ship hijack terror

A pirate gang is preying on small tankers entering the southern approaches to the Malacca Straits, seizing their cargoes of diesel oil - for which there is a ready market.
The victim of the latest attack was the 3,298-ton Malaysian tanker Nautica Kluang, boarded by a gang armed with guns and knives. The pirates locked the crew in a cabin and pumped the cargo onto a waiting pirate vessel.
The Nautica Kluang, sailing from Melaka in Malaysia to the port of Labuan in East Malaysia, was attacked in the early hours. The captain was able to raise the alarm by mobile phone the following morning after the crew of 12 - Malaysians, Indonesians and Myanmar nationals - managed to free themselves.
"There have been two previous attacks recently at exactly the same place involving small tankers loaded with diesel oil. We believe the same gang is responsible for all these attacks, " said Captain Pottengal Mukundan, Director of the International Maritime Bureau.
"We are seeing a sharp rise in hijackings. Last year, the figure worldwide doubled to 14. This year we have already had 20 hijackings."
Many of the hijackings are in Indonesian territorial waters and all transiting the area should maintain an especially vigilant watch in these waters.

High seas crime finding

Hijackings at sea doubled last year despite a fall in the total number of pirate attacks.
The increase in hijackings is due to greater involvement in piracy by organized crime networks.
"The hijacking of a whole ship and the resale of its cargo requires huge resources and detailed planning," said Captain Mukundan.
"It typically involves a mother ship from which to launch the attacks, a supply of automatic weapons, false identity papers for the crew and vessel, fake cargo documents and a broker network to sell the stolen goods illegally.
"Individual pirates don't have these resources. Hijackings are the work of organized crime rings."
Pirates killed a total of 21 crewmembers and ships' passengers last year, and 210 more were taken hostage, the new report revealed. All but one of the murders were in Asian waters.
Last year saw 71 sea attacks involved guns, up from 53 in the previous year, while assaults using knives fell from 132 to 105.
Indonesian waters and the Malacca Strait remain the world's most pirate-infested seas.
Captain Mukundan warned "Figures over a longer period show an underlying upward trend in piracy, and an increase in attacks that are well organized, well funded and violent."

Who cruises?

Cruise ships get some unusual questions from their customers. Here's an
amusing sample collected by Celebrity Cruises and published by the trade
magazine "Travel Weekly":
* Does the elevator go to the front of the ship?
* Why does the ship rock only when we are at sea?
* Does the ship generate its own electricity?
* Will I get wet if I go snorkelling?
* Does the crew sleep on board?
* Is there water all around the island?
* How do we know which photos are ours?
* What do you do with the ice carvings after they melt?

Call for sports

The 2003 Ausport Awards will recognise, reward and showcase good practice in the Australian sports system. Why not nominate yourself or your organisation, or encourage others to nominate?
The inaugural 2003 National Ausport Awards (formerly the Active Australia Awards) will acknowledge and reward individuals, clubs, community organisations, schools, local government authorities, national and state sporting organisations for demonstrating their commitment to good practice in sport, greater grass roots participation, innovative and inclusive programs, quality sports business management and excellence in sport performance.
The presentation for the 2003 Ausport Awards will be held at the Our Sporting Future forum. It will bring together sporting representatives from across Australia to challenge current thinking and explore growth opportunities and share good practice in sport, while the Ausport Awards seek to reward and showcase good practice in the Australian sports system.
Closing date for nomination is 16 December 2002. For more information and nomination for the Ausport Awards visit the website www.activeaustralia.org/events/awards. Or call 1300 130 121

Record sail

Its official! Germany's John Kostecki and crew are verified as taking the monohull distance record of 484 nautical miles - average speed 20.16 knots - set in the Atlantic Ocean, 29 - 30 April 2002, on VOR 60 illbruck.

Stormy weather

The drought hasn't broken yet. However, it was good to see some rain. And on the subject of rain, mate says he got a letter from Longreach the other day and the stamp was fixed with a paper clip.
That's dry!

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Thursday, November 14, 2002

Fishers, yachties fail fatigue crisis

Driver fatigue is often in the news regarding vehicle drivers. Now it is in the news for boaties.

Accident and incident reports have shown that fatigue has been a major factor in marine incidents.
A recent Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report on a collision involving a fishing vessel and a bulk carrier highlights the fact that the skipper of the fishing vessel was probably suffering from the effects of chronic fatigue.
The skipper had worked for two and a half months with four days off.
The incident occurred at 0400 in the morning with the fishing vessel skipper finding the huge ship dead ahead, its whistle blaring. He put the fishing vessel's helm over to port, but was unable to prevent a collision. Thankfully, no one, including the two deckhands who were asleep, was injured.
Sleep is a basic human need and a lack of adequate sleep may lead to fatigue.
Fatigue may be described as a reduction in physical and/or mental capability because of physical or mental exertion that has the potential to impair most abilities including strength, speed, reaction time, coordination and decision-making says the ATSB.
Individuals suffering from chronic fatigue perform below their personal best and are often unaware that their performance has been significantly degraded. Importantly, people may not even recognise that they are suffering from fatigue.
This may contribute to the high fatality rate amongst fishermen in Australia of 143 per 100,000 compared with the national average of 8.1 per 100,000 for other occupations.
International standards for seafarers do not apply to fishing vessels, or to recreational vessels for that matter.
A survey of lifeboat coxswains in the UK by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Yachting Association revealed that recreational yachties exhibit a "Lack of preparation for the voyage and overestimate themselves and their capabilities".
Often there are not enough crew onboard to conduct the ship safely. In fishing vessels, this understaffing is to maximise profits.
The danger of insufficient manning levels is that this can lead to crew fatigue and to an ineffective lookout or none at all, being maintained.
As with drivers on the road, this makes these skippers a danger to others, and themselves.

Fast schooner

The tedious business of trying to catch the waiter's eye for a refill may be over as a Japanese company has devised a high-tech glass that sends a signal to bar staff telling them instantly when you are ready for another drink.
The radio tags used to thwart shoplifters inspire iGlassware, invented by Mitsubishi.
Each glass has a microchip with its own ID. As the level of drink falls, the microchip sends a top-up signal to the waiters' station via a small radio built into the table, using a frequency similar to those used by mobile phones.
Very different from the olde pub days in the UK when ceramic beer tankards had a whistle baked into their rim. When you needed a refill, you used the whistle to get some service!
Hence the saying... "wet your whistle".

Volunteers mark service

This year marks ten years of the Whitsunday Volunteers working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, so to celebrate this milestone, the 'Vols' are having a night out. They are also looking for any original or early Vols that may not be on the current list who might be interested in joining in on the festivities. The night is November 22 at the Reef Gateway and RSVP to the Volunteer Coordinator, Whitsunday Volunteer Association PO Box 332, Airlie Beach.

EPIRB advice

Following last week's column on safety costs, the range of prices for 406 MHz EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) starts at A$1499 including GST, registration and delivery from one supplier.
Certainly not cheap!
Perhaps one question that should be asked is 'Why does a piece of mandatory safety equipment include GST?'

Yachties move

Please note the Australian Yachting Federation office has now relocated to 18 Herbert Street, Artarmon NSW 2064. Phone: 02 9902 2155, Fax: 02 9906 2366. The AYF postal address remains at Locked Bag 806, Milsons Point NSW 2061

"A smooth sea never made a skilful mariner."
- English Proverb

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Friday, November 08, 2002

Boaties swamped by false distress alerts

It has been revealed that most EPIRB distress alerts detected are false!

That's right, in Australia about 98 per cent of the distress alerts detected are false, says a report issued by Australian Search and Rescue (AusSAR) in Canberra.

AusSAR also detects many false distress alerts from non-beacon transmitters that interfere with the older 121.5 MHz frequency and from inadvertently activated beacons.

Satellite beacons take much of the search out of search and rescue.
"False alerts can be resolved quickly with newer 406 MHz beacons as they transmit a digital signal that identifies the owner. AusSAR keeps a register of 406 MHz beacon users and simply makes a phone call to determine if there is a genuine emergency or not" says an AusSAR spokesperson.
"The 121.5 MHz beacons are based on obsolete analogue technology that does not support an identifying message. In most cases, when these beacons begin transmitting, an expensive search has to be launched to determine if there is someone in distress."
According to AusSAR the system will change in February 2009 and the satellite system will no longer process the 121.5 MHz frequency used by most distress beacons. "The distress frequency used by the satellite network will be 406 MHz," the spokesperson said.
Boat owners will pay big dollars - up to $3,500 for compulsory digital safety beacons instead of the current common analogue units costing around $200. The current 121.5 MHz EIPRBS will be phased out in favour of digital units operating on 406 MHz
The 406'ers are smarter, faster, safer and if it has a built-in Global Positioning System, your location can be pinpointed to within 120 metres. A 121.5 MHz beacon will only narrow your position down to 20 kms.
Beacons come in many shapes and sizes. They include Emergency Locator transmitters (ELTs) found in aircraft, hand-held Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and marine-based Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).
The change in 2009 may seem a long way off, but you should start planning now.
If you already have a 406 MHz beacon then you need not worry as long as it is registered. If you are not sure call AusSAR on 1800 641 792 and ask a search and rescue officer to check. You should have your beacon's fifteen character hexadecimal code ready for AusSAR.
If you are relying on a 121.5 MHz beacon, you could upgrade when your beacon's battery is due to be replaced. The 406 MHz beacons are more expensive, but the price is expected to fall over time. Regardless of the price, if it saves your life, it is cheap insurance.

Killer animal

Guess what rates as the deadly killer animal responsible for the most human deaths worldwide? Not the shark, jellyfish or crocodile, but the annoying and deadly mosquito.

Automated ship reports

Ships transiting the Great Barrier Reef are being urged to participate in a world-leading automated ship reporting trial just begun.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority in conjunction with Maritime Safety Queensland is calling for ships that sail through the Reef to take part in the trial, which will use INMARSAT-C - a global satellite communications network - to provide a near-real time picture of shipping activity in the region.
There are about 6000 ship movements through the GBR each year.
The INMARSAT-C terminals on ships participating in the voluntary trial will be remotely programmed to send automated position reports every 15 minutes to REEFCENTRE - the ship reporting base at Hay Point, near Mackay. Ships will not incur any costs associated with this trial.
The system will provide REEFCENTRE with more accurate information on the presence and movement of vessels and help identify potentially dangerous areas being transited. It will also provide the first ever near-real time picture of shipping in the Reef.
Under the current reporting arrangements, ships must report their position to REEFCENTRE every 8 to 16 hours depending on the speed of the vessel.
A preliminary trial of the system involving 80 vessels from 20 shipping companies began last November and proved highly successful.
Most ships transiting the reef are required to have INMARSAT-C transceivers on board as part of their internationally mandated Global Maritime Distress and Safety System requirements.
AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland have been contacting ships that use the Reef asking them to participate in the trial. Other ships wishing to be involved should contact Kerrie Abercrombie on 07 3253 2641 or Benny de Melo 02 9282 0712 at AMSA.
The 350,000 square kilometre Great Barrier Reef was the first region to be designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area by the International Maritime Organization.

Sailing records

One of the older speed/distance records on the books is that for any yacht, sailed single-handed. Held since June 1994 by Primagaz Laurent Bourgnon (FRA) France, on a 60ft 18.29m trimaran, 540.0 nautical miles, 22.50 knots in the North Atlantic,

Volunteers mark service

This year marks ten years of the Whitsunday Volunteers working with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, so to celebrate this milestone, the 'Vols' are having a night out. They are also looking for any original or early Vols that may not be on the current list who might be interested in joining in on the festivities. The night is November 22 at the Reef Gateway and RSVP to the Volunteer Coordinator, Whitsunday Volunteer Association PO Box 332, Airlie Beach.

Yachties move

Please note the Australian Yachting Federation office has now relocated to 18 Herbert Street, Artarmon NSW 2064. Phone: 02 9902 2155, Fax: 02 9906 2366. The AYF postal address remains at Locked Bag 806, Milsons Point NSW 2061

Heading south?

Mariners are advised that the military exercises referred to in the previous notice 457 (T) will include the firing of flares in the Shoalwater Bay Military exercise area.
Mariners are advised to note the additional information in that notice. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822

"Never mistake motion for action."

Ernest Hemmingway, Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Thursday, October 31, 2002

Fishaparents rig up for Fishakids

The Fishabout fishing club will hold a Fishajunior day this Sunday at Cannonvale Beach to get kids into fishing.

The family day is to show kids the basics about fishing and the fun to be had wetting a line.

"Club members want to put something back for the community and get kids involved in the sport we love" says Fishabout President Geoff Weeding.

"It's a family day to benefit the kids. We will be starting at about 8 am to fish the rising tide. Bring a friend, learn the basics and a few fishing hints, and join club members and their families at a sausage sizzle afterwards.

On Cannonvale Beach from eight Sunday morning. Further Fishabout Club information on 49466365

Weather on Water

Marine Safety Queensland and the Bureau of Meteorology presented an informative session last week at VMR Whitsunday.
Entitled 'Weather on Water' the session was designed to assist boat owners with understanding weather patterns in Queensland waters, cyclones and boat handling and safety.
Senior Meteorologist of BOM in Brisbane Manfred Gracious showed how he and his colleagues arrived at weather forecasts and explained the major features of the forecasting profession.
About forty people attended and an excellent discussion followed says VMR President Steve Moss.
"It was the best weather information talk I have attended" Mr Moss said.

"The information about reading the weather charts and information about storm surges was valuable - particularly to people new to the area" Mr Moss added.

The Shire Counter Disaster Committee, Water Police, Fire and Rescue Service supported the evening.

VMR members meet

The Monthly Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday meeting that should prove to be informative and entertaining with guest speaker Patrick Barry of Maritime Safety. Monday November 4th Further information please call 49480994

Satellites automate ship reports

Ships transiting the Great Barrier Reef are being urged to participate in a world-leading automated ship reporting trial starting this week.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority in conjunction with Maritime Safety Queensland is calling for ships that sail through the Reef to take part in the trial, which will use INMARSAT-C - a global satellite communications network - to provide a near-real time picture of shipping activity in the region.
There are about 6000 ship movements through the GBR each year.
The INMARSAT-C terminals on ships participating in the voluntary trial will be remotely programmed to send automated position reports every 15 minutes to REEFCENTRE - the ship reporting base at Hay Point, near Mackay. Ships will not incur any costs associated with this trial.
The system will provide REEFCENTRE with more accurate information on the presence and movement of vessels and help identify potentially dangerous areas being transited. It will also provide the first ever near-real time picture of shipping in the Reef.
Under the current reporting arrangements, ships must report their position to REEFCENTRE every 8 to 16 hours depending on the speed of the vessel.
A preliminary trial of the system involving 80 vessels from 20 shipping companies began last November and proved highly successful.
Most ships transiting the reef are required to have INMARSAT-C transceivers on board as part of their internationally mandated Global Maritime Distress and Safety System requirements.
AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland have been contacting ships that use the Reef asking them to participate in the trial. Other ships wishing to be involved should contact Kerrie Abercrombie on 07 3253 2641 or Benny de Melo 02 9282 0712 at AMSA.
The 350,000 square kilometre Great Barrier Reef was the first region to be designated a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area by the International Maritime Organization.

Islands Race

This Sunday November 3 will see local and visiting yachts take part in the Abel Point Yacht Club's Armit/Cones Islands yacht race.

Hook Island results

The wind was blowing for the nine-boat fleet that headed to Hook Island Resort at the weekend. Hook Island host Charlie de Haan welcomed the sailing club fleet with Ray Cleary on Thrillneck taking division one from Michael Schwarzel on No Legends and Idle Time Kevin Fogarty third. Mucca Kennedy on Fallen Angels and Craig Piccinelli on Wobbly Boot scored the coveted forth and fifth spots.
Division two saw Mick Phillips on Shearwater take first from Alan Day on Harlequin in second spot from David Howells on Skytrim and Ken Pryor on Struen Marie.

Splice the mainbrace

Braces, sheets, and tacks! Haul up to the sailing club this Sunday at 2pm to enjoy the members Mainbrace Party. Mark and Mully will entertain while you get to enjoy a couple of drinks and get a snag onboard with other members for an hour or so.

Fish to fill street!

Full colour fish floats with all the trimmings will fill Airlie Beach this Saturday afternoon as the Rotary Street Procession entertains locals and visitors alike.
Gigantic fish lanterns - seven metres long - each manoeuvred by eight people will be a highlight of this Fantasea Reef Festival event. Created by renowned lantern maker Neil Cameron and decorated with designs of Denise Vanderlugt the lanterns bring new skills to the community thanks to the Regional Arts Development Fund.
There is nothing fishy about the cash prizes offered by the Rotary Club for the parade to start at 5 pm on Saturday.

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Friday, October 25, 2002


Match race series on club calendar

An invitation match racing series planned for next year will use the exciting Sydney 38 class one-design yachts say organisers.
The Abel Point Yacht Club is planning the series to coincide with the Arlie Beach Rotary Club annual boat show to be held on the Queens Birthday weekend in June says club rear commodore Ed Venness.
"The club will run the series using six identical one-design Sydney 38s and sailed on courses in Pioneer Bay".
"The Abel Point Yacht Club will invite the best sailors from Bowen, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Hamilton Island and Mackay Yacht Club and possibly Cairns and Townsville to compete in the new series," Mr Venness said.

Fleets build

Up to thirty identical Sydney 38 yachts are expected to start in the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore Series later this year according to the organisers - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
This will be a record for participation of one-design yachts in offshore racing and shows the quick uptake into this exciting class. Only in the Tour de Voile in France are there similar numbers of one-design where about fifty Mumm 30 yachts compete.
"The Coffs series is a fun and social option to the Hobart race and endorses what the Sydney 38 is all about. We had twenty-one boats racing in the National Titles at Airlie Beach this year. I think a fleet of thirty Sydney 38's racing to Coffs Harbour is a conservative estimate", Sydney Yachts Marketing Executive Martin Thompson said.

Call for reef protection

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has welcomed the work of eminent coral reef researchers who met in Townsville this week to discuss the future of reefs around the world.
The forum resulted in some important conclusions and insights about the future of coral reefs, based on a review of the latest studies on reefs around the world.
According to GBRMPA chair, Virginia Chadwick, the Authority was pleased to see such a forum gathered to discuss this issue.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most intact coral reef systems still remaining, but it too is under significant pressure," Mrs Chadwick said.
Coral reefs around the world have already been significantly impacted by human activities with as much as 27 per cent already lost. Globally, reefs face an uncertain future, with both local and global pressures threatening the sustainability of these important ecosystems. In particular, coral bleaching and other impacts related to global warming are of concern.
The conclusions of the forum this week highlight the urgent need for all Australians to co-operate to reduce pressures on the Great Barrier Reef.

Tongans dump daylight saving

Tongans, fed up with daylight saving, have dumped it. Originally introduced in 1999 to be the 'first' nation into the new millennium, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV has acceded to the demands of his Pacific island subjects.
Tonga put its clocks ahead in 1999 to beat the Chatham Islands in New Zealand, and Millennium Island in Kiribati to be the first country to enter the 21st century.
This made the country 14 hours ahead on UTC (GMT) although the royal government never admitted that daylight savings had a link to the first sunrise.
Many Tongans are happy the sun has set on the time change.
"While this Daylight Saving assisted some areas of the community, such as the business sector, it was very difficult for the school children, especially those in primary schools," the statement said.
"Frequent complaints regarding the inconvenience of daylight saving in terms of social and cultural practices has prompted His Majesty's Government to discontinue the practice."

Marine theft effort

The Queensland boating industry will press for the adoption of a Hull Identification Number (HIN) system by the State Government, as part of a national effort to stamp out spiralling marine theft.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland next month will attend a three-day National Maritime Crime Forum in Sydney and plead its case for HIN in Queensland.
Marine Area Commander, Terry Dalton, expressed concern over the escalating incidence of vessel and component theft in recent times.
"NSW Marine Area Command has confirmed the need for an organised, holistic approach to curb these crimes. This Forum is the first, crucial step to resolution of what is a serious community concern," he said.
The top level conference will include law enforcement agencies and government regulatory bodies from all Australian states and territories, national government departments, insurance companies and boating industry associations.
The mission of the Forum is to initiate, implement and maintain a multi-agency approach to the reduction of serious, organised maritime crime within Australia.
BIAQ President, John Saunders, said the Forum would target marine vessel "re-birthing" through fraudulent registration.
"Two objectives of the Forum - to define a national standard of minimum identification for vessels and to determine strategies for the exchange of registration information - make it screamingly obvious that Queensland Government needs to implement a HIN system," Mr Saunders said.
"Every other state maintains HIN, but not Queensland, which remains the odd one out. It is of national importance that Queensland falls into line with the other states."
Mr Saunders said BIAQ would highlight this inadequacy at the national level and urge the Forum partners that implementation of HIN in Queensland would be essential for their successful national crackdown on marine crime.
BIAQ has recommended the HIN system to Queensland Government for the past six years, but the scheme has been constantly rejected for budgetary reasons.

For the love of cod

Overfishing is a growing global problem. About 60 per cent of the fish types tracked by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations are categorised as fully exploited, over exploited or depleted,' writes Mark Kurlansky in his book 'Cod'.

Going south?

Mariners are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be conducted in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area from 0001 hours on Saturday, 2 November 2002 until 2359 hours on Friday, 22 November 2002. The danger area is defined as the waters of Shoalwater Bay south of a line from Sabina Point in approximate position Latitude 22°24'S, Longitude 150°17.9'E across to Old Keiver in approximate position Latitude 22°27.4'S, Longitude 150°35'E.
Mooly Creek, Raspberry Creek, Oyster Creek, Shoalwater Creek, Georges Creek, Head (Boundary) Creek and East Creek are within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Thursday, October 24, 2002


Match race series on club calendar

An invitation match racing series planned for next year will use the exciting Sydney 38 class one-design yachts say organisers.
The Abel Point Yacht Club is planning the series to coincide with the Arlie Beach Rotary Club annual boat show to be held on the Queens Birthday weekend in June says club rear commodore Ed Venness.
"The club will run the series using six identical one-design Sydney 38s and sailed on courses in Pioneer Bay".
"The Abel Point Yacht Club will invite the best sailors from Bowen, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Hamilton Island and Mackay Yacht Club and possibly Cairns and Townsville to compete in the new series," Mr Venness said.

Fleets build

Up to thirty identical Sydney 38 yachts are expected to start in the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore Series later this year according to the organisers - Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
This will be a record for participation of one-design yachts in offshore racing and shows the quick uptake into this exciting class. Only in the Tour de Voile in France are there similar numbers of one-design where about fifty Mumm 30 yachts compete.
"The Coffs series is a fun and social option to the Hobart race and endorses what the Sydney 38 is all about. We had twenty-one boats racing in the National Titles at Airlie Beach this year. I think a fleet of thirty Sydney 38's racing to Coffs Harbour is a conservative estimate", Sydney Yachts Marketing Executive Martin Thompson said.

Call for reef protection

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has welcomed the work of eminent coral reef researchers who met in Townsville this week to discuss the future of reefs around the world.
The forum resulted in some important conclusions and insights about the future of coral reefs, based on a review of the latest studies on reefs around the world.
According to GBRMPA chair, Virginia Chadwick, the Authority was pleased to see such a forum gathered to discuss this issue.
"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most intact coral reef systems still remaining, but it too is under significant pressure," Mrs Chadwick said.
Coral reefs around the world have already been significantly impacted by human activities with as much as 27 per cent already lost. Globally, reefs face an uncertain future, with both local and global pressures threatening the sustainability of these important ecosystems. In particular, coral bleaching and other impacts related to global warming are of concern.
The conclusions of the forum this week highlight the urgent need for all Australians to co-operate to reduce pressures on the Great Barrier Reef.

Tongans dump daylight saving

Tongans, fed up with daylight saving, have dumped it. Originally introduced in 1999 to be the 'first' nation into the new millennium, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV has acceded to the demands of his Pacific island subjects.
Tonga put its clocks ahead in 1999 to beat the Chatham Islands in New Zealand, and Millennium Island in Kiribati to be the first country to enter the 21st century.
This made the country 14 hours ahead on UTC (GMT) although the royal government never admitted that daylight savings had a link to the first sunrise.
Many Tongans are happy the sun has set on the time change.
"While this Daylight Saving assisted some areas of the community, such as the business sector, it was very difficult for the school children, especially those in primary schools," the statement said.
"Frequent complaints regarding the inconvenience of daylight saving in terms of social and cultural practices has prompted His Majesty's Government to discontinue the practice."

Marine theft effort

The Queensland boating industry will press for the adoption of a Hull Identification Number (HIN) system by the State Government, as part of a national effort to stamp out spiralling marine theft.
The Boating Industry Association of Queensland next month will attend a three-day National Maritime Crime Forum in Sydney and plead its case for HIN in Queensland.
Marine Area Commander, Terry Dalton, expressed concern over the escalating incidence of vessel and component theft in recent times.
"NSW Marine Area Command has confirmed the need for an organised, holistic approach to curb these crimes. This Forum is the first, crucial step to resolution of what is a serious community concern," he said.
The top level conference will include law enforcement agencies and government regulatory bodies from all Australian states and territories, national government departments, insurance companies and boating industry associations.
The mission of the Forum is to initiate, implement and maintain a multi-agency approach to the reduction of serious, organised maritime crime within Australia.
BIAQ President, John Saunders, said the Forum would target marine vessel "re-birthing" through fraudulent registration.
"Two objectives of the Forum - to define a national standard of minimum identification for vessels and to determine strategies for the exchange of registration information - make it screamingly obvious that Queensland Government needs to implement a HIN system," Mr Saunders said.
"Every other state maintains HIN, but not Queensland, which remains the odd one out. It is of national importance that Queensland falls into line with the other states."
Mr Saunders said BIAQ would highlight this inadequacy at the national level and urge the Forum partners that implementation of HIN in Queensland would be essential for their successful national crackdown on marine crime.
BIAQ has recommended the HIN system to Queensland Government for the past six years, but the scheme has been constantly rejected for budgetary reasons.

For the love of cod

Overfishing is a growing global problem. About 60 per cent of the fish types tracked by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations are categorised as fully exploited, over exploited or depleted,' writes Mark Kurlansky in his book 'Cod'.

Going south?

Mariners are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be conducted in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area from 0001 hours on Saturday, 2 November 2002 until 2359 hours on Friday, 22 November 2002. The danger area is defined as the waters of Shoalwater Bay south of a line from Sabina Point in approximate position Latitude 22°24'S, Longitude 150°17.9'E across to Old Keiver in approximate position Latitude 22°27.4'S, Longitude 150°35'E.
Mooly Creek, Raspberry Creek, Oyster Creek, Shoalwater Creek, Georges Creek, Head (Boundary) Creek and East Creek are within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Friday, October 18, 2002

Coaches, parents told: be there for kids

A meeting this week heard that sports coaches - and parents - need to 'be there' for kids to enjoy their sport rather than putting too much emphasis on winning.
Parents who push their kids with a 'win, win, win' philosophy often take away the fun and push their kids out of sport.
"Parents are often trying to live their own lives through their kids," said Mike Young, former Australian baseball coach and twice winner of the International Coach of the Year.
"If parents want their kids to do well in sport they should support them and like coaches, be there for them, not push them and yell at them or embarrass them," Coach Young told the well-attended meeting.
Organised by Sport and Recreation Queensland, an impressive array of sportspersons met local coaches and parents at the new PCYC at the Airlie Sportspark.
Paralympian Karni Liddell gave examples of positive parental support.
Speaking from her wheelchair, Karni told of her parents who refused to believe the medical advice offered that their child suffered from an incurable wasting disease that would lead to her dying at an early age. Karni's parents have helped her learn to walk several times.
"I never fought against the disease, I didn't know about it for many years" Like any parents they wanted their child to have a life, so they spent years supporting her to learn to walk, helping her to ride a horse, taking her to the pool.
The former world record swimmer spoke of making it against the odds. Now in training for the Athens Paralympics, Karni said, "Doing things that people say you can't do is the best thing."
Twenty-three year old Karni loves sport. She says, at age ten, she told her parents she wanted to be a sports person.
"My parents didn't tell me I couldn't do it, they just kept taking me to the pool."
Talking to many people around the country, Karni fields many questions. One of her favourites is "How do you swim in a wheelchair"?
Mackay girl Katrina Robertson started weightlifting just to get fit after an injury. She says she knew nothing about weight lifting or records until she achieved one. The difference was her coach, who just acted as if it was the regular thing to do. Katrina still works out in a shed next to a cane paddock.
"The first time I went overseas to compete, I noticed that the other competitors were very respectful. I later found out that a team mate put my occupation down as a professional crocodile wrestler, the scars on my leg providing proof to the inquiring Russians" Katrina said.
The meeting heard from Sport and Recreation's Greg Cannon who made a presentation to Bob Bogie for his many years of work leading to the wonderful facility that is the PCYC.
In accepting his award, Bob said the building was a tribute to many other people and outlined the total support and work of Whitsunday Shire Mayor Mario Demartini, youth worker Bruce Green and Peter Chengody.
The official opening of the PCYC will be on December 14.

America's Cup colour

The colourful Italians Mascalzone Latino with the motto 'sail playfully but seriously' were the toast of Auckland's Syndicate Row on Saturday night following their victory over the French Le Defi Areva. The two teams had been battling for last place.

Found: the average angler

Most of us know a mad keen angler, one of those people whose eyes light up when they think of the big barra they caught in the gulf last year or their next game fishing holiday, in fact, you might even be one.
A survey just released shows 850,000 Queenslanders have been fishing, crabbing or prawning in the last 12 months.
The Queensland Fishing Service has just released the results of the 2001 recreational fishing survey. This survey, conducted every two years has uncovered some very interesting information about Queensland's recreational anglers.
Saltwater fishing is more popular than freshwater, with over 90% of fishers having been saltwater fishing in the last twelve months. However, more than a third of anglers have been freshwater fishing or yabbying and there has been an increase in the number of people fishing in dams and impoundments.
Most people go fishing for recreation and since 1996 there has actually been a drop in the number of people who go fishing for food. The survey also found that people living on the coastal strip were more likely to go fishing than those in other areas of the state. Mackay residents are most likely to be fishers with nearly 40% of residents aged over five having been fishing in the last twelve months.
Whiting, flathead, mud crabs and tailor are all popular saltwater species targeted by recreational anglers in southern Queensland, with barramundi, coral trout and mackerel targeted in the north. Barramundi are also popular targets for freshwater anglers, as are Australian Bass and Golden Perch.
The survey results also indicate that there has been a slight drop in the proportion of the population who fish, although with increases in the Queensland population the actual number has remained the same.
So, where does that leave us with our picture of the average angler? The average angler is male aged 15 to 49 or a 5-14 year old of either sex, and primarily goes saltwater fishing for recreation. Only a third of the recreational fishers are females, and they fish less often than males.
The survey is actually part of a QFS program, known as RFISH set up to obtain information about the recreational fishery. RFISH is considered Australia's most comprehensive statewide recreational fishing monitoring program. It is based on a telephone survey and information from around 5000 volunteers who maintain a diary of their fishing activities and expenditure.
The surveys are critical for appropriate management of Queensland's fisheries resources. Later this year, figures from a national survey will compare the size of Queensland's recreational fishery with other states.

For the love of cod.

Overfishing is a growing global problem. About 60 per cent of the fish types tracked by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations are categorised as fully exploited, over exploited or depleted,' writes Mark Kurlansky in his book 'Cod'.

Military live firing
Mariners heading south are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be carried out in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area from 0600 hours on Thursday, 17 October 2002 until 2359 hours on Friday, 1 November 2002. The danger area in Shoalwater Bay is all waters from Sabina Point to Pinetrees Point. Five Trees Cay, Holt Island, North Rock, Mumford Island, Townshend Island and Leicester Island are all within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822

"A government which takes from Peter to pay Paul will always have the support of Paul."

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), Irish satirist, dramatist and playwright.

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan


Thursday, October 10, 2002


Sports Locker Room for Active Whitsunday

Something for all sports lovers is the Locker Room Forum to be held at the Airlie Sports Park on Tuesday October 15.
An impressive line-up of sporting expertise will entertain, inform and motivate to make Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Shire a more 'active' community, says organiser Greg Cannon of Sport and Recreation Queensland.
"The Locker Room series is a Queensland government initiative to connect Queensland communities to sport and recreation opportunities."
"Junior players can learn how to make it to the top in regional Queensland sport. Parents of players will learn how to play a positive role in getting their children more active. Coaches and officials at all levels of sport will learn tips from the best."
" We have had to work very hard to get this forum to Airlie, so I am hoping the locals will support it so it can be done again" Mr Cannon added.
The venue is the new Police Citizen's Youth Club - Airlie's answer to the Sydney Opera House - and there will be a tour of the new facility conducted after the forum.
*Katrina Robertson, World Powerlifting Champion 1997, holder of seven world records and Sports Psychologist leads the impressive array of speakers.
*Brendan Burkett was a Gold medallist at the Atlanta Paralympics and is a lecturer in sports science and biomechanics at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
*Mike Young is a former Australian Baseball Coach and twice winner of the International coach of the Year. Mike will talk about the role of the coach.
*Brian Kerle is another Olympian, former Brisbane Bullets Basketball coach, two-time NBL Coach of the Year and four-time NBL Championship coach.
*Richard Champion played 183 AFL games for the Brisbane Bears/Lions, and will talk about Preparing for life after sport.
*Karni Liddell, Paralympian at Atlanta and Sydney, former swimming World Record holder and Captain of the Australian Paralympic Swim Team and currently training for Athens 2004 will talk about making it to the top against the odds.
*Dr Phil Jauncey is a Sports Psychologist who will speak about spectator and parent behaviour.
The Locker Room Forum is free, held at the new PCYC on Tuesday October 15, from 6:30-9:30pm.
Further information is available from Greg Cannon 49670907.

Louis Vuitton & America's Cup

In brief ... Team Dennis Conner's second boat USA-77 sailed for the first time on Saturday after sinking off California in July.
- Team Alinghi was fined US$10,000 as the international jury determined that the broadcasting microphones were not turned on until 7 minutes after the start of the race against Mascalzone Latino.
- King in a white plastic throne - the white plastic garden chair in the stern of Wight Lightning is reserved for the 17th man. Maybe the chair will start a support campaign - GBR fans lining the Waitemata waterfront with their white plastic seats, waving as the team heads to the racecourse.
- Doug Peterson is no longer Design Director of Prada. When asked if he was sacked or if he walked he replied that he was terminated.
- Prada's other boat, Luna Rossa ITA-80, heads to the boatyard for modification.

C*nsor*d mail

Former Airlie resident and now web-based Boating OZ editor Kathy McKenzie reports on the problems of new technology.
"Not only do we have viruses making life difficult, but some email servers block certain words. Last week I had at least one email undelivered to a government server because we had mentioned Melbourne's famous C*ck of the Bay Yacht Race and Scuttlebutt had lots of undelivered mail when it referred to America's Cup competitor Team Dennis Connor's new sponsor Vi*gra!"

Record confirmed

Maiden 2 now holds the record for the longest distance run in 24 hours by any yacht with any number of crew. Owned by Tracy Edwards GB, Sailed by Brian Thompson, Helena Darvelid, Adrienne Cahalan and a crew of seven, the 33.5m catamaran sailed 694.78 nautical miles in the North Atlantic on 12-13 June 2002. Maiden 2 averaged 28.95 knots.

Rock wall construction

Mariners are advised that the construction of a rock wall has commenced for the extension of the Abel Point Marina. The rock wall will extend from approximate position Latitude 20°16.043'S, Longitude 148°42.397'E in a northerly direction to approximate position Latitude 20°15.927'S, Longitude 148°42.436'E then in a north-easterly direction to approximate position Latitude 20°15.849'S, Longitude 148°42.614'E. Flashing lights will be utilised to mark the wall during construction.
Mariners should use caution in the vicinity Charts affected: AUS 252, 253, 268

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, October 02, 2002

Whale season going strong

Protective humpback whales with new-born calves in tow are now migrating along Queensland's coast, sparking a call for whale watchers and small craft operators to take extra care.
With the whale season entering its final stages between now and November, the vast bulk of pods comprise migrating whales with new-born calves.
Environment Minister Dean Wells said whale watchers needed to take special care not to disturb the mammals with so many pods travelling with calves at this time of year.
"Young whales are more susceptible to disturbance from humans, so now it is even more important to give the pods plenty of space.
"Adult whales are more likely to take defensive action if they feel their calves are under threat so the risk of the mammals colliding with boats is higher than usual," he said.
Mr Wells urged all members of the boating public, especially boat drivers, to read the whale-watching regulations and guidelines, and to report any illegal or inappropriate behaviour.
Whale-watching rules in brief:
• Do not bring a boat within 100m of a whale
• Do not bring a boat any closer than 300m of a whale if three or more boats are already closer than 300m to a whale
• Limit speed to four knots within 300m of a whale
• Do not bring a boat to a position that would cause a whale to come closer than 100m to the boat if the whale continued in its direction of travel
• Do not operate the boat in a way that causes the whale to alter its direction or speed of travel or its behaviour, or bring the boat between members of a pod of whales
• A person on a jet ski must not bring it any closer than 300m to a whale
• Whale watchers are also not allowed to touch a whale or make sound to attract or alarm them
The Conservation and management of whales and dolphins in Queensland 1997-2001 explains in detail the obligations of whale-watchers.

That Cup in court - again

The America's Cup season began in Auckland when racing for the Louis Vuitton Cup started this week.
There are nine challengers representing six countries vying for the Louis Vuitton Cup and the right to race the Defender, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.
The America's Cup Arbitration Panel has issued decisions on questions put before it over the past several months. The most important centred on a dispute between the Prada Challenge and Oracle BMW Racing.
In June 2002, Prada filed a Notice of Proceeding and Statement of Claim in the High Court of New Zealand, naming Oracle BMW Racing as the defendant. The dispute related to a barge belonging to Oracle, which Prada claimed had been positioned on the boundary line between the two syndicates' bases, breaching Prada's privacy.
Two days after the lawsuit was filed, Oracle BMW Racing filed a stay of proceeding. Shortly thereafter, Prada filed a Notice of Discontinuance, essentially withdrawing the Court proceeding.
In its submission to the Arbitration Panel, Oracle maintained that by resorting to an outside Court of Law, Prada was in violation of Article 10.2 of the Protocol, a document governing the Louis Vuitton Cup and America's Cup.
Article 10.2 states in part: Any Challenger who resorts to any Court or tribunal, other than the Arbitration Panel...will accordingly be ineligible to make the declaration provided in Article 6 and to be the Challenger for the Match.
In its ruling, the Arbitration Panel determined that while Prada had breached the provisions of Article 10.2 of the Protocol, no such penalty was automatically provided for, and that the Panel would determine what penalty should be applied.
The Arbitration Panel ruled that by taking into consideration the "various aspects of the infraction, its seriousness, the impact the violation might have had on the outcome of the Challenge and Match, and how the incident reflects on the condition stated in the Deed of Gift..." the Panel would fine Prada US$10 000 plus costs.
Out of the courts and on the water this week.

Too good to be true?

Love those e-mails that beg the recipient to take money offered by the letter writers. Had a good one this week.
Addressed to 'Dear Friend' the writer, a Wilston Adams claims to be a 46-year-old accounts manager of 15 years employment for an unnamed bank in Woodstock, Ontario.
Adams has a big problem that apparently only your Waterfront writer can solve. That is a small matter of $25.5 million Canadian dollars that is 'lying dormant' for ten years in an account of a dead woman who, of course, left no next of kin.
Why has Adams has chosen your writer to get $25.5 million? He is very persuasive with "ALL I HAVE MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU, IS A BUSINESS PROPOSAL THAT WILL BENEFIT YOU." Adams writes, poorly.
"I WILL INFORM YOU MORE ON HOW TO GET THE ACCOUNT TRANSFERRED TO YOU.ON YOUR REPLY I WILL GIVE YOU ALL PERSONAL DETAILS OF ME AND THE TRANSACTION."
There is no doubt this is another fraudster and it is doubtful he is even in Canada. This conman should be in jail for fraud where he could get help from a literacy teacher and be a real menace.

Sport Industry accreditation

Sport Industry Australia (SIA) has welcomed the first report of the Review of the Law of Negligence released recently by Senator Helen Coonan. The report calls for a nationally coordinated response and for individuals to take more responsibility for their own actions. This was strongly supported by SIA.
SIA chief Sarah Lucas said that while the changes should not take away people's rights or reduce consumer protection; there was a need for people to assume the reasonable risks of their participation in activities.
"It is vital that sporting organisations also play a role in helping to manage and minimise those risks, and SIA is pleased to announce the development of an Industry Accreditation Scheme for Sport," Lucas said.
The introduction of SafeSport Accreditation will allow sporting bodies at national, state and club level to have their premiums determined on the basis of the true risk of their sport, taking into account not only their claims history but, importantly, the range and quality of the risk management practices they have in place.
SafeSport Accreditation will be formally launched in October 2002. Stay tuned.

Shoalwater Bay live firing

Mariners are advised that a military exercise involving live firing will be carried out in the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area until Tuesday, 8 October. The danger area is all waters in Shoalwater Bay south of a line from Sabina Point in approximate position Latitude 22°24'S, Longitude 150°18'E across to Old Kiever in approximate position Latitude 22°27.4'S, Longitude 150°35'E. Mooly Creek, Raspberry Creek, Oyster Creek, Shoalwater Creek, Georges Creek, Head (Boundary) Creek and East Creek are within the danger area.
All civil vessels are prohibited from entering the danger area during the above period. Charts affected: AUS 260, 367, 370, 822

Light restored

The Fl(2)5s Isolated Danger Mark light which marks Nares Rock has been restored to normal. Charts affected: AUS 371, 825, 826

A "clue" originally meant a ball of thread. This is why one is said to "unravel" the clues of a mystery.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Friday, September 27, 2002

Paddling Through History Festival success

The Paddling Through History Festival was busy for organisers and participants at the weekend.
There were outrigger and kayaker activities on the water, a bush walk on South Molle and a reception and entertainment on Daydream Island. Shingley Beach Resort conference centre was an excellent choice for the celebrity speakers and historic films while Airlie Beach hosted the opening and closing ceremonies featuring a wide variety of music, dancers and speakers right on the beach. The Whitsunday All Over Cruises artistic fireworks on Sunday night were a fine finale.
Help came from all over with Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsunday providing VMR1 as support vessel for the paddling and as a platform for the Channel Seven news crew. The sailing club gets thanks for the use of the grounds for the fireworks and the use of the tractor and a boat. The police, ambulance and fire service workers didn't have to do anything, so they could relax and enjoy the show. The weather held for a perfect, though warm September weekend.
The Paddling Through History Association thanks everyone who pitched in and sponsored the event. This year was the first time the annul event was focused on the mainland and the committee feels that allowed it to be more accessible and affordable to more people in the community.
Boat searched: No trace of three sailors

Police divers failed to find the three missing sailors under the hull of the stricken racing yacht Excalibur, now drifting about 170km off Newcastle, NSW.
A police spokesman said two water police vessels - Alert and Fearless - left Nelson Bay to rendezvous with Excalibur. He said weather conditions had improved but there was a 1. 5m to 2m swell. Water Police launched a RIB before reaching the yacht to make a full assessment.
After attaching air bags to the vessel as a safety precaution, two Police divers entered the hull where no trace of the bodies of the three missing sailors were found. Conditions prevented a search of the bow area because of the volume of sails and equipment floating there.
The 15.2 metre Lyons Extrem racing yacht Excalibur capsized off Port Stephens on Monday night after the yacht's keel snapped off. Authorities believe the boat had hit a semi-submerged object while returning from racing in the Whitsundays.
Two sailors, Brian McDermott and John Rogers, both wearing life jackets were on deck, wearing safety tethers at the time of the capsize. They were able to cut their tethers and escape to the surface. They survived for more than six hours in difficult conditions with 3m waves and 35-40 knot winds tethered together in the water.
Rogers activated his personal EPIRB and Search and Rescue aircraft saw the blue strobe light being held aloft by McDermott. They were rescued from the water by the 50,000 tonne Swiss bulk carrier Curia.
The body of a third crewmember, Christopher Heyes, 51, was found on Tuesday morning floating near the overturned hull.
Police divers risked their lives later that day to scramble on to the upturned hull of Excalibur and knocked to see if anyone was trapped inside in an airlock. But there was no reply.
The air and sea search was suspended on Wednesday because of the treacherous conditions and a final intensive search was made on Thursday morning before the search was finally abandoned today.
It was not until Saturday morning that the big seas had abated giving divers a safer chance in the search for three missing crew members.
Peter McLoyd, 51, Tracey Luke, 32, and Anne Marie Pope, 30, all from Melbourne were below decks when the capsize took place and water started flooding in the companionway.
A more complete search of the vessel is expected to be made when it is raised from the water by a salvage team in the next few days.

Surveys to protect dugongs

A boat ramp survey of recreational boaters will be held this week by the Hinchinbrook Local Marine Advisory Committee (HLMAC), in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
The survey is part of a monitoring program designed to provide information on the effectiveness of voluntary measures in place to protect dugongs.
Voluntary vessel transit lanes are a key strategy for protecting Dugongs in Hinchinbrook Channel and Missionary Bay.
According to HLMAC, Chair Bill Whiteman, the survey sought to obtain information from recreational users about the distance they travel to make use of the Hinchinbrook area and the types of activities they undertake in the Hinchinbrook Channel and associated waters.
"The survey is also designed to provide information about the effectiveness of recent information campaigns to inform people about management strategies GBRMPA and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have developed with HLMAC to reduce impact on dugong from watercraft," Mr Whiteman said.

Rock light unlit

Mariners are advised that the Fl(2)5s Isolated Danger Mark light in approximate position Latitude 19°46.2'S, Longitude 148°21.5'E which marks Nares Rock has been reported to be unlit. Mariners should use caution in the vicinity. Charts affected: AUS 371, 825, 826

"Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs."

-Henry Ford


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Tuesday, September 24, 2002


Two survivors in yacht tragedy

Two Melbourne sailors are the only survivors so far of a yacht that capsized off the north coast of New South Wales on Monday night while on a delivery voyage from the Whitsundays.
The sailors, reported to be life long friends, kept each other awake for six hours until they were pulled from the cold water. They owe their lives to an emergency beacon and their will to survive.
The two men were returning home from the Whitsundays with their four crew mates, two men and two women - all from the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
Last night, one man was confirmed dead and the other three sailors were missing, feared drowned.
"The emergency beacon, without any question was what saved their lives," said Ben Mitchell, of Australian Search and Rescue.
A rescue helicopter was unable to get close enough in the conditions to winch the survivors to safety. It was not until 4am that a nearby Swiss merchant ship, the Curia, got close enough to pick them up. It took the ship 10 attempts to get them on board in the stormy weather conditions.
Investigators suspect the yacht hit a semi-submerged object, a whale or a shipping container. The search for the missing sailors began at first light 42 nautical miles from Port Stephens. The body of a male sailor was found floating near the hull soon after.
Yesterday, Melbourne's yachting community expressed shock at the tragic accident. The boat had been returning to Victoria after competing in several sailing regattas in Queensland.
Excalibur, a 50-foot aluminium yacht, which complied with all safety requirements, was launched in July and was undergoing its first racing campaign before entry in the Sydney to Hobart later this year.

Paddling Through History

This weekend will be a busy one with the annual Paddling Through History Festival starting Friday evening on the Airlie waterfront at sunset.
The festival, sponsored by Whitsunday All Over Cruises and Whitsunday Reef Adventures celebrates the maritime culture of the Whitsundays and respect for the multicultural makeup of the region.
When Cook sailed through the area, he saw canoes amongst the islands. These days the Whitsunday Islands as he called them, are alive with watercraft of all kinds and is the focus of the modern popular outrigger culture. Seventy crews attended the Hamilton Island outrigger regatta this year.
If you would like to have a close look at - or even a ride in - an outrigger canoe come down to the Lions Club Airlie Beach Markets Multi-cultural Mardi Gras from 8.30 am on Saturday morning. Paddlers from Outrigger Whitsunday will attend an Aboriginal Canoe Blessing Ceremony at 9 am and display their canoes before heading to Daydream Island Resort and Spa for lunch.
A bushwalk will take about two hours on South Molle Island Saturday morning with traditional owners and the Whitsunday Volunteers. A special event & special price - book with Whitsunday All Over Cruises 4946 6900.
The Sunset Super Auction sponsored by Whitsunday Rent a Yacht on Saturday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from 6 pm will have something for locals and tourists alike with a wide range of Whitsunday items up for auction by Christie Leet.
On Sunday at sunset the Airlie waterfront will come alive when the Whitsunday All Over Cruises Sunset Fire Ceremony begins on the beach stage.
Music is by award winning Jabaru sponsored by Woodman's Mitre 10. Featuring Karen Dorante of ABC Radio as MC and joined by guest speakers anthropologist Dr Bryce Barker & Ngaro Elder Irene Butterworth, Jan Jarratt MP - Member for Whitsunday representing the Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and Queensland Events Regional Development Program.
The whole family will enjoy the fluorescent outriggers on the water for the exciting Whitsunday All Over/Whitsunday Reef Adventures artistic fireworks feature.
A photographic competition focusing on the festival has $2,000 in prizes with entry forms available from Tropix in Airlie Beach.

All at sea?

The broad-minded vicar was invited by the broad-minded headmistress to talk to her older girls about religion and sex. Not wishing to compromise either his diary or his less tolerant wife, he entered the engagement as "Talk to girls about sailing".
A day or so after his talk the headmistress encountered the vicar's wife.
"So very good of your husband to talk to my girls the other evening. He was quite splendid and so helpful."
"I can't imagine what he knows about it," replied the vicar's wife, "he's only done it twice, and the first time he was seasick and on the second occasion his hat blew off."

Discrimination strikes

Without worrying whether lightning strikes twice, men are hit much more often then women. The percentage of men hit by lightning is calculated to be 83 per cent.

Light replaced

The lighted Port Lateral Mark buoy Fl.R.5s that marks Slade Rock has been replaced in position. Charts affected: AUS 249, 250

"The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them."

-Robert Frost




Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Saturday, September 14, 2002


Tragic start to summer boating season

With the loss of four people in two boating accidents last weekend as the summer boating season gets underway, the Boating Industry Association (BIA) is calling on boat operators to place a greater focus on the basics of boating safety.
Two Victorian men, aged 54 and 62, were seen leaving a beach in worsening weather on Friday. Their upturned boat was found on Chinaman's Long Beach. Police received reports of a flare being sighted off shore.
Another police search for a missing man after a speedboat accident that left one man dead at Lake Eildon, north-east of Melbourne. Two men were thrown from the speedboat, and witnesses raised the alarm as the men disappeared.
"This is the worst start on record to the beginning of the summer boating season!" The BIA's CEO, Mr Lindsay Grenfell said.
"Sadly four people have been lost because boat operators may have put to sea in craft unsuitable for the forecast conditions or their boat may have needed equipment maintenance. People in small boats should wear a lifejackets and despite boat operators being required to get a licence for the first time for the second part of this season effective from February 1 2003 and numerous practical boating courses being offered, it appears that in at least two cases the best safety practises are clearly not being applied."
It is recommended that before departing on a boating trip and when out on the water weather forecasts should be monitored and acted on. The BIA recommends that boat operators should check the weather conditions and have their vessel inspected and serviced by an expert.

Cold fact

The average iceberg might weigh twenty million tons. Now, if you put that much ice in drinks, how much booze would you need?

What gear?

Cruising sailors asked recently which electronic instrument would they rank as the most important for cruising. They chose the following: 6% Radar; 38% Depth sounder; 48% GPS; 4% Wind speed and direction gauge and 4% log for boat speed. Total sample: 1541

Gallipoli Yacht Rally 2003

A yacht rally along the Aegean Coast of Turkey to end in Anzac Cove for Anzac Day. The rally in chartered yachts is off the main tourist trail and the ports of call offer a special opportunity to visit unique historical sites and experience Turkish culture, hospitality and cuisine. The Anzac Day Dawn Service and the Australian Commemorative Service at Lone Pine will be followed by overland transportation to Istanbul for a two-night stopover, followed by an optional tour to Cappadochia in Central Anatolia. Non sailing partners can follow the route by air-conditioned coach. www.marinerboating.com.au

Writing Competition

Founder of Boating OZ and former Whitsunday resident Kathy McKenzie, is conducting a writing competition to encourage budding boating writers.
'We often receive stories from people about their experiences on a boat which are informative or funny and very personal. I would like to encourage these writers and reward them for it,' said Kathy.
" I am inviting readers to enter our Writing Competition sponsored by Boat Books Australia. I would like to encourage these writers and reward them for it. We want to hear from serious racers, Olympic campaigners, cruisers and anyone who just likes messing around in boats, whether power or sail."
The first competition closes on November 15 with prizes awarded by both a judging panel and Boating OZ readers. Boat Books Australia is sponsoring the competition with $300 of prizes.
Conditions of Entry are a limit of 1,500 words of a past or recent anecdotal story that is boating related. Submit a 60-80-word summary of your story. No references to commercial enterprises. Must be original unpublished work. Entries will be published on www.BoatingOZ.com.au and if it is a Whitsunday story, the Guardian.
There are hundreds of dollars of prizes you can win just by putting pen to paper.

Sailing Club AGM this Sunday

This Sunday morning at 10 am members of the Whitsunday Sailing Club will meet at the clubhouse for their AGM.
There will be the usual reports and elections and news about the proposed Port of Airlie marina development is expected.


Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan