Tuesday, January 27, 2004

The 168th Australia Day Regatta.

Sydney turned on the biggest on-the-water Australia Day celebration since the 1988 bicentenary, with official estimates at 3000 vessels on the water and 200,000 spectators around the foreshores to watch events that included the colourful Ferry Race, an Australia Day Parade of craft of all shapes and sizes, the Tall Ships Race, and the 168th Australia Day Regatta.
In addition, an estimated 300 dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats competed in satellite Australia Day regattas on waterways in NSW.
Locally the Whitsunday Sailing Club fleet went to Monte's Reef Resort of the weekend.

Prevent tilapia spread

The Department of Primary Industries is urging the public to be on the look out for the noxious fish tilapia and help prevent the spread of this pest species.
The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is encouraging people to report any suspected findings of tilapia, a declared noxious fish species.
QFS fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said tilapia could threaten native fish populations and the environment and were able to dominate waterways due to their highly efficient reproductive strategies, simple food requirements and flexible habitat preferences.
Ms Burton said that although noxious fish such as tilapia had established populations in a number of river systems throughout Queensland there were still many catchments that were tilapia free.
In North Queensland, the Johnstone, Barron, Mulgrave-Russell and Black catchments are infested with tilapia while catchments such as the Tully and Murray are thought to be tilapia free.
Ms Burton said it was vital tilapia were not introduced into these catchments as eradicating established populations was unlikely.
"People need to act responsibly to prevent tilapia spreading further throughout Queensland waterways," she said.
"More often than not members of the public introduce the fish to waterways not realising the environmental damage they can cause.
"For example, some people use tilapia as bait which even when dead have the potential to spread."
Ms Burton said the danger was some species such as Mozambique mouthbrooders hatched their eggs inside their mouths with the eggs and fry able to remain alive for a period of time.
"Even when the fish is dead the eggs and fry remain alive and can escape when the fish is disposed of," she said.
Ms Burton said to help prevent the spread of tilapia; any fish caught should be disposed of away from the waterway.
If they need to be identified, they should be humanely killed by being placed in ice slurry and frozen.
She said Mozambique mouthbrooders were pale olive to silver grey with two to five dark blotches on their sides.
They could grow to more than 40cm and breeding males became almost black with red edging on their fins.
Fines of up to $150,000 apply to people in possession of tilapia or using them as bait, live or dead.
Anyone who thinks they may have found a tilapia should contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

Brits see red over Ensign

In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.

Too serious

I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be
left to the politicians. -- Charles De Gaulle


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan


Marine radio licences for small boat operators

The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.

Brits see red over Ensign

In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.

TV amp interference

Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.

St Bees light

Mariners are advised that the North Cardinal Marker on the northern end of St Bees Island, in approximate position Latitude 20° 54.0887'S Longitude 149° 25.9716'E has been reported as unlit. Mariners should use caution when navigating in this area. Charts Affected: AUS 823


Not a failure

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Inventor Thomas Alva Edison


Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan


Friday, January 16, 2004

Outriggers come of age at Whitsunday destination

Hamilton Island hosts Australia's oldest, largest and richest outrigger canoe race and will commemorate a coming of age with its 21st staging in June 2004.
More than 2000 paddlers from all over the world are attracted to The Coca Cola Hamilton Island Cup for a four-day event (4 - 8 June) that includes a combination of sprint and marathon canoe paddling.
Sprint races take place over a 500m course off Catseye Beach followed by short marathons of 16km around the island. The flagship event is a gruelling 53-kilometre marathon that circumnavigates six Whitsunday Islands and draws the best teams from around the world.
After the final event of the last day is complete, a huge closing celebration happens in the Marina Village.
Another outstanding event in our Whitsunday wonderland!


Breakdown calls

In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report


Fishing studies

CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
* Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
* Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known (by scientists) on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Wednesday, January 07, 2004

Coming up: Big year on the water for sailors

The Whitsunday Islands are the focus for a fabulous year ahead as our excellent events draw the best Aussie and overseas sailors to our shores.
This year will see the 15th annual Hog's Breath Race Week kick off on Friday, August 13.
It is amazing to your Waterfront writer that it is 15 years since Boss Hog Don Algie said he wanted to start a race week that would "have fun, good partying and oh yeah, great sailing."
The Hog's Week includes the famous Beach Party on the Monday and following the presentation crews will sail to Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week sailed from 20 - 29 August.
There are few places in the world that can offer such a great yachting facility, regatta management and good-hearted wholesome fun to match the healthy feeling that exists at Hamilton Island Race Week.
This year is the 21st anniversary of 'Race Week'. Last year around 170 yachts competed in the week-long regatta with more than half of the entries escaping the cold winter of Sydney and Melbourne.
Apart from the exciting week of racing last year, the event featured a magnificent Moet and Chandon lunch and the Hahn Beer Dinner. The 'Whitehaven Beach Party' attracted around 3,500 people to the pristine shores of Whitehaven Beach to play touch football and beach cricket with members of the Australian cricket team.
The event constantly attracts the world's best sailors including an array of America's Cup, Admiral Cup, Olympic and World Champions mixing with sailing enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world.
In the lead-up to these events will be the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show' on the 12-13 June Queen's birthday weekend and the Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday/Pentecost Sunday May 30.
But wait, there's still more! Waterfront will keep you posted during this fabulous year.

Breakdown calls

In 2002, volunteer marine rescue groups responded to 2559 call outs for assistance statewide, 64 per cent were for breakdowns. Earlier reports showed similar results. This demonstrates the importance of engine and battery maintenance - prevention is better than cure. Source: 2002 Marine Safety Incidents Annual Report

Fishing studies


CRC Reef Research Centre, James Cook University is conducting a number of studies into fishing.
A 4-year project will investigate the impact of line fishing on the survival of some Queensland reef fish.
The research project will focus on the effects of:
Capture Depth - fish caught in deep water often show signs of barotrauma, caused by gas in the fish's body expanding as it is brought to the surface, causing internal injuries.
Hook Type & Size - hook size influences the number of undersize fish caught and styles of hooks can affect where the hook lodges.
Anglers involved in the project will not only tag the fish but will have to record additional information.
Why fishing? Most surveys of recreational fishers collect catch and effort data but little is known on why people go fishing. This study will take a closer look at social values surrounding recreational fishing in Queensland, the reasons why people go fishing and the benefits they receive from their fishing activity.

Brits see red over Ensign


In response to news of possible changes to legislation that would require the Ensign to bear the Euro flag the Royal Yachting Association are incensed that the changes, if implemented, would make it necessary for the European flag to be displayed in a corner of the ensign.
"Most British yachtsmen cherish our maritime traditions. This is an important part of our culture, and the RYA would absolutely oppose any plan to scrap our Red, White and Blue Ensigns" Edmund Whelan, RYA Legal and Government Affairs Manager said.
"However, legislation allowing individual yachtsmen to opt for the Euro Ensign on a voluntary basis could well be acceptable, and we would welcome consultation on that basis."
Parliament's Transport and Regional Affairs Committee have voted by 27 votes to 22 in favour of the legislation.
The Ensign is the national maritime flag and denotes a vessel's country of registration. Generally, but not always, this will follow the nationality of the owner.
In the UK, the statutory regulations regarding the wearing of Ensigns are the Merchant Shipping Acts and Queen's Regulations for the Royal Navy.
Yachts are classified as British merchantmen and as such are entitled to wear the Red Ensign. The Merchant Shipping Acts state that all vessels (unless registered fishing vessels) must wear their proper national colours when entering or leaving a foreign port. Even if the Red Ensign is not being worn, it should be carried on board at all times.
The Ensign is the most important flag on a boat. Therefore, it must be the most prominently displayed on board and must be in the most important position preferably on its own special staff.
The after part of a ship is considered to be the most important part since in the times of sailing ships the officers were accommodated aft and the ship was commanded from the poop and quarter decks. This is why the Ensign is flown aft.
Sailors tend to fly the Ensign constantly when at sea, although the strict rule states that it must be flown when land or other ships are in sight.
There seems to be some confusion about what is or is not an illegal Ensign. The Euroflag is not an Ensign, nor is the Union Flag nor the Welsh Dragon nor any of the other home country flags. The Red Ensign, or a Special Ensign if entitled, is the only correct Ensign to be worn on board British vessels.
The Union Flag (sometimes incorrectly called the Union Jack - unless it is being flown at the jackstaff of one of HM Ships) is not a recognised flag for a yacht to fly and foreign yachtsmen should not fly it as a courtesy flag - again the Red Ensign is the correct flag for this purpose. Only ships of the Royal Navy or HM Air Force vessels may fly the Union Flag. Merchant ships or yachts should never wear the Union Flag.
The RYA has no power to police the wearing of Ensigns other than by spreading the word about flag etiquette and encouraging good practice as vigorously as possible.

Rubbish!


More than 45,000 pieces of plastic debris float on every square mile of ocean a report says.

Marine radio concerns


The Australian Communications Authority has warned Australia's small boat owners that they must hold a certificate of proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for 27 MHz CB-type marine radios, the ACA also called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that many recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to distress frequencies.
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise; In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.

TV amp interference


Poorly installed or badly maintained television antenna amplifiers may be causing unnecessary interference to television reception and mobile phone services, particularly in rural areas, according to the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
ACA's Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the best way to avoid causing interference problems was to have a reputable antenna installer / technician install the cabling for the antenna and the amplifier.
"We also strongly recommend that old or deteriorating amplifiers, cable or connectors be replaced," he said.
Causing this type of interference may also breach Section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Under the Act, the owner of a faulty amplifier is legally responsible for its operation and must fix the problem once officially notified.

Not a failure


"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Inventor Thomas Alva Edison

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan