Plastiki on voyage to Great Barrier Reef

Unique message in a bottle

 

We have all heard of a ship in a bottle, but what about a ship made of bottles.

In the future, we could sail the seas in a yacht made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

 This is exactly what environmental storyteller David de Rothschild and his intrepid crew of scientists, sailors and adventurers are doing on the Plastiki, an ocean going one-of-a-kind 60-foot catamaran on a mission to beat waste.

Following the launch in California, Plastiki will sail across the Pacific to Australia.

It is hoped that the plastic fantastic will provide support for another awareness-rasing event, The Great Barrier Reef Swim, a record-breaking ultra-marathon ocean swim of 2300 kilometres calling attention to ocean conservation and awareness.

Two open water swimmers Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron plan to embark on the world's first swim of the entire length of Australia's Great Barrier Reef in 2010.

 

Sea Trail tracks open

 

From this week rangers welcome visitors to explore the new walking tracks constructed on Hook, Whitsunday and South Molle Islands as part of the new Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. An official launch in 2010 will complete the two-year project, which has seen the investment of more than $1 million into our islands walking tracks. Information about the walks can be found online at www.derm.qld.gov.au or collect a visitor guide from QPWS Airlie Beach.

 

Lucky, Not Lonely!

 

"For the first time in over two weeks I saw something man made other than Ella's Pink Lady. It was a small white piece of plastic that floated by this morning while we were becalmed for a short while. Not all that exciting, but it made me think about just how completely in the middle of nowhere I really am and about how every mile is taking us further into a pretty much empty stretch of ocean" writes teenage sailor Jessica Watson.

Jessica's position is East of New Zealand and SW of Pitcairn island heading across the south Pacific to Cape Horn and after sixty days at sea she has sailed over 6,000 miles on her voyage around the world.

 

There be monsters

 

Monsters are found in Queensland, Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said this week.

Those keen fishers who want to land a metre long monster barramundi should be dropping a line in one of Queensland dams.

"The easiest way to catch one of these monster barramundi is by fishing in one of the State's dams," the Minister said.

"Stocked barramundi in Queensland reach the golden length of one metre in five years compared with 10 years for wild fish.

"To reach the legal minimum size of 58cm* stocked fish take just two years as opposed to four years for wild caught barra.

A recent study found barramundi released into freshwater dams reached the 'magic metre' twice as quickly as wild barramundi.

Mr Mulherin said the study used data from more than 120,000 tagged fish.

"The study was developed with the help of anglers through fish tag collection and monitoring research conducted since 1987," Mr Mulherin said.

 

Make my day

 

"I don't believe in pessimism. If something doesn't come up the way you want, forge ahead. If you think it's going to rain, it will,"  - Clint Eastwood

 

Fair winds to Ye!

 

Cap'n Dan

The World comes to Airlie Beach

The World comes to Airlie Beach

 

Arriving in Airlie Beach this Sunday, The World is a cruise ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents. The residents, from about 40 different countries, live on board as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe. Some residents live onboard full time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the year.

The World flies a Bahamas flag and has a gross tonnage of 43,524 tons. The vessel is 644 feet (196m) long, 98 feet (30m) wide, and has a 22-foot (6.7m) draft, 12 decks, and a maximum speed of 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h). The crew numbers 250.

The ship has 165 residential units (106 apartments, 19 studio apartments, and 40 studios), all owned by the ship's residents. The ship carries between 100 and 300 residents and their guests.

The World was the idea of Knut U. Kloster Jr., whose family had a long history in the cruise ship industry. The ship was built in Rissa, Norway and launched in March 2002.

In October 2003, the residents of the vessel purchased The World. ResidenSea in Miramar, Florida, remained the management company responsible for operations and administration of the ship. The residents, through their elected board of directors and a network of committees, provide guidance to the management about the ship's itinerary, finances and lifestyle.

 

2011 Around Australia

 

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. At last count this week, 211 yachts have taken up Race or Rally.

"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said.

The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24-hours at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.

The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.

Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

 

The Reef

 

A controversial $3.5 million Australian-made film, 'The Reef' tells the story five young travellers who are sailing in tropical waters when their yacht sinks, stranding them in open ocean to be harassed by a Great White shark, a species seldom seen on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Association of Marine Park Operators is worried the film would turn off foreign visitors who could not distinguish fact from fiction.

Shark attacks are not the reef experience most tourists seek; indeed the shark footage had to be filmed in South Australia, as there aren't any up here.

Producer of 'The Reef' Michael Robertson says, "I think in most cases people that go to watch these films understand that the horror genre is part of fantastic cinema and the aim of these films is to scare an audience."

And hey, even after 35 years many still hum the theme of 'Jaws' when someone is entering the water.

The Reef is set for release in late 2010.

 

Navigation hazard

 

Mariners are advised that a steel pile is located in Shute Bay at position latitude 20° 17.524' S, longitude 148° 46.903' E and a timber pile is located in position latitude 20° 17.498' S, longitude 148° 46.898' E on the northern shoreline of Shute Bay. These piles could be covered at high tide and should be considered hazards to navigation at those times. Mariners should navigate with caution when operating in the vicinity. AUS charts 252 & 253

 

That's life

 

"Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms," observed actor Sir Laurence Olivier

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Island Arks meet first for Whitsunday Island

Island Arks meet first for Whitsunday Island

 

A symposium discovering and informing sustainable use of island ecosystems will be conducted on Daydream Island December 7 - 11.

Organiser Derek Ball, Operations Manager of Biodiversity Coasts and Marine for Reef Catchments said, "It is surprising that there has never been a conference of this type before in Australia. We are expecting that the symposia topics and location will attract major interest from around Australia and the South Pacific.

The island destination will attract scientists, island managers, ecotourism operators, students and others with a direct and indirect interest in island sustainability and management to identify, discuss and resolve management challenges; identifying pathways for long-term conservation of island ecosystems including sustainable use.

"The sustainable use of island ecosystems requires strong inter-disciplinary knowledge bases including terrestrial and marine ecology, coastal engineering, fire ecology, invasive species management, waste management, communication and marketing, and environmental economics."

"The symposium aims to bring together practitioners in these disciplines," Mr Ball added.

 

Hugh Williams Day

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Spitfire Rock

 

Mariners are advised that the west cardinal mark beacon Q(9)15s in approximate position latitude 20° 28.59' S, longitude 149° 01.7' E which marks Spitfire Rock in Kennedy Sound has been reported to be unlit. Mariners are advised to use caution in the vicinity. AUS charts 252, 254, and 824

 

Important as anything

 

"When people talk about all the things needed to sail around the world they never seem to mention patience, but I'm fast learning that it's as important as anything." Teenage sailing adventurer Jessica Watson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Mutiny on the Bounty boat adventure revisited

Mutiny on the Bounty boat adventure revisited

 

April 28, 2010 marks the 221st anniversary of the Mutiny on the Bounty, when Fletcher Christian cast William Bligh and 18 of his men adrift in a 23-foot open boat, which marked the beginning of one of the greatest open boat voyages in maritime history.
During the following seven weeks, Bligh and his men sailed over 3,700 nautical miles, in an overloaded boat, with little food or water and no charts, from Tonga to Kupang in Timor.
It has become more than legend of leadership, small boat seamanship and survival.
On that same day, in the same place, at the same time of day 221 year later, Australian adventurer Don McIntyre, Mike Perham; the world's youngest solo circumnavigator and two other crew, will relive Bligh's nightmare.
They will attempt to sail the same voyage under similar conditions, no charts, no toilet paper, not enough food or water, in an 18th century traditional open timber whale boat.
McIntyre is not new to adventuring, but this challenge is like nothing he has experienced before.
They will have very good safety equipment, a strong risk minimisation program, and will have a GPS, charts, torches and the emergency food etc. onboard, sealed in a box and not used.
The hardships and human dynamics of the crew is part of the experience sought, to get close to Bligh and his men.
"Can we survive on of the greatest open boat journeys in Maritime History?" asks Captain McIntyre.
"Our odds are far higher than if you were a sufferer of Motor Neurone Disease (MND)."
"We are making this journey to raise funds for the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience. This landmark initiative will create the world's first, stand alone institute dedicated to bringing an end to MND." Captain McIntyre said.

 

Too much sun

 

Boat passenger could not figure out why she got sunburnt while out on a boat.
"I didn't think I could get sunburnt because the boat was moving"
 
Dugong Beach campground

 

New defined camping sites have been well received with their design reducing damage to vegetation caused by visitors shortcutting between sites, the new post and rail completes recent work to upgrade the site. Dugong is a good alternative to camping at adjacent Sawmill Beach, which will close to camping from December 8.

 

Rubber vine reduced

 

Park Rangers have targeted outbreaks of the Class 2 pest plant, rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora on Gloucester Island in an effort to protect habitat of the island's Proserpine Rock-Wallaby and reduce further spread throughout the Whitsunday islands.

 

Airlie Creek fireworks

 

Mariners are advised that the Fantasea Annual Cracker Night will be held on Friday, November 27. The event commences at 1800 hours at the market site on the Airlie Beach foreshore adjacent to the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Fireworks are due to be set off from the point of Airlie Creek at approximately 2000 hours for an estimated duration of half an hour. AUS charts 252 and 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Australian Radio Alphabet

Australian Radio Alphabet

 

 The Americans have forced their radio alphabet on the rest of the world
 but we prefer this Aussie radio alphabet, it comes courtesy of ALEX vk2fpol;

 

 A - AUSSIE
 B - BARBIE
 C - CARTON
 D - DUNNY
 E - ESKY
 F - FOOTBALL
 G - GROGSHOP
 H - HOTEL
 I - IDIOT
 J - JACKAROO
 K - "K"
 L - LONGNECK
 M - MEAT PIE
 N - NUMBSKULL
 O - OCKER
 P - PINCH
 Q - QUID
 R - RIGHT OH
 S - SICKY
 T - TROOPY
 U - U-TURN
 V - VEG OUT
 W - WEEKEND
 X - XXXX
 Y - YABBIE
 Z - ZILLIONS

 

 

Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

 

With ever-increasing visits by cruise ships to Whitsunday, our cruise ship volunteer ambassadors need a hand.

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

"Great news!" writes Judi.

"Yet another cruise ship added to our schedule in December.

"We have just been advised the residential cruise ship, The World, will be visiting Airlie Beach on Sunday December 13.

"The World is an apartment complex on water. You purchase your own apartment and permanently live onboard, continually travelling the world. There are 165 apartments, catering for 300-400 residents and their guests.

"This of course gives us six ships within 12 days in December, so our volunteer

Ambassadors will need extra help to keep up their enthusiasm and good spirits.

"Our volunteers are a critical ingredient in the successful experience for the passengers and therefore ensuring the cruise ship companies continue using Airlie Beach as their 'port of call' in the Whitsundays," Judi added.

If you like meeting and greeting people and helping to show off our destination you may contact Judi Dunn 0408 285 915.

 

Teenage adventurer

 

Teenage adventurer 16-year-old Queenslander Jessica Watson has almost reached the equator.

Jessica is attempting to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted; Jessica left Sydney on October 18 to embark on her 38,000km trip and has passed the 2500 nautical mile mark.

"Progress had been a little on and off over the last few days". Jessica writes, "No wind."

"This afternoon (Monday) was pretty cool, a pod of dolphins spent a couple of hours hanging around and I had a great time sitting in the shade of the sails on the bow, feet dangling over the side (and yes clipped on!!) watching them play in clear water. I'm not sure what kind they were (small and completely grey) but they hung around for ages, so they can't have thought my music was too bad! I loved the way the dolphins would play around riding and shooting along the swell and can only imagine how much fun they must have in a big sea."

 

Reef record swim

 

Two swimmers want to raise awareness of ocean conservation and aim to set a new record in open water swimming next year.

The two swimmers Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron will embark on the world's first swim of the entire length of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This will be a record ultra-marathon ocean swim of 2300 kilometres. They will be calling attention to ocean conservation and awareness.

In the first week since the launch of the Facebook page 'Great Barrier Reef Swim', over 300 members had signed on.

The swim will highlight the GBR and show it to be generally in good health. The organisers would like to hear from boating people who would consider helping out with their time, experience and vessels.

 

Oil spill?

 

Following a report of an oil spill at Shute Harbour, fully geared-up officers from Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) arrived to inspect the unknown offensive and possibly dangerous material at the waters' edge.

The officers would not have noticed the smell, they being enclosed in their self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus.

The smell was that of the naturally occurring oceanic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium commonly known as 'sea sawdust' and often mistakenly called 'coral spawn'.

Thankfully the smelly slick, though often confused with oil spills, wasn't.

 

Notice to Mariners

 

The Australian Hydrographic Service advises a chart update for the Historic wreck on Carlisle Island. Chart AUS824 insert stranded wreck, with magenta legend Historic Wk 20 46.730 S 149 16.620 E.

The Howard Smith Ltd iron steamship 'Geelong' 432 gross tons, built 1856; registered Melbourne; On the Sydney - Queensland ports service was at anchor off Carlisle island when run ashore, in a cyclonic gale, to save life, 17th February 1888. Two crewmen perished.

 

Important as anything

 

"When people talk about all the things needed to sail around the world they never seem to mention patience, but I'm fast learning that it's as important as anything." Teenage adventurer Jessica Watson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

America's Cup for Whitsunday?

America's Cup for Whitsunday?

 

With America's Cup defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland suggesting holding next year's event in Queensland, perhaps Whitsunday should be put forward to host the world's most iconic yacht race.

While trying to resolve a legal battle with American Challenger BMW Oracle Racing it emerged the Swiss were happy to move the event to the east coast of Australia.

The American challenger, Oracle, had previously challenged the Swiss choice of the Persian Gulf, on safety grounds.

However, it is unlikely Whitsunday could host the international event, as it does not yet have sufficient facilities required despite boasting some of the best waters in the world for yacht racing at Edgecombe Bay, Bowen or Pioneer Bay at Airlie Beach.

Legendary Australia II skipper John Bertrand has tipped Southport as the location in Queensland to probably host the event, although the Swiss team has not revealed its preferred location.

Other than Queensland, Valencia in Spain is the only venue mentioned to host the America's Cup racing.

 

Remembrance Day

 

Originally called Armistice Day, this day commemorated the end of the hostilities for the Great War (World War I), the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was observed by the Allies as a way of remembering those who died, especially soldiers with 'no known grave'.

Lest we forget

 

Fishing closure

 

The final Coral reef fin fish closure for 2009 is on (or is it off?) this Saturday November 14 until Wednesday November 18.

There is no Christmas closure this year (Yea!) the next being October 5 to 9 2010.

 

2011 Around Australia race and rally

 

The 2011 'Around Australia Ocean Race and Ocean Rally' feature a multi-stop anti-clockwise circumnavigation of Australia's coastline. The Race and Rally events were launched late June 2009. As at 25 September 2009, 164 yachts have taken up Race or Rally (Race 54, Rally 110).

"Australia is the only country in the world that has a continuous coastline you can freely sail around. From the tropical north to the rigours of the southern ocean, it has a magnificent coastline. Rather than dreaming about it, sailors can now do it in an organised event." Bob Williams, CEO of Ocean Events said

The Race will take a yacht capable of averaging 130 NM per 24hrs at sea around 110 days to complete the circumnavigation including stopovers.

The Rally is for the experienced ocean going cruising yacht owner and is based around the considered 'prime times' to be circumnavigating Australia. There are many excellent Rally events that take place around the Australia coastline and where practical the 'Around Australia Ocean Rally' will incorporate many of these excellent rallies.

Participants can select where on the Coastline of Australia they start and finish in The Race or Rally.

 

Marine radio call

 

Responding to concerns about declining standards in the use of VHF marine radio and compliance with the requirement to hold an operators' certificate of proficiency, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion paper about regulatory arrangements for VHF marine radios used by recreational boat operators.

The discussion paper invites comment from marine radio users about safety and the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters and follows concerns expressed by the National Marine Safety Committee and representatives of the maritime community.

The ACMA is interested in hearing all views across the spectrum of interested parties - from individuals who operate marine radio on a recreational basis, to marine industry representatives and regulatory bodies throughout Australia.

The close of submissions for this paper is Friday, December 18.

 

Rattlesnake Island

 

Mariners are advised that military units will be conducting live firing activities between 0800 and 1400 hours this Friday, November 13. The active area is within a five (5) nautical mile (approximately 9260 metres) radius of

Rattlesnake Island, and will not exceed a height of 22000 feet above sea level.

Mariners are warned to keep well clear of this area throughout the above times.

AUS charts 256 and 827.

  

"The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear. It is the storm within that endangers him, not the storm without" Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen

NQ Junior Championship Regatta in Bowen this weekend

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Ambassadors meet and greet

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Hugh Williams Day

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Let's dance!

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

Our Ambassadors meet and greet cruise ships

 

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

 

Wind surfin'

 

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

 

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

 

2011 Around Australia

 

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

 

Marine notice

 

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

 

Learning best

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

Coral reef fish spawning closure starts

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

NQ Junior Championship Regatta

 

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

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

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

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

 

VMR Service charge

    

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

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

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

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

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

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

 

Island camping holidays

 

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

 

Mariner Notice

 

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

Charts AUS 253 & 254

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Ports partners protect Reef Park

Ports partners protect Reef Park

 

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

 

Oh, no 000!

 

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

 

Marine radio call

 

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

 

Live . . .

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

Great Northern Clean Up this weekend

 

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

 

Jessica Remains on Track

 

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

 

Bounty Mutiny sail

 

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

 

Survival mode

 

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

 

The good and the bad

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

Surf's Up for Whitsunday's new nippers

Surf's Up for Whitsunday's new nippers

 

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

 

Take a number
 
Waterfront got a call from sailor Alan Southwood who saw a problem and has thought of a good solution.
On a recent weekend a small boat was taking water at Shute Harbour and was in danger of sinking.
Alan tried to contact the owner but could not find a name or phone number. The authorities could not help, as it was the weekend.
Alan's suggestion is that boat owners who leave their craft at anchor or on a mooring leave a phone number in an obvious place near the helm or engine panel so it's handy if needed. Another idea is to put a phone number on the hull near the rego sticker. If your boat has a problem, you will know . . . quickly and you can get it sorted. Much easier and cheaper than having to refloat your pride and joy.
 
Junior sailors
 
The Whitsunday Sailing Club now has three sessions a week of junior coaching and training. Sunday Mornings are going strong with a dozen in the Learn To Sail Level, and seven in the intermediate group.
The Sabot Squad is kicking off again on Tuesday afternoon; this is a great chance for the Sabot Squad to hone their skills in time for the Spring Regatta and the Nationals in Gosford over Christmas. There is a limited opportunity for young sailors to join the squad for the next few weeks as crew to learn all about the Sabot.

 

Killer sharks for GBR

 

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

 

Mariner notice

 

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

 

Passion

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

 

 

LEGO conference for Airlie Beach

LEGO conference for Airlie Beach

 

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

 

Talk like a Pirate Day

 

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

 

Hook and Hayman area

 

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

 

The Storm

 

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

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan

Fun Race sails yet again this Saturday

 Fun Race sails yet again this Saturday

 

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

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

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

 

Sail for cause

 

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

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

 

Junior sailors

 

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

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

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

  

VMR helps

 

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

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

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

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

 

Sail away

 

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

-- Mark Twain

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

 

 

Whitsunday has a Clean and Pristine future

Whitsunday has a Clean and Pristine future

 

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

 

Help PNG call

 

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

 

White whale

 

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

 

What's in a name?

 

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

 

VMR thanks sailors

 

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

 

Reef Reflections

 

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

 

Sailing season ends soon

 

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

 

"Talking the talk, fishing the fish"

 

Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan