Tuesday, February 08, 2011

MS Europa in Airlie Beach Wednesday February 9

MS EUROPA - The World's Most Beautiful Yacht

Five Star Plus+

 

The EUROPA, the flagship of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, sets international standards: for the eleventh time in succession, it was the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded the coveted ranking of 5-stars plus by Berlitz Cruise Guide 2011. Never before has there been so much space for each guest and so much private sphere in which to simply feel good.

The accommodation for the maximum of 408 guests on the EUROPA is comprised solely of suites, each with separate living and sleeping areas. Every one of them has a walk-in wardrobe, and almost all of them have a private veranda.

 

"Just been advised the itinerary for Europa has changed.  Europa has 408 passengers on board and will now be arriving into Airlie Beach tomorrow, Wednesday 9th February around 8am for that day only.

 

"Because of strong wind conditions in Cooktown, they were not been able to disembark, and are now also by-passing Cairns and Townsville, hence arriving a day early into Airlie Beach.

 

Regards, Judi Dunn, Volunteer Ambassador Coordinator 0408 285 915

 

Surrounded by water a good cure for flood victims

Surrounded by water a good cure for flood victims

 

A local bareboat charter company believes being surrounded by blue water would be a good cure for past charter clients who have suffered in the recent flooding events.

While offering their sympathies, Airlie Beach based Whitsunday Escape is also offering two five-night bareboat charters to any past charterers who had their home flooded.

 "The holiday needs to be taken in the next year and we will match you to the same or similar boat you took last time.  Let us know your circumstances. If we have more than two requests we will draw names from a hat," a Whitsunday Escape spokesperson added.

 

Sailability draw

 

At the Sailability Aussie Day last week, the draw for the keelboat race and rum prizes was conducted by Commodore Kevin Fogarty using the Airlie Concrete truck to spin out numbered coconuts. Later the raffle draw was drawn to cheers. The hard part is getting only one nut at a time.

 

Rum Race

 

The next Sorrento's Friday night rum race is on this Friday (weather permitting!).  Lyn Chalmers of Abel Point Yacht Club writes that "anyone who would like to go sailing, or learn to sail is welcome.  Be at Sorrento's, Abel Point Marina by 3.30pm to get on a boat. Or they can contact Rupert King, Commodore on 0406077703."

 

Big? It's Capesize!

 

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP) is finalising planning for the development of a man-made reclaimed harbour at the Port of Abbot Point.

The Abbot Point Multi Cargo Facility (MCF) involves dredging and reclamation to create a sheltered man-made harbour of armoured bund walls of about 13km in length. When completed, the MCF will create up to 12 shipping berths, all Capesize capable if necessary with the project providing 320 hectares of adjoining reclaimed area, a shipping access channel and a tug harbour for the port.

Readers asked about 'Capesize ships'; to travel between oceans, these ships have to pass either the Cape of Good Hope or Cape Horn. In effect Capesize reads as "unlimited" with their large size and deep draft mean that only the largest deep water terminals can accommodate them.

 

Carnival Spirit

 

Carnival Cruise Lines have announced that it would base the 88,500-tonne 'Carnival Spirit' in Australia. This will be Carnival's first venture into Australian waters, and the largest cruise ship to be based full-time out of Australia.

'Carnival Spirit' will arrive in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25.

"The 2012-13 cruise season is now shaping up to be a record year for the Australian cruise market with all major lines placing additional ships in the region," said Jill Abel, General Manager of Australia's national cruise industry body Cruise Down Under.

 

Where are they now?

 

In February of last year, ultra marathon swimmers, Rob Hutchings and Todd Cameron joined by local tri athlete Christie Leet swam from Whitehaven Beach to Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island - a distance of 14.5 kilometres.

Waterfront has just heard from Todd Cameron who says, "I am an hour north of Toronto for this winter, it was -31C here a week ago and is -22C right now, very Antarctic like conditions. Next winter: Back to Australia."

 

Seawind Rally 2011

 

The annual Seawind Rally is on again during June 18-25! Last year, 19 Seawind Cats and 80 crew members attended.  The fleet cruises to a different anchorage each day where beach barbeques are arranged or onshore entertainment is organised.  We still have some Seawind sailing catamarans available for the rally. Get in early!

To obtain a quote, book your boat or place a hold contact Whitsunday Escape

 

Finger moved

 

Mariners are advised that Finger Reef buoy Fl R 2.5s normally located at the eastern seaward end of Gloucester Passage has been reported off station in a westerly direction. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area. AUS chart 268

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan

Aussie Day for Sailability

Aussie Day for Sailability

 

Playing the most picturesque cricket pitch in the world, Australia Day for Sailability will celebrate Aussie Day with cricket on the front lawn of the Whitsunday Sailing Club with family fun and prizes.

Two of the new Access sailing dinghies will be available for inspection and trial while the Keelboat fleet has a blast around pioneer Bay in the Dan Kane Memorial Race with presentations at 5pm.

Back on the waterfront lawn, there will be dinghy sailing, treats, some great prizes in the raffles, activities for the kids and an all day BBQ.

Sailability Whitsunday is a local branch of an international organisation facilitating sailing for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Come along and see what Sailability is about and join in the fun.

 

Regatta record

 

January 26, 2011 will mark the 175th anniversary of the Australia Day Regatta on Sydney Harbour, the oldest continuous regatta in the world.

As part of the celebration of this anniversary, organisers wish to invite as many vintage and classic yachts to participate in a special "Classics" division, award a special trophy and, afterwards, to return to the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club in Mosman Bay to enjoy the hospitality provided by the Club and the Australia Day Regatta Committee.

 

National Boating Study

 

As part of the National Boating Usage Study, boaters were asked what type of communications equipment they used on their boat. VHF marine radio was used by 52 per cent of respondents. Of the respondents who indicated that they used either marine VHF or marine MF/HF radios, 51 per cent indicated that they were licensed or had qualifications to operate this equipment.  

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) commissioned a national telephone survey through Newspoll. The purpose of this survey was to obtain a national statistically valid sample of recreational boaters who own or operate VHF marine radios.

This survey found that only 29 per cent of recreational boaters who use a VHF radio have the required certificate. This is significantly lower than the figure cited in the first study. It was not tested how many recreational boaters who own a VHF radio have the certificate but it is believed that compliance in this population would be even lower. This low level of compliance with the certificate requirement has occurred in a period when VHF radio take-up rates are reported to be increasing.

The survey also found that 41 per cent of recreational boaters who own a VHF radio were aware they were required to hold the VHF certificate.

 

Carnival Spirit

 

Carnival Cruise Lines have announced that it would base the 88,500-tonne 'Carnival Spirit' in Australia. This will be Carnival's first venture into Australian waters, and the largest cruise ship to be based full-time out of Australia.

'Carnival Spirit' will arrive in Sydney in October 2012 to operate a schedule of 8-12 day voyages to the Pacific Islands and a selection of 13-day sailings to New Zealand beginning October 25.

"The 2012-13 cruise season is now shaping up to be a record year for the Australian cruise market with all major lines placing additional ships in the region," said Jill Abel, General Manager of Australia's national cruise industry body Cruise Down Under.

 

Queens Bay Bowen

 

Mariners are advised that that the isolated danger buoy Fl (2) 4s has been permanently withdrawn as the danger has been removed.

Mariners are advised that that the yellow special mark buoy FL 3s has been permanently withdrawn. AUS chart 826

 

Fair winds to Ye!

Cap'n Dan