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