Pirates take Reef!
Yarr! Pirates of the fun loving and polite kind arrr taking over Airlie Beach in August for a new look Reef Festival hooked up with Fun Race.
Place a mark on yer calendar on the weekend of August 16-19 for a weekend that will commence with canons firing a broadside with Friday night fireworks and the smell of black powder in the air. That be follered by music an stompin' about on the waterfront.
Saturday will launch with the Lions markets from sun up for treasure and trinkets galore so ye can buy something small for your figurehead. Yo! That's right, it be Fun Race day on the water with something for everyone. After 35 years of racing for rum, that day will see ships of all sizes take to the waters of Airlie Beach for a day of colour and beauty. Yachts covered with flags and bunting, crews decked out with imaginative costumes, glamorous figureheads uncovered and plenty of spectator craft of every size and style.
Having survived Airlie Beach Race Week, Airlie will be buzzing with activity for the biggest festival and party of the year.
After Fun Race many lies will be told and the party will begin around Airlie featuring the after race party at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Landlubbers who get seasick looking at their cup of tea need not worry as they can still dress as pirates, join the crew or just spy-upon the street parade, and conquer the streets of Airlie Beach.
Sunday will dawn with nary a sore head? But wait, there's more. Ye can't afford yer own ship ya say? Course you can. Anything that will float yer boat is welcome at the recyclable regatta where you could win vast amounts of treasure. The little fenders, I mean kids, will enjoy the sand-sculpting competition if they can push the oldies off the beach. Then the whole family crew can enjoy the fun day on the waterfront.
Whitsunday Sailing Club manager and good sort, Ange Rae says, "get into your pirate gear and get into Airlie Beach for a fun and fantastic weekend. The Reef Festival and The Great Whitsunday Fun Race have something to offer every pirate, young or rustic."
Better book yer berths now
What in a name?
Story last week about a boat with an odd name caught some interest from readers, so how about a few thoughts about the not very exact science of boat naming.
OK, you have a boat. Silly you! Don't worry too much about changing the boat name; I can do a combined name change and exorcism for a wholesale price. That's the last thing you will not have to pay full price for.
Shortly after parting with your cash, sit down with a stack of sticky notes, a pen and started writing names down as quickly as they come to mind. Try a few names to get warmed up; Wavedancer, Sea wolf, Freedom, Si yes da, No more Mondays and I quit, will help you get going.
After about 100 such names, and don't forget Sea Hag and Old Dragon for you know who and Captain Ron if ye be Kurt Russell. You're a Banker? Try A Crewed Interest or The Loan Ranger or even Tax Seavation.
Oh My Darling would sound good on the marine radio; bound to get at least a few snickers. Here is a good thing to remember, you might have to use the boat name on marine radio. Follow the same advice for naming dogs or kids, that is you might have to walk around and yell it aloud. Watch out for Makin' Luff and Sea-duction. OK, that's enough Loon-a-sea for now, Sea ya!
Cruise Ship Forum
Tourism Queensland will conduct a second Cruise Ship industry forum in June, for anyone who is currently involved and those who want to be involved in the growing cruise ship market. Topics include; the economic benefits of the cruise industry and projected growth; an update on the season; an overview of which cruise ships will be in Queensland in the season ahead. The release of the Cruise Passenger Surveys and QLD Port Experience Audit results and How the cruise industry works from the perspective of the Cruise Lines.
Wednesday June 13, 8.45am to 12.30pm, followed by a light lunch. At Peppers Coral Coast, Mt Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach - RSVP to wendy.hanson@tq.com.au
"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."
Fair winds to Ye!
Cap'n Dan
