July 10 - Allan Witt is the winner of the Australian Wooden Boat Festival’s Derwent Skiff Design Competition against very keen competition from seventeen Tasmanian, interstate and overseas designers. The design entries will be on show during the Festival on February 9 - 12, 2007. Expressions of interest to build the first-off-the-line boat during the Festival are currently being invited. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0710a.htm

July 5 - The Australian National Maritime Museum, on Sydney’s Darling Harbour, notched up record visitor numbers in the financial year to 30 June 2006. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0705h.htm
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June 30 - Keppel Bay Marina has achieved a new record $2.3 million price tag for a Capricorn Coast villa with a 19-metre multi-hull marina berth. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0630b.htm

June 29 - Migaloo the white humpback whale is about to enter Queensland waters on his 2006 migration. Migaloo has again been declared a 'special interest' whale which means no-one can drive a boat or Jet Ski closer than 500m or fly an aircraft closer than 2000ft to the whale without written permission. For information on whale watching regulations see http://www.epa.qld.gov.au

June 29 - Thanks to the swift action of Search and Rescue Authorities and a GME MT400 EPIRB, two Australian men rescued from the Coral Sea are now safely on their way back to New Caledonia. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0629b.htm

June 26 - BoatStats, a new web site, has been launched to give surveyors, boat buyers and boat owners access to information previously locked up in thousands of yacht surveys carried out by professional European yacht surveyors over the last ten years. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0626d.htm

June 26 - Macquarie Leisure Trust Group and Lend Lease announce the development of a 178 berth floating marina to be situated at Victoria Harbour, the centre of Melbourne’s inner city Docklands precinct subject to approval from VicUrban. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0626a.htm

June 25 - One of the leaders of a new search for the remains of HMAS Sydney, sunk off the coast of Western Australia in World War II, will outline his team’s plans at an open seminar in Sydney on Friday June 30. Mr Ted Graham, chairman of HMAS Sydney Search P/L, will tell how his not-for-profit company is refining its search area west of Shark Bay, describe its underwater search equipment and outline other aspects of the search timed for this summer. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0625c.htm

June 25 - Maritimo CEO Bill Barry-Cotter has acquired a 60-hectare (140-acre) land parcel in the Gold Coast’s Coomera marine precinct and is planning a major development highlighted by a 200-berth ‘boutique’ marina capable of handling vessels up to 30.5-metres (100-feet) in length. Media release by Bob Wonders at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0625a.htm

June 12 - Marina Update
Quote: Ian Treleavan’s Cruising Notes in Letters from the Med reviewed at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0606.htm
‘Tunisia: We were very impressed by all the marinas that were being built along all the coasts – they accommodate more boats and also create more villages. If only our coast could have more marinas, we could have a much bigger boating industry, which is a fantastic lifestyle for people and great for tourism’.

Here’s a quick update on some of the marina developments on Australia’s East Coast.

d’Albora Marinas plans to expand its Nelson Bay marina, catering for larger vessels. Customers leasing berths at d’Albora Marinas Nelson Bay can also access free of charge the four d’Albora marinas in Sydney at Akuna Bay, Cabarita Point, Rushcutters Bay and The Spit as well as the one at Pier 35 in Melbourne. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0612d.htm

In Queensland Keppel Bay Marina is developing its shores with shops and apartments, Mooloolaba marina is selling new berths and Rivergate in Brisbane is open for business.

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort and Marina at Magnetic Island has freehold apartments with marina berths on a 25 year lease for sale. The marina is due for completion by approximately October 2007. Marina berths will be available then for cruising yachts. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0612c.htm

A new marina with a residential village, floating berths and major refit facilities is planned for Bowen, just north of Airlie Beach. Work is set to begin in 2007.

June 12 - Frank Robards, the Commodore of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard's Sydney Squadron, was awarded the Emergency Service Medal in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

June 6 - The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) has released a discussion paper on the feasibility and acceptability of phasing out the requirement for the National Coast Radio Network to voice-monitor distress and safety channels in the high frequency (HF) band by the year 2010. The period for public comment closes on 30 September 2006. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0606a.htm

May 30 - The best and the worst boats at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat show and more at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0526a.htm

April 24 - Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Shows ‘Art Show’ - The prize purse has increased to $10000.00, with the new category of ‘Art Form Any Medium’. Entries are restricted to artists living within a 600km radius of the Airlie Beach Post Office. Details at http://www.whitsundayboatshow.com

April 21 - Last year the Ku-ring-gai Flotilla of The Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, which operates on Broken Bay NSW, discovered that their rescue vessel known as CG18 had sunk at its pontoon overnight. CG18 was worth more in an operational sense than its insured value, which means the Flotilla has a substantial short fall. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0421b.htm

April 10 - The new $150 million Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is set to become a stoppover for game fishermen, heading to the Cairns fishing grounds, or yachts, cruising to the Whitsundays. Located adjacent to the Gateway Bridge, it is fifteen minutes from the CBD, ten minutes from Brisbane Airport and six nautical miles from Moreton Bay. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0410c.htm

April 10 - Sydney Ferries cancelled its Manly services at noon on Sunday as swells started to surge through the heads with the incoming tide.

April 4 - The Bureau of Meteorology will issue seven-day forecasts for all capital cities apart from Darwin from today. The new forecasts are the culmination of several years work by Bureau researchers using enhanced weather computer models and improved satellite input. http://www.bom.gov.au/

Mar 21 - Sydney Ferries go on strike today and it could continue tomorrow due to industrial action. Wednesday sailors will be pleased!

Mar 15 - Queensland boat owners going on the water for the Easter holidays need to be aware of new rules for lifejackets. As from April 1, open boats under 4.8 metres, which are required to carry life jackets, must ensure that all children under 12 on board actually wear an appropriate life jacket when the boat is underway. Media release by Ian Ward at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0315a.htm

Mar 8 - Thoroughbreds of the turf and jockeys’ silks stand aside for another of Australia’s favourite leisure pursuits over the three days March 17-19 when the racecourse plays host to the fourth annual Rosehill Gardens Boat Show. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0308.htm

Mar 5 - NSW Maritime Medals recognise exceptional contributions to the boating and maritime community in the categories of Safety, Environment and Community. Nominations for the awards are now open and close on 30 June. http://www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/medal.html

Feb 23 - Sydney Harbour Week offers a variety of events and activities that highlight the significance and beauty of the harbour waterways and foreshores. Walking, snorkelling and diving tours; sailing, swimming, paddling and ferry races; harbour cruises, or choose from more than 40 events and activities … many are free. http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0223.htm

Feb 20 - The head of Sydney Ferries has stepped down after it was revealed last week that half of Sydney's most modern ferries were out of service and thousands of dollars were being spent on charter vessels to replace them. Rear Admiral Chris Oxenbould, chief executive of NSW Maritime, will become acting chief of Sydney Ferries for six months.

Feb 17 - Since August last year thefts (and attempted thefts) from vessels on Sydney Harbour totalled 68, including high tech equipment from a police boat. The marine crime prevention officer for Sydney Water Police, Fran Batten, said not enough boat-owners are investing in locks and alarm systems. By Justin Norrie, Police Reporter, Sydney Morning Herald at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0217.htm

Feb 6 - Letter to the Editor - A stolen boat was recovered and two people have been charged by the Water Police, including a Boatcode agent in Sydney's western suburbs. It was sheer luck that started the boat recovery process and a lot of close up photos identified the boat. Letter by Robert Bowden at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/letters/060206.htm

Feb 3 - Nominations are open for the annual Sydney Harbour Awards to be presented on Friday night, 3 March, 2006 aboard the Tall Ship James Craig at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. The nomination form can be downloaded from http://www.sydneyharbourweek.com.au/html/2006/home.cfm

Feb 2 - The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will offer the largest on water leisure and light commercial display ever staged in Australia at this year’s May 2006 event. At least eight motor yachts (80ft or larger) are expected at the show staged Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21. Media release by Kate Duryea at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0202.htm

Jan 19 - NSW Maritime has announced $1.32 million in State Government grants to support 32 boating infrastructure projects across NSW - under the Maritime Infrastructure Program (MIP). Media release by Penny Robins at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0119a.htm

Jan 5 - Nominations are now open for the annual Sydney Harbour Awards to be presented on Friday night, March 3, aboard the Tall Ship James Craig at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news06/0105a.htm

Dec 30 - The number of vessels in general on the Murray River has increased dramatically this summer and PWC (personal water craft) camps are a new development. Camps of people with up to 10 PWC have been detected at various locations. Since the introduction of Victorian licences water traffic in some areas on the Murray has increased by approximately 50%. New lifejacket regs introduced into Victoria on December 1 have also resulted in increased water traffic. NSW Maritime

Dec 28 - At 16:20pm on December 23, the Master of a 11.6m (38ft) cruiser was breath tested after  crossing the river bar at the entrance to the Clarence River at Yamba / Iluka. The Master, a 53 year old male from Victoria, returned a reading of 0.070. He was bailed to appear at Yamba on February 14. NSW Maritime reminds boaters to Go Easy on the Drink. Boat skippers must keep under 0.05 or risk heavy fines.

Dec 27 - Jan 29 -- Wetworld is full of fun activities for children to explore and enjoy water. There are experiments where youngsters get their hands (and feet!) wet in the Wet Lab as well as the exciting River Races, Aqua Play and the Super Soaker Action Zone. Perfect for kids aged 3 to 9. Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Dec 16 - NSW Maritime will provide more than $740,000 in grants this year to volunteer marine rescue organisations. NSW Maritime funds the grants from boating fees. In NSW there are more than 440,000 people who hold a licence to drive a powerboat, there are 200,000 people with a registered vessel and it is estimated that more than 1.5 million people enjoy boating statewide. Media release by Neil Patchett at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1216.htm

Dec 9 - Ellen MacArthur will leave the UK on December 12 to start her  8-week trip  to South Georgia to undertake a birdlife survey alongside biologist Sally Poncet. Ellen hopes this work will help highlight the plight of the albatross. Media release and links to relevant websites at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1209e.htm

Dec 7 - The Boating Industry Association of Queensland wants boat owners to render assistance to each other during the Christmas/New Year season. Novice boaties can have difficulty getting their boats in and out the water and a bit of help from experienced hands get boats moving in and out the water more quickly. Media release by Ian Ward at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1207d.htm

Dec 1 - New regulations for Personal Flotation Devices and other safety equipment were approved by Marine Safety Victoria on November 29 and come into operation from December 1. See http://www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au/

 - The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIA) has labelled the State Government’s new lifejacket regulations a disaster which fails to address some of the important issues of boating safety. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1201b.htm

Nov 28 - The Atlantic Rowing Race 2005 - The 2,550nm race starting from the Canary Islands to Antigua, West Indies has been postponed until further notice due to bad weather conditions. Web: http://www.atlanticrowingrace.com/

Nov 10 - The Queensland turtle nesting season began in October and will continue until February. Turtles become disorientated from coastal lighting and campfires, so they prefer to nest on beaches with minimal light. If you see a nesting turtle use low lighting and avoid loud noise and sudden movements. Never touch a turtle and always be careful not to disturb its nest.

Nov 8 - Port Macquarie teacher Warren Bridge’s “hands-on, feet-in” approach to Marine Studies has seen him rewarded with a 2005 Caltex and Rotary Club of Sydney Award for Innovation in the Vocation of Teaching. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1108e.htm

Nov 7 - The 'Go Easy on the Drink' campaign encourages responsible behaviour on NSW waterways. NSW Maritime's Hawkesbury/Broken Bay region conducted a large scale inter-agency campaign yesterday with Police and Fisheries. During the course of the operation one person was charged with mid-range blood-alcohol levels. Media release by Neil Patchett at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1107.htm

Oct 26 - The Ft Lauderdale International Boat Show has been postponed a week and cut from 5 to 4 days, starting November 3, after the show's organizers assessed the damage from Hurricane Wilma to the six sites where it was to be held. Before Wilma, the show was expected to attract 125,000 people.

Oct 6 - A reef located off Townsville will now be known as ‘Cowboys Reef’ in recognition of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys outstanding 2004 and 2005 seasons in rugby league. Media release by Sara Trenerry at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/1006e.htm

Sep 24 - IOM (International One Metre) World Championships, Mooloolaba Radio Yacht Club. Craig Smith AUS won the event with Graham Bantock GBR 2nd and Paul Jones AUS 3rd. http://rcyachts.net/iomworlds/index.htm

Sep 14 - NSW Maritime has awarded $232,000 in grants for nine boating projects under the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0914.htm

Sep 7 - IOM (International One Metre) World Championship, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, September 15 - 24. Joshua Torpy, son of Etchells champion and Olympian Greg Torpy, will be the youngest competitor of the radio controlled yachts. Spinnaker Tales by Ian Grant at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0907.htm

Sep 4 - Beyond First Aid - Medical Information for Sailors, Tuesday September 13 commencing at 7pm at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Rushcutters Bay, Sydney. Anyone who goes sailing should not miss this evening. Media release by John Keelty at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0904a.htm

Sep 1 - Scuttlebutt confirmed reports that 14 yacht clubs, all members of the Gulf Yachting Association http://www.gya.org, have suffered total loss or significant damage from Hurricane Katrina. http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com

Aug 30 - The Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans was founded in 1849 and is the second-oldest yacht club in the USA. Hurricane Katrina brought the ferocity of the sea to SYC's doorstep as she came ashore in the early morning hours yesterday. 100+ mph winds, storm surge and, later, fire devastated the clubhouse. http://www.southernyachtclub.org/popup.cfm?content=viewthenews&thenewsid=3389

Aug 27 - The Oatley family unveiled new plans for Hamilton Island, including a new yacht club with dual water vistas, new marina berths, and dredging to create a deeper mouth in the harbour to bring in larger boats. Media release by Susan Boyd at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0827.htm

Aug 17 - Hamilton Island will host the opening round of the Men’s Health Land Rover Ocean Racing Series on September 24 - 25 and invites adventurous swimmers, runners and paddlers to share $25,000 in cash and prizes. Media release by Susan Boyd at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0817e.htm

July 27 - Boat owners who fail to carry appropriate distress flares are being targeted by the State boating regulator, NSW Maritime. Boating regulations require flares to be carried on all vessels when boating two miles or more off the coast. Flares must be within the date of expiry shown on the packaging. Media release by Penny Robins at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0727e.htm

July 18 - Two boys from Kangaroo Island SA went fishing and had an eventful afternoon. They were later encouraged to reflect upon their actions in writing and this article was published in The Islander. Full article at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0718.htm

July 13 - Brisbane International Boat Show, August 31 - September 4. Features include wakeboarding demonstrations, co-hosting of the Brisbane Fishing Expo and Riverfire, a water event which attracts more than 250,000 visitors to the South Bank precinct. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0713.htm

July 5 - Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association News - NSW Volunteer Rescue Association Marine Division link up with Coast Guard for training. Captain Dick Gandy, author of The Australian Boating Manual receives an honorary award and Commodore Malcolm Wilson ESM was presented with the Association’s highest award. Media release at http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0705.htm

July 1 - Boaters in northern NSW waters should take extra care this weekend due to the large amount of underwater snags and hazards and the displacement of navigation markers in recent rain, the State boating authority has warned. Media release by Penny Robins at www.boatingoz.com.au/news05/0701d.htm