Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

Google co-founder buys superyacht, dramatic rescue off Coffs Harbour, flood warning, Murray River safety, Coral Sea Marine Park

GOOGLE CO-FOUNDER BUYS SUPERYACHT

Kiwi businessman, Sir Douglas Myers, has sold his 59m luxury superyacht Senses to Google co-founder Larry Page. The luxury motor boat was listed on the boat international website for €35 million ($60.5 million). The steel hulled adventure motor boat has a number of toys, including a helicopter and a 13m runabout.

SAFETY & RESCUE

Marine Rescue Wooli on the NSW North Coast, played a critical role in the search for a missing yachtsman reported lost overboard by his partner from their stricken yacht in horrendous conditions. The Police launch Fearless from Coffs Harbour was tasked to the area to assist the yacht Del Segno. The missing yachtsman’s partner had little knowledge of the workings of the vessel and its equipment and the Marine Rescue Wooli radio operator patiently led her through a number of important tasks. Full story at www.marinerescuensw.com.au

Boaters are warned not to head out into waterways affected by floods as debris in the water is hazardous and navigation markers may be missing. Boating activity should only be undertaken on flood affected waterways in emergency situations. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

NSW Maritime has released the findings in the final stage in the Murray River Safety Review, which was initiated following a number of fatal boating accidents (four fatalities and seven serious injuries) on the river between 1 December 2009 and 13 February 2010. Recommendations include deploying more NSW Maritime Boating Safety Officers along the River, introducing zoning for designated boating activities, targeting dangerous and anti-social behaviour, enhancing education and advisory material and improving boat driver licensing standards in Victoria to match NSW. Recommendations for a demerit point system for NSW boat licences and speed cameras on NSW waterways have been ruled out by NSW Maritime. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

QUEENSLAND’S FLOODS

The flooding throughout Queensland has causing significant damage to recreational boating infrastructure and businesses. Marine Queensland, in these circumstances, is often the first point of call by government agencies seeking information on the extent of damage -- particularly within the context of disaster relief and rebuilding. Members are asked to advise the extent of damage to their businesses as a direct result of this disaster. This information will be compiled and used in all liaison with relevant agencies both in the short and long term.

For all enquires concerning recreational marine vessels including missing boats/pontoons, damaged boats and boat storage requirements or small business assistance please contact Marine Queensland on 07 3390 4657. www.qldmarine.com.au

CORAL SEA MARINE PARK

The Federal Government is at least 12 months away from making a decision over whether it will create a marine park in the Coral Sea.

Protect our Coral Sea is a joint campaign supported by regional, national and international conservation organisations to protect the Coral Sea, which extends east from the Great Barrier Reef to Papua New Guinea in the north and to the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia to the east. www.protectourcoralsea.org.au

Meanwhile, fishermen in Far North Queensland claim indecision over the marine park makes it difficult for them to make long-term business plans.

BOOK REVIEW

The Wolf, written by Richard Guilliatt and Peter Hohnen is about a German raider that terrorized Australia and the southern ocean in World War I. The ships crew activated mines off Cape Town, Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Australia’s Gabo Island, Wellington and North Cape in New Zealand hitting 16 ships. Another 14 ships and their crews were captured during the 15-month voyage without stopping to resupply. This is an extraordinary story of seamanship and humanity, which was covered up for a long time by wartime censorship.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Jan 26 -- Australia Day. Events on Sydney Harbour include a Ferrython, Awesome Forces displays, best dressed vessels competition, tall ships race, 174th Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert. For details see www.australiaday.com.au

Feb 4-6 -- Melbourne International Boat & Lifestyle Festival, Docklands. www.miblf.com.au

Feb 11-13 -- Club Marine Southern 80. Water ski races are held on the Murray River in the border towns of Echuca - Moama. www.southern80.com.au

Feb 11-14 -- Australian Wooden boat Festival, Hobart. www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au

Feb 16-Mar 20 -- Van Dieman’s Land Circumnavigation Cruise. www.ryct.org.au

Feb 19 -- The Wooden Boat Rally will be held on the Tamar River at the Seaport Marina in Launceston, Tasmania. www.woodenboatrally.com

Feb 19-20 -- Luhrs Billfish Shootout, Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fishing Club. Over 30,000 in prize money. www.npsgfc.com

Feb 23-Mar 5 – Australian Offshore Challenge Bass Strait Rally, a 700 nautical mile navigation rally for powerboats starts in Hobart. The fleet travels the east coast of Tasmania, before crossing Bass Strait via the islands of the Furneaux Group and then on to Westernport to the finish in Melbourne.

Feb 24-27 -- Variety Splash - a three day rally on Port Phillip open to all sail and power boats, commencing at Waterfront City, Docklands, with as evening ‘Welcome’ function. www.varietysplash.org.au

Feb 26-27 -- South Australian Wooden Boat Festival at the historic River Port of Goolwa. www.woodenboatfestival.com.au/

Feb 26-27 & Mar 5-6 -- 2011 Interclub Tournament, Port Stephens is where NSW Game Fishing Association clubs compete on various levels. It is expected that there will be up to 1000 anglers competing aboard as many as 200 boats.

Mar 5-6 -- Rosehill Trailerboat Show, Rosehill Racecourse, Sydney www.bia.org.au

Mar 6 -- Clean Up Australia Day www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au

Mar 12-13 -- Australian Offshore Superboat Championship - Round 1, Williamstown, Melbourne. www.superboat.com.au

Photograph: MV Senses

Weekly Powerboat and Fishing Summary

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