E-NEWS December 2005 Sydney to Hobart ‘Wedgetail’ Features Man Overboard Technology The brand new 42 foot carbon fibre racing yacht ‘Wedgetail’ was built and launched in Brisbane in early 2005.  Based at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, is facing its first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.   The yacht features new safety technology in the form of the Mobilert Crew Monitoring System.  This system actively monitors the crew position and provides an instant alert to the helmsman should a crewmember go overboard.  The system also records the GPS position of where the incident occured and provides a visual of that position in relation to the boat. For a full report on Wedgetail visit www.qld.yachting.org.au and for mobilert visit www.mobilert.com. The Mobilert Crew Monitoring System is currently available in selected Queensland chandleries for recreational vessels, power and sail. Juniper 2006 Australian Youth Championship Launched Australia’s peak sailing event for youth was officially launched at Mooloolaba Yacht Club last Monday.  Over 179 entrants in more than 127 boats will contest the five day event from 6-10 January 2006.  At the launch Yachting Australia Chief Executive Phil Jones welcomed David Kortlang, Marketing Manager of event sponsor Juniper, as well as local competitors and media. The winners of some divisions of the championship will be front runners in the selection process to represent Australia at the International Sailing Federation’s (ISAF) World Youth Championship in England next year.  Australia is a leading nation in youth sailing, having won more gold medals at ISAF World Championships than any other nation. Late entries for the event are being accepted.  For more information visit www.yachting.org.au. Sail Brisbane Finalised Last week Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron played host to The 2005 Sail Brisbane International Regatta.  A record fleet of over 100 boats from around Australia, as well as international competitors from New Zealand, Sweden, Singapore, Germany, Holland and Canada took part in the ISAF Grade 3 event.  Congratulations to our following champions: Klade Hauschildt (Laser 4.7), Brendan Casey (Laser Standard), Greg Adams (Laser Radial), Kerin Callard (420), Matthew Belcher (470), Lewis Brake (Sabot Junior), Samantha Dagge (Sabot Senior), Nathan Outteride (49er), James Kellond-Knight (29er).  Thankyou to all who contributed to making the event such a success. For a full report and results see www.qld.yachting.org.au. Another Record Attendance – Yachting Queensland Youth Camp A record 66 sailors attended the Yachting Queensland December Youth Coaching Camp hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.  The camp experienced gusty winds resulting in selected sessions with national coaches Dayne Sharpe and Mark Tonner – Joyce being confined to the Yachting Queensland training room. For excellent photos and a full report please visit www.qld.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=20622 Mirrors on Maroochy Amazing photo’s of the Mirrors in flight on the Maroochy River during the November mirror championships are at www.qld.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=20661 GBRMPA Commends 2005 Visitors to the Reef The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is pleased to announce under the current zoning plan, only 414 possible incidents were recorded in 2004/ 2005.   The current zoning plan is in place to manage and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.  The sections of the reef are zoned for specific activities. GBRMPA Director of Operations, Mick Bishop said this achievement demonstrated a very high level of understanding and acceptance of the current Zoning Plan by users. “GBRMPA is continuing to improve signage and educational products available to help ensure people are aware of the zoning that is in place,” Mick said. For more information visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au. Fairway Challenge The Fairway Challenge Yacht Race hosted by Moreton Bay Boat Club Sailing Branch will now be held on the 25- 26th of February 2006, rather than the previous date in March.  This change is due to a clash of dates with interclub racing. The challenge from Redcliffe to the Caloundra Fairway buoy and back will offer substantial prize money in 2006 thanks to local sponsorship.  A solid fleet from local clubs is expected.  For more information please visit http://home.st.net.au/~griffins/index Yachting Queensland Christmas Opening Hours Yachting Queensland will be closed from Wednesday December 21, 2005 until Monday January 9, 2006.  The team at Yachting Queensland would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas.