In a thrilling showcase of rugby league prowess, the QCCS Mackay Cutters delivered an outstanding performance last weekend at their fortress, BB Print Stadium in Mackay. With a jam-packed schedule featuring five consecutive games, fans were treated to a day filled with exhilarating action on the field. Supported by their loyal fans and bolstered by the sponsorship of Muscle Garden, the Cutters emerged victorious across all grades, cementing their dominance over their Rocky rivals, the CQ Capras.
The headline act of the day was undoubtedly the Hostplus Cup squad, who continued their winning streak by triumphing over the Capras with a final scoreline of 26-14. Winger Josh Smith stole the show with a stellar performance, bagging two tries to propel his side to victory.
Not to be outdone, the BMD Premiership ladies staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to emerge triumphant with a 26-14 win over the Capras. Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match, notching up a hat-trick of tries to inspire her teammates to a stunning comeback victory.
Meanwhile, the Junior Reps demonstrated their talent and potential with convincing wins across the board. The Mal Meninga Cup squad maintained their unbeaten record, dispatching the Capras with a commanding 32-8 win, while the Harvey Norman U19 girls showcased their dominance with a resounding 36-4 victory.
In the Cyril Connell Cup, the QCCS Mackay Cutters emerged victorious with an 18-10 win, capping off a perfect day for the club across all grades.
Reflecting on the previous weekend's triumphs, the Cutters celebrated the debut of ten players in the Hostplus Cup squad. Semi Valemei, Viliami Vailea, Mahe Fonua, Riley Dean, Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu, John Radel, Jamal Shibasaki, Jai Hansen, Wil Sullivan, and D'Jazirhae Pua'avase made their mark in their first appearance for the team. These newcomers made an immediate impact, contributing to the team's success on the field. Their debut was marked by a thrilling win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons the weekend prior, where the Cutters showcased their depth and talent, securing victory with a remarkable performance.
After a bye in week one, this makes the Cutters two-from-two after three rounds of the Hostplus Cup.
As the Hostplus Cup takes a break for the Easter long weekend, anticipation mounts for their return to action on April 6th for Round 4.

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10 players made their debut in the QCCS Mackay Cutters’ opening game against the Falcons. The team is now two-from-two after a dominant win last weekend against the CQ Capras
Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match in the BMD Premiership, notching up a hat-trick of tries for the Cutters

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North Queensland Cowboys Stage Epic Comeback Over Dragons

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In a thrilling encounter at Netstrata Jubilee Oval, the North Queensland Cowboys orchestrated a stunning comeback to maintain their best start to a season in 17 years, clinching a commanding 46-24 victory over the Dragons.
Facing an early deficit of 18-4, the Cowboys showcased their resilience and grit, bouncing back to score seven unanswered tries. This remarkable achievement marks the first time since 2006 that North Queensland has secured three consecutive wins at the start of a season.
The Cowboys' resurgence was ignited by winger Murray Taulangi, who breached the try line in the sixth minute following a precise pass from fullback Scott Drinkwater. Building on this momentum, North Queensland added three more tries before halftime, courtesy of hooker Reece Robson and second-rower Griffin Neame.
Trailing by four points at halftime, the Cowboys continued their onslaught in the second half, capitalising on opportunities generated by their dynamic attacking play. Drinkwater and Chad Townsend orchestrated the charge, with tries from Holmes and Townsend sealing the victory.
Despite a late consolation try from Zac Lomax for the Dragons, it was not enough to derail the Cowboys' momentum. With a final score of 46-24 in their favour, North Queensland emerged triumphant, underlining their credentials as formidable contenders in the NRL.

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 19, 2024:

Division 1:
(Final) Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent and Barry Patterson) won 6-5 over Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan and Vince Boeske). Andrew d Vince 8, -8, -4, 10, 11.
Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Lily Boland) d BMW (Ishan Rana, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards) 7-4. Lily d Allan -9, 10, -6, 6, 6.  

Division 2:
Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro) d Kia (Peter Goodson, Matt West) 5-4. Matt d Niro 7, 6, -10, -5, 9. Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 9-2. Will d Steve -6, -11, 9, 6, 9. Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Noreen Fredericksen) 9-2. Leo d Donna -6, 8, -7, 7, 14.

Division 3:
Fiat (Aarnav Reelh, Trent Day, YiLin Kiang) d Ford (Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri, Ollie Hamelink) 8-2. Trent d Tiffany 5, -6, -6, 8, 13.  Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Rohit d Kade -9, -9, 10, 4, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 19, 2024:

Division 1:
Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso, Val Austin) 9-2. Peter d Donna -8, 7, 8, -11, 6. Tigers (Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) d Leopards (Charlie Payne, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 8-4. John d Charlie 8, -6, 12, -10, 9. Lions (Tony Bowman, Josie Davis, Bryan Marshall) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) 6-5. Tony d George -9, 8, 5, 4.

Division 2:
Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) 9-3. Helen d Louise 8, -8, -7, 9, 6. Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) drew Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) 6-all. Judi d Ken -9, 5, -9, 9, 9.

Division 3:
Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Thelma Caruana, Charyl Pearson) drew Sapphires (Pam Keune,  Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) 6-all. Frank d Pam -7, 7, -11, 10, 7.  Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Allison d Glenda -7, -8, 10, 12, 8.

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Lily Boland in action in Mackay Table Tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Despite the rainy weather conditions, the Marian Ladies Bowls Club managed to hold their annual Harvest Triples on March 13, 2024.  This was well attended with eight rinks used with 48 ladies participating in a great day of bowls.

Winners on the day were:
First place -  J Insch, G Meng, M Stockton
Second place - J Caban, C Savage. R Schatkowski
Third place - L Jenner, M Mayfield, D McNamara

Contributed By Lyn Jackson

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1st Place winners
2nd Place winners
3rd Place winners

Photo supplied

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The 2024 NBL1 North Season Launch Event held at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane provided an insightful preview into the upcoming basketball season. Local State Government MPs, Julieanne Gilbert and Amanda Camm, lent their support to the event, emphasising Mackay’s backing for our teams.
The gathering offered a glimpse into the camaraderie among players and supporters, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. With Round 1 scheduled to commence on April 12, the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes and Meteors are gearing up to face off against rivals, the Townsville Flames and Heat. Fans can anticipate a compelling showdown as the teams vie for early dominance in the league.
Season tickets are still available, visit Mackay Basketball’s Facebook page to Back the Mack!

Photos supplied: Mackay Basketball

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Approximately thirty runners tackled the treacherous Cape Hillsborough Turtle Trail in cool conditions at 7am last weekend.  Front markers, Ashley Miles and Matt Graves put in a huge first half performance to lead the field by some margin in the ten-kilometre, with Matt being the eventual winner, hitting the tape two minutes ahead of Ashley.
 
First female in the ten-kilometre, Jose Short revelled in the tough conditions followed by Emma Johnson and Carmel Mahon. Third placed male, Derek Woods was in fine form as he led his younger counterparts, Robin Stinson, Mitchell Evetts, Jim Ogilvie, Alan Zamparutti, Wayne Huntley and Scott McIntosh across the finish line.  Five-kilometre veteran runner, Len Haworth showed sensational class as he hit the final hundred metres in just three minutes clear of second and first female Melissa Harris, Kim Saron and Katrina Ogilvie.  Simon Henderson held off Andrew Wallace, Mark McFadzen, Daniel Stampa and Andrew Short for the silver medal. Mark McFadzen performed extremely well in only one of a few come-back runs this year, despite losing the whole sole of his shoe in the process. 
   
Congratulations to all runners who competed in the Barrier Reef Arena Gift sprint events and thank you to Harrup Park for staging a classy and unique event.

This weekend’s Easter Sunday afternoon social run will be held from our very supportive sponsor, Zambreros.  The annual event has been on the calendar for several years now, with Management and Staff always making us feel very welcome.  There will be random draw prizes generously donated from Zambreros, Peter Quinn. The five-kilometre & ten-kilometre social event will be followed by random draw presentations and dinner and drinks for purchase.  Bring your family and friends, it’s always a great afternoon, especially after a morning of Easter Bunny treats.
 
Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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David Isbister, Alan Zamparutti, Jose Short, Kim Saron and Simon Henderson prepare for their chosen event ie David Isbister ready with the BBQ tongs. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse
Jose Short scrambled through the tough terrain to tackle the beach section of the 10km
Wayne Huntley displayed great stamina as he ran an awesome 10km trail run in his first season with the Club

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Round 1 was tough and hot with plenty of sunburnt faces, but not dampened spirits. Under 11’s Coach, Scott Clarke, said his players were “a little rusty at the start but came home strong”. Both his teams showed “lots of heart and effort”.  
This year the club focuses on creating a positive team culture for all to be included and given a fair go. New coaches for the 2024 season, Levy Mika and Bruce McQuillan, stated “every single one of the kids gave it everything they had. There was a lot of positives to take away from week 1!”
A special mention to the under 13s with the first game of the season playing under the International Rules playing for points. They were led by their Captain, Cooper Liesch, who returned to the game after knee surgery last year.
10 months on and he came and showed Souths what he is capable of, running over his opponent in attack and defensively taking every hit up. Were there nerves for his first game back? - absolutely! Cooper’s mum, Manuela, explained “it has taken a lot of hard work, sweat, tears and determination” to get him back to doing what he loves. His teammates were thrilled to have their leader back.
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Contributed with thanks to Lisa Jackson.

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Under 11s Blue team with Coach, Scott Clarke, League Safes, Greg Kennedy and Pat Kelley 
Under 13s Captain, Cooper Liesch, running through a tackle from Souths opponent.
Cooper Leisch with teammates
Photos supplied

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With the season finally getting some momentum, most Whitsunday United teams played at home.
The U13 Division 1 team secured the 3 points via a forfeit, so a scratch match was organised with the Airlie Beach and Proserpine under 12’s. Players from both sides were extremely happy to finally get to play some football and it was quite a competitive match for a local friendly, with WUFC coming out on top at the full-time whistle 4-3. Some great link up play down the right wing saw Cohen Forman and Charlie Collins combine for two goals. Remy Smart and Tyson Lulham rounded out the scoring.

The U13 Prem team took on the highly fancied Magpies outfit in what was always going to be a hard-fought match, Whitsunday went into half time one nil down. Their coach asked for passion and commitment until the final whistle and that’s what they gave, which was rewarded 2 minutes before time with a bursting run down the right and a thunderous finish from captain Shannon Matthews. Both Shannon and Nicholas Moranino worked tirelessly in centre midfield against their opposing numbers. Whitsunday were kept in the game by goalkeeping heroics from Nicholas Philipson, who faced 33 shots, but only conceded one. A fantastic team effort that sets the tone for the season.

Premier ladies had a tight contest against Magpies this week. Knowing this week would be a tougher game the ladies made sure they put pressure on Magpies from the start. Jess, Keeley and Hazel were strong in the midfield ensuring Magpies were given no time on the ball to create chances and Claire held the defensive backline strong to shut down any breakthrough play. Neither team could get ahead until the second half when a perfectly placed free kick by Mathilde saw Whitsundays take the lead. Unfortunately, Magpies managed to get one back late in the second half off a corner ball which left both teams sharing the points on a 1-1 draw.

The Reserve men wanted to put pressure on City Brothers who were playing out from the back of defence. In sections they were good, but still lacked intensity in pressing as a group, going in at half time as a scoreless draw. With an improved attitude and intensity, we were much better in the second half, finishing the game 1 all.

Premier men fielded their strongest team to date, led by some experienced heads playing their first games for the year. Scott Boldy was dominant on the right wing creating chance after chance and goals to Alan O'donnel and Josh Bond had the scoreline 2 nil at half time. A red card to the opposition at the start of the second half compiled the pressure on Brothers, and the large amount of possession Whitsunday held, amounted to 2 more goals for Alan and the end result of 4 nil.

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Last weekend, 28 Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Bowen and had a fantastic time at the Bowen LC Family Meet. Congratulations to the following swimmers who earnt top placings in the majority of their events: Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Harry Chegwidden, Tora Delac, Jack Ganter, Koa Harland, Mackenzie Bennett, Tyler Bennett, Harris Delac, Thomas Ganter, Jasper Korosec, Nelson Malady, Noah Maltby, Eric Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, Dylan Reynolds, and Zachary Trefz. Congratulations to Millie Groom and Lucas Korosec who won all their events.  
The coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were very impressed by the swimmers and their achievements. Swimmers swam super times in the medleys. Ruby Harland swam a massive 51.52 second in her 400 metre IM. Ruby’s sister, Koa also swam a massive PB in her medley. She swam a 22.89 second PB in her 200 metre IM. Isaac Pisaniello swam a whopping 41.10 secomd PB in his 200 metre IM. Harris Delac swam a terrific time of 3.30.87 in his 200 metre IM, a 19.18 secons PB.  Jasper Korosec swam a 9.47 second PB in her 200 metre IM.  
Other highlights include: Indigo Harland swam extremely well, swimming PBs in all her events. She swam a massive PB of 20.77 seconds in her 25 metre Breaststroke. Leo Mulliss, aged 7 years, swam an excellent 25 metre Backstroke in a time of 30.26 seconds, a 14.19 second PB.  Sisters, Sophie, and Miranda Palmero both swam super times in their Breaststroke events. The Trefz brothers both swam extremely well in the 200 metre Freestyle and 200 metre IM to earn 1st place. Zach Trefz swam his 200 metre Freestyle in 2.37.79, a 16.35 second PB.  
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Congratulations to all the Cannons who competed in Bowen! A big thank you to all the wonderful parents who managed the team and officiated over the weekend.  
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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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The National Touch League (NTL) is a major Touch Football Competition held at Coffs Harbour each year. The NTL attracts the best teams from around Australia.

Whitsunday Touch is proud that Bernard Woods was selected for the NQ Cyclones in the Over 55 Division of the NTL.

In Bernard’s Division there were teams from the ACT, Brisbane, Southern Qld, Sydney, Victoria, and the Hunter region.

The NQ Cyclones were undefeated in their Round Games and went into the Grand Final against the Sydney Scorpions who they had defeated 3 to 2 in the rounds.

Unfortunately, the score was reversed in the Grand Final.

Woodsy’s individual performances were impressive. He ended up equal third in tries scored (5) with 7 being the best, and in the Final he was voted Player’s Player by his team.

Hearty congratulations Bernard.

Round Six Results

Mixed A
Vipers 11 defeated Raiders A 4
G.E.T. Touch defeated In The Crear (forfeit)

Mixed B
Whitmonday Eagles 8 defeated Stingers 4
Raiders B 15 defeated Flame Tree Flames 5
Ray White 8 defeated Full Boar 6

Mixed C
Sheds N Homes 6 defeated Mighty Mustangs 3
Untouchables 10 defeated Bulls 6

Mixed Juniors
Raiders Blue 4 defeated Raiders Green 1
Hamo Rent 10 defeated Raiders Purple 3

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Touch Footy star Bernard Woods. Photo supplied

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Social play on Tuesday saw Deb Retchless, Lyn Danvers, Isobel Wheeler and Geoff Danvers defeat Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith. Gwenda Lydom, Kevin Jewel and Greg Colquhoun defeated Sue Shearing, Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Ladies Club Competition: Crooked Kitty Robyn Stitt defeated Deb Retchless. Final of the fours was played resulting in Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Tiarna Winter and Fely Duncan defeating Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith. B Singles Gwenda Lydom defeated Bron Tolcher. Ladies A Pairs have been called for Saturday 6 April at 8.30am and the final Sunday 28 April.

Men’s Competition: A Singles Jason Wright defeated Graeme Read, Herb Dalton defeated Lloyd White. The Brian Winspear Single sets 2023 competition was completed this week. On Thursday Penny Warren defeated Geoff Danvers. On Sunday Greg Colquhoun took out the trophy by defeating Penny Warren.  

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were R Stitt and A Rolfe defeated Laurie Land, Mark Drummond, Deb Retchless and Denise Wallace defeated Bill Myers, Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker. Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Kennedy Whitton defeated Jim Quad, Albi Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off.

                                                                                                                   
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Ladies Club Fours Winners. Photo supplied

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Tuesday afternoon the Men’s President Peter Barrett led his team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates to an overall victory with Rick Galea taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

The same afternoon also saw a repeat performance in the final of the Ladies Fours Championship with skipper Joan McGrath for the second year running leading her team of lead Sandra Argo, second Jill Spencer and third Hendrieka Tattam win. 

Wednesday afternoon saw an awesome performance by Shane Spann whom with Eyvonne Wilson smashed the opposition with a phenomenal performance with Arthur McManus taking home the health hub award.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw visitor Ian Turner return and led his team of Betty Whitehorn and Keith Bates to victory and to cap off a great day Keith also took home the wonderful Health Hub award.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Sandra Argo, Jill Spencer, Joan McGrath and Hendrieka Tattam. Photo supplied

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Competition games: Club Singles: Steve Roome defeated Wendy Coles.
Club Pairs: Gus Munro and Ray Muir defeated Tiarna Winter and Robyn Stitt.

Sunday Social: I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Steve Roome defeated Anna Melic, Wendy Coles, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Keith Kirk, G. Reddacliff defeated Ron Gould, Brett Lampard, Steve Roome.

Wednesday Social: Ron Gould, Gordo defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ross Scanlon. I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Jane Gilbert. I.Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Jane Gilbert defeated A.Melic, Peter Bruce, Glen R.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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In Club Champion Singles Bryan Davy defeated Ken Watts 26-11; Michael Kinnear defeated Gavin Milne 25-8; Wayne Handley defeated Todd Leys 25-10; David Ling Defeated Philip Brown 25 - 12.

In B Singles Mike Harrison defeated Vince Olsen 25 - 2; Bruce Uhe defeated Arthur Griffith 26 - 17; Todd Leys defeated Alen Sanderson 26 - 6.

In Club Championship Pairs David Ling and Andrew Bell defeated Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel 27 - 11; Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Peter Lawton and Dale Haack 21 - 14.

At Wednesday's Social Bowls Philip Brown, Arthur Griffith, Mike Harrison and Dale Haack defeated Alen Sanderson, John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Peter Lawton 22 - 15. 

Sunday Social Bowls John Anderson, Phililp Brown and Bruce Uhe defeated Lee King, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara 32 - 4; Barry Zillmann and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 29 - 10.

Save the date of Saturday, April 20 when the club will be holding a lunchtime BBQ, the 2023 Presentation and an afternoon of Social Bowls. 

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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On water race training and boat preparations have been well underway among the sailing members and associate club members of Bowen’s Port Denison Sailing Club, with Sunday the 24th of March seeing the final off beach racing weekend for the term.
Four races were held in light to moderate breezes on the high tide waters between the PDSC Clubrooms and the Bowen Jetty arm. Green Fleeters climbed aboard the race starter boat to see first hand how races begin with the sequence of flags and whistles during the count downs.  
The three Jordan siblings from Mackay, Jesse, Charlie, and Julian, on their Sabots joined PDSC’s Rory and Reid Martin, and Darcy and Fletcher Kennedy, on their Optimists making a total of seven small dinghies, with five adults and youths on Windsurfers also taking the line. It was a mixed bag of results with everyone enjoying the close racing, evidenced by the smiles all round.  
As a special treat two of the windsurfers then took each of the Green Fleeters for an exhilarating ride back to shore after the racing, further whetting their appetites for sailing in all forms. PDSC recognises the wide range of off beach sailing classes and looks to provide varied opportunities to Club members to participate in the sport variation of their choice.  
PDSC wishes the best of luck to all its members racing in the upcoming Easter Regatta at Whitsunday Sailing Club. The Committee thanks all its volunteers for their assistance during Term 1 and wishes everyone a safe and happy Easter holiday break, with racing and lessons to resume from Term 2.  
The next term’s calendar for Little Pirates and Big Pirates lessons, Green Fleet training, and off beach racing days will be published shortly on the Port Denison Sailing Club Facebook page.  
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Contributed with thanks to Johanna Winstanley. 
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Bowen sail racing. Photo supplied

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Boats capsize or swamp mostly because of poor stability or rough conditions. Poor stability is caused by excess weight on board, whether it is people or cargo, and where the weight is positioned. It is essential to position weight as low as possible and ensure the bow or stern is not lower than the other. If the boat appears to be slow to respond to a roll or pitch then the boat may be overloaded. In rough conditions the boat relies on the bow to provide lift into the prevailing sea condition, whether it is wind chop or ocean swell.

When a boat breaks down or is drifting, the wind will turn the bow away from the wave direction and the stern will face into the waves. This is a dangerous situation, as the stern or transom usually has the lowest freeboard and is subject to taking water. If you break down or are adrift in rough conditions, anchor immediately if practical, or deploy a drogue (a bucket on a rope can act as a drogue) to keep the bow into the sea. Never anchor your boat by the stern. Even the passing wake of a boat can come over the transom and cause a swamping.

Contributed with thanks to VMR Whitsundays

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