With last week a washout in the Proserpine Cricket Association calendar, four eager teams took to the grounds on Saturday on a damp outfield where scoring was hard to come by.

Batting first, the Whitsunday Colts were off to a shaky start as Ben Davis (1/24) and Scott Milne (2/31) made the early breakthroughs.

Michael Pettiford (73 not out) continued his run of good form, holding his bat through the entire innings. He found assistance in Wes Homewood (36) and Charlie Woodhouse (50 not out) as the Colts piled on the runs late in the innings.

Luke Thompson (1/40) was the only other Proserpine Canecutters bowler to add his name to the wickets column as Colts finished on 4/181 after 35 overs.

Canecutters never looked comfortable in response, as the youngsters piled on the pressure with the ball in their hands. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Roy Blain (1/24), Kohan Mau (2/17), Noah Wylie (3/23), Jackson Riley (2/13) and Michael Pettiford (1/16) shared the wickets between them.  

Nine different bowlers were utilised for Colts with the youngsters sharing the workload together to ensure everyone felt part of the game. Liam Davies (66) was the only Canecutters batsman to show any resistance, whilst Ben Davis (12 not out) was the second highest scoring player for Canecutters.

The regular fall of wickets significantly affected the runrate, with Canecutters finishing on 9/130 after 35 overs to hand a convincing 51 run win to the Colts.

In the other game, Warriors batted first against Valleys and as with other match, the runs were hard to come by early. Ricky Parslow had the ball on a string and quickly sent three Warriors batsman back to the sheds. Randal ‘Red’ Porter (33) and Dan Leschke (22) steadied the ship to combine for a 45 run partnership, whilst Josh Large (24) provided some middle order impetus. Youngster Jacob Williams (3/29) was very handy with his off spin.

Machlin Turner (1/10) and Tony Hinschen (1/19) also assisted with the ball, however Ricky led the way returning the ridiculous figures of 5/6 in his 8 overs. Warriors were bundled out for 107, which was still somewhat competitive given the slow outfields.

Despite losing the two early wickets, Valleys were never under any real pressure chasing down the modest total.

Chris Wren grew another leg and bowled with pace that he hasn’t bowled for many seasons, however didn’t get the wickets we deserved returning figures of 1/40. He was assisted by Luke Valmadre (1/23) who was the only other Warriors bowler to add their name to the wickets column.

Fresh off his five wicket haul, Ricky (46 not out) continued his form with the bat despite only being on one leg with a quad injury he picked up bowling. Machlin Turner (47 not out) was the perfect foil to team up with Ricky, with the pair taking down the target at the end of the 17th over. Valleys remain undefeated so far in the 40 over competition.

This Saturday will see all teams receiving a bye as Pink Stumps Day taking centre stage in Bowen.

The Proserpine fixtures will resume on Saturday, February 25.

Any new or returning players can contact Dale Mengel (0410 895 191) or Craig Brown (4945 1983) for further information.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

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The McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes recently travelled to the Gold Coast to compete in the Basketball Queensland Under 18 State Championship.

The girls made it to an epic Division 1 Grand Final, finishing second in their pool and defeating the Gold Coast Rollers 63-51 in the semi.

In a decider that went down to the wire, the Meteorettes ultimately went down to the Logan Thunder 73-72.

Monique Bobongie starred, scoring 30 points, with Charli Bliss contributing 22 and Hannah Jensen 12.

Congratulations to Ross, Troy, Kylie and the girls on their massive efforts to secure Silver Medals.

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The Mackay Meteorettes secured silver medals in the Basketball Queensland Under 18 State Championship on the Gold Coast last month. Photo supplied

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There was a solid Mackay representation in the Under 15 Queensland North teams recently competing at the Southern Cross Challenge held in Victoria.

Congrats to the Mackay Basketball junior players who did Mackay proud.

Eden Catip, Isabel Smith, Maggie Thorburn, Skye Vaughn and Lily Mapp all made the girls team while Usai Bickley, Cooper Currie and Treyce Cianter represented the boys.

The Queensland North girls finished 4th with the Queensland North boys coming 8th.

Well done to all involved.

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Eight Mackay players represented Queensland North at the U15 Southern Cross Challenge in Victoria last month. Photos supplied

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Australian Indigenous centre court sensation Ainsley Carey heads a strong St Patrick’s College netball contingent that will represent Mackay at next Monday’s Capricornia trials to be staged at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

The gifted 17-year-old centre/wing attack, who shone for Queensland at the recent National Indigenous Netball Championships on the Gold Coast, is one of the brightest prospects in the State and a product of the Mackay Magpies Netball Club.

Ainsley is one of five St Patrick’s College players in the Mackay District School Sport Netball Senior 16 - 19yrs squad that will push their claims for Capricornia representative selection.

Other St Patrick’s whiz kids to watch include outstanding defenders Mischa Dinsdale and goalkeeper Kacee Ziegeler, centre Lillian Newland and shooter Rebecca Symons.

They’ll be joined by promising Holy Spirit College defenders Elizabeth Lee and Stella Brooks; Whitsunday Anglican College shooters Eden Bagley and Isabel Milful and Mackay State High School shooter Christa Nissen.

The squad will be coached by experienced and respected St Patrick’s College mentor Diana Bailey.

During the trials Mackay will compete against teams from Port Curtis, Central Highlands and Rockhampton.

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ST PATRICK’S players also dominate selections in the Mackay District School Sport Netball 13 - 15yrs Junior squad which includes emerging goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse and centre court ace Tenille Cotter.

Talented shooters/goal attacks Kiana Dunn and Tahlia Anderson and goal attack/wing attack Lacie Clark will also fly the St Patrick’s flag along with leading coach Christine Newland.

Other players featured include rising Holy Spirit College trio Ava Symons (goal attack/shooter); Mia Slater (wing attack/centre/wing defender) and Alysse Atherton (goal defender/wing defence) and Mackay State High School’s sharp centre court/shooter Rhyanna Ape and impressive goalkeeper Addison Dee.

Exciting prospects Ziegeler, Pershouse and Cotter have been chosen to participate on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in 2024 where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.  

The trio helped Mercy College capture the Division 6 Trophy at last year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament after edging out rivals Marist College Emerald 16-15 in a thrilling Grand Final contest.  

Dinsdale was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player after classy performances during the series and caught the eye of Australian Diamonds great Vicki Wilson, who labelled the Mercy school girl “an exceptional talent.”  

The skilful Rebecca Symons was named St Patrick’s Most Valuable Player at the 2022 QISSN event.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick's College senior netballers Lillian Newland, Mischa Dinsdale, Rebecca Symons, Kacee Ziegeler and Ainsley Carey will represent Mackay Schools at next Monday's Capricornia 16 - 19yrs netball trials

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On the weekend of 11-12 February 2023, Pioneer Dolphins travelled to the big smoke, Brisbane, for an action-packed weekend of competition at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

The fastest in the state battled it out for absolute supremacy in the “sprint” distance of 50m over the four strokes.

Pioneer Swimming Club celebrated a whopping 32 Dolphins having qualified for the event with 16 travelling to compete – Kylie Smith, Jade Bounden, Kailu Bellear, Kingston Baker, Yasmin Seedwell, Ella Bounden, Zahli Herring, Georgie Brand, Alex Moss, Ariah Corrigan, Isabelle Miles, August Baker, Madison Malagueno, Joleigh Strydom, Annaliese Miles and Yvonne Bellear.

Special mentions for highlights over the weekend include Jade Bounden placing 2nd in 18-year Freestyle, 3rd in Breaststroke and 4th in Butterfly; Kylie Smith placing 5th in Open Backstroke and 9th in Butterfly; Madison Malagueno placing 3rd in 10-year freestyle; Alex Moss placing 7th in 11-year breaststroke; and personal bests being achieved by most of our state team.

Igor joined the team on the trip to Brisbane and was one very proud Coach!

Our Dolphins celebrated their phenomenal weekend of swimming at the Brisbane Eat Street before returning to Mackay to start preparation for our next exciting event, NQ Championships to be held in Townsville on 4-5 March.  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Pioneer Dolphins travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland Sprint Championships over the weekend

Jade Bounden received medals in breaststroke and freestyle and finalist in fly

Kylie Smith finalist in Butterfly and Backstroke Finals

Madison Malagueno receiving her bronze medal for freestyle

Alex Moss received a finalist ribbon for breaststroke. Photos supplied

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From the warm tropics of northern Queensland to the frosty southern temperatures of the Australian Capital Territory, at the northern tip of the Australian Alps.

That is the future lifestyle for promising St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow after securing a three-year NRL contract with the Canberra Raiders.

The power running forward is bound for the nation’s capital when he completes his schooling in Mackay and has already impressed Raiders officials with his natural athletic prowess, work ethic and skill set while attending a pre-season camp at the club’s headquarters in Braddon.

As the 2023 season moves into full swing, the 15-year-old Morrow is determined to make every post a winner when he trots onto the field for St Patrick’s in the region’s schoolboys competition ranks; club side Mackay Wests Tigers in the Mackay & District Junior League or the Mackay Cutters in the Under 16 Cyril Connell Cup series.

It is undeniably a heavy match schedule but one the super fit Morrow will definitely relish when the first ball is officially kicked off for the new season.

A delighted Mark described his trip to the ACT as “a memorable experience” and a valuable introduction and education on NRL operations.

“I met the Raiders NRL squad at the camp and was over the moon when Kangaroos World Cup star Jack Wighton came over and made me feel welcome,” beamed Mark.

“We had a talk about my rugby league journey to date and Jack passed on tips on how to improve my game,” he added.

The impact forward was part of a squad of 24 top juniors aged between 15 and 18 from across Queensland and NSW invited to trial with the Raiders down south.

Morrow chalks up a 10-year service milestone with his beloved Tigers this season when he lines up for the Under 16 black and golds.

He remembers playing in his first trophy decider for the Tigers back in 2017.

“We lost to the Townsville Western Lions by three tries to one (12-4) in the final of the Gorden Tallis Cup,” Mark recalled.

Mark participated in the Broncos Rugby League Academy from the age of 12 and the Cowboys Academy since turning 14 before linking with the Raiders.

He represented Capricornia at the Queensland School Sports Rugby League State Championships in Under 11s, Under 12s and Under 15s and last year also lined up at the State AFL titles as a defender.

Mark is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.

Having tasted defeat after the bell in last year’s Challenge Grand Final this Raider in waiting is determined to get his hands on the trophy in 2023.

By Chris Karas

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Emerging St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow will swap the sun and tropics for chilly winters when he takes up a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders

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Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Second draw winners were Vic Gaudian and Peter Miller, and the lucky prize draw was won by Marie Duck and D Evans.

Wednesday - NMBC Ladies Section winners were Lyn Tennant and Isla Comelli. Runners up were Debbie Mackenzie, Gloria Sam and Doris Dodds.

Wednesday was also the semi-final of the ladies club championship 4’s with the final played on Thursday morning. The final winning team players are Marie Bragg, Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Dorothy (Nuggie) Pratt. Valiant runners up were Donna Gordon, Coral Francis, Deb Mackenzie, Lorna Bowers.

Thursday – Goosies first prize was taken out by Andrew Coates and Shayne Trannore. Second draw winners were Vern Mietzel and Pat Elgey.

Kitty Toucher was not won!

Friday - Mixed pairs best card winners were Col Crocker and Tom Crocker. Winners of the lucky draw were Vern Mietzel and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Eric Galletly and Shirley Bartolo.

Saturday - NMBC Men’s section winners were Kenny Dwyer, Shayne Trannore and Ernie Sealy. Runners up Eric Galletly, Asko Helenius and Kenny Lane.

Contributed by Ian Rowan and Suzanne Hazledine

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“A” Grade Fours and NMBC Singles

Club Championship 4’s winners Chris Hall, Marie Bragg, Nuggie Pratt and Michele Stockton

Runners up Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Donna Gordon, Coral Francis

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While the Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field on Saturday, a few key players were absent after being called into the Cowboys squad for their first Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins.

Hooker Kyle Scheider and halfback Adam Cook took to the field in Cairns on Sunday as the Cowboys played out a 22 all draw against the NRL’s freshest franchise.

Winger Laitia Moceidreke and centre Gehamat Shibasaki also played for their contracted club after appearing for the Cutters 18 and five times respectively in 2022.

Moceidreke, who played one NRL game for the Cowboys in 2021 and was the top try scorer for the Cutters in 2022, starred with two tries, including a clutch final-minute four-pointer to guarantee the draw.

The Dolphins were the first to score in the seventh minute followed by Moceidreke opening the Cowboys’ account just four minutes later.

The Cowboys led 18-4 after 32 minutes before the Dolphins made their way back into the game, leading 18-22 with eight minutes to play.

Moceidreke crossed untouched in the final minute to even things up at 22-22.

Schnieder’s consistency in attack and defence was on display, including a pinpoint kick in the 62nd to set up a try that was ultimately disallowed, and Townsville junior Cook got his first taste of the big time, donning the Cowboys jersey for the first time and taking the field with about 30 minutes to go.

“It’s obviously something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cook said after the game.

“When I got on there, I was just trying to do my role and make sure we completed the sets and I thought we did that.”

Looking to the 2023 Cutters season, Cook said he’s looking forward to a good year.

“We’re looking really good,” he said.

“Commo’s (Coach Michael Comerford) got a good group of boys there ready to go so I'm looking forward to a good season.”

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Cutters’ halfback Adam Cook donned the Cowboys jersey for the first time on Sunday. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

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Over seventy runners braved the heat wave conditions as they competed in a one, two or three loop course around the beautiful, mostly shaded Gooseponds from the Willis Street dog park carpark.  

The social event was a great start to the formal 2023 season with the first handicap points run on next Sunday morning at Wallmans Rd cul-de-sac, Rural View.  

All runners must register online so that they are immediately eligible for club championship and handicap points towards end of year trophies.  

Also check out the 2023 calendar on the website www.mackayroadrunners.com for weekly events, times and locations.  

Please check regularly in case of any updates or changes to the program.

Many thanks to Mr Colin Meng who has once again generously accepted to be the Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, bringing his reign to over 15 years.  

Col also formally announced the first race of the season with a welcome speech before cutting the ribbon to open the 2023 season.

Thanks to Col and his family for also providing Zooper Doopers for a much needed boost of hydration post-race.  

The continuing temperatures can be fatal; therefore, all runners must ensure they seriously maintain their hydration levels throughout the week as well as on training and race days.

Thanks to Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short for setting up the course for the event, merchandiser Jo Hughes, registrar Julie Whibley and timekeeper Arthur Dick as well as the many helpers assisting in pack-up afterwards.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Over seventy Mackay Road Runners joined Patron Col Meng (standing far left) as he opened the first official run of the 2023 formal program

Jordan Miller enjoyed a lap of the Gooseponds with his kids

L-R Tim Magoffin, Therese Hackney and Alan Zamparutti share a laugh

Birthday boy Stuart Sprott turned 79 on the first run of the season and is going strong too

Toby Rule leads over seventy runners out of the starting chute. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Footy returned to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, giving punters a look at what they can expect from the Mackay Cutters in 2023 with four teams playing their first trials of the season.

The Cutters hosted the Central Queensland Capras with Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls and Hostplus Cup teams all facing off.

The Cyril Connell Challenge sides were the first to take the field, with the under-16 boys kicking off in the heat of the early afternoon.

The arm wrestle of the first half finished with the Cutters and the Capras tied at 8-8, but the home team kicked into gear in the second half, finishing strongly with a 20-8 win.

It was the under 18 boys to run out next, with the Mal Meninga Cup sides facing off in an edge-of-your-seat thriller.

It was looking dire for the Cutters, as the visitors went into half time with a 0-16 lead, but an inspired second half effort saw the Cutters score 20 unanswered points to finish 20-16 victors.

The difference couldn’t be split between the Harvey Norman U19 Girls squads, with an 8-8 half time score resulting in an epic 16-16 draw at full time.

Finally, the Hostplus Cup squad showed positive signs under new coach Michael Comerford, defeating their central Queensland rivals 24-10.

The Cutters travel to Airlie Beach this weekend with the Hastings Deering Colts, BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup sides all taking the field at Whitsundays Sports Park on Saturday.

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Congratulations to the Mackay team on winning the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville held 28th and 29th January 2023. This is a fabulous win, as it was a very competitive event. Team - Max, Diane, Janelle and Terry.

Big Congratulations to Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award 2022 and Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award.

Weekly Results

Monday 6 February 2023 – Week 3 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Monica Darley / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Geoff Taylor

4th Angela Wilk / Ming Ting

Tuesday Evening 7 February 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell One Winner

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janine Rodgers / Jan Harris

3rd Ken Seaniger / Maria Setiyawan

4th Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 8 February 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown

4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday 9 February 2023 –5 Table One Winner

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Geoff Taylor / Faye Wright

3rd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

4th Mick Robins / Ann Whitmore

Friday 10 February 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

2nd Monica Darley / Victor Mason

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

E/W

1st Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

4th Anne Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 11 February 2023 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Christine Nice

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

4th Vicki Taylor / Toni Large

E/W

1st Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

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Di, Max, Janelle and Terry won the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville

Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award

Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award

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Proserpine Golf Club hosted 22 competitors in the Club’s Tuesday Stableford competition with Michael Jarvis the winner on 39 points, followed by Gary Scotford on 37, and Karl Kirkwood on 36, with Brad Fleet winning the NT.,  

On Wednesday the ladies competed for the PD Law Monthly Medal, with Lyn Muller too good for the rest of the field with a very nice 70 nett, closely followed by Diane Chard on 71, and Trish McNeill on 72 nett.

NTP’s: Trish McNeill, Marlene Gray, Toni Clauss, and Pam Harrison.  

Thursday’s Venue Smart Division One Monthly Medal was won by Gary Scotford on 71 nett, followed by club patron Billy Woods on 71. The Division Two Monthly Medal clear winner was Peter Elms on 64 nett, followed by Adam Tester on 67.

NTP’s: Nick Apruzzese, Mark Davidson, Gary Scotford, and Adam Tester.

Unfortunately, Saturday and Sunday’s competitions were a wash out.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop

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On Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann defeated John Anderson and Warren Wilson, 19-12, in a game of Three Bowl Pairs.

Alen Sanderson played double lead in a game of Triples which saw himself, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison draw against, Heather Brown and Mary Hedgelong – with Allen too - 13 all.

On Sunday, Carol Crosbie played double lead in the game between her team of Mike Harrison, and Philip Brown against Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown, with the former side coming out the victor 24-11.

The final match of the week was tightly contested but Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson and Sandy Daffara, 18–15, in the end.

Proserpine Bowls Club extended its thanks to those the diligent workers keeping the club in tip-top shape during the holidays which meant a smooth transition back to the season.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club has seen a surge of high-class action over the past week with the summer heat bringing out the best in the members.

Tuesday afternoon's bowls games proved to be scintillating, with the guile of club skipper Margo Stanley and her partner Betty Whitehorn, who is currently in a purple patch, proving to be too much for their opponents Neil Moore and Karen Jensen.

Wednesday's Jackpot Bowls was equally impressive with Graham Cowling and Mark Mawson emerging as the big winners of the day.

The Wednesday night Business House Bowls also saw some exciting games, but they were cut short due to a tropical storm.

The Saturday morning Scroungers event had three first round winners in Betty Whitehorn, Andy McDougall, and Warren Mills.

Betty's husband, Tony Whitehorn, won the B division, continuing his success from last season.

The Saturday afternoon Men's Division tryouts for Pennants were well-organized by John Brown and John Fielding, showcasing the amazing talent in the division.

Sunday afternoon's Social Bowls, excellently organized by Lyn Graham, saw Craig Coleman as skipper with exciting new bowler Dawn Dowel at lead and reliable Neil Moore at second winning the event.

Article written with information from Mark Mawson

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Tips on navigating safely

• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.

• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.

• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.

• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.

• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat this year with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!

Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.

Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard or right-hand side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.

Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.

Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.

Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.

However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .

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Activations keep on rolling on, and we are running at the same record level as last year at this stage.

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday.

1: Don’t be a fool, follow the rules and avoid costly errors

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