MAKING WAVES

Not out of danger

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) issued a second boating warning following the recent heavy rain, large swells and flooding along the east coast of NSW as a result of ex-tropical cyclone Oswald.

Skippers and owners of small craft should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering any boating activity, particularly crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.

Flooded rivers can be dangerous for boating as equipment, livestock and debris is often hard to see in the discoloured water, or can be floating just under the surface.

Skippers are reminded to maintain vigilance at all times when boating in these conditions and to "maintain a proper lookout". Also, navigation markers may be washed away, submerged or in the wrong location. Vessels on moorings should be checked for ingress of water and the condition of mooring lines. Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. RMS advises skippers to: check the official weather forecast before and during boating; ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions; log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore; and wear a lifejacket.

Bigger Birkenhead

Construction is about to start on the renovated and revamped Birkenhead Point Marina.

The largest privately owned floating marina on Sydney Harbour will be reconfigured with 14 new bigger berths, taking the total to 201. The new western arm will have three 45-metre berths, two 40-metre berths, four 24-metre berths, two 20-metre berths, five 16-metre berths and 14 18-metre berths.

Evidently, there is little inquiry for the smaller 10-metre and under berths. A new fuel wharf with onshore tanks for 70,000 litres of diesel and 40,000 litres of premium unleaded, and a floating marina office selling general goods, will occupy the eastern arm.

Some one-dozen new small offices will be built for marine trades, along with new bathrooms and suites, plus a laundry and tenant's room. Work is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Shorter race week

Citing the busy work schedules of today's time-poor sailors, Hamilton Island Race Week organisers have decided to shorten this year's 30th anniversary event by one day. The Welcome Party will be held on Saturday, August 17. Racing will commence the following day, with the competition concluding August 24. Another change is a special division for the First Fleeters — yachts that were at Hamilton Island for the inaugural event in 1984. hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.