Traditional sailors to steer for Australian Boat Show There are plans afoot to have traditional sailors and their beautiful sailing ships join in with Rotary at the annual Airlie Beach Boat Show next June. Whitsunday has many sailing ships that fit the bill with owners and crew happy to promote our sailing area. Visitors could enjoy a sail on a traditional ship as part of their boat show experience. In July, a superb fleet of traditional boats sailed a course from Airlie around Langford Reef and return. We sailed in the finest trade wind conditions the Whitsundays can provide, the sun making up for the salt spray across the decks in the boisterous seas. The Derwent Hunter Perpetual Trophy was awarded to the newest addition to the fleet of traditional sailing ships; the beautiful timber 1961 built Alden ketch 'Enid' and proud owner Leo Rodriguez. Not a race, but a regatta, the gaffer fleet featured Providence V, Windjammer, Derwent Hunter, Atlanta, pearling lugger Ise Pearl and the Atkins design gaff cutter Pequot. Southern Cross attended from Bowen and visitor Centurion peeled off at Stonehaven for a leisurely lunch. Everyone agreed it was a fantastic day on the water. Over a couple of rums afterward, it was thought that this kind of traditional theme, timber, tallship and gaffer fleet should meet again, perhaps as part of the Rotary Boat Show. It would show visitors and sailors alike that there was life before plastic boats and that it still takes sailors of steel to sail timber ships with traditional rigs. Other fine local ships include the century-old Solway Lass, Coral Trekker, and usual visitors such as Gypsy Pearl. It's Official: Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show The Rotary Club of Airlie Beach has renamed their successful June long weekend boat show. Oceanic Insurance have once again agreed to sponsor the 2004 show and it will be officially referred to as the 'Oceanic Whitsunday Boat & Leisure Show'. A new group is being formed to steer a course for the boat show and all are invited to join Traditional Ships with information on 4948 0980 Cap'n Dan Van Blarcom

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