We’ve set up a new mailing list to encourage “a conversation” between those of us hoping to sail North this winter, have done it or just dream about it.

To join, go to the registration page or simply send an email to “skipper at skipr dot net”.

After you join, please send an introductory message to the list and make yourself at home. Blatant commercial messages are discouraged. We welcome any messages about your travels, experiences, problems and solutions, associated with sailing up and down the Australian coast line.

Here is an interesting account of a meeting at the Balmain Sailing Club (website) attended by NSW Maritime. It covers the use of mooring, anchoring in the harbour and various contentious issues (such as whether you can pee overboard). An excellent account which will settle many a sundowner discussion. Download the Meeting Account here (PDF).

By the way, there is another interesting document on Radio Communications at the Balmain Club’s website, written by Allan Adolphson for a cruise to Hobart in 2007. A very comprehensive guide, good to have on board. Download Allan’s Guide (PDF).

Now that there is to be improved coordination between the Coastal Patrol and Coast Guard flavours of Volunteer Marine Rescue organisations, we now have a definitive list of VMR stations in NSW on the Coastal Patrol Website. Unfortunately, it appears only linked from inside “New Standard Operating Procedures for more effective NSW Offshore Vessel Tracking“, rather than clearly linked from the site’s menu.