4:12 AM Wed 30 Dec 2009 GMT
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'New Years Eve on Sydney Harbour'
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Sydney Harbour, it has won fame worldwide for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display and it's ready to go again to see out 2009 and bid 'G'day' to 2010.
For boat owners (and their guests) the harbour is the place to celebrate and it attracts hundreds of recreational craft, ranging from canoes and kayaks through to dinghies, runabouts and megayachts.
While all are out to have a good time, it's worth pointing out the downside to such celebrations.
I'm the last person in the world to harp on about 'boating and alcohol don't mix', but with other vessels fore and aft, port and starboard, all jockeying for a good anchorage, every vessel on the harbour should have a designated helmsman (or woman?).
Be aware, all the authorities, NSW Maritime, NSW Water Police and volunteer coastal patrol units will be out in force.
Neil Patchett, from NSW Maritime, has implored skippers to show 'some good old commonsense.'
'All BSOs (Boating Service Officers) will be on duty and remember, they're not there trying to stop people having a good time, they just want to ensure people enjoy themselves in a safe environment,' he said.
Unfortunately, Patchett can recall too numerous examples of 'sheer idiocy' from many boaters.
'One thing I'd like to point out concerns flares,' he said, 'they're for use in an emergency, not for celebrating New Year's Eve.
'In previous years we've even had serious bushfires started by uncaring skippers letting off flares on Pittwater and on the Myall Lakes, north of Sydney.
'All too often it seems that old-fashioned commonsense goes missing when people are celebrating,' he added.
Bear in mind there will be exclusion zones enforced and they will be clearly marked.
According to Neil Patchett, 'water rage' as opposed to the more common 'road rage' often leads to problems for the authorities.
'It only takes someone to come charging in at sunset looking for an anchorage and disturbing other boats and their crews who have been there some time for trouble to flare up,' he explained.
'I can only urge all skippers to show consideration to their fellow boaters, stay well clear of any barges involved in the pyrotechnics display and observe the exclusion zones.
'Follow simple procedures and everyone can enjoy the evening,' he added.
I can also offer some advice - while it may provide all on board with the best view of the spectacle, make sure your anchorage will not be showered with fireworks residue.
Twice in my experience friends have not taken that into account and to this day still have nasty burn marks in their boat's gelcoat.
Finally, please, have a designated driver on board who can handle the helm.
Happy New Year to you all.
by Bob Wonders
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Sailing
