ST. JOHN'S, NF (Marketwire)
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today said the Government of Canada will continue its strong support for the energy sector in Atlantic Canada. Speaking at the annual conference of the Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association, Minister Lunn praised NOIA members for the energy success of Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The Newfoundland and Labrador offshore is poised for strong growth in the future, and our government is pleased to be part of this success," said Minister Lunn. "The Government of Canada is committed to fostering continued prosperity by supporting innovation and a competitive environment for the offshore."The energy sector is becoming increasingly more important to this region. Newfoundland and Labrador's GDP growth rate is currently three times the national average, and the energy sector now accounts for a third of the province's industrial GDP.
Minister Lunn also announced the creation of the Atlantic Canada Energy Office. The office will engage in attracting investment in the offshore energy sector, improving trade and market development for supply companies in the region and enhancing coordination and support for energy science and technology.
"Today's announcement is an example of how our government is taking real action to support the growth of Atlantic Canada's dynamic oil and gas industry," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador.The Office will be located in St. John's and would co-locate existing federal resources and draw on the collaborative efforts of officials from both ACOA and NRCan.
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Natural Resources Canada,
OttawaOffice of the Minister
Bernadette Murphy, A/Director of Communications,
613-996-2007
OR:
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT
613-995-0947;
TTY: 613-996-4397 (teletype for the hearing-impaired)questions@nrcan.gc.ca
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
GREEN TEAM YACHT MAIDEN VOYAGE
GALWAY, IRELAND (Advertiser)
The Green Team and Ireland’s new Volvo Open 70 are already making waves in preparation for their assault on the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race.
This week the yacht was taken for its maiden voyage - ahead of schedule - having been lifted into the water on Monday.
The Green Team, currently in Gosport, England, will be based in Galway before the race starts in Spain on October 4.
The Green Team, including 15 shore crew, boat builders, and the race crew have been working for the last 10 days to prepare the Reichel Pugh-designed boat for its first sail since arriving from the boat builders yard,McConaghy Boats, in China.
Skipper Ian Walker is delighted the Green Team is on course in its preparations before moving to Galway in July.
“We sailed for five hours in perfect conditions. Starting in no wind, we slowly loaded the boat up and quickly got sailing with full cant on the keel in 15 knots of wind. As always with new boats there were some glitches and we already have some modifications to make but it was overwhelmingly positive.
“The boat feels beautifully balanced, the keel system is working well, and the mast and sails set up nicely,” he said.
A number of key components have been flown in from around the world - the mast was made by Southern Spars New Zealand, the sails from North Sails, Britain; rudders and dagger boards from McConaghy Australia; keel bulb from Irons Brothers in Britain, and the keel fin from the USA.
Like the boat’s components, the crew is also boasts a strong international flavour.
Joining skipper Ian Walker, will be four Irish sailors, two Australians, a New Zealander, and a British sailor. This line-up of round-the-world winners, America’s Cup campaigners, and world-class competitors reflects the international flavour of all seven participants in this year’s round the world race.
Three of Ireland’s world-class sailors have jumped on board in the continuing build-up to this year’s race, which includes for the first time a stopover in Galway.
All on the international sailing circuit, Damian Foxhall (39) from County Kerry, Justin Slattery (34) from County Wexford, and Ian Moore (37) from County Antrim, will join a fourth Irish sailor, youngster Scott Miller (25), for the world’s most prestigious offshore ocean race. Another three Irish sailors have been selected on the shore team.
Damien Foxhall, selected as a watch leader on the Green Team, already has two Volvo races under his belt, having sailed in 2005/06 on Ericsson and previously on Team Tyco. Having crossed the Atlantic 17 times and sailed rounded the world seven times, he has clocked up more than 310,000 nautical miles. In a career spanning 25 years, he has become a familiar face on the international racing circuit having competed in every discipline at most levels. A native of Derrynane, he is the most recent winner of a round the world yacht race, having won the inaugural Barcelona World Race with Jean-Pierre Dick aboard the Open 60 Paprec-Virbac this year. In doing so he made Irish sailing history, becoming the first Irish man to win a non-stop round the world race.
Ian Moore is selected as the team’s navigator. Brought up in Northern Ireland, and with keen sailing parents behind him, he first sailed at the local sailing club in Newcastle, Co Down, where he learnt the ropes on Mirror dinghies. Initially he trained as a naval architect in England, and having worked on a number of diverse projects, including designing and building nuclear submarines, he became a professional yacht racing navigator. His big break as a navigator came after racing as a bowman in the Commodores Cup in 1996. He cut his teeth in the Volvo event on board the winning Volvo Ocean Race 2001/02 Illbruck before spending three years with New Zealand’s America’s Cup team as Ben Ainslie’s navigator on the B boat. Named as navigator for the British America’s Cup challenge, Team Origin, he has sailed with Walker and Green Team chairman Eamon Conneely on the Galwayman’s TP52 Patches.
Bowman Justin Slattery hails from Cork, and he too made Irish sailing history when the became the first Irishman to win the gruelling Volvo Ocean Race when on board ABN Amro One in the 2005/06 event - the third time he had sailed around the world in five years.
From Wexford, and a former member of the Wexford Harbour Boat Club, he broke the round the world record in 2004 on board the yacht Cheyenne whose crew became the fastest to sail the globe in 58 days.
Other sailing achievements include breaking the transatlantic record at just 22 years old, shortly after winning the maxi-worlds onboard Skandia.
Slattery boasts an impressive CV, having competed in all the prestigious ocean races in the world, including five Fastnets and five Sydney-Hobarts, including the notorious 1998 race in which six sailors tragically died. He has taken part in multiple other races during his professional racing career. His first venture around the world was on board News Corp in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001/02 when he was 26 years old, having already claimed the trans-atlantic record on Nicorette.
The youngster on the Green Team is Scott Miller (25) who will be a trimmer. He has worked on the design side of UK Sails and has skippered the Farr 45 John Merricks. Miller is a graduate of the Volvo RYA Keelboat squad and has raced numerous boats from Beneteau 25s all the way up to Maximus.
The remainder of the crew are:
Tom Braidwood - a highly respected and experienced sailor from Sydney, Australia, who was also also on board Team Ericsson for the last race. His third Volvo Round the World race, Braidwood has also campaigned with two Admiral Cup teams and has competed in several Farr 40 European and World Championships. He has project managed the Green Team’s entry in conjunction with McConaghys Boats Ltd.
Andrew McLean (29) - a graduate of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron youth programme and was a shore team member of Team New Zealand. A professional engineer, McLean worked with the weather team for the 2003 defence, developing software and predictive models on the weather data gathered from the racecourse. In 2004 he joined the Team New Zealand sailing team as a grinder.
Phil Harmer (28) - The Australian is the Green Team’s multi-tasker -driver/trimmer/sailmaker. He competed in the last Volvo Ocean Race on board ABN AMRO TWO and Brunel as sailmaker and trimmer. He has recently trimmed for the RC44 Team Aqua and the Farr 40 Grooverderci, but cut his teeth with the 1995 Young Australia America’s Cup team.
Freddie Shanks (28) - Another regular crewmember on Conneely’s TP52 Patches, this British sailor will be the bowman on the Green Team. Shanks has also won the Swan Worlds on J One and the Commodores Cup on the Farr 52 Bear of Britain. He has sailed with Ian Walker on numerous other boats including several Farr 40s and has recently twice completed the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race.
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The Green Team and Ireland’s new Volvo Open 70 are already making waves in preparation for their assault on the 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race.
This week the yacht was taken for its maiden voyage - ahead of schedule - having been lifted into the water on Monday.
The Green Team, currently in Gosport, England, will be based in Galway before the race starts in Spain on October 4.
The Green Team, including 15 shore crew, boat builders, and the race crew have been working for the last 10 days to prepare the Reichel Pugh-designed boat for its first sail since arriving from the boat builders yard,McConaghy Boats, in China.
Skipper Ian Walker is delighted the Green Team is on course in its preparations before moving to Galway in July.
“We sailed for five hours in perfect conditions. Starting in no wind, we slowly loaded the boat up and quickly got sailing with full cant on the keel in 15 knots of wind. As always with new boats there were some glitches and we already have some modifications to make but it was overwhelmingly positive.
“The boat feels beautifully balanced, the keel system is working well, and the mast and sails set up nicely,” he said.
A number of key components have been flown in from around the world - the mast was made by Southern Spars New Zealand, the sails from North Sails, Britain; rudders and dagger boards from McConaghy Australia; keel bulb from Irons Brothers in Britain, and the keel fin from the USA.
Like the boat’s components, the crew is also boasts a strong international flavour.
Joining skipper Ian Walker, will be four Irish sailors, two Australians, a New Zealander, and a British sailor. This line-up of round-the-world winners, America’s Cup campaigners, and world-class competitors reflects the international flavour of all seven participants in this year’s round the world race.
Three of Ireland’s world-class sailors have jumped on board in the continuing build-up to this year’s race, which includes for the first time a stopover in Galway.
All on the international sailing circuit, Damian Foxhall (39) from County Kerry, Justin Slattery (34) from County Wexford, and Ian Moore (37) from County Antrim, will join a fourth Irish sailor, youngster Scott Miller (25), for the world’s most prestigious offshore ocean race. Another three Irish sailors have been selected on the shore team.
Damien Foxhall, selected as a watch leader on the Green Team, already has two Volvo races under his belt, having sailed in 2005/06 on Ericsson and previously on Team Tyco. Having crossed the Atlantic 17 times and sailed rounded the world seven times, he has clocked up more than 310,000 nautical miles. In a career spanning 25 years, he has become a familiar face on the international racing circuit having competed in every discipline at most levels. A native of Derrynane, he is the most recent winner of a round the world yacht race, having won the inaugural Barcelona World Race with Jean-Pierre Dick aboard the Open 60 Paprec-Virbac this year. In doing so he made Irish sailing history, becoming the first Irish man to win a non-stop round the world race.
Ian Moore is selected as the team’s navigator. Brought up in Northern Ireland, and with keen sailing parents behind him, he first sailed at the local sailing club in Newcastle, Co Down, where he learnt the ropes on Mirror dinghies. Initially he trained as a naval architect in England, and having worked on a number of diverse projects, including designing and building nuclear submarines, he became a professional yacht racing navigator. His big break as a navigator came after racing as a bowman in the Commodores Cup in 1996. He cut his teeth in the Volvo event on board the winning Volvo Ocean Race 2001/02 Illbruck before spending three years with New Zealand’s America’s Cup team as Ben Ainslie’s navigator on the B boat. Named as navigator for the British America’s Cup challenge, Team Origin, he has sailed with Walker and Green Team chairman Eamon Conneely on the Galwayman’s TP52 Patches.
Bowman Justin Slattery hails from Cork, and he too made Irish sailing history when the became the first Irishman to win the gruelling Volvo Ocean Race when on board ABN Amro One in the 2005/06 event - the third time he had sailed around the world in five years.
From Wexford, and a former member of the Wexford Harbour Boat Club, he broke the round the world record in 2004 on board the yacht Cheyenne whose crew became the fastest to sail the globe in 58 days.
Other sailing achievements include breaking the transatlantic record at just 22 years old, shortly after winning the maxi-worlds onboard Skandia.
Slattery boasts an impressive CV, having competed in all the prestigious ocean races in the world, including five Fastnets and five Sydney-Hobarts, including the notorious 1998 race in which six sailors tragically died. He has taken part in multiple other races during his professional racing career. His first venture around the world was on board News Corp in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001/02 when he was 26 years old, having already claimed the trans-atlantic record on Nicorette.
The youngster on the Green Team is Scott Miller (25) who will be a trimmer. He has worked on the design side of UK Sails and has skippered the Farr 45 John Merricks. Miller is a graduate of the Volvo RYA Keelboat squad and has raced numerous boats from Beneteau 25s all the way up to Maximus.
The remainder of the crew are:
Tom Braidwood - a highly respected and experienced sailor from Sydney, Australia, who was also also on board Team Ericsson for the last race. His third Volvo Round the World race, Braidwood has also campaigned with two Admiral Cup teams and has competed in several Farr 40 European and World Championships. He has project managed the Green Team’s entry in conjunction with McConaghys Boats Ltd.
Andrew McLean (29) - a graduate of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron youth programme and was a shore team member of Team New Zealand. A professional engineer, McLean worked with the weather team for the 2003 defence, developing software and predictive models on the weather data gathered from the racecourse. In 2004 he joined the Team New Zealand sailing team as a grinder.
Phil Harmer (28) - The Australian is the Green Team’s multi-tasker -driver/trimmer/sailmaker. He competed in the last Volvo Ocean Race on board ABN AMRO TWO and Brunel as sailmaker and trimmer. He has recently trimmed for the RC44 Team Aqua and the Farr 40 Grooverderci, but cut his teeth with the 1995 Young Australia America’s Cup team.
Freddie Shanks (28) - Another regular crewmember on Conneely’s TP52 Patches, this British sailor will be the bowman on the Green Team. Shanks has also won the Swan Worlds on J One and the Commodores Cup on the Farr 52 Bear of Britain. He has sailed with Ian Walker on numerous other boats including several Farr 40s and has recently twice completed the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race.
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NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. www.ewmanchester.com
LABRADOR FREIGHTER RUNS AGROUND
Corner Brook, NF (Western Star)
An 80-foot cargo vessel ran aground off the Labrador coast early Tuesday morning. The cargo ship Astron, operated by Labrador Marine Inc., ran aground 10 miles east of Cartwright. The Canadian Coast Guard received a distress call at around 1:30 a.m. The ship's 13 crew members abandoned the vessel in a life boat. Three coast guard vessels arrived at the scene. The auxiliary vessel Island Rover I retrieved the crew members, who were taken to Cartwright. At around 8:30 a.m., the Astron was refloated. It was then towed to Cartwright, where it arrived mid-afternoon. No cause has been determined for the accident. Transport Canada is conducting an investigation. Dennis White, manager of Woodward Group of Companies, said the company is also performing an internal investigation. "We don't know exactly what happened. We're investigating that," White said. This was the Astron's first cargo run of the season. The vessel, based out of Lewisporte, provides bi-weekly freight service to communities along the Labrador coast.
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NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. www.ewmanchester.com
An 80-foot cargo vessel ran aground off the Labrador coast early Tuesday morning. The cargo ship Astron, operated by Labrador Marine Inc., ran aground 10 miles east of Cartwright. The Canadian Coast Guard received a distress call at around 1:30 a.m. The ship's 13 crew members abandoned the vessel in a life boat. Three coast guard vessels arrived at the scene. The auxiliary vessel Island Rover I retrieved the crew members, who were taken to Cartwright. At around 8:30 a.m., the Astron was refloated. It was then towed to Cartwright, where it arrived mid-afternoon. No cause has been determined for the accident. Transport Canada is conducting an investigation. Dennis White, manager of Woodward Group of Companies, said the company is also performing an internal investigation. "We don't know exactly what happened. We're investigating that," White said. This was the Astron's first cargo run of the season. The vessel, based out of Lewisporte, provides bi-weekly freight service to communities along the Labrador coast.
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NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. www.ewmanchester.com
LAKE POWELL RISES 30'
PAGE, ARIZONA (Aramark)
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, an ARAMARK-managed property, today announced that Castle Rock Cut (“Cut”), a well-known 12-mile shortcut on Lake Powell, has opened for the first time in more than five years. The Cut, which provides a much quicker passage from Wahweap Marina to popular uplake destinations such as Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay, became navigable to houseboats on June 10, and is expected to remain open indefinitely.
Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation illustrate the heaviest winter snowpack in the past eight years and as a result, lake levels at Lake Powell have been rising approximately one foot per day since mid-May. The Reclamation projects lake levels to reach an expected peak of roughly 3,638 feet by July. According to the Reclamation’s most recent analysis, the Castle Rock Cut is expected to remain open indefinitely.
“This is the best water year at Lake Powell since 2000, and it’s going to be an exceptional year for lake-based recreation—the finest in many years,” said Barry Wirth, spokesperson for the Reclamation. “As we predicted, Castle Rock Cut is already passable by boat and all indications show that even through the end of 2008, the Cut will be navigable.”
“This is turning out to be the best houseboating conditions we’ve had in many years,” said Don Potts, Vice President of Operations for Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. “The lake has already risen over 30 feet, and is expected to rise another 20 feet this season.”
With water levels on such a dramatic rise, visitors will be able to experience areas which have been inaccessible for a long time, explore deeper into canyons and access more beaches. In addition, the opening of Castle Rock Cut allows houseboaters and powerboaters to reach uplake destinations in less time using less gas, allowing them to spend even more of their vacation relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Lake Powell.
Please visit www.lakepowell.com/specials/ for current information and packages being offered at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
ABOUT LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the U.S., is located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches.
ABOUT LAKE POWELL RESORTS & MARINAS
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat rentals, lodging and scenic tours. For more information or to book a houseboat vacation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com/news. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
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SEND YOUR NEWS AND EVENT TIPS TO: news@ewmanchester.com. Include your name, address, phone number and email contact information for verification purposes (won’t be published unless requested).
NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. http://www.ewmanchester.com/
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, an ARAMARK-managed property, today announced that Castle Rock Cut (“Cut”), a well-known 12-mile shortcut on Lake Powell, has opened for the first time in more than five years. The Cut, which provides a much quicker passage from Wahweap Marina to popular uplake destinations such as Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay, became navigable to houseboats on June 10, and is expected to remain open indefinitely.
Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation illustrate the heaviest winter snowpack in the past eight years and as a result, lake levels at Lake Powell have been rising approximately one foot per day since mid-May. The Reclamation projects lake levels to reach an expected peak of roughly 3,638 feet by July. According to the Reclamation’s most recent analysis, the Castle Rock Cut is expected to remain open indefinitely.
“This is the best water year at Lake Powell since 2000, and it’s going to be an exceptional year for lake-based recreation—the finest in many years,” said Barry Wirth, spokesperson for the Reclamation. “As we predicted, Castle Rock Cut is already passable by boat and all indications show that even through the end of 2008, the Cut will be navigable.”
“This is turning out to be the best houseboating conditions we’ve had in many years,” said Don Potts, Vice President of Operations for Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas. “The lake has already risen over 30 feet, and is expected to rise another 20 feet this season.”
With water levels on such a dramatic rise, visitors will be able to experience areas which have been inaccessible for a long time, explore deeper into canyons and access more beaches. In addition, the opening of Castle Rock Cut allows houseboaters and powerboaters to reach uplake destinations in less time using less gas, allowing them to spend even more of their vacation relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Lake Powell.
Please visit www.lakepowell.com/specials/ for current information and packages being offered at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas.
ABOUT LAKE POWELL
Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the U.S., is located on the border of Utah and Arizona in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches.
ABOUT LAKE POWELL RESORTS & MARINAS
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas provides houseboat and powerboat rentals, lodging and scenic tours. For more information or to book a houseboat vacation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com/news. Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by ARAMARK, is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
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NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. http://www.ewmanchester.com/
KELOWNA YACHT CLUB NEW SAILING COORDINATOR
KELOWNA, BC
The Kelowna Yacht Club has a new sailing coordinator in charge of the Club’s youth and education programs. Valerie Cloutier, who hails from St. Agathe, Que., also taught in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and on Martinique in the Caribbean. She’s busy teaching students boating and water safety in the schools as well as arranging schedules for sailing courses which run at cost and are open to the public. Students learn sailing theory in the classroom and then practice it on the water in the club’s dinghies. Call 250-762-3310, ext. 222.
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NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. www.ewmanchester.com
The Kelowna Yacht Club has a new sailing coordinator in charge of the Club’s youth and education programs. Valerie Cloutier, who hails from St. Agathe, Que., also taught in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and on Martinique in the Caribbean. She’s busy teaching students boating and water safety in the schools as well as arranging schedules for sailing courses which run at cost and are open to the public. Students learn sailing theory in the classroom and then practice it on the water in the club’s dinghies. Call 250-762-3310, ext. 222.
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SEND YOUR NEWS AND EVENT TIPS TO: news@ewmanchester.com. Include your name, address, phone number and email contact information for verification purposes (won’t be published unless requested).
NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. www.ewmanchester.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
VOLVO OCEAN RACE LIVE MOBILE TV
VOLVO OCEAN RACE (Ericsson)
At this year's Volvo Ocean Race viewers can keep up to date with the latest developments via live mobile TV, or through IPTV in each race village, delivered by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). Viewers will enjoy personalized coverage via a user-controlled camera interface offering multiple in-port race views - a breakthrough made possible by Ericsson's world leading technology.
The next Volvo Ocean Race, the world's most gruelling offshore yacht race, will be held from October 2008 to June 2009. The longest journey on this round-the-world marathon is a massive 12,300 nautical mile leg between Qingdao and Rio de Janeiro. In-port races will be held at stopover points in Alicante, Singapore, Qingdao, Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway and Stockholm.
The Ericsson powered Volvo Ocean Race service will start in October and make sure the sailing fans never have to leave the race. They can take the latest information and entertainment services with them wherever they are in the world. After the in-port segments of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, Spain, viewers can use a camera selection feature to follow the boat of their choice. The service also employs first-rate features such as fast-channel switching. Jan Wareby, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson's multimedia business, says: "With these new multimedia channels viewers will be able to enjoy a dynamic mobile experience that is personalized and interactive - anytime, anywhere and on any device. It represents the next-generation of services and puts the user in control at the center of the experience, especially during the Volvo Ocean Race."
Andrew Ferguson, Head of Technology and New Media for the Volvo Ocean Race, says: "Ericsson's state-of-the-art mobile technology will provide race fans with a new dimension to their online experience. Viewers can keep in touch with the race whenever and wherever they want."
Ericsson is leading the global technology evolution that enables broadband anywhere through its one network approach. Volvo Ocean Race will be a living case study of how to deliver revenue generating next generation multimedia services from HD through to mobile. Opportunities to discuss the case study during the race can be taken at the various port stops around the world.
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Media Relations
Phone: +46 8 719 69 92
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
http://www.ericsson.com/ or http://www.ericsson.mobi/
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**************************************************
SEND YOUR NEWS AND EVENT TIPS TO: news@ewmanchester.com. Include your name, address, phone number and email contact information for verification purposes (won’t be published unless requested).
NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. http://www.ewmanchester.com/
At this year's Volvo Ocean Race viewers can keep up to date with the latest developments via live mobile TV, or through IPTV in each race village, delivered by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). Viewers will enjoy personalized coverage via a user-controlled camera interface offering multiple in-port race views - a breakthrough made possible by Ericsson's world leading technology.
The next Volvo Ocean Race, the world's most gruelling offshore yacht race, will be held from October 2008 to June 2009. The longest journey on this round-the-world marathon is a massive 12,300 nautical mile leg between Qingdao and Rio de Janeiro. In-port races will be held at stopover points in Alicante, Singapore, Qingdao, Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway and Stockholm.
The Ericsson powered Volvo Ocean Race service will start in October and make sure the sailing fans never have to leave the race. They can take the latest information and entertainment services with them wherever they are in the world. After the in-port segments of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, Spain, viewers can use a camera selection feature to follow the boat of their choice. The service also employs first-rate features such as fast-channel switching. Jan Wareby, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson's multimedia business, says: "With these new multimedia channels viewers will be able to enjoy a dynamic mobile experience that is personalized and interactive - anytime, anywhere and on any device. It represents the next-generation of services and puts the user in control at the center of the experience, especially during the Volvo Ocean Race."
Andrew Ferguson, Head of Technology and New Media for the Volvo Ocean Race, says: "Ericsson's state-of-the-art mobile technology will provide race fans with a new dimension to their online experience. Viewers can keep in touch with the race whenever and wherever they want."
Ericsson is leading the global technology evolution that enables broadband anywhere through its one network approach. Volvo Ocean Race will be a living case study of how to deliver revenue generating next generation multimedia services from HD through to mobile. Opportunities to discuss the case study during the race can be taken at the various port stops around the world.
Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 195 million subscribers. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of 'communication for all' through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and NASDAQ.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Ericsson Media Relations
Phone: +46 8 719 69 92
E-mail: press.relations@ericsson.com
http://www.ericsson.com/ or http://www.ericsson.mobi/
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CHANGE OF COMMAND
OTTAWA (Marketwire)
On June 20, 2008 there will be a change of command ceremony between Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden and Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais, who is retiring from the Canadian Forces after 35 years of loyal and dedicated service.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, will preside over the 11AM ceremony at Cartier Square Drill Hall, 2 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa.
Canada Command is the Canadian Forces organization responsible for the conduct of all routine and contingency domestic operations. As part of its mandate, when requested, the Canadian Forces will provide military assistance to civil authorities in order to protect and defend Canada.
On any given day, Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force have some 10,000 personnel on standby, ready to defend Canadian sovereignty, to assist Canadians in need, or to help our neighbours to the south.
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On June 20, 2008 there will be a change of command ceremony between Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden and Lieutenant-General Marc Dumais, who is retiring from the Canadian Forces after 35 years of loyal and dedicated service.
The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, will preside over the 11AM ceremony at Cartier Square Drill Hall, 2 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa.
Canada Command is the Canadian Forces organization responsible for the conduct of all routine and contingency domestic operations. As part of its mandate, when requested, the Canadian Forces will provide military assistance to civil authorities in order to protect and defend Canada.
On any given day, Canada's Navy, Army, and Air Force have some 10,000 personnel on standby, ready to defend Canadian sovereignty, to assist Canadians in need, or to help our neighbours to the south.
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TEAM RUSSIA CHRISTENS VOR70 BOAT
PORTSMOUTH, UK (Team Russia)
Team Russia put the seal to a weekend of celebrations in an official naming ceremony of its Volvo Open 70 yacht Kosatka, (Russian for Orca, Killer Whale) in a christening at Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth (UK), on Monday 16th June.
Birgitta Westerberg, co-founder with Oleg Zherebtsov of the Solntse (Sun) Foundation charity for sick and underprivileged children in St Petersburg was asked to be godmother to the boat. She named Kosatka in honour of the speed, power and exemplary teamwork shown by Orcas. Breaking slightly with tradition a bottle of champagne was sprayed over the bow of the VO70 while the audience toasted the boat with a shot of Nemiroff vodka.
With a contingent of over 100 Russian guests, including friends and business associates of Team Russia’s principle Oleg Zherebtsov, spectators were treated to a pyrotechnic display and unveiling of the environmental message the boat will take around the globe while competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, the premiere round the world yacht race that starts in Alicante this October. The event covers over 37,000 nautical miles and visits 11 ports, culminating in a finish in St Petersburg, Russia in June 2009.
Team Russia and the WDCS, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, have formed a partnership to highlight the urgent need for better protection for the world’s whales and dolphins. The logo ‘We Sail For The Whale’ will head its campaign to call for the creation of twelve new marine protected areas – for whales and dolphins by 2012.
The route of the Volvo Ocean Race will cross many areas important to whales and dolphins. Starting in Alicante, Spain in October 2008 and finishing in St Petersburg, Russia in June 2009, the Race will visit 11 ports around the World over a 10-month period.
Since its unveiling Team Russia’s Volvo Open 70, designed by Rob Humphreys and built by Green Marine, has provoked a great deal of interest and intrigue. Using two spray rails at the front of the boat to provide ‘lift’ downwind and less blue water over the deck, the Team expect to see advantages in this avant-garde design. “We are planning to take the boat offshore over the next week to really put her through her paces,” explains skipper Andreas Hanakamp. “The proof of the effectiveness will then become apparent. However, we do expect to see some good results based on the positive effects we observed during tank testing.”
Team Russia will move down to Portland, Dorset (UK) over the next few weeks where it will set up its training camp during the build up to the start of the Race. However, Kosatka will be back in The Solent at the end of the month for the JPM Morgan Round The Island Race.
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Team Russia put the seal to a weekend of celebrations in an official naming ceremony of its Volvo Open 70 yacht Kosatka, (Russian for Orca, Killer Whale) in a christening at Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth (UK), on Monday 16th June.
Birgitta Westerberg, co-founder with Oleg Zherebtsov of the Solntse (Sun) Foundation charity for sick and underprivileged children in St Petersburg was asked to be godmother to the boat. She named Kosatka in honour of the speed, power and exemplary teamwork shown by Orcas. Breaking slightly with tradition a bottle of champagne was sprayed over the bow of the VO70 while the audience toasted the boat with a shot of Nemiroff vodka.
With a contingent of over 100 Russian guests, including friends and business associates of Team Russia’s principle Oleg Zherebtsov, spectators were treated to a pyrotechnic display and unveiling of the environmental message the boat will take around the globe while competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, the premiere round the world yacht race that starts in Alicante this October. The event covers over 37,000 nautical miles and visits 11 ports, culminating in a finish in St Petersburg, Russia in June 2009.
Team Russia and the WDCS, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, have formed a partnership to highlight the urgent need for better protection for the world’s whales and dolphins. The logo ‘We Sail For The Whale’ will head its campaign to call for the creation of twelve new marine protected areas – for whales and dolphins by 2012.
The route of the Volvo Ocean Race will cross many areas important to whales and dolphins. Starting in Alicante, Spain in October 2008 and finishing in St Petersburg, Russia in June 2009, the Race will visit 11 ports around the World over a 10-month period.
Since its unveiling Team Russia’s Volvo Open 70, designed by Rob Humphreys and built by Green Marine, has provoked a great deal of interest and intrigue. Using two spray rails at the front of the boat to provide ‘lift’ downwind and less blue water over the deck, the Team expect to see advantages in this avant-garde design. “We are planning to take the boat offshore over the next week to really put her through her paces,” explains skipper Andreas Hanakamp. “The proof of the effectiveness will then become apparent. However, we do expect to see some good results based on the positive effects we observed during tank testing.”
Team Russia will move down to Portland, Dorset (UK) over the next few weeks where it will set up its training camp during the build up to the start of the Race. However, Kosatka will be back in The Solent at the end of the month for the JPM Morgan Round The Island Race.
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CANADIAN & AMERICAN COAST GUARDS SEARCH FOR SAILBOAT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (USCG Public Affairs)
The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards are searching the Northern Atlantic for the overdue 35-foot sailing vessel Dystocia, which was transiting from Bermuda to St. John’s, Newfoundland, today.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Portsmouth received notification at 10:17 a.m. June 13 from RCC Iceland the Dystocia, with one person aboard, Jakob Fenger, a native of Iceland, was overdue.
The crews of three Coast Guard C-130 airplanes from Air Station Elizabeth City and Aurora P-3s and a C-130 from the Canadian Coast Guard are searching the area approximately 450 miles northwest of Bermuda and 600 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., for the overdue vessel.
The vessel is a single-mast white-hulled sloop. Mariners are requested to keep a lookout for this vessel and notify RCC Portsmouth at (757) 398-6390 if they have any information.
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The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards are searching the Northern Atlantic for the overdue 35-foot sailing vessel Dystocia, which was transiting from Bermuda to St. John’s, Newfoundland, today.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Portsmouth received notification at 10:17 a.m. June 13 from RCC Iceland the Dystocia, with one person aboard, Jakob Fenger, a native of Iceland, was overdue.
The crews of three Coast Guard C-130 airplanes from Air Station Elizabeth City and Aurora P-3s and a C-130 from the Canadian Coast Guard are searching the area approximately 450 miles northwest of Bermuda and 600 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., for the overdue vessel.
The vessel is a single-mast white-hulled sloop. Mariners are requested to keep a lookout for this vessel and notify RCC Portsmouth at (757) 398-6390 if they have any information.
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CONTAINER SHIP RESCUES SAILING FAMILY
NEW YORK, NY (USCG & APL)
On June 9th, the crew of the APL-owned container ship Hyundai Japan braved 25 knot winds and 15 foot waves to rescue a German family of four, including a five-year old and 18-month old, from the clutches of the Atlantic Ocean 1,600 miles from New York City.
The Hyundai Japan, a Singapore flagged vessel and participant in the Amver system on long term charter from APL to Hyundai, overheard a distress call from the family aboard their 35 foot sailboat Dally On. The family was sailing from Antigua to the Azores when their boat was demasted and lost its rudder in a severe storm.
“They were in dire straits, so I said ‘I’m coming,’” explained Captain Parvez Guard, a 28-year veteran of APL and captain of the massive container ship.
While it took three tries, Captain Guard was able to bring his 980-foot ship alongside the stricken sailboat. Thirty-seven-year-old crewmember Anthony Gomez-Stalin then scrambled down a pilot’s ladder from the APL ship to the yacht. He snatched the 18-month old infant in his arm and carried her up the ladder to safety. The other family members followed one-after-the-other until all four were aboard the APL vessel safe and unhurt. Within an hour of receiving the first distress call the survivors were safely aboard the Hyundai Japan and Captain Guard was steaming towards New York harbor.
United States Coast Guard representatives were on hand as the Hyundai Japan pulled into port and gave a special commendation to Captain Guard and his crew for their efforts. “The crew acted in such a way as to ensure no call for help goes unanswered,” said Coast Guard Captain John Healey in presenting the commendation to APL. “On behalf of the United States Coast Guard we thank you for your outstanding seamanship and unwavering commitment to safety of life at sea."
Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. With Amver, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan to the Amver computer center. Vessels then report every 48 hours until arriving at their port of call.
This data is able to project the position of each ship at any point during its voyage. In an emergency, any rescue coordination center can request this data to determine the relative position of Amver ships near the distress location. On any given day there are over 3,200 ships available to carry out search and rescue services. To learn more about this unique worldwide search and rescue system, visit http://www.amver.com/.
About APL
APL is a global container shipping business offering more than 60 weekly services and nearly 300 calls at more than 90 ports in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. It combines world-class intermodal operations with leading-edge IT and e-commerce. APL is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, a global shipping, terminals and logistics company. APL Web site: http://www.apl.com/
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On June 9th, the crew of the APL-owned container ship Hyundai Japan braved 25 knot winds and 15 foot waves to rescue a German family of four, including a five-year old and 18-month old, from the clutches of the Atlantic Ocean 1,600 miles from New York City.
The Hyundai Japan, a Singapore flagged vessel and participant in the Amver system on long term charter from APL to Hyundai, overheard a distress call from the family aboard their 35 foot sailboat Dally On. The family was sailing from Antigua to the Azores when their boat was demasted and lost its rudder in a severe storm.
“They were in dire straits, so I said ‘I’m coming,’” explained Captain Parvez Guard, a 28-year veteran of APL and captain of the massive container ship.
While it took three tries, Captain Guard was able to bring his 980-foot ship alongside the stricken sailboat. Thirty-seven-year-old crewmember Anthony Gomez-Stalin then scrambled down a pilot’s ladder from the APL ship to the yacht. He snatched the 18-month old infant in his arm and carried her up the ladder to safety. The other family members followed one-after-the-other until all four were aboard the APL vessel safe and unhurt. Within an hour of receiving the first distress call the survivors were safely aboard the Hyundai Japan and Captain Guard was steaming towards New York harbor.
United States Coast Guard representatives were on hand as the Hyundai Japan pulled into port and gave a special commendation to Captain Guard and his crew for their efforts. “The crew acted in such a way as to ensure no call for help goes unanswered,” said Coast Guard Captain John Healey in presenting the commendation to APL. “On behalf of the United States Coast Guard we thank you for your outstanding seamanship and unwavering commitment to safety of life at sea."
Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. With Amver, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan to the Amver computer center. Vessels then report every 48 hours until arriving at their port of call.
This data is able to project the position of each ship at any point during its voyage. In an emergency, any rescue coordination center can request this data to determine the relative position of Amver ships near the distress location. On any given day there are over 3,200 ships available to carry out search and rescue services. To learn more about this unique worldwide search and rescue system, visit http://www.amver.com/.
About APL
APL is a global container shipping business offering more than 60 weekly services and nearly 300 calls at more than 90 ports in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. It combines world-class intermodal operations with leading-edge IT and e-commerce. APL is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines, a global shipping, terminals and logistics company. APL Web site: http://www.apl.com/
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SHELLFISH DANGER
CANADIAN FOOD INSPECTION AGENCY
Bivalve shellfish (also known as bivalve molluscs) are an excellent source of protein. They are also high in essential minerals, and low in calories, fat and cholesterol. Bivalve shellfish have a hinged two-part shell. They include oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and cockles.
Bivalve shellfish are highly sensitive to the quality of their marine environment. They feed on microscopic plants that can sometimes produce marine biotoxins, which can build up in the shellfish tissues. Eating shellfish with high levels of these biotoxins can lead to serious and potentially fatal illness. Bacteria, viruses, metals and contaminants may also build up in the tissues of bivalve shellfish, causing food safety concerns for humans.
Consumers should be aware of the following:
- Caution is required when harvesting bivalve shellfish. It is your responsibility to contact your nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) office to find out which areas are assigned as “open” for bivalve shellfish harvesting. An “open” area refers to a safe harvest area that is subject to monitoring and testing, and where harvesting is a legal activity. When an area is officially “closed,” it is illegal to harvest bivalve shellfish in that area for any purpose, unless you have a special licence issued by DFO.
- Updates on the opening and closing of harvesting areas are communicated to the public through local media, notices posted in closed areas, and local DFO offices.
- Bivalve shellfish should only be purchased from suppliers you trust and those that have harvested from open areas approved by DFO.
- Bivalve shellfish should be refrigerated or frozen until consumed.
- Bivalve shellfish can have high levels of marine toxins during any given month, depending on environmental conditions. Cooking bivalve shellfish does not always destroy toxins or other contaminants. Properly cooked shellfish can still be toxic.
- Bivalve shellfish poisoning can also occur in other countries. Tourists should be cautious when eating bivalve shellfish abroad.
Anyone who feels ill after eating bivalve shellfish should seek the advice of a health care professional and contact their local public health unit.
For more information on food-borne illness and safe food handling practices, visit the CFIA’s website at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/ or call 1-800-442-2342/TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00am to 8:00pm eastern standard time, Monday to Friday).
To find out which bivalve shellfish harvesting areas are open, contact your nearest DFO office or visit their website at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/.
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NO CHARTS?
ALAMEDA, California
(USCG News)
Coast Guard crewmembers from Station Chetco River, Oregon., came to the aid of the Ecuadorian tall ship Guayas at approximately 11 p.m. Friday as the 151-person crew of the vessel sought shelter from 15-foot seas and 40-knot winds while transiting from Panama to Victoria, Canada.
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Oregon., received radio contact from the 257-foot tall ship requesting navigational information and a safe place to anchor due to inclement weather.
A 47-foot motor life boat from Coast Guard Station Chetco River, Ore., escorted the Guayas 500 yards south of the Chetco River entrance buoy, where the Guayas anchored to the sea floor. Coast Guard crewmembers then discovered the Guayas had no navigational charts of the local area. They returned to the station, waterproofed several local charts and provided the ship with the required information via a heaving line, because weather conditions prevented the Coast Guard members from embarking the ship.
Within a few hours Coast Guard Cutter Alert, homeported in Astoria, Ore., and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Northbend, Ore., were also on scene to assist the Guayas.
The captain of the Guayas requested further navigational information beyond Station Chetco River’s area of response, and Coast Guard Cutter Alert provided the ship with more navigational charts so the ship could safely navigate to its final destination.
The Coast Guard kept in radio contact with the Guayas throughout the night, and at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday, once visibility was clear, the Guayas pulled anchor and departed for Victoria.
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(USCG News)
Coast Guard crewmembers from Station Chetco River, Oregon., came to the aid of the Ecuadorian tall ship Guayas at approximately 11 p.m. Friday as the 151-person crew of the vessel sought shelter from 15-foot seas and 40-knot winds while transiting from Panama to Victoria, Canada.
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Oregon., received radio contact from the 257-foot tall ship requesting navigational information and a safe place to anchor due to inclement weather.
A 47-foot motor life boat from Coast Guard Station Chetco River, Ore., escorted the Guayas 500 yards south of the Chetco River entrance buoy, where the Guayas anchored to the sea floor. Coast Guard crewmembers then discovered the Guayas had no navigational charts of the local area. They returned to the station, waterproofed several local charts and provided the ship with the required information via a heaving line, because weather conditions prevented the Coast Guard members from embarking the ship.
Within a few hours Coast Guard Cutter Alert, homeported in Astoria, Ore., and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Northbend, Ore., were also on scene to assist the Guayas.
The captain of the Guayas requested further navigational information beyond Station Chetco River’s area of response, and Coast Guard Cutter Alert provided the ship with more navigational charts so the ship could safely navigate to its final destination.
The Coast Guard kept in radio contact with the Guayas throughout the night, and at approximately 10 a.m. Saturday, once visibility was clear, the Guayas pulled anchor and departed for Victoria.
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Monday, June 16, 2008
AUSSIE RECORD THREATENED
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (AP)
A Southern California teenager is looking to snatch the record of youngest person to sail solo around the world set by an Australian 12 years ago.
On a weekend when most people his age are settling into summer break, 16-year-old Zac Sunderland of Thousand Oaks, California, embarked from Marina Del Rey in his 36-foot (11-metre) sailboat Intrepid on his attempt to circumnavigate the world. A crowd of about 200 and a Coast Guard helicopter saw him off.
"There was a stiff breeze and after Zac got settled was cruising comfortably," Sunderland's mother, Marianne Sunderland, wrote in a post on his website, http://www.zacsunderland.com. "He has a lot to do in the next days; stowing, organizing and finding everything that was stowed and organized for him!"
If Sunderland completes the trip, he would become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo. According to Guinness World Records, the youngest to pull off the feat is Australian David Dicks, who circled the globe at 18 in 1996. Sunderland's plan, which will inevitably go through many changes, is to complete his voyage in 11 months and return to California in April, when he will be 17.
The oldest of seven children, Sunderland is a lifelong sailor from a long line of yachtsmen - his website says his first home was a 17-metre Tradewind sailboat. He had planned to set sail late last month, but a broken gearbox seal forced the replacement of the boat's engine.
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A Southern California teenager is looking to snatch the record of youngest person to sail solo around the world set by an Australian 12 years ago.
On a weekend when most people his age are settling into summer break, 16-year-old Zac Sunderland of Thousand Oaks, California, embarked from Marina Del Rey in his 36-foot (11-metre) sailboat Intrepid on his attempt to circumnavigate the world. A crowd of about 200 and a Coast Guard helicopter saw him off.
"There was a stiff breeze and after Zac got settled was cruising comfortably," Sunderland's mother, Marianne Sunderland, wrote in a post on his website, http://www.zacsunderland.com. "He has a lot to do in the next days; stowing, organizing and finding everything that was stowed and organized for him!"
If Sunderland completes the trip, he would become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo. According to Guinness World Records, the youngest to pull off the feat is Australian David Dicks, who circled the globe at 18 in 1996. Sunderland's plan, which will inevitably go through many changes, is to complete his voyage in 11 months and return to California in April, when he will be 17.
The oldest of seven children, Sunderland is a lifelong sailor from a long line of yachtsmen - his website says his first home was a 17-metre Tradewind sailboat. He had planned to set sail late last month, but a broken gearbox seal forced the replacement of the boat's engine.
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SEAMILES COMPLETES SELL-OFF
TORONTO, ON (Marketwire)
SeaMiles Completes Sale of Remaining Real Estate Assets for $3.7 Million, Eliminates $3.6 Million in Debt and $400,000 in Annual Expenses.
SeaMiles Limited (TSX VENTURE:SEE), North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, today announced that it has completed the sale of its remaining non-core real estate assets for $3.7 million. The Company had previously entered into a definitive agreement to sell the assets in March.
The transaction eliminates the Company's remaining real estate and convertible debt aggregating $3.6 million and will result in savings to the Company in excess of $400,000 per year. SeaMiles expects to begin to recognize a portion of the savings in the second quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2008.
"The sale of non-core real estate assets will not only allow the Company to focus exclusively on the many cruise related loyalty opportunities, but further enhance our marketing activities by utilizing the above costs savings. The Company has enjoyed great success with its co-branded partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines and MasterCard. Additional plans include the expansion of marketing initiatives in support of the SeaMiles(R) VISA(R) Rewards Card," said Peter Rooney, President of SeaMiles.
The properties sold were the Greene Slate Inn, the Ports development project and three residential houses. As a result of the sale, the Company redeemed $1.5 million in convertible debentures previously issued by the Company. In addition, the purchaser assumed approximately $0.6 million in existing mortgages and the purchaser made a cash payment to the Company of approximately $1.6 million, which will primarily be used to retire the remaining $1.5 million of convertible debentures outstanding following the sale.
ABOUT SEAMILES
SeaMiles is North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, committed to recognizing and rewarding the cruiser through multiple earning opportunities and best-in-class, maximum award flexibility based on "Any Cruise Line...Any Time". Additional information can be found at http://www.seamiles.com/
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SeaMiles Limited
Peter Rooney, President
(416) 398-1555 Ext. 442
Email: peter.rooney@seamiles.com
Steven Wise, Chairman & CEO
(416) 631-3400
Email: steven@seamiles.com
Website: http://www.seamiles.com/
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SeaMiles Completes Sale of Remaining Real Estate Assets for $3.7 Million, Eliminates $3.6 Million in Debt and $400,000 in Annual Expenses.
SeaMiles Limited (TSX VENTURE:SEE), North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, today announced that it has completed the sale of its remaining non-core real estate assets for $3.7 million. The Company had previously entered into a definitive agreement to sell the assets in March.
The transaction eliminates the Company's remaining real estate and convertible debt aggregating $3.6 million and will result in savings to the Company in excess of $400,000 per year. SeaMiles expects to begin to recognize a portion of the savings in the second quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2008.
"The sale of non-core real estate assets will not only allow the Company to focus exclusively on the many cruise related loyalty opportunities, but further enhance our marketing activities by utilizing the above costs savings. The Company has enjoyed great success with its co-branded partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines and MasterCard. Additional plans include the expansion of marketing initiatives in support of the SeaMiles(R) VISA(R) Rewards Card," said Peter Rooney, President of SeaMiles.
The properties sold were the Greene Slate Inn, the Ports development project and three residential houses. As a result of the sale, the Company redeemed $1.5 million in convertible debentures previously issued by the Company. In addition, the purchaser assumed approximately $0.6 million in existing mortgages and the purchaser made a cash payment to the Company of approximately $1.6 million, which will primarily be used to retire the remaining $1.5 million of convertible debentures outstanding following the sale.
ABOUT SEAMILES
SeaMiles is North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, committed to recognizing and rewarding the cruiser through multiple earning opportunities and best-in-class, maximum award flexibility based on "Any Cruise Line...Any Time". Additional information can be found at http://www.seamiles.com/
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SeaMiles Limited
Peter Rooney, President
(416) 398-1555 Ext. 442
Email: peter.rooney@seamiles.com
Steven Wise, Chairman & CEO
(416) 631-3400
Email: steven@seamiles.com
Website: http://www.seamiles.com/
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SAILOR'S FUNDRAISER
PORT CREDIT, ON (Marketwire)
On June 20th at 5:30pm Port Credit Yacht Club (PCYC) is hosting a fundraiser and farewell dinner for Derek Hatfield at the club' facilities located at 115 Lakefront Promenade, Mississauga, Ontario.
On June 20th at 5:30pm Port Credit Yacht Club (PCYC) is hosting a fundraiser and farewell dinner for Derek Hatfield at the club' facilities located at 115 Lakefront Promenade, Mississauga, Ontario.
Derek is Canada's sole representative in the 2008 Vendee Globe - a solo, non-stop, unassisted, around-the-world yacht race. ww.vendeeglobe.org.
In 2003, Derek and his 40ft race boat, Spirit of Canada, placed first in fleet, third in class, in the "Around Alone" world race. He and his newly built 60ft Spirit of Canada are now qualified to race in Class I against the top solo sailors world wide.
Derek is the only competitor that does not have major corporate sponsorship. Fellow competitors are corporately sponsored, which means they have multi-million dollar budgets. Yacht racing is not a high profile sport in Canada and, while numerous donations have been made, these do not come close to covering costs.
To ensure that Derek can compete on an even playing field and represent Canada to the best of his abilities, PCYC hopes to raise $50,000 by donating all event proceeds. 700+ people plus local dignitaries will attend to pledge their support.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Peter Howells
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Peter Howells
Vice Commodore, Planning & Marketing
416-786-1635
Email: vcplanning@pcyc.net
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NEW KEEL LAID
FLENSBURG, GERMANY
BC Ferries’ major ship construction program marked another major milestone today with the official keel-laying of the new 150 metre Northern Expedition at FSG Shipyards in Flensburg, Germany.
The new Northern Expedition, which will replace the 42-year old Queen of Prince Rupert, will accommodate 130 vehicles and 600 passengers. Among its many features, the vessel will offer 55 modern staterooms for passengers and an expanded range of food services and other amenities that will appeal to local residents and tourists alike.
“This is an important day in the construction of this northern cruise-ferry,” said Captain Trafford Taylor, BC Ferries’ EVP of New Vessel Construction. “We expect another excellent ship to be delivered to BC Ferries, which will serve our north coast customers for decades to come.”
Northern Expedition, along with the MV Northern Adventure, which joined BC Ferries’ fleet last year, will bring a whole new level of service to customers travelling on BC Ferries’ northern routes. The new ships are outfitted with the most modern of passenger amenities and will make visiting the spectacular north coast region of British Columbia an even greater experience than ever before.
Northern Expedition will sail from Germany to British Columbia early in 2009 and will begin operating between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert on the Inside Passage route in time for the 2009 tourist season.
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BC Ferries’ major ship construction program marked another major milestone today with the official keel-laying of the new 150 metre Northern Expedition at FSG Shipyards in Flensburg, Germany.
The new Northern Expedition, which will replace the 42-year old Queen of Prince Rupert, will accommodate 130 vehicles and 600 passengers. Among its many features, the vessel will offer 55 modern staterooms for passengers and an expanded range of food services and other amenities that will appeal to local residents and tourists alike.
“This is an important day in the construction of this northern cruise-ferry,” said Captain Trafford Taylor, BC Ferries’ EVP of New Vessel Construction. “We expect another excellent ship to be delivered to BC Ferries, which will serve our north coast customers for decades to come.”
Northern Expedition, along with the MV Northern Adventure, which joined BC Ferries’ fleet last year, will bring a whole new level of service to customers travelling on BC Ferries’ northern routes. The new ships are outfitted with the most modern of passenger amenities and will make visiting the spectacular north coast region of British Columbia an even greater experience than ever before.
Northern Expedition will sail from Germany to British Columbia early in 2009 and will begin operating between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert on the Inside Passage route in time for the 2009 tourist season.
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ALBERTA NAVAL MUSEUM
CALGARY, ALBERTA (Marketwire)
Calgary-area residents and visitors will have more opportunities to learn about Canada's proud naval heritage, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. Art Hanger, Member of Parliament (Calgary Northeast), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Naval Museum of Alberta Society.
The Society, which operates the Naval Museum of Alberta will use funding of $47,050 to support the Development Upgrade of Education Programming project. This project will develop an education program based on specific curriculum objectives of Alberta students in grades 1 to 12, and expand presentations to tour groups. The resulting programs will align the museum's educational programming with the province's set curriculum and preserve Canada's rich military history by educating our young people.
The museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of naval photographs, artifacts, and historical documents in Canada and is a significant heritage resource for all Canadians."The Government of Canada is proud to support the efforts of local heritage institutions, which play an important role in the development of communities across Canada," said Minister Verner. "Heritage sites like this play an important part in facilitating access to the treasures of our collective heritage."
"We are proud to invest in the Naval Museum of Alberta, which is a key attraction in this region," said Mr. Hanger. "This museum has a reputation for excellence, and its collection preserves the fascinating history of Canada's naval heritage."
"The Naval Museum of Alberta is extremely pleased to receive this funding from the Government of Canada," said Murray Bialek, General Manager and Curator of the Museum. "By developing an education program that is specifically connected to the current Alberta curriculum, it is hoped that more school tours will be attracted to the Naval Museum, thereby exposing students to a very important aspect of their Canadian heritage.
"The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Museums Assistance Program (MAP), which provides financial support to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie:
Dominic Gosselin, Press Secretary 819-997-7788
Canadian Heritage:
Donald Boulanger, A/Chief, Media Relations, 819-994-9101
Canadian HeritageWestern Region:
Ginette Montreuil, Regional Manager Communications, 604-666-6504
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Calgary-area residents and visitors will have more opportunities to learn about Canada's proud naval heritage, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. Art Hanger, Member of Parliament (Calgary Northeast), on behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Naval Museum of Alberta Society.
The Society, which operates the Naval Museum of Alberta will use funding of $47,050 to support the Development Upgrade of Education Programming project. This project will develop an education program based on specific curriculum objectives of Alberta students in grades 1 to 12, and expand presentations to tour groups. The resulting programs will align the museum's educational programming with the province's set curriculum and preserve Canada's rich military history by educating our young people.
The museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of naval photographs, artifacts, and historical documents in Canada and is a significant heritage resource for all Canadians."The Government of Canada is proud to support the efforts of local heritage institutions, which play an important role in the development of communities across Canada," said Minister Verner. "Heritage sites like this play an important part in facilitating access to the treasures of our collective heritage."
"We are proud to invest in the Naval Museum of Alberta, which is a key attraction in this region," said Mr. Hanger. "This museum has a reputation for excellence, and its collection preserves the fascinating history of Canada's naval heritage."
"The Naval Museum of Alberta is extremely pleased to receive this funding from the Government of Canada," said Murray Bialek, General Manager and Curator of the Museum. "By developing an education program that is specifically connected to the current Alberta curriculum, it is hoped that more school tours will be attracted to the Naval Museum, thereby exposing students to a very important aspect of their Canadian heritage.
"The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Museums Assistance Program (MAP), which provides financial support to Canadian museums and related institutions for projects that foster excellence in museum activities and that facilitate access to the treasures of our collective heritage.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie:
Dominic Gosselin, Press Secretary 819-997-7788
Canadian Heritage:
Donald Boulanger, A/Chief, Media Relations, 819-994-9101
Canadian HeritageWestern Region:
Ginette Montreuil, Regional Manager Communications, 604-666-6504
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Friday, June 13, 2008
FEDS FUND CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY
ESQUIMALT, BC (Marketwire)
A moving candlelight ceremony in Esquimalt honoured Canada's service men and women thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, confirmed that a contribution was made to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #172 (Esquimalt Dockyard) for the community's candlelight ceremony.
"Each candle represents a story of uncommon courage and valour," said Minister Thompson. "Memorial services like this inspire the general public and especially youth to carry the act of remembrance into the future."
Funding of up to $2,800, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, supports the annual candlelight ceremony at God's Acre Veterans Cemetery, which was held May 29, 2008. In a symbolic "passing of the torch" activity, candles were lit and passed out to the public and Veterans to create a sense of unity and to demonstrate respect for those who served. At this year's ceremony, youth placed approximately 3,000 candles on service men and women's graves.
The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through Veterans Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.
To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, call 1-877-604-8489 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
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A moving candlelight ceremony in Esquimalt honoured Canada's service men and women thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, confirmed that a contribution was made to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #172 (Esquimalt Dockyard) for the community's candlelight ceremony.
"Each candle represents a story of uncommon courage and valour," said Minister Thompson. "Memorial services like this inspire the general public and especially youth to carry the act of remembrance into the future."
Funding of up to $2,800, provided through Veterans Affairs Canada's Community Engagement Partnership Fund, supports the annual candlelight ceremony at God's Acre Veterans Cemetery, which was held May 29, 2008. In a symbolic "passing of the torch" activity, candles were lit and passed out to the public and Veterans to create a sense of unity and to demonstrate respect for those who served. At this year's ceremony, youth placed approximately 3,000 candles on service men and women's graves.
The Community Engagement Partnership Fund provides funding to non-profit groups, educational institutions and other organizations delivering remembrance activities and events. Administered through Veterans Affairs Canada's Canada Remembers program, contributions are made throughout the year and encompass both national and community-based projects.
To learn more about the Community Engagement Partnership Fund, call 1-877-604-8489 or visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
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HIGH ARCTIC EXILES DESERVE APOLOGY
RESOLUTE BAY, NUHere’s an op-ed piece from Michael Byers worth considering. In it he states that Prime Minister Stephen Harper should apologize to Canadians he calls “High Arctic Exiles”, something that Byers believes is not only the right thing to do, but it would help cement Canada's northern claims.
Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in global politics and international law at the University of British Columbia, is serving as a consultant to the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans as it conducts hearings across Nunavut.
MICHAEL BYERS ARTICLE
Globe and Mail Newspaper
June 12, 2008
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has apologized for the behaviour of previous Canadian governments on three occasions now: the Chinese head tax, Maher Arar, and residential schools. Others are, or will, also be seeking apologies, but none is more compelling - both morally and politically - than a small group of Inuit who were arbitrarily relocated half a century ago.
Last summer, Mr. Harper asserted that, "Canada has a choice when it comes to defending our sovereignty in the Arctic: either we use it or we lose it."
The statement prompted one Inuk to ask me: "What the hell is he talking about? We've been using it for thousands of years, and we're not going anywhere."
The anger is particularly intense in Canada's northernmost two communities. The Inuit call Resolute Bay "Qausuittuq," the place where the sun never sets, and Grise Fjord "Ausuittuq," the place where the ice never melts. These Inuktitut names reflect the fact that, historically, the Inuit did not live this far north.
The decision to relocate 17 families to the Queen Elizabeth Islands in 1953 and 1955 was motivated by concerns about possible Danish or American claims. The Inuit, identified by government officials by numbers rather than their names, were essentially treated as flagpoles. They were subsequently utilized as a resident source of cheap labour for RCMP detachments, and for the Royal Canadian Air Force Base at Resolute Bay.
There was, to be fair, some talk about the need to relieve the overpopulation of Inukjuak, the source Inuit community in Northern Quebec. But if the interests of the Inuit were paramount, why move them more than 1,500 kilometres northward to a High Arctic desert that bore little resemblance to their home?
There were reasons why the Inuit hadn't lived this far north before. Resolute Bay is an expanse of frozen gravel swept by persistent and powerful winds. Even in June, a stroll along the shoreline left me wishing that I'd brought my parka along.
For the Inuit, it was like landing on the moon. Their traditional knowledge and hunting techniques were out of place, there was not enough snow to build igloos, and the total darkness from November to February was both unfamiliar and disabling.
Tuberculosis added to the misery. Those who survived the first few winters did so by scavenging for food from the Air Force dump, or bartering their bodies.
The survivors call themselves the "High Arctic exiles," and they include some of the Inuit's most influential leaders. John Amagoalik, the "Father of Nunavut," was five years old when he was relocated. So too was Martha Flaherty, who later became the president of Pauktuutit, the Inuit Women's Association. Senator Willie Adams, then a teenager, had the foresight to jump ship at Churchill.
In 1996, the Canadian government agreed to a $10-million compensation package. But it ignored the recommendations of three different bodies - the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, Canadian Human Rights Commission, and Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples - and refused to apologize.
The refusal was described by Mr. Amagoalik as a "real slap in the face for us."
Although the agreement recognized the "pain, suffering and hardship," it also stated that "government officials of the time were acting with honourable intentions in what was perceived to be the best interests of the Inuit."
The Inuit who signed the 1996 agreement felt they were doing so under duress. Their overriding concern was for the financial wellbeing of the elders who, after 40 years of waiting, were running out of time.
Much has happened in the past 12 years. Relations between the Inuit and the Canadian government have soured over failures to implement the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, to address crises in housing, health and education, and to invest in basic infrastructure - such as a deep water port at Iqaluit and small craft harbours elsewhere.
At the same time, climate change and runaway oil prices have vaulted Arctic sovereignty to the top of Ottawa's economic, defence and diplomatic concerns. Mr. Harper has promised new ice-strengthened patrol vessels for the Navy and a polar icebreaker for the Coast Guard, and blocked the sale of Radarsat-2 - a satellite designed for mapping sea-ice and tracking oceangoing vessels.
Yet the Prime Minister has largely ignored the Inuit, which is a serious mistake indeed. As the Canadian government recognized in the early 1950s, Inuit use and occupancy of the Arctic is central to Canada's sovereignty claims. With the exception of Hans Island - an insignificant speck of rock between Ellesmere Island and Greenland - no country contests Canada's title to the islands of the archipelago today.
It's the status of the Northwest Passage that is now at issue. As the ice melts, foreign shipping is increasing and Canada's claim to control the waterway has come under renewed scrutiny.
Canada's position rests on two pillars: so-called "straight baselines" that were drawn between the outer headlands of the archipelago in 1985, and millenniums of Inuit hunting, travelling and habitation on the sea-ice.
The second pillar was given constitutional status when the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement affirmed that "Canada's sovereignty over the waters of the Arctic archipelago is supported by Inuit use and occupancy." It also carries weight abroad, with the International Court of Justice having recognized (in a 1975 case concerning the Western Sahara) that nomadic peoples can acquire and transfer sovereignty rights. But any argument based on a transfer of rights is weakened if the recipient fails to uphold the bargain, or to address other basic grievances held by the transferees.
The Inuit know the clock can't be turned back. They want to work with other Canadians to forge a better future. They seek to preserve the Arctic environment, protect our common sovereignty, and provide their children with a quality of life similar to our own.
But the Inuit also want respect. For a Prime Minister who cares about sovereignty, apologizing to the High Arctic exiles would be an excellent next step.
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BC FERRIES YEAR-END RESULTS
VICTORIA, BC
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) released its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2008.
Consolidated net earnings were $37.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to net earnings of $48.8 million before an extraordinary gain the previous year. The decline in net earnings is attributable to the significant cost of new assets that came into service during the year.
As BC Ferries continues to invest all of its retained earnings into the largest asset renewal program in its history, amortization and financing costs will continue to increase. Consequently, the company expects its future earnings will continue to decrease in the near term, before improving. This is consistent with the company’s long-term financial plan.
Revenues for the year increased from $596.3 million to $640.7 million, while operating expenses increased from $528.4 million to $569.6 million. The increase in expenses includes $5.3 million for new safety and training initiatives.
Fourth quarter revenues increased from $119.0 million to $124.2 million compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, while total expenses during the same period increased from $152.2 million to $154.7 million. The company reported a fourth quarter net loss of $30.5 million compared to a net loss of $33.2 million during the same quarter the previous year.
Due to the seasonality of ferry travel, BC Ferries typically generates higher net earnings in the first and second quarters, which are subsequently reduced by net losses in the last two quarters of its fiscal year. The company utilizes the third and fourth quarters to perform upgrades, maintenance and refits, and to undertake mandatory inspections on the majority of its vessels.
Capital expenditures for the year ended March 31, 2008 totalled $452.5 million, compared to $262.6 million the year prior. Expenditures included $382.8 million for new vessels, vessel upgrades and vessel modifications, as well as $54.5 million for terminal upgrades.
“This past year, we made significant capital investments in our fleet, including almost $320 million of a $542 million project for our three new Super C-class ships,” said BC Ferries President & CEO David L. Hahn. “These new ships, which are on time and considerably under budget, will provide a world-class travel experience for our customers for decades to come.”
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. (BC Ferries) released its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2008.
Consolidated net earnings were $37.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to net earnings of $48.8 million before an extraordinary gain the previous year. The decline in net earnings is attributable to the significant cost of new assets that came into service during the year.
As BC Ferries continues to invest all of its retained earnings into the largest asset renewal program in its history, amortization and financing costs will continue to increase. Consequently, the company expects its future earnings will continue to decrease in the near term, before improving. This is consistent with the company’s long-term financial plan.
Revenues for the year increased from $596.3 million to $640.7 million, while operating expenses increased from $528.4 million to $569.6 million. The increase in expenses includes $5.3 million for new safety and training initiatives.
Fourth quarter revenues increased from $119.0 million to $124.2 million compared to the same quarter in the prior fiscal year, while total expenses during the same period increased from $152.2 million to $154.7 million. The company reported a fourth quarter net loss of $30.5 million compared to a net loss of $33.2 million during the same quarter the previous year.
Due to the seasonality of ferry travel, BC Ferries typically generates higher net earnings in the first and second quarters, which are subsequently reduced by net losses in the last two quarters of its fiscal year. The company utilizes the third and fourth quarters to perform upgrades, maintenance and refits, and to undertake mandatory inspections on the majority of its vessels.
Capital expenditures for the year ended March 31, 2008 totalled $452.5 million, compared to $262.6 million the year prior. Expenditures included $382.8 million for new vessels, vessel upgrades and vessel modifications, as well as $54.5 million for terminal upgrades.
“This past year, we made significant capital investments in our fleet, including almost $320 million of a $542 million project for our three new Super C-class ships,” said BC Ferries President & CEO David L. Hahn. “These new ships, which are on time and considerably under budget, will provide a world-class travel experience for our customers for decades to come.”
The first new ship in the series, the Coastal Renaissance, began service on March 8, 2008 on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay route, with the Coastal Inspiration beginning service later this month on the Duke Point – Tsawwassen run and the Coastal Celebration entering service on the Swartz Bay – Tsawwassen route this fall.
“In addition to our major fleet renewal program, we are continuing to invest in our terminals to replace aging marine structures and ensure we are providing the best in safety and service for our customers,” said Hahn. “This past year, we began a $9 million terminal expansion project at Swartz Bay and continued a $41 million project at Departure Bay to expand the holding compound and add the new Nanaimo Quay, which will open this summer to offer our customers a wide range of food and retail options.”
BC Ferries continues to be concerned about the unprecedented level of fuel prices and the resulting impact on the cost of operating the system and on customers’ travel decisions. If oil prices remain at record high levels, BC Ferries anticipates the need for fuel surcharges to be implemented in the near future.
BC Ferries, one of the largest ferry operators in the world based on passengers transported annually and transportation infrastructure, carried more than 21 million passengers and 8 million vehicles during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. BC Ferries provides frequent year-round ferry transportation services to the West Coast of Canada on 25 routes, currently supported by 37 vessels and 47 terminals, and also manages other remote routes through contracts with independent operators.
BC Ferries’ full financial statements, including notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are filed on SEDAR and will be available at http://www.sedar.com/.
“In addition to our major fleet renewal program, we are continuing to invest in our terminals to replace aging marine structures and ensure we are providing the best in safety and service for our customers,” said Hahn. “This past year, we began a $9 million terminal expansion project at Swartz Bay and continued a $41 million project at Departure Bay to expand the holding compound and add the new Nanaimo Quay, which will open this summer to offer our customers a wide range of food and retail options.”
BC Ferries continues to be concerned about the unprecedented level of fuel prices and the resulting impact on the cost of operating the system and on customers’ travel decisions. If oil prices remain at record high levels, BC Ferries anticipates the need for fuel surcharges to be implemented in the near future.
BC Ferries, one of the largest ferry operators in the world based on passengers transported annually and transportation infrastructure, carried more than 21 million passengers and 8 million vehicles during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008. BC Ferries provides frequent year-round ferry transportation services to the West Coast of Canada on 25 routes, currently supported by 37 vessels and 47 terminals, and also manages other remote routes through contracts with independent operators.
BC Ferries’ full financial statements, including notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, are filed on SEDAR and will be available at http://www.sedar.com/.
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CANADIAN NAVY RESCUES DHOW
GULF OF ADEN (Marketwire)HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509) and HMCS Iroquois (DDH 280), operating off the coast of Somalia, provided assistance to a ship in distress on June 11.
Dunia, a 30-foot dhow carrying 15 people, experienced serious mechanical problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for four days. A lookout in Protecteur, which was operating nearby as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, discovered the vessel at the break of dawn.
Protecteur's commanding officer, Commander Sean Cantelon, sent his boarding team to evaluate the conditions aboard Dunia and establish the level of assistance required. Once it was determined that repairs would need to be completed ashore, the vessel was re-provisioned and Protecteur began towing it towards Bossaso, Somalia."We provided the dhow's crewmembers with food and water, cared for one of the sick and towed the vessel back to dry land and safety," said Cdr. Cantelon.
Iroquois, CTF 150's flagship, relieved Protecteur and towed the dhow into port. Protecteur, Iroquois and the Canadian multi-purpose frigate HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) are three of the ships operating in the Arabian Sea as part of CTF 150.
Coalition forces have a long-standing tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing search and rescue services, and medical and engineering assistance.
CTF 150, currently led by Canada, comprises warships from numerous coalition nations including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States, and is responsible for conducting maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
Maritime security operations help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
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Thursday, June 12, 2008
BC FERRIES NORTHERN SCHEDULE
VICTORIA, BC
BC Ferries is pleased to announce that the summer schedule is now in effect for its northern services. With three routes to choose from, travellers can explore Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, the Queen Charlotte Islands, Bella Coola and all the unique and diverse locations in between.
This spectacular area of the province is rich in culture, physical beauty and recreational opportunities including ocean kayaking, salmon fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. Discover ancient totems and eagles in their natural settings. Include the circle tour through the Cariboo – Chilcotin region in your BC Ferries’ itinerary or carry on north to Alaska.
BC Ferries’ Port Hardy – Prince Rupert service sails up and down the Inside Passage every other day through to September 30. The 15-hour day cruise offers travellers ample time to soak in the rugged beauty of the coastline aboard the well-appointed Northern Adventure.
The Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte Islands route makes up to five round trips per week. Travel times aboard the Queen of Prince Rupert to the Queen Charlotte Islands vary between six and nine hours, depending on the day of the week. The summer schedule to the Queen Charlotte Islands is in effect until September 18.
The Discovery Coast Passage route provides three round trips per week between Port Hardy and Bella Coola with stops at the coastal villages of Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu and Ocean Falls on specified dates. Kayakers are able to “wet-launch” from the Queen of Chilliwack, which services this route. The Discovery Coast Passage is an eco-tourism route. It is a summer-only service which will run through until September 8.
Explore authentic First Nations culture at the Haida Gwaii Cultural Centre in the Queen Charlotte Islands or take in all the entertainment at the Discovery Coast Music Festival in Bella Coola. Make this the summer to explore British Columbia’s north coast wild frontier. BC Ferries is your key to getting there. Also remember, BCAA members receive a 10 per cent discount on select northern sailings.
Reservations are required on BC Ferries’ northern routes and are available at www.bcferries.com or by calling toll-free to 1-888-223-3229. Customer Sales and Service Representatives are available seven days per week.
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BC Ferries is pleased to announce that the summer schedule is now in effect for its northern services. With three routes to choose from, travellers can explore Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, the Queen Charlotte Islands, Bella Coola and all the unique and diverse locations in between.
This spectacular area of the province is rich in culture, physical beauty and recreational opportunities including ocean kayaking, salmon fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. Discover ancient totems and eagles in their natural settings. Include the circle tour through the Cariboo – Chilcotin region in your BC Ferries’ itinerary or carry on north to Alaska.
BC Ferries’ Port Hardy – Prince Rupert service sails up and down the Inside Passage every other day through to September 30. The 15-hour day cruise offers travellers ample time to soak in the rugged beauty of the coastline aboard the well-appointed Northern Adventure.
The Prince Rupert – Queen Charlotte Islands route makes up to five round trips per week. Travel times aboard the Queen of Prince Rupert to the Queen Charlotte Islands vary between six and nine hours, depending on the day of the week. The summer schedule to the Queen Charlotte Islands is in effect until September 18.
The Discovery Coast Passage route provides three round trips per week between Port Hardy and Bella Coola with stops at the coastal villages of Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu and Ocean Falls on specified dates. Kayakers are able to “wet-launch” from the Queen of Chilliwack, which services this route. The Discovery Coast Passage is an eco-tourism route. It is a summer-only service which will run through until September 8.
Explore authentic First Nations culture at the Haida Gwaii Cultural Centre in the Queen Charlotte Islands or take in all the entertainment at the Discovery Coast Music Festival in Bella Coola. Make this the summer to explore British Columbia’s north coast wild frontier. BC Ferries is your key to getting there. Also remember, BCAA members receive a 10 per cent discount on select northern sailings.
Reservations are required on BC Ferries’ northern routes and are available at www.bcferries.com or by calling toll-free to 1-888-223-3229. Customer Sales and Service Representatives are available seven days per week.
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FUEL COSTS CUT SEA TIME
MONTREAL (UPI)
A 50 percent rise in fuel costs kept many of Canada's 34 naval vessels at port in 2007, the Sun Media group reported from Montreal Monday. Under the Access to Information Act, the news group learned from defense documents the ships spent an average of 81 days at sea last year at a cost of more than $51 million. That's a jump from $34.1 million in 2006, the report said. A member of the Bloc Quebecois opposition party, Claude Bachand, told the agency the navy was facing another relatively dry year."The (fuel) bill will certainly rise by another 25 percent this year," Bachand said. "Fuel consumption varies according to cruising speed and weather conditions, but in a visit on the frigate HMCS Winnipeg I was told it costs $25,000 in gas per day." HMCS Toronto (frigate) was the busiest ship in the fleet in 2007 with a total of 179 days at sea, including a lengthy mission in the Middle East.The report said fuel prices appear to be the reason the navy didn't participate in annual international exercises between January and March last year.
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A 50 percent rise in fuel costs kept many of Canada's 34 naval vessels at port in 2007, the Sun Media group reported from Montreal Monday. Under the Access to Information Act, the news group learned from defense documents the ships spent an average of 81 days at sea last year at a cost of more than $51 million. That's a jump from $34.1 million in 2006, the report said. A member of the Bloc Quebecois opposition party, Claude Bachand, told the agency the navy was facing another relatively dry year."The (fuel) bill will certainly rise by another 25 percent this year," Bachand said. "Fuel consumption varies according to cruising speed and weather conditions, but in a visit on the frigate HMCS Winnipeg I was told it costs $25,000 in gas per day." HMCS Toronto (frigate) was the busiest ship in the fleet in 2007 with a total of 179 days at sea, including a lengthy mission in the Middle East.The report said fuel prices appear to be the reason the navy didn't participate in annual international exercises between January and March last year.
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RUSSIAN NAVY EXPANDS OPERATIONS
MOSCOW (RIA Novosti)
Russia's Defense Ministry is planning to expand the presence of the Russian Navy in the world's oceans and extend the operational radius of submarines deployed with the Northern Fleet, a high-ranking military official said on Tuesday.
"The summer training program [running from June 1 to December 1] envisions the increased presence of the Russian Navy, not only in the Atlantic, but also in the Arctic and the Pacific," said Lt. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov, who heads the Defense Ministry's combat training directorate.
"We are also planning to increase the operational radius of the Northern Fleet's submarines," he said, adding that the General Staff would determine the new composition and size of the Armed Forces by the beginning of July.
Russia's Defense Ministry is planning to expand the presence of the Russian Navy in the world's oceans and extend the operational radius of submarines deployed with the Northern Fleet, a high-ranking military official said on Tuesday.
"The summer training program [running from June 1 to December 1] envisions the increased presence of the Russian Navy, not only in the Atlantic, but also in the Arctic and the Pacific," said Lt. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov, who heads the Defense Ministry's combat training directorate.
"We are also planning to increase the operational radius of the Northern Fleet's submarines," he said, adding that the General Staff would determine the new composition and size of the Armed Forces by the beginning of July.
The general said that Russia may shift the focus of its military strategy toward the northern latitudes in order to protect its national interests in the Arctic, especially on its continental shelf, which may contain large deposits of oil and natural gas.
"We have a number of highly-professional military units in the Leningrad, Siberian and Far Eastern military districts, which are specifically trained for combat in Arctic regions," Shamanov said.
Under the Law of the Sea, coastal states hold sovereignty over a zone of 200 nautical mile (370 km) limit, but this area can be extended if it is a part of the country's continental shelf or shallower waters. Some Arctic shelves extend for hundreds of miles, creating a possibility of overlapping territorial claims.
Last August, as part of a scientific expedition, two Russian mini-subs made a symbolic eight-hour dive beneath the North Pole to bolster the country's claim that the Arctic's Lomonosov Ridge lies in the country's economic zone. A titanium Russian flag was also planted on the seabed. Russia first claimed the territory in 2001, but the UN demanded more evidence.
The expedition irritated a number of Western countries, particularly Canada.
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"We have a number of highly-professional military units in the Leningrad, Siberian and Far Eastern military districts, which are specifically trained for combat in Arctic regions," Shamanov said.
Under the Law of the Sea, coastal states hold sovereignty over a zone of 200 nautical mile (370 km) limit, but this area can be extended if it is a part of the country's continental shelf or shallower waters. Some Arctic shelves extend for hundreds of miles, creating a possibility of overlapping territorial claims.
Last August, as part of a scientific expedition, two Russian mini-subs made a symbolic eight-hour dive beneath the North Pole to bolster the country's claim that the Arctic's Lomonosov Ridge lies in the country's economic zone. A titanium Russian flag was also planted on the seabed. Russia first claimed the territory in 2001, but the UN demanded more evidence.
The expedition irritated a number of Western countries, particularly Canada.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
NEW CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
Ottawa, OntarioThe Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, welcomed the Prime Minister´s announcement appointing Lieutenant-General Walt Natynczyk as the new Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). The appointment will be effective following the Change of Command ceremony which will take place in the coming weeks.
"I am very pleased that the command of the Canadian Forces is now being passed to the very capable hands of LGen Natynczyk, said Minister MacKay. "LGen Natynczyk assumes the position at a very important time for the Canadian Forces. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue to move forward with the Canada First Defence Strategy and our mission in Afghanistan. I have complete confidence in his ability to build on the foundation laid by General Rick Hillier."
LGen Natynczyk joined the Canadian Forces in August 1975. He attended Royal Roads Military College and Collège Militaire Royal in St Jean, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration. Upon completion of Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, he served on the Army Staff in St-Hubert, Québec. LGen Natynczyk assumed the responsibilities of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff on 28 June 2006.
"I´m deeply honoured to receive this appointment," said LGen Natynczyk. "It is truly a privilege to lead the men and women of the Canadian Forces who give so much to their country."
General Hillier, who announced his retirement on April 15 after three years of being CDS, expressed confidence in LGen Natynczyk´s ability to lead the Canadian Forces. "I have never worked with a finer officer than LGen Natynczyk. He has all the skills, experience and values to command the Canadian Forces and will have my full support. I congratulate him on his appointment and will hand over to him with the full knowledge that he will continue to adapt, and improve our Forces to accomplish the tasks Canadians need us to perform."
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TEEKAY OFFSHORE PUBLIC OFFERING
HAMILTON, BERMUDA (Marketwire)
Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. (NYSE:TOO) announced today that it plans to offer 7,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests in a public offering. Teekay Offshore expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,050,000 common units to cover over-allotments, if any.
Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. is a publicly-traded master limited partnership formed by Teekay (NYSE:TK), and is an international provider of marine transportation and storage services to the offshore oil industry. Teekay Offshore currently owns a 26% interest in and controls OPCO with a fleet of 34 shuttle tankers (nine of which are chartered-in), four floating storage and offtake (FSO) units and nine conventional crude oil Aframax tankers. The Partnership also has direct ownership interests in two shuttle tankers and one FSO.
In addition and concurrently with the closing of the public offering, Teekay Corporation (Teekay) has agreed that it will purchase directly from Teekay Offshore in a private placement an aggregate of $65.0 million worth of common units at the public offering price.The Partnership expects to use the net proceeds from the public offering and the concurrent private placement to purchase an additional 25.0% interest in Teekay Offshore Operating L.P. (OPCO), a Marshall Islands limited partnership, from Teekay, for $205.0 million. The Partnership will use any remaining net proceeds to partially repay amounts it borrowed from OPCO to facilitate the purchase of three vessels in 2007. OPCO will apply any net proceeds it receives from Teekay Offshore towards the purchase of two 2008-built Aframax lightering tankers or the repayment of debt.
After the offering and the concurrent private placement, Teekay will own approximately a 50% interest in Teekay Offshore, including common units, subordinated units and its general partner interest. This ownership interest will be reduced to approximately 49% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Subsequent to the offering, Teekay Offshore expects to own 51% of OPCO.
The joint book running managers for this offering are Citi, Merrill Lynch & Co. and Lehman Brothers. The co-managers are Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Raymond James.When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus related to this offering may be obtained from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11220, Attention: Prospectus Department; phone: (800) 831-9146; Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, 4 World Financial Center, Attention: Prospectus Department, New York, New York 10080, or Lehman Brothers, c/o Broadridge Integrated Distribution Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, via fax at 631-254-7140 or via email at qiana.smith@broadridge.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Teekay Offshore Partners L.P.Scott Gayton, Investor Relations Enquiries(604) 609-4740. Alana Duffy, Media Enquiries(604) 844-6605. Website: www.teekayoffshore.com
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Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. (NYSE:TOO) announced today that it plans to offer 7,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests in a public offering. Teekay Offshore expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,050,000 common units to cover over-allotments, if any.
Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. is a publicly-traded master limited partnership formed by Teekay (NYSE:TK), and is an international provider of marine transportation and storage services to the offshore oil industry. Teekay Offshore currently owns a 26% interest in and controls OPCO with a fleet of 34 shuttle tankers (nine of which are chartered-in), four floating storage and offtake (FSO) units and nine conventional crude oil Aframax tankers. The Partnership also has direct ownership interests in two shuttle tankers and one FSO.
In addition and concurrently with the closing of the public offering, Teekay Corporation (Teekay) has agreed that it will purchase directly from Teekay Offshore in a private placement an aggregate of $65.0 million worth of common units at the public offering price.The Partnership expects to use the net proceeds from the public offering and the concurrent private placement to purchase an additional 25.0% interest in Teekay Offshore Operating L.P. (OPCO), a Marshall Islands limited partnership, from Teekay, for $205.0 million. The Partnership will use any remaining net proceeds to partially repay amounts it borrowed from OPCO to facilitate the purchase of three vessels in 2007. OPCO will apply any net proceeds it receives from Teekay Offshore towards the purchase of two 2008-built Aframax lightering tankers or the repayment of debt.
After the offering and the concurrent private placement, Teekay will own approximately a 50% interest in Teekay Offshore, including common units, subordinated units and its general partner interest. This ownership interest will be reduced to approximately 49% if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. Subsequent to the offering, Teekay Offshore expects to own 51% of OPCO.
The joint book running managers for this offering are Citi, Merrill Lynch & Co. and Lehman Brothers. The co-managers are Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Raymond James.When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus related to this offering may be obtained from Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11220, Attention: Prospectus Department; phone: (800) 831-9146; Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, 4 World Financial Center, Attention: Prospectus Department, New York, New York 10080, or Lehman Brothers, c/o Broadridge Integrated Distribution Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, via fax at 631-254-7140 or via email at qiana.smith@broadridge.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Teekay Offshore Partners L.P.Scott Gayton, Investor Relations Enquiries(604) 609-4740. Alana Duffy, Media Enquiries(604) 844-6605. Website: www.teekayoffshore.com
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SEAMILES SEEKS APPROVAL
TORONTO, ONTARIO (Marketwire)
SeaMiles Limited, North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, today announced that it is preparing to make an application to list its common stock on the International OTCQX to increase the Company's exposure to U.S. investors.
The International OTCQX provides non-USA publicly listed companies with a gateway to the U.S. securities markets including a vehicle to trade shares in the U.S. with accompanying ongoing disclosure to U.S. investors. Such non-USA companies must have substantial operating businesses and provide credible disclosure to be eligible for inclusion on the International PrimeQX tier. Successful listing distinguishes reputable international issuers from the approximately 8,000 over the counter (OTC) securities traded in the U.S.
"We believe the time is right to increase our exposure to Wall Street and the U.S. investment community," said Peter Rooney, President of SeaMiles. "In the short period of time since the Company's inception, we have become recognized as the premier cruise loyalty provider, and believe now is the time to expand interest in the Company in the United States, whose residents are one of the largest customers of the cruise industry."
Companies with shares listed on the International OTCQX include: Adidas AG, Air France, BASF SE, Roche Holding Ltd, Starpharma Holdings Ltd and Wal-Mart De Mexico.
ABOUT SEAMILES
SeaMiles is North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, committed to recognizing and rewarding the cruiser through multiple earning opportunities and best-in-class, maximum award flexibility based on "Any Cruise Line...Any Time". Additional information can be found at www.seamiles.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SeaMiles Limited
Peter Rooney
President
(416) 398-1555 Ext. 442
Email: peter.rooney@seamiles.com
Or
Steven Wise
Chairman & CEO
(416) 631-3400
Email: steven@seamiles.com
Website: www.seamiles.com
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SeaMiles Limited, North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, today announced that it is preparing to make an application to list its common stock on the International OTCQX to increase the Company's exposure to U.S. investors.
The International OTCQX provides non-USA publicly listed companies with a gateway to the U.S. securities markets including a vehicle to trade shares in the U.S. with accompanying ongoing disclosure to U.S. investors. Such non-USA companies must have substantial operating businesses and provide credible disclosure to be eligible for inclusion on the International PrimeQX tier. Successful listing distinguishes reputable international issuers from the approximately 8,000 over the counter (OTC) securities traded in the U.S.
"We believe the time is right to increase our exposure to Wall Street and the U.S. investment community," said Peter Rooney, President of SeaMiles. "In the short period of time since the Company's inception, we have become recognized as the premier cruise loyalty provider, and believe now is the time to expand interest in the Company in the United States, whose residents are one of the largest customers of the cruise industry."
Companies with shares listed on the International OTCQX include: Adidas AG, Air France, BASF SE, Roche Holding Ltd, Starpharma Holdings Ltd and Wal-Mart De Mexico.
ABOUT SEAMILES
SeaMiles is North America's premier cruise loyalty provider, committed to recognizing and rewarding the cruiser through multiple earning opportunities and best-in-class, maximum award flexibility based on "Any Cruise Line...Any Time". Additional information can be found at www.seamiles.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SeaMiles Limited
Peter Rooney
President
(416) 398-1555 Ext. 442
Email: peter.rooney@seamiles.com
Or
Steven Wise
Chairman & CEO
(416) 631-3400
Email: steven@seamiles.com
Website: www.seamiles.com
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Monday, June 9, 2008
GRADUATION DAY
COMOX, BC
June 12, 2008 is graduation day for SAR Tech course #41, a newly trained class of Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) from the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR).
This graduation marks the culmination of 11 months of intensive training, and is a milestone in the candidate’s careers. Their specialized training includes parachuting, mountain rescue climbing, diving, and paramedic training. They will be posted to Search and Rescue units across the country to implement the training and knowledge they have gained throughout the course.
The graduation class will enter the ceremony by jumping from a CC-115 Buffalo aircraft at a jump altitude of 10,000 ft, with the staff and students jumping in group formations. They will descend to the infield and once on the ground, the jumpers will assemble in two ranks and double up to the edge of the tarmac. Presentation of the SAR Tech Wings and distinctive red beret will follow. The Reviewing Officer for the parade will be Colonel Fred Bigelow, 19 Wing Commander.
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June 12, 2008 is graduation day for SAR Tech course #41, a newly trained class of Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) from the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR).
This graduation marks the culmination of 11 months of intensive training, and is a milestone in the candidate’s careers. Their specialized training includes parachuting, mountain rescue climbing, diving, and paramedic training. They will be posted to Search and Rescue units across the country to implement the training and knowledge they have gained throughout the course.
The graduation class will enter the ceremony by jumping from a CC-115 Buffalo aircraft at a jump altitude of 10,000 ft, with the staff and students jumping in group formations. They will descend to the infield and once on the ground, the jumpers will assemble in two ranks and double up to the edge of the tarmac. Presentation of the SAR Tech Wings and distinctive red beret will follow. The Reviewing Officer for the parade will be Colonel Fred Bigelow, 19 Wing Commander.
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COASTAL AWARENESS
VICTORIA, BC
BC Ferries and Chevron are pleased to announce the expansion of the popular Coastal Awareness program at major ferry terminals. The “Coastal Awareness presented by Chevron” exhibits consist of large, interactive touch screen experiences which test knowledge about British Columbian coastal living, nature and wildlife, and geography and history.
Late last year, Coastal Awareness exhibits were installed at Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen terminals in the foot passenger waiting areas. Building on the positive feedback from customers, the program is now being expanded to Horseshoe Bay, Duke Point and Departure Bay terminals.
“Both BC Ferries and Chevron are focused on increasing coastal knowledge amongst local and international customers. These exhibits are a fun way for people to gain a better appreciation of the wildlife, geography, culture and history of British Columbia,” said Dan Wong, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Corporate Development.
The Coastal Awareness program is designed to educate and entertain customers of all ages. When playing the Coastal Awareness game, customers are asked a series of multiple choice questions, which are followed by three short, animated video productions.
Questions such as the following test the customer’s knowledge and curiosity about B.C.’s coastal environment:
BC Ferries and Chevron are pleased to announce the expansion of the popular Coastal Awareness program at major ferry terminals. The “Coastal Awareness presented by Chevron” exhibits consist of large, interactive touch screen experiences which test knowledge about British Columbian coastal living, nature and wildlife, and geography and history.
Late last year, Coastal Awareness exhibits were installed at Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen terminals in the foot passenger waiting areas. Building on the positive feedback from customers, the program is now being expanded to Horseshoe Bay, Duke Point and Departure Bay terminals.
“Both BC Ferries and Chevron are focused on increasing coastal knowledge amongst local and international customers. These exhibits are a fun way for people to gain a better appreciation of the wildlife, geography, culture and history of British Columbia,” said Dan Wong, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Corporate Development.
The Coastal Awareness program is designed to educate and entertain customers of all ages. When playing the Coastal Awareness game, customers are asked a series of multiple choice questions, which are followed by three short, animated video productions.
Questions such as the following test the customer’s knowledge and curiosity about B.C.’s coastal environment:
- What coastal animal was the “dollar bill” for many Aboriginal societies?
- What south coast tree sheds its skin like a snake and wears its leaves year-round?
- How did Active Pass get its name?
“Chevron is pleased to partner with BC Ferries to help celebrate the diverse Province we live in through such a fun, interactive and educational exhibit,” said Chevron Canada’s Mark Rizzo, Manager, Commercial and Industrial Fuels.
The “Coastal Awareness presented by Chevron” program is another way BC Ferries is delivering a more entertaining and memorable travel experience to its customers.
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Friday, June 6, 2008
PIRATES THWARTED
GULF OF ADEN On the morning of 3 June 2008, just after Canadian Commodore Bob Davidson assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 from French Rear Admiral Jean-Louis Kérignard, one of Canada’s Sea King helicopters, embarked on HMCS Calgary, intervened in an ongoing piracy attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Gulf of Aden, approximately 65 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia.
The frigate Calgary, one of three Canadian warships currently assigned to Operation ALTAIR, Canada’s maritime contribution to the campaign against terrorism, was operating in the area when a broken call for assistance was heard from a vessel apparently under attack by small arms fire.
Calgary immediately altered course and increased speed to close the scene. Her airborne Sea King was promptly redirected towards the area and tasked to gather information on the situation. The helicopter’s arrival in the vicinity of the attack did not go unnoticed by the perpetrators. Two small boats, commonly referred to as skiffs, were observed in the area and appeared to be armed.
“I am convinced that the presence of our aircraft drove them away from the traffic lanes and prevented any further attack today on merchant shipping in the area,” said Commander Kelly Larkin, Commanding Officer of the multi-purpose frigate. “We continued to monitor those two skiffs and their crew as they were heading back towards Somalia territorial waters.”
Ships assigned to this crucial operation deploy to the North Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Gulf of Aden, and parts of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, where they work alongside many allied and regional nations, building security and stability by monitoring shipping, and countering terrorist activity.
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SEND YOUR NEWS AND EVENT TIPS TO: news@ewmanchester.com. Include your name, address, phone number and email contact information for verification purposes (won’t be published unless requested).
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Tuesday, June 3, 2008
THUNDERING SKIES
CFB COMOX
A number of CF-18 Hornets from 4 Wing Cold Lake have deployed to 19 Wing Comox for Force Generation training from 3 - 15 June, followed by an exercise until 19 June. Members of the public can expect increased activity and noise levels in the area as a result of the jet activity between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The CF-18 Hornets will be joined by some Alpha Jets, which will assist in the training.
In the third week of June, the CF-18s will be joined by F-15 Eagles from the 390th Fighter Squadron out of Mountain Home AFB (USA). Those units will participate in NORAD exercise Amalgam Dart from June 16 to 19.
For more information on 409 Squadron, please visit:
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/4Wing/squadron/409_e.asp
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In the third week of June, the CF-18s will be joined by F-15 Eagles from the 390th Fighter Squadron out of Mountain Home AFB (USA). Those units will participate in NORAD exercise Amalgam Dart from June 16 to 19.
For more information on 409 Squadron, please visit:
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/4Wing/squadron/409_e.asp
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HMCS REGINA VISITS VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
The crew of HMCS Regina will mark the 35th anniversary of Canada-Vietnam diplomatic relations with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from June 4 to 8. The ship is currently at sea on Westploy 2008, a 12-week deployment to promote Canadian interests in the Asia-Pacific region while enabling navy-to-navy liaison and relationship building with nations in this area.
During the four-day goodwill visit, Regina's crew will undertake a busy program designed to foster relations with Canada's Vietnamese partners.
"Westploy is a channel for the Navy to support Canadian diplomatic efforts overseas," said Commander Haydn Edmundson, HMCS Regina's Commanding Officer. "Canada's sailors are proud ambassadors for their country. Our visit here will strengthen Canada's relationship with Vietnam, a nation with whom Canada shares many interests but has had little opportunity to interact on a military-to-military basis."
The visit kicks off with a Welcome Reception to be held on board Regina for 150 Vietnamese and diplomatic guests. In addition, Canadian companies and their Vietnamese clients will embark the ship for a Canadian corporate benefit dinner for a local charity, co-hosted by Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile (Commander Maritime Forces Pacific), Canadian Ambassador Gabriel-M. Lessard and Consul-General William Johnston.
Other scheduled events include ship tours for Vietnamese military and navy officers, Canadian Consulate staff and their families, and members of the Canadian expatriate community. Rear Admiral Pile and Cmdr. Edmundson will also make diplomatic visits with Vietnamese military officials as well as the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Monument.
The last Canadian warship to visit Vietnam was, coincidentally, HMCS Regina in 1996. At the time, Rear Admiral Pile answered to "Cmdr. Pile" and was the ship's Commanding Officer.
Both HMC ships Regina and Ottawa deployed for Westploy 2008 on April 13. By the deployment's end, the two ships will have made port visits to six other Northeast Asian ports including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore.
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During the four-day goodwill visit, Regina's crew will undertake a busy program designed to foster relations with Canada's Vietnamese partners.
"Westploy is a channel for the Navy to support Canadian diplomatic efforts overseas," said Commander Haydn Edmundson, HMCS Regina's Commanding Officer. "Canada's sailors are proud ambassadors for their country. Our visit here will strengthen Canada's relationship with Vietnam, a nation with whom Canada shares many interests but has had little opportunity to interact on a military-to-military basis."
The visit kicks off with a Welcome Reception to be held on board Regina for 150 Vietnamese and diplomatic guests. In addition, Canadian companies and their Vietnamese clients will embark the ship for a Canadian corporate benefit dinner for a local charity, co-hosted by Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile (Commander Maritime Forces Pacific), Canadian Ambassador Gabriel-M. Lessard and Consul-General William Johnston.
Other scheduled events include ship tours for Vietnamese military and navy officers, Canadian Consulate staff and their families, and members of the Canadian expatriate community. Rear Admiral Pile and Cmdr. Edmundson will also make diplomatic visits with Vietnamese military officials as well as the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Ho Chi Minh Monument.
The last Canadian warship to visit Vietnam was, coincidentally, HMCS Regina in 1996. At the time, Rear Admiral Pile answered to "Cmdr. Pile" and was the ship's Commanding Officer.
Both HMC ships Regina and Ottawa deployed for Westploy 2008 on April 13. By the deployment's end, the two ships will have made port visits to six other Northeast Asian ports including China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore.
-30-
**************************************************
SEND YOUR NEWS AND EVENT TIPS TO: news@ewmanchester.com. Include your name, address, phone number and email contact information for verification purposes (won’t be published unless requested).
NAUTICAL NOTES. Content © Eric W. Manchester. All rights reserved. Any use without prior permission is prohibited. http://www.ewmanchester.com/
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