Nautical Notes

MERRY CHARITABLE CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

May this be the best Christmas you ever knew, one which left you overwhelmed with a sense of being the most fortunate person on Earth. May it be one that spoiled you breathless, with countless gifts of enormous magnitude and incalculable value. And, may you have lavishly given to others more magnanimously than you received. But, more importantly, may all your bounty be of the kind that inspires souls, warms hearts and brings hope.

Christmas is irrevocably associated with giving, regardless of your belief about its origin or meaning. Religious or not, this December season brings us closer to people – family, friends, and sometimes even strangers. But, very often the connection we’re inexplicably compelled to make is weakened – or goes miserably unfelt - because of a fixation on “stuff”. Succumbing to the buying frenzy that has become Christmas leaves the less wealthy feeling inadequate in their ability to demonstrate love for family, and imbues those of means with a false and unwarranted sense of meaning.

May your Christmas be rich in what really matters – feeling the loving embrace of family & friends, and finding the opportunity to personally help another living creature (human or otherwise). Perhaps more importantly, may your children learn from your example which gifts are truly priceless.

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Canadian Navy Centennial

2010-04-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (Marketwire - April 30, 2010)

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 marks the commemoration and celebration of the Canadian Naval Centennial (CNC). Throughout the centennial year, the Canadian Navy is celebrating 100 years of naval service in Canada.

"It has always been a challenge to overcome maritime blindness in Canada, but the extraordinary work of our sailors is helping to demonstrate the amazing capability of the naval service and the important role the navy plays in Canada." says Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Chief of the Maritime Staff. "The purpose of the Canadian Navy's centennial is not just to celebrate our achievements or tell the story of our navy; it is also to publicly renew our commitment to Canada and to the future. The support of Canadian citizens allows us to do the job we have been assigned and we thank the people of Canada for recognizing this important time in Canadian naval history and for sharing it with us."

Although May 4th, 1910 is the date that Royal Assent was given to the Naval Service Act thereby establishing the Department of Naval Service, several official naval centennial events will be held across the country throughout the year.

On Sunday, May 2, 2010 the three formations of the Canadian Navy, headquartered in Halifax, Quebec City and Esquimalt, along with Maritime Command in Ottawa and Canada's 24 Naval Reserve Units across the country will all hold commemorative services to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

On Monday, May 3, 2010 Canada Post will unveil a set of two commemorative stamps at the Canadian War Museum, celebrating the Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary .The stamps will be available to the public on the following day (May 4th).

TUESDAY MAY 4, 2010, WILL SEE A HOST OF EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY:

OTTAWA

At 10 a.m., in the presence of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Chief of the Maritime Staff, will present a ship's bell, the Canadian Navy Centennial Bell, to the people of Canada in a ceremony held in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill. Then, in the afternoon at 1:30 p.m., Vice-Admiral McFadden will be joined by Marie Lemay, CEO NCC, and Dr. Mark Kristmanson, Director of Programming NCC, to break ground for the national naval monument at Richmond Landing behind the Library of Archives.

VICTORIA

At 9:30 a.m. local time, Maritime Forces Pacific will exercise its "Freedom of the City" of Victoria. Rear Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, will lead a parade of more than 2,700 Canadian Forces members and the Naden Band through downtown Victoria. Following the parade, the Naden Band and the Guard of Honour will return to the corner of Government and Wharf Streets for the unveiling and dedication of the "Homecoming Statue".

HALIFAX

At 10 a.m. local time, Maritime Forces Atlantic will exercise its "Freedom of the City" of Halifax. Rear-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and more than 2,000 sailors and members of Maritime Forces Atlantic will parade through the streets of Halifax to City Hall.

The Canadian Navy is planning other events throughout 2010 year to mark this significant moment in Canada's naval history within the context of the centennial theme of "Bring the Navy to Canadians" -with events aimed at honouring the past, showcasing the current navy and reinforcing the requirement for the future navy. The centennial slogan of "Commemorate, Celebrate and Commit" reflects the Canadian Navy's broad aims in marking this historic national event.

For a full list of centennial events please visit: www.canadiannavy100.forces.gc.ca

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QUATHIASKI COVE FERRY TERMINAL CLOSURE

2010-03-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA, BC

BC Ferries advisory:

"BC Ferries’ dock at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island will be temporarily closed for five days while a new berthing structure is installed. Alternate service will be provided for both Quadra and Cortes Islands during the dock closure from April 6 through 10, 2010.

BC Ferries is making this significant investment at Quathiaski Cove to ensure continued safe, reliable service for years to come. The $5.3 million project includes the replacement of the ramp, pontoon, wingwalls and waiting shelter. While work on the project began at the beginning of February and will conclude at the end of April, BC Ferries has pre-fabricated the berthing structure and other components off-site to minimize the necessary dock closure period.

During the closure the MV Tachek will operate between Campbell River and Heriot Bay terminal on Quadra Island, transporting commercial and essential vehicle traffic only.

Beginning March 15, all customers will be required to reserve their desired sailing by calling 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).

The MV Tenaka will operate between Campbell River and Whaletown terminal on Cortes Island. All vehicular and foot traffic are welcome and will be loaded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both vessels will operate three round-trip voyages each day.

In addition, a water taxi service will be available to transport foot passengers between Campbell River and Quathiaski Cove terminals. This service will operate approximately every 20 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be no direct ferry service between Heriot Bay and Whaletown terminals during the five-day period.

BC Ferries will be hosting public open houses to provide information about the alternate service plan and to answer any questions as follows:

• Monday, March 22, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Community Centre on Quadra Island.

• Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mansons Hall on Cortes Island."

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OGDEN POINT REACHES OUT TO CRUISE SHIPS

2010-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

The marine construction project to extend Victoria’s Ogden Point berthing capacity is expected to be complete in time to welcome the first cruise ship of this season. That vanguard of the 228 ships scheduled to visit in 2010 arrives April 26^th.

The new mooring dolphin, some 70 metres off Pier B, will enable Ogden Point to better accommodate an expanding flotilla of jumbo cruise ships – those in service and the even larger ones being built - that has already outgrown the terminal’s 243-metre jetty.

When complete, the $3.3-million project – which includes some dredging - will enable a pair of 335-metre ships to dock simultaneously, without hanging out well past the wharf as they do now. In addition, the longer pier arrangement will permit mooring lines to be deployed at more effective angles, in safer configurations – resulting in berthing capabilities similar to that of Seattle and Alaskan ports of call.

The mooring dolphin project – a financial collaboration of the federal and BC governments, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority – is a group effort by principal contractor Pacific Industrial and Marine Ltd., and project engineers Herold Engineering and PND Engineering.

In 2009, cruise ships brought some 550,000 passengers and crew to Victoria, who spent an estimated $70 million while there – which includes $50,000 per ship in repairs and services.

CCGS BARTLETT REFIT CONTINUES

2010-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA (Marketwire)

Andrew Saxton, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. has been awarded a $15.5 million contract to complete major repairs to the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Bartlett.

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government is investing in communities across Canada," said Mr. Saxton. "This major ship refit is benefiting North Vancouver - creating local jobs and investing in our community and British Columbia's future."

This work is the second phase of a major life extension project for the CCGS Bartlett. The first phase was completed by Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. in July. Both contracts were awarded as a result of separate competitive processes.

The CCGS Bartlett is a medium-endurance multi-tasked vessel, used in tending to navigational aids, resupplying lighthouses, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement. It is based in Victoria.

"This investment will help ensure that the dedicated men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard have the equipment needed to keep our waters safe, accessible and secure," said Mr. Saxton. "These repairs are expected to keep the Bartlett in service for another ten years."

Of the $175 million announced for the Coast Guard in the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan, $74 million will be invested in life extension projects for five of the Canadian Coast Guard's largest vessels. All repair work will be completed by March 2011.

Backgrounder:

Canada's Economic Action Plan Investing in Major Repair Work on Canadian Coast Guard Vessels (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/hq-ac26a-eng.htm)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dan Bate, Communications Officer, 604-209-6225
Nancy Bishay, Press Secretary, 613-992-3474

VANCOUVER ISLAND RESCUERS GO INLAND

2010-01-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

CANADIAN FORCES MEDIA RELEASE (19 January 2010)

“19 WING COMOX – Last night Jan 18th, the Cormorant helicopter and the Buffalo aircraft from 442 Squadron, 19 Wing Comox, were dispatched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to the Sicamous, BC area to the site of an avalanche and four male snowmobilers.

Capt Scott Dockeray, the Cormorant Aircraft Commander describes the night flight “as a fairly long transit, but the Buffalo was already there dropping flares and providing illumination, so it made it easier to find them. The most difficult portion was the helicopter was high and heavy and didn’t have a lot of power to play with”.

Two search and rescue technicians were hoisted 130 feet down to the site and they found one uninjured, one deceased and one with lower leg injuries, but in stable condition. They assessed their injured person and packaged him in preparation to hoist him up to the helicopter. The uninjured male assisted the search and rescue technicians on the scene and when the extraction was complete was flown back to the top where the fourth snowmobiler was waiting.

The injured patient was taken to the Kamloops Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

The CH-149 Crew: Capt Scott Dockeray, Aircraft Commander, Capt Brian Woolliams, First Officer, Sgt Neil Thorne, Flight Engineer, Sgt Dwayne Guay and MCpl Anthony Vail Search and Rescue Technicians.”

FULFORD HARBOUR: BOAT SINKS, MAN DIES

2010-01-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

RCMP Media Release (18 January 2010)

“The Salt Spring Island RCMP, Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue, and the Canadian Coast Guard were called to the scene of a sunken vessel, in Salt Spring Island's Fulford Harbour, shortly before 10:00 am Monday morning. The boat, described as a 40 foot fishing trawler with live-aboard facilities, sunk sometime overnight.

A Search of the waters of Fulford Harbour commenced immediately, with the support of the RCMP West Coast Marine Service, Canadian Coast Guard, and local search and rescue crews. Shortly after 12:30 pm Monday afternoon, searchers recovered the body of a 48 year old man, in the waters off the east shore of Fulford Harbour. The man is believed to have been the sole occupant of the vessel. The BC Coroner's Service is now involved with the investigation.

Police suspect that an overnight storm that swept through the South Coast of BC, bringing with it heavy winds, may have played a role in the sinking of the vessel. The RCMP Dive Team is en route to the Island, with plans to enter the sunken vessel, and confirm no other persons were on board at the time of her sinking. Police have uncovered no evidence to suggest foul play in this incident.

Due to the vessel being fully submerged, police are unable at this time, to provide details on its condition. This information will be gathered in the days to come.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time, as police work on notifying his next of kin.”

NAVY HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES

2009-12-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

CFB Esquimalt, B.C. (11 December 2009)

The holiday season officially arrives at CFB Esquimalt Monday night with the kick off of the 22^nd annual Navy Lighting Contest. Teams have been busy stringing lights and setting up festive displays of holiday cheer, which will all be on display nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. December 14 to 24. The seven ship and 12 building entries will attempt to dazzle visitors, but the real aim of the contest is to provide much needed assistance to Victoria’s Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Visitors will enjoy guided tours of the creative and whimsical lighting arrangements throughout Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt. Arriving at the main entrance of Naden on Admirals Road, visitors may park free of charge in the lot immediately to the right of the commissionaire security station and board shuttle buses, which leave continually throughout the three-hour period each night. Adult visitors to the Dockyard are requested to bring photo identification. Holiday carols will be playing and hot chocolate will be on sale for visitors who have come to see the displays. On select nights, local choral groups have volunteered to entertain visitors by singing holiday carols.

“It is wonderful to see so many Greater Victoria families return year after year to make this a part of their holiday routine,” said Commander of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Captain (Navy) Marcel Hallé. “Given these uncertain times and the increasing demands faced by the Mustard Seed, it is very satisfying to know that our event will play a small part in providing support to those in need.”

Admission is by donation of cash or non-perishable food items to the Mustard Seed, who will be on site throughout the contest. Residents and visitors of Greater Victoria are invited to vote for the best decorated ship and building while supporting the Mustard Seed’s efforts to help the less fortunate this holiday season. During the previous five years, the Navy Lighting Contest raised more than $100,000 in cash and food for the Mustard Seed.

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NORTHERN EXPEDITION INNAUGURAL RUN

2009-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

BC FERRIES - May 18, 2009

BC Ferries’ brand new vessel, the Northern Expedition, is making its inaugural sailing today, departing Port Hardy early this morning on the Inside Passage route bound for Prince Rupert. Several hundred customers and dignitaries were on board to mark this special occasion where the Northern Expedition carried patrons for the very first time.

From May 18 through September 30, the Northern Expedition makes the 15-hour, 274 nautical mile journey daily between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert. The ship sails northbound from Port Hardy every other day at 7:30 am and arrives in Prince Rupert at 10:30pm. The vessel then sails southbound the following day.

“This is a proud day for BC Ferries as we enter a new era for our north coast service,”said Mike Corrigan, BC Ferries’ EVP and Chief Operating Officer. “A key element of our marketing strategy is to promote this very unique B.C. coastal wilderness experience.”

The 150-metre Northern Expedition boasts 55 modern staterooms, and accommodates 600 passengers and 130 vehicles. Spacious passenger areas such as the Canoe Cafe, Vista Restaurant and the Raven and Aurora Lounges offer customers plenty of comfort as they take in the breathtaking north coast scenery during their voyage.

Information about travel packages and reservations on BC Ferries’ northern routes is available at 1-877-982-1453 or online at www.bcferries.com.

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UPCOMING FERRY SERVICE SUSPENSION

2009-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

BC FERRIES, VICTORIA (14 April 2009): Ferry service between Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands will be suspended on April 21 and 22 only while the Queen of Nanaimo undergoes regulatory safety inspections. Customers wanting to travel between Tsawwassen and the Southern Gulf Islands on those two days can do so utilizing the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay – Southern Gulf Islands routes. As no relief vessel is available during this time, BC Ferries chose to conduct the inspections midweek, which traditionally has lower travel demand. Customers are advised to plan their travels accordingly.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Customer Contact:
Victoria: (250) 386-3431
Toll-free: 1-888-223-3779)

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HMCS WINNIPEG THWARTS PIRATES

2009-04-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 5, 2009)

HMCS Winnipeg, currently deployed in a NATO led counter-piracy mission known as Operation Allied Protector, thwarted a pirate attack of a merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea.

While engaging in naval escort duties Winnipeg observed several small skiffs approaching the Motor Vessel (MV) Pacific Opal. MV Pacific Opal radioed for assistance. In response, Commander Craig Baines, commanding officer of HMCS Winnipeg, ordered the immediate launch of the ship's Sea King helicopter to investigate.

Winnipeg's helicopter arrived on-scene putting itself between the vessel in distress and the pirate skiffs. The pirates pulled back and withdrew. The aircraft's pilot Major James Hawthorne said, "Whatever their intentions were they complied with our instructions and allowed the merchant vessel to proceed."

"I want to express how proud I am of HMCS Winnipeg's actions today. This highlights the importance of our mission and the efforts to make a difference with our coalition partners in the fight against piracy and international terrorism," said Lieutenant-General Michel Gauthier, Commander of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command. "I'm proud of what Commander Baines and his crew have accomplished and appreciate their dedication to this important operation as well as the personal sacrifice that HMCS Winnipeg's families are making."

HMCS Winnipeg with a crew of approximately 240 officers and non-commissioned members, based at Esquimalt, B.C., and her CH-124 Sea King detachment, form a highly ready and technologically advanced warship. The ship, helicopter and crew are capable of performing a variety of missions worldwide.

For more information on Operation SEXTANT, visit http://www.cefcom.forces.gc.ca/site/ops/index_e.asp

For information on HMCS Winnipeg's mission, visit: http://www.manw.nato.int/SNMG1/Completed%20Pages/SNMG1%20HOME%20PAGE.html

For information on the NATO Response Force, visit: http://www.nato.int/issues/nrf/index.html

For HMCS Winnipeg mission photos visit the Combat Camera website at http://www.combatcamera.ca/

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Information: 1-866-377-0811/613-996-2353

After hours: 613-792-2973http://www.forces.gc.ca/

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ATLANTIC CANADA ENERGY OFFICE CREATED

2008-06-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

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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GREEN TEAM YACHT MAIDEN VOYAGE

2008-06-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

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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LABRADOR FREIGHTER RUNS AGROUND

2008-06-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

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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LAKE POWELL RISES 30'

2008-06-19T00:50:00.000-07:00

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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KELOWNA YACHT CLUB NEW SAILING COORDINATOR

2008-06-19T00:41:00.000-07:00

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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VOLVO OCEAN RACE LIVE MOBILE TV

2008-06-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

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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CHANGE OF COMMAND

2008-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

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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TEAM RUSSIA CHRISTENS VOR70 BOAT

2008-06-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

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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CANADIAN & AMERICAN COAST GUARDS SEARCH FOR SAILBOAT

2008-06-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

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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CONTAINER SHIP RESCUES SAILING FAMILY

2008-06-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

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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SHELLFISH DANGER

2008-06-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-06-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

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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AUSSIE RECORD THREATENED

2008-06-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

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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SEAMILES COMPLETES SELL-OFF

2008-06-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

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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SAILOR'S FUNDRAISER

2008-06-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

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.

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

Vice Commodore, Planning & Marketing

416-786-1635

Email: vcplanning@pcyc.net

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NEW KEEL LAID

2008-06-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

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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ALBERTA NAVAL MUSEUM

2008-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

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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FEDS FUND CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY

2008-06-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

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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HIGH ARCTIC EXILES DESERVE APOLOGY

2008-06-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

RESOLUTE BAY, NU

Here’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

2008-06-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

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.”

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/.

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CANADIAN NAVY RESCUES DHOW

2008-06-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

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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BC FERRIES NORTHERN SCHEDULE

2008-06-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

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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FUEL COSTS CUT SEA TIME

2008-06-12T01:58:00.000-07:00

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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RUSSIAN NAVY EXPANDS OPERATIONS

2008-06-12T01:29:00.000-07:00

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.

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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NEW CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF

2008-06-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, Ontario

The 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."

TEEKAY OFFSHORE PUBLIC OFFERING

2008-06-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

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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SEAMILES SEEKS APPROVAL

2008-06-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

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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GRADUATION DAY

2008-06-09T17:34:00.001-07:00

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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COASTAL AWARENESS

2008-06-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

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:

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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PIRATES THWARTED

2008-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

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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THUNDERING SKIES

2008-06-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

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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HMCS REGINA VISITS VIETNAM

2008-06-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

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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PORT McNEILL WATERFRONT PROJECT

2008-05-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

PORT McNEILL, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC

Sometime next year, if all goes according to the expansion plan, cruising yachts should have a better chance of finding room alongside Port McNeill’s docks. Through a $7.8-million redevelopment project, that Vancouver Island community hopes to double the amount of wharf space available to the general public.

The expansion plan is welcome news to transient boaters, many of whom don’t stop due to lack of available moorage, and to Port McNeill businesses eager to profit from the mariners passing in front of their small community.

This project is possible, thanks to the financial contributions from several organizations. The Island Coastal Economic Trust, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Coast Sustainability Trust and the Municipality of Port McNeill provided cash. Western Forest Products deeply discounted the price of the seaside land needed for the scheme.

The expanded harbour will comprise old and new facilities – a new floating jetty, more moorage space, enlarged breakwater and a waterfront park. Work is expected to begin this fall or spring 2009.

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NAVAL MASCOTS

2008-05-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

CFB Esquimalt, B.C.

Creatures furry and feathered featured in the shipboard lives of sailors since ancient times. To celebrate the contribution of such creatures great and small, the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum is planning a temporary exhibit called Creature Comforts. As part of the planning process, exhibit designer and organizer, Ms. Clare Sugrue, would like to speak with anyone willing to share memories and photos of animal companions they’ve encountered aboard Canadian naval vessels or as part of their working environment in the Navy. Clare can be reached at CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum at (250) 363-4312 or via email at: Sugrue.CE@forces.gc.ca.

The exhibit, which opens on June 23, will showcase photos and reminiscences of ships’ cats, dogs and other animal companions befriended by Canadian sailors. This exhibit will include stories about Gertrude the nautical goose (HMCS Hepatica), the reindeer transported by HMCS Haida during WWII, and Ordinary Dog Alice, who saw duty in Korea aboard HMCS Cayuga. Also featured are animal mascots that have represented Canadian ships like Percy the Penguin (HMCS Terra Nova) and HMCS Qu’Appelle’s fox.

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CFB ESQUIMALT FREE TOURS

2008-05-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

CFB ESQUIMALT, B.C.

CFB Esquimalt ‘opened the gates’ for its annual summer tour program Monday. These free tours offer the public an opportunity to explore the history and current operational atmosphere of the Base and Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt.

Bus tours are offered on weekdays (except for stat holidays) at 11 a.m. from May 26 to August 22. Tours begin at Museum Square in Naden, off Admirals Road and last for approximately 1 ½ hours. Parking is available beside the museum.

Walking tours are offered every Saturday (except June 28 and August 2) from May 31 to August 23 at 11 a.m. These tours begin at the main gate of HMC Dockyard at the end of Esquimalt Road, and last for approximately 2 hours.

Over 2000 visitors took these tours last summer, responses from guests as far away as Germany and Japan and as close to home as Esquimalt were universally positive. CFB Esquimalt is rich in colonial and Canadian history and provides visitors a glimpse of an operational Canadian naval dockyard.

Visitors will require valid photo identification for either tour (children under 12 are exempt but must be accompanied by an adult). HMC Dockyard is an industrial area with ongoing construction therefore visitors must wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes for the walking tour. Photography is permitted. Visitors are encouraged to enhance their visit by dropping by the Naval and Military Museum in Naden either before or after the tours. Admission to the museum is $2 per adult, $1 for children, students and seniors or $5 for a family. The museum is open Monday to Friday year round and seven days per week during July and August. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Custom group tours are also available year-round and can be arranged by calling 363-2708.

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WWF SAYS STOP ARCTIC RIGHTS SALE

2008-05-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

OTTAWA — The World Wildlife Fund urged Canada to postpone the sale of oil and gas rights in the Beaufort Sea, worried the drilling areas would overlap with key Arctic habitat for polar bears and whales. “This sale is premature due to the absence of a completed Beaufort Sea management plan that would protect sensitive habitats, which polar bears, beluga and bowhead whales need for their survival," Peter Ewins, director of species conservation at WWF-Canada, said in a statement. "In addition, there is no proven technique for recovering oil spills in such dangerous iced waters. "As such, the proposed June 2 sale must be delayed until a proper management plan for the Arctic region is in place, the group said. Alternately, an expedited environmental assessment for the region, with guarantees that oil spills could be quickly and easily mopped up, would satisfy both environmentalists and energy firms, it said.

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YOUTH TRADES EVENT

2008-05-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

CFB Esquimalt, B.C.

The Fleet Maintenance Facility, FMF Cape Breton, will be hosting a Youth Exploring Skills to Industry Training (YES 2 IT) event on Thursday, May 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 pm. FMF Cape Breton is located within Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. The YES 2 IT event is a joint initiative of the Industry Training Authority and the Ministry of Education, designed to increase awareness of trades among younger students, parents, educators, and the broader community.

The event is an opportunity for youth to get hands-on experience applying skills utilized in a variety of trade occupations while making connections with tradespersons in their communities. Some of the trades activities being demonstrated at the event include: woodworking, metal work (welding, pipefitting and sheet metal), electrical, electronics and crane operation. Youth participants will learn about the rewards and benefits of hands-on training, the labour demands for skilled tradespersons in the workforce, and the lifestyle, income, and career opportunities available to those individuals who choose a career as a certified tradesperson.

This YES 2 IT event is designed to explore the role parents play in influencing a child’s career choice, and to help children learn about career options and opportunities in trades. Parents and teachers are highly encouraged to come and learn about the trades with the children in order to increase education about career opportunities in the trades and apprenticeship programs. There will be a resource centre set up for adults, with a multimedia presentation and a take-home information package. The day’s events will conclude with a skills competition and a barbeque, hosted by apprentices from FMF Cape Breton.

HMCS REGINA HOSTS STUDENT AMBASSADORS

2008-05-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG - Winners of the first-ever Student Ambassadors Program (SAP) took part in an awards presentation on board HMCS Regina on Wednesday, May 21, in Hong Kong. Regina was visiting China while on Westploy 2008, a 12-week deployment designed to promote Canadian interests in the Asia-Pacific region while enabling navy-to-navy liaison and relationship building with nations in this area.

Twelve local Grade 10 students from Hong Kong and three from Guangzhou were chosen through an open essay competition to spend three weeks all-expenses-paid in Canada as guests of the Coquitlam School District in British Columbia. "Above all, this program will showcase Canada as an education destination of choice to fifteen promising young leaders," said Consul General Gerry Campbell. "This initiative will also deepen Canada's long-standing educational ties to southern China by allowing local students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to travel to Canada to experience our country's diversity first-hand-all while developing the language and inter-cultural skills needed to succeed in today's global economy."

During their stay, students will take English language classes, cultural familiarization, local tours, and they will perform volunteer work. The program is supported by the Consulate General of Canada and the Hong Kong government's Education Bureau and is funded by a financial services and wealth-management firm based in Hong Kong.

Both HMC Ships Regina and Ottawa deployed for Westploy'08 on April 13. In addition to China, the two ships will make port visits to six other Northeast Asian ports including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Westploy is an ongoing program that allows Canada to participate in confidence-building exercises between like-minded navies operating in the region. Additionally, the deployment is a conduit to support the Canadian diplomatic effort overseas as well as the active promotion of Canadian values through regular contacts and exchanges with foreign militaries, and development work. During port visits, Canadian service personnel are proud ambassadors of their country, representing Canada's sincere commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

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ALOHA!

2008-05-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

CANADIAN FORCES IN MULTI-NATIONAL EXERCISE

CFB ESQUIMALT, B.C. - The Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) multi-national exercise will take place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31, 2008.

CANADIAN UNITS:

Navy: HMCS Ottawa and Regina; Mine Countermeasure Dive Team from Fleet Diving Unit Pacific.

Army: The "Red Devils" of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton, Alta, reinforced by other combat arms and combat support elements from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG).

Air Force: CF-18 supersonic tactical fighter jets, CC-130 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft and CH-124 Sea King maritime surveillance helicopter.

CANADIANS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

Brigadier-General Yvan Blondin will be the Deputy Combined Force Air Component Commander and will direct the operations of over 150 military aircraft from seven different countries.

Commodore Nigel Greenwood will be the Sea Combat Commander and will direct the operations of over 15 naval ships from seven different countries.

RIMPAC is a multi-national exercise designed to prepare forces to work together on a wide range of potential operations and missions. RIMPAC is part of a series of exercises the Canadian Forces uses to prepare for multi-national operations.

During the five-week exercise, participants will be put to the test during an intense series of drills and training which will include live missile firings, torpedo firings, gunnery exercises, air defence, surface and undersea warfare, maritime interception operations, boardings, mine warfare, diving, and amphibious operations.

Canada has participated in every RIMPAC exercise since the first in 1971. This year's exercise will involve ten nations, 35 ships, six submarines, over 150 aircraft and 20,000 sailors, airmen, marines, soldiers and coast guard personnel. Forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom and the United States are scheduled to participate.

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SWIFTSURE 2008 SLOW BUT SURE

2008-05-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

Victoria, BC

Swiftsure Media Release

While the weather gods sent sunshine to Victoria during the 2008 Swiftsure weekend, light winds during the first ten hours of the race created interesting challenges to the skippers and crews. Despite the light winds, all starts were executed on time, and without postponements or recalls.

Those racers who persevered and did not withdraw during the early hours were rewarded by a building westerly breeze early on Saturday evening, which continued to build throughout the night culminating at 30-knots in Race Passage in the early morning hours of Sunday.

The new Andrews 77-footer from Seattle, John Buchan’s Glory, was first boat home as well as a “triple crown” winner (first in race, class and division) in the Swiftsure Lightship Classic, completing the 140-mile course in just under 20 hours. Second-place Mystic finished 5 hours later, but after the handicap was applied, lost by only 11 minutes. Third place went to Mayhem, and all 3 finishers were from Seattle.

Boats representing BC yacht clubs fared much better in the other Swiftsure races, including The Shadow from West Vancouver (1st in the Unlimited Flattery race), Mad Max (Vancouver) and Kairos (Victoria) placing 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Cape Flattery Race, and Vancouver Island entrants My-Tai (2nd) and Light Scout (3rd) in the Unlimited Juan de Fuca race. Flattery multihull winners included Vancouver’s Bad Kitty (2nd) and Redshift (3rd) from Nanaimo.

“This was a most typical Swiftsure”, said Race Chairman Bill Conconi, “with wind conditions ranging from non-existent to gale-force, mixed with strong currents. In addition, we heard many positive comments about both the venue and race, along with promises to return in 2009.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Swiftsure Office, Royal Victoria Yacht Club, (250) 592-9098

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BLIND CHANNEL GEARS UP FOR SUMMER

2008-05-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

BLIND CHANNEL

Another fall and winter has passed here at Blind Channel Resort and it is now time to start gearing up for a busy summer. Although Blind Channel is a beautiful place to be during the off season everyone needs a little break. Eliot and Laura spent a month and a half trekking around Uganda and Tanzania, Phil and Jennifer got their dose of Vitamin D in Hawaii, while Edgar held down the fort. It’s not all fun and games around here though; we also got some work done. The following is a sneak peak at what you can expect this summer.

BLIND CHANNEL TOURS AND TRANSPORT

Meet Skedaddle our new 24 foot fully equipped aluminum boat. This year we will be offering a water taxi service as well as a few tours.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about our neck of the woods? Join Eliot on a Neighbourhood Marine Expedition where you can enjoy the wilderness and history that surround us. Heli tours, fishing, whale watching, and custom tours can also be arranged. Please check our website for more details.

COTTAGE RENOVATIONS

Wouldn’t it be fun to meet up with some friends or family during your coastal cruise? A number of airlines and water taxis can bring your guests right to our dock and we have on land accommodations. With a fresh coat of paint, new cork flooring, upgraded appliances, and a flat screen TV our cottage is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy all that Blind Channel has to offer. Please refer to our website to view other accommodation options and rates. We look forward to hearing from you.

MORE POWER PLEASE!

You asked for it…. This year we will be offering our regular 15 Amp outlets as well as newly upgraded 30 Amp plugs. Thanks to our new generator we also are able to offer a limited number of 50 Amp outlets. If you require 50 amp power please let us know in advance and we can hook you up, so to speak!

CEDAR POST INN

We are pleased to announce that our beloved Chef Ildiko will be returning for her fifth season. Last summer her “Catch of the Day” was a hit and we are excited to see what tasty creations come out of the kitchen this year. With an expanded wine list, nightly drink specials, and mouth watering food a dinner at the Cedar Post is a must.

*** Our lunch Beach BBQ will be in full swing early July. Stop in for a Blind Channel Burger or maybe a Snoop Dog.

WiFi

We have recently upgraded our internet capacity for your surfing pleasure. Keep in mind that it is a shared satellite connection so no large downloads, internet phone calls, or web cams please.

Summer is just around the corner and we are looking forward to seeing you again this year. If there is anything that you would like to see offered here at Blind Channel please send us an email with your suggestions.

For reservations email info@blindchannel.com, or call 1-888-329-0475. We are also standing by on 66A for docking instructions.

Happy cruising from all of us at Blind Channel Resort.
www.blindchannel.com

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BRITS EDGE OUT COMPETITION

2008-05-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

COMOX – Hailed as one of the most successful of its kind in years, the 2008 Fincastle Long-Range Patrol Competition hosted by 19 Wing Comox is now over.

The United Kingdom crew flying their RAF Nimrod MR2 earned the coveted Fincastle trophy, pulling ahead of crews from Canada, New Zealand and Australia. All four nations competed in their traditional anti-submarine environment and in the emerging over-land role of ISR, or Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. Australia took home the Lockheed-Martin Maintenance Trophy for best ground crew. The team from down-under also won the VPI Fellowship Trophy.

Aside from winning accolades for its hosting prowess, Canada also took home the Fincastle Ramnee Sporting Trophy. Canada won it on the strength of its crew – literally. The Canadians took top prize during the Charity Plane Pull, in which teams of 20 towed a 30,000 kilogram Aurora across the 19 Wing tarmac. The event raised more than $4,400 towards the British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities.

Like previous Fincastles, this latest competition is likely to leave a lasting legacy among the competitors. Over its more than 40 years, Fincastle has been finely honed to optimize the sharing and development of tactics and to enhance interoperability between its commonwealth partners. Whether it’s learning how one nation conducts ISR operations in Afghanistan, or how another localizes a submarine, the effect is the same.

“It gives you a great perspective,” says 407 Squadron navigator and Fincastle team member Capt. Dugald Thompson. “Fincastle shows how we do things compared to how other nations perform similar duties. We also get a chance to interact socially and learn at an individual level. I don’t think I’ve been on any exercise where I’ve learned as much as I have here.”

The unique format of this year’s Fincastle is in large part responsible for that rich harvest of training. Half of the exercise saw the four nation’s aircraft fly over the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta. Below them more than a thousand troops from Task Force 3-08 were preparing for their September deployment to Kandahar. As they competed, the long-range patrol aircraft became part of Maple Guardian – watching over troops, ensuring roads were cleared of improvised explosive devices and improving the ground commander’s situational awareness.

“The whole scenario was so realistic,” says Flight Lieutenant Aaron Benton, crew commander of the New Zealand contingent. As with Canadian Auroras, New Zealand’s fleet of six P-3s has recently been equipped with the Canadian-made MX-20 imaging system. Benton says his country, which is just beginning to study the over-land role in support of ground troops, will gain much from its exposure to Exercise Maple Guardian. “We’ve only recently started developing our tactics and our crew coordination, but right away we were assigned to over-watch a village,” he recalls. “It’s a very difficult task, learning how to use the camera properly, how to communicate what you’re seeing so it helps those on the ground. It was a huge learning experience for us. We’re pretty keen to come back and do it again.”

Although slightly more experienced than the New Zealanders, the Canadians found the Australians and British further ahead of them in the ISR role, thanks largely to their experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. But after watching his competition crew perform, 407 Squadron commanding officer Lt.-Col. Mike Hogan says the gap is narrowing.

“From my point of view, when I listen to other nations with experience in this role, I’m confident we can operate shoulder to shoulder with them. We don’t yet have all the same technological capabilities as the Aussies and Brits might have, but those are coming along in the Aurora’s future.”

In the meantime, Hogan says, events like Fincastle prove Canadian Aurora crews are as capable as ever. “This event is really about the competitive spirit,” he says. “When you do your job day in, day out, you are performing at a certain level of professionalism. But when you’re in the playoffs it’s no longer a regular season game. You try harder, you’re more aggressive. That’s a good military reaction, and our crew rose to the challenge. That’s what I wanted to see.”

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VICTORIA DAY PARADE

2008-05-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

VETERANS, MILITARY AND CADETS PARADE TOGETHER FOR VICTORIA DAY

CFB ESQUIMALT, B.C. – Local veterans, military members and Cadets will be out in full force Monday, May 19 to commemorate the annual celebration of the Sovereign’s birthday. Beginning near the Mayfair Mall at 9:00 a.m., the parade will proceed up Douglas Street into downtown, ending at Humboldt Street.

Tradition dictates that the band of the senior service fronts the parade, so the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific will be leading the way again this year. Following the Naden Band, will be 14 entries comprised of veterans, current serving Regular and Reserve Force members, and various Cadet organizations from around southern Vancouver Island. Captain (Navy) Mike Williamson, Commander Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, will represent the local military community and take the salute from the reviewing stand in front of City Hall. At noon, the 5th (British Columbia) Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery will fire a 21-gun salute from the Ship’s Point parking lot to mark the Queen’s birthday. As well, HMC ships in Esquimalt Harbour will dress overall for the day.

One unique aspect to the parade this year involves the contingent from Ashton Armouries Garrison Museum. To commemorate National Nurses’ Week (May 12-18), the nurse uniforms you will see on various women in this group were worn by Canadian Forces personnel from the Boer War right up to present day. This display of these vintage uniforms recognizes the contribution of military nurses throughout this time.

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ARCTIC BLOG

2008-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

For anyone wanting to read my entries in chronological order, instead of the newest-to-oldest order appearing in my Blog, my daily journal is now posted at the bottom of the Arctic Expedition page of my website. There, you can follow my journey as it unfolded. There is also a link to galleries of photos from my 76-day voyage across the western Canadian Arctic. Bon Voyage!

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POLAR BEAR A THREATENED SPECIES

2008-05-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Canwest News Service:

Rapidly melting sea ice has led U.S. President George Bush's administration to put the polar bear on its list of threatened species, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne said yesterday in Washington.

Although Kempthorne said that the decision should not be used to open the door to regulating greenhouse gas emissions from human activity using endangered species legislation, the Harper government said the concerns raised are clearly linked to global warming and the urgency of addressing pollution from industry that is trapping heat in the atmosphere.

"Let's be clear that there's no doubt that global warming is a major factor and a major concern in this," Canada's Environment Minister John Baird told reporters after question period in the House of Commons. "It's not just global warming, but it's human-induced global warming which is what we need to take action on."

Kempthorne acknowledged that polar bear populations have more than doubled since the 1960s, but he unveiled a series of satellite images of the North Pole from 1979 to last fall showing melting Arctic ice.

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UPPING THE ANTE

2008-05-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

DAVID AKIN
Canwest News Service
OTTAWA — The federal government boosted its bid yesterday to claim millions of square kilometres of Arctic and Atlantic Ocean seabed. Ottawa said it will double its spending on scientific research projects to $40 million over four years in an attempt to prove the North American continental shelf extends far beyond Canada's 200-nautical mile limit. If Canada is successful with that bid, it can make the legal claim that its jurisdiction ought to extend over an area that some say could contain billions of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves.

Canada has until 2013 to make a case to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that it ought to be granted jurisdiction over the extended continental shelf, off the northeast coast of Ellesmere Island in Canada's high Arctic and in a wide crescent off Canada's East Coast. Canadian scientists believe the extended continental shelf could be as large as 1.75 million square kilometres, about the combined size of Canada's three prairie provinces.

"We will make our claim in 2013 and it will be based on sound science. The rules are very clear. They're not ambiguous," said Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn. Other polar countries, including the United States, Russia and Denmark, also are trying to prove their claim to some of the same area. The U.S. hopes to snag an extra 600,000 square kilometres off the coast of Alaska, an area that some U.S. researchers believe contains $1.3 trillion worth of oil and gas reserves.

The U.S. Geological Survey, in fact, believes that as much as one-quarter of the world's oil and gas reserves may be buried under the Arctic Ocean's floor. In August last year, a Russian submarine planted that country's flag on the ocean floor under the North Pole, a gesture that was taken to be a symbol of Russia's aggressive stance toward extending its sovereignty in the Arctic. Russia also has boasted that, unlike Canada and some other polar countries, it has a fleet of heavy icebreakers that can operate year-round in all ice conditions. But Lunn said the physical presence of one nation or another's assets will not be a factor under the UNCLOS system. "You can have all the icebreakers you want and you can put all the flags on the ocean floor you want," said Lunn. "It's not going to help your claim. It's not going to make an iota worth of difference. It is based on sound rules."
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LUCKY GUY

2008-05-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA BRITISH COLUMBIA
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

Victoria sailor, Glenn Wakefield, returned home last week from his failed attempt to solo-circumnavigate the globe. After more than 200 days alone at sea, Wakefield abandoned his 39-year old sailboat near the Falkland Islands.

Wakefield - a member of Royal Victoria Yacht Club - set sail last year in an attempt to become one of the very few yachtsmen to circle the planet in a westerly direction, essentially going against the prevailing winds – aptly referred to as beating.

Harsh conditions took their toll on 57-year old Wakefield and his boat, Kim Chow (Cheoy Lee Offshore 40). Wakefield suffered a severe concussion and injured ribs from belowdecks thrashings he took in monstrous seas. Kim Chow, with damaged self-steering gear, inoperable engine and discharged batteries, lost its life raft, solar panels, dodger and a hatch in a violent roll – and began taking on water through damaged hatches and companionway.

Although sailing solo, Wakefield wasn’t really alone thanks to technology and a worldwide net of ham radio operators. When help was eventually needed, word got out perhaps a bit quicker than his remote location might have suggested. While the message was swift, physical assistance took a little longer.

The Argentine vessel, Puerto Deseado, steamed two days in heavy weather just to get to Wakefield’s position, and then had to stand by for nearly as long again before conditions subsided enough to launch its rescue craft. The mercy mission was successful, and Wakefield was soon getting medical treatment and beginning his homeward journey.

According to Wakefield, “I am here thanks in part, to divine intervention and the bravery and intuition of the Argentina Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force. I am bruised but not beaten. I am proud of what I accomplished, even though I didn't reach my goal and I'm heart-broken that Kim Chow is lost. We would like to sincerely thank all those who played such an important part in my safe return home - the ham radio operators of the Patagonian net; the Argentine navy, coast guard and air force; the navy and air force in the Falkland Islands who were standing by, ready to provide assistance; and, the Canadian Embassy staff in Buenos Aires.”

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BLUEWATER CRUISING ASSOCIATION

2008-05-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

The BCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering seamanship and friendship for people with an active interest in offshore cruising.

BCA presentations & club nights – 2nd Tuesday of each month (Sept. thru May) – at Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver, BC.

Tickets: Members $3. Non-members $5.

Other club events: boat show booth; education; on-the-water meet; annual offshore fleet. Information: 1-877-214-4917 www.bluewatercruising.org

Everyone is warmly welcomed to these events.

UPCOMING EVENT

Pat and Tony Latimer

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 19:00
8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver

Pat and Tony Latimer built and live aboard their 58 foot schooner 'Forbes and Cameron'. They will present an evening of entertainment, both in song and in story and pictures about the building of their beloved schooner. Pat and Tony are true storytellers in song. Pat's commanding voice compels you to listen to what she has to sing, and Tony's stage presence and rhythmic sensibility inspire you to join in.

Although they have Shanteys in common, their musical experiences are quite diverse. Pat's background includes Classical and Choral beginnings, liberally salted with British and Canadian music and dance traditions. Tony's musical roots include Choral, Musical Comedy, Australian Country and Folk, and British Folk. More recently, he has been influenced by Hawaiian, Calypso and Swing.

They'll make you cry and leave you laughing. They are, in short, a delight. Come join us for a rare evening of entertainment on May 13th, 7:00 pm at the Scottish Cultural Center.

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SWIFTSURE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE 2008

2008-05-10T23:51:00.000-07:00

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club is pleased to announce the 65th running of the annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race, to be held May 24-26, 2008.
The Swiftsure Race consists of three offshore courses and one inshore course, providing a challenging venue for every level of sailor and sailing yacht. Coupled with the renowned party atmosphere centred around Victoria's Inner Harbour, this is an event that is not to be missed!!

Join us at the starting line at 10:00am on Saturday, May 24, 2008.

Further information about the event can be obtained through the Swiftsure Office at swiftsure.info@rvyc.bc.ca.

Registration Deadline
Friday, May 16, 2008 @ 4:00pm

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RIPS CANADIAN RACE WEEK

2008-05-10T23:44:00.000-07:00

RIPS CANADIAN RACE WEEK

10th to 15thAugust 2008

Port Browning Marina, Pender Island, BC Canada

The Organizing Authority is RIPS Yachting Ltd
c/o RIPS Committee, 10369 Resthaven Drive, Sidney, BC Canada V8L 3H4

http://www.rips.ca/

(250) 656-0599

thefoleys@shaw.ca

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SCHOONER COVE HOTEL CLOSES

2008-05-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

COMMUNITY INFORMATION RELEASE

FAIRWINDS ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF THE SCHOONER COVE HOTEL
Nanoose Bay, BC – January 14, 2008:

Fairwinds Real Estate Management Inc. has announced that it
has closed the Schooner Cove Hotel and Laughing Gull Pub. “We are closing the hotel because the current facility is not capable of offering an experience that is in keeping with our desired standard on an
economic basis. We thank our customers, staff and in particular the area residents for their patronage over the years. In due course, we will consider alternative uses for the site and, at such time, we will be in
contact with the community,” said Russell Tibbles, Vice President of Development & Operations for Bentall Investment Management LP, which oversees Fairwinds.

Although the operation of the Schooner Cove Hotel and Laughing Gull Pub has ceased as of January 14, 2008, there is no change to the Schooner Cove Marina and the marina office will remain operational in its present location at the north side of the existing hotel building. The adjacent Dockside Café continues to offer morning coffee, light breakfast and lunch fare as well as newspapers and cold beer & wine.

Fairwinds Golf Course Clubhouse continues to operate with expanded hours. Inquiries regarding the Hotel’s closure can be made to Fairwinds by phone to 250.468.7691 or by email to hotel@fairwinds.ca.

The Fairwinds Community & Resort is central Vancouver Island’s premier master-planned, oceanfront community with over 700 homes and homesites. It includes the award-winning Les Furber designed 18-
hole Fairwinds Golf Club, the 20,000 square foot Fairwinds Centre health club and members’ facility and the 360 berth Schooner Cove Marina. For more information, visit http://www.fairwinds.ca/.

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CAL SAILBOAT OWNERS RENDEZVOUS 2008

2008-05-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

Invitation to all owners of Cal sailboats to attend Rendezvous 2008. This is a casual sail-in gathering, open to all Cal owners regardless of model, affiliation or home port - cruisers and racers. There are no structured events, and no registration fee. The details and registration form are posted on our group’s website in the Coming Events section.

http://groups.msn.com/CalSailboatOwnersBritishColumbia

DATE: July 26 - 27, 2008

PLACE: Thetis Island Marina, Thetis Island, British Columbia.

Registration Deadline: June 26th, 2008

See you there!

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