Flotsam & Jetsam 10.04.26
Big Baby
“At first, the researchers on the boats didn’t understand what they were witnessing in the waves below. A group of 11 sperm whales huddled together at the surface, strangely still and taking occasional shallow dives. After about an hour, the animals seemed to start thrashing, and a plume of blood reddened the water. The researchers feared trouble, maybe a shark attack. But it was something else.
Suddenly, a much smaller, 12th whale appeared, lifted to the surface by the others so it could breathe.”
You may well have seen this but its so special its worth a second watch!
From the New York Times
The first ever footage of a sperm whale birth — and it’s magical. Thanks to drone technology, scientists were able to film and analyse a remarkably social sperm whale birth, in which a calf delivered by a whale named Rounder was immediately lifted to the surface by a coordinated group that included her mother Lady Oracle, her sister Aurora, an unrelated young female Ariel, and even an adolescent male, Allan.
During the 34-minute labour off Dominica in July 2023, 11 whales surrounded Rounder, oriented themselves towards her during delivery and then towards the newborn, which was rarely left untouched and was usually in contact with at least 2 whales at once. Half the attending whales were not related to the mother, making the event especially striking as evidence that birth assistance in sperm whales may rely not just on kinship but on broader social reciprocity.
And while we are on the subject of good news in the Cetacean world…
Antarctic humpback whales have recovered to nearly pre-whaling levels, a remarkable reversal in the same ocean that saw more than two million whales killed in the 20th century. Humpbacks have been the fastest to rebound since commercial whaling was banned in 1986, with multiple groups of more than 100 whales recorded near the South Orkney Islands. “It’s breathtaking to see blows stretch from horizon to horizon, just as the first explorers to the region described over a century ago”. The Guardian
Hiscock’s History
We received this request from Roger Robinson, creator of the wonderful Vertue Newsletters.
As you may recall, I'm deeply involved in putting together the joint biography of Eric and Susan Hiscock and wonder if you might be able to broadcast a short appeal for any true anecdotes from amongst your followers. I've got all the 'facts' I need, and already have a great deal of material about them as people, but you can never have too much of that, in my view. Although they have now no longer been with us for several decades (Eric died in 1986 and Susan in 1995) there are still tens of thousands of sailing people alive who were brought up on their writings. They spent the latter part of their lives, from about 1970 onwards, largely 'based' aboard Wanderers IV and V in New Zealand after they sold their house in the UK.
Sounds like a great project to me so did deep in the memory vaults, and send your anecdotes to Roger Robinson speedwelltwo@gmail.com
GRETEL Growing
We first covered Nigel Watts’ Save GRETEL petition in September last year. The campaign now has over 1,250 online signatures. Nigel writes…
Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition; your support is inspiring.
Advocacy work is continuing; this is raising further awareness about Gretel and importantly attempting to source appropriate funds to get her home, where she belongs.
If you can help by sharing this petition within your networks that would also be very much appreciated.
For those on Facebook, and if you wish to share stories or just stay in more regular contact with fellow lovers of Gretel, please join the Gretel Facebook Group here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1698189517561010/.
This project was always going to be a team effort, and not a small one at that, so please feel free to get in touch at this email savegretel@gmail.com if you have suggestions or feedback.
Thanks again for your support.
Kind regards,
Nigel Watts
Challenge BLUEBOTTLE!
For those of you unfamiliar with the BLUEBOTTLE story, there’s some great infomation in one of the early SWS articles HERE. I had a quick glance at the Notice of Race for this event and there doesn’t seem to be any Nationality Restrictions. What a great way to breath life into the Class in Australia or New Zealand it would be, by bringing the Marblehead Trophy South!
Bluebottle brings Marblehead Trophy to the UK for the first time.
The Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is calling for Dragon class challengers for The Marblehead Trophy 2026. The event will be held in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK at the Royal Yacht Squadron. The Royal Racing Yacht Bluebottle (GBR 192) won the 2025 event in St. Tropez, marking the first-ever British victory and bringing the trophy to the UK for the first time.
The regatta will follow the Edinburgh Cup (18th - 21st August), and a bumper month of sailing, as well as marking the 75th year of the trophy being vested in the International Dragon Class. The Marblehead Trophy is the Dragon class’s premier inter-club competition, and Bluebottle’s defence of the 2026 edition is being organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and supported by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.
Commissioned in 1948 and built by renowned British shipbuilders Camper & Nicholsons, Bluebottle was originally presented as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth (as she then was) and Prince Philip. She is the only British Dragon to have won an Olympic medal, achieving bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Games, a testament to her timeless design and competitive pedigree.
Now meticulously restored and maintained by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Bluebottle remains an active competitor on the international regatta circuit. Far from a museum piece, she embodies the living legacy of classic yacht design and continues to inspire sailors of all ages.
Skippered by Graham Bailey, with Bluebottle crew Julia Bailey, Will Bedford and Killian Boag, after five close races the team delivered a superb performance in 2025 and against a top international fleet securing the Marblehead Trophy, one of the most coveted trophies in sailing.
Racing takes place from 23–25 August, with registration and hosting activity beginning on 22 August.
Challenges and entries can be submitted and Notice of Race found here
Scallop Rules
You might know that the Scallop Season just opened in Tasmania. It runs until 31st July
I’m all for strict rules for managing fisheries, but they have to be workable, enforceable and easily understood.
Here’s jus a short extract from Fishing Tasmania’s latest infomation release
Like last year, you can now share your catch among other people on the boat who have a scallop licence, if they also dived and didn't reach their bag limit.. You can also share your catch with one person per boat who didn't dive, as long as they have a scallop licence too. There's a maximum boat limit of 250 scallops.
It sounds like the beginning of a Year 9 maths test!
If you are thinking of going Scallop fishing in Tasmania, then spent some time with the latest full set of Rules HERE
Incat & Community
We are not usually in the habit of regurgitating press releases but when it comes to the amazing work and gerenosity of the the Clifford Family and their business INCAT, we are happy to make an exception!
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Incat Tasmania (Incat) for the 2027 festival, bringing together the evolving story of working boats, from traditional timber craft to the world’s most advanced electric ferries.
The partnership, which has been in place since 2022, continues to reflect the breadth of Tasmania’s maritime sector, from small-scale building and restoration of wooden boats to large-scale advanced manufacturing, as demonstrated by Incat, who have recently constructed the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
This intersection of tradition and innovation will be reflected in the 2027 festival theme, Working Boats, which will explore the vessels that have carried trade, culture and connection across the world’s waterways, with a program that brings together international maritime traditions alongside local and Indigenous practices.
While Incat and AWBF represent different aspects of Tasmania’s maritime community, the partnership is grounded in practical support for the festival’s delivery. Incat provides in-kind infrastructure and operational support that helps bring Hobart’s waterfront to life, including pontoons, a floating stage for local performers, and storage of festival infrastructure.
“The story of working boats begins with craftsmanship, skill and purpose, and those foundations continue to shape maritime industries today,” said Kim Clifford, Managing Director of Incat. “We’re proud to support AWBF and the people behind that work.”
“From small workshops to large-scale shipyards, Tasmania’s maritime sector is deeply connected,” said Paul Stephanus, AWBF General Manager and Festival Director.
“We’re very grateful to Incat for their ongoing support. This partnership brings those worlds together, reinforcing a culture where heritage and innovation sit alongside one another.”
Set Sail For A Cause
The Seventh Annual Noosa Gaff Rig Regatta will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026, on the beautiful Noosa River at the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club. In some states, the event coincides with the King’s Birthday long weekend, making it the perfect time for a sailing getaway.
This much-loved regatta is held each year to raise vital funds for the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club’s Sailability Program. Sailability provides people with disability the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment, encouraging participation and inclusion in the sport across Australia.
As in previous years, the regatta is open to gaff-rigged yachts only. For the purposes of this event, a gaff rig is defined as:
A sailing rig in which the mainsail is four-cornered, fore-and-aft rigged, and controlled at the peak — and usually along the head — by a spar known as a gaff.
Yachts with four-cornered mainsails, including Gaff, Lug, Gunter, or similar rigs, are eligible to enter. Vessels may be constructed from traditional or modern materials.
Each year, competitors travel from across Australia’s eastern states to take part in this relaxed, fun-filled fundraising event and to compete for the highly sought-after NYRC Gaff Rig Trophies.
For the 2026 Regatta, we anticipate 25–30 traditional gaff-rigged yachts of all shapes and sizes sailing the Noosa River — a truly spectacular sight for both participants and spectators.
No previous regatta racing experience is required. The Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club will provide full sailing instructions, briefings, and crew assistance if needed. The Club can also assist with launching, mooring, accommodation, and any other requirements to make your visit seamless.
Entry is just $60, with registrations available by contacting the NYRC Reception on (07) 5449 8602 during business hours, or via the WEBSITE
The Regatta would not be possible without the generous support of our major sponsors Ronstan and Bundaberg Rum, along with our valued sponsors who contribute prizes for competitors and fundraising raffles.
By June 2026, the NYRC Clubhouse will have undergone a major refurbishment, so be sure to join us for our traditional Saturday night Gaff Rig Regatta dinner and entertainment — full details to follow.
For further information, please contact:
Valere Oddoux – 0434 879 861 | valere.oddoux@gmail.com
Phil Atkins – 0418 343 107 | patkins07@gmail.com
