A group of very excited scuba divers with Great Adventures Cruises at Green Island were treated to a rare encounter with a young adult dugong. Estimated to be around 2 metres in length, this was the first dugong sighting recorded by Great Adventures divers at Green Island in several years. It was also the first ever sighting for videographer Dan Liu and two very lucky introductory divers on holiday from Ballarat Victoria. “It was so exciting to see! He was very curious swimming near us as the group were diving on a nearby coral bommie. He came close within about 4 metres, swimming away and then coming back for another look before swimming off over the seagrass beds,” said Dan Liu. Dugongs, often called sea cows, as they graze shallow seagrass meadows (eating up to 40kg a day!) are found across the tropical belt in Australia. They reach a length of 3 metres, live up to 70 years of age and can weigh as much as 400kg. Dugongs are fascinating mammals, sharing a common ancestor with elephants, and early sailors are believed to have confused them for mythical mermaids. They are most closely related to the manatee, their northern hemisphere relative. They resemble a large dolphin but lack a dorsal fin and have an upper lip covered in thick bristles. They are well designed for aquatic life, with nostrils situated on top of their heads so they can breathe, and have a large, strong tail that propels them through the water. Their eyes and ears are on the side of their heads. Although their eyesight is poor, they have an acute sense of hearing.” Dugong are threatened on a worldwide scale and in Australia, are a protected species under various legislation including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. This important sighting will be reported to GBRMPA’s Eye on the Reef monitoring program contributing valuable information about these endangered creatures as well as the long-term protection and management of the reef. Video credit Dan Liu, Island Photography Australia

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FREE GIFT to you, CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/3uSmHhI Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://bit.ly/3ta7Hv6 Navigate Like a Pro: Advanced Strategies for Sailing to Success Recommended Books: 'https://amzn.to/42vfUr7 'The Complete Sailor: Learning the Art of Sailing' by David Seidman, published by International Marine in 2021 https://amzn.to/3SSyPsL 'Sail Smart: Understand Your Instruments to Sail Faster, Make the Right Calls & Win Races' by Mark Chisnell, published by Adlard Coles in 2023 Welcome to Navel Gazing at Camp David Shorts. Today, we're setting our sails high and diving into the art of sailing with finesse and savvy tactics that would make even the old sea dogs nod in respect. The Compass of Knowledge: Essential Reading for Sailors Before you can conquer the seven seas, you'll need to arm yourself with knowledge. "The Complete Sailor: Learning the Art of Sailing" by David Seidman is your foundational text, rich with insights and techniques. And for those looking to not just sail, but sail smartly, "Sail Smart: Understand Your Instruments to Sail Faster, Make the Right Calls & Win Races" by Mark Chisnell will be your guide to navigating with precision and strategy. The Wisdom of the Waves: Unconventional Teachers But here's a swell surprise: what if the ocean itself could be your mentor? Imagine learning the rhythmic patterns of the tides, the whispers of the wind, and interpreting the sea's moods as a seasoned sailor might. Let's tune in to the sea's secrets and sail not just with technology, but with intuition. Navigating the Future: Sailing with a Tech-Savvy Edge We're in an era where traditional navigation meets cutting-edge tech. It's not just about the sextant and stars; it's about integrating GPS, satellite communications, and even AI to chart courses we've never dared before. Affiliate Disclosure: "In full transparency, please note that the links in this video description may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. You don't pay more when using these links, and any earnings help to support this channel. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my audience. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Thank you for your trust and support!" Set your course for success and join us on this journey to becoming a seasoned sailor. Whether you're learning the ropes or refining your tack, remember: the best sailors aren't born, they're forged by the sea – and by their unyielding will to master it. Hoist your sails, and let's navigate like pros!

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Bandwagon came with a Perkins 6.354 engine installed - it's far too massive to take out, so we are covering it with fire cloth, and creating a box around it, so it won't get covered in sawdust/swarf/slag/etc.

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