Imagine coming face to face with the biggest fish in the sea – the whale shark. That’s just what happened to a group of lucky passengers with Great Adventures in a very rare encounter while they were seated in the semi-submarine at Moore Reef. This vision was captured by one of the lucky passengers. The whale shark, estimated to be 4 - 5 metres in length swam up close and alongside the semi-sub window as excited passengers looked on in awe. Quicksilver Group Environment and Compliance Manager Doug Baird said. “For what is the world’s largest fish, we really do know very little about them and their behaviour here on the east coast of Australia.” More often associated with the northern waters of Western Australia, whale shark encounters on the Great Barrier Reef are quite sporadic. This sighting is of great interest to researchers who have been working to identify a potential whale shark aggregation site in the far north regions of the Reef. As the largest fish in the sea reaching lengths of over 12 metres, whale sharks are docile fish feeding mostly on plankton, crab larvae and jellyfish, which they scoop up with their colossal gaping mouths while swimming close to the water’s surface. They are listed as a vulnerable species and prior to the mid 1980s there were less than 350 confirmed reports of whale sharks world-wide. Researchers are able to identify individuals from photographs by analysing the patterns of markings on their bodies - a bit like fingerprints.

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Join us for the thrilling Close Cross Quoile Spring Series, an exciting IRC 1 racing event held at the beautiful Quoile Yacht Club on Strangford Lough. This sailing competition features a range of impressive yachts, including the J109, as they battle it out on the water. With its stunning scenery and unpredictable winds, Strangford Lough provides the perfect backdrop for an action-packed sailing race. Watch as the skilled sailors expertly navigate their sailboats, often going to red and executing precise bottom up maneuvers to gain a competitive edge. The Quoile Spring Series is a must-see for anyone who loves yacht racing, sailing, and the thrill of close crosses. With near misses and intense competition, this event is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just a fan of the sport, you won't want to miss this captivating footage of yacht life and the sailing lifestyle on Strangford Lough. The IRC racing series is a highlight of the sailing calendar, and the Quoile Yacht Club is the perfect venue to experience the excitement of sailboat racing. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the thrill of sailing and yachting on one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful loughs. The team at bottom up boats hope you are enjoying our short clips from the 2026 racing season

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