This thing went aground in the Whitsundays. Damn what an ugly ugly mess that is. It looks like someone built a shed for some portaloos on the foredeck.
I loath going out on charter cruises of any description but I don't think you could get me on that monstrosity with an Ak47.
Still and all, everyone was taken off safely which is good I suppose even though they were backpackers.
Definitely not your typical sailing or motor-sail yacht.... did they ever post a follow-up story - it was kinda lacking in details...glad everyone came ok though..
Apparently there has been some nasty weather up in those parts. A number of craft have got into strife , mainly, I believe due to dragging anchors. If I get any more info I'll post it.
edit - extra extra read all about it. This from the Qld Courier Mail.
Looks like one of those, "let's see if we can get in closer for a better look" incidents. (g) Glad they're OK. Probably won't even remember what they took the cruise for, just the exotic helo ride.
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[quote=tdw;264123]This thing went aground in the Whitsundays. Damn what an ugly ugly mess that is. It looks like someone built a shed for some portaloos on the foredeck.
I loath going out on charter cruises of any description but I don't think you could get me on that monstrosity with an Ak47.
Still and all, everyone was taken off safely which is good I suppose even though they were backpackers.
So what's with your comment on backpackers? Does that term have a different meaning down-unda? Where I come from it means someone who takes extended hikes through any backcountry carrying all he/she needs to be self sufficient, while leaving no trace and doing no harm. Kind of how I think sailors/cruisers should be!
It sounds like they were using the boat to ferry them to a trailhead to start their hikes. Many people I know, including my wife and I, are sailors & hikers (backpackers), and I would guess many others on SailNet are also.
Here's another link with additional footage of the storm. NOTE you must by-pass the advertisement by clicking on the link for the video "Australian Shipwreck":
That looks to me like the job could have been done more easily, safely, and faster via breeches buoy to shore. Of course few, if any, of the rescue services carry the gear for such any more. This should not be construed as a criticism of any specific rescue services, just an observation.
I'm unaware of any prejudice that sailors might have against long-haired, vermin-infested, odiferous backpackers frolicking about the woods. (strictly a tongue-in-cheek comment!)
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“Scientists are people who build the Brooklyn Bridge and then buy it.” Wm. F. Buckley, Jr.
As I understand it -- and Monsieur de Marsup should correct me here -- 'backpacker' in Oz connotes a particular species of rootless, callow youth schlumpfing around, panhandling booze money, and generally avoiding responsibility. Sort of like Fort Lauderdale hangers-on, or the dopers at Goa. Or like the difference between "motorcycle rider" and "biker" in the US, perhaps?
Although how any country that celebrates its rovers-on-the-make and rates "Waltzing Matilda" the unofficial anthem can bust on slackers, we have no idea. Must be a generational thing.
In the video, these young adventure seekers were described as "European backpackers", who most likely chose to travel this way due to their tight budgets and desire to see the world. "Rootless, callow youth . . . panhandling booze money" may apply to some, but I think that's a gross generalization.
When we did this during college, instead of traveling first class and staying in 4-star hotels, we slept in hostels, traveled with rail passes and through group charters - all the while living out of our packs. Similarly as well, to how my daughter and her fiancee traveled during their extended European adventures together.
It's unfortunate their vacation ended this way - although the video link did show them being escorted to a 5-star resort after their rescue, without their packs, but luxurious - just the same.
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So what's with your comment on backpackers? Does that term have a different meaning down-unda? Where I come from it means someone who takes extended hikes through any backcountry carrying all he/she needs to be self sufficient, while leaving no trace and doing no harm. Kind of how I think sailors/cruisers should be! 
Must be a generational thing.
