DREDGING works in Swansea Channel have come at just the right time for the inaugural Lakefest Aquatic Week, in Toronto.
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Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC) Toronto is among the organisers of a week of aquatic activities planned for Lakefest from February 20, next year.
RMYC Toronto sailing master and vice-commodore Mel Steiner said having a clear and safe passage for visiting vessels through Swansea Channel was paramount.
"A major hurdle to having boats from other ports participate in regattas on Lake Macquarie has been the Swansea Channel entrance to the lake," Mr Steiner said.
"Irregular maintenance of the channel resulted in a build-up of sand inhibiting the entry of boats with deep drafts - typically yachts.
"The good news is that the dredging of Swansea Channel is scheduled to start in the next week [see story below] with an expected completion time of around the end of January, 2015.
"This will certainly open the opportunity for boats from other ports to participate."
Several events have already been scheduled for Lakefest week.
They include the:
■ Variety Splash (a Variety Bash on water);
■ Heaven Can Wait charity sailing regatta (incorporating the pre-race fundraising dinner, one-lap dash, 12-hour and 24-hour races);
■ Belmont 16s Junior Pirate Fun;
■ Rotary Paddlefest;
■ Lake Macquarie RTC Group Two-Day Regatta; and
■ Wangi Amateur Sailing Club open Friday twilight race.
Lakefest is jointly organised by RMYC Toronto, Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Wangi Amateur Sailing Club, Toronto Rotary Sunrise, and Variety, the children's charity.
■ See lakefestnsw.wix.com/lakefestnsw.
Navigate with caution
LAKE Macquarie boaters are advised to keep clear of dredging work in Swansea Channel between Pelican Marina and The Dropover for about two months.
Roads and Maritime Services is urging boaters to navigate the area with caution.
Dredging work until mid-January will improve vessel access through the channel.
The dredge barge will display appropriate day shapes and lights to warn boaters of navigation restrictions.
Vessels are required to maintain a safe distance and speed from the work, and should not produce wash which impacts on the work.
Roads and Maritime reminds people to wear a lifejacket especially in vessels smaller than 4.8 metres when alone, at night, or offshore.
