[Paddlewise] Shark!!!

	Hi Peter et al...

	You may care to see the shark attack issue from the Australian perspective:

	http://www.amonline.net.au/pdf/sharkrpt.pdf


	A report prepared for the 2000 Olympics, obviously no expense spared when
triathletes and sailors are at risk!!!

	Anecdotally ,  a paddler  was 'attacked' by what is believed to have been a
bull shark in the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour a few years ago. I think it
is noted in the Olympic report and from memory he was in a fairly long
flatwater boat. His boat was attacked, not him personally, if you understand.
	Reading William H Longyard's "A Speck On The Sea", which is more about
sailors in ultra small boats,  one cannot help but be impressed at the number
of reported shark incidents reported by these inteprid adventurers,  often in
mid ocean.  In a number of cases the sailors had to fight off sharks either
nudging or attacking their boat,  sometimes damaging rudders etc.

	One solo sailor reported an attack by a swordfish, which actually holed his
stoutly built yacht.  Longyard reported that swordfish have been recorded at
SEVENTY miles an hour  in a short burst as they home in on their target.
That would be like getting whacked by a radar-homing missile.  Even my Klepper
would have difficulty surviving that....

	What is absolutely impressive,  is the ability of sharks to sense even small
traces of blood at extreme range.

	My rule of thumb is : stay out of the water if I am bleeding,  stay away from
animals [ especially dogs ] playing in the water, stay away from seal
colonies.


	Cheers!!  PeterR
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