Expeditions: 29th March, 2005
  15th March, 2005
  11th March, 2005
  8th March, 2005
  1st March, 2005

Date: 29th March, 2005 Vessel: Spoilsport
A warm welcome to the dive group from Sydney Dive Academy , who made out other two guests, Anne and Bernard very welcome. Good visibility at Bowl Reef and especially in the Coral Sea led in the some fantastic diving, with the prolific hard coral coverage in the Great Barrier Reef being a great hit. Scuba Zoo was very exciting, with over 35 grey reef sharks and a male silver-tip making an appearance. Unfortunately due to the wind we were unable to get to the SS Yongala, but Wheeler Reef was a great substitute, with sharks, guitarfish, turtles and rays being spotted. A number of milestones were celebrated - Paul did his 1000th dive, Juan and Marie their 900th dive, Michael his 100th dive, and Mikel became a full member of the incredibles, plus a great assistant trip director. Thanks to all for making this such a fun trip and good luck to Danny in his new job after two years of service with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.
Trip Director: Andrew Sutherland. Photo Video/Pro: Marie Jones.
Guest Photo Competition

1st Place
Congratulations to Dave Fahy on this great shot of schooling Barracuda in the Coral Sea.

2nd Place
Peter Cross, Lizardfish - Coral Sea.

3rd Place
Paul Davis, Nudibranch - Coral Sea.
Guest Comments
Dan Appleby, Australia. "The diving... The Food!! General high level of service with great diving and good briefs."
Leanne Parsons, Australia. "Helpful and friendly and professional staff to make it easy to dive great spots. Barrier Reef sites were fantastic."
Michael Demetrios, Australia. "Best thing was the general feel, great diving, great facilities, but best of all was the really good crew... extremely supportive and never overbearing."
 
Date: 15th March, 2005 Vessel: Spoilsport
Our 8 intrepid explorers had the space, weather, and diving of a lifetime this week. Two days on the Great Barrier Reef were followed by two days in the Coral Sea - 30m+ visibility on the 300m walls, plus over 30 sharks at Scuba Zoo and a trip ashore to Flinders Cay. The it was all capped off by eight dives on the SS Yongala - the highlight of everyone's rip by far. Mike even saw through the odd jellyfish and spotted a few species of fish down there.
Trip Director: Andrew Sutherland. Photo Video/Pro: Matt McPherson
Guest Comments
Joss Woolf, UK. "Friendliness of the crew, diversity if divesites... too much food!!"
John Paul Brock, USA. "The mint fairy (only young lass aboard) and the boat tour, the wheel house and engine room!"
Craig Santini, UK. "Taking my own basic "just qualified" open water (14 dives) to a whole new level, thanks to AJ along with Peter instructor."
 
Date: 11th March, 2005 Vessel: Spoilsport
Neither rain, wind or waves could dampen the spirits of all our guests with this expedition. With a group of 17 divers from Pro Dive Drummoyne, numerous VIP's and a number from North America we had a truly international group. "In the Groove" was one of the favorite sites and with schooling young grey reef sharks on the night dive at "Grouper Gap" fun was had by all, especially Brad, who was headbutted by one! The crew's thanks go to all, especially Brad and Karen for making this such a fun and enjoyable expedition despite the weather.

Milestones of note were the 100th dive for Lesley MacPherson, 400th dive for Caroline Bain, and Karen - well, she knows what she did!!

Trip Director: Andrew Sutherland.
Guest Photo Competition

1st Place
Congratulations to Keir Davis on this great close-up of this staghorn coral and damsel fish, Bowl Bommie.

2nd Place
Ruud Dautzenberg, Spincheek anemone fish -
Great Barrier Reef.

3rd Place
Kent Fry, Angel fish -
Great Barrier Reef
Guest Comments
Paul Midgley, Australia. "Diving was great but the staff made everyone feel very welcome and turn a good trip into a great one."
Jennifer Richard, USA. "Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. I enjoyed not feeling pressured to dive every dive but when I did the information was thorough and the crew was helpful."
Lesley MacPherson, Australia. "Staff - all of them friendly and dive crew brilliant. Busy dive deck was run efficiently and safely. Spacious boat. Great food. AJ a star as ever! Thanks for the pickup."
 
Date: 8th March, 2005 Vessel: Spoilsport
Despite the unusual weather a full itinerary of diving on the Great Barrier Reef was done, and with party night and all the games it was definitely an entertaining trip for all. Unfortunately we were unable to make the Yongala but two dives at Magicland, including a manta, capped off three enjoyable days diving.

Trip Director: Andrew Sutherland.
Guest Comments
Mark Nash, USA. "The coral and marine life!"
Kirk Perron, USA. "The humor of the crew and BBQ - crazy shirt night!"
Louis Vachon, USA. "Meeting fun divers and living on board. Great selection of activities."
 
Date: 1st March, 2005 Vessel: Spoilsport
We have been really luck y with the weather on this expedition, getting some awesome sunsets, particularly over the Yongala. The diving was really special, despite some currents. The sharks at Scuba Zoo were in a great mood and put on a fantastic show. Visibility at the wreck of the SS Yongala and out on the Coral Sea was the best I have seen.

I Have had a terrific expedition and hope that all of you did too. We all look forward to diving again with you soon.

Trip Director: Peter Grinstead.
Guest Photo Competition

1st Place
Congratulations to Paul Jensen for the photograph on schooling fusiliers, Coral Sea.

2nd Place
Chris Burville - Moray eel, Coral Sea.

3rd Place
John Burville - Soft coral, Coral Sea.
Guest Comments
Debbie Burville, Bermuda. "The total experience was wonderful - staff great - very hard workers always willing to help. Spoilsport has spoilt us! Food was too good."
Antti Alestalo, Finland. "Whole trip was great!"
Gary Jacobsen, USA. "Seeing the diversity not seen in the Atlantic/Caribbean."