Rolex Sydney Hobart - Follow the action with Bass & Flinders Cruises

by Sail-World on 25 Dec 2009 On Boxing Day Bass & Flinders vessels Ocean Dreaming I, Ocean Dreaming 2 and Sun Cat will follow the Sydney to Hobart fleet right from the start.

‘We take our boat out with 200 passengers and we are able to follow them down the leading boats because our vessels do travel at about 28 knots, so we can keep up with them out on the ocean.

‘We go down and we watch the fleet down to Cronulla and then we will turn back and pick them up again. We toll the passengers and find out what boats they are supporting and then try to pick those boats out so that we can actually say farewell to them on the way back; this allows us to see the big boats, right through to the smaller boats at the back of the fleet,’ Bass & Flinders Ian Ford said.

Depending on the conditions, the vessels can just about keep up with yachts like Wild Oats XI, Ethiad Stadium (if she makes the start line) Alfa Romeo, Loyal, Lahana and Ichi Ban.

'Last year we ran to Kurnell with the leaders, then came back through the fleet to the middle group, stayed with them back to Kurnell and then came up to the tail enders and kept them company until Maroubra,’ Ford commented.

Primarily for whale watching during the winter months, the vessels provide a fast, stable platform for viewing this incredible race. With two enclosed air-conditioned decks fitted with TV monitors and three open decks, everyone will be able to see the magnificent yachts as they leave the Harbour and set sail for Hobart.

The trip will leave Darling Harbour’s Cockle Bay Marnia, Circular Quay’s Eastern Pontoon and Manly Wharf on Boxing Day and cruise to the starting area on the eastern side of the line. After the start, the vessels will move to the first rounding mark (ZULU) and watch the leaders round. Pending wind conditions she will follow the leaders south for about one to one and a half hours before returning through the fleet back to Sydney Harbour. The cruise will return about 4.00pm.

‘With a lot of the sailors' families and supporters onboard, this will be the best opportunity to view the yachts rather than just watching the start from within Sydney Harbour. With the capability of these fast offshore vessels, we will be able to keep pace with the big maxi's even if we get a strong sea breeze. As the sailors families come on board, we find out which boats people want to follow closely and we try and get a good look at all those. Its very exciting for the families to see their loved ones out of the harbour and setting up, for what could be a very quick ride south,' Ford said.

There will be Live Commentary of the race and fantastic outside viewing areas. A cold seafood buffet lunch will be provided and there is a licensed bar onboard for the purchase of drinks.

Tickets can be purchased by phone on (02) 9583 1199 or email your request to bassflinders(at)bassflinders.com.au. Tickets are just $195 for adults. There are still some left but they are selling very fast.

http://www.bassflinders.com.au