Announcing the Down Under Dash

Announcing the Down Under Dash! © Down Under Rally

The Down Under Dash is a "destination event", meaning there is no sailing schedule, apart from the requirement for participating vessels to arrive in Bundaberg, Australia between August 1st and October 31st 2020.

The first and absolutely the most important part of the process is applying for and receiving a Travel Exemption to Enter Australia.

For those making the voyage to and arriving in Australia, you must also be aware of the requirements in order to comply with the Australian Border Force, (ABF) and the Department Of Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment, (DAWRE) regulations rule and regulations

As always, it is the obligation of the vessel master to be fully informed as to what the rules and requirements are prior to departing for & arriving in Australia.

Please be aware that heavy fines and or other penalties apply for non-compliance.

The Down Under Dash has been created specially to provide the above information and additional Covid related services to those vessels who register as Down Under Dash participants. See below for more information.

Down Under Dash entry fee and benefits

Registration Fee: $595.00 AUD per vessel (includes BPM Covid Compliance Levy)

The Down Under Rally will provide all vessels that register as participants in the 2020 Down Under Dash with the following services, benefits and information as part of the event registration fee:

• Support, advice and accurate information from the Down Under Rally organisers about sailing to, arriving in and visiting Australia.
• Down Under Rally Guide to Entering Australia by yacht.
• Down Under Rally Guide to Australian Customs and Biosecurity with instructions on preparing the vessel and crew for customs, and biosecurity inspections. Proper preparation of your vessel is key to minimising the fees charged by the Department of Agriculture for the biosecurity inspection.
• Covid related arrival instructions to ensure compliance with related procedures.
• Covid Care Services on arrival: Persons serving time aboard vessels under quarantine, should permission to do so be granted, will be required to pay a Covid Compliance Levy of $253.00 AUD per vessel to Bundaberg Port Marina (BPM). The Down Under Dash participation fee of $595.00 per vessel includes this levy. Covid Care Services provided by Bundaberg Port Marina shall include but not be limited to:
  • Contactless supply of freshwater if needed.
  • Contactless provisioning if needed. (Cost of provisions shall be the responsibility of the vessel master.)
  • Use of Covid Compliant Amenities at the Bundaberg Port Marina upon completion of mandatory quarantine period.
• Passage Guardian Voice and or Electronic Vessel tracking and monitoring service by Pacific Maritime Radio (PMR) for the entire voyage to Australia from your nominated port of departure. See pmr.nz for full details of this service.
• Bundaberg Port Marina Discounts on:
  • Marina Fees: 15% off for first 15 days plus other great offers for extended stays*
  • Bundaberg Port Marina Hardstand deals: - Pay for five days get two extra days free. Pay for two weeks and receive an extra three days free.
  • Bundaberg Port Marina Dry Storage deals - Pay for three months dry storage and a receive 10% discount
• Down Under Rally Certificate of participation entitling participants to addition offers and discounts from participating Down Under Rally partner businesses on chandlery items, antifouling services, sail makers, replacement parts, tenders, outboards, boat yards, marinas water makers and more. These discounts and deals alone can save you more than the rally entry fee!
• Free Australian Courtesy Flag. Quality linen Australian Courtesy Flag compliments of Bato Flags
• The chance to win prizes valued at over $6,000.00 including 3 x FREE HAUL OUTS!