Tamar Marine Melbourne to Launceston Yacht Race
by Pauline Lister on 15 Oct 2001
Five Tasmanian yachts are likely starters in a fleet of around 40 expected for the inaugural Tamar Marine Melbourne to Launceston Yacht Race next month.
Ocean Racing Club of Victoria spokesman Ian McKenzie said that support for the event was strong and 40 yachts were now likely to contest the first major yacht race from Melbourne to the Tamar River since 1984.
The race, which is being organised by the ORCV and the Tamar Yacht Club, starts at Queenscliff on Port Phillip Bay at 10.15pm on Friday, November 2, and the first yacht is expected to finish late at Low Head about 24 hours later on Saturday night.
It is based on Australia's oldest yacht race, the Rudder Cup, which was first held in 1907 over the same course. The original race attracted four starters with the Geelong yacht Thistle winning in 35 hours and 30 minutes
A public finish party for the 2001 version of this race has been planned for Sunday, November 4, at the Australian Maritime College's Seamanship Centre overlooking the Tamar Yacht Club's marina at Beauty Point.
With entries still being accepted the final fleet size is not finalised.
What is finalised is the post-race celebrations at Beauty Point with an all-day party planned for the AMC's Seamanship Centre and TYC's marina area.
All the race finishers will be moored in the Beauty Point marina or near the AMC and the public will be able to have a look at the boats and join the post-race party.
The trophy presentations will take place at 5.30pm on Sunday, November 4, in the AMC's Seamanship Centre with a smorgasbord meal being available to both competitors and members of the public who wish to attend.
The Tamar Marine Melbourne to Launceston yacht race is supported by the Australian Maritime College, the West Tamar Council, Port of Launceston Corporation, Cascade Premium, The Examiner Newspaper and Brambles Shipping.
Entries close Friday 19 October.
More information: Contact Dennis Livingston at ORCV on 9646 4677
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