2002 Brisbane to Noumea Yacht Race

by Dayle and Lyn Smith on 13 Dec 2001 On Saturday afternoon 22 June 2002, an international fleet of Australian and French yachts will leave Moreton Bay near Brisbane and head off to the well lit leads near the historic Amadee lighthouse, that well marked guardian of the entrance to the lagoon of Noumea in New Caledonia.

The distance is a little less than 800nm and the course is about 065m.

We have selected Noumea as the destination of next year’s race from Brisbane because it offers a secure harbour, excellent marine facilities, and an all-weather entrance to the lagoon on the western side of New Caledonia.

In addition, we will have the invaluable assistance of the Cercle Nautique Caledonien in Noumea in providing high frequency radio contact with the fleet as soon as it leaves Moreton Bay. This essential safety capacity is needed now that Telstra Corporation has announced it is withdrawing its complete range of HF Radphone services for yachts on 1 March 2002.

The race is being sponsored by New Caledonia Tourism, Aircalin and Novotel Surf hotel in Noumea. Special highly competitive one-way prices will be available for sailors and return crew, and for accommodation. Details will be sent out to all yachts who send in an enquiry form by email or by fax.

Some superb images of the beauty of Noumea and southern New Caledonia can be seen from www.oceanracing.net where you will find links to each sponsor, and to the Cercle Nautique Caledonien and Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Brisbane.

From Noumea, sailors can travel by plane, or fast boat, to the exquisite Isle des Pins or go through to Ouvea in the Loyalty isles. Visas are not needed for Australian citizens to enter Noumea.

New Caledonia Tourism has made available a 25 page full colour brochure detailing some of the attractions of Noumea together with a full colour map of Noumea and new Caledonia.

Results for all of the Australia to New Caledonia races since 1983 can be seen on www.oceanracing.net

Key dates for Noumea 2002 are:

· close of entries: 30 April

· yachts to arrive at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Brisbane: 18 June

· cocktail party at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Brisbane: Thursday 20 June

· Australian Customs clearance RQYS Brisbane: Friday 21 June

· race briefing: Friday 21 June

· Presentation at Cercle Nautique Caledonien: 2 July

· Departure for Isle des Pins Rally: Thursday 5 July for 7 days

· celebrate the French Bastille Day on 14 July in New Caledonia.

Regards


Dayle + Lyn Smith
Ocean Racing Queensland


PS: Aircalin have just advised that special crew airfares available for Sydney Noumea and Brisbane Noumea or for Noumea Sydney or Noumea Brisbane will be $396 plus relevant taxes and levies applicable. These special fares are only applicable if the tickets are bought and paid for in Australia directly from Aircalin on 1800 736 363