Getting there fast is not the name of the game in the Holbart 2013 Rendevous Cruise.

Long range cruisers headed for the South Pacific and planning the next southern summer (2012/3) should know about the Third Annual Rendezvous Rally Cruise from Australian east coast ports to Tasmania. This is a great opportunity to join Australian and other international boats to enjoy Tasmania in the summer season.

Although the rally is not an official club organized event, it provides a way for members of the club, better known for its Sydney to Hobart yacht race, to live up to their club’s name – The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.

It’s time now for those interested to start planning, and the rally should have none of the problems that have been encountered in the sometimes grueling Sydney to Hobart Race. This is because the crossing of Bass Strait, which becomes difficult in a storm because of its shallowness and openness to Southern Ocean winds, can be crossed during weather windows, of which there are plenty.

The cruise is so alluring that even dedicated Sydney to Hobart racers are recommending it. Tony Cable is a well known experienced sailor with forty-five Sydney to Hobart races to his credit and another planned for this year. ‘The passage from Sydney to Hobart should be on every serious sailor’s list. With a properly prepared boat and crew, it’s an adventure you’ll never forget,’ he says. There is so much more to enjoy on this as a cruise as you can choose your stopovers along the way. Tony is remembering, no doubt, his many return trips from the Hobart.

It’s a fact that the Eastern Coast of Australia is stunning as a cruising destination. Starting in Sydney (or from your home port), sailors can experience good anchorages, lots of history, unspoiled beaches, friendly locals and great natural beauty as you cruise down the coast.

After crossing Bass Strait the island of Tasmania greets you with spectacular rugged scenery and welcoming anchorages. Famed Wine Glass Bay is a popular stop where yachts and crews gather to relax as the sun goes down, but Tasmania is brimming with other options.

The Cruise designated arrival time into Hobart is by 1200 on Thursday 7th February. The timing will also allow boats to join in with the Australian Wooden Boat Festival 8 – 11 February, and the Van Diemens Land Circumnavigation Cruise which starts on the 13th February.

All boat owners are welcome and invited to join the Hobart 2013 Rendezvous Cruise.

As with previous cruises, Skipr.net will serve as the communications hub. A program of cruise information evenings and a set of rendezvous locations and times will be organized. The radio communications schedule and tailored on route weather information will be available to all vessels electing to participate.

Why not start dreaming and planning now? Cruise from Sydney to Hobart with us in January and February 2013.

Inquiries to: Denis Doyle or David Champtaloup

at cycacruising@gmail.com

by Nancy Knudsen