Bass Strait - The Ultimate Challenge for Powerboats
The Australian Offshore Challenge is an ocean boating adventure from Hobart to Melbourne to be run from February 21 to March 5, 2006.The event provides boating enthusiasts with the opportunity to compete in a unique boating event across Bass Strait and around some of Australia's most spectacular coastal waterways. As a controlled rally, competitors take on Bass Strait travelling in the company of other competing craft, maximising the safety factor in open waters.
The Australian Offshore Challenge is open to all contenders who own large offshore leisure and fishing boats over six meters. Classifications include sports cruisers, offshore cruisers, sports fishing boats and offshore fishing boats of all descriptions.
The fleet comes into port every evening and moors for the night, allowing each competitor to rest, carry out repairs, refuel for the next day and exchange the day's adventures with fellow competitors.
It is the ultimate test for skilled power boaters - challenging seamanship, navigation skills, physical stamina and boating capabilities.
Australia's leading boating insurer and magazine publisher, Club Marine is to back the Offshore Challenge as a promotional partner and sponsor. Club Marine's support for the event will also be demonstrated by entering a boat and crew under the Club Marine name.
NAVIGATIONAL RALLY FORMAT
To fully enjoy all aspects of the event, an emphasis will be placed on the navigational side of the competition.
Competitors will travel the course via a series of waypoints and will need to maintain a steady "average speed" to avoid losing points at each checkpoint. The event is not a fastest time race, but a true test of skills in balancing accurate navigation, seamanship in different sea conditions and boat handling. Average speed sections will be matched to boat classes (size of vessel) and weather and sea conditions on the day. All competitors can expect to be able to fully enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery whilst still having to focus on the navigational task at hand.
RECREATIONAL STAGES
Over the course of the twelve days of competition, there will be plenty of time for recreational activities. Crews will typically compete in the rally stages in the morning and arrive at the overnight stops in time to go ashore and enjoy a bit of local hospitality, even a game of golf. For those who insist on staying on the water, there will be plenty of time to catch tomorrow's breakfast in a fishing spot they will have never visited before.
SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
The Offshore Challenge has special arrangements in place for entrants wishing to use the Spirit of Tasmania to transport their boats to Tasmania. A 20 per cent discount on cabins (other than deluxe cabins) applies if you mention the Offshore Challenge when booking and you make your booking before January 15. Call Chris West, direct at Special Events Dept. Spirit of Tasmania on 03 6421 5024 for details.
Photo: Seawind Ventura 44
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