Here are some links to accompany Craig Ligibel's story "Hobart and Annapolis: Twins Separated at Birth and 10,000 Miles."
Perched 12 miles inland from the Tasman Sea on the River Derwent Estuary, Hobart is the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Its population of almost 50,000 (metro area) has sailing and boating in its blood. That’s evidenced by the fact that anytime there’s a waterfront activity, tens of thousands of Tasmanians turn out to quaff beer, slurp oysters, and munch on “snags” (grilled sausages) as they partake of whatever nautical event is in the offing.
“Australians in general and Tasmanians in particular have a great affinity for the water,” says Alison Heatherington, Hobart City spokesperson. “A good many of our ancestors came here by boat… some in shackles as prisoners… and today, the waterfront economy with its tourism, fishing, and cruise ship port of call activities account for a good percentage of our city’s economy.”
Several Sydney-based yachts offer crew positions. For around $7,000-8000, one can train on a qualifying boat for up to a week in Sydney Harbor, then go along for the ride down to Hobart as part of the crew. If you’re interested, go to: adrenalin.com.au for all the details.
There are a host of chartering and coastal cruising opportunities in Tasmania as well.
Charter companies include Hobart Yachts hobartyachts.com.au/about-us,
Sail Freycinet sailfreycinet.com.au/day-tour-tasmania
Tasmanian Walking Company wineglassbaysailwalk.com.au
Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania’s Rick Hutton exudes Aussie hospitality. “Tell your readers to ‘come on down…under.’ We’ll set them up at the club and get them out on the water. There’s no bad time to make a trip to Hobart. Even in the our coldest months, there’s something happening at the waterfront.” You can email Rick at: [email protected].
