Bass Strait Rally Invitations Open To Daring Boaties
Invitations are open for next year’s Bass Strait Rally Offshore Challenge, a 700nm trip that will see boaters cross the infamous stretch of water in nothing more than production model trailerboats.
The event kicks off in February 2011 in Hobart when crews set off as a convoy, escorted by offshore vessels. Their travels take them on a navigational rally along the coastal passages, islands and bays of eastern Tasmania. They will then reach the islands comprising the Furneaux Group, before island-hopping across Bass Strait, into Port Phillip Bay and finally reaching Melbourne 11 days later.
“The Australian Offshore Challenge is designed to make possible an amazing cruising experience, well understood by yachties, but till now, not practical for the average power boating enthusiast,” said the organisers.
The event is an organised navigational rally and is said to be held under strict control conditions.
The Bass Strait Rally starts on February 23, 2011 and finishes 11 days later in Melbourne, on Saturday, March 5, 2011. Boaters with production-grade powerboats over 6m interested in entering should visit www.offshorechallenge.com.au or call event director Roger Dickeson on (03) 9867 6666 for more information.