6 Night Cruise sailing from Sydney to Hobart aboard Coral Discoverer.

Experience the nautical tradition that is the 73rd Sydney to Hobart international yacht race! Embarking in Broken Bay on December 26th, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from the Coral Discoverer’s vantage point off Sydney Heads. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from our on-board lecturer, John Longley AM, a celebrated veteran of five Australian America’s Cup campaigns.

We sail the south coast and Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join our expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s Parks.

Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, join the festivities of race presentations and the week-long Taste of Tasmania festival. Return to the Coral Discoverer for Captain’s farewell drinks and New Year’s Eve celebrations before disembarking on the 1st January at Macquarie Wharf 2.

Join Coral Discoverer this December on an exciting journey following the iconic yachting race.

Expedition Highlights:

›› Enjoy a grandstand view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart race as the leaders come tearing through Sydney Heads
›› Trail the yachts on a coastal cruise while you enjoy a drink at Coral Discoverer’s sundeck Explorer Bar
›› Learn about technical aspects of ocean yacht racing from our on-board lecturer John Longley
›› Hear about the partnership between ‘Old Tom’ the Orca and local whalers at the Killer Whale Museum in Twofold Bay
›› Visit Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and stretch your legs on the Fluted Cape walk
›› Sample Tasmania’s finest produce on disembarkation at Hobart at the Taste of Tasmania festival
›› Ring in the New Year onboard and enjoy Captain’s farewell drinks

Your Guest Lecturer on Board:

John Longley is one of Australia’s most celebrated yachtsmen. He is a veteran of four Sydney to Hobart races, four Fastnet Races, and five America’s Cup campaigns – one of which he won. Apart from his expertise in yachting, he is also a maritime history expert with a particular interest in 17th and 18th century Australian maritime history. He served as Project Manager for the construction of Endeavour, the museum standard replica of HMB Endeavour that is now at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour. Besides building her, John managed her for six years and sailed her around Australia, New Zealand, and then the world visiting 149 ports in the process.

On-board, John will provide commentary on the Sydney to Hobart race and several lectures on yachting and selected topics in maritime history.

THE ITINERARY:

Embark: 0900 – 26th December 2017

Complimentary coach transfers are offered from Sydney Central or North Sydney to arrive at Coral Discoverer’s embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer for a 1000 departure.

This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the views and weather windows of the mercurial southern coast.

Arrive: Hobart, 31st December 2017. Disembark: Macquarie Wharf 2 – 0900 1st January 2018

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS:

SYDNEY: NORTH HEAD
Join your fellow travelers on an included coach transfer from a Central Sydney pick-up point. Embark Coral Discoverer at 9am ahead of a 10am departure. Settle in onboard and enjoy lunch while the Captain navigates us to a race vantage point off Sydney’s North Head. From the Explorer Bar on the sundeck celebrate the race start as the fleet turns and heads south. Later, join the Captain for welcome drinks.

SCENIC CRUISE:
Cruise the scenic coastline from Jervis Bay to Twofold Bay. Soak in the southern summer on the sundeck while the Coral Discoverer follows the yachts of the Sydney to Hobart race. As we settle into a more relaxed cruising rhythm, John Longley will present intriguing commentary on the Sydney to Hobart race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.

TWOFOLD BAY
Re-live the bygone days of whaling and the fascinating relationship between man and whale during your guided tour of the Killer Whale Museum. The bay is also known for the “Killers of Eden”, the killer whales which helped a group of whalers in their search for other whales. Later, cross the bay to visit Davidson Whaling Station and learn about the Davidson family’s unique partnership with ‘Old Tom’ the Orca. Time and conditions permitting we will further explore the coastline of Ben Boyd National Park.

BASS STRAIT CROSSING
As we cross the Bass Strait, enjoy presentations by John Longley on his yachting experiences, or relax with a book on deck as you savour Coral Expeditions hospitality. Attend a lecture by our Tasmanian specialist and enjoy a delicious Tasmanian specialty dinner as we cruise down to the Apple Isle.

MARIA ISLAND
Walk among the historic ruins, secluded bays and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park, and you can expect to meet more than a few incredible creatures. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Expect sightings of native pademelons, Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, and Tasmanian Devils. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 17th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk takes in the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs.

ADVENTURE BAY AND FLUTED CAPE
Rich history, spectacular scenery, close-up wildlife and a variety of walking opportunities make Bruny Island a wonderful destination. Stretch your legs on the spectacular Fluted Cape walk. Located within the South Bruny National Park, the Fluted Cape walk leaves from Grass Point and allows a circuit walk with impressive cliff and ocean views. Visit the Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration to gain insight on maritime history.

HOBART
Arrive in Hobart in time for the race winner presentations and celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Soak in the atmosphere at the Taste of Tasmania Festival at Princes Wharf. Ring in the New Year at the Captain’s Farewell drinks, whilst enjoying a fireworks display over the Derwent River.

Disembark at Macquarie Wharf 2 at 9am, 1st January 2018.