What a treat this year for incoming sailors not just being met with cold beer but also hot pies. 

Thanks to National pies of the Tasmanian bakeries that have been in business since 1942.    Their butcher is called Jason, so he knows where the meat comes from.  The pie makers are Darren and Duncan, yes real people not just a production line and the flavour is the result.

In 1942 they were set up to cater to the theatre going gentry and the gentry liked what they tasted.  I’m not sure that there are many gentry around the Melbourne to Hobart fleet but there are certainly some pie connoisseurs.  The bakery is renowned throughout Tasmania but has been hiding its light or should I say aroma from us Victorians.  That is not to say these little delights are not available in Victoria, they are and for a list of outlets you should go to their website, lucky you if you live near one.   

The company had kindly sponsored the Launceston to Hobart race this year but with true Tasmanian hospitality they didn’t want our Melbourne boats to be left out.  So even at 2 o’clock in the morning the crews were greeted with some delicious, nutritious hot pies.  Meat ones of course but don’t let that fool you there are plenty of other flavours.  The traditional Tasmanian curried scallop as well as scallop and salmon, very yummy.  They come in little versions just perfect for a party or indeed for the ORCV race management team between radio interviews, skeds or boat arrivals.

So enjoy your pie and thank the kind folk from the National Pie company.

Jennifer McGuigan