Final Reminders – Hobart Fleet 

Briefing on December 27th 7.30 am 

• As per the NOR, this is a mandatory briefing for skipper and crew member will be online via this teams link  

To qualify you must register with your name and boat name when you login.

Sail Pass before the Race Start

To honour Sir Donald Trescowthick (age 94) as the founding Chairman (1972 to 1991) of the Melbourne to Hobart yacht race we are conducting a sail past, as tribute to his work in ensuring we reached this milestone of 50 races.
The sail past will be in the same format that is used by the clubs for the opening of the sail session. As each boat passes by Sir Donald’s boat they should take their hat off and shout “Three cheers for Sir Donald …..”
This sail past spectacle will attract media interest and give further coverage to our race.   Read more here

Sharing Images - Photo Competition

If the race permits, don’t forget to send us images of your journey to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via whatsapp to Delma 0419 388018 or via Facebook messenger.
Best images received by 3pm on December 31st will go in the running for some great Ronstan gear (watch and waterproof bags) with the draw being announced at the Presentation in Hobart. Don’t forget to also tag us on socials.

• Tag us
• Facebook @orcv
• Instagram @orcv_racing

 Help us create great memories of this race for you.

Will you join the 10+ Westcoaster Club this race?

Will this race be your 10th Westcoaster?  Robin Hewitt's trophy awaits your name (if it's not already there). Please drops us a note with the races and dates.  Get in contact with Delma to let us know please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Berthing at Blairgowrie (after the Cock of the Bay) - December 26th

If you are on this listing and WILL NOT be coming to BYS, please contact Delma immediately 0419 388 018 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• If you have booked for dinner, the buffet will commence at 6 pm.
• Marina passes are in the boxes at the end of your marina finger.
• Pop up your battleflag for Hobart upon arrival too please and check your tracker is working. 
• Please ensure you drop them back into this box BEFORE departure.
• Departure is 10 am on the 27th.

• Breakfast on the 27th – The BYS canteen will have Egg and Bacon rolls and coffees etc from 7.30 am for you. 

• Wifi Password, showers etc and all you need can be found here 

• Contact Details BYS Tower – VHF71 Sailing Office – 5925 9620 Marina Office – 5925 9611 BYS Reception – 5925 9600 + 5

Please DO NOT berth in empty pens as they could be members of BYS and this causes all sorts of issues. For those rafting, please bring fenders and follow directions upon arrival, you may be directed to a different rafting location on the day.

BYS Marina Map can be found here 

Hobart Berthing 

Please come prepared with fenders for some rafting. We ask that you follow exactly the directions given with where you will be berthed. It’s a well-thought-through plan and we need to fit in a lot of boats. The DSS have barge boards to sit against docks and the floating marina but has asked that you bring plenty of fenders.

• When you arrive, please be patient.  Listen to Radio Frequency – channel VHF 09
• Follow directions and berth where directed please.
• Prepare your declarations, work out if you will keep your trackers, tidy up if you need to wait.
• We will meet each boat with your gear and would like to take photos of your crew.
• Put up your battleflags (and the additional Willie Smith one to be supplied upon arrival)
• Quarantine bags – please ensure you place any fresh fruit and vegetables into the bags and seal them and pass them back to your race team.
• Rubbish Bins – there are rubbish bins on the dock, please ensure you use them and remove your rubbish from the float docks / condock.
• Presentation – 4pm on December 31st in the Orchard by the Sea Race Village at Elizabeth Street. All competitors and supporters are welcome.  Wear your race gear + participation medals.
• Have your photos in for the competition by 3pm on 31st December (see above)
• Berthing Procedure below – is an indicative and is subject to change 

From the DSS Team - Procedure for Berthing

There is a slight change of plan to what we outline in the recent briefing (due to weather and protection of boats), we will be rafting 3 deep (onto floating pontoons) at Elizabeth Street Pier or Rafted 3 deep in Constitution Dock. Please bring plenty of fenders. The DSS will have barge boards ready for each location and have stressed that to fit everyone in, they need you to follow instructions upon arrival.  
The below images outline the thinking.

DSS Support Boats.

1. DSS 1 - Guide boat from finish to ESP or Con Dock

2. DSS 2 - Guide boat inside Con Dock (or outside as per arrival demand).

Radio Frequency – channel VHF 09

Fundamentals

• The M2H fleet this year is magnificent but delivers significant challenges in order to accommodate every boat safely. We will all be doing our absolute best to make your arrival as stress free as possible – your assistance will be welcomed.

• Mooring allocations will need to be dynamic and evolve based on arrival order. We will have that plan as we understand finishing orders.

• Final positioning is not negotiable and will not be subject to debate.

• If we do not follow our plan, we definitely will not fit everyone

Process

1. Finish Race
2. Take your time and pack up
3. After finishing DSS1 or the Dockmaster will call you on VHF 09 and confirm mooring area or we will try to meet you and avoid the need for radio comms.
4. DSS1 will find you and escort you to your designated area.
   
   
5. If on Elizabeth Pier South

• Positioning is critical – follow dockmasters direction
• Bring plenty of fenders
• Outside boat of a 3-boat raft will need to provide x2 spring lines to put to the outer moorings in order to control the raft up.

6. If on the Pilot Dock

• Positioning is critical – follow dockmasters direction
• Bring plenty of fenders
• Outside boat of a 3-boat raft will need to provide x1 line to control the raft up.

7. If in Con Dock

• there may be a slight delay while we get the bridge opened
• traverse the Con Dock entrance by keeping to the South side of the channel – the bridge no longer fully opens so look up!
• Once in Con Dock we will have DSS2 to show you where to go.
• Positioning is critical – follow dockmasters direction
• Con Dock mooring will be alongside rafts + several bow in/alongside a large boat.
• Barge Board will be provided for alongside boats

Note: This outline below is subject to change and if you are under 2.4m depth please be prepared for change for a change between Elizabeth / Condock / Pilot 

note - berth allocation is preliminary and subject to change. 

Draft - Plan of Elizabeth Street Pier

Draft - Condock - will be shared with the Launceston / S2H / Melbourne to Hobart

Fair winds and see you all in Hobart.