2009 - the 21st race

In this edition

Competitor News
Lady Nelson sailing the Tamar
Travelling to Flinders Island
20 Year Race History
Post Race Brag
Presentation Dinner
Follow race yachts to Tamar Heads
Important Dates
Race Sponsors
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With little more than a week before the Good Friday start of the race, final preparations are being made by competitors and officials alike. Again the dedicated team of volunteers will endeavour to bring you up-to-the-minute news using the website blog and photo gallery. The Examiner Newspaper will publish a special supplement about the race

The Governor of Tasmania, His Excellency the Honourable Mr Peter Underwood has kindly agreed to fire the old cannon from HMS Edinborough to send the fleet for the 21st race on its way to Flinders Island. His Excellency will also present the major trophies at the Presentation Dinner.

It is unlikely there will be a Speaks issue during the race as we will be relying on the website for all race news.

Competitor News

Details of the thirteen teams that have nominated for this year's race. can be viewed on the website. Amongst the 13 teams are four catamarans including one from Queensland and one from Victoria. Amongst the 79 competitors three mainland states are represented as well as New Zealand.

It is difficult to predict outcomes for the race but there is bound to be fierce competition in the Main and Fully Crewed Divisions. In the past some have thought that the multihull yachts are favoured by the conditions and while that might be true sometimes there are always chances for a team that is not a predicted winner to create an upset I will leave the predictions to you!

New South Wales sailor Jim Nixon with the Pisces team is looking to share travel from Launceston Airport or from Launceston City on the evening of Thursday, 9th April. He arrives on the Jetstar flight JS747 which arrives at 7.10 pm and is looking for other competitors to share a taxi to Beauty Point ($100). Maybe someone can do better than a taxi? Jim can be contacted on 0403 836 221.

A team member from Sullivans Cove Whisky arrives at Launceston on an earlier flight at 5.30 pm. If you can assist, contact Dianne Barkas on 0427 008 175.

While checking the Mt Wellington track, your intrepid race chairman while he didn't have time to stop, wonders how many runners use this particular luxurious facility on the Pinnacle Track? There is no doubt every effort is made available for the comfort of our competitors!

Lady Nelson open to Tamar Cruising

Tasmania's tall ship, the Lady Nelson will again follow the Three Peaks Race fleet to Hobart leaving the Tamar on Good Friday afternoon. The vessel will be conducting cruises on the Tamar commencing the weekend before Easter and on Good Friday adding to the spectacle of the festivities and displays of the race start day.

On route to Hobart the Lady Nelson will stop at Coles Bay, weather permitting, as it did successfully some years ago much to the appreciation of Coles Bay residents and visitors.

Public sails commence on April 4 (Sat) and conclude on April 8 (Wed). Trips on Good Friday and the return trip to Hobart are not available.

Bookings will be taken at the Hobart office. Telephone: (03) 6234 3348.

Travelling to Flinders Island

In the last issue we mentioned that an aeroplane seat was available on a charter flight organised by Team Whistler. As a reminder for anyone interested in this opportunity to have a quick visit to Flinders Island contact Debra on 0429 386 074 or (03) 62254321.

The flight departs Hobart at 10.30am Friday 10th April, stopping at Launceston to pick up a passenger. The flight returns departing Whitemark on Sunday 12th at 10.00am going to both Launceston & Hobart. The cost is $235 for one way, $470 both ways.

Australian Three Peaks Race
The First 20 years.

A collectors book in colour and black and white ideal for past competitors, volunteers and followers of the race providing the reader with a year by year history and photographs. 102 pages. Copies can be ordered on the website.

Price: AUD $20.00
(Plus Postage and Packaging $7.50 in Australia). For multiple copies Postage and Packaging is $7.50 a copy in Tasmania and $11.00 per copy to mainland Australia.

Post Race Brag

Tradition has it that there is an informal social gathering at the conclusion of the race where competitors can recount the many and varied stories of the event. Catch Restaurant will this year be the venue for this function. Located at 11 Morrison Street Hobart, just a few minutes walk from Hobart Race Control at Constitution Dock, Catch Restaurant, formally Rockerfellers, serves Modern Australian with a mix of seafood, meats and vegetarian dishes.

You are invited to come along and join us from 6.00 pm, Tuesday 14th April for an hour or two to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and hear the sailors and runners stories. $25 per head includes first drink and finger food. Of course stay on at Catch if you want to have a full meal.

BOOK YOUR TAMAR RIVER CRUISES THREE PEAKS CRUISE

GOOD FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2009

The Cruise

9.30am Depart Home Point for Beauty Point. On route, morning tea and a light lunch will be served. On arrival, guests will disembark to join the festivities on the Beauty Point Wharf.

1.20pm Guests board the Tamar Odyssey and we cruise to the race start area to watch the start and then follow the race almost to the heads.

5.30pm Arrive back at Home Point.

Early Bookings are Essential and payment is required up front.

Fares: Adult $109.00
Concession: $99.00
Child: $70.00

Bookings Phone: (03) 6334 9900 between 7am and 10pm

www.tamarrivercruises.com.au