New Years Eve was another fantastic spectacle on Sydney Harbour with the forecast rain holding off so boaters and those on shore could enjoy the amazing fireworks display to ring in the new year. While NYE is probably the biggest public celebration, this time of year brings plenty of reasons to celebrate, especially for boaters. The Sydney Hobart Yacht Race comes to its thrilling conclusion before the New Year’s Eve festivities go off around the country and attention then turns to the next big event, Australia Day on 26 January.
Many boat owners look forward to maximising the opportunity to enjoy special events from the water and many may be inspired to upgrade to a bigger boat or to finally make the move to buy their first boat. We provide some further buying inspiration with a report on the outcome of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, what boaters can look forward to on Australia Day and how keen buyers can access affordable marine finance for that boat purchase.
Congratulations Andoo Comanche and Celestial
It was an exciting start to the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with a number of near misses between the maxis as the jostled to be first out the heads of Sydney Harbour. Both Andoo Comanche and Hamilton Island Wild Oats did penalty turns just in case they had infringed. Actions which gave Law Connect an advantage in the early stages.
But it was Andoo Comanche which took the lead as the fleet headed down the NSW coast. A lead that was maintained until the maxi crossed the finishing line in Hobart in the early hours of the morning of 28 December. Not beating the record time, but posting an impressive 11 hrs 56 mins and 48 secs race time.
The supermaxi skipper and crew featured a father and son team from a well-known and highly-respected family in sailing circles. John ‘Herman’ Winning Jnr was the skipper but shared the helm with father John ‘Woody’ Winning. Both experienced and accomplished sailors in a number of classes especially the 18 foot skiffs at the 18 Footers at Double Bay. Despite their own accomplishments and those of their illustrious crew, the Hobart win was emotional and exciting.
Second in the race for line honours was LawConnect, followed by Black Jack and then Hamilton Island Wild Oats. The competition for overall winner is fiercely contested and for 2022 that honour went to Celestial, following on the boat’s second place last year.
There are a number of divisions in the race and one of great interest was the two-handed yachts. The IRC division for the two-handed category was won by Mistral while Ocean Crusaders J-Bird was the first two-handed yacht over the line. Skipper of Ocean Crusaders, Annika Thompson also won the first female skipper trophy. Maluka took out the trophy for a yacht under 9.5 metres, firs yacht over the line.
Congratulations to all skippers and crews and good luck for the 2023 yacht racing season.
Australia Day on the Water
Yarra River, Brisbane River, Swan River, Torrens River, Sydney Harbour and on many other waterways throughout Australia, there will be plenty of festivities for boat owners to enjoy on 26 January 2023. Activities and events are scheduled around the country and to find events near you, check with the official Australia Day website.
Coastal cities and towns typically have many festivities on the agenda and boaters planning to enjoy on the water need to know the rules for the day. Where activities are based on or close to waterways, there can be changed boating rules for those days or for special hours.
Before heading out, check with local marine authorities or the state government website to see what special regulations are in place for the area you intend to launch from, cruise through or moor. There may be speed limits and exclusion zones in place that are different from normal operations. Some wharves and jetties may be closed for some time periods which may restrict picking up your guests.
Australia Day and most public holidays can be extremely busy on the water. That means extra busy boat ramps for those with trailer boats. Be early, be patient and be polite!
Most importantly, ensure your boat is fully equipped with safety gear and ensure you have sufficient fuel. There have been numerous boating incidents over the holiday period and authorities are pleading with boat owners to take care.
Maximise the Celebrations – Buy a Boat!
For those inspired by the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Jade Boat Loans can assist yacht buyers with cheaper boat finance for both recreational and racing yachts. For those inspired by the scenes of boat owners enjoying festivities from the water, we of course provide finance for all types of power boats as well.
Our Secured Boat Loan is a versatile finance product which suits most new boats and most buyers. The interest rate is of course critical to the cost of the finance and sourcing the cheapest interest rates for boat loans can be key to affording the dream boat. Whether it’s a tinnie, a family runabout, a racing yacht or a luxury cruiser. Rates and loan conditions can differ between new and used boat finance.
Marine finance interest rates can vary across the lending market and our consultants source the cheapest rates to suit our individual customer’s requirements. Buyers that would like to be well-prepared before talking boat pricing with dealers can speak with us first for a pre-approved boat loan.
Whether you’re planning to take on the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, take a few mate fishing or the family for a day on the water, a cheaper boat loan through Jade Boat Loans may make all a reality.
For marine finance for all types of boats, contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
