Archive for the ‘Hobart’ Category

World Party Hobart: 25 February 2012

World Party Hobart is a free, not-for-profit event designed to celebrate the diversity of the Tasmanian multicultural community.

World Party Hobart: celebrating the Tasmanian multicultural community (Photo by Roger Findlay)

Festivities will include a free concert and food fair held at Princes Wharf on Saturday 25 February 2012.  World Party Hobart starts at 2pm and everyone is welcome.

Of course!

For details of performers, see the World Party Hobart poster, provided
by Mary-Anne Evans from the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

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Map: World Party Hobart, Princes Wharf…

Sydney to Hobart: the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

by Laura Roper

I am the youngest ever Tasmanian female skipper to complete the Rolex Sydney to Hobart (in 5 days 3 minutes and 12 seconds and at 22 years of age!).  My name is Laura Roper and I am very happy to claim that title.

Laura Roper takes the helm of Natelle Two in the Sydney to Hobart

Sailing from Hobart

With a delivery crew of three sailors and a very keen aunty we left the Derwent Sailing Squadron in Sandy Bay Hobart on the 14th of December 2011 at 10am.  We waved goodbye and Merry Christmas to all those who had come to see us off.  Everyone that came had done something to help me achieve my dream;  from cooking, sponsorship (MountainView Meadery, The Metz Sandy Bay and Clarence Joint Therapy), aligning me with the A21 Campaign or just believing in me.  They were all there!  With one more lot of kisses, very tight hugs and the biggest smile that had ever crossed my face, we left Hobart.  And on time too!

Cruise Ships, Wildlife and Sunsets

We threw off the mooring lines and headed south down the river.  As I realised what I was about to be a part of, the excitement really set in.  We rounded Tasman Island later that afternoon and as we headed up towards the bottom of Maria Island we were overtaken by the cruise ship that had also left Hobart that day.  As Aunty Ruth contemplated jumping ship for happy hour we settled in for our first night.

A cruise ship departing Hobart overtakes the Natelle Two near Maria Island

The trip up the coast was beautiful but unfortunately not much wind, so the motor was going most of the way.  Between the four of us, we spotted various forms of wildlife:  birds, dolphins, whales and sharks.  We crossed Bass Strait with some lovely sunset views and without a hint of treacherous water in sight.

No treacherous waters in Bass Strait, just a gorgeous sunset vista!

Return to Eden

We pulled into Eden after crossing The Strait for a bit of R&R.  We stayed the afternoon and night and set out at 6am the next morning (Sunday).  As it turned out this was to be the longest day and night of my life!  The winds made 40 knots across the deck that night and I wasn’t really looking at the wave height.  I was too busy trying to keep myself awake and warm;  but I’m sure they were high.  In about 20 hours we had travelled about 50 nautical miles (in other words, not very far).  The next day, the same distance took us 6 hours.

Then the decision was made to head back to Eden.  We had broken the main traveller, lost a halyard and the main halyard had begun to break.  Luckily these were all easily fixed, and I was finally able to sleep for a few hours after being awake for 40.  The rest of the delivery trip was uneventful and we cruised quietly into Sydney on the evening of Wednesday the 19th of December.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge: the Natelle Two crew finally arrives for the start of the race

The Sydney Whirlwind

The following few days were a whirlwind of getting the boat up to scratch, talking to media, seeing friends, safety inspections and catching up on the week of news I had missed.  Then came Boxing Day.  My day started at 5:45am.   Up early to have the final shower I was to have for five days and get myself ready for the media.  That morning I had the 6:30am time slot on live ABC TV, then on to ABC Radio live, Sky Sports News and Fox Sports News.

The final skippers and navigators briefing was at 10am.  This was where we got our final look at the weather systems moving about the coast and what we were to expect in the coming days.  Starting with a NE and turning to a southerly up to 35 knots that evening.  The weather bureau predicted this to last a couple of days and for the wind to then swing back to the north east.  We were also to expect large swell due to the cyclone that was moving through northern Australia.  With a quick good luck wish to Jessica Watson it was back to the boat to get ready.

A21 Campaign

One of the A21 Campaign staff members came to meet me and thank me for my work in helping to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking for the sex trade.  We carried their logo on our main sail as well as the hull of the boat and on our shirts, in the hope of helping young women that are experiencing something that I can’t even begin to comprehend and still struggle to understand.

From the Harbour to The Heads

We set off from the yacht club and the nerves began to set in.  We left early to go out and have a crew meeting in peace and quiet.  This is when we allocated jobs in the case of an emergency, notified the crew of their watches and addressed any questions anyone had.  Soon enough it was 12:30.  The nerves increased along with the number of boats and number of helicopters.

We had done our sail past with our storm sails and informed the committee of how many crew we had.  It wasn’t long before the 10 minute gun went and I don’t really remember much from then until we got out of The Heads.  I know I was shaking for part of it, as I nearly tacked into another boat, which would have spelled a very short end to months of work and years of dreams.  We were the last boat to start but we had 628 nautical miles to catch up and luckily some boats crossed the line too soon, so they were required to turn back and go through the start line again.

The next thing I really remember was rounding the seaward mark outside The Heads and heading for home!  The helicopters continued to buzz overhead and the spectator craft had taken off with the super maxis, so luckily we didn’t have to deal with their white wash too much once outside The Heads.

Thunder, Lightning & Other Challenges

As we headed down the NSW coast we settled in for the first watch of the night.  The change came in sooner than predicted and I wish I had pictures for you of the spectacular cloud that rolled in with the southerly.  I was too busy and it was a bit wet to take photos!  Along with the southerly change came a thunderstorm which gave some spectacular lightning, although being in the middle of the ocean with a big metal pole (the mast) sticking up in the air isn’t the most comforting place to be in the middle of an electrical storm!!

The mast of Natelle Two, causing the youngest Tasmanian female skipper some concern!

For the next two nights not much sleep was had; we found every leak that Natelle Two had plus some.  My brother was severely sea sick and Dad realised he had missed a couple of our scheduled radio contacts.  We were supposed to call in at midnight and listen on a different channel at midday.  Well Dad got them mixed up and in the end the sailing committee whacked us with a 60 minute penalty, even after Dad’s explanation and apology.

Dream Bass Strait Crossing

We had another dream crossing of Bass Strait and I am yet to believe the stories I’ve heard.  As we hit the Tasmanian coast and day began to break, the winds were perfect.  We put up a spinnaker and ran all the way to the bottom of Maria Island doing up to 12 knots as we surfed down the waves.  It was during these days I char-grilled my feet…  I forgot to put sunscreen on them, and would come to regret that when returning to work.  We also learned that water had gotten into the motor, stopping it from starting.  With Dad and Ashley on the job, we all held our breath until it finally spluttered to life.  This was the only real issue we had during the whole race.

On Friday we had lamb roast as we ran down the coast and moved closer to home.  It wasn’t long before Tasman Island was in view once again, and we were only 40 nautical miles from finishing.  The next major land mark was the Iron Pot.  As we approached, we realised we would have a little competition on our way up the river in the form of the yacht Aurora.  After a tacking duel around The Pot, we separated a little and were able to concentrate on our own race.

Welcome landmarks as the crew of Natelle Two round the Iron Pot south of Hobart

The Welcome Sight of Home

It was at this point the spectator craft began to appear.  My other brother Cameron and his girlfriend came to meet us at The Pot to take some photos, along with some other boats that had come to take in the sights.  I even got to wave to Mum from a distance who was standing on the beach.  This was the first real sign of civilisation for nearly five days and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as home came into view.  We had a lovely run up the river until Opossum Bay where we ran out of wind for about an hour.  Luckily we had some friends come out to meet us for a chat, while we finished off Mum’s homemade pies.

A Happy Hero’s Welcome

As the sea breeze came in we put up the spinnaker and headed for the finish line!  Unfortunately Aurora got away from us in the lighter winds and beat us home.  But nothing could detract from doing 11 knots over the finish line under spinnaker.  As we packed up the boat we got instructions on where we would moor in Kings Pier and about doing a sail past next to the Taste Festival.  I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of coming into my home town with everyone stopping their lunch to stand up just to clap and cheer me and my crew coming home.  It was at this point I discovered my smile could get bigger.

Natelle Two arrives home to a huge welcome from the crowds at the Taste Festival

We then headed for our berth with a prime spot next to the main jetty that everyone walks along.  I then saw a sea of red shirts on the backs of everyone that I knew and had supported me through out the past 12 months.  The announcer came over the speaker to welcome us home just as we were tying up and at that point I knew I had finished.  For the first time in my life I was the one being welcomed, not doing the welcoming!  Writing of this moment still gets me excited, with a smile on my face almost as big as the original.  The hugs and kisses ensued and I got to see my family for the first time since I left.  It may have only been two weeks but it felt like forever!

Officially the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

The drinks began to flow and media began to descend, wanting to interview the youngest Tasmanian female skipper to finish the Sydney to Hobart.  Unfortunately they stuck around long enough to snap me being thrown in by my trusty crew.  It wasn’t long until the hype started to die down and I was able to focus on getting home for a shower!

Sydney to Hobart celebrations for the crew of Natelle Two at the finish

Laura Roper was treated to the customary dunking at the finish of the Sydney to Hobart

As the youngest Tasmanian female skipper ever, Laura had a lot of media attention

It was an experience and a half, and I cant wait to go again.  Now that I’m already the youngest Tasmanian female skipper, maybe just as crew next time.  But right now, I am going to enjoy the little things in life… showers, flushing toilets, deodorant and CLEAN undies!

Photo Credits

Laura Roper, Ruth Heather, Val Lamont, Aleisha Duggan, Amberly Ford

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The Moorilla?  That’s the term locals use to describe the WTA tennis tournament officially known as the Hobart International.  The writer was very lucky to be given a front-row view of the action from the Tennis Tasmania corporate box.  And of course I wanted to share the experience with you.

Shahar Peer in quarter final action at the Moorilla Hobart International 2012

The Moorilla: International Tennis in Hobart

In between a nice meal and a few drinks, and despite the exciting tennis, I managed to take way too many photos.  (Now there’s a shock!)  So I’ve selected some of the best ones and compiled a video for Think Tasmania’s YouTube Channel.

You don’t have to be invited by Tennis Tasmania to have a great time at the Moorilla.  In the new stadium, all the seats have a close-up view of the action.  We went to the Quarter Finals night session, but if you go earlier in the week, a ticket gives you access to the entire Queens Domain tennis centre.  You can choose between matches on all three tournament courts.  Refreshments are available for purchase, and there’s plenty of space to relax on the lawns between play.

What’s so Good About the Moorilla?

If you love tennis, or even just watching elite athletes at work, the Moorilla provides a fabulous opportunity.  Some of the highlights for me include…

• the standard of players: it’s not unusual for former
  top 10 players to come to Hobart on the comeback trail
• Aussie hopefuls: local favourites give the crowd
  something extra to cheer for
• future champions: the Moorilla has played host to
  stars that have gone on to conquer the tour
• close encounters: the relaxed atmosphere gives
  patrons a chance to mingle with their idols

The Moorilla Hobart International 2012: Tournament Facts

21-year-old German Mona Barthel defeated top seed Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium 6-1 6-2 in the final played on Saturday 14th January.  Mona had to win eight matches to take the title after playing through qualifying.  On her way to victory in the WTA tournament, she had to overcome second seed, Spanish player Anabel Medina Garrigues.  She also put the defending champion, Australian fifth seed, Jarmila Gajdosova out of contention.

The winner was dubbed “Mona Foma” Barthel following her win, which would have no doubt pleased the sponsors!

Umpires ready, ballkids ready, players ready... play! At the Moorilla

Monica Niculescu and Irina-Camelia Begu (both from Romania) claimed the doubles title in a third set super tie-break against Chia-Jung Chuang (China) and Marina Erakovic (Croatia).  This was the first WTA doubles title for Irina-Camelia Begu and she was understandably pleased with the result.  She and her coach even jokingly gave credit to some of the local kids who had joined her on the practice court and remained loyal supporters.

Irina-Camelia Begu hits up with some lucky Tennis Tasmania squad players

I cannot speak highly enough of the Moorilla Hobart International.  Anyone living in Tasmania with an interest in tennis should mark their calendar for next year.  Tickets are affordable, access is easy, the tennis is top-quality… why wouldn’t you go?

Visit the official website for more about the Moorilla Hobart International

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Map: The Moorilla Hobart International…

MONA FOMA

by Cassandra Wunsch

There’s a feeling on the mainland that Tasmanians might be a little funny, maybe slightly backward, even a touch superstitious.  Like the global myth about Aussies sucking down Fosters when we’re at home, it’s a myth we’re happy to let you run with.  But don’t think for one minute that Friday the 13th has the power to crimp our style!

A huge crowd gathers in Hobart for the MONA FOMA street party

MONA FOMA Street Party

MONA FOMA (Museum of Old and New Art – Festival of Music and Art) is an annual event in Hobart and we kick it off like only Hobart can.  An eclectic street party stocked to brimming with hippies, kids, old people, suited corporate types and flashy dressed young women!  Most festivals or gatherings draw to themselves a specific type, a subculture who share an intrinsic knowledge of what’s going on and how to behave… the street party isn’t like that.

Museum of Old and New Art, Festival of Music and Art in Hobart Tasmania

At 6pm the official business began, and the crowd was so diverse as to be indescribable.  Around the stage sat small family groups on picnic blankets, while behind them stood older patrons with small plastic cups of beer or wine (available from the vendors at the event).  The entertainment was just as varied!

When I arrived, a gentleman with a heavy German accent (the Dad Horse Experience) was singing a rather dirty little song about the sins he had committed, for which he would like forgiveness.  It was just a little too early, with everyone still a touch too dignified, for his sing-along to take off…

Lord Heal my Soul from Dad Horse Experience at the MONA FOMA street party

Make Some Noise!

Later, a gentleman playing what looked like a triangle of opaque plastic caused the elderly ladies to my left some distress.  The sound made by this thing was beyond compare, to the point where the only way I can convey it to you is with a short recording (included below).  That’s not a low quality recording either, that’s the sound we actually heard at the MONA FOMA Street Party.

There was some concern this MONA FOMA street party musician might hyperventilate!

eMDee: All the Way from NT

Without a doubt my favourite performance was from eMDee, who had travelled from the Northern Territory to rock out with an unusual combination of drums and didgeridoo!  Like the crowd, eMDee’s sound was a wild composition that somehow managed to work, no matter how much you might think it shouldn’t.  Within a few songs, an impromptu dance-floor had been cleared down the front and peopled with groovers from fifteen to fifty.

As the sun started to set, and children were bundled off for bedtime, the dance-floor slowly grew until eMDee had the entire place moving.  The front man did express some surprise at the turnout, saying he didn’t realise there were this many people in Hobart!

eMDee plays to the excited crowd at the MONA FOMA street party on Firday 13th

Brian Ritchie

In the words of event curator Brian Ritchie, “The world is catching on.  Research indicates that so-called mainlanders and other foreigners flock to Tasmania in increasing numbers to experience this thing.”  A sentiment proved by the presence of Tuba Skinny in the line up.  The band travelled all the way from New Orleans to perform to an enraptured MONA FOMA audience in Hobart.

Tuba Skinny, one of the artists secured by MONA FOMA curator Brian Ritchie

Jimmys Skate and Street Party

This kind of an event ripples out into the city, keeping everyone up past their usual bedtime.  Across the way on Elizabeth Street, Jimmys Skate and Street held a show for local artists capitalising on the foot traffic, and defectors from the lengthy lines for MONA FOMA entry after 8pm.

Jimmys Skate & Street have their own street party!

With the party kicking on until 11pm, and lines spiralling out from three separate entrances, it was inevitable that the revelry spilled out into the street.  Only here in Tasmania could police block off major sections of a capital city and not cause a fuss.  Good natured party goers were dancing on the pavement outside the event, clearly still enjoying themselves and feeling a sense of involvement.

A genuine street party in Hobart, as the MONA FOMA crowds take over the roads

More MONA FOMA

For anyone who missed the party, there’s plenty more to keep you busy over the next two weeks.  Some highlights include the Museum itself, which is open 10am to 6pm; a BalletLab to watch, and for the more adventurous, a naked tour of the gallery where the tour guide, and the tourists have to get their kit off before being allowed in (adults only).

Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia. She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

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The Taste Festival: Starring Mr Squid

by Cassandra Wunsch

The Taste Festival in Hobart draws huge crowds, keen to dine at the banquet of fresh fruit, seafood and decadent wines Tasmania has to offer.  This year there was a seven-day program of wine tasting events, and themed tours of the festival for visitors were back by popular demand.

The Taste Festival crowd inside the updated Princes Wharf Shed, Hobart

Media releases and television spots for the Taste always focus on the food, the wine and of course the prime location to watch the boats come in at the conclusion of the Sydney to Hobart, all of which draws tourists by the score.  Tasmania is already famous for Boag’s and Cascade; for Mures and abalone; and of course for wine.  The Taste also gives local performers the opportunity to strut their stuff on what is rapidly becoming a national stage.

Cascade Brewery, a major sponsor of the Taste Festival, in Hobart

Introducing Mr Squid, Sword Swallower Extraordinaire!

It is at this point in time I’d like to introduce you all to Mr Squid.  A Tasmanian by birth, he comes back every year for the Taste Festival, to dazzle and amaze, and of course to yell at his audience.

The sword swallower Mr Squid entertains the crowd at the Taste Festival

The unstoppable Mr Squid performs a number of eye-popping and stomach churning tricks, including fitting his entire body through a tennis racket, and swallowing a sword, much to the amusement of the kids.  For all the gasps and cries of dismay, not a single person managed to pry themselves away from the spectacle, and from Mr Squid’s cavalier disregard for his own body.

Crowds at the Taste Festival in Hobart appreciate the buskers every year

According to Mr Squid, he is one of only five sword swallowers in Australia at this time, out of 52 registered practitioners in the world.  It says something about Australia that such a high percentage of the world’s sword swallowers are here, doesn’t it?

He wasn’t alone at the Taste though.  Over the course of the day the crowd was treated to a pair of unicycle riders on bikes some 15 feet high!  A pair of ‘bouncy brothers’ in the entryway performed tricks for startled new arrivals that involved a lot of air time.

Roving performers, the Bouncy Brothers, greet arrivals at the Taste Festival

The Taste: Something for Everyone!

Thanks to all these performers and practitioners of ancient arts, the Taste was not only a bright and vibrant experience, it was also blissfully calm, with culture and food for mum and dad, and massive unicycles and men swallowing swords for the kids!

It was requested by the performers that at the conclusion of this article I mention that they are all buskers, who live on the enjoyment of the crowd and its expression in terms of remuneration.  In the words of Mr Squid, “these are hard times, but if you’re wearing $500 shoes, you can probably spare me a fiver!”

The Taste Festival runs every year in Hobart during the new year week and has been steadily increasing in size.  In an economic environment as volatile and uncertain as this one, many Australians are choosing to spend their holidays at home, discovering some of the amazing things we have to offer.  The Taste Festival in Hobart is rapidly rising in profile as more and more people discover Hobart’s unique flavour!

Patrons continue to flock to Princes Wharf for the Taste Festival in Hobart

Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia. She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

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Map: Taste Festival, Hobart Tasmania…

King of the Derwent now?  You probably thought the only article we would publish about sailing would be the annual Sydney to Hobart recount.  That would normally be true; we are certainly no sailing experts here at Think Tasmania.  But when you see Wild Oats XI powering down the Derwent River, you take notice.  And some of us also take photos… and video, even!!

King of the Derwent: Sailing in Hobart

Each year on January 2nd, while patrons are still enjoying the Taste Festival at Princes Wharf, the Derwent Sailing Squadron conduct the King of the Derwent, an iconic event on the Tasmanian sporting calendar.  The aim is to attract some of the yachts arriving in Hobart from the races started in Launceston, Melbourne and of course, Sydney.

Wild Oats XI puts on an impressive display in the King of the Derwent

The King of the Derwent has been staged since 1978, but everyone in the local sailing fraternity was excited to have Wild Oats XI enter in 2012.  Having won line honours in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race five times, the current race record holder is a legend of Australian yachting.

Skipper: Wild Oats XI

Mark Richards, the boat’s ocean-racing skipper, was still in Hobart following the Rolex Sydney Hobart event, but it was Bob Oatley in charge this time.  The 83-year-old owner was at the helm for the 14 nautical miles of the King of the Derwent.  Another 50 yachts entered the race, with many more spectator craft accompanying the super maxi as it surged around the course.  The crowd on the headland also enjoyed the display.

Sailing in Hobart on the 2nd of January: Wild Oats XI in the King of the Derwent

And as you might expect, against boats less than half her size, Wild Oats XI dominated the race.  The professional crew completed the course in just 1 hour and 9 minutes.  And while it was definitely an awesome display to watch, the super-maxi actually finished last on corrected time!!

Investec Loyal, another 100-footer, took line honours in both the King of the Derwent and the Sydney to Hobart in 2011.  Maybe Bob Oatley and Mark Richards are looking to replicate that double in 2012.

For more information about the King of the Derwent
visit the Derwent Sailing Squadron website.

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Map: King of the Derwent, Hobart Tasmania…

Super maxi Investec Loyal has taken line honours in the 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.  But not without a fight.  Firstly, they had to hold off a strong challenge from pre-race favourite Wild Oats XI.  And then their victory dance was put on hold due to a protest by the Sydney to Hobart race committee.

Investec Loyal is inspected by crowds after the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race

Investec Loyal v Wild Oats XI

Having taken Sydney to Hobart line honours on five previous occasions, Wild Oats XI was the boat to beat this year.  And that’s exactly what Investec Loyal managed to do, by the smallest of margins.  After a see-sawing duel down the east coast of southern Australia, across Bass Strait and continuing down the east coast of Tasmania, the winning margin was just three minutes.  And eight seconds, to be precise.

Investec Loyal inches in front of Wild Oats XI in the Derwent River, Hobart

It’s hard to imagine a race sailed over 600 nautical miles could still be up for grabs at the end.  But the crowds lining the Hobart waterfront and elsewhere along the Derwent River, were treated to a thrilling conclusion.  There was a hive of activity on the river and in the air, as boats, helicopters and the local sea plane escorted both super maxi yachts to the finish line.

Supporters surround Investec Loyal as she approaches the Hobart finish line

Rolex Sydney Hobart Protest

The support team of Investec Loyal, waiting on tenterhooks in Hobart for the arrival of the crew, would probably have liked the margin to be a bit larger.  And just when they thought they’d won; when the champagne corks were popped; news of a protest started to filter through.

Investec Loyal had a large contingent of supporters in Hobart

Apparently on day two, Investec Loyal tactician Michael Coxon asked an ABC helicopter crew to confirm which sails were being used by Wild Oats XI.  Receiving outside assistance while the race is underway is against the rules and can be cause for disqualification.

But after a marathon, three-hour hearing before an international jury it was all deemed legal.  It turns out that Michel Coxon (as his day job) makes sails, and that his racing competitor was using his custom designed mainsail.  The jury believed his argument that his query was purely related to professional business, and not an attempt to cheat.

Rolex Sydney Hobart flags, including the line honours flag awarded to Investec Loyal

Celebrity Crew: Loyal Foundation

Anthony Bell, skipper of Investec Loyal, was finally free to celebrate with the rest of his crew.  That crew, besides 16 professionals, included a celebrity contingent…  Karl Stefanovic, Kurt Fearnley, Anthony Minichiello, Phil Kearns and Phil Waugh.  The reason for inviting novice sailors on such a demanding challenge?  To raise the profile of the Loyal Foundation, which aims to give a million dollars each year to charity.  Got to admire that, even if you’re not interested in the multi-million dollar boats.

Anthony Bell's super maxi yacht, raising money for the Loyal Foundation