On The Water – Pacific Boating

2020 Boating Events Guide

Frankie Biondi — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 03:26:28 +0000

Another year has just begun and with it brings so many opportunities to get out there and explore what’s on in the wonderful world of boating. From racing to Edwardian Steam Yachts this year is jam packed with exciting events from start to finish.

If you’re looking to branch out in 2020, check out this list which is just a taste of the key events around Sydney and beyond!

Sydney SailGP – 28th February & 29th February 2020

Shark Island, Sydney

Who said cars get to have all the fun?

It was only a matter of time that the world caught on to the fact that boats are much more entertaining than supercars. Back for their second year, Sail GP promises good vibes, entertainment and some good old fashion rivalry as teams from France, Great Britain, Japan, Denmark and the US will go toe to toe with us Aussies in a series of short races.

Enjoy the day on the iconic Shark Island or from one of spectator boats with the drinks flowing and the Harbour glistening all around. If you have ever been to the Formula One, you can expect the same adrenaline filled party atmosphere with delicious food and cocktails on offer.

If you’re anything like us and we had you at Sail GP, head to https://sailgp.com/ as tickets are selling fast!

Pittwater Sail Expo – Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2020

Sydney

Back for its 9th year, The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club hosts their free event in March allowing the public to rub shoulders with the industry’s elite. Never ones to shy away from a weekend in stunning Pittwater, the Sail Expo showcases products and services for both pros and new sailors starting out.

This event caters to those looking to purchase or update their own vessels with exhibitors including insurance, boats for purchase, Trimming and Upholstery and Electronics Systems but its also a great way to spend the weekend and stay on top of the latest trends and technologies.

The laidback vibe promises a sizzling BBQ and live entertainment to keep the whole family happy with complimentary wine tastings thanks to Under the Covers Wines.

For more information on the Sail Expo head to https://www.pittwatersailexpo.com.au/

Classic & Wooden Boat Festival – 1st – 3rd May 2020

Sydney

Steam Yacht ENA, 2016

Take at trip through the boating ages at the Classic & Wooden Boat Festival. As the name suggests, this one of a kind event celebrates the heritage and craftsmanship in the creation of classics vessels throughout history.

From classic yachts to tall ships, racing sculls and stylish power craft on exhibit this event attracts a huge crowd each year. Enjoy over 150 classic vessels on offer including the SY Ena – one of less than 5 steam yachts from Edwardian times still operating.

This event is not just for your grandad to take a trip down memory lane but for all boat lovers and families too. Food, market and trade stalls are all on site with family activities to keep the little ones occupied while you enjoy the festival.

For more information head to https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/cwbf

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th May 2020

Sanctuary Cove, QLD

The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show is one of our favourite events in the yearly calendar. Located on the sunny Gold Coast at the Marine Village Sanctuary Cove, it promises thrills, innovations and just a damn good time.

Attracting over 45,000 people who come to see 300+ exhibitors, it’s a long weekend that every boat enthusiast should experience. While 4 days seems like a lot, it’s always a struggle to see and do everything on offer.

From Tow Boggans and Flite Boards to cutting edge fishing technology and superyachts, Sanctuary Cove is the boating equivalent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Everything that is slightly marine related can be found here and is a must see for all!

For more information on the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show head to https://sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/

Melbourne Boat Show – 11th – 14th June 2020

Melbourne

Who doesn’t love a weekend away?

The RACV Melbourne Boat Show is celebrating 60 years in 2020 and is sure to deliver the best of what Australia has to offer in not only boating but anything that can be enjoyed on the water.

Their message is simple – life is better with a boat (don’t we know it) and hosts an extensive variety of exhibitors from Victoria and beyond. Last year’s line up included Whittley Marina, DockPro, BL Marine and many more.

If you’re looking to explore the national boating scene and keep up to date with a broader reach, Melbourne is a great place to start. Be sure to back your windbreaker as it can get chilly this time of year.

For more information on the RACV Marine Melbourne Boat Show head to https://www.melbourneinternationalboatshow.com.au/

Sydney International Boat Show – 30th July – 3rd August 2020

Sydney

Call us biased but you can’t beat being on home turf.

We are so lucky to have been a part of this one of a kind event for the last 16 years, displaying multiple vessels alongside the best of what Australia has to offer.

The Sydney International Boat Show held at the iconic Cockle Bay Wharf is one of the most respected events in the boating calendar and is an opportunity to discover new trends, technologies and products that are leading the way in industry.

No matter what level you are at in boating there are exhibitors for you whether it’s a boat share opportunity or a luxury yacht for sale, this all-inclusive event is about the celebration of boating and everyone who resides within it.

will look forward to seeing you, our team will be there all weekend!

For more information on the SIBS head to https://www.sydneyboatshow.com.au/

We hope you’re as excited as we are for 2020 and all the fabulous events still to come!

The post 2020 Boating Events Guide appeared first on Pacific Boating.

Setting Sail for Hobart 2019

Frankie Biondi — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 08:00:59 +0000

Stephen Hosking, General Manager of The Quays Marina at Church Point, reports on his epic Sydney to Hobart Adventure

December 26, 2019

6.05am

It’s a mix of nerves and pure excitement when my feet hit the ground on Boxing Day. For the third year in a row my ritual remains the same. With my tummy still full of yesterday’s Christmas celebrations, I pour myself a much-needed cup of tea and enjoy the steady ground that is under feet for a just little longer.

Thermals – Check!

Headtorch – Check!

Toothbrush – Check!

Shower time.

8.00am

I hop out of the uber and the calmness of my kitchen is replaced with the budding excitement that fills the CYCA Yacht Club. For many, Boxing Day consists of leftovers, hangovers and maybe some retail therapy – for me and my crew, it’s go-time.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race or the Everest of Sailing as it’s known is the longest and most gruelling ocean race in the world and so naturally, I had to be a part of it. This year was the 75th running and the third largest assembly since its inception in 1945. Stretching across 628 nautical miles, the race is not without its fair share of tragedy. In 1998, it claimed the lives of 6 participates and 5 vessels with some of the most dangerous racing conditions in history.

8.10am

While it may seem to spectators like we just show up and give the boat a quick once over and off we go, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With 1998 still firmly in everyone’s minds, safety is our only priority as we approach the starting line.

To prequalify for the Sydney Hobart, both the boat and the crew must have successfully completed various offshore races exceeding 24 hours at sea (as well as in my opinion be at least partially insane). This year we were one of 157 boats heading out into the Tasman Sea for 3+ days of chaos.

As we board our Sydney 47’ called the appropriately titled ‘Wot’s Next?’, me and 12 crew members get to work checking and double checking EVERYTHING ready for the audit carried out by the race committee. No one wants to be disqualified for some out of date saline solution at the bottom of the medical kit.

11:00am

Did someone day beer?

With checks out of the way we take a moment to enjoy one last cold one with the whole extended sailing family.

12.50pm

T-minus 10 minutes.

The energy and anticipation spill out from all the boats and is carried out through the spectators and helicopters above. The 157 participating boats are split into 4 start lines. First up we have the Maxi yachts, followed by the medium size vessels (our starting line!) and then the smaller boats and finally the cruising boats in the final line.

It’s a melting pot of emotions in the final minutes before we set sail.

Nerves are tingling, heartrate is up, heighten awareness, boats everywhere, you have to yell to be heard, dry mouth and emotions running wild… it’s just bloody awesome.

1:00pm

We are off.

You can imagine the pandemonium as we all frantically try to get out of the Sydney Heads, leaving behind the spectators and the security of the Marina. I would be lying if I said that it was all excitement and no nerves. The reality is that this voyage is dangerous, and anything can happen out there.

Hour one is about settling into our routine. We were so lucky that this year brought fine weather and no rain which takes some of the stress off (but not all). You never know what lies ahead and for the next 3 days had to be on – even if we were off.

5:00pm

As the sun goes down and the thermals come out, the 2 x 2 x 2 rotation is in full swing. If you’re looking for a full night sleep or a shower before bed, then maybe the Sydney Hobart isn’t for you… For the next 3 days we follow 2 hours ‘on’, 2 hours ‘off’ and 2 hours ‘standby’ system. This can be broken at any time if we require all hands-on deck.

‘On’ means you are currently responsible to sailing the boat. We have to be on high alert and keep the vessel on course of the duration of your shift. ‘Off’ is sleep time (yay!), but we don’t get too comfortable as its only for two hours. After our ‘off’ shift we are on ‘standby’ meaning that we are present on deck, ready to assist at any moment. We also become the on-board butler service making sure the guys that are on stay hydrated and sustained throughout the shift. My coffee making skills are coming along nicely!

12:00am

At this point all concept of time has gone completely overboard. We follow our shifts and distance to destination over the clock. When the sun comes up, brekkie is served and when the sun goes down, we start dinner. Other than that time doesn’t hold much importance.

As of this moment the race record is 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. While we weren’t likely to smash that record, the favorable weather conditions meant that we were making good time. The year prior we saw in excess of 50 knots of wind and substantial seas (not hat wearing weather) but thankfully this year we didn’t see it rise above 30 knots.

Day 2 & 3

Eat.

Sleep.

Sail.

Repeat.

That’s how the saying goes right?

29th December 2019

3:00pm

With just under 50 miles before we cross the finish line, once again it’s all hands-on deck. Exhaustion mixed with excitement creates a euphoric adrenaline that fills the boat but it’s not over yet!

After spending over 3 days out at sea with little more than the clothes on our back, we brace ourselves for the spectacle that awaits at Hobart. As we inch closer and closer, the exhaustion fades completely as the finish line is now in site.

It’s not ever yet!

800m.

700m.

500m.

200m.

Stop the clock.

4:47:32pm

‘Wot’s Next’ crosses the finish line placing 5th in division 2 and 53rd overall beating our previous time by 11 hours.

I wish I had more to tell you about this moment, but the truth is its mainly a blur. One thing I can say is that it doesn’t matter if it’s your first finish or your 10th, this moment is what makes it all worth it. The overwhelming sense of pride in the crew something that cannot be replicated.

Hobart – 6:00pm

The celebration kicks off at the one and only Customs House Hotel. You better believe the beers are flowing and don’t stop until the wee hours of the morning. As much as I love being on the water, it felt so good to have my feet firmly planted on dry land.

As we swap war stories with the other crews, reality starts to set in that another race has come to an end. Not to worry though as preparations for next year’s event start as soon as we return to Sydney.

No rest for the wicked!

Sometime in the early hours of the evening…

As a man in his 50’s, I have had many wonderful experiences in my life but let me tell you there is no greater moment than when your head hits the clean hotel pillow after spending the last 4 days on a boat with 11 other men. Except maybe the hot shower you take before your head hits said pillow.

Clean and asleep at last, the smile didn’t leave my face the whole night.

To cross the finish line in a Sydney Hobart race is something that I had dreamt about as a little boy. Every year I’d watch the start on TV or be on the Harbour watching the boats head out to sea. All the while, knowing deep down, that I’d somehow make myself good enough to get on a boat one day and make it all the way to Hobart.

The day I actually did it in 2018 at a ripe old age of 53 year, my eyes filled with pride, goose bumps covered my entire body and my emotions let go.

My dream had finally come true.

I’d conquered my Everest.

The post Setting Sail for Hobart 2019 appeared first on Pacific Boating.

30 Adventures in 30 Days – Part 2

Robyn Pitt — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 01:58:03 +0000

And we’re back with part 2 of our 30 adventures in 30 days with more exciting outings around Sydney for you and your crew! With so many amazing sites scattered around we must admit we are having a bit of trouble narrowing it down to just 30. As we continue to work our way around the city both on and off the boat, our list continues to grow. From sun baking to sunsets we’ve covered them all so you can make the most of your free time without having to jump onto the old Google for inspiration. Here’s the next 10 adventures that will get you out of the house and enjoying Sydney’s breath-taking seaside spots!

Beers & BBQ at Athol Bay

Tucked away around the bay from Bradley’s Head is a little piece of paradise called Athol Bay. Comprising of two intimate beaches each around 100m in length. While it’s safe to say that just about anywhere around the coast makes for the perfect BBQ spot, Athol Bay is offering the best of both worlds in terms of picture-perfect backdrops where the city and your natural surrounds come together.

Athol-Bay-reference-flickr.com_.jpg

**This destination is within the PB access area. Photo credit Flickr.com

Quarantine Station Refuge Bay

For many of us, understanding the fascinating historical past of Sydney doesn’t go much further than what we learnt in primary school. Now you could get up to speed with one of the many walking tours on offer where you and a few busloads of tourists learn a little something or you can take your boat up the northern beaches to Quarantine Station and actually enjoy your day. Go for a walk around the heritage listed site or take a ghost tour if you dare! We won’t give too much away before you go but the name quite literally spells out its troubled past.

**This destination is within the PB access area.

Wakeboarding at Broken Bay

The best places can only be accessed by boat and Broken Bay is no exception. Just an easy 60-minute cruise from metro Sydney, Broken Bay’s semi-mature-tides make it the perfect adventure for water sports. With 650 hectares of undisturbed natural surroundings, the bay is your oyster. Bring your equipment with you or hire it when you get out there with all amenities available on site. The Hawksbury is one of our favourite destinations for all things sport with more than enough room for everyone to coexist without being on top of each other. The Broken Bay Sport & Recreation Centre has everything you will ever need plus loads on land activities that will keep the family entertained all day long.

**This destination is not within the PB access area.

Long Lunch at Church Point

It’s no secret how much we love Church Point. Not only is it one of our PB hubs, but its small coastal town feel is what keeps us going through the work week. There are so many amazing spots that showcase fresh, local produce that will satisfy anyone’s taste buds. For us it’s all about the seafood (surprise, surprise) and there is no shortage up the Northern Beaches. We can’t tell you how many times lunch has turned into sunset drinks when dining at Church Point. With the champagne following and the crystal-clear waters glittering there is no better place to relax.

Long-Lunch-at-Church-Point-reference-trip-advisor.jpg

For a list of our favourite dining spots in Church Point head to https://www.pacificboating.com.au/waterside-dining-churchpoint/

**This destination is within the PB access area. Photo credit Trip Advisor

Fishing at Bantry Bay

While there are so many exciting activities you can enjoy on the water, we challenge you to take it back to basics. Fishing is one of our favourite family friendly activities that will not only keep the kids occupied but can be enjoyed with a stubbie in hand or a glass of bubbly. Other than remembering to pack a line, there is very little effort required in catching a delicious feast (or at least have fun trying) for your guests while enjoying the scenic perfection that is Bantry Bay.

**This destination is within the PB access area.

Sunset at Queens Avenue

Nothing brings us back down to earth like watching the sun go down on this amazing city. While there is no shortage of spots you can enjoy this daily event, there are some places that far surpass the rest and Queens Avenue Vaucluse is one of them. With 280-degree views of the city and Harbour Bridge you can sit back, relax and watch the buildings become silhouettes all from the comfort of your vessel. If you’re over the standard dinner and a drink, leave the little ones at home and enjoy dusk on the Harbour for the ultimate date night spot.

Sunset-at-Queens-Ave-reference-trover.com_.jpg

**This destination is within the PB access area.

Exploring Cockatoo Island

It’s funny how many Sydneysiders who have lived here their whole lives haven’t been over to Cockatoo Island. Located smack bang in the middle of Sydney Harbour, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the complicated and layered past of this multi-purpose island. It’s definitely worth spending the day out there and making the most of all the fascinating and educational activities on offer like steam crane demos or a tour around the convict precinct.

Cockatoo-Island-reference-agoda.com_.jpeg

**This destination is within the PB access area but no moorings or berths available .

Relaxing at Chinamans Beach

When people think of Mosman, they go straight for Balmoral where in school holidays it’s about a hard to find a spared patch of sand as it is to find a park. Don’t get us wrong Balmoral’s calm waters and fabulous dining spots are fabulous but when you’re looking for a day of uninterrupted sun and relaxation, Chinamans Beach is our lower North Shore go to. Anchor at Shell Cave and dive into the sparkling waters while you admire the serious real estate that fills the slopes above. Trust us you want to look up!

**This destination is within the PB access area.

Overnight at Bar Point

With so much water to cover when exploring the Hawkesbury, it only seems right to make a weekend of it. Just 53km from Sydney it’s an easy cruise for an overnight that guarantees privacy. With just 362 residents in the area, Bar Point is the perfect spot to get away from it all and recharge. Make sure you pack the essentials though as amenities are not as accessible as other spots on the Hawkesbury. For us there is nothing better than undisturbed cruising and Bar Point allows for just that.

Overnight-at-bar-point-reference-realestate.com_.au_.jpeg

**This destination is not within the PB access area.

Kayaking at the Narrabeen

The Northern Beaches is a mecca for water activities and Narrabeen is a crowd favourite. There is no shortage of companies offering a range of activities around the Lake so don’t worry about equipment. If you haven’t tried kayaking, we strongly encourage you to get out there and give it a go. Not only is it super fun, but you have so much flexibility in where you can explore. Leave no waters unseen we always say!

**This destination is not within the PB access area.

The post 30 Adventures in 30 Days – Part 2 appeared first on Pacific Boating.

Home Away from Home

Frankie Biondi — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 01:53:37 +0000

If you’re like me and have never journeyed up to Church Point, let me tell you that you’re missing out. I get it, we are spoilt for choice here in Sydney with crystal clear waters in pretty much every direction and Sydney Harbour is often the obvious choice.

When I was invited to go out and spend the afternoon at Pacific Boating’s very own Quays Marina, I knew that the backdrop would not disappoint, it’s the northern beaches after all. What I wasn’t expecting was a vibrant maritime hub tucked away in a sleepy seaside suburb.

With the café buzzing and the marina at 100% capacity, it’s hard to imagine Quays as its original 1940’s structure built by stolen fence palings from around the area. While the laidback vibe of the Northern Beaches is ever present, the Quays Marina has its own energy cultivated by both its loyal customers and passionate team lead by the one and only Stephen Hosking, who was my tour guide for the afternoon.

Since joining the Quays family 2012, Stephen has been working alongside owner Richard White to create a space that feels like home. As he puts it ‘running a marina is like baking a sophisticated cake, you have to have all the ingredients right or it won’t rise’. For Stephen this translates to the perfect balance of refined amenities, keen attitude and an all-inclusive offering.

If I’m being totally honest, I wasn’t expecting much in terms of the café. They are boat people right, what do they know about coffee? Turns out a lot. The newly refurbished café operates independently from the marina itself meaning that the chef is a chef and the barista is a barista. While still very much a part of The Quays team, allowing experienced hospitality staff to take control means that you can enjoy fresh, tasty snacks while overlooking the marina in all its glory. The open plan layout and floor to ceiling windows make for the perfect spot to enjoy Sunday brekkie (if you can find a table). I hear chef Jono’s omelette is the stuff dreams are made of!

As we made our way down the docks on a classic 40+ degree Sydney day, I began to understand that The Quays is so much more than a place for people to moor their boats. Sure, this is the foundation of the marina, but the site also houses what Stephen calls a one stop shop for their members, a ‘marine theme park’ as he says. The service list reflects the diverse skill set of their team. From painters to electricians to detailers, all are on site under the Q service offering.

After spending a few hours with Stephen and the team, it’s pretty clear that the heartbeat of the Quays Marina is the sense of family that oozes from it. To say that they look after their own is beyond an understatement. For everyone at The Quays this is not a 9-5 gig that starts and ends with boats. Many joined the family as teenagers working part time and have gone on to become experts in their trade.

He educated me on the darker side of the Northern Beaches that often goes unseen, but not here. His dedication to local youth and providing services that deal with the very real mental health issues surrounding the industry are what makes The Quays so much more than a marina. I can’t tell you the amount of times we stopped, and I was introduced to staff, members and locals who had just popped in to enjoy a coffee or say hi. The overriding sense of inclusivity that is felt across all facets of the marina is something that cannot be replicated.

We finished the afternoon aboard the vessel which Stephen was preparing for his third Sydney to Hobart voyage. As he took me through a standard day out there for him and his crew that consists of 2 hour sleeping increments and severe weather conditions, it is clear his approach to life is mirrored in his dedication to his role at the marina.

As someone who walked in the door thinking this was just a place to park your boat, I left feeling envious of the passion and sense of belonging of those who call the Quays Marina their home away from home.

The post Home Away from Home appeared first on Pacific Boating.

Summer Boating Safety

Robyn Pitt — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:44:06 +0000

The sun is shining, the skies are blue and the good times keep on rolling as the Christmas and New Year period is left behind. Let’s be honest, you cannot beat summertime in Sydney; some rain would be a welcome relief though! Fine days, clear waters and new year holidays means that boat lovers across the city are heading out on the water at every opportunity. While we are not ones to cramp anyone’s style, the holiday season calls for some extra care out on the water with increased traffic and less experienced drivers making the most of our waterways.

As PB members we know you are pretty well versed in the do’s and don’ts when heading out on the water but with the Marine Area Command upping patrols during the silly season we urge everyone to take extra caution.

In our usual safety-first manner, we have put together some tips and rules to keep you out of trouble and on the water all summer long.

Know where your gear is

Each of our vessels is equipped with the necessary safety gear for the number of people that the boat is licenced to carry. Before heading out, make sure that you have doubled checked that all of the gear is in the correct spots and that there is enough for everyone on board. Double check that everything is in working order in the case of an emergency. We recommend that all important numbers have been saved in a phone that is on board in case you are in a no reception area and need to contact us or the authorities. For non members of Pacific Boating and especially those who are hiring or chartering vessels over the school holidays be especially mindful of this. For Pacific Boating Members this will be covered in your pre cruise briefing.

With increased usage over the summer months of all of our cruisers, things inevitably get moved around so it’s better to check before you head out to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Have you serviced your inflatable lifejacket? Bring yours to a free clinic and learn how.

Pacific Boating does not use inflatable lifejackets but use PDF 1’s. Inflatable lifejackets are easy to wear and comfortable but they require extra care and attention to ensure they will inflate in an emergency.

Did you know?

In NSW it is a legal requirement to service inflatable lifejackets every year or in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Most inflatable lifejackets can be self-serviced, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines
Penalties may apply if your lifejacket is found to not have been serviced as required.

Click on the link below for Maritime clinic dates and locations.

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/lifejacket-clinics.html

Know your limits

It would be a down right tragedy to head up the Hawksbury for a day of water sports and BBQing and not crack open an ice-cold beer as the onions are sizzling. With the festive season and warmer weather calling for serious hydration, it’s easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the limit.

Yes, there is still a limit on the open water and sorry to break it to you but it’s lower than driving a car. As our boats fall into the commercial vessel category, drivers must be under 0.02 (and 0.00 for under 18’s) while operating the boat. As to be expected, Police are out in full force over the Summer, so chances are you will have more than one interaction with them over the holidays.

Random breath testing and random drug testing can be conducted on the operator of a vessel while it is underway, including drifting so make sure you are moored, berthed or at anchor until your skipper is under the limit.

Roads and Maritime Services classifies the operator of a vessel to be:

Anyone steering or exercising control over the course or direction of a vessel
The observer in a ski boat or personal watercraft
A person being towed by a vessel
A person supervising the operator of a vessel under 16 years of age.

For more information head to rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/offences-penalties.html

Take it slow

We can appreciate that there is nothing better than being out in open water, the wind in your hair and experiencing the full power of our Sports Cruisers. And while there are areas which you can go full throttle, Sydney Harbour is not one of them.

Speeding fines are probably the most common thing we see over the Summer months and can be easily avoided by knowing your speed limits. With more boats out on the water, the likelihood of collision is significantly higher and at high speeds loss of control can easily occur.

Seems pretty simple right? You would be surprised by how many people get stopped from speeding by simply not taking note of the limit. For those that don’t know them off by heart, here are some of the important ones;

Middle Harbour (Roseville area) – 8 knots

North Harbour (Manly) – 4 knots

Manly Lagoon – 4 knots

Port Jackson – 4 knots

Sydney Harbour Bridge – 15 knots

Camp Cove – 4 knots

Port of Sydney – 8 knots

Darling Harbour – 4 knots

Rozelle & Blackwattle Bay – 4 knots

Sydney Cove – 8 knots

Pittwater – 8 knots

Bayview – 4 knots

Brooklyn (Hawksbury) – 4 knots

For the full list of speed limits within NSW head to https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/maritime/safety-rules/speed-limit-areas.pdf

No Wash Zones

Wash refers to the waves and turbulence created by a boat as it moves through the water. The size of a boat’s wash and the effects it might have depend on how the boat is driven, its hull shape and how much load it is carrying. There are a number of areas on Sydney waterways that require you to navigate the boat with no wash at all to protect the shore line and other vessels on moorings or at fixed marinas in the vicinity. These areas are clearly sign posted and it is important that you look for these signs and adhere to them at all times. It is not necessarily the speed you are travelling that creates the wash but a combination of speed and the trim of the vessel. So don’t rely on your speed alone but keep an eye behind you to check how much wash you are creating

Crowded Waters

More boats on the water means less space for everyone to move around. It goes without saying that you should always keep a safe distance from other vessels especially in shallow waters or when anchored. In popular spots like the Northern Beaches, Summertime leaves limited space to anchor near shore and everyone is competing for prime real estate. Strong tides can push boats together and before you know it you’re dealing with a collision instead of soaking up some rays.

Keep an eye out for ferries and larger boats also who lack manoeuvrability. They cannot move as quickly as you or respond to changes like you can, so give them some space to do their thing. Put it this way if you take on a ferry, you will lose…

With safety ticked off and 3 months of summer adventures to be had, make the most out of your membership and get planning! Where are you going next??

For more safety information and to download the Roads & Maritime Boating Handbook visit

https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/maritime/licence/boating-handbook.pdf

The post Summer Boating Safety appeared first on Pacific Boating.

New Year’s Eve On The Harbour

Robyn Pitt — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 01:01:18 +0000

…and welcome to 2020 and a whole new decade

We’ve had good ones; we’ve had bad ones and we’ve had ones that we down right just don’t remember. No matter how you choose to spend the night celebrating not only a new year but a new decade, we are so lucky here in Sydney to have world class activities on offer. From arguably the most spectacular fireworks display, to the amazing events across every suburb, New Years in Sydney attracts quite the crowd – like over 1 million people kind of crowd.

If you’re a Sydney local, chances are you’ve done the Harbour foreshore at least once and the memories of being packed in like a bunch of sardines with kids and grandparents and picnic baskets and crazy long lines for the bathrooms are enough to leave your pj’s on and switch the lights out before the clock strikes midnight.

If only we were one of those lucky people who can enjoy New Years from the best spot in the house (or in this case harbour), on the water itself….

You know where we are going with this.

With sparking moonlight waters below and excitement in the air, New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour is nothing short of magic. Picture unobstructed views of the fireworks, your friends and family around you in the comfort of your vessel and a fully stocked fridge keeping the drinks and snacks cold. We could keep going but some things need to be experienced first-hand.

For PB members that head out on the water on the 31^st, the celebrations start as early as the morning. While your vessel provides you with some personal space, there is no shortage of boats heading out on the busiest night of the year and trust us, you want to get a prime position. We see most of our boats head out late morning/early arvo so everyone can get settled before the party really gets going. Once you’re safely anchored, the day is yours to sit back and relax with some good food and good company.

In terms of key vantage points, we have a couple up our sleeve. Of course being right in the thick of it is guaranteed to provide killer views, but there are many other spots scattered around the city’s surrounding waters that our members have found to be just as special. Bradley’s Head is a crowd favourite but it’s best to get in early. Athol Bay on the western side of Bradley’s Head is the perfect little pocket with panoramic views of the city and a great beach for daytime activities. Still northside, Cremorne Point and McMahons Point both offer views that will knock your socks off with a nice distance away from the hustle and bustle or the Harbour itself. For those heading out from the east and west, Balmain and Birchgrove are great spots to set up shop too.

By the afternoon, the festivities are in full swing. Good vibes flow up and down the coastline as fellow boat lovers get ready to cruise into the new year. The champagne is flowing, resolutions are being set and the 9pm fireworks are right around the corner. After spending most of the day on the water, you don’t want to be caught with your supplies getting low because at this point, you aren’t going anywhere. New Year’s Eve is not the time to be modest with your food or beverage consumption, so this is the one time we suggest over packing. You can always bring it home, but you can’t manifest it once you’re out there. Remember plenty of water!! Oh, the irony of being surrounded by water with nothing to drink.

On any day, spending the night in Sydney Harbour is an unforgettable experience. On New Year’s Eve it’s one for the ages. As the party continues overnight, there is nothing like waking up to a New Year surrounded by friends, family and one hell of a view. With Pacific Boating we make what is typically a stressful lead up seamless and hassle free.

While the new year brings exciting new beginnings, it’s with a heavy heart that we enter into the next chapter. The catastrophic bushfires we are currently experiencing have devastated millions of hectares of land and thousands of homes across the country. Australia is in a state of emergency and it difficult for many of us to stand behind the continuation of Sydney’s traditional fireworks show while our country is on fire.

Regardless of what your stance is on the upcoming festivities, the remarkable work of both the Australian and international firefighters who have spent the last few months risking their lives every day to save this amazing country we call home, is something we can all agree is nothing short of spectacular.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank all of those who have risked their lives to give our country a future. To all those how have been affected by this disaster, our thoughts are with you.

We wish you all a safe and Happy New Year!

If you are in a position to donate to the Bushfire Appeal, head to:

Royal Fire Service

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade

Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal

Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-bushfires

The post New Year’s Eve On The Harbour appeared first on Pacific Boating.

30 Adventures in 30 Days – Part 1

Robyn Pitt — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 07:00:14 +0000

Here in Sydney we are not short of amazing seaside spots to spend your weekends. While we have the classics that we all know and love like Sydney Harbour and Pittwater, there are so many other breath-taking locations a little off the beaten track. With 30 days of adventures guaranteed with your PB membership, we want to see you making the most of each and every one of them. If you’re not using your membership or own your own vessel and wanting to explore some new locations, we have covered that too. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore the ins and outs of this city whether you’re on the boat or not!

Lets make a start this Christmas…

Kamay National Park, Botany Bay

With coastal landscapes that resemble a postcard, Kamay National Park is as rich in culture as it is breath-taking. Explore Captain Cooks Landing Place and how this city we know and love came to be or hit your daily step count with one of the stunning coastal walks. If whale watching is on your bucket list, then Kamay is the place for you.

This destination is not within the PB access area however it can be reached by car or your own vessel.

Sunset at Bradley’s Head

If you haven’t already had the privilege of spending the early evening out at Bradley’s Head, it should definitely be at the top of your list. As the sun goes down and the light creates a silhouette of the city whatever stress you were carrying seems to instantly melt away. Coming into Summer where the days seem to last forever, gather the crew and bottle of bubbles and unwind at the iconic Bradley’s Head.