Sydney's Summer Calendar of Aquatic Events

Where to find the best vantage points for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and navigation restrictions for the start of the Sydney to Hobart race are among many handy tips contained in a free boating guide from NSW Maritime.

NSW Ports and Waterways Minister, Paul McLeay said the 28-page full-colour brochure, Sydney’s Aquatic Events 2009-2010 – A Boating Guide

, will be distributed free of charge by the State’s boating safety authority, NSW Maritime.

“This timely publication provides boaters with a range of safe navigation information needed to make the most of these big aquatic events,” McLeay said.

“It contains advice on anchoring, vantage points and special-event navigation restrictions and exclusion zones, with detailed maps indicating event and racecourses so skippers can plan and prepare for their day on the water,” he said.

McLeay said the booklet includes safety information about the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race start on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve celebrations and Australia Day events on Sydney Harbour — events which draw hundreds of thousands of boaters and spectators.

Other events covered include the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, the Rolex Trophy, Pittwater & Coffs Offshore Series, CST International 14 World Championships, JJ Giltinan Trophy Championship and the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta.

Sydney’s busy schedule of summer aquatic events kicked off last weekend with the four-day Sail Sydney regatta, a competition that incorporated Olympic, International and Youth classes racing on three Sydney Harbour courses used during the 2000 Olympics. More than 260 competitors from 15 countries took part in the event.

McLeay said apart from observing special exclusion zones, skippers are being asked to obey normal boating rules and safety guidelines while out on the water following events such as the start of the Sydney to Hobart race.

“Keep a proper lookout at all times, minimise the impact of your boat’s wash and wind shadow and remember, You’re the Skipper, You’re Responsible.”

NSW Maritime will distribute Sydney’s Aquatic Events 2009-2010 – A Boating Guide to waterfront clubs, marinas, retailers and chandleries around the Harbour. It will also be available at Service Centres throughout Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and online at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

Maps: Rolex Sydney Hobart Race start route, Saturday, December 26, 2009; 2009 Sydney New Year’s Eve will have the same fireworks exclusion zones and restrictions as 2008; Darling Habour traffic arrangements for Australia Day, Tuesday, January 26; Australia Day Ferrython Tall Ships Race route.