Solo Trans Tasman

January 2010 Update

WITHDRAWALS -

Scott Cavanough, who was to have

sailed the mini Transat Skippy

Challenge in the race, has withdrawn

to focus his energy and finances on

the Transat race. Allan Hay, a 2007

race veteran, has withdrawn Delphina

for personal reasons and Steve

Newcombe, sailing Zen,

has pulled out of the race.

John Burns (Phantom) is engaged in a

voyage to the Auckland Islands and

advises that he may be forced to

withdraw due to time constraints.

TRAVEL PLANS -

The race finishes at school

holiday time, when transTasman air

fares are at a premium, so we urge

everyone to book as soon as possible

for the best fare deals by contacting

Rebecca Dillon - rdillon@hot.co.nz

Ph +64 6 759 5980).

SHIPPING CONTAINER -

Response has been slow from entrants

who want to send anchors, dinghies

And other heavy cruising gear in the

Shipping container which has been offered for

our use by Swire Shipping.

It's a case of use it or lose it. People who

want to use it should contact Lindsay ASAP.

SATELLITE TRACKING -

We had planned to use Tracplus transponders

to relay boat positions directly to the website

but that didn't eventuate and we will be using

Ocean tracker units from Tasmania instead.

This is a much more cost effective option

and will enable the committee to supply the

units free, or at minimal cost, to skippers.

ACCOMMODATION -

Mooloolaba will be chock-a-block with

school holidaymakers around the race finish

time and when the prizegiving is held on

17^th April. Anybody who needs accommodation

should contact : info@bellardoo.com

or phone +61 7 5444 6860 and mention the race. The Sunshine

Coast Yacht Club committee have been very

proactive in arranging reasonably priced

accommodation.

NITRO -

Steven Arm's new Chamberlin catamaran, Nitro, was launched on 7^th January and he's already racing - to get her rigged and race ready and to sail the qualifying miles before the start.

The launch went well and Nitro floated right on her marks. Steven says that cousin Bruce, who's sailing Big Wave Rider, is worried enough to have started a major weight reduction programme.

All best with preparations.

Lindsay Wright,

Secretary,

2010 Fitzroy Yachts Solo Tasman Challenge Committee,

New Plymouth, New Zealand.

AQIS -

Despite approaches to the Australian

High Commission, government officials and Australian Quarantine and Immigration Service management, they are obdurate that boats will be charged $AU 400 for inward clearance. One way of reducing the cost is to supply accommodation for AQIS officers and the Bellardoo Apartments are generously doing this.