Media Release No 6 Eco-Marine Challenge Nears End

News Release No. 6

Eco-Marine Challenge Nears End

After a harrowing night at sea off the southern NSW coast, the crew on board Bill Brosnan’s Chamberlin 47 power catamaran Foreign Affair are enjoying pleasant conditions on the Tasmanian east coast as they head towards Hobart and the finish of their 1060 nautical mile challenge.

Winds rising to gale force, and steep seas slowed progress during the night, but after Foreign Affair passed Gabo Island the seas moderated and by dawn, conditions in the notoriously boisterous Bass Strait had subsided and the twin 100hp Yanmar diesels were pushing the boat along at 17 knots.

At 5pm the crew reported in off Bicheno making good progress in a 10-15 knot north easterly breeze. Antarctic sailor Robin Chamberlin on board Foreign Affair said they expected to dock at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania at approximately 1 am Wednesday morning.

Upon arrival in Hobart the Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race Director Alastair Douglas will meet the boat, take the official finish time and certify the fuel tanks at the end of the Eco-Marine Challenge.

The eco-Marine Challenge is designed to foster environmentally-responsible power boat cruising, using minimal fuel and power to achieve maximum distance covered.

It is expected that once calculations are completed at the end of the voyage from Brisbane, Foreign Affair will have set a benchmark in offshore cruising efficiency.

For more details see www.icecat.com.au
Phone Robin Chamberlin 0427 667 055
or Terry Travers 0408 188 683.