Sailing Tasmania Although the author himself is not a sailor, it can be categorically stated that Tasmania earns a space on the world map in this regard. Not just as the finishing point for the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race (one of the three blue-water classics throughout the world), Tasmania is often a stopover for sailors competing in the big global yacht races, on account of it’s position almost directly due East of the Southern tip of Africa. Besides these big ticket events, there are several other significant yacht races to, from and around Tasmania (the Melbourne-to-Hobart run in concert with the larger Sydney-to-Hobart race, a race that passes round the Southern Capes and up the West coast, and the Three Peaks race combining sailing and the ascent of three large coastal peaks around the state).
Of course, there is more to sailing than racing. Tasmania’s many isolated beaches and craggy shorelines - as well as the abundance of good fishing - make it a pleasing option for more leisurely cruises about the coast. A particular advantage in seeing the state this was is that one can visit hidden beaches and coves that would take weeks to access by land, not to mention the many islands that could not otherwise be accessed at all!
Noting the disclaimer above (the author is not a sailor) there are two good recommendations for where to sail in Tasmania. Leaving from Hobart, you may either travel up the East Coast, exploring Maria Island and the freycinet peninsulas, or south past Bruny Island (taking either the D’Entrecasteaux channel or the outer route open to the Tasman Sea), perhaps heading rounding South East Cape to explore the South Coast, South-West Cape or Port Davey.
Finally, the same warning passes for sailors as with all other adventurers in Tasmania - beware the changeable weather. The Southern is renowned for producing the most monstrous swells and storms of any waters on the planet, and every year sailors in various races find themselves in life-threatening situations, faced with unexpected freak storms and waves. Inexperienced sailors would be well advised to stick to the shoreline and probably to the East and North coasts which are generally calmer. If in doubt, obtain an experienced local crew or enlist as crew for an experienced skipper.
