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Coral Discoverer
Sydney to Hobart
Overview
Experience the nautical tradition that is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race! Embarking in Broken Bay on December 26th, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from Coral Discoverer. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from our on-board lecturer Skip Lissiman. We sail the south coast and Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join our expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s Parks. Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to enjoy the buzz of the race and New Year’s Eve celebrations before disembarking on the 1st January at Macquarie Wharf 2.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the views and weather windows of the mercurial southern coast. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. Complimentary coach transfers are offered from Wynyard Station to arrive at Coral Discoverer’s embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer for a 10:00am departure.
Embark at 8:30am for 10am departure, and enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North head. From the Explorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and watch the fleet round the heads and sail south.
Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. Dependent on weather, stops may include Jervis Bay and/or Twofold Bay. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.
As we sail through the Southern Ocean, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck and enjoy the vastness of the Bass Strait.
Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise for a closer look around Penguin Island. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations on the way to Grassy Point.
The historic ruins, secluded bays, and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a local population of wildlife that includes Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and wombats. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 17th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk to the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs take in the history and beauty of this island.
Arrive in Hobart in time for the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Stroll Hobart’s historic wharf. Enjoy farewell drinks with the Captain, and welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River. Disembark at Macquarie Wharf 2 at 9 am.
Coral Discoverer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer. The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding. FACILITIES ON BOARD > Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating > Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Workout Area > Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)
Highlights
• The start is everything – expect fierce manoeuvring in the pre-start area • Which yacht will be first to pass through Sydney Heads? • Race categories – how a small yacht can beat a large fancy yacht • Bass Strait – why is it so fearsome? • Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hobart
Map
