Variety Splash wins at Audi Victoria Week
by Portia Dixon 8 Feb 2011 10:48 GMT
24-27 February 2011
As Variety Splash gears up for its fourth annual rally to be held from Thursday 24th February to Sunday 27th February 2011, ‘Splashers’ are celebrating another recent win on water at Audi Victoria Week 2011.
Australia’s largest sailing regatta, which ran from 20 – 26 January saw superstars of International and Australian yachting, gather for top class sailing at Docklands and Geelong.
In 2011 the event introduced the Audi Victoria Week Celebrity Race Challenge - seven celebrities were paired with Australia’s top sailors to compete in one of the world’s fastest growing yacht classes, the Laser SB3.
Media personalities, Olympians, a footballer and a celebrity chef were the eager participants for the around the cans race in Victoria Harbour, Docklands on Friday 21st January.
Favourite from the start was recently crowned World Champion Moth sailor Nathan Outteridge who was teamed with Celebrity Chef Shannon Bennett and Olympic Skier Adrian Costa. In blustery conditions the celebrities and their teams competed in the tightly contested race. Drama unfolded when Variety Celebrity Ambassador and 2011 Splasher Mike Brady’s crew tacked to round the top marker with Mike going one way and his crew going the other way- resulting in Mike in the drink! Fortunately he was quickly pulled back into the boat to finish the race strongly.
First to cross the line was former football player and now SEN presenter and Variety Celebrity Ambassador Daniel Harford competing with professional sailor Dean Joel. Cheered on by spectators on shore, Harford won a Dart’s Fun Boat for his efforts in the celebrity race challenge, which he quickly donated to Variety Splash.
Variety Splash will donate the Dart Fun Boat to Queenscliff’s Cottage by the Sea when Variety Splash arrives in Queenscliff on Friday 25th February 2011.
About Variety Splash
The Variety Splash is similar in style to the infamous Variety Bash, where the focus is firmly placed on having fun. As with all Variety events, the Splash has a serious side. It’s primary objective is to empower Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.
It is hoped that the 2011 event will raise approximately $150,000 for Children with Special Needs. Included in the 300 participants will be sailors, power boaties, corporate and private teams, all dedicated to transforming the lives of special children.
To become involved - gather a team and set yourselves a fundraising goal. Catch the ‘Bash’ spirit and challenge your team to be amongst the top fundraisers. Remember each small donation adds to your goal and the Variety Splash team are here to support you in your efforts.
Dates of 2011 Variety Splash
Thursday (evening) 24th February to Sunday (afternoon) 27th February.