Please select your home edition
Edition
Vaikobi 2024 December

2023 Go East Rally poised to begin, leaving from The Boat Works

by The Boat Works 10 May 2023 22:23 BST
Down Under Rally Go East at the Boat Works May © The Boat Works

The Boat Works is proud to again welcome the cruising community involved in the 2023 Down Under Rally. This is the 10th year The Boat Works has supported this amazing sailing endeavor.

The fleet of 21 cruising yachts, sailing mono and multihulls, with around 60 sailors, are preparing ahead of their departure, with the 2023 Go East Yacht Rally "Vessel owners arrive to our destination from various locations across Australia for their pre-season preparations ahead of travels along the east coast of Australia and over to explore the South Pacific," said Shane Subichin, Marina Manager at The Boat Works.

"Owners enjoy use of the onsite Marine Trade Supplies & Chandlery, along with access to the array of marine trade professionals conveniently located here to ensure their vessels are well prepared for the massive voyage ahead - some 800 nautical miles."

The emphasis of The Down Under Rally (DUR) is to provide training and support for participants before, during and after the voyage.

Founders John and Leanne Hembrow, who have been hosting the DUR since 2015 share their extensive knowledge about sailing, encouraging sailors to adventure together, gain confidence on board their vessels and discover new cruising grounds.

"Participants in the 2023 Down Under Rally Go East Yacht Rally to New Caledonia have gathered at The Boat Works for a week of informative and social events before setting sail on mid-May (subject to weather)," John explained.

Events included Meet The Fleet Cocktails & Canapes evening at Kokomo Kitchen & Bar, Safety & Sea Survival Training provided by Sunshine Sailing Australia, Marine First Aid Training with Heart Training Australia, Kokomo BBQ, Morning Yoga sessions with Yoga4Yachties, PredictWind Iridium Satellite Communications user information sessions and Offshore Weather Routing & Passage Planning sessions, followed by the Bon Voyage Kokomo Masquerade Party at Kokomo Kitchen & Bar.

John Hembrow said the DUR returns to The Boat Works every year for its unparalleled convenience and comfort, along with the consideration and cooperation of The Boat Works staff.

"Many of our participants call The Boat Works home for several weeks in the lead-up to the rally as they engage the services of the onsite professionals to assist with preparing their vessels for the adventures ahead.

"In August 2023, many of the Go East Rally participant's will sail onwards from New Caledonia to Vanuatu, with The Down Under Rally as part of the NC2V Yacht Rally. These vessels will be carrying some much-anticipated cargo that will be given to the people of Tanna and Erromango Islands."

John and Leanne have consulted with representatives and chiefs from the villages in the remote Southern Vanuatu Islands of Tanna and Erromango to create a 'wish list' of school supplies and much need hand tools.

"This wish list was passed onto the rally participants who have gone about gathering the items that will be delivered when they visit in early August," continued John.

"The hand tools will be used to assist in rebuilding homes and community buildings, many of which were either severely damaged or destroyed by the recent severe cyclones that impacted the region."

Also in short supply are feminine hygiene products. The Down Under Rally has arranged for the delivery of Days For Girls feminine hygiene solutions to the girls and the women of these communities.

The local and international cruising community has also contributed to supplying 132 solar lights as part of the Down Under Rally Lights For Vanuatu project.

Previous Go East Rally participants from the Sailing Vessel, SV Phase 2 commented: "It's a great way to start our first trip East from Australia. If you are a first timer (or not) and would like to see this beautiful part of the world (New Caledonia & Vanuatu) John and Leanne will make it that much easier."

The owners of S.V San Souci who have participated in the past said "Congratulations to you both for the outstanding work you do in running the Down Under East and West rallies. As past Down Under Rally Go East Rally participants, I can only say that the assistance and information you guys both gave to us goes far and above expectations."

We wish them all fair winds and following seas ahead of their adventure East.

Related Articles

An emotional evening in Les Sables d'Olonne
Les Sables d'Olonne lit up to celebrate the heroes of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025 On Saturday 10 May, Les Sables d'Olonne lit up to celebrate the heroes of the Vendée Globe 2024-2025. An exceptional evening brought together tens of thousands of people, with strong emotions and unforgettable memories, despite the driving rain. Posted today at 6:34 am
DF95 Spring Series Event 6 at Barton's Point
With windspeed and boats in double figures exciting times were had by all With windspeed and boats in double figures exciting times were had by all. Ralph Wilkinson was race officer and Peter Jackson set a course that survived a veering wind that hit maximum A rig conditions with some broaching in the gusts. Posted today at 5:39 am
The Swan Bonifacio Challenge concludes in style
The opening event of The Nations League 2025 wraps up with tight racing After four days of spirited competition and a vibrant week both on and off the water, the curtain closes on the Swan Bonifacio Challenge, the inaugural event of the 2025 Nations League by ClubSwan Racing. Posted on 10 May
iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games overall
Valentino Blewett and Medea Falcioni win in the U19 fleets; Brüll and Ugurlu top the U17 categories The iQFOiL Youth & Junior International Games concluded in Torbole, Lake Garda, with the debut of the eight-rider experimental Medal Series format—featuring only semifinals and finals—after five days of intense and exciting racing. Posted on 10 May
Pyewacket 70 & Kialoa III: Comparing two legends
Today Pyewacket 70, a modified Volvo 70, is one of the fastest 70 footers around Antigua Sailing Week 2025 was attended by two top-end offshore racing yachts from very different times. Posted on 10 May
The Loch Earn Lollapalooza
A Weekend of Race and Shenanigans! Ah, Loch Earn, the fine Scottish expanse where dreams are forged and boats sometimes find themselves inexplicably upside down! It was the venue for the thrilling Optimal Supernova Scottish Cup. Posted on 10 May
Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025 Day 3
Team Django wins final race and secures 2025 National Title for Central and Southern Tyrrhenian The ORC Mediterranean Championship, the opening act of the 2025 Tre Golfi Sailing Week, concluded today in spectacular style. Posted on 10 May
2025 DMS Formula Wing Europeans preview
New stars and old rivals set up for battle on the Aegean Sea The 2025 Dogus Marine Services Formula Wing European Championships will host a stacked fleet of the world's top female and male wingfoil racers who have all been spending the spring months tuning their hydrofoils and wings for the racing in Urla, Türkiye. Posted on 10 May
RS Aero Europeans - Watch the Highlights
Also freee UK delivery on the RS adventure range this May Summer's calling! For a limited time, get free UK delivery when you order a boat from our adventure range this May. Choose from the RS Quest, RS Toura, RS Venture and the RS CAT range. Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 31st May. Posted on 10 May
IMOCA and 11th Hour Racing to continue partnership
Advancing Sustainability and Leadership Initiatives The International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) has renewed its partnership with 11th Hour Racing for the 2025 season. Posted on 10 May