Summer’s Aquatic Events for Sydney Harbour

NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay has announced a safety guide to the key aquatic events to be held on Sydney Harbour over summer 2011-12 has been published and distributed free to boaters and spectators.

Mr Gay said the 28-page full-colour Sydney’s Summer Aquatic Events – A Boater’s Guide was produced and distributed free by NSW Maritime, the State Government’s boating agency, which is part of Roads and Maritime Services.

The booklet contains safety details about the major aquatic events planned to take place on Sydney Harbour, including advice for boaters on anchoring, best vantage points, special-event navigation restrictions and exclusion zones.

“The big events which draw hundreds of thousands of spectators – afloat and ashore – are all listed, such as the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race start on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour, and the multitude of events planned for Australia Day,” he said.

The International Etchells and Yngling World Championships, Ord Minnett Sydney Harbour Swim Classic, Sail Sydney Regatta and the Macquarie 2012 International Access Class World Championship are also detailed in the booklet.

“There are maps indicating event and race courses and exclusion zones, to help skippers prepare for and plan their day on the water,” Mr Gay said.

“Skippers must be aware of the safety requirements needed for these aquatic events to be carried out safely. They need to plan ahead, maintain a safe speed, keep a proper lookout and go easy on the drink – stay under 0.05,” he said.

NSW Maritime distributes the booklet across the harbour to waterfront clubs, marinas, retailers and chandleries, and makes it available from Service Centres throughout Sydney and in Newcastle and Wollongong.

The booklet is also available online at: www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

View Source