Enjoy Australia Day 2010 afloat on Sydney Harbour

7:26 AM Fri 22 Jan 2010 GMT

'Australia Day Regatta - start of Historic 18-footers' John Jeremy Click Here to view large photo

A busy schedule of boating activities and events is planned for NSW waterways on Tuesday, 26 January to celebrate Australia Day 2010 afloat.

Sydney Harbour will be a focus of activity, with the day's program including a Best Dressed Vessels competition sponsored by Sydney Ports, with cash prizes of $500 each for the winners in four separate categories.

The AAMI Ferrython starts at 11am, while the Tall Ships Race starts at 1pm.

A series of aerial displays are scheduled throughout the afternoon, and the Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert kicks off at 4pm and will be best viewed in Johnstons Bay.

From 7-9pm the Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular show of light, sound and fireworks will provide a grand finale.

Yacht racing events include the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's Short Ocean Race from Sydney Harbour to Botany Bay and return which starts at 11am. The 174th Australia Day Regatta takes place throughout the afternoon from 1.15pm, with events for all classes of yachts and historic 18ft skiffs conducted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on behalf of the Australia Day Regatta Inc.

Australia Day satellite regattas will also be held on the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, at Manly and Rose Bay and on coastal waterways and lakes.

In the interests of safety, special traffic coordination arrangements with exclusion zones and navigation restrictions are planned for each of the major events on Sydney Harbour. When moving throughout the Harbour, skippers must observe the 6-knot 'no wash' speed limit near the exclusion zones around Tall Ships, ferries and other key vessels.

NSW Maritime is also urging caution in relation to passive craft such as kayaks, canoes and surf boats. The congested area within 100 metres of exclusion zones is considered unsafe for passive craft.

Skippers are reminded to make sure everyone has a lifejacket. Because it's a long day on the water, be mindful of fatigue and sunburn and keep under the 0.05 alcohol limit.

Also ensure you have appropriate working navigation and anchor lights, particularly if you intend to watch the night-time events.

There are plenty of quiet spots where you can take a break, and relax from the day's activities on the Harbour. Rest spots include Berrys Bay and Snails Bay to the west and Taylors Bay and Athol Bay to the east.

NSW Maritime's free booklet Sydney's Aquatic Events - A Boating Guide 2009-2010 has maps and details for all the major summer events including Australia Day and can be obtained from NSW Maritime offices, harbourside fishing and boating clubs, marinas and chandleries, as well as online at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au .

Maps of the special exclusion zones on Sydney Harbour can also be found at www.flickr.com/photos/nswmaritime .

by NSW Maritime

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Enjoy Australia Day 2010 afloat on Sydney Harbour

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