2008 Australian Offshore Challenge
The second running of the Australian Offshore Challenge, which will run from the Gold Coast to the Whitsunday's kicks off on Sunday 7th September and promises to build on the excitement established in the inaugural Bass Strait Rally of 2007. 
'Offshore Challenge'
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Event Director Roger Dickesdon provides this update.
'For 2008, the level of interest is already high with Registrations coming in from around Australia and New Zealand.
Manufacturers, dealers and private entries will line up in categories that include production fishing boats, sports cruisers ranging from 6.6 metres through to 24 metres, RIB's and a number of performance boats. Of course, the mainstay of offshore cruising is well represented with flybridge cruisers and sports yachts from Riviera, Caribbean and Sunseeker.
Victorian entrant, Wal Edgar has entered his brand new Riviera 4700 Sports Yacht powered by twin Caterpillar diesels. As an experienced off-shore competitor, Wal will team up with navigator Barry Fitzpatrick, and to round out their crew, the guys are also bringing their wives!
At the other extreme, Sealegs - the NZ manufacturer of the incredible amphibious RIB, has entered a 6 metre craft to add to the company's growing credentials as an innovative and progressive specialty boat manufacturer. This RIB recently set a new world speed record on Sydney Harbour for fastest amphibious vehicle, on water.
Across the Tasman, the performance boat boys are organizing a Kiwi contingent to show us Aussies what power boating is all about and we expect them to be challenged with similar entries from Sydney and Perth. 
The Course
The course setting will be finalized this month when the survey team completes its detailed survey along the Queensland coast. Then we will have more details about overnight stopovers, day distances, refueling, and other logistical matters.
Ladies Tour
We have received a good level of interest in providing a separate, but parallel, event based tour for the wives, partners and girlfriends - those not conscripted as crew!
We have a sub-committee putting an agenda together now which could include activities like a healthy living cooking class, a luxury train trip to Proserpine, lunch at the resort on Fraser Island and a couple of days at Hamilton Island waiting for the blokes to arrive. More on this next issue. If you have any ideas or would like to participate, then call David Tootell on 0419 987 998.
David is our event marketing and sponsorship manager and you can call him with any questions about the event and how you can get involved. 
Rally Officials and Volunteers
We still have a number of positions available for people who would like to participate in the event in a support or officials capacity.
Positions are available for a weekend at the Start or Finish through to a full week traveling within the event. Depending on your particular skills and interests, roles range from specialty services such as technical scrutineering, refueling and boat safety through to general support roles, both on water and ashore.'
For more information, call Roger Dickeson, Event Director, or email roger@offshorechallenge.com.au
www.offshorechallenge.com.au
by Roger Dickeson 
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
sutherland, NSW
