Water World

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday February 29, 2008

By Erik Jensen

Sail boats, swimmers and scuba divers will feature in this year's harbour elebrations.

Six years ago, the NSW Government decided it was time to remind people they have a beautiful harbour. It organised Sydney Harbour Week and set about building 30 activities to draw people to the water.

Julie Turpie, an event manager at the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, says the government saw an opportunity to promote the harbour and its environs. "I think the philosophy behind it was to encourage people to get in, on and around the harbour."

This year, the event adds superboats to its quieter collection of picnics and guided snorkelling tours. Twenty of the Class One powerboats will reach speeds of 220kmh on a course around Fort Denison and Shark Island, with hopes that the showcase event may attract the class's world series to Sydney.

For those who aren't into high speed, there will be a wooden boat festival and a paddle race.

In the first weekend, 250 yachts are expected to compete in the Sydney Harbour Regatta, sailing from Middle Harbour Yacht Club. It is billed as the largest regatta in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics. The Harbour Swim Classic, with one- and two-kilometre routes from the Opera House, is also a highlight.

"The harbour is accessible to us all and that is so exciting and probably really quite Australian," Turpie says.

"It is a precious harbour and we should be proud of that, protect it and enjoy it."

Sydney Harbour Regatta, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm, various vantage points, particularly Bradleys Head and Vaucluse, www.sydneyharbourweek.com.au, free.

Sydney Harbour Swim Classic, Sunday, 9.30am start, Man O' War Steps,

Royal Botanic Gardens, www.sydneyharbourswim.com, $40.

Sydney Superboat Grand Prix, March 8-9, 10am-3pm, from Wharf 3, White Bay,

www.sydneysuperboatgrandprix.com.au, free.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home