Today I was pleased to officially launch the Launceston to Hobart (L2H) Yacht Race for 2014 at the Derwent Sailing Squadron.
A high quality field of up to 30 yachts from northern and southern Tasmanian clubs and from Victoria, has entered the 285 nautical mile race starting on 27 December.
Now in its 8th year, the Launceston to Hobart is conducted by the Derwent Sailing Squadron in conjunction with the Tamar Yacht Club and is well supported by patrons at both the start and finishing lines.
Yachts begin the race on the Tamar River at Beauty Point, head into Bass Strait and Banks Strait, before travelling down Tasmania’s East Coast and up the River Derwent, finishing at Constitution Dock along with the Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart fleets.
The race record is 1 day, 16 hours, 22 minutes and 18 seconds set by Helsal III in 2011.
After a particularly gruelling race last year, I wish crews a safe and speedy journey, and look forward to greeting them on their arrival in Hobart.
Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly
