This race is the best excuse of any to go for a picnic. Sailing starts in Sydney or Newcastle and finishes in Lord Howe Island [LHI] for a charity fundraising picnic. The origins of the LHI race saw yachts race from Gosford located between Newcastle and Sydney on the NSW east coast. The LHI world heritage location is something to behold. A must do!
Lord Howe Peaks 
The BBQ on Lord Howe Island is designed to support the local school. The school is isolated and as a result of distance, excursions to museums, libraries, and educational sites are expensive. The funds raised at the BBQ go to assisting these children.
So what do I need for the BBQ. There is a mandatory fee to attend the BBQ which is in the order of $65 per sailor attending. The BBQ includes a large amount of food and local produce including local caught fish and seafood. It is recommended that you bring your esky with a few drinks and your own cup. The BBQ may include a band, fund raising activities and a few tall stories about the trip out. The LHI trophy for the event is also presented at the BBQ.
Getting there!
There are a number of key features to consider before taking on the challenge of sailing to LHI.
Currents: The East Australian current is significant in terms of its strength and width. Do not under estimate it as it can change the distance travelled to get there significantly. At 2-3knts, a 6 knot boat speed may be not quiet what you need to get there in under 3 days. Research the currents and the path of best fit for both the south push down and east and north lifts. Similar to other yacht races on the east coast of Australia, consider the currents. The below image is one such example of the complexity. Very much a game of snakes and ladders.
Sea Mounts:
The sea mountains are significant underwater obstacles that can create large surface action and current effects with surface wave action. Know where they are and be extremely cautious in this area.
Lord Howe Maritime:
The island is small in population and you will find that people multi task in different roles. Lord Howe Maritime will be responded to by the NSW police officer located on the Island. The police have a very nice vessel for any water related issues and boat inspections if ever required for quarantine in addition to a police vehicle for ground support. At some point in your trip or at the BBQ you will have an opportunity to meet the islands constabulary.
Moorings
Moorings on the island are limited and there are a range of depth restrictions for mooring locations. There are a number of locations around the island that do provide good shelter. Book your mooring early as these are in high demand during the BBQ with the number of yachts attending. You will find that people will book their moorings a year in advance. An escort will usually be required to get you through the specific channels to your mooring. Contact Lord Howe Island Marine for more details. Note that moorings may also be dropped after use and therefore booking a mooring early is highly recommended. Just turning up and trying to find a mooring may leave you with nothing available.
Things to be aware of:
The island is very susceptible to weather conditions and flights in and out of the island can be delayed from time to time. It is possible that it may take two days to be able to land on the island which may mean you stay for an extra day or family are delayed in making the flight out. Some rough conditions may see crews staying for up to a week for weather to pass in extreme conditions but this is generally not the case.
Transport on the Island:
Transport on the island is limited and push bikes are the more common mode of getting around the Island. Some cars are on the island to take people to and from their accommodation but is recommended that you make your way to the bike shop and hire a bike. The wearing of helmets is policed very strictly as many tourists with a few too many under their belts end up crashing that can lead to an emergency air lift off the island that is many thousands of dollars of cost.
What is there to do on the island?
There a numerous walks, mountain climbs, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving to be had. There are day trips to the nearby Balls Pyramid [a must see up and personal] through to just sitting on the beach and enjoying the beautiful and scenic world heritage location.
Please rate this race if you have done it.
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Our Scores
| What would you rate this race? | |
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| Ease of getting a yacht ride | |
| Were sailors friendly & supportive | |
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