21 boats make one hellava splash
3.3.2008
Hidden Harbour Motor Yacht Squadron recently, partly sponsored HHMYC members John and Fiona Zammit and their boat Blue Tango, a Riviera 40, flybridge cruiser, in the inaugural Variety Splash that raised nearly $150,000 for underprivileged children.
Blue Tango joined 20 other boats participating in the Variety Splash, held February 28 to March 01 in what turned out to be a fun filled cruise around Port Phillip Bay starting at Docklands with overnight stops at Mornington and Geelong before traveling back to finish with a spectacular night at the Melbourne Yacht Club Hotel at Waterfront City.
While the object was to have fun, the Variety Splash had a serious side, its primary objective was to raise money for children in our community with a wide range of special needs.
The fabulous array of boats taking part included both power and sail. Nancy Mary, a 30’ timber launch led the fleet, which included some notable participants including the legendary Skandia Wild Thing, Kookaburra and About Time, a Maritimo 60, out of the Yarra River.
The fleet then made their way, in less than ideal conditions, to Sandringham Yacht Club for a barbeque lunch before continuing on to Mornington to enjoy the hospitality of the Mornington Yacht Club.
The next morning with the sun shining and the seas much calmer the fleet departed for Geelong. Blue Tango made the best of the ideal conditions leaving Mornington accompanied by a pod of dolphins and taking the scenic route via the Sorrento Channel, the seal colony off Sorrento, the Popes Eye, a stopover at Queenscliff for lunch and then the West Channel up and into Corio Bay.
After an overnight stopover at Royal Geelong Yacht Club with dinner and some great entertainment the fleet made another spectacular sight as it headed out of Geelong bound for Docklands for another great night of fun filled, awards, presentations, refreshments and entertainment.
The $150,000 raised by the Variety Splash will go towards providing utilities and experiences for Australia’s sick, disadvantaged and special needs children.
”We can’t think of a better way to enjoy time out on the water, having a good time and making new friends, while supporting a great cause.” Said John.
Well done Variety Club and Leisurecorp for putting the Variety Splash together and thanks to Hidden Harbour Motor Yacht Squadron, Shipmate Pocket Directory and R Marine Jacksons Vic who all sponsored Blue Tango in the event and helped a very worthy cause.
