Parade of Sail on River Derwent

MORE than 120 sailing vessels will grace the River Derwent on Sunday 7 February 2021 as the Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) and the Royal Hobart Regatta combine to present the Parade of Sail.

The Parade of Sail usually heralds the start of the biennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival which, sadly, cannot proceed in its traditional format this year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

However, this magnificent spectacle on the River Derwent, comprising of boats of all shapes and sizes, will again celebrate Tasmania’s rich maritime culture and community.

The AWBF wooden boat fleet will follow the Motor Yacht Club Tasmania’s Launch of ‘ML Egeria’ and tall ships ‘Windeward Bound’, ‘Lady Nelson’, ‘Rhona H’ and ‘Yukon’ around a course which will sail close to both sides of the river finishing at the Hobart Regatta Ground.

“We designed the course to ensure maximum public viewing opportunities while adhering to social distancing and COVID-19 regulations,” AWBF general manager Paul Stephanus said.

“With so many vantage points on both sides of the river, small groups will be able to congregate safely and enjoy the Parade of Sail.

“The spectacle of so many vessels under sail is always an attraction for families and especially for photographers.”