Bass and Flinders offers three boats to those wanting to watch the racing yachts start inside the harbor, and then follow them all the way to the coast. The boats each have air-conditioning in the saloons as well as televisions to provide racing commentary, and will serve alcohol and a seafood buffet for lunch before sailing. The boats may depart from either Darling Harbour, Manly or Circular Quay, between 11.15 a.m. and noon, and will return by 4 p.m. Adults are charged $190 for the day.
Bass & Flinders Cruises
Sydney, Australia
011-612-9583-1199
http://www.boxingdaycruises.com/
Two options are available from Vagabond Cruises for Boxing Day, either a lunch cruise or a less-expensive cruise with light refreshments only. Both allow passengers to watch the start of the Sydney-to-Hobart race and will follow the race yachts as they sail toward a point in the harbor known as the Heads. The lunch cruise goes for three hours and includes a seafood and carvery buffet lunch, alcoholic drinks, coffee and tea, desserts, live commentary from the boat captain and an observation deck. The boats leave at noon and return at 3 p.m. and costs are upwards of $80 for adults or $65 for children, with rates also available for families. For the second option (light refreshments), adults are $60 and children are $40.
Vagabond Cruises
37 Bank St. Pyrmont
Sydney NSW 2009
011-61-02-9660-0388
www.vagabond.com.au
Matilda Cruises' Boxing Day cruise within the Harbor includes a welcome drink (beer, wine or soft drink), free-flow beverages, coffee and tea, and live racing commentary. Although no food is provided, passengers are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches. Boats leave at 10.30 a.m. and will return to the dock in Circular Quay at 2 p.m. Adults are $79, while children between 5 and 14 are $59.
Matilda Cruises
Pier 26, Aquarium Wharf,
Wheat Road, Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW 2000
011-612-9264-7377
http://www.matilda.com.au
