Spend a Day Adventure Sailing On SOLO

Sail Aboard SOLO, Australia's Most Famous Racing Yacht

© Vanda Vadas

Oct 19, 2009
Manly Harbour Village, William Gunn Jetty, Vanda Vadas
Adventure awaits passengers who seek to explore Brisbane's Moreton Bay and its surrounding islands aboard SOLO, winner of the Sydney to Hobart ocean yacht race.

SOLO is Australia’s most famous ocean racing yacht. SOLO was built by Swiss engineer, Vic Meyer, and designed by Allan Payne who is also credited for having designed Gretel, a famous America’s Cup yacht. SOLO was first launched in Sydney in 1955, making her 54 years old.

SOLO has Enjoyed a Successful Yacht Racing Career

Between 1955 and 1963, SOLO won four Sydney to Hobart, and five Brisbane to Gladstone races. In 1961 she placed first in the Trans Tasman Auckland to Sydney race.

The great explorer, Matthew Flinders, graces the pages of history books with the achievement of having circumnavigated Australia back in 1802. One hundred and sixty years later, in 1962, Vic Meyer repeated this feat, and took thirteen weeks to sail SOLO around Australia’s vast continent.

From 1965, Vic Meyer spent the next ten years cruising on SOLO. He sailed around the world three times and made several visits to the Pacific. Vic is known to have surrounded himself with an all female crew.

Enjoy a Day Aboard SOLO, Australia’s Most Famous Racing and Cruising Yacht

Cruising aboard SOLO, a classical 17.5 metre cutter, is the best way to take an adventure sailing trip around Brisbane’s Moreton Bay and its surrounding islands. Except for Christmas day, subject to availability, SOLO embarks on her adventure experience every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays, all year round.

SOLO Sets Sail From the Award Winning Manly Harbour Village

Passengers meet bright and early on the William Gunn Jetty at Manly Harbour Village. SOLO can accommodate up to 36 passengers plus crew. There is generally a cohesive mix of Australians and international tourists which makes for engaging conversation and the opportunity to learn a little more about the world at large.

SOLO Adventure Highlights Include Snorkelling, Sand Tobogganing and More

Depending on the time of year, and weather permitting, there is much to see and do.

  • Guests are encouraged to get involved and help hoist and trim the sails, or even take the helm
  • Sit back with a glass of wine or beer and watch for dolphins, turtles, dugongs and bird life
  • Swim in crystal clear water
  • Wetsuits, flippers and snorkelling gear are provided so that guests can observe the magnificent species of fish and sea life beneath the surface.
  • Snorkel around sunken wrecks
  • Experience the thrill of sand tobogganing down 300 metre high sand dunes

The Experienced SOLO Yacht Crew Cater for Your Every Need

SOLO's crew are experienced and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Passengers are treated to morning tea, a sumptuous buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. SOLO is fully licensed.

What to Bring and Wear for an Adventure Sailing Day

The following suggestions will help to ensure each passenger enjoys a comfortable experience during their adventure sailing day aboard SOLO

  • Bring swimwear and a towel
  • Be sure to bring sun cream, sunglasses and a hat
  • Wear comfortable clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt. It is advisable to bring warm clothing such as a sweater or light jacket for cooler winds
  • Guests must wear soft soled shoes only
  • Use a camera or video camera to capture the highlights of the day

The Speed of SOLO, an Ocean Racing Yacht, is Sure to Thrill Passengers

On the return journey back to Manly Harbour, it is a sight to behold when the sails unfurl and fill with the afternoon winds. Passengers will feel the power of SOLO slice through the ocean, and will experience firsthand, the exhilaration and speed of ocean racing.


The copyright of the article Spend a Day Adventure Sailing On SOLO in Australia Travel is owned by Vanda Vadas. Permission to republish Spend a Day Adventure Sailing On SOLO in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Manly Harbour Village, William Gunn Jetty, Vanda Vadas
Sunken Wrecks Off Tangalooma Island, Vanda Vadas
Sunset Sailing On Moreton Bay, Vanda Vadas
Sand Surfing/Toboganning on Tangalooma Island , Vanda Vadas
 


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo