An extreme Christmas Holiday - the infamous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

The stunning Sydney Harbour is the start of one of the World's toughest ocean yacht races. This Christmas, Global Yacht Racing are offering the adventurous a challenging and different holiday - the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

September 22, 2004 -- This Christmas, Global Yacht Racing is providing ordinary people with a passion for adventure travel the opportunity to experience the ultimate challenge in adventure holidays ocean yacht racing. Global Yacht Racings next major race package is a gruelling 630nm ocean race starting in Sydney and racing to Hobart, Tasmania starting on the 13th December 2004. This year is the 60th anniversary of the race which has become a summer icon in Australia and with an adrenaline filled fleet already lined up, the start looks set to be spectacular.

Christmas festivities in Sydney would not be complete without the traditional Boxing Day start of the renowned Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Every year the stunning Sydney harbour turns white with the foamy wash of the thousands of boats that gather to watch the competitors charge down the start line, helicopters buzzing furiously overhead.

Over the last 59 years this race has achieved legendary status attracting more media coverage than any other annual yachting event, as much as the Americas Cup and the Volvo round the world events. It is one of the citys biggest events with a big following of supporters. Massive crowds have watched these awesome yachts take off through the Heads, coating cliff tops with picnic rugs and good cheer to speed teams along. This year, Global Yacht Racing is offering those who until now may have only dreamed of competing the chance to race to Hobart on a 60 foot race yacht.

Global Yacht Racings Hobart race package includes accommodation in Sydney for the two weeks of training leading up to the race. Crew will relax after a hard day on the water at the sleek and sophisticated Vibe Hotel in Rushcutters Bay, the home of the race organisers the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Being just a short walk away from the yacht club will ensure that the crew are in the middle of the yachting action and will be able to take advantage of the excellent facilities that the CYCA has to offer.

During the two weeks of race training in Sydney, the crew will train hard and play hard. By day the crew will be put though their paces on the sparkling waters of the Sydney Harbour, learning all aspects of handling a 60 foot race yacht. During a couple evenings there will be seminars and further race training in vital sea safety and survival skills.

On the lay-over days there will be chance for the crew to sightsee. The splendid city of Sydney has rapidly become one of the most sought after travel destinations on the planet, no wonder since the sun is almost always shining and the scenery stunning. The heart of the vibrant city is the stunning harbour which is one of the worlds largest natural harbour. It boasts many beautiful beaches and walks and is surrounded by lush areas of bush.

The city itself is cosmopolitan and energetic with plenty of things to do. The city's food and wine scene is increasingly sophisticated, its arts scene thriving, its clubs hedonistic - and its prices very moderate in comparison to most European or North American cities.

The race is not for the faint-hearted however, it is a tough race that requires commitment and team work. Global Yacht Racings team of dedicated and professional crew will train, lead and motivate the team to the highest possible success. For those with a real passion for adventure then this race package will provide the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the thrill of the ocean in the worlds 60th Hobart Yacht Race. There are limited places available on Global Yacht Racing's Hobart package, see www.globalyachtracing.com for more details.

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