Liberty Bell Bay 59th Australian National Sabot Championships Preview

L-R: PDYC Commodore Barrie Mcindoe, TSSA President Michael Jones, Liberty Bell Bay CEO Richard Curtis, Sabot sailor Liam Jones © Tasmanian Sabot Sailing Association

The Sabot sailing National Championships, to be staged at Beauty Point in December by the Tasmanian Sabot Sailing Association (TSSA) has won the support of Liberty Bell Bay, one of Tasmania's most significant industrial groups and a major player in the Australian and global steel industry.

To be called the "Liberty Bell Bay 59th Australian National Sabot Championships," the event will attract young sailors from all over Australia.

Michael Jones, President of the TSSA said "This is the premier event for the Sabot sailing class in Australia and will attract young sailors aged between 7 and 16. Sailors and families will travel from as far north as Townsville and right down the east coast of Australia. The partnership with Liberty Bell Bay is a great example of industry and community coming together

Liberty Bell Bay, located in the Bell Bay precinct in Northern Tasmania, is the only manganese alloy smelter in Australia, playing an important role in the Australian and global steel industry. It shares the port of Bell Bay with several industrial groups which enjoy the natural beauty of the Tamar River while appreciating the recreational and lifestyle opportunities.

Liberty Bell Bay Chief Executive Officer, Richard Curtis, said, "Supporting our local communities is an important feature of our presence in the region and we are proud to support the 59th Australian National Sabot Championships."

Liberty Bell Bay has employed local people and worked with local companies and businesses continuously for more than 60 years. Around 300 people, primarily living in the East and West Tamar regions and Launceston currently work with Liberty Bell Bay.

The TSSA is run by volunteers who are working together to provide a professional regatta in conjunction with the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club which is hosting the event.

Barrie Mcindoe, Commodore of The Port Dalrymple Yacht (PDYC) said "We have a long history with the Sabot sailing class and are looking forward to hosting the Liberty Bell Bay 59th Australian National Sabot Championships. We believe Beauty Point offers some of the best sailing waters in Tasmania and that we offer one of the most spectator friendly venues in Australia, with the PDYC clubrooms providing an elevated, unrestricted view of the racing area".

Michael Jones said, "We already have significant interest with containers booked to bring boats from interstate with registrations yet to open. Many interstate families have indicated that they'll take the opportunity to stay in Tasmania for a holiday after event so we can't wait to get them here competing with our own sailors and have a great week of competitive racing and of course a bit of fun".

The Liberty Bell Bay 59th Australian National Sabot Championships will be held at the Port Dalrymple Yacht Club, Tasmania from 27th December 2022 - 3rd January 2023.