Celebrating the 2024 Van Diemen’s Land Circumnavigation Cruise

If you’ve been curious about the lively atmosphere in the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) Members Bar last Friday, it was all thanks to a special celebration hosted by a group of sailors. These seafarers had just returned from an exhilarating journey around Tasmania as part of the 2024 Van Diemen’s Land Circumnavigation Cruise (VDL-C), an event we proudly support at the Royal Yacht Club Of Tasmania.

For nearly two decades, RGYC has served as the mainland hub for the VDL-C. This year, we were thrilled to welcome four vessels from Geelong – SecOnda, Final Final, Maggie Mae, and Freestyle One – as they triumphantly completed this challenging voyage. Joining them in the festivities were fellow circumnavigators from Martha Cove, Williamstown, Sandringham, Fremantle, and Metung.

Leading the evening’s celebrations was none other than Stephen Renfree, Commodore of the mainland fleet from Metung Yacht Club. We were honored to have esteemed guests like Tassie Cruise Committee Chair, David Weir, and his partner Joey, who traveled from Hobart to join us. Also in attendance were distinguished individuals like RGYC Board Member Stephen Blackburn, our Immediate Past Commodore Stuart Dickson, and seasoned circumnavigators Julie and Bill Newman, along with John Kint.

Since its inception in 1988, the VDL-C has provided sailors with invaluable opportunities to hone their blue water cruising skills alongside seasoned mariners. What makes this event truly remarkable is not just the challenge it presents, but the breathtaking beauty of the destinations it explores.