Q: How big is the boat?
A: Helsal IV is 62 feet (18.65m) long, 16.4 feet (5m) wide at the widest point with 7 feet (2.1m) headroom below decks and a draft of 2.6m. She has 3 heads (bathrooms with toilets and showers) and 3 guest cabins, accommodating up to 6 guests. Her engine is a 150HP 6 cylinder Diesel.
Q: Will I get seasick?
A: Harbour Sailing - options you have almost no chance of getting sea sick. The harbour is very well protected from the ocean and Helsal IV is a big yacht and doesn't rock about much. Yachts are more stable than motor vessels due to their keels.
Sailing Adventures - If you are prone to sea sickness this is possible but the remedies available are very good these days and we keep a supply onboard. If you are going to get sick it will most likely be on day one while you are getting your sea legs. Taking something to curb this on day one before we start the adventure is a good idea if you are prone.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Helsal IV is the last boat on the far left of King's Pier Marina (the closest boat to MacQ01 and the cruise ship terminal). The marina is in the heart of the docks in Hobart. You come directly to Helsal IV for boarding. See map below.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: The parking on the dock is only 2hr or permit only. The closest all day parking is at Dunne Place (Museum) - this fills up pretty quickly; next is Evan's Street Macquarie Point car park (behind the Hobart Brewing Company) - open air and most reliable; then Market Place and Argyle Streets multi story car parks (10 minutes walk once you've found a park).
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Harbour Sailing - If the weather is too bad for sailing the skipper will cancel the trip. If we have a forecast of gale force winds, for example, we will cancel the day before. If on the day the winds are too strong, despite the forecast , we will cancel on the day. If we have pouring rain then we will cancel but remember, Hobart is the second driest capital city in Australia, so this is very rare. In fact, on average, we cancel due to bad weather maybe 3 times a year. If we do cancel, you will be given a choice of either re-booking, a voucher, or a full refund.
Sailing Adventures - We haven't ever cancelled a multi-day sail due to bad weather. We may have to alter the route if the seas are too rough but being an Island there is always a safe route. If we did cancel, for whatever reason, we would offer you the choice of either re-booking, a voucher, or a full refund.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress for the forecast and then add a layer as it is always cooler on the water. Wear flat soled, grippy shoes (e.g. sandshoes) - bare feet, high heels and thongs (flip flops, jandles) are not allowed. Bring a hat for the sun. If we have a strong wind a waterproof jacket would be handy.
Q: Do you provide wet weather gear?
A: We do have some spare wet weather gear but not in a full range of sizes, so best bring your own if you can.
Q: What happens if you don't get the minimum number required for a sail?
A: For the Hobart Sailing Experience only, we need a minimum of 4 guests. Sometimes we need to ask people to change dates in order to make up the minimum number. If you are unable to change and we don't get the minimum number you will be given the option of rescheduling, a voucher, paying the extra to make up the minimum number (you end up with a private charter this way), or a full refund. When you are booking it is best to look for a time when others have already booked to make sure you are able to sail at your chosen time.
Q: Do you sell individual cabin tickets for multi-day trips?
A: We only do private charters for multi-day trips. Each trip can take up to 6 passengers. It is up to you how many people you want to invite. Splitting the cost between friends is a great way to do it.
Q: Will I get wet?
A: You don't have to get wet if you don't want to. If it rains or the wind creates spray you can go below decks into the large saloon (see photo).
Q: Can we bring alcohol onboard?
A: We provide Tasmanian wine and beer onboard at regular bar prices. If you have a private charter you can bring your own drink and/or food by arrangement.
