Old Century Ships A Goldmine For New

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday February 27, 1999

By ROBERT WAINWRIGHT Transport Writer

The Sydney Maritime Museum is renting two 100-year-old steam vessels to the highest bidder to usher in 2000 from Sydney Harbour.

Spurred by industry rumours of $2,000-a-head dinner parties, museum chief executive Mr John Smith said he had been inundated with offers after advertising the steam tug Waratah, which holds 49 passengers, and the steam yacht Lady Hopetoun, which takes 25 comfortably.

Judging by other prices being paid for the right to watch Sydney's fireworks from the aquatic arena, the museum can expect to raise $50,000 or more to rent its boats and crews for just five hours.

It is understood there are now at least three block bookings for charter cruises from large overseas groups. One group of 500 will fly to Sydney for a harbour cruise, then fly across the International Dateline to celebrate a second New Year's Eve in Hawaii.

Mr Smith said the museum regularly chartered both of the historic coal-burning steamers, under the auspices of a subsidiary, Sydney Heritage Fleet.

"We don't get any government funding and after talking to various charter boat firms I thought we might be sitting on a gold mine," he said.

"I understand that one company is charging $2,000 a head for a dinner party and that they are all sold out.

"There are practically no other vessels available even at this early stage so we should get a reasonable price. We will provide the vessel and a crew for a five-hour cruise. The hirer will have to provide the catering."

The general manager of Captain Cook Cruises, Mr Anthony Haworth, said he knew of block bookings of 300 and 500 from the US and Europe.

The company's flagship, the 600-seat Sydney 2000, had been booked out at $750 a head. The ticket price includes a six-hour cruise, five-course dinner and drinks, and entertainment.

"I can't say for certain what is happening around the industry but I am aware of at least one company charging $900 a head and there are rumours of a $2,000 a head show," said Mr Haworth, who is also president of the NSW Charter Vessels Association.

Mr Haworth said there was talk the fireworks organisers may cancel the 9.30 pm display which, he said, would upset operators. A spokesman for Sydney City Council confirmed that the cancellation of the 9.30 display was "one of the options" being discussed.