Rhona H stands tall in tourism

JULIE Porter and Charles Burns represent a Tasmanian success story based on a passion for sailing and marine conservation.

The pair are directors of Heritage Sailing Tasmania and operate Hobart’s oldest and smallest operating tall ship the SV Rhona H.

The company and its sole vessel have just been named Sailing Company of the Year for Australasia and Asia by UK-based travel experts Luxury Travel Guide.

The award recognises contributions to tourism and the guest experiences in the region.

The Rhona H, a gaff-rigged ketch, was built at Trevallyn in the state’s north in 1942, has been operated as a fishing and abalone vessel in the past but has also been privately owned.

After not being used commercially for five years, it was bought in 2014 by Ms Porter and Mr Burns who run the not-for-profit HST. The company runs traditional sailing tours as well as providing conservation awareness and health promotion around Hobart, Kettering, Bruny Island and Port Arthur.

Ms Porter said the tours were run by 26 volunteers.

“We’re dumbfounded,” she said.

“To go from next to nothing to just trying to keep the boat afloat and now an international award is just a testament to the volunteers we have.

“We’re all so passionate about sailing and marine conservation.”

Ms Porter said all proceeds gained from tours went back into the maintenance of the vessel, which returned to Hobart this weekend after three weeks away.