Photographs Pelagic Directory Pelagic Reports Statistics Birder's Totals Birding Links Home	Sydney Pelagic Information Page The Vessel The Sydney trips use the "Halicat" a 50ft catamaran of very solid build, very fast and most suitable for deep sea pelagics. Lots of room, with two decks and room inside when necessary. The boat is chartered to 30 Nautical Miles and is licensed to carry 30 passengers and crew. Speed up to 20Knots allows us to reach the shelf in approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours. for more information look at www.sydneypelagics.info  Location The Halicat departs at 7:00am sharp from the Rose Bay Public Ferry wharf along New South Head Road, Rose Bay, Sydney. You should arrive 15 minutes before departure. There is ample parking nearby, although please remember to park in the areas not set aside for vehicles with trailers or in areas with two hour limits. Trips normally return between 2.00 and 4.00pm. The wharf is very easy to get to, only 15 minutes from the city centre by Taxi. It may also be possible to arrange a pick up for those that do not have there own transport. Reservations Bookings should be made by contacting Hal Epstein directly hepstein@bigpond.net.au Places will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. Payment can be made on the day (AU$110.00 from September 2003) however credit card details should be provided to hold a booking. Telephone numbers should be provided (or your hotel reservation details) in case there is a need for a last minute cancellation. Bookings are subject to 5 working days notice for cancellation. Haley Epstein Owner Operator of Halicat P.O. Box 950, Double Bay NSW 2028   Mobile: 0411 311 236 Fax 61.2 9328 0746 Phone 61.2.93286982 Cancellation From Sydney or Wollongong cancellations are exceptional. The decision to cancel due to bad weather or other extenuating circumstances is up to the skipper of the vessel. If the demand is present it may be possible to reschedule the charter in such circumstances. What To Bring Binoculars, the wider the field of view the better. A high magnification can sometimes be useful (but not if at the expense of field of view) although the birds will mostly be close to the boat (i.e. within 100 metres). The lighter the better, they will be getting a lot of use!. There are often good opportunities for photography. A 200mm or 300mm telephoto lens is a decided advantage, although photographs are possible even with a standard lens. You need to bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks, although lunch can be provided upon request. A wind proof jacket (and pants) warm clothing, sun glasses and sunscreen (even in winter) are all sensible Seasickness You will need to decide what you require. There is a solution (tablets, patches, pressure bracelet, etc) for almost anyone (except possibly in very rough weather), so if one solution doesn’t work for you the first time then try the others. I suggest that you consult your chemist, Travacalm or Kwells are the most popular and will work for most people, although they will cause drowsiness. Tips that may help include: A full 8 hours sleep the night before. Take one tablet the night before and another an hour before departure. Eat solid foods for breakfast, such as toast. Stand up as much as possible when on the boat. Look at the Horizon, stay outside and keep yourself busy. Timing of Future Trips The Sydney Boat is booked for the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Wollongong Boat is booked for the 4th Saturday of each month.