19 December 2014
Spirit of Tasmania I and II will commence day sailings on Saturday 20 December with a variety of fun and exciting things for the young and the young at heart to do on board.
A new Bass Strait Maritime wall-sized artwork ‘Into the Strait’ was installed on board today, that shows the stories and events of Bass Strait and the sizes, speed and capacity of ships that have travelled on the stretch of water since the first roll-on-roll off ferry departed for its maiden voyage in 1959.
The artwork was presented to Spirit of Tasmania by the Bass Strait Maritime Centre so passengers can learn more about the history of ships on Bass Strait and visit the new refurbished museum when they arrive in the state.
Passengers will be able to enjoy a program of Tasmanian themed arts and entertainment on all day sailings from 20 December until 13 April 2015.
Complimentary activities available on day sailings include face painting, badge-making, speed-painting, circus duos, disco bingo and trivia.
“All day sailing passengers will be able to enjoy an exceptional on board, family entertainment experience,” Spirit of Tasmania CEO Bernard Dwyer said.
“The summer program is all about showcasing Tasmania’s local heritage and history with local Tasmanian artists that entertain passengers on day sailings for free.”
“Our forward bookings are up 15 per cent ahead of last year, which is a good sign as we head into our peak season.
“The day sailing program has received a great response from our passengers so we’ve continued to develop and improve the program to encourage people to enjoy the benefits of sea travel and book over this period.”
Spirit of Tasmania is celebrating its 10th year with Creature Tales, the Tasmanian company who manage the artists and activities on board.
Creature Tales Director Chris Mead said: “From the beginning I devised an entertainment model that would promote the values and stories of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage.
“The feedback we receive consistently confirms that today’s travellers want to learn something, get involved hands-on and receive Tasmanian themed presentations,” he said.
“Families in particular enjoy activities that are arts based and include learning with their children rather than a separate kids activity. This is why we develop intergenerational activities where everyone joins in.”
Mr Mead said this season Creature Tales was starting the most exciting program to date with an artist on board (departing Melbourne) supported by a face painter and a guest presenter.
“From stories delivered by two presentations in the cinema, the artist will speed paint an inspired interpretation of the story and the face painter keeps the theme going with unique designs to match,” he said.
“Last year Tasmanian artist Bill Flowers produced a series of paintings live on board that later became an exhibition at the Maritime Centre. He was inspired by the story of Johnno Johnstone, a diver who walked the floor of Bass Strait in 1941 to check a telephone cable for repairs and was befriended by a pod of seals.”
“We also have tales of Tasmanian circus heritage (departing Devonport) that will tell stories of the early beginnings of Australian circus in Launceston to the social circus models of community work today.”
Mr Mead said the artists all enjoyed “the wonderful environment of working on a ship”.
To find out more and watch videos about Spirit of Tasmania’s day sailing activities visit:
www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/experience-the-ship/day-sailing-entertainment/Contact: Soniya Fernandez
Communications Manager
saf@spiritoftasmania.com.au
