SV Rhona H

SV Rhona H

Historical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursEco ToursPrivate ToursDay Trips
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Heritage Sailing Tasmania showcases SV Rhona H Gaff rigged Ketch. She is an historic vessel: built in 1942 by the famous ship wright Ned Jack. We offer a range of tours from private trips, public sails, cruises in the River Derwent and further afield with an all volunteer crew. Our regular schedule is to sail Saturdays and Sunday's and in summer offer twilight excursions as well! All proceeds gained from the boat go back into the maintenance of the vessel and keeping the "Head Waves" philosophy alive. Head Waves: 1. Traditional sailing and nautical skills on an authentic historic vessel 2. Conservation and environmental awareness 3. Health promotion with an emphasis of "mindfulness" and being in the moment as part of a great team. We feature Tasmanian products on all our trips: every sail includes refreshments! Contact us to discover all the opportunities available. Please be aware that our numbers are more restricted during COVID for your and the crew’s wellbeing.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles175 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2

Cherylle S
Greater Sydney, Australia9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Friends
Rhona H is a wonderful small tall ship with a highly competent welcoming crew of owners and volunteers. As soon as we left the marina all six sails were raised and engine turned off. A bonus for us was that we had a fabulous leisurely three hour sail up river under the Tasman Bridge and return, an hour longer than the regular two hour outing.
The generous servings of soup, bread, nibbles and cakes were delicious.
The boat is very stable, making it easy to move about the deck, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ship and the river.
If you are boat less in Hobart or even if you have one, I recommend an afternoon aboard this lovely vessel.
Written 14 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sailing, posting such a lovely review and pics, too! Really appreciated and it was a delightful day. Looking forward to having you back onboard again one day 😀 Best wishes and safe travels from all the “Rhona” crew.
Written 14 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michelle B
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 hour sail on the beautiful SV Rhona H out of Hobart and would highly recommend it for anyone visiting Hobart.
It was a glorious day with a gentle breeze and it was a joy to watch the crew work together to hoist the sails and to be aboard this beautiful boat under full sail.
The whole crew were friendly and informative, providing entertaining commentary on the area and the boat itself. Julie was a wonderful hostess serving a variety of nibbles and refreshments throughout the afternoon.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Michelle for sailing with us and then posting your review. It was a delightful autumn day and we were pleased to get back in just before the rain came a a few minutes later! We will be sure to pass your thanks on to the crew, too. Hope to see you on the water again again sometime soon. Fair winds, Julie and Charles
Written 16 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Geoff H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
We had a delightful two hours cruising on the Derwebt under full sails. We were able to take the helm (under supervision!) for much of that time. The owner Julie and the volunteer crew were amazingly welcoming and helpful. We absolutely recommend their cruises and will definitely sail with them again when we are next in Hobart (hopefully for a full day cruise, schedule and weather permitting). Thank you so much to Julie and all her crew 🥰
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Geoff for coming along on Sunday and posting your review. It was a delightful day and we look forward to having you onboard again on your next visit. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind comments to the crew, too. Fair winds always, Julie, Charles and the SV Rhona H crew.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TravellerForever18
Gold Coast, Australia244 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Friends
A 2 hour great value sail on the Derwent aboard the SV Rhona was the best end to a magical five days in Hobart. A lovely sunny day, plenty of wind so we could really experience sailing, NZ fur seals spotted on numerous occasions, a chance to be the skipper for a few minutes (felt exhilarating) and above all the friendliness and passion of owners Julie and Charles and their wonderful intergenerational volunteer crew. I sailed with two friends (and four other guests) and we could not have been made more welcome, comfortable and looked after by this caring team who were absolutely across everything - general safety, COVID safety, food, drinks (tea, coffee, juice, water), and keeping warm. Highly recommend if you are looking for a traveller experience (as opposed to a tourist experience). Thank you SV Rhona!
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sailing with us and then posting your review. We love to give our guests the best experience possible and we are delighted your Tasmanian break ended on a high. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to the crew. Best wishes and fair winds always.
Written 3 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jo
Hobart, Australia7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021
Today my partner and l went on the Rhona H for a six hour sail, as part of the sail past as part of the biannual Wooden boat festival, which this year was cancelled due to the pandemic. But this special event went ahead. What a delightful experience, the crew were awesome, worked hard as all sails were up. It was magic, 120 plus sail boats were involved as they sailed past the Egeria, the Governor of Tasmania’s official boat and past the navy ship, Hobart as well, with the occupants standing on the bridge and deck as a sign of respect. The sail was made even more special by a delicious morning tea and lunch and ended with a yummy Federation chocolate. Julie and Charles, the owners are passionate and dedicated to keeping the old world experience alive. The volunteer crew are also committed to the cause and all work together as a tight knit team, just wonderful to experience. If a local, please support them, if a visitor please include on your itinerary. It really is value for money, a memorable experience and all those involved in keeping the Rhona H history alive are wonderful people. You will not be disappointed in this Hobart experience and seeing the beautiful River Derwent and Hobart from the water. Thanks SV Rhona H crew, you are all amazing and loved hearing about the history of the ketch. It is an exciting, unusual but definitely non risky experience, l get sea sick very easily and was really worried l might throw up but l was absolutely fine due to the design of the ketch, so l was very happy indeed. Thanks crew, we loved it.
Written 7 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jo for choosing to sail with us and your kind review. We were delighted the Parade of Sail went ahead as it did; so many events have had to be cancelled, it’s great this was able to proceed in a COVID-safe way. We love sharing a Rhona H experience and keeping the vessel afloat. It is only possible with guests and our all volunteer crew. Thanks again and we hope to see you onboard in the future.
Written 10 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kevin B
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
We sailed on this historic 1948 Gaff-rigged Ketch on a Twilight 90 minutes sail from Elizabeth St Pier across the channel and under The Tasman Bridge. There are other longer options available also. We were kept entertained by interesting historic information about this old convict ship. It was a smooth sailing taking in the sights around the channel and it was fascinating watching the different sails being put up and down . We even saw seals in the water. During the trip we were served with complimentary hot and cold refreshments plus red or white wine and or fruit juice. The crew were friendly and fun with a warm family feel to it. They are actually all volunteer crew. They even rang our Hobart dinner booking to apologise in case we were late getting there. We felt safe and well looked after which gave a very relaxing feel to a very exciting and entertaining trip. I would certainly do it again when next in Hobart.
Written 17 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Kevin for sailing with us and then posting your review. It is appreciated. Pleased you enjoyed the stories and the heritage. A couple of corrections, Rhona H was built as a traditional fishing ketch in 1942 but we certainly told stories of convicts in Tasmania and the other tall ships. We were more than happy to call the restaurant; being a little late back, (we wanted to sail back into Sullivans Cove rather than put the engine on too early as the ambiance under sail is something special), we were concerned you may miss out as it is a very popular place and that would have been devastating! Thanks again for your kind words and we will certainly share them with the crew. Until next time, fair winds.
Written 18 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kristen A
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
A large group of us enjoyed a fantastic afternoon aboard the beautiful SV Rhona watching Sydney to Hobart yachts cross the finish line on the afternoon of 29th December. Julie & Charles could not have been more welcoming, the crew were wonderful, and Rhona herself absolutely beautiful. Some of us enjoyed helming and throwing lines, while others simply relaxed and enjoyed the fresh local produce and refreshments, and we all came together to cheer and applaud as one of our local boats streaked across the line within 1 second of the Sea Shepard yacht Primitive Cool. A great afternoon in great company, and supporting a fabulous ethos while you're at it - can thoroughly recommend.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was such an exciting sail, Kris. Loved having you all onboard and the final few minutes between the two boats made it even more special. Thanks for your review, too. We will pass it on to the crew! NSW isn’t that far away from Tasmania and we look forward to sailing with you again. Fair winds.
Written 29 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kathryn H
Launceston, Australia46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
Absolutely fantastic trip with a great team of volunteers. The refreshments are delicious, the trip is fun, and sailing under the bridge is brilliant, seeing it from a different perspective. Charlie and Julie are great hosts, and the team are fascinating to watch whilst in action hoisting sails. They'll even let you take the wheel and steer the ship.
Written 19 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sailing with us Kathryn. Delighted you were able to sail under the Tasman Bridge and had a lovely time. We’ll be sure to pass your review onto the crew. Thanks again and hope to see you again soon!
Written 20 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rowena B
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
Simply the best experience! Under sail on the Derwent and harbour during the Australian Wooden Boat Festival and in an historic Tasmanian wooden boat. Wonderful attention from the crew, the opportunity to have a go at the helm or on the ropes and the stunning scenery - wow! Would thoroughly recommend this as a must do.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for sailing with us Rowena and then posting your review. The AWBF was quite an event and we are delighted you had such a fabulous time. Hope to see you onboard again one day!
Written 16 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jenny T
Curra, Australia27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
Sailing with all sails up under the Tasman Bridge was an amazing experience. Being able to take the helm was great. The crew were very helpful, friendly and informative. Our afternoon tea made with Tasmanian produce was very tasty. We went as a family and close friend group of 13 to celebrate an occasion and the crew certainly helped make it a day to remember.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jenny for joining us. It was a lovely afternoon and we are delighted you enjoyed the experience. We will be sure to pass your kind words onto the crew, too. Best wishes and fair winds, Julie and Charles for the Rhona H crew.
Written 9 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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