Tony Bullimore and his crew on Doha 2006, arrived in Hobart, Tasmania at 08:00 UTC today to quite a welcome. Members of the Bellerive YC escorted the 102ft catamaran up the Derwent River and helped to moor her up safely just before 60 knot winds descended on the town.

“It’s good to be here” Bullimore said to a large group of media gathered on the dockside.

Work now commences to strip more than 3 tonnes of extraneous gear and equipment from Doha 2006 including her engines, in preparation for Tony’s attempt to break the 70 day barrier for sailing solo non stop around the world. The current record, held by Dame Ellen MacArthur, stands at 71days 14 hours.

Doha 2006 is promoting the 2006 Asian Games which start in Doha today.