The Van Diemen’s Land Circumnavigation Cruise(VDLC) is a well-established, world-class event. Since 1990, it has been conducted every two years or so by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. The event is a cruise-in-company involving an 800 nautical mile circumnavigation of Australia’s island state of Tasmania. Cruises held since 2005 are conducted in conjunction with the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.

A cruise-in-company provides an opportunity for visitors from other parts of Australia and the world, as well as the local cruising community, to undertake one of the world’s more adventurous and spectacular cruising experiences, supported by people with practical knowledge of the Tasmanian coast and conditions. It is not for the fainthearted and there is no guarantee of completion. This will depend on careful preparation and considerable perseverance.

The route and recommended anchorages are based on careful research, previous experience and detailed local knowledge. Participating boats are required to meet safety requirements and participate in a daily scheds.

Although it is strongly recommended that vessels join the VDLC fleet in Hobart, it is possible to begin their circumnavigation at other places on the Tasmanian coast. Experience has shown that boats that join the fleet along the way often have a lesser cruising experience and are more likely not to complete their circumnavigation.

Entries for each VDLC cruise are accepted from appropriately equipped, well-found ocean-going yachts, motor yachts, motor cruisers, charter vessels, professional fishing vessels and tall ships. Because of the limited capacity of some ports and anchorages and administrative practicality, the total fleet size is limited to 42 boats.