Four sailors from Hobsons Bay Yacht Club are heading inland for the 25th Variety Vic Bash, driving from Melbourne to Port Douglas on an endurance test for charity.
The Willi Sea Dogs, comprising James Walshe, David Gaylor, Stephen Cheney and Martin Elmslie, will drive a 30-year-old Mercedes on the 10-day journey, starting August 12.
Team captain Mr Walshe says it will be an endurance test for both car and occupants.
“We’re going inland, exchanging water for dust,” he said.
“Ten days with four blokes in one car is going to be fairly testing.”
Mr Walshe said the team had raised $10,000 towards its target of $12,000, without any corporate sponsorship.
He said many friends and relatives had donated, and they will be closely following the team’s progress via its blog.
“This Mercedes has already done 458,000 kilometres, so the challenge of 5500 kilometres to Port Douglas via Cooktown will be observed by many of our donors,” Mr Walshe said.
“The original owner of the 1985 Mercedes 280SE was slightly horrified to discover his car was doing a Variety Bash.
“However, he calmed down when I explained his car was instrumental in raising almost $10,000 for sick and disadvantaged children.”
The team aims to raise $12,000, while Variety’s overall goal is $1.3 million.
Eighty-three cars have been entered into this year’s event.
Join the Williamstown sailors on the road via their blog at varietycar41.wordpress.com
