They're coming. The first fleeters and the tall ships. For months now they've been setting
sail from around the world to be here for the bicentennial. Sailing with the first fleeters
have been the hopes and conflicts of a nation. For some, unbridled enthusiasm.
An heroic start to Australia and we ought to commemorate it for our 200th birthday.
For others, outrage. If the first fleeters want to try and have that reenactment then
they're certainly going to find a lot of blacks lined up along that beach and no
white men will get past us. We'll literally throw them back into the sea. Through contrary winds.
Without modern-day tugging and pulling they'd never have got away. Financial trouble.
Since the first fleeters set sail in May they've already cost the taxpayer a million dollars and
they've received 1.5 million from the private sector and they want another $900,000 from the
federal government. And applause. Meanwhile the tall ships have sailed less troubled seas.
Throughout January wherever the big canvas sails are unfurled ABC television will be there.
January 14, the start of the tall ships race live from Hobart. January 18, the first fleet
reenactment arrives in Botany Bay. January 25, the official handover of the British bicentennial
present, the Young Endeavour. And January 26, the big day. Full coverage of the events around
Sydney Harbour and in other capital cities including the parade of tall ships down the
harbour. As the wind fills the sails, the sails fill your screen on ABC television. January 88.
Welcome back to Australia live and even Mr. and Mrs. Smith would be ready to consider leaving
Cammir.