Mud, Markets & Miles
Ahoy, fellow sea enthusiasts! Jess here, reporting live from the high seas to share the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of our recent passage from Bathurst Harbour to Hobart. Grab a cuppa, sit back, and let me regale you with the salty details!
Salt Lines and Silver Fern anchored in Bathurst Harbour
No one told me it would be this steep
Our morning in Bathurst Harbour kicked off with the crew indulging in a hearty cooked breakfast after a restful night's sleep. Little did we know, our adventure was about to unfold with the unveiling of a breakfast of challenges!
Mud, mud and more mud. Have you ever had that moment when you confidently declare you'll be the first to leave the bay, only to discover your anchor is playing hide-and-seek in a thick layer of sticky mud? Well, let me tell you, without a deck wash pump, mud removal becomes an impromptu morning workout!
Darren helming us out of Bathurst Harbour, eyes on the road Darren!
Sally and Sandie shooting the breeze
As we set sail, the wind decided to throw a curveball, scoffing at the forecasted drop and opting for a breezy 20 knots on the nose. Starting on port tack, and headed straight for Antarctica averaging a whopping -0.2 knots VMG, this wouldn’t do! We tacked back and headed as close to our track as possible.
Sandie wishing she’d eaten more breakfast
John sitting round drinking tea as usual
John pretending not to sit around drinking tea
John assuming the position of tea drinker once again
Ian standing round as usual……
After a day and night of motor sailing, we triumphantly sailed into Hobart at 9 am, greeted by yet another stunning sunny day. It felt like a slice of home for me, hailing from Christchurch, with the sunny sky and crisp air mirroring my Kiwi roots. Hobart being our latitude buddies. You beaut!
Rockstar Kathryn looking glam as always
Local celebrity Sandie waving to her adoring fans
With almost two days to spare before our next departure, we couldn't resist the allure of Hobart and its famous Salamanca markets. Now, I tried my hardest not to splurge, reminding myself of the boat's limited space. After all, who needs more stuff when you're living on the ocean waves? I was however going to try as many culinary delights that my stomach would allow!
Fuelled by market delights, we loaded up with three new crew members, all eager to clock in their qualifying miles for the upcoming Sydney to Hobart race. Our boat, now a full house with 13 POB, set its course for the fuel dock. Navigating the tight space was an exercise in precision, and our fearless skipper, Matt, showcased nerves of steel, steering us through unscathed.
Putting new crew members Marcel and Eloise to work
Sandie regaling Mark with tales from a soon to be Circumnavigator :)
Off we’re headed for Sydney!
Next stop Sydney! As we bid farewell to Hobart, excitement bubbled on board. Our compass pointed toward Sydney, promising new adventures, challenges, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
Until next time,
Jess :)