And just like that, another voyage is underway on Silver Fern! Our crew arrived on Friday afternoon to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania to settle into their new home for the next two weeks. We dove right into introductions and safety briefs, had a lovely first dinner onboard, and even paid a visit up to the yacht club for a quick night cap. 

Yesterday morning began bright and early, with the first task onboard being to rerig the genoa after its spa weekend at the sailmakers. After an hour or so of wrestling, and using every set of hands on deck, the genoa was back in her rightful place, ready for action! And good thing too, as we are expecting some excitement over the next week during our efforts to head West. There was one common answer throughout the crew when asked what they were looking to get out of this trip, and that was to see the remote wilderness that the Southwest side of Tasmania has to offer.

Now, to those of us who do not frequent the Roaring 40’s (which AI Overview defines as the “strong, persistent winds that blow from the west in the Southern Hemisphere between 40° and 50° south of the equator”), sailing from East to West around the Southern trip of Tasmania can prove difficult because of these prevailing winds its famous for. Our forecast for the week is one massive low pressure system after another, each bringing 60 knot gusts and a sea state to match. No matter, as we are pros and love a hearty dose of adventure! All we need is a plan.

As of right now, it’s looking like there is a nice weather window Tuesday to Wednesday to head West. So we are staying around the Eastern coast outside of Hobart for the next few days enjoying just a few of the stunning sights around here before heading off. 

After our genoa escapades, everyone suffered through a few more safety briefs, then a leisurely lunch break, and then we were off! A quick stop at the fuel dock, then we left Hobart for our first destination: Bruny Island, which John called Brundy Island once, and now we will never let him live it down. We stopped just outside the marina for a man overboard drill, where we sent Pieter down on a halyard to recover our sacrificial fender. Once all of the official training was done, we were ready to get sailing. Up went the sails and we had a speedy run downwind to our anchorage for the night.

Along the way, we were able to fit in a big repair job, replacing a shredded reefing line with the help of Rob & Reinhard, and a few sewing lessons from Michelle. We hid from the forecasted 45 knot northerlies in Quarantine Bay, on North Bruny island. An excellent anchorage, calm, flat and really protected from the North. It was a silent supper compared to the excitement of the night before, a sign of a thoroughly tired out crew ready for a full nights sleep. 

Today started off with our cold water swimmers Shien, Pieter & Reinhard, enjoying a refreshing dip at the anchorage in the morning sunshine, followed by a passage planning lesson from John. After assessing the weather forecast, possible constraints and ports of refuge, the crew came up with a tentative plan for the week to work our way up to Macquarie Harbor. And we’re off again, heading south for another anchorage for tonight, near Pelican Island in Deephole bay. 

Cheers!

-Liv