Circumnavigation of Australia: Complete
The last twenty-four hours of the circumnavigation were loaded with anticipation. As we sailed past the Gold Coast skyline, we both enjoyed being so close to concluding the adventure - yet we did not yet want to leave the boat that has been our home for so long. This meant we were not in a hurry to the dock in Southport, and have decided against negotiating the river at night which could be a dangerous endeavour.
We did come in through the Spit to anchor for the night. The welcome committee were on the pier, cheering us in. What a great feeling, and what a sense of achievement! We had a fair deal of challenges on this leg, but with the right attitude and the awesome leadership of skipper Sharon, we worked through all of them, something all crew can be very proud of.
Preparing for anchoring
Dropping the anchor in less than a meter of water under the keel, we had a few moments to prepare the boat (and ourselves) for the arrival. The process of anchoring was not straightforward (literally) with the wind trying to take us one way and the current tugging us in another direction.
Mike embracing his new liquid form, pouring himself into the anchor locker to operate the anchor chain, a new chore to master on this last night of the Leg 5
During the night, what we feared might happen actually did happen - we got dragged by the current, so Sharon was up half the night making sure Silver Fern was safe in these shallow waters.
Daniel lighting up the night
Everyone worked frantically to prepare the boat for the arrival since early morning. For myself, this included a venture up the mast to have a look at the rig, and also removing the batten car on the main sail to be replaced after being broken by tensioning too much during reefing. Finally, we started up the engine for the last two and a half hours motoring to the marina.
Crew focused for the last miles before completing the circle! Patrick, Bruce, and John ready to dock
Mike getting ready on the bow, April just outside of the photo preparing the aft spring
David, Danielle, Matt, Jess, Sandie and several other Salt Lines crew met up at the dock to cheer us in and to grab the lines. We were to try and reverse into the slip in 1,5 knots of current.
Our dear skipper is explaining the docking maneuver to the crew, one of the last things we will do together before relaxing for the night
As we attempted the maneuvre, we were stopped by three jetskies blocking the way, and then a boat reversing out just in front of us and proceeding out without any concerns. Despite all of this, the docking maneuvre was a success and finally the circumnavigation was complete.
David greeted us onto the dock and took the opportunity to congratulate the crew on board
Our three circumnavigators Ken, Jess and Sandie celebrated with a bottle of champagne right there on the dock. Hugs, back pats and high fives all around, this was such a happy moment for everyone. A big relief too, bringing Silver Fern back after this leg, crossing Bass Strait twice in a week, and sailing 1653 nautical miles!
Our happy circumnavigators Ken, Jess and Sandie about to get sprayed in champagne!
A round of showers later, we had a drink on board and then proceeded to a nearby restaurant for a celebratory dinner. The circumnavigators recognised it from the evening before levaing Southport to start the trip.
Sharing stories and a few drinks
David held a speech summing up the circumnavigation. He was then presented with Silver Fern's worn and frayed kiwi flag. It's lived a tough life for the past four months!
Here, I would like to acknowledge and thank all the crew that have joined this trip, from the first leg to the last, sailing the different parts of this journey, sharing the different highlights and challenges. You've been a part of something truly unique, and your contribution made this happen, all the way. Thank you!
Also, a big thank you to everyone who reads and comments. You were a part of this experience, even as spectators. Thank you for the interest and encouragement!
A big applause to you all - you are all remembered and valued!
After the dinner, some crew needed to be heading home. Other continued sharing stories and laughs on board. Eventually, all of the remaining crew returned to our bunks, savouring the unbroken sleep, for the first time in a long time. The instruments were showing minus 0,3 meters of depth under the keel, as it dipped into the mud on the low tide, but this was expected and not a concern. What a relief!
Our circumnavigators received log books to fill in, with suggestions of different topic to write about to commemorate the highlights (and the challenges) or the trip.
Engraved compasses for the circumnavigators
It's always a bit sad to leave the boat, after it's been your home for so long. We shared these close quarters with all these other people, strangers at first, but strong bonds were gradually created the more challenges we faced together. This has been so much fun! Definitely a lot of Type II fun, and definitely lots of opportunities to learn and grow. I'm very grateful for this experience. And I'm already looking forward to getting back on board in December, in preparation for this year's Sydney to Hobart.
The boats are getting lifted out of the water for maintenance, first Salt Lines, our sister boat - and then ourselves. Soon, it’s time to sail again. Looking forward to that!
Thank you all for reading the blog posts, signing out for a short while -
Lena, Chief Mate Silver Fern
