Yet again, I've landed in Port not knowing anyone from a bar of soap and been welcomed by the friendliest and most supportive bunch of people you could come across. I have spent the last few days ironing out and fixing the problems experienced on the last leg - when I say me, I actually mean Ian Brett who is Hobart's version of Albany's Darren Russell. Extremely experienced world sailor who specialises in rigging, exactly the person I needed to sort out the problems I had with the boom brake. He thinks out of the square and jobs that I thought were going to be a nightmare he's solved in minutes. He's simplified the main sheet system and done some fine-tuning on the self-steerer. Steve Logan, my initial cotact in Hobart, has been extremely supportive of us while we've been here and is a really nice guy. A big thankyou to the Bellerive Yacht Club in particular to John Mills, Vice Commodore, for hosting us for dinner last night and donating the proceeds of the meat raffle to the trip. I've been so fixated on the goal of getting around Australia, but I'm realising that maybe the best part of this trip is the people I'm meeting along the way and the locations I'm going to. And no, I haven't gotten a sponsorship from Tasmania tourism, but you have to put this place on your must visit list - its simply stunning. Wish I had more time to explore. And speaking of sponsors, still chasing that ellusive major sponsor. I started the trip without it being fully funded because if I didn't go now there was a good chance it would never have happened - sometimes we have to have a leap of faith that things will work out OK. Maybe leap is not the best terminology for me but I'm sure you know what I mean. In reading the blog comments along the way I'm glad that other people are getting something out of this trip too, it is making it all worthwhile.
I am planning to leave tomorrow (Saturday 24th) morning at 9AM to head for Sydney. We have been closely watching the weather which in this part of Australia can be quite wild and unpredictable. There are a number of nasty lows coming through, I'm timing my leaving between them but I know it won't be a walk in the park. I can't help thinking of that tough young woman Jessica who is out there in the thick of these fronts that I am trying to avoid! Time for Dunross to man up! Not that I enjoy a beating but the potential is one low after another down here and you have to go sooner or later. That Bass Strait is one hell of a Pot Boiler!
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HI Jamie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update..Just fascinating isn't..Events like these just show the real warmth and goodness of people..
Wish all the best with the next major leg of your round trip..I am following the weather maps very closely and indeed these are some nasty lows.. Jesse sailed a bit more North to avoid the biggest punch.. But with her experience I am sure she can handle..You might even considering being part of her welcome flotilla..
Jamie stay strong and Godspeed..
Hi Jamie, good to read you're doing fine and sorting a few problems out. Look forward to reading your progress once you leave Tassie. As for Jessica she's a trooper has about 8 days of extremly bad winds and sea, as long as it isn't as bad as the 1998 Sydney to Hobart. She only has a couple of weeks to go I'd hate for her to come to grief now. Take care mate and be safe. Ric (in Adelaide)
ReplyDeleteGo Jamie GO.
ReplyDeleteOut into the mystic.Have a safe trip and may you have fair winds and plain sailing.
Good luck on the next leg of your voyage Jamie. Thanks for your well written blogs, they are really entertaining and inciteful. You are a legend mate and you are showing us all just what can be done with some dreaming, drive, guts and determination. I really admire what you are doing and do'nt worry about needing to "man up". You are already one hell of a man!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie, read about you in the paper & it brought back many memories. I often think of you, Graham & Noel from Paralympic Days & have an awesome photo that inspires me often. (I saw sand crabs disco at Rotto after the swim this year and shouted but no-one was home) I think it is fantastic what you are doing & wish you fantastic favorable winds, accompanying magnificent wildlife and a terrific adventure. I now have 2 little boys & we will track your progress. Enjoy the rest of the trip. Best wishes Charlie (was halsall of Syndey Paralympic WAPC time )
ReplyDeleteHi jamie,
ReplyDeleteYou're having some remarkable experiences and meeting some terrific people in Tassie is one of them I'm sure. It's good to hear they've helped you sort problems out so that you could be on your way again.
Yes, Tassie's beautiful alright. Hubby and I visited some years back; even talked of moving there but I don't think that will eventuate.
Jessica, Abby Sunderland, and yourself are all marvelous indeed. I agree with Ric and Antigoon, and am expecting Jesse to arrive home safely.
But in the meantime, I know you take care, but do take care and Godspeed.
Sunshine Coast, Qld.
Hi Jamie G'day Mate, well it's Sunday morn and ANZAC Day. See you've now been back at sea for a day and a bit hope all is going well for you. It's not to warm in Adelaide this morning but not as cold as where you are right now. Read Jessica's blog earlier today having a hard time of the weather with 10mt seas. I use to work offshore in the North Sea, it wasn't uncommon to have 20-25mt (60-70 foot) seas in winter with upto 100km/hr winds, so I can realy appreciate what you two can experiance. Like all the fellow bloggers I can only add similar comments "Take care and be safe" particularly when you hit Bass Straight. Look forward to your next Blog. See you mate, Ric (in Adelaide).
ReplyDeleteHey Jamie,
ReplyDeleteTake care and all in the best wishes from the wild West. Had party for Bobby and Rosemary, last night, the are off again to sail in Europe for the summer, and lots of folk from RPYC wish you well.
Go Jamie
Lotsa love Cathie