Overseas Visitors
continue their journey
Crossing Bass Strait in howling winds
In the previous edition of the V-Sheet we met
Wietze and Janneke, the Dutch couple who were
sailing around the world in their 13 metre yacht ‘
Anna Caroline ‘. Having a profession as Journalists,
Janneke asked if she could contribute a story to this
V-Sheet on their trip south, and across Bass Strait
to Tasmania. Please enjoy the read.
But the roaring forties lured us further south. The D’entrecasteaux
Channel is a very sheltered and lovely cruising ground where we
lingered for a few days. Then on around the south of Tasmania on a very
calm day. Going westward is challenging, because you go against the
ocean swell. We entered Port Davey / Bathurst Harbour when it was still
calm. Such a stunning National Park!
With a front on our heels, we had a fast sail north to King Island,
right in the middle of Bass Strait. A lovely island with a tiny harbour
where we could wait for the front to pass. The wind had spent all its
energy, so a slow motor sailing passage of four days into Adelaide
followed. We had a very warm welcome in Adelaide, a record of 47.7
degrees on the day of our arrival. Adelaide will be our ‘basecamp’ to
prepare for the crossing of the Great Australian Bight to Albany. Still
more beautiful things to do and nice people to meet in this great country.
“Do you guys like it here in Australia?” Countless times we have
been asked this question in the past 6 months. Every time we smile and
tell one of the many stories of amazing hospitality and generosity we
have encountered in Australia, since our arrival at Southport in July
2018. Add to this the stunning nature, wildlife and landscapes, and you
can imagine how happy we are to be here.
Our trip has seen us travel in a
southerly and westerly direction.
Firstly down the east coast to
Bermagui. This quaint fishing village
has a very active VMR-team. One
of the volunteers even invited us for
dinner to his house. A lovely evening
with typical Australian food. After
this we found a weather window
and moved further south. Bass Strait
lived up to its reputation. Our SV ‘
Anna Caroline ‘ galloped along in 40
knots of following winds, and large
waves. She is a good seaworthy boat,
so we had no problems. The noise of
the wind in the rigging is deafening.
A tired, but happy crew dropped
the anchor near Triabunna on the
east coast of Tasmania. Then on to
Hobart, for the finish of the Sydney
to Hobart Yacht Race. We work as
journalists for international sailing
magazines, so lots of work to do
there. Especially because six Dutch
sailing professionals raced on all the
top boats. When the work was done,
we rented a car and drove around
Tasmania to see all the famous sights.
Anchored in Schooner Cove in Bathurst Channel on the west coast of Tasmania
Vsheet -
MARCH 2019
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