After the circumnavigation, I returned to Tasmania in 2017. I had spent much of 2016 preparing the yacht and set off from Bermagui with Hobart and the Wooden Boat Festival ahead.
Bass Strait
The forecast promised northerly winds followed by a westerly. Instead, south of the mainland a front arrived with winds above 40 knots. In the darkness a large wave struck the starboard bow and the staysail stay parted. I recovered the sail and damaged furler aboard, secured the wind generator and settled Malua down to wait through the weather. The crossing was a forceful reminder that even after many miles at sea, a forecast can be wrong.
Hobart and the east coast
Denny flew into Hobart for the Wooden Boat Festival, and Iain joined us for part of the cruise. We spent time with other sailors and joined the Cruising Club of Tasmania before returning to Hobart to replace the standing rigging. With Malua ready again, we cruised Tasmania’s east coast, including Maria Island and Chinamans Bay, then prepared for the return crossing to Bermagui.
Read the voyage in order
CHAPTER 01
Bass Strait to Tasmania 2017
I left Bermagui at noon with a favourable wind and current. The forecast suggested several days of northerlies followed by a westerly, which seemed a good window for Tasmania. C-Star left shortly…
Photographs and route
