GOLD COAST AUSTRALIA 260001Z SKED AND SKIPPERS BOXING DAY SPECIAL BLOG

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 20 48.8S
LONG 153 03.5E
DTF 4150
ETA 0600z 28 Jan 11
COG 000 SOG 12

SKIPPERS BLOG

WIND 207@20kts Sea Moderate S 1m Swell S 3m Cloud 1/9 Baro 1003.3 rising

As the rest of the Australian offshore fleet lines up for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and are expecting 25kts from the
SE, Goldcoast Australia could not have more perfect sailing conditions at the moment as we sail on a broad reach in bright sunshine past the Great Barrier Reef.

Christmas was a fantastic day aboard Gold Coast, and today, in Boxing day tradition we are eating the mounds of leftovers
and getting rid of Christmas wrappings. The cheer of Christmas however still remains, and today will be a far better day to
celebrate the festive season as the sun is out and the winds are fine and we are surrounded by wildlife, particularity a few gannet birds

One particular Gannet bird has been following us now for over 14hours, we have named him pecker as he gave one of our watch
leaders Analyse Nelson an unusual Christmas gift. I believe the Gannet thought Analyse was sitting under some mistletoe
while she was bending over feeding the windward yankee sheet through the block, the Pecker the Gannet flew past and gave her
a quick peck on the bottom much to the rest of the crews amusement. Pecker also tried to steal another crew members Terry
Martin’s hat, and was later found in trouble as he tried to steal the first spreader off the mast without much luck.

Our leaking stern gland continues to give us problems and whilst the repairs are holding we are still taking on an
unacceptable amount of water, resulting in bilge duty being reduced to 1 hours to pump out the excess water. Once we are in
the doldrums of the ITCZ we have made plans to remove the shaft and replace the leaking rubber gland underway.

Now off for some leftovers and to try and tune the AM radio into ABC Australia to listen to the start of the Sydney to
Hobart Yacht race, where one of my sisters Gina will be busy lining up for the start.

Happy Boxing Day!

Discover more from SALUS MARITIME

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

Leave a comment